Going Beyond Ourselves

In today’s gospel (Tuesday), Jesus calls us to go beyond ourselves.  It is so easy to do what is... easy, like pay a tithe at church or stay amidst our friends.  But what do we do when we see a homeless person?  It’s not always the safest thing to approach them (some are involved in alcohol and drugs), but are we generous with our time? 

It is time we went outside ourselves as Our Lord calls us to.  “What you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did unto me” (paraphrase).  Do we approach the lonely or offer empathy to the suffering?  Maybe you already do these things, and God will reward you for it!  But let this “refresher” be part of our examination of conscience today: did I help the least of these?  Did I go beyond myself, live up to the name of Christian?

Salt of the Earth

                Today, Jesus sends us forth as the salt of the earth.  What does that mean? 

                It is a calling to refresh ourselves in Christ and to let it pour out in our words and actions.  I love to use this going forth while helping at youth group and being that listening ear to others.  It is also in the little things that we are called to be the light of the world.  I often find myself in spiritual darkness because I rely too much on myself and less on the beauty of God’s grace.  What can we do about it?  “Let go and let God.”  He is greater than any weakness, and inspires us with purpose and love. 

                How are you called to be the Salt of the Earth?  Are we up for the challenge?

Spending Time With God

                Today, as we prepare for the first official days of summer, I invite you to enter it with an open mind.  Vacations are probably already planned, summer jobs for the kids are filled, and life begins anew for the recent college graduate. 

                What will these summer days bring?  I’m not for sure myself.  I have considered settling into a new routine, but today is my first “quiet day” in a long time.  I have considered praying the Divine Office throughout the day, like old times.  I may also appreciate the beauty of nature by going for frequent walks in the countryside. 

                What will you do?  It’s kind of like Lent, except the Ordinary Time becomes Extra-Ordinary.  How can I incorporate a little, hidden way of good deeds into my life?  How can I give more time for God?  I pray not so much for a “successful” encounter with God, but a realization of His goodness in our lives.  God be Ever Praised!

Seeking God in Nature

I’m at the lake today. 

I sit at the top of a slope, watching my dad fish, and kayakers paddling down below.  The water is a lot higher than the last time I was here, as the snow upon the mountaintops continue to melt and stream down to our elevation.  Birds along the path perch on barren tree branches, seeming to quarrel about something.  What appears to be a mouse peeks amidst the flattened, dry grass at my feet.

This is where I seek God today.  Amidst the gentle wind that blows, the chirping of birds…  I find Him in the words I put on paper.  Yeah!  He’s here.

Ordinary Time- Not So Ordinary

Ordinary Time

                Happy Pentecost!  Tomorrow (Monday) we return to Ordinary Time. But is it so “ordinary?”  We have spent so many days celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord, and before that gone deep into Lent.  The celebration and appreciation of Our Lord’s triumph continues with Sunday Feasts of the Most Holy Trinity and Corpus Christi.  And let us not forget the Hearts of Jesus and Mary this month of June!

                The church must continue celebrating.  As a friend told me today, “every Sunday is Easter, and every Friday Jesus dies on the cross.”  We must commemorate these days with reverence and gratitude; not just during Holy Week.

                How can we keep the Easter Season alive in our hearts?  It’s not all over.  It’s still happening!  It was only last week during the Ascension that Jesus promised to never leave us.  And we too must promise never to leave Him. 

God be Praised!