Friday, September 30, 2016

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.”

Jesus has shown us what it means to know, love, and serve God and His children. He has spoken the Good News to us and given us an example of how to live out our calling to be saints. It is up to us to accept this vocation to love, just as St. Therese did in her life. She loved God and others through her Little Way and we can, too. We do not have to do great works to fulfill God's Will, we just have to do everything with great love. It is the only way for us to avoid the woes of those who rejected Jesus and choose their own way. It is the only path we have that will lead to our acceptance in heaven.

Are we following the example of Christ? Have we repented of our sins and chosen the Way of Love? Do we strive to do everything with great love?

O Lord, we chose love!

Amen.


Thursday, September 29, 2016

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Angels are constantly watching over each and every one of us. We pray to St. Michael for protection from the wickedness and snares of the devil. We pray to Gabriel that we might receive the Good News with open hearts just as Mary did. We pray to Raphael for healing of body, mind, and spirit. Each archangel's name reveals an important aspect of our faith. Michael's name means, "Who is like God?" and reminds us that we should never let our pride or worldly temptations replace our faith in God, who should be the Alpha and Omega of our lives. Gabriel's name means "God is my strength" and we would do well to remember that when we are faced with trials and sufferings. Our strength can only bear so much without God, but with Him all things are possible and great burdens can become light. Lastly, Raphael's name means "God has healed" and as long as our hearts are open to His Mercy, our spiritual wounds will be healed and we shall be cleansed of our sins. We are all blessed to have these archangels watching over us and constantly reminding us that God gave them to the world to protect us, give us strength, and heal us.

How often do we turn to our guardian angels for help? What about the archangels? How can our lives be more angelic and always point others toward God?

O Lord, send your angels to protect and guide us.

Amen.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Twenty-Sixth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”

There are always going to be excuses on hand for why we can't follow Jesus. We don't have the time. We don't have the financial stability. We don't feel worthy of our callings. We have friends or family to hang out with. We have jobs or other obligations. We would rather be doing something we enjoy like watch TV or play games. We have too many chores to do. There is never enough time in the day to get everything done and so we put off our relationship with God in favor of other things. However, it is important to make time for God. Every relationship in our lives needs to be cultivated if we want it to grow. Our relationship with God is no different. If we don't tend to it, it will wither and die, but if we make time for God each day and spend it in fruitful prayer and works, then our relationship with God will grow by leaps and bounds and make us into better followers of Christ and lovers of God.

What are our excuses for not following God the way we should? How can we rid ourselves of the things that most interfere with our relationship with God? Are we really willing to make the necessary sacrifices to become better lovers of God?

O Lord, help us to follow you no matter what might stand in our way.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Memorial of Saint Vincet de Paul, Priest

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

Jesus knew what he had to do and did it. Nothing would keep him from fulfilling His Father's Divine Will and so he resolutely headed to Jerusalem fully aware of the sacrifice he was about to make. We, too, are called to turn toward Jerusalem, not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense. It is in the spiritual City of God that we shall find our fulfillment and we can only get their by walking a path of worldly rejection and detachment. We cannot let our fears, doubts, and worries keep us from turning toward our heavenly home. We cannot allow persecution to detour us from our goal. Nor should we allow our persecutors to make us angry or vengeful. Jesus understood we would not be accepted by everyone. Some people will not listen to his words or allow him to enter their hearts. But he does not hate them, instead he loves them, pities them, and prays all the more for their conversion. In the same way, we must be willing to put aside our pride and hurt feelings and be able to love even those who harm us along the way to the City of God. By doing so, we not only prepare ourselves for entry into heaven, but more importantly imitate our Lord and Savior.

Are we willing to walk the path to Calvary or are we avoiding it in favor of worldly things? Are we willing to be rejected, persecuted, and mocked for our faith? What can we do to respond to our persecutors with love and forgiveness?

O Lord, we are resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem with you and share in your Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Amen.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Twenty-Sixth Monday of Ordinary Time

Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

We all experience moments of jealously. We see someone who has something we want and wish we had it. We see someone who has hurt us be rewarded in some way and wish we'd gotten their reward instead. We do something good and get not credit, but another person does something else and gets all the attention. We are constantly tempted to seek recognition for ourselves and receive rewards for our good deeds. However, our faith is not about outshining someone in worldly accolades. It is about being a beacon of spiritual grace to the world. We are supposed to bring the light of heaven to the world, not to bring attention to ourselves, but to the one who sent us. Our every thought, word, and work should be a witness of God's Love for the world and lead others to the Truth that will set them free of their own selfishness. We should welcome the success of others, not wish for it for ourselves. This is not an easy thing to do, but if we wish to be Disciples of Christ, then we must be willing to allow and even encourage others to shine more brightly than us.

Who are we jealous of? How can we overcome these temptations and find joy in the success of others? How can we be better witnesses to God's Love, Mercy, and Grace?

O Lord, may our hearts welcome others into our lives and rejoice in their success.

Amen.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

We should never pass up an opportunity to act in charity and mercy. Our faith is founded upon the corporeal and spiritual acts of mercy. These acts should be at the heart of our faith. There should be no questions, no doubts, nor hesitation to provide aid to those in need. When we die, we shall be judged by what we have done to the least of God's children and if we are found wanting we shall suffer torment for our trespasses. However, if we choose to act virtuously, then we will feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick, shelter the homeless, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. In addition, we will instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish the sinner, bear wrongs patiently, forgive wrongs willingly, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead. These actions might seem imposing, but they are equally rewarding to those who are willing to undertake them and make their lives a service to God and His children. It is our choice whether we choose love and mercy or selfishness and indifference. Hopefully, we shall choose the former and then when we die, we shall be carried away to paradise and know the joy of Lazarus.

In what areas of our lives are we selfish and indifferent? How can we overcome these temptations and become more loving and merciful? What can we do to avoid the fate of the rich man and enjoy the rewards of the poor man?

O Lord, help us to act more and more like you and less and less like the selfish rich man.

Amen.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Twenty-Fifth Saturday of Ordinary Time

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, "Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men."  But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Sometimes we don't understand why God seems to be calling us to do something. Sometimes we are afraid of the answer we might get. However, the only way for us to grown in our faith is by seeking understanding in spite of our doubts and asking for the answers we might not want to hear. We will not understand everything in life, but we can make a firm resolution to put our trust in God no matter what sorrows and sufferings come our way. So too, we can make the resolution to seek the truth about God, others, and ourselves. We will not gain perfect knowledge in this life, but we can get a clearer picture of God as our Father, our Brother, and our Advocate. We might not understand everyone we meet, but we will be able to recognize the Christ in everyone, even those whom we find most difficult to love. Last but not least, we will come to a better, though still imperfect knowledge of ourselves and hopefully we will use it to become good and faithful servants, humble and contrite of heart.

Do we trust in God's Divine Plan? Are our spiritual lives filled with moments of faith seeking understanding? Are we afraid of what God wants from us or are we willing to give Him everything for the reparation of sins, conversion of sinners, and the salvation of souls?

O Lord, we do not always understand, but we shall always believe in your Divine Providence.

Amen.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest

Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said in reply, "The Christ of God." He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. He said, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."

Jesus asks his disciples a question that each of us must answer for ourselves. Do we believe he was just a man? Or do we believe he is the Son of God, the Christ, and our Savior? If he was both God and man, then his very life on earth challenges us to follow his Way. His words of Truth challenge us to listen to his teachings. His holy Life serves as an example for us. Just as he was willing to suffer greatly, be rejected, and killed for the faith, so must we. It is only by handing our lives over to God that we can come to be raised again.

Who do we say Jesus is? Are we willing to suffer in order to do God's Will? Are we willing to live the Christ-like life no matter who or what stands in our way?

O Lord, you are our Savior and we are willing to join in your suffering and sacrifice.

Amen.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Twenty-Fifth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.

Jesus is a perplexing figure to the world. He contradicts it opinions with the Truth. He challenges its selfishness with a call to the Way of Love. He disturbs the self-satisfied by showing them a more fulfilling Life. He came into the world to transform us, to raise us up, and to redeem us. However, we cannot do that if we are merely curious about it, but not sincere in our desires to amend our lives and live according to God's Will. Many of Jesus' enemies were curious about him, but it is not enough to be inquisitive. We have to be willing to listen to Jesus' answers, internalize them, and then live them out with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths.

Are we perplexed by the teachings of Christ? If so, then how can we come to trust in them and live lives grounded in Eternal Truth and Love? Are we merely curious about Christ or are we open to transforming our lives and bring our entire being into alignment with his Way?

O Lord, open us to your teachings so that we can become prophets of your Good News.

Amen.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

Jesus is constantly calling us to follow him. No matter what we are doing in life, we should never be too busy to do God's Will. There is nothing in this world that should make us hesitate to drop what we are doing when an opportunity to do good presents itself. Not money, not fame, not any person or thing should keep us from hearing the Divine Truth, responding to it, and walking with Jesus to where we need to be. This is what it means to walk the Way of Jesus and live the Christ-like Life. It demands sacrifices from us, but in the end although we might be ridiculed, persecuted, and misunderstood, if we stand up for what we believe and practice what we preach, then we shall be healed of our iniquities and cleansed of our sins.

Are we listening for God's call? Are we willing to give up everything and follow Christ? Are we as welcoming of sinners as Jesus is of us?

O Lord, we shall come at your calling.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Jesus makes clear who he considers as his family. It is those who hear the Word of God and act on it. It is actually easy to hear the Word of God. It is in the Bible we read. It is in the readings and sermons we hear during mass. Sometimes it is whispered to us by other people in our lives. Other times it is shouted at us. However, it is much more difficult to act on the Word of God. Actions as the saying goes, speak louder than words. Even the most subtle, loving action proclaims the Good News more convincingly than some of the greatest preachers in the world. God wants our actions to reflect Him and His Loving Light into the world. This requires us to first listen, but then make the choice to do what is right and good even if it might cause us problems. So let us be open to the Word of God and make it the source, center, and summit of our everyday words and works so that when we see Jesus face-to-face he will call out to us as his beloved spiritual family.

Do we listen to the Word of God? After we listen, do we act on it? If we don't act, then how can we become better fulfillers of the teachings of Jesus Christ?

O Lord, make us doers of your will and worthy members of your spiritual family.

Amen.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Twenty-Fifth Monday in Ordinary Time

No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.

God gives us the gifts, talents, and graces that we have so that we can use them. He wants us to become lights to the world, not to hide ourselves away from it or to snuff out our lights with sins. Our every word and work should shine with the radiance of God's love and mercy so that all who see us know we are Christians. So too, we must shine in our private lives. Just because we are in our homes, does not give us the liberty to sin. What we do privately always has an effect on our relationships with God and others. The reason for us failing to do good is known to God. The misguided excuses we make in order to justify our inaction or our sins are known to God. If we would not speak or do something in the light of day where all could see, then we shouldn't speak or do it.

Are we concealing our light in inaction or sin? How can we shine so that all can see us? How can we live our lives in transparency, unhidden, and filled with the light of love?

O Lord, may our light shine before all.

Amen.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

The Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.

Each and every day we are given chances, great and small, to prove out trustworthiness as Disciples of Christ. However, we always have a choice. We can choose to follow our own ways, to use our time, talents, and treasures for personal gain or gratification. Or we can choose to use them for the glory of God and the good of others. In the end, we cannot serve both God and mammon. We either love ourselves and the world more than God or love God more than anything else.

Are we trustworthy in small matters of faith? If not, then how can we become more trustworthy? How can we open our eyes to the opportunities we are granted to do good in this world rather than evil?

O Lord, we are your servants and no one else's.

Amen.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Twenty-Fourth Saturday of Ordinary Time

But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.

Jesus outlines what we all must do in order to bear good fruit in our lives. We must not only hear the word, but also embrace it with generous and good hearts. This means that we listen not only to the commandments of God the Father, but also the teachings of the Son and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. Then, having listened to these things we should put them into practice generously and in a spirit of charity toward all. When we do this, we may discover that we are opposed, persecuted, and mocked by others and the world, but this should not discourage us. Instead, we should bear our fruit through perseverance. If we do this, then we shall be rewarded with a treasure house of merits in heaven and an eternal life to enjoy them with our Beloved God, the Holy Trinity.

Are we listening to the word of God? Have we embraced the Good News with generous and good hearts? What can we do to prepare ourselves to persevere in this life and bear good fruit?

O Lord, help our hearts to find rich soil of your graces and thrive in the light of your love and the waters of your mercy.

Amen.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Both men and women followed Christ and each proclaimed the Good News alongside him in their own unique way. The men eventually were sent out to heal, cleanse, and preach. The women provided for the men out of their resources. Both were necessary. You cannot live the itinerant life without depending upon others for your food and shelter. In addition, the women become the main witnesses of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. The men, except for John, ran away and hid while the women watched and lamented. Eventually, they were rewarded for staying with Jesus till the end by being the first to discover the resurrection. However, after the resurrection, both men and women are renewed in their faith and preach and proclaim the Good News through their witness to and sharing of their faith. We would do well to remember even outside of marriage, men and woman complement each other filling those things lacking in each other. This recognition of the uniqueness of each gender does not make them inequitable, but rather it reminds them of their equal responsibility to spread the Gospel through their own gifts as complimentary co-workers in the vineyard of souls.

How are we being called to preach and proclaim the Good News? What gifts and talents do we have as men and women that can help us to witness to the Gospels? What resources do we have that we can devote to the good works of our faith?

O Lord, teach us, both men and women, how to follow you as co-workers in the faith.

Amen.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

If we want to be followers of Christ, like Mary, then we will be destined for the rise and fall of many. We will become signs of contradiction in the world. And swords will pierce our hearts, so that the hearts of many may be revealed. It might be through our lives that God reveals the inner character of others and whether they deserve heaven or hell. We are all called to become witnesses to and sharers of God's Love, Mercy, and Grace in order to show the world that there is another way to live that goes beyond selfishness and to selflessness. Last but not least, part of loving someone means being willing to sacrifice ourselves for them. If we love God, then we will be willing to suffer anything for His Divine Will. He may need us to drink a chalice of sorrow for the reparation of sins, the conversion of sinners, or the salvation or souls. However, just as Mary was rewarded for her holy life, so shall we be rewarded for ours as long as we remain true to God no matter what comes our way.

Do we live holy lives of contradiction? If not, then how can we become exemplars of what it means to be Disciples of Christ, like Mary? Are we willing to imitate Our Lady of Sorrows and suffer for the glory of God and the good of souls?

O Lord, bless us with hearts willing to sacrifice all for you and your children.

Amen.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

"No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Jesus sacrificed himself for us not only to save us, but also to give us an example of what it means to truly love one another. Love is a sacrificial action. We must be willing to give up a part of what makes us who we are in order to love someone properly. In this way, you and I become "we" and together we are made whole by the love between us. If we live in such a way, then we shall discover our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies can be filled with love and that our acts of charity can help lead others to eternal life. This means renouncing our selfishness and pride, but in return we receive the gifts of selflessness and humility, which are infinitely more patient, mild, and rewarding. In this life we can be egotists or lovers and if we wish to follow in Christ's footsteps, then we had better learn how to love God and others more than our own selfish interests.

How often do we thank Jesus for being lifted up on the cross for our sins? What can we do to express our belief in his saving grace? How can we incarnate Christ's love for others in our own lives?

O Lord, we believe in you and hope that one day you will grant us eternal life.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

God is constantly moved with pity for us. Whenever we are suffering or in trouble, his heart goes out to us. He wants us to stop weeping or suffering and through the Holy Spirit he offers us the graces we need to overcome our trials. He gives us consolation and compassion in our times of need. In return he asks us to do the same when we see others weeping or suffering. Like the crowd around the widow of Nain, we should be with those who are weeping or sorrowful. We should comfort them to the best of our abilities and make God present to others through our acts of love and mercy.

Do we show pity to others like Jesus? Are we compassionate and merciful? How do we make God present to those who are in need?

O Lord, move us to pity others and act mercifully toward them.

Amen.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Twenty-Fourth Monday of Ordinary Time

"Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."

None of us are worthy to have Jesus come under the roofs of our hearts. However, Jesus is not concerned with whether we are worthy or not, but rather whether we are contrite in seeking him out or not. If we are contrite and seek his healing for us or another, then he shall come to us and give us every grace we need to overcome our trials in this life. Contrition, obedience, and love are needed for us to be saved from eternal death. We cannot be contrite if we do not truly hope to amend our lives and follow God. We cannot be obedient if we do not have faith in and fidelity to God. We cannot love if we are not willing to do as God tells us through our consciences. All three are needed, faith, hope, and love and the greatest is love.

Even though we are unworthy of God's Love, are we open to its coming into our lives? Do we recognize God's authority over our thoughts, words, and works? Do we love others enough to seek God's help for them just as the centurion sought help for his servant?

O Lord, we are unworthy, but only say the word and we shall be healed.

Amen.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

The Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.  He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.' But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.  Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.'

We all have acted like the prodigal son in one way or another. We have being greedy, prideful, inconsiderate, wasteful, and many other things. However, God is always waiting for us to return to Him. He watches for us and hopes that one day we will come to our senses and seek him out. No matter if our sin is great or small, He rejoices in our return. All we have to do is to admit our sins, seek out His Mercy with contrite hearts, and do penance. Once these are done, God will cloth us in His Love, Mercy, and Grace and return us to life. It is difficult for us to admit we are flawed, that we have weaknesses, and are sinful. We tend to blind ourselves to what is wrong with us and only discover our underlying problems when all else fails. Thankfully, with God's help the way to salvation can be revealed to us even in our sinful state, though it us up to us to head toward the light and not hide from it. Then once we return to our Heavenly Father we shall be cleansed of our sins and given every blessing we need to live saintly lives filled with faith, hope, and love.

In what ways have we acted like the prodigal son? How can we amend our lives so we can become good and faithful servants? How can we show others the mercy God has shown to us?

O Lord, give us new life in your heavenly kingdom.

Amen.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Twenty-Third Saturday of Ordinary Time

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.

There is a world of difference between listening and acting. We can listen to God through scriptures, homilies, other people, and even our own consciences, but if we do not act on these messages, then we choose to ignore God in favor of something else. The Word of God is constantly being spoken to us, but it is easy for us to disregard it as we are exposed to the siren's call of the world: money, power, sex, and other earthly things constantly clamor for our attention and for our actions. If we want to be a follower of Christ, then we have to choose to close our eyes, ears, and hearts to these things and instead focus on the Father's commandments, Jesus' teachings, and the Holy Spirit's inspirations. By doing so, we will be able to not only listen to the truth, but act upon it in faith, hope, and charity. Instead of our wills being at the center of our words and deeds, it shall be God's Will speaking and working through us.

What worldly things are distracting us from doing God's Will? How can we build our lives on the solid foundation of God's Will, rather than on our own? How can we dig deeply into our faith so that when we suffer through the storms of life, we shall come through triumphantly?

O Lord, you are our foundation. May we always listen to you and put your word into action.

Amen.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.

We learn the most from those whom we trust. If we trust in worldly people, then we shall become more like them. If we trust in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then we shall become more like Jesus Christ and his disciples, the saints. The world blinds us to the truth through our passions, imperfections, and sins and if we do not seek out a teacher who knows our faults, then how can we learn to avoid them, to overcome them, and live a good and holy life? This is why we should seek out the Church, its priests, spiritual directors, and faithful servants. They all teach us how to do good and avoid evil and become more Christ-like in all that we think, say, and do.

Who is our teacher, the world or God? What pitfalls do we need to avoid in our lives? What can we do to become good and faithful Disciples of Christ?

O Lord, train me to be more like you.

Amen.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." 

We would all do well to remember Joseph's example of acceptance of God's Will. Just like Joseph, we are all called to welcome Mary into our homes because by doing so we also welcome the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God the Father into our lives. Mary is the living temple of the Holy Trinity, wherever she is found the Triune God is found, too. As such, we should give Mary the veneration she deserves and learn from her how to know, love, and serve God and others as she did in her most holy and chaste life. The more we imitate Mary, the more we can incarnate Christ through our thoughts, words, and works. She constantly pours graces upon us when we seek her aid in prayer and meditation. She is our Mediatix and through her we not only received Christ, but also his love and mercy as well. We owe Mary a great debt of gratitude and the best way to repay that debt is to become faithful followers of her Son and loving children of God.

Are we afraid of accepting Mary into our lives? How can we welcome her into our every thought, word, and work? What can we learn from her in regards to how to live the Christ-like life?

O Lord, just as Joseph welcomed Mary into his home, so may we let her into our hearts.

Amen.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Twenty-Third Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.  For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.

God blesses those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and hated because they are the ones in most need of blessing and spiritual support. He understands what it means to be all these things because he witnessed all these things himself. He saw how the poor around him suffered. He himself went hungry when he fasted in the desert. He wept and knew others who cried tears of suffering, remorse, and sadness. He was hated, excluded by his own hometown, insulted by numerous others, and denounced by the Pharisees and others. He knows first-hand what all these trials entail and that is why he blesses those who are going through them. His blessings give them strength so that one day they will make it through these trials, rejoice, and be rewarded for their sacrifices in Heaven.

What trials are we facing? What blessings is God offering us to help us through these times of difficulty? What can we do to help others going through these trials, too?

O Lord, bless us so we can overcome poverty, hunger, weeping, and hatred in our lives and the lives of others.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Twenty-Third Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles.

Before choosing his Apostles, Jesus sought out a place of solitude and spent the night in prayer. How many of us seek out quiet prayer before making a major decision in our lives? We live in an impulsive world where we are constantly making decisions on the fly, but sometimes we need to take a step back, slow things down, and pray to God about what we should do. Taking these steps will help us to discern what is the right thing to do and can help us to not only make more fruitful decisions, but also avoid making rash ones. We would do well in our lives to take the time to gain the perspective we need to choose good over evil. We may not always have such time, but whenever we do, we should remember to turn to God first and then make our decisions.

Do we seek out God's guidance when making choices, both great and small? How often do we spend time in prayer to God? How can we make God more central to our decision-making process?

O Lord, help us to make the right decisions throughout our lives.

Amen.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Twenty-Third Monday of Ordinary Time

Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

It is always lawful to do good and avoid evil, no matter what day of the week it might be. We might not be called to cure people on the Sabbath, but we are often called to act with charity and mercy in the midst of our busy lives. Instead of looking for excuses to avoid the sacrifice being asked of us in terms of time, talents, and treasure, we should embrace the opportunities we are given to do God's Will. Sometimes that means being late to Mass, putting away the rosary, or skipping a devotion so we can help someone in need. God understands that sometimes good works interfere with our prayer lives. However, we should remember that in God's eyes our acts of charity and mercy are better, living prayers than any we could ever pray by ourselves.

Are we willing to stretch out our hand and seize our opportunities to do good? What can we do to prepare ourselves to lead sacrificial lives? How can we keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open to sensing when God is calling us to acts of charity and mercy?

O Lord, we stretch our hands out to you in hopes that you will restore us and show us how to do good without counting the cost.

Amen.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

The Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Jesus does not want us to hate our fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers, sisters, or even our own lives at least not in the way we might think of hating. Rather he is asking us to whom are we loyal to? Are we loyal to God first and foremost or are we loyal to family, friends, and those who give us what we want in this life. If we choose God, then we will be better able to know, love, and serve God and others. This may seem counter-intuitive to some, but when we do God's Will we serve others more than when we serve them directly because our actions bring God's grace into their lives. In addition, Jesus challenges us to take up our crosses and follow Him. God does not want us to suffer, but our sins cause suffering for others and ourselves. He could stop suffering by taking away our free will, but He doesn't do that because love depends upon the ability to freely choose another over ourselves. Because of God's respect for our freedom, we have to accept our cross in order to be Jesus' disciple. He does not force it on us. And if we do accept it, then although we might suffer, we suffer joyfully and secure in the knowledge that God will never abandon us.

Are we loyal to God, to others, or to ourselves? How can we foster a fidelity to God that will allow us to not only choose to be loyal to Him, but also to accept the crosses that come to us because of this choice? Are we willing to suffer in order to know, love, and serve God and others?

O Lord, help us to be loyal to you and to carry our crosses as faithful disciples.

Amen.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?" Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath."

We are surrounded by laws be they religious, city, state, or national and for the most part it is a good thing to follow these laws. However, when a law interferes with doing the right thing we need to make a value judgment and decide whether the dictates of our conscience outweigh our responsibility to follow the laws of our society. This is not to say that we should go around breaking laws because we feel like it, but rather that when a law is unjust, we should be willing to stand up against it and try to reform it through the political process. In the same regard, when we are faced with an opportunity to do good, but in order to do that good we must break a law, then we have to determine if the fruits of the good we wish to do are greater than the problems caused by our breaking of the law. In today's gospel Jesus reminds us that there are times when following the law can do greater harm than good and it is in those moments that we should feel free to do what is good over what is lawful.

Are we so consumed by rules and regiment that sometimes we miss opportunities to love God and others? Do we pray for God's guidance when we must make a choice between doing the right thing and what is lawful? How can we cultivate a conscience that is willing to obey just laws, but also willing to break the law when we have a very good reason or when it is unjust?

O Lord, give us the courage to do your will no matter what might stand in our way.

Amen.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Twenty-Second Friday of Ordinary Time

"No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins."

If we truly want to be Disciples of Christ, then we can't hold onto our old sinful selves. Sin leaves us weak and unable to hold the love and mercy we are all called to be filled with. God may try to pour Himself into us, but if our hearts aren't contrite, then they burst, God's graces spill out of us ineffectually, and our opportunities to do good are ruined. In order to hold God's graces properly, we need to have a conversion of our hearts. He need to line them with contrition and acceptance of the sacrifices God is asking of us. If we do that, then our hearts will be made anew and whole and able to be filled with God's Love and Mercy. Then, when God pours us out in thought, word, and work, our lives will refresh the spirits of others and give glory to Him.

What sins must we overcome in order to renew our hearts? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be filled with the heavenly wine of God's Love and Mercy? How can we become better vessels of God's Will?

O Lord, make us fresh wineskins, continually pouring out your graces.

Amen.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Twenty-Second Thursday of Ordinary Time

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Sometimes when God inspires us to do something, we can feel unworthy. We see our sinfulness and wonder how God could want someone like us to take on a new responsibility, to champion a cause, or take a leap of faith in our lives. However, God does not dwell upon our failures, sins, or imperfections. Instead He focuses on our potential for good. We can learn a lot from seeing ourselves through God's eyes and believing that although unworthy by ourselves, we are made worthy by the grace of God. It is for this reason that we should not be afraid to follow Christ and become fishers of men. Of course, this holy confidence also requires action and sometimes that action will involve giving up what's comfortable and familiar in life, to leave everything behind. This is perhaps most difficult when what we give up is good and joyful. However, we should be willing to take the next step upon the path to salvation even if it means detaching ourselves from good things and people because in the end everything good we give up for God will be repaid a thousand times over in Heaven.

What is God calling us to do? What is keeping us from doing His Will? How can we gain holy confidence in God's Will and following our calling?

O Lord, give us the grace to leave everything and follow you.

Amen.