My love shall never leave you - December 16, 2010

What did you go out to the desert to see--a reed swayed by the wind? Luke 7:24

On each day we discuss vacations and vocations. We discuss the Seine, discuss Original Sin. We talk about the Beatitudes and walking on water. Being Baptized in the River Jordan is appealing. There is talk of penance, sacrifice, sacraments. There are questions about Saint Paul’s writings. There are tender emotions leading us toward God, leading us upward. Happily the lightness of faith brightens the room with a magnificent glow.

Popular Culture bombards us with wicked, violent images of all types of sin and vice? I try to say little prayers during such situations. However, we must hope.

The wicked images tempt us, encourage us to make mistakes, encourage us to forget the consequences. We learn how to repair our mistakes, how to ask for forgiveness.

Mass offers strength and truth. We have charity, humility, and obedience to God.

Well, this journey will not have been the mere summer afternoon convertible ride, top down, easy, comforting. A journey will stir thoughts of all humanity, will direct our heart, mind, and soul toward heaven. True magnificence occurs when we are not selfish, when we are quiet, when we are discerning. It is natural to seek a deeper connection with Jesus Christ.

A Quick Thought

Beloved: Please remember that as Christians we are part of the living, growing, hoping, loving visible Church; let this give peace; please remember that the foundation was made by Our Lord Jesus Christ with his supreme sacrifice; may this provide guidance and comfort. The death of Our Lord Jesus Christ gives each of us eternal life. We believe that we are members of the apostolic Church; allow this to give you hope. We believe the Sacraments connect us with God, are both opportunity and obligation for service to God; allow this to teach you how to love.

Split Second

For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8

It was my intention to write about the Sacraments today. I created an outline, typed one opening paragraph, did a quick mental outline, searched for some quotes. Then, I got up and did something else. I reviewed the opening sentences decided to do something else. So I then typed another opening paragraph. I looked at it. Then I decided to run an errand.

And so I went to the bank. Since it was early, it was quiet. There was one man and one woman in front of me. The man had a cellphone with a large screen. He kept aiming it all around the bank, taking photographs. He photographed the names on the door, the teller stations, the counters. He was non-threatening but my early morning mind instantly imagined the worse. When he slid his hand into the pocket of his gray sweatpants I knew that he was not going to pull out a gun but for a split second I asked myself what if he did pull out a gun.

Such is the the state of the world and our society. Fear and mistrust wait for us. The events at Fort Hood have left me feeling uneasy and vulnerable. I think we need to offer our prayers for both the victims and the shooter. I think we need to offer our prayers for all our soldiers and their families who have been deployed to either war zone.

There is no way for us to know what thoughts or fears lead people to action. Our only response should first be to God. We must offer our prayers to God and ask God for guidance, compassion, and mercy for all.

Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Romans 14:13

All people live within an unique sphere created by truth, facts, and opinion. The combination of these three elements can create perspective. What leads one man to shoot and kill one person might lead another to prayer and service to God. There probably is that split second when everything is quickly considered, when everything is decided right before the action. I think we should pray that if someone reaches that point, that they stop and ask themselves what would Jesus do?

Each day I try to temper what I do and what I say. I try to have fairness and goodness be my guide. There are moments when I am able to be humble, compassionate, merciful. But, I must always work at it, focus on obeying Christ’s teachings. Each day I try to live for God. Some days it is easier than others.

And there are split seconds when I have to make decisions. I try to put God first. I am not always successful. But, I keep trying. I have to remind myself that I am human and that I am not perfect.

Then I try goodness again; trying imitating Christ again.

And again and again.


Keep the faith (that) you have to yourself in the presence of God; blessed is the one who does not condemn himself for what he approves. Romans 14:22

Faith, A Beautiful Truth

Once upon a time, there was one little downtown boy, riding in a downtown taxi. And he wanted to observe God's mercy, God's love. But something encouraged him to reflect upon forgiveness and sacrifice. And then he began a great dialogue.

He was a little anxious. He had a complicated post-modern uneasiness, small town tranquility which could be mistaken for serenity or calm. He was alert, listening to classical music, occasionally glancing at the other riders, occasionally checking the stations. And alternating between jumpy cursive and bumpy printing he began:

vocation, service, Sunday, sacrifice, fun, people, communion, help, sharing, salvation, love, serving the people, helping others, believing, believing and building, faith building, heaven, hard work, sinning is easy, salvation requires determination, forgiveness, Lord's Prayer, Twenty-Third Psalm, Follow Me, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, eucharist, liturgy of the eucharist, liturgy of the word, sign of peace, kiss of peace, Lamb of God, prayer, blessings, welcome

Life can be different when faith is present. There is a constant dialogue in my mind reminding me of the Sacraments and encouraging me to seek goodness. Observing, praying, and working (doing God's work) can lead to wisdom.

Wisdom helps to deepen our faith, deepen our beliefs. Wisdom is impartial, judicious. Wisdom is understanding.

Certain times of the year, expressions of faith are everywhere, clearly visible. Faith can appear festive, playful. Faith can be an interruption of the normal routines and habits of our lives in this chaotic world.

True faith takes us further, takes us beyond the clearly visible, through lesser and greater moments. Faith helps to reorganize different moments like chapters in a book in a way that allows truth to become visible. Faith is friends with the past, the present, and the future and asks them the same questions. There is an urgency, immediacy in faith.

Being prostrate in body, mind, and soul is utterly acceptable and encouraged.

Everywhere the eye can see, if you look close enough, there are little hints of faith, hints of goodness, hints of belief in God.