The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

As Christians, we shouldn’t be afraid to sacrifice and suffer. Jesus showed us that being willing to suffer for the good of others is not only good, but necessary to salvation. Yes, we can be good and do good without too much difficulty when it requires little or no sacrifice, but what happens when doing the right thing will cost us greatly? Will we have the same courage and fortitude to do good in the face of great sacrifice? Hopefully, we will be able to let go and give everything we have to God for His Glory and His children’s good. As today’s scripture says, affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, proven character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint. So, let us pour ourselves out in selfless sacrifices so we might be a sign to the world that proclaims... sacrifice is good and should not be run away from.

Are we providing a good and faithful example of what it means to sacrifice and suffer for God? How can we become more enduring, hopeful, and loving in all our endeavors? In what ways can we allow God to pour Himself out into the world through us?

O Lord, hope in you never disappoints.

Amen.

Seventh Friday of Easter

His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.

The world doesn't quite know what to do with Christians. Some worldly people ignore us, others persecute us... and a still others see our good works and wonder if our lives reveal there is something better than the world. We cause confusion, discord, and all manner of problems for those who are part of the world. But that's what Jesus did, too. He was and still is a sign of contradiction. He died so that hearts of others might be known. He died so that we all might have a chance to live in accordance with the commandments to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths... and to love our neighbors as He loves them. Our faith isn't of the world, but it does send us forth into the world to be lights to the earth and bring people closer to God and to the promise of life everlasting.

Are we being good and faithful examples of what it means to be Christians? How can we bear the light of Jesus into the world with even more fidelity? What can we do to help others to follow the Way, to hear the Truth, and the live the Life of Christ?

O Lord, help us to bear the Good News into the world with all our strength.

Amen.

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Should I thus pretend for the sake of a brief moment of life, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor on my old age. Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty. Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.

When we are faced with choices in this life, we need to think not only of the effect our decision will have on us, but also on others. What people see us do influences them, especially the young, who are impressionable. If they see us take the easy way out or use deception to get what we want, then they will carry that lesson into their lives. We might not even know how our sins effect them in this life, but when we die God will show us how we lead others astray. At the same time, if we do good and avoid evil, then we give others an example of what it means to be Christian. We show them how to live our lives in imitation of Jesus and to be not afraid to become living sacrifices to God’s Glory.

Do we think about others before we make our decisions? How can we live lives that model what it means to be Christians? What can we do to show others, especially the young how to know, love, and serve God and His children?

O Lord, make us into noble examples of how to sacrifice ourselves for you.

Amen.

Twenty-First Thursday of Ordinary Time

Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.

We are constantly setting an example for others in everything we say and do. If we speak harshly or gossip, others will hear us and know us as hypocrites. If we always slack off, avoid what is right, or sin, then others will see what we do and know us to be wicked. If we set a bad example for others, then who are we to complain when others do evil to us? Worse yet, if our sins cause others to follow us into evil, then we shall be held accountable. So when we speak, our words should be formed and spoken in love. When we act, our actions should have their source, center, and summit in God’s Charity and Mercy. We should desire to be role-models for all whom we meet, leading them toward God’s good works and away from sin and evil deeds. We should seek to strengthen the faith, hope, and love of others, not weaken it so when we pass on God will know us to be true believers... blameless in holiness.

Are we role-models of faith, hope, and love? How can we increase and abound in love for one another and for all? What can we do to strengthen the hearts of others so they might be blameless in their holiness?

O Lord, help us to lead others to holiness.

Amen.

Twenty-First Wednesday of Ordinary Time

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom and glory. And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.

We all have influence over other people in great and small ways. Paul recognized this and put his every word and work into making a good impression on those he served. He didn’t do this for selfish reasons of self-glorification, but rather for the glory of God and the good of others. He wanted to set a good example of conduct for those he served. He encouraged his spiritual children to become better people worthy of God and His Kingdom. He wanted them to grow in faith, hope, and charity and give their lives over to the Good News so that God could be made manifest in the world through them.

How do we exhort and encourage others on their own spiritual journey? What do we do to make a good impression on others so they might know we are Christians by our love? How do we spread the Word of God to the world around us?

O Lord, let us be like fathers and mothers to those who are in need of spiritual guidance.

Amen.