Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff that give me courage.

We have nothing to fear as long as we are right with God. If we seek forgiveness for our sins with humble and contrite hearts, then He will show us mercy. If we trust in His Divine Plan, then He will lead us where we need to be. If we think, speak, and act like Christ, then we shall become co-heirs to the kingdom. If we believe God is at our side, we shall have the courage we need to face any challenge. If we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for the glory of God and the good of others, then we shall find our reward in Heaven.

Are we afraid of things we shouldn’t fear? How can we overcome these anxieties and show God we trust in Him? What can we do to give others the courage to live out their faith, too?

O Lord, we fear no evil for you are at our side.

Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided.

Each of us has their own set of anxieties in life. Some of us have anxieties in regards to our families and friends, others in regard to our jobs and finances, and all of us in the conflict between the heavenly and worldly things in our lives. Some of us are unmarried and have worries about our vocations. Others are married and have worries about spouses, children, and grandchildren. No lifestyle is free of difficulties, fears, and doubts, but if we trust in God, live our lives in accordance with His Will, then we shall have nothing to be afraid of. As long as we know, love, and serve God and His children with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths, then we shall overcome all obstacles and be pleasing to the Lord.

What are the anxieties we are facing in our lives? How can we place these worries at the feet of Christ and allow him to help us carry them? What can we do to ensure our lives are founded on heavenly and not worldly things?

O Lord, make us pleasing to you, always and in every way.

Amen.

Thirtieth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.”

Whatever we might suffer in this life is as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us in the afterlife. We might suffer greatly in this life from physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual trials and tribulations, but if we believe in the promises God has made us through Jesus Christ, then none of them are more than an a minor annoyance. This is because all our earthly fears, doubts, worries, anxieties, obstacles, difficulties, etc. that we suffer in this life are impermanent and passing away. They are as fleeting as lightning. They come and go, but the glory and love of God is forever. Sometimes this promise of future good is hard to keep in mind, especially when we are in the midst of a crisis, but it is something we need to hold onto... like a candle in the darkness, lighting your way forward one step at a time.

Are we willing to accept the sufferings that come along with doing God’s Will? How can we put our trials into perspective with what God has done for us? What can we do to help God release us from our slavery to sin so that we can be truly free?

O Lord, our sufferings are as nothing when we consider the good you have done us.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep; He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: “This is the way; walk in it,” when you would turn to the right or to the left.

We are faced with many challenges in our lives. Moments of doubt, fear, and sorrow. Moments of hunger and thirst. Moments of decision for good or evil. Our character is determined by the choices we make during these times. Our spirit is strengthened or weakened by whether we listen to Jesus’ teachings and follow his commandments. We would do well if we listened to the conscience within us and walk in the Way of the Lord. If we let His Truth guide us, then we shall be made worthy of His Life and never weep again.

Are we thankful for the answers God gives us? Are we grateful for the food and drink He gives us? Will we listen to His guidance and follow in His way?

O Lord, lead us where we need to be.

Amen.

Thirty-Third Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’

Fear of failure can keep us from reaching our full potential as Christians. We can’t do good if we’re afraid of the cost in time, money, popularity, etc. We can’t avoid evil if we’re worried about ourselves more than others. We can’t be good and faithful servants if we are too anxious about what God is calling us to do. Sometimes we hide our gifts and talents beneath a blanket of insecurities. But Christ isn’t interested in our excuses. He demands good from his disciples. Anything less is unacceptable.

Have we buried our gifts and talents beneath our fears? How can we overcome our anxieties to become fruitful followers of Christ? In what ways can we return God’s Love and Mercy with spiritual interest?

O Lord, we want to multiply the gifts and talents you’ve given us.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.

We can all understand where Martha is coming from. We constantly see people around us who aren't pulling their weight. We feel like we have to do everything and it feels unfair. At the same time, we are anxious and worried about certain things in our lives to the point where it can drive us to forget what is important. However, no matter how busy we might be or how unappreciated we feel, we should constantly remind ourselves that this life is passing away. Its only worth is that it gives us the opportunity to express our love for God and His children. Everything else is just a distraction that keeps us from choosing the better part. So the next time we feel overwhelmed by life, perhaps we should take a moment and place ourselves at the feet of Jesus and listen to him speak to us. Then, renewed in the Holy Spirit, we shall be able to return to our responsibilities with the vigor of Martha, but the faith of Mary.

Are we anxious about many things? Do we spend more time keeping ourselves busy or listening at Jesus' feet? How can we replace our worldly worries with the joys of hearing the Word of God and then doing His Will?

O Lord, we are anxious and worried, but with your help we will choose the better part.

Amen.

Eighth Friday of Ordinary Time

Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.

We all have the potential to move mountains with our faith. However, we are constantly tempted by our doubts, fears, and anxieties to trust in the world and not in God. We are especially tested when things don’t go our way or when we suffer a trial we do not think we can bear. But if we put our trust in God and do not doubt in our hearts that our prayers will be answered, then we shall receive the answer we need. Jesus goes on to tell us that when we pray, we need to forgive those who have trespassed against us so that our Heavenly Father will know our hearts are filled with love and mercy, not hatred and vengeance. The act of forgiveness Jesus asks us to offer others may not be easy for us to give, but in the end we will be measured by how we treat the least of God’s children and those whom we found most difficult to love.

Do we have faith in God? Do we believe God would move mountains for us? Have we forgiven those who trespass against us?

O Lord, we do not doubt you will do great things for us.

Amen.

The Second Saturday of Easter

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

The disciples’ first response to seeing Jesus walking on the sea was fear. The second was to make Jesus stop walking on the water and get into the boat. Both of these responses are understandable, but wrong. When we see God at work in our lives, it can be a bit scary, but that is why we rely on faith and hope in His Plan. We might not understand why God is doing something in our lives, but we should trust that whatever He is doing is for our best and gives us the greatest opportunity to learn how to know, love and serve God and others.

Where are we heading in our lives? Are we afraid of what God is asking of us? Are we willing to put our trust in God’s Plan?

O Lord, help us to be not afraid of where you are leading us.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

God can only help us if we are willing to believe in Him and allow ourselves to be helped. Without the assent of faith, He will not perform mighty deeds for us. It is not that He does not want to help or heal us, but rather that we will not allow him to do so. God will not force us to know, love, or serve Him. We must choose to do these things ourselves and if we don’t, then we like the people of Nazareth will not have any share in His love, mercy, or grace.

Do we believe that God will help us physically, spiritually, or emotionally? Do we allow God to work His mighty deeds in our lives or do we try to fix everything ourselves? When we have trouble understanding God’s Will, do we pray for the humility to accept His Plan for us?

O Lord, if our faith is lacking, then help us build it up through trusting in you no matter our anxieties or doubts.

Amen.

Memorial of St. Martha

“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Sometimes when we are busy, worried, or otherwise distracted, we can lose sight of the important things in life. We, like Martha, let our emotions and sense of injustice get the better of us. We begin to judge others by our own standards and make assumptions about them based entirely on our own priorities. However, we are not called to judge others or force them to “do their fair share.” We should not let our own anxieties color our perception of others. Instead, we should try to put aside our worries, take a deep breath, and focus on what is really important in life, namely hearing the word of God and responding to it with true and active devotion. Martha does not see her sister’s active faith and so she thinks she is being lazy, but this is far from the truth. Mary is contemplating the gospel. Her mind and heart and soul are at work, while her sister focuses on the bodily needs of her guests. This is not to demean Martha’s work, which is also necessary, but rather that Martha in her business has not yet had the opportunity to interiorize the message of Jesus.

Are we too busy to contemplate the life of Jesus and his gospel? What anxieties and worries keep us from devoting ourselves to the spiritual life? How can we do a better job of choosing the better part of life?

O Lord, we are worried, but with your help we will chose the better part.

Amen.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.

Sometimes it’s difficult for us to put aside our worries and rest. Think of how anxious the disciples felt as the crowd gathered round and Jesus asked them, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” Phillip and Andrew express their worries by pointing out they don’t have enough money to purchase what they need to feed so many and what little they have is no good for so many. How many times in our lives do we make excuses when it comes to helping others? Perhaps we do not have enough money, time, or resources. Or maybe we don’t think we have enough to offer to make a real difference. However, when faced with the disciples’ lack of money or resources Jesus does not send the crowd home. Instead, he has them recline, blesses the bread and fish, and distributed what little he had. Jesus does not ask us to give out of our excess, nor does he ask us to give out of our lack. He wants us to give everything we can to him and to his children confident that it is in the giving that we do his will and not necessarily in the outcome. In this gospel, the people are all feed and there is much left over, but without the sacrifice of the little boy with the bread and fish, the miracle could not have occurred. Jesus asks us to follow the boy’s example and give whatever we can to him so that he can bless and multiply it a thousand fold.

What worries keep us from giving ourselves to God and his children? When faced with our own lacks, do we worry or do we recline with God and trust in His Providence? What sacrifices can we make—great or small—for the glory of God and help of his children?

O Lord, inspire us to give you all that we have so that you can multiply it according to your own Divine Will.

Amen.

Sixteenth Friday of Ordinary Time

But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.

Jesus makes clear to the disciples the dangers that face their flock. Some of those who hear the word of God will not understand it, others will fall away because of trials, and still more will be choked off by anxieties and the lure of riches. It is not enough for us to hear the good news, we must also understand it, persevere through the trials that come because of our understanding, and most importantly put our faith into action. We cannot bear any spiritual fruits if we are constantly concerned by and with the world. First and foremost in our thoughts should always be how we might use our gifts and talents to yield a harvest of good works for God and the salvation of souls.

Do we truly understand the gospel? Do we persevere through our trials and tribulations? What good works have we done in spite of our anxieties and the lure of the world?

O Lord, help us to bear fruit and yield a hundred fold.

Amen.

Thirteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"

When our souls are beset by storms of doubt, Jesus is always at the ready to remind us of our need to have faith in him and to trust that he will calm the winds and seas of worry. No matter how hopeless things appear, we cannot let our anxieties overcome our faith. No matter how bruised and battered we are by life, we cannot let the winds of uncertainty terrify us. God is with us and that should be enough for us to withstand all our sufferings. The next time we are afraid of something, we ought to remember what sort of God-man Jesus is and we should obey him and let our hearts be calmed.

What anxieties, worries, and doubts are currently on our minds? How can we offer these up to the Lord in the spirit of trust? How do we remind ourselves that God is with us?

O Lord, calm the stormy winds and seas of our hearts.

Amen.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet!  Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Sometimes when we are in the midst of a trial of our faith, we ask God why he doesn’t care for us anymore. We get so caught up in anxiety, worry, or doubt that we forget God is with us in the storm. The only difference is He recognizes the storm is temporary, while we think it will be our end. So we cry out to God and He answers us in His own way and at the time of His own choosing. As long as we don’t lose faith in Him, then eventually He says to our troubles, “Quiet! Be Still!” and they cease. Unfortunately, doubts creep in and sometimes we become impatient or fearful and jump ship. Or we think we can ride out the storm ourselves, but we can’t. Only God can save us from the storms of anxiety, worry, and doubt. We just have to learn how to be patient and mild, so that we can wait for Jesus to calm the storms within our hearts and lives.

How often do we wonder why God has forsaken us? Are we impatient with God when we are suffering trials? How can we learn the patience and mildness we need in order to let God work in our lives in His time and not ours?

O Lord, quiet the storms within our hearts.

Amen.

Fourth Friday of Easter

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.

When we are going through times of trouble we should try to keep these words in mind. We might have doubts, fears, and anxieties, but as long as we keep the Living Word of God in our hearts, there is nothing that can trouble us. So let us have faith in God and love Him and his children with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths.

Are our hearts troubled? If so, then how can we calm them and remember God is always with us? If they are not troubled yet, then how can we prepare ourselves for those future trials that lay ahead?

O Lord, calm our troubled hearts.

Amen.

Third Saturday of Easter

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you?”

The way of our salvation can be hard and difficult for us to accept at times. We might be overcome with fears, doubts, and anxieties in regards to what Jesus is asking us to do on a daily basis. However, we should not be shocked by this. Christ gives us the perfect model for what it means to follow him when he makes his life a living sacrifice for our sins through his Passion and Death. What should be shocking to us is how we react to this sacrifice. It’s not always at the forefront of our minds. Sometimes we go long periods of time without giving it a thought, and yet his unblemished sacrifice is ever present to us through the outpouring of his love, mercy, and grace. Yes, the way of the cross is hard and difficult to accept, but Jesus accepted it for us, so why can’t we accept his offer to share his easy yoke?

What are the difficulties we expect to face while doing God’s Will? What hardships have come into our lives as the result of doing the right and good thing? What graces have we received because we decided to do the right and hard things in our lives?

O Lord, your way is hard to accept, but we want to walk with you now and forevermore.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.

We all want to be rich soil. However, as Jesus’ parable points out there are a lot of things which stand in the way of our fruitful reception of the Word of God. First we must survive the Devil and his temptations, which lead us into sin. Secondly, we have to face our fears of being persecuted for living out our faith in a meaningful way. Thirdly, we must conquer our worldly anxieties, desires, and cravings. These things are not from God and ultimately lead us away from Him. Yet, if we are faithful and live out our lives as a fulfillment of God’s Word, then we, like Christ, will bear abundant fruit.

What are the temptations in our lives and what can we do to overcome them? Are we willing to be persecuted by our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers in order to live a more perfect Christian life? What can we do to put heavenly things first in our lives and worldly things second?

O Lord, sow the seed of your Word within us so that we might bear good fruit.

Amen.