Rest Assured

Week two of Advent is upon us.  Last week we talked about preparing.  How have you prepared for the birth of our Savior?  Did you do something outside your normal routine?  The readings for this weekend’s Mass still talked about preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ.  Mark 1:3 stated, “Prepare a way for the Lord, make straight His path.”  There is still a need to prepare for the way of the Lord, but something that came to my mind in the first reading was of interest to me.

 

The first reading, from Isaiah 40:11 says, “He is like a shepherd feeding His flock, gathering the lambs in His arms.”  While we are still in the preparation mode, I found this verse to kind of stand out.  While the shepherd prepares the flock, I chose to read this in a different context.  I felt that Isaiah is saying to us, as we prepare, not to worry, for God will take care of us. 

 

Can you count the number of decisions you make on a daily basis, from what to wear, what to cook for dinner, plus all the decisions we have to make in your work life?  Wouldn’t it be nice to have an assurance that every decision we make would be the correct decision?  Unfortunately, every decision we make, cannot be the correct decision, and we will not know if our decision is correct, until the consequences of each decision has played out. 

 

Good News!!! I feel that Isaiah is giving us the assurance that if we prepare the way for the Lord, He will be there to gather His flock, tend to them, make sure they are safe and sound.  Making the decision to prepare for the birth of our savior, now comes with the assurance that He will tend to us, making sure we are fed and safe.  So as we keep preparing for the birth of our Savior, know that it comes with the assurance that if we believe, inviting Him into our lives, we can be assured He will tend to us, like the shepherd tending to the smallest lamb. 

There are not a lot of assurances in this world.  Prepare for His birth with decisiveness and understanding and be assured, He will take care of us.

Let's Start by Preparing

It seems to me that more and more, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season grows exponentially.  I am guessing it seems that way because as children we have nothing to do but wait for the day we get to open our Christmas gifts.  As we get older our responsibilities become more.  Now we have to not only buy presents, but we have to clean and decorate the house, possibly prepare a meal for family and friends, some might have to pick up family and friends at the airport, etc.  Each year it appears that the Twelve Days of Christmas are quickly becoming the Twelve Pains of Christmas.  Good news though, we have Advent, a time to prepare, a time to wait..

 

The four weeks before Christmas(Advent), have so much symbolism from the materials the wreath are made of, to the color of the candles, but the most important thing to remember is Advent is the time set aside to help us prepare our hearts for the birth of our Lord and Savior.   Lighting a candle per week symbolizes time to pray.  Purple candles, purple vestments, remind us that we need to repent and prepare our hearts.  Do you see a common theme?  Repent and prepare.

 

In this week’s gospel from Mark, we are even reminded to “Be watchful!  Be Alert! For we do not know when the time will come.”  In all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, the last thing we want to do is not be prepared for the master of the house.

 

As the craziness of the season continues, which we all know it will be there whether or not we are prepared to face it, it is important to take some time to prepare spiritually.  During the forty days of Lent(another time for purple) we are asked to fast or sacrifice something for the season.  Let’s take this Advent season as a time to prepare.  Let’s spend the next 20 or so days doing something to prepare ourselves spiritually for the birth of Christ, get up an extra 10 minutes early and start the day off by reading scripture, say a decade of the rosary with the kids in the car on the way to school, actually have an advent wreath in your home and spend a couple of minutes in the morning or evening, as a family, lighting each candle and praying together. 

 

Is all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season ever going to end?  Unfortunately, the answer is probably not.  Would you enjoy the season more if it were less chaotic?  Yes!!!  Do you think maybe, just maybe, if you invited Jesus to join you this season, by preparing for the birth of our Savior, it would help decrease the hustle and bustle?  Absolutely!!!!  Prepare for Him, invite Him.

Be Prepared

This weekend’s gospel is one that often gets misunderstood.  In Matthew, he tells the parable of the women getting ready to meet the Bridegroom on his way to the castle, so they can attend the wedding feast.  Some of the women brought their lamps and some of them brought their lamps and extra oil to keep them lit.  Well, as I am sure you know, those that did not bring extra oil, had to go to the merchant and purchase more.  While they were gone, the Bridegroom came by and invited those waiting into the feast, leaving behind those that did not bring enough oil.

 

Every story can be seen from one side or the other.  If you don’t believe that, watch a conservative news broadcast and then watch a liberal news broadcast.  They both tell the same news story just with a different spin.  This parable is no different.  Some will look at it from the side of the women who were prepared and say congratulations for having the fore thought to think ahead and bring extra oil.  Others will look at the same parable and express discontent for those prepared women for not sharing their oil with others.  How can they be faith filled not to give of what they have to help others!!  Regardless of the way you want to interpret this parable, the most important message is be prepared, for you do not know when the time is coming.

 

Are we prepared for the time in which Jesus calls us?  We all know when it is going to happen, we just do not know when.  Fr. Hunter tweeted the other day, “Take a quick spiritual inventory of your life.  Is Jesus the focal point of your life?  Are you coming to Mass each week?  Do you pray each day?  If not, it’s not too late to change it.”  Many of us are like the women that did not have extra oil.  We may attend Mass when it is convenient to our schedule, maybe we do not attend Reconciliation like we should, maybe we do not pray every day, and the list could go on and on.  Regardless of what takes our focus off of our faith, it is not too late to change.

 

Tyler Mayer, from Bishop Chatard High School stopped by last week to talk with our 8^th graders.  He said, “Habits are the easiest things to form, but the hardest things to change.”  Take some time to do a spiritual inventory.  Do you have spiritual habits?  If not, it is really easy to develop some, attend Mass regularly, attend an Advent Penance service, pray daily, go on a retreat.  It is hard to break a habit, I agree, but if you replace a bad habit with God, it will quickly become a good habit. 

Let's Fill Up the Jar

When I was a teacher, I taught Science for a couple of years.  One of the labs I did with my students, before we would get into the real heavy science labs was to fill a jar.  Now you might be thinking what is so scientific about that? 

 

The first thing I would do is fill the jar with stones.  I would get about 10-12 stones in a jar.  Then I would ask the students if the jar was full.  Of course, since I could not put anymore stones in the jar, the students would gladly say that it was full, and no matter what I did, I could not get them off the idea that the jar was full.  Next, I would open my drawer and pull out some pebbles and dump them into the jar.  The students were amazed and maybe a little embarrassed that they were so adamant, to find out they were wrong. 

 

After the jar was filled with pebbles, I would then again ask, is the jar full.  By this time, some have caught on, others had not.  Now that the pebbles filled the space between the rocks, I could usually convince the students the jar was full.  Next, I would open another drawer and pull out a bag of sand, and proceed to add it to the jar.  Of course, by now, the students are amazed that something else could be added to the jar. 

 

Finally, I would ask one more time, is the jar full.  Now the students are absolutely positive that the jar is full.  Then I would open my cabinet, get a bottle of water, and dump some in the jar.  By this time, I have convinced the students that things are not always what they appear to be.  And in science, sometimes you have to look for things that you would not normally expect to see. 

 Growing up, in my household, there were a lot of jars to fill up.  Some were positive jars, such as “did something nice jar” or “random act of kindness jar.”  Others were not so positive, such as a“swear jar” or the “did something mean jar.”  Regardless of the jar, negative or positive, I am pretty sure I donated to each of the jars, some more than others.

 

We have a pretty hostile culture in today’s world.  Politicians are going back and forth on each and every issue.  They are trying to “win” every conversation, law, or battle.  Just about anything one says is likely to offend someone.  Taking a knee or standing for the National Anthem is overwhelmingly causing turmoil in our society.  Just about every topic on the news is set up to put one side against another.  How do we change this?  What can we do to change the way we think?  Is boycotting the NFL, or a certain actor/actress based on their beliefs the right thing to do?  Or are we just falling into the hostile traps?

 

In an effort to change this, for myself, I have decided I have to change my way of thinking about things.  I have to fill up the imaginary “good deeds jar” in my mind.  I have to seek first to understand, then to be understood.  I have to come to the conclusion that not everyone is going to agree in this world, and we have to search for ways that we agree, and then use this information to come up with win/win solutions. 

 

If you had an imaginary “good deed jar” and looked for opportunities to put a rock or pebble in this jar, how quickly would your jar fill up?  Instead of getting angry at the crazy driver, how about saying a prayer for them, that they reach their destination safely?  If you disagree with someone, maybe you pray for God to soften their heart, or yours.  If we focus on filling up each other’s jar, maybe, after awhile, the positive jars would overflow.  When goods deeds are given, maybe those receiving the good deed will fill up someone else’s jar.  Before you know it, maybe, just maybe, we can start to understand each other and with understanding comes knowledge, calmness, and a jar so full that it overflows.

Are our prayers working?

 

Anyone that has followed my blog(principalsonlineoffice.blogspot.com) knows that I struggle with my prayer life.  I struggle to remember to pray, daily, and when I do pray, I wonder if I am saying the right things or am I doing it the right way.  I have overcome most of these hurdles, not completely, but I am much better than I ever was before.

 

In an effort to remember to pray, daily, I got an app for that.  I know, this is kind of sad that I have to have an application to pray daily, but before the app I would forget to pray completely.  Now, every time I open my phone, there is the app on the first page, and while it only gives me a morning prayer and an afternoon prayer, I see the image and now I do not have to use the app to pray, I use it to remind me to pray.  I might not open the app and read what it suggests, but now I will just say a few words in my head, whether it be to ask for God’s guidance, give Him praise and thanksgiving, or to ask God to protect a loved one or friend.

 

As for worrying what to say, I had a friend give me some great advice, about what to say when one prays to God:  J.O.Y.  Jesus, Others, You.  I have stuck pretty much to that plan every time I pray.  I thank God for the wonderful blessings in my life.  I pray for those that have asked me to pray for them by name, then I ask God for his guidance and understanding in whatever my struggles are in my life. 

 

As far as praying the “right way” I have come to the conclusion that there is no correct way to pray.  If I am wrong on this, boy am I in trouble.  However, I have learned that God is ready to listen to anyone willing to engage in conversation with Him.  He is there ready and waiting on us to start the conversation, so I believe that He does not have a particular “right way” to pray.

 

Now I have an entirely different struggle.  At Mass we always have prayers and petitions starting with the Church, the Pope, the Priest, then it usually turns to peaceful end to wars, and for our world leaders to find said solution.  Finally they end in a more personal or community prayers.  However, the other day, I must have been in a bad mood, for I wondered why we continue to pray for the same thing over, and does God even listen?  Because if He did, then why are we not praying for something different every week?

 

After long contemplation, I had two epiphanies when it comes to prayers and petitions.  First is something that Fr. Hunter tweeted a couple of weeks ago that reminded me that God has three answers to prayers, “Yes,” “No,” or “I have another plan.”  The second epiphany I was reminded that the purpose of prayer is to change something.  Change the sick to healthy, the wicked to kind, whenever we pray, we are actually praying for some kind of change. 

 

Now, for the biggest revelation of all, I have come to conclude that regardless of who or what you are praying for, whatever change you wish to see from your prayer, the biggest change one gets from prayer is hopefully from within.  The most important thing prayer can change is your heart.  When one experiences change from within, it can’t help but change their actions and the way they treat others.  If we pray for an end to war and for the beginning of peace, it will not and cannot happen if we are not allowing our prayers to change us from within.

 

Think, if we all allowed prayer to change us from within, then it changes our actions towards others.  Hopefully, that change for the better is contagious towards the family and friends that we surround ourselves.  Then they start to spread the change to family and friends they are around, and next thing you know, we could have an epidemic, of the good kind.  If we can allow God to change our hearts, and spread that to everyone we know, then before you know it, we might just have the peaceful place we always pray for at Mass.

 

 

 

Would you have a job?

In the past, I have written about my joy of funny signs one might see while driving down the road.  Church signs usually have some play on words or times of important events on their signs, and sometimes they even post points to ponder.  Today, I want to write about the one I saw on the way to church, this past weekend, for it definitely made me think about my prayer life.  The quote was, “If praying was your job, would you be employed?”  Whoa!!!! 

As if I needed another sign(no pun intended) that maybe, just maybe, God is trying to encourage me to increase my prayer life, the Mass I went to this weekend, the priest did his homily on Eucharist Adoration.  He spent his homily sharing with the congregation the things people might see in Adoration, such as the candles, the monstrance, etc.  The priest also talked a little bit about his experience with Adoration.  Then at the end of his homily, he actually exposed the Blessed Sacrament, and we had the opportunity to be in the presence of God, and just pray. 

Then to finish me off, what was on our sign, this morning, when I pulled into work, the Adoration schedule for last Sunday.  Okay God, I get it!!!  I need to be more prayerful in my life.  The rote prayers I am doing are not enough, anymore.  I see the dangers in our world of natural disasters, the constant fighting between our political parties, the fear of world leaders on the brink of war, and I think to myself, what is the point?  It is not working.  My prayers have not changed a thing in this world, so why even bother?

I won’t even go into the selfishness of those thoughts and how I could even think that my prayer for peace is actually going to make peace in this world, or how I can possibly pray for a Hurricane not to hit land, and expect that it actually not his land.  However, what I can attest to is the power of prayer to change my heart. 

I am a firm believer that the power of prayer can change anyone’s life for the better, because it changes said persons heart from within.  Spending time with our Lord will change anyone, if we are willing to start the conversation, listen to what He tells us, and then actually allow our own hearts to change.  We must let the power of prayer change our heart. 

Prayer is a powerful thing that can lead us to places we could never have dreamed of.  Today, make a promise to God and to yourself, that you will increase your prayer life in some way.  Are you praying at family meals?  If not, start.  Are you praying as a family at bedtime?  If not, start.  Are you spending time in the real presence of Christ, at Eucharistic Adoration?  If not, start. 

In order to increase your prayer life, I might suggest that you start by making it a part of your daily schedule by adding it to your calendar.  Set it up to give you a reminder on your phone or computer and when that reminder pops up, stop what you are doing and spend time in prayer.  Mark your calendar to spend time in Adoration.  If the SPX times do not fit your schedule, find other churches that might.  Some churches will have perpetual Adoration or almost perpetual Adoration, find a schedule that fits around yours.   Do something that will take you out of the daily routine of your life, and add time for God.  Let Him change your heart and you might be surprised how the change in your heart, might be an example for someone else. 

Is the faith in front of your children?

I ask, then, has God rejected his people?  Of course not!  God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.  Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.  But what is God’s response to him?  “I have left for myself seven thousand men who have not knelt to Baal.” Romans 11

With the things we read, or see on television, or hear on the radio, some might think it is hard to believe God is still with us.  The fight against Christianity is more prevalent today, than it has been in a long time.  However, the fight against Christianity has always been going on since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the difference today is the warriors fighting against it.  Often times, I wonder why the Christianity side does not appear to put up the fight those opposed to Christianity do?

Then I read this passage from Romans.  It makes sense to me.  Here we are in a battle, and people feel that God is rejecting them, not there to help with this battle.  However, that is not the case.  God was with them then, sending 7,000 men who will not kneel down to Baal, and today is no different.  God is with us, but much like Peter walking on the water, we have to keep our eyes on God, to have the ability to walk on the water.

It is hard to see God in this world, today, if you watch the news, listen to the radio, or read the newspapers.  We hear of the fights against monuments, the devastation happening in Texas, the extremes in our political system, and so much more.  But remember, our faith is very much dependent on our own self keeping our eyes on God, much like Peter did when he first started to walk on the water. 

One of my favorite says is “If we do not teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.”  I believe this statement is truer now, more than ever.  We need to keep the faith in front of our children.   Doing this is as simple as making weekend Mass attendance a priority, praying before meals, praying with our children before bed time, praying for all the wonderful things God has given us, and praying for God’s help when we are faced with challenges.  While these things might seem difficult, when we make them a priority, they will become easier and easier, and priority will change to habit.

Remember, God is always there, waiting to be invited into your family.  And if you are worried how the world is going to treat you, or fear repercussions remember God is right there ready to support you.  And if He needs to send “7,000 men” to support you, He will.

Are you going to the extreme?

“Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just: for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed”  Isaiah 6:1

When I was a child, and I fell down and hit my head, my mother would go to the extreme and panic that I might have a concussion.  If I had a small sniffle or sneezed more than twice, my mom would immediately jump to the conclusion that I had the flu.  Heck, one time I was caught in a lie and my mother thought I was going to be a politician….

I tell you that joke for a reason, but let me start by saying that my mother was the most level headed person that I have ever known.  She would be the last person to think I had a concussion, the flu, or that I would become a politician.  I use the above joke to talk about extremes.

In today’s world, we see an awful lot of extremes.  It is all that we see on FOX news, CNN, MSNBC.  It is all that we hear on talk radio shows, whether or not the subject is politics, sports, the social justice wars that are happening, all of them appear to be going to the extreme.  The Floyd/McGregor fight coming up next weekend sounds like McGregor should not even show up.  The groups rallying and protesting the statues and monuments and meeting the opposite side of their belief causing violence, is definitely the extreme.  Is only showing the extreme what is important in our lives, or the only thing we wish to see?  I hope not.

Today, I share the passage from Isaiah because I think it is truly where our focus should be.  While there is so much negativity going on in our world, and all we see is the extreme, it is important to know that there are so many other people “observing what is right, and doing what it right.” 

I have always said that doing the right thing is often the hardest thing to do.  I often catch myself falling into the trap of the extremes whether it is in discussion or in my thoughts.  Whether it be a political discussion or driving home from work, I often find myself in a situation in which I can let my personal feelings get in the way of doing what it right.  It is easy to tailgate the car in front of me so I do not have to let anyone merge in front of me, but the fact is, if I am doing that, and so is everyone else, that is probably the reason we are in this jam in the first place. 

Let’s make it a point to focus less on the extreme and more on doing what it right, even when it is hard.  Doing the right thing, even when it is hard to understand, or hard to explain to our children, is always the best example and as Isaiah says, "will lead to salvation."

 

Are you walking or sinking?

This weekend, the gospel was from the book of Matthew.  Jesus sent his disciples, by boat, to the other side of the sea, while He dismissed the crowds.  He then went up the mountain to pray, by himself.  Upon his return to the disciples, the boat was in the midst of a bad storm.  Jesus was walking on the water, to get to the boat, when Peter saw him.  Not sure it was Jesus, Peter asked, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  You all know the rest, Peter started to walk on the water, realized that he was walking on the water, got scared, fell in the water, and Jesus reached out and saved Peter. 

Peter started his path to Jesus, by walking on the water.  The further he got away from the boat, the more scared he got, and looking down at the water he started sinking.  Peter lost his faith when he took his eyes off of Jesus.  Have you ever had doubts about a decision you are making?  Have you ever been like Peter and started to sink?

I was talking with a friend of mine, recently, who is sending off his son to college.  He will be a freshman at Indiana University.  As you can imagine, our discussion led to the media influenced rhetoric we hear all over the news about safe spaces and groups segregating other groups because they are offended by who they are, what they look like, or what they believe.  Our discussion led to the question, “Are you afraid to send your children to college the way things are going on campuses?”  I was very surprised by my friend’s response.  He basically said that he has faith that he and his wife raised his son to make good judgements and good decisions.  And, I believe, knowing his son, they are absolutely correct and should have no fears.  Their son is a fine young man, and sort of an old soul, who I believe will not to get caught up in anything that will steer him away from his goals and vision.

I now have a middle school child.  Her first day of middle school was Wednesday and her birthday is next week.  She is taking great joy in reminding me that I am so old, that I have a middle school daughter.

For her birthday, my wife and I have gone back and forth as to whether or not to get her the cellphone she desires as a birthday present.  Of course, I, the protector, want to shield my daughter from all that is bad in the world and giving her this present could open her up to so many negative things such as cyberbullying, sexting, etc.  My wife on the other hand, is taking an entirely different path.  She wants to let my daughter get the cellphone.  Of course, there are rules, written in contract form, as to what she would be allowed to do and not do, but she really wants to give our daughter a chance to prove to us she can handle this responsibility.

The difference between my wife and I is the fact that she really has the faith that our daughter will do the right thing.  If something bad happens, my wife has faith my daughter will come to her.  If she is having problems with another student, my wife has faith my daughter will talk with her about it.  My wife has the faith Peter had while jumping off the boat and started to walk on the water, and I am pretty sure I have already taken my eyes off of Jesus and started to sink.

As much as I hate to say this, but my daughter is no longer the cute little girl that daddy pushes on the swing.  She is rapidly becoming a fine young lady, who would rather I drop her off a block from her friend’s house for fear I might embarrass her.  Don’t get me wrong, she has her days, just like any middle school child.  However, it is time for me to have faith that my wife and I are doing everything the way we are supposed to.  I am sure she will mess up, make a mistake, make us question our decision, and start sinking.  I now have to have faith that, like Jesus, I will be there to keep her from drowning.

 

Where is your faith?  Do you have what it takes to jump off the boat and start walking on the water?  If so, do you have what it takes to walk all the way to the shore, or do you fear that you might start sinking?

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Heart

I cannot believe school is just about ready to start.  I am looking forward to another great year and hope you are as well.  The school building is shaping up and we are almost ready for the PTO Blessing of the Backpacks events, this Saturday and the Kindergarten Social on Sunday. 

I am ready to get back into the swing of things, and that includes my weekly note.  I must say, I have missed writing this column and am probably a little bit rusty, so bear with me as I try to get back into things.  That being said, I must say, this past weekend’s Mass readings gave me the perfect idea to write about today.

In the first reading King Solomon was given, by God, anything he wanted.  Before we get into his response, I must say, my thoughts if God would have asked me this question would be countless, and pretty selfish.  I would have thought about endless riches, world power, and more.  But what Solomon asked for was something I think we need more now than ever, an understanding heart.  Here, a man, a leader, a King, who could have had anything he wanted, and he asked for an understanding heart.  Do you know of anyone who would ask for something that benefited anyone other than them? 

We live in a pretty hostile world right now.  We have talk shows that put two people from opposite sides of a topic together and let them argue and fight, usually ending in a shouting match, and portraying a total dislike for the person.  This occurs across the field of sports, politics, relationships, blogs, etc.  Two people pitted against each other and our human nature to win at all cost, means that someone has to win and the other has to lose.  What I find most disturbing about this thought process is, it has led to the idea that if you and I disagree on one topic, then we must have to dislike each other forever, for we could not possible agree on any other topic.  How could you and I be friends if you do not believe the same way I do?(written with a little sarcasm)

I try my best to not let myself get trapped into these baited situations, but sometimes it is not very easy.  If I find myself not agreeing with someone, I try my best to get my point across, and often do not understand why they won’t believe my way.  That is usually followed with a bit of sarcasm or a sentence or two involving name calling.  It is not so easy to see my human nature taking over, before it is too late.  I wonder how these conversations would go if everyone entered with an understanding heart.

Can you imagine how an understanding heart could change conversations or decisions?  Lately, watching two people screaming, yelling, protesting, etc. has created nothing but more frustration and hatred.  How about going into a situation with an understanding heart?  It is my goal to have a more understanding heart, so when I get into these situations, that they can be handled without screaming or yelling.  Going into a situation with an understanding heart does not mean I will change my opinion, nor will I expect it to change your opinion.  But, when both sides understand each other, I would hope then the Win/Win situations would be endless, allowing us all to work together.  Surely, understanding hearts would get more done than name calling and hatred.

Let’s all seek understanding, before making any decisions.  What better place to start, than to take King Solomon’s wish of an understanding heart, and applying it to our own hearts.  Let’s get together and share opinions seeking first to understand, then work on the solutions, together. 

My prayer for this year is that God gives us all an understanding heart to help us better work together.

Never A Doubt

This week, in the Gospel, we heard the story of Doubting Thomas.  Thomas was not going to believe that Jesus was risen from the dead “until he sees the holes in His hands and can put his hand in His side.”  After doing just that, Thomas says, “My Lord and My God.”  After seeing Thomas, Jesus says, “You have faith because you have seen, blessed are those that have faith and have not seen.”

This example of Thomas, can make the believers feel pretty good.  See, we believe without seeing, so we are blessed.  However, I want to take a look at this Gospel from a different point of view.  One question, do you know a doubting Thomas or two?  Do you know someone that says they believe, but do not believe in coming to church?  Do we know someone that is maybe on the edge of believing but need that extra help to go all the way?  What are we doing to help those we know who doubt?

I used to be the doubting Thomas, until my friend Bob came into my life.  Bob and I were playing golf on one of those sixty degree Sundays, in January, yes January.  As you can imagine, knowing any golfer, stealing a day in January, for golf, in Indiana, is like getting an extra Christmas Gift.  Bob and I were on the 12^th hole, of a very busy, and slow golf game.  Looking at his watch, Bob decides he has to leave the golf course so he can make the Sunday evening Mass.  At this time in my life, I was away from the church, because I was doubting, like Thomas. 

Bob, to this day, probably has no idea what leaving the golf course, that day, meant to me.  He set the example for me, a guy in my twenties, that profoundly changed my life.  I did not know a bunch of guys my age that would give us a golf game for church.  His simple gesture, planted a seed in me, that grew quickly, for it was about two weeks later that I started attending church again, and am glad to say, that I have not missed a Sunday since.  I do not say that to brag, I share this because I am afraid if I miss a Mass, I will quickly turn back to my doubting ways.

Take some time this week and think about someone that has maybe gone by the wayside from their faith.  Take some time to share your experience with someone that is thinking about coming back into the church.  It does not have to be preaching, but that would not hurt.  It could be as simple as sharing your faith experience, or telling someone the story about what brought you back to the faith.  It could be as simple as turning down an invitation to a Sunday experience, like going to a ball game, or giving up a golf game, and attending Mass, like Bob did for me.  It could be a simple invitation to the doubting Thomas in your life, to join you at Mass. 

If you know a doubting Thomas, talk with them and encourage them to get back to their faith.  If you are like my friend Bob, who did not know I was like Thomas, do not take your for granted the example you are setting by just simply putting God first in your life, and the example you are setting for others. 

Lighten the Load

Two weeks ago was the school presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross.  The 7^th and 8^th grade students did such a wonderful job representing each station and really bringing home the season of Lent.  During both presentations, I could not help but think of the crosses we bear.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, we all have crosses to bear.  Some crosses are very public and are shared all over the news, and other crosses are very personal and private.  As I think about my own crosses, and yes we all have more than one, I often have to wonder why I have the cross that I have.  I am sure that makes no sense, so I will do my best to explain…

There are two types of crosses, the ones we create ourselves, and the ones given to us by God.  Yes, God does give us a cross to carry, just like He did his Son.  Do you overschedule your time?  Do you wonder when your family is ever going to sit down and have dinner as a family?  Are we constantly on the go and do not know how to relax and just let the world turn?  Is the burden of taking children from one practice to another, and picking the other, getting to be too much?  These are just a few examples of the crosses we created for ourselves.

What about the crosses God has given us?  Could it be taking care of an aging loved one?  Or dealing with the death of a friend or family member?  Again, God does give us crosses.

So now that you have thought about your crosses, my question is what are you going to do about them?  What are you going to do to remove the cross, or at the least lighten its load?  During this time of Lent, we all have made our Lenten promises.  We have made an attempt to lighten the cross that we are carrying.  How is that going?  Have you looked at your Facebook account, or given in to that tempting piece of chocolate?

The season of Lent is often considered a time of sadness, for the Lord God is about to sacrifice His only Son.  However, let’s look at the positive light that God shines on this season.  God gave his only Son for the sins of all.  While the death of Jesus is a seriously sad thing, look at what happened because of this selfless act.  I challenge you to remember this when you want to complain about the cross you are caring.  Picture in your mind Jesus carrying the cross or falling, or seeing his mother, then remember Jesus is our friend and someone we can count on, when our cross gets too heavy.  We can count on Him, when we turn to Him and ask his help.

So, as we finish this third Sunday in Lent, and your cross is getting heavy, the temptations are getting harder and harder to push away, take some time and spend it with God.  Go to that quiet place, sit in silence, invite Him into your thoughts and prayers.  Ask Him for the strength and courage to continue to carry the cross He has given you.  God is there and ready to have that conversation and help you. 

Relationship with God

Last week we celebrated St. Valentine’s Day.  While many think this is just another Hallmark Holiday, it is a time for us to think about our relationships.  It is a time for us to do a little something special for our spouse, parents, children, and all those we love.  A simple card, a sweet treat, a small bouquet of flowers, is just a few things that might put a smile on your special someone’s face. 

At the school Mass, Fr. Hunter talked to the students about relationships.  He asked them to ponder how their relationships are with their parents, siblings, and friends.  He shared with us his relationships with his family and friends.  Finally he asked us to ponder our relationship with God.  So with that in mind, I did some pondering.

As I have pondered my relationship with God, I decided there are three ways in which we can have a relationship with God.  First, there is the “all in” relationship.  When we are “all in,” we have a relationship that follows Gods word in action, thoughts, and relationships.  We put God first in every thought, before every decision, before every action.  We depend on Him to lead us and guide us throughout our life. 

The second type of relationship with God is the relationship of convenience.  This is a relationship in which we might pray to God when things are not going well, or when we want a desired outcome to a certain event.  We only want God in our lives, when it is only beneficial. 

The third type of relationship with God is no relationship at all.  This relationship usually has the mind set of “I can do it all by myself, I do not need anyone’s help.”  This relationship has God nowhere in the picture.  It might even go as far as to deny God’s existence completely. 

 

I am here to say, that I have been in all three types of relationships with God, at certain times of my life.  Having no relationship with God was really easy.  It had no accountability and allowed me to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted to do it.  I was easy to justify my actions regardless if they were right or wrong, because it was all about me, and had no regards for others.

Having a relationship of convenience was just that, convenient.   I had this happy go lucky idea that God is always with me and I could depend on Him to get me out of any situation that I might find myself in.  I could depend on Him to be there but only when I needed Him.

Then there is having a relationship with God, letting Him guide me.  This is particularly hard for me and I imagine most people.  It is often hard to set aside ego or the earthly ways.  I often feel that the achievements I have reached, I reached because of me and the things that I have done, when in reality, anything I do only happens because I allow Him into my life. 

So, while we spent time this week nurturing our relationships with our families, loved ones, and friends, celebrating Valentine’s Day, it was because of Fr. Hunter’s homily, that I now realize that I also need to nurture my relationship with God.  Sometimes I struggle to let Him lead me, and sometimes, it is easy to see that He is leading my path.  No matter where your relationship with God may be, know that He is there waiting for you to allow Him to lead your path.

As we approach the Lenten season, take some time and consider doing something for the 40 days of Lent that will strengthen your relationship with God.  Make a decision to invite God into your life through daily prayer, service, practicing forgiveness, reading a daily reflection, whatever works for you.  Commit to starting the day with prayer, or say a daily Rosary.  Allow Him to guide you even when our world makes it seem that having God in your life is wrong.  Will it be difficult, probably, but like anything else the more you do it the better you get.  And when you get good at it, it is then that you know that God is taking control and guiding the relationship.

 

Me, A Fisherman?

This weekend’s Gospel has my favorite passage and is the scariest Gospel for me.  Imagine that, two extremes in one Gospel.  If you recall, Jesus is walking along the shores of Galilee and he sees two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew.  Jesus said to them, “Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  I love this gospel passage.   As stated, it is my favorite passage.  I cannot imagine how these brothers felt, leaving their father, their livelihood, and their families behind, to follow Jesus, and share the Good News to complete strangers. 

I love this passage because it challenges me to go WAY outside my comfort zone.  While I like the idea of becoming a “fisher of men,” and leading and teaching people the Truth, the Light, and the Way, something about this screams EVANGELIZATION, which is definitely not something that I am often comfortable with. 

In today’s world, being a Christian can be hard.  It is so much easier for me to sit back and know that I have Jesus in my heart and keep it to myself.  I say this because I do not want to get into a confrontation.  I often say something along the line of “so long as they believe, it is okay with me.”  Instead of standing up and evangelizing about my beliefs, the way of Christ.  Maybe it is because, in today’s society, different beliefs can become polarizing very quickly.

So, how do I overcome my fear of Evangelizing to others?  Until I really thought about it, I evangelize more than I really knew.  I am lucky to have the medium of this weekly note to share with all of you my thoughts and beliefs.  I usually copy this into my blog, which has a small but faithful following.  Every time I meet a potential new family, I am lucky enough to share all the wonderful things our school does from academics to faith.  I get to be an example to my wife and children, in words, deeds, and actions, as we share our faith journey.  So when I truly think about it, I evangelize more than I thought, but I still have work to do.

How do you “make fishers of men?”  How do you share your faith with others?  Do you stand firm when faith conversations come up?  Do you share your stories about our school with other families or invite them to be part of our faith community?  While I am still afraid to stand on the street corner and shout at the top of my lungs, the Good News, my actions/reactions to the concerns of the world might just be an example for others.  I challenge you to assess the way you are already “fishers of men,” and look for ways to go outside your comfort zone and share the Good News with those in your life.