Twenty-Sixth Saturday in Ordinary Time

The Lord listens to the poor. “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the LORD hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not. Let the heavens and the earth praise him, the seas and whatever moves in them!”

All will be made right in the end. This is what we believe as Christians. We hold firm to the conviction that goodness, truth, justice, mercy, and love with win out over evil, lies, prejudice, vengeance, and hatred. We have faith that God listens to His children. He will free us from temptations, sin, and death, if we will yoke ourselves to Him. He will bring gladness into our lives after the dark nights that can besiege our souls. He revives us and gives us new life in and through Himself. He pours our His riches upon the humble poor and the contrite in spirit. He will never spurn us, if we accept Him into our hearts and live according to His commandments, teachings, and inspirations.

Do we believe God will make things right in the end? How can we resist the doubts that might creep into this belief? What can we do to build up trust in God in others as well as ourselves?

O Lord, listen to us and revive our hearts when they are weak with doubt.

Amen.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”

Although we might not be physically imprisoned like Peter, we are at times held captive by our doubts, fears, and sins. We can become chained by these things and paralyzed in our pursuit of holiness. Thankfully, God has given each of us a guardian angel to watch over us and help us when we are weak or in trouble. He has also given us the Good News to inspire us with hope and the Church to unbind us through the sacraments. He has provided us with every means of escape from our selfishness and our worries and our sins. We have only to get up quickly, put on our belts, sandals, and cloaks... and follow Him to release and salvation.

What are the things in our lives that are imprisoning us? Have we sought out God’s help in escaping from these things? Once we are free, what can we do to free others?

O Lord, we are willing to get up quickly and follow you to the ends of the earth.

Amen.

Twenty-Fifth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, "Who is the LORD?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.

Falsehood and lying can start out small, but they are the types of sins that multiply, weighing us down with unnecessary anxieties and worries. Often when we lie, we become fearful of being found out and so we create bigger and bigger lies that eventually strangle our relationships with God and others. Our falsehoods bury us and make us unable to be ourselves anymore. Our pride and insecurities can also cause us to sin, too. Pride can convince us we are right and good when in reality we are wrong and evil. We can be convinced of our own righteousness and superiority, but that is the Devil leading us astray. Our confidence should not be in ourselves, but in God, who provides all graces and good things for us. Our doubts, fears, worries, and anxieties can also lead us astray. They can erode our confidence in God’s Goodness and in our worth as His children. They can make us feel abandoned and tempt us to abandon God. However, nothing should make us feel totally unworthy of God’s Love. Yes, we are sinners and unworthy for Jesus to enter under the roofs of our souls, but Christ has given us the Divine Word and if we accept it and live it out, then our souls shall be healed.

How can we resist all temptations to falsehood and lying? What can we do to cultivate humble hearts rooted in the love of God and neighbor? How can we guard against the doubts that try to creep into our lives and tempt us to abandon God?

O Lord, give us truthful and trusting hearts.

Amen.

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.

As Christians, we should all aspire to be courageous, faithful, and good. We cannot let our fears overrule our better judgment and our responsibilities to God and His children. We cannot allow our doubts to paralyze us and ruin our faith. We cannot let our selfishness lead us away from good and toward evil. Thankfully, God has given us all the graces we need to resist these temptations so when we appear before the judgment seat of Christ, we shall be found worthy of God's Mercy.

What do we aspire to do in this life? Is it what God wants us to do? How can we be more courageous in our faith, hope, and love?

O Lord, grant us your courage.

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.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Jesus will not let us drown. He will always stretch out his hand and catch us if we are willing to let him. He is always with us in our times of plenty and our times of need. This is why he tells us to take courage and be not afraid. This is why he asks us to come to him. We might falter along the way, frightened, and sink into doubts or sins, but as long as we cry out for help, Jesus will be there for us. He does not force his aid upon us, but offers it to us and lets us decide. He is willing to ask us to do great and small things for him... and equally willing to let us fail... in order to teach us about learning to trust in him, our Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit.

Are we willing to take courage and follow the inspirations God sends us? How can we overcome our doubts and fears in order to take those great and small leaps of faith God asks of us each day? When we fail, are we humble and faithful enough to cry out, “Lord, save me?”

O Lord, give us the courage to come to you wherever you are.

Amen.

Eighteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the children of Israel against me. Tell them: By my life, says the LORD, I will do to you just what I have heard you say. Here in the desert shall your dead bodies fall. Forty days you spent in scouting the land; forty years shall you suffer for your crimes: one year for each day. Thus you will realize what it means to oppose me. I, the LORD, have sworn to do this to all this wicked assembly that conspired against me: here in the desert they shall die to the last man.

After everything God had done for the Israelites, from freeing them from Egypt to dwelling with them in the ark, they still did not trust God. This lack of faith spurred by fears and doubts overcame their confidence in God. How easily we can fall into the same pattern in our own lives. We are faithful followers of Christ while things are easy, but the moment He asks us to risk something for our spiritual growth, we grumble and complain. He offers use a life overflowing with graces and good fruits, but we recoil from it because we are afraid of the obstacles in our way. We come up with excuses not to take the leap of faith and deny God our trust. And then, we wonder why our lives seem to be wondering aimlessly through the desert from suffering to suffering with no relief. It is because we turned our backs on the way forward and have chosen to oppose God’s Will. The only remedy for this is to purge ourselves of our doubts and fears and put our faith in God’s Providence.

What are the things we grumble about in our lives? Are our doubts and fears holding us back from where God is calling us? How can we learn to take the leap of faith when God provides us with an opportunity to follow Him into the Promised Land?

O Lord, we are sorry for our grumbling and ask you to lead us where we need to be.

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.

Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr

“Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” 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?”

There are times in our lives when we, like the disciples, feel like we are perishing. We are terrified by whatever we a facing. Sometimes it is the loss of a job, a loved one, or our health. Whatever the crisis, Jesus is near, reminding us to have faith. We should know how much God loves us and that no matter what happens, He is always with us. And so, even in the midst of the darkest of nights, we should find great calm and comfort knowing that God will never abandon us. He will rebuke the winds and the sea for us if we ask Him and we will be amazed at how much He shows us His Love, even when we fail to do the same.

Do we truly trust that God will save us? How can we put aside our fears and doubts and let in the calm of Christ? Are we as amazed as we should be at the love and mercy God shows us?

O Lord, let us have faith that you will see us safely through the storms of our lives.

Amen.

Eleventh Saturday of Ordinary Time

So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Sometimes we can become so worried about worldly things that we lose sight of the goal of life: to know, love, and serve God and His children so that we can get to heaven. The world can swamp us with worries, doubts, and fears as we try to juggle our needs, wants, and hopes. However, as long as we trust in God, He will provide everything we need to not only survive, but to thrive as His children. Worrying about the past or the future can keep us from seeing what we are supposed to be doing in the present. So let us clear our minds of those things that are blinding us to what we should be seeking: the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

What worries, doubts, and fears keep us from doing God’s Will? How can we overcome them? What are we doing today to seek the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness?

O Lord, you know what we need, want, and hope for. Give these things to us in your own way and time.

Amen.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

We all have doubts. However, we are all called to believe in spite of our unbelief. Part of faith is choosing to trust in God in spite of our uncertainty. Unlike the disciples, we cannot see the glorified body of Christ and draw upon that experience to sustain us. But we do have the Body and Blood of Jesus which is present to us during every mass. We are very blessed to be able to celebrate the Eucharist with our fellow believers. All of us will struggle with our belief to one degree or another. The important thing is to be able to believe without hesitation that God loves us, sent His Beloved Son to die for us, and is willing to forgive our sins if we accept His mercy with humble and contrite hearts.

What doubts are we experiencing? How can we learn to trust in God's Divine Plan? Are we allowing God's Peace to be upon us through the frequent reception of the Eucharist?

O Lord, we believe, help us overcome our unbelief.

Amen.

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

“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”

We are all faced with moments where we must choose between our personal doubts and our trust in God. Hopefully, we choose to trust in God just as Simon did. We might not understand what God is asking us to do, but we should be willing to put out into the deep and cast our nets to see what happens. We might be surprised by what happens and even if we fail as long as we tried, then we shall be rewarded with a spiritual bounty we would not receive without trusting in God to lead us where we need to be. We should not be surprised at how difficult things are for us when we attempt to do them on our own and how easy those same tasks become when we let go and let God.

Are we willing to put ourselves out into the deep waters of faith? Do we truly trust God enough to cast our nets where He wants us to? Are we willing to set aside our personal doubts to believe in God’s Providence?

O Lord, we trust in you and your commandments.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest

“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

When we seek to do God’s Will, we will have both moments of triumph and defeat. One moment we will be walking on water, unable to do anything wrong and then a strong wind will blow against us. This resistance may come from family, friends, neighbors, or other causes, but whatever the source we will doubt, sink, and become frightened of God’s plan for us. During these times of weakness, we must join Peter in crying out, “Lord, save me!” And Jesus will stretch out his hand, help us to rise again, and remind us that we needn’t have worried at all because with faith in him all things are possible.

Are we afraid of what God is calling us to do? When have we failed to follow His Will, have we asked for Jesus’ help? Do we accept the hand of Jesus when he offers to lift us up again?

O Lord, save us!

Amen.