Daily Retreat 02/01/08

2008 Feb 1 Fri: Ordinary Weekday
2 Sm 11: 1-4a. 5-10a. 13-17/ Ps 50(51): 3-4. 5-6a. 6bcd-7. 10-11/ Mk 4: 26-34

From today’s readings:  “At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign....  Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned....  Without parables He did not speak to them, but to His own disciples He explained everything in private.”

David’s Moral Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 of the Second Book of Samuel is a major turning point: David, who had demonstrated so convincingly his devotion, courage, humility, mercy, magnanimity, and other outstanding character traits, now falls headfirst into a cesspool of sin.  First, he slips into the sin of sloth - scripture says, “At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign.... David, however, remained in Jerusalem.”  In other words, he wasn’t living his divine vocation with his earlier zeal, but instead was content to pamper himself and let others do the hard part of leading Israel.

Then, the King collapses into covetousness, looking with lust on Bathsheba bathing and wantonly wanting her.  David then abuses his authority by having Bathsheba brought to his palace, where he commits adultery with her.  After Bathsheba conceives, David attempts to cover his sin by sending for her husband, Uriah. David does his best to entice Uriah to take a respite of returning to his own home with his wife, but since the military code of that time called for soldiers to abstain from such comforts, Uriah sticks steadfast to his duty!

Murderously, David decides on the death of Uriah, tyrannically and scornfully commanding that noble soldier to return to battle, unknowingly carrying his own death decree in the letter King David sent to Joab, the commander, with the perfidious plan for Uriah’s demise, which is carried out to the letter.

In such a short span, David degenerated from a most moral monarch to a terribly treacherous tyrant!  Let none among us be so presumptuous as to think such a lapse and collapse of character could never happen to you or me!  Although few (if any!) of us have consistently demonstrated the rectitude that attested to the quality of David’s earlier moral fiber, yet the Devil lays his traps for you and me just as ruthlessly.  On our own, we are all doomed to fall - only with Grace can we resist Satan’s snares.  So we pray every day, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil!”

Daily Retreat 01/31/08

2008 Jan 31 Thu: John Bosco, p, rf M
2 Sm 7: 18-19. 24-29/ Ps 131(132): 1-2. 3-5. 11. 12. 13-14/ Mk 4: 21-25

From today’s readings: “After Nathan had spoken to King David, the king went in and sat before the LORD....  The Lord God will give Him the throne of David, His father....  The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you....”

Praying with Scripture

What did David do when Nathan the prophet explained God’s plan to build him a house, raise up a dynasty for him?  David comes into the presence of the ark of the Lord and he sits down and he just prays in wonder:

“My God, here I am, your servant, the shepherd boy, who hasn't been perfect, hasn't done everything right, who's just coming along and it's You who is doing so much, and now You add to everything else that You have already done for me-You add this promise that You're going to build me a house. You're going to raise up this house-this Messiah, this Savior who's going to rule forever."

And David  just — it’s so beautiful! — he just sits there, meditating, and reverently reveling in the presence of the Lord!  A number of years ago, I remember being in Jerusalem, where I spent a semester at the Ecole Biblique there, and one day I went to the chapel and was sitting there before the Tabernacle and reading this chapter seven of the second Book of Samuel-perhaps in the very same place that David had sat in the presence of the Lord, or at least not more than a mile away from the same spot. And I was thinking the very same thing-My God, how good You have already been to me and to all of us, and yet You promise to give us even more. It's  incomprehensible-it's beyond what we can fathom –God's  generosity is just so incredible!  Read  chapter seven of the second book of Samuel and get that taste of the generosity of God, and reverently revel prayerfully in His presence

Daily Retreat 01/30/08

2008 Jan 30 Wed: Ordinary Weekday
2 Sm 7: 4-17/ Ps 88(89): 4-5. 27-28. 29-30/ Mk 4: 1-20

From today’s readings: “The LORD also reveals to you that He will establish a house for you....  For ever I will maintain My love for My servant....  Hear this: A sower went out to sow.... ”

Praying with Scripture

Because the Bible teaches about God, the holy writings can and should be used as an integral part of our prayer life.  Even if you've never really prayed with Scripture before, it's not difficult.  In fact, today’s first reading is part of a chapter in the second book of Samuel which I find particularly instructive for meditative prayer, and that's chapter seven.

This text is very important to all Christians, but unfortunately, not very well known.  In this chapter seven of Second Samuel, God promises to raise up a "house," a dynasty for David, from which will come the Messiah.  So, this is the famous messianic promise that God made to David that was fulfilled in Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah.

It starts with David having this great idea- "I'm going to build a house for God and it's going to be the most beautiful house.... It’s going to be a lavish temple!" And at first it looks like that's indeed what's going to happen. Nathan says "Okay, David,  go ahead - do what you have in your heart!"  But then God speaks to Nathan and  says "Wait a minute- David doesn't  have to build Me a house. In fact, I'm going to build him a house! I'm going to raise up a dynasty for him, I'm going to raise up a Messiah, ‘anointed One,’ and have this chosen One come out of David’s house who will rule forever!"
 
(Continued tomorrow)

Daily Retreat 01/29/08

2008 Jan 29 Tue: Ordinary Weekday
2 Sm 6: 12b-15. 17-19/ Ps 23(24): 7. 8. 9. 10/ Mk 3: 31-35

From today’s readings:  “The ark of the LORD was brought in....  The LORD of hosts; He is the king of glory....  whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”

Return of the Lost Ark

In one of the greatest liturgical celebrations of all time, King David led the Ark of the Covenant after a tumultuous history (cf. 1Sam ch. 4-7, and the preceding verses in 2Sam 6) to Jerusalem.  Rhapsodic music, dancing with abandon, extravagant sacrificial offerings, free food for all, prayer and a royal blessing - what a party!

The Ark of the Covenant was the most holy of all sacred relics, a physical guarantee of the presence of the Lord God.   It is understandable that its enshrinement in Jerusalem would be the cause of such rejoicing!  Yet an important question remains for us: since we believe that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ, Its holiness surpasses even that of the Ark, which merely manifested the presence of God and was thus not equivalent to the very presence of God (as is the Eucharist).  How then can our Eucharistic celebrations ever be apathetic, lackluster and lifeless?

Through the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God has generously diffused the concentration of His sacred presence, but never diluted His presence!  Obviously, this means we need to grow in our festive awe and awareness of the Lord’s Real Presence, so that each one of our liturgical celebrations will be the greatest all of the time!

Daily Retreat 01/28/08

2008 Jan 28 Mon: Thomas Aquinas, p, r, dr M
2 Sm 5: 1-7. 10/ Ps 88(89): 20. 21-22. 25-26/ Mk 3: 22-30

From today’s readings:  “You shall shepherd My people Israel and shall be commander of Israel....  I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him....  If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”

God’s Chosen Shepherd

God clearly blessed David - long before he assumed the kingship of Israel and Judah, he had been chosen as the Lord’s anointed one through Samuel, God’s prophet.  Gradually, all the people came to see David as the shepherd God chose for them, and so, after the death of Saul, David was unanimously recognized as king.

Since God Himself chose the leader for His chosen people, it followed that when the chosen people followed the chosen leader, they were following God’s will for them.  Although David, like all leaders, was far from perfect, he was among the greatest in history, for he certainly strove to follow God and lead the people in God’s ways.

At this time in history, God has chosen Pope Benedict XVI to lead His Church.  Like all leaders, Benedict is far from perfect - and he has no qualms about humbly admitting that!   Yet the Holy Father is, by all accounts, a great man, striving to follow God, and lead people in God’s ways. As always, when God’s people follow the leader God has chosen for us, we are then following God’s will for us!

Daily Retreat 01/27/08

2008 Jan 27 SUN: THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Is 8: 23 – 9: 3/ Ps 26(27): 1. 4. 13-14 (1a)/ 1 Cor 1: 10-13. 17/ Mt 4: 12-23

From today’s readings: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone....  The Lord is my light and my salvation....  Is Christ divided?...  Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of men. ”

The Light in the Darkness

Winter for the most part is cold, dark, and gloomy.  Even if many enjoy skiing and snowmobiling and skating and certain other elements and activities of the season, most of us would readily admit that such wintry perks would be even more appealing without the cold, dark, and gloomy side.

But now imagine a homely hearth with a crackling fire that sticks out its tongue at Old Man Winter - just so does the warmth and joy of Christmas burst out in the midst of the cold dark gloom with those divine tidings: the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen!

To fully appreciate those words, we need to consider life without them. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis wrote about a land cursed with a perpetual winter, and the worst thing about it was that the chilly spell somehow managed to even shut out the warmth and joy of Christmas. Under such icy conditions, surely even a snow-sport enthusiast would start to shiver with despair, and the merriest of lives would be numbed by an unending onslaught of cold, dark, and gloomy days.

Sadly but truly it can be said that our land yet is overshadowed by death: death caused by abortion, terrorism, war, violence, disease, drugs, and despair. Are we cursed with an endless winter of these cold, dark, and gloomy evils that seek to freeze even our cheer of life and warmth of love?

But then comes Christ, the Lion of Judah, and He breathes with a Holy Spirit that is the beginning of the thaw. And even though I suppose He could, He does not do it alone: He calls out to mere fishermen, gestures to common folk such as you and I, and gives the great invitation, "Come after Me!"  

Truly, when we follow Him, you and I fill our hearts with the power and joy and fire of His Holy Spirit, but not just to huddle and warm ourselves a bit in the midst of the encircling gloom and chill of a culture of death, but rather, to confidently dispel that darkness, to banish anguish, to share the abundant joy and great rejoicing of those who are entitled and inspired to shout, "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom should fear? The Lord is my life's refuge - of whom should I be afraid?"

Daily Retreat 01/26/08

2008 Jan 26 Sat: Timothy and Titus, bps M
2 Tm 1: 1-8 or Ti 1: 1-5/ Ps 95(96): 1-2a. 2b-3. 7-8a. 10/ Mk 3: 20-21

From today’s readings:  “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.....  Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.....  Jesus came with His disciples into the house.. . ”

Timothy and Titus

There are a two options for the first reading today - Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, because of their personal touch, provide us with a sense of how we should see all of the Bible - not as an intimidating, musty, outdated book, rarely read but kept mostly for its antique value, but rather, as a living, loving letter written to guide and inspire us by a wise, caring Father.

The beginnings of both the letters in the lectionary are filled with such excitement and joy at this opportunity for Paul to “fan the flame” and give encouragement to Timothy and Titus, so that they in turn will give encouragement and direction to the people of God entrusted to their care.  As Paul proves (and in turn, Timothy and Titus as well), helping others to grow in their faith is one of the best ways to celebrate and strengthen and rejuvenate your own faith!

Daily Retreat 01/25/08

2008 Jan 25 Fri: Conversion of Paul, ap F
Acts 22: 3-16 or Acts 9: 1-22/ Ps 116(117): 1bc. 2/ Mk 16: 15-18

From today’s readings:  “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? ....Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature!”

The Conversion of St. Paul

Accounts of the conversion of St. Paul recur three times in the Acts of the Apostles: first, the author (St. Luke) recounts the incident (chapter 9); then, St. Paul narrates his conversion while presenting his defense to the Jews in Jerusalem (chapter 22); and then again, Paul recalls the miraculous events in his speech before King Agrippa (chapter 26).

In compiling the Acts of the Apostles, Luke could have chosen to present the details of Paul's conversion only once, and then merely mentioned a summary of Paul's defense statements before the Jews and King Agrippa.  But because the details of the conversion are repeated and even offered from a slightly different point of view each time, it's patently clear that Paul's conversion was a watershed event in the early Church, and the miracle of his conversion must have been the inspiration for many conversions.

Some of us can trace particular moments of conversion in our own lives, but even if, by God's grace, we've stayed relatively close to Him all of our lives, each of us needs to be committed to ongoing conversion, to continual sanctification, and the commitment to grow in our faith - and to be just as grateful as St. Paul was for the wondrous ways God has shown us His light!

Daily Retreat 01/24/08

2008 Jan 24 Thu: Francis de Sales, bp, rf, dr M
1 Sm 18: 6-9; 19: 1-7/ Ps 55(56): 2-3. 9-10a. 10b-11. 12-13/ Mk 3: 7-12

From today’s readings:  “And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David....  Now I know that God is with me....  He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon Him to touch Him.”

Jealousy of Goodness

David’s defeat of Goliath was a miracle that made him very popular with the people of Israel, but clearly, God gave David that victory for the sake of all of His people, not just for some fleeting fame and popularity for David!

But as the crowds celebrate David’s triumph, perhaps the only one among the Israelites who didn’t feel like celebrating was King Saul, who becomes bitter because the people held David’s success in higher esteem.  In Saul’s blind jealousy, the fact that God had also blessed Saul with success in his past endeavors was now inconsequential - the only thing that mattered was that David was outshining him!

Sometimes, those who are striving to serve God faithfully find themselves pricked with that same diabolic jealousy:  Why do others have more success than I do in evangelizing?  Why do others show up at just the right moment as “Good Samaritans” in high profile cases, whereas the opportunities I have to help others are much less glamourous?  Why are others chosen to receive heavenly visions and other special graces, when I just experience God in the most ordinary ways?

Far from letting jealousy spoil such blessings, we need to rejoice always in the goodness of others, especially when God, in His wisdom, chooses to do great things through others.  The effort to realize the Kingdom of God is the world’s greatest team effort, and each of us has a crucial position to play!  An outfielder won’t play his position well if he’s sulking because he’s not the pitcher, and likewise you and I will only botch up our own vocation and position of serving God if we sour with jealousy for the role of others.

Daily Retreat 01/23/08

2008 Jan 23 Wed: Ordinary Weekday
1 Sm 17: 32-33. 37. 40-51/ Ps 143(144): 1b. 2. 9-10/ Mk 3: 1-6

From today’s readings:  “You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts....  My refuge and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in Whom I trust.... Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”

David and Goliath

David’s triumph over Goliath is certainly among the most familiar of biblical events.  In a way, perhaps even TOO familiar, for like Christmas, the story is often stripped of its context of faith, then shanghaied into secular service as an upset success story meant to motivate underdogs of all breeds.

David’s victory was not due to his own pluck or luck, his “positive thinking” or shrewd hoodwinking - rather, David confesses his only and sure hope of prevailing: “For the battle is the LORD's, and HE shall deliver you into our hands!”

When you’re faced with formidable foes, where do you place your hope of victory?  The moral of “David and Goliath” is not that underdogs occasionally will even win an upset, it’s that God (and those on His side) ultimately will win - even a setup!

Daily Retreat 01/22/08

2008 Jan 22 Tue: Ordinary Weekday/ Vincent of Saragossa, d, mt
1 Sm 16: 1-13/ Ps 88(89): 20. 21-22. 27-28/ Mk 2: 23-28

From today’s readings:  “Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart....  I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him....  the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Not as man sees does God see

God’s election of David as King of Israel came as a total surprise to everyone, even the prophet Samuel himself!  God reminded Samuel that “not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart."   It’s a reminder for you and me as well, both about how we should see ourselves, and how we see others.

Perhaps you’ve enjoyed great success and worldly esteem - what does that amount to in the eyes of God?  Conversely, perhaps you’ve had more than your share of failures and are routinely dismissed by others, yet rather than yielding to discouragement, you should look for the good that God created in you - what He yet sees in your heart!

As we look to others, it’s so easy to write someone off just because we can’t see much good in him, or be easily impressed with worldly credentials.  But again, we must listen (as Samuel did) as God reveals His standards, and thus we seek to see as God sees.

Daily Retreat 01/21/08

2008 Jan 21 Mon: Agnes, v, mt M
1 Sm 15: 16-23/ Ps 49(50): 8-9. 16bc-17. 21 and 23/ Mk 2: 18-22

From today’s readings:  “ Why then have you disobeyed the LORD?   I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes....  New wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

Following Directions

We've all had the frustrating experience of entrusting another person with a simple task, only to have the job botched completely because directions were not followed fully. It’s a pretty sure bet that each of us ourselves has likewise at times deliberately ignored instructions because we thought we could do things a better way, but the result was a mess, and thus we needlessly complicated what should have been a easy assignment.

Throughout my high school years at Gonzaga Prep, I had a work/study job which included helping set up for various receptions. The first time I was charged with preparing coffee, the instructions were to set up one heavy duty coffee maker in room 46, prepare another one in room 45, and eventually bring both machines to the reception area after the coffee had percolated. Pretty simple, right? Except that I couldn’t see any reason for setting up the coffee pots in different rooms, so I decided to save a little time and running around by putting them together in room 45. After I had filled them both and turned them on, I moved on to other tasks, intending to return when the coffee would be ready and take both machines to the reception area as planned.

However, when I returned for the coffee, I discovered that putting both machines in one room had overloaded the circuit - the breaker had been tripped, and so, I was stuck with nothing but cold water and damp coffee grounds! Needless to say, there was no coffee available for that reception, all because I failed to follow instructions and thought I could do things a better way.  

Sometimes though, there’s more at stake than a shortage of coffee! Saul figured that, instead of obeying God, he would do what he figured would be better for himself and his army. Saul’s disobedience eventually proved to be an ongoing source of temptation for the Israelites, as well as the start of his own ruin. But before you and I rebuke Saul for his mistake, we need to honestly own up to our own sins of sidestepping God’s commandments for our own convenience (even when we fool ourselves into believing it’s for a good reason - plain and simple, there NEVER is a good reason to disobey God’s commandments, there NEVER is a better way than His way!).

God, who created us, has given us pretty straightforward instructions for living our lives. Obeying His commandments doesn’t guarantee us material prosperity or hedonistic pleasures, but it does lead to a permanent share in His divine life and eternal joy. A bungled pot of coffee might be embarrassing and troublesome, but it’s not disastrous. However, it would be eternally wretched if we mess up our job of getting to Heaven just because we tragically think there’s an easier way than following God’s directions.

Daily Retreat 01/20/08

2008 Jan 20 SUN: SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Is 49: 3. 5-6/ Ps 39(40): 2. 4. 7-8. 8-9. 10 (8a. 9a)/ 1 Cor 1: 1-3/ Jn 1: 29-34

From today’s readings: “I will make You a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth....  Here am I, Lord; I come to do Your will....   Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ....  Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world....”

No re-baptism, but re-look at baptism

You will remember (at least I hope you remember!) that last Sunday, the Church celebrated the great feast of the Baptism of Jesus the Lord.  The Scripture selection for that day recounted the event of Jesus approaching John the Baptist.  John, surprised that the Lord should seek Baptism at his hand, protested, saying, "Lord, it is I who should be baptized by Thee!"

Jesus, however, insisted, and so in the end John did baptize Jesus, and this event marked the beginning of our Savior's public ministry.  It seems strange, then, that this pivotal event in our Lord's life is not celebrated as a great holyday of obligation, a famous feastday which every good Catholic would be expected to know by heart, to immediately be able to answer the question, “In which month does the Church celebrate the Baptism of the Lord?”  - “In January, of course, the month after the celebration of His birth.”  You and I know the answer now, of course, but did you know it before last week, and how many will remember it after the passing of a few more weeks....

However, the fact that this feast passes unnoticed by so many is merely an accurate echo of the event itself.  After all, very few of the Lord's disciples were present at His Baptism.  Even to those who may have been present, such as Andrew, the significance of this moment must have been totally lost.  In the end, it could very well have been only John the Baptist, and Jesus Himself, who grasped the importance of this encounter.

But never fear!  While most of the disciples missed the Baptism of the Lord, (including you and I), the Church has invited, even insisted, that all followers of Christ, all who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, reflect on the significance of His Baptism.  And that's what the scripture readings for this Sunday are all about:  with the help of Isaiah the prophet and John the Baptist, you and I, though not fortunate enough to have been present at the event, can come to fully appreciate the Baptism of Our Lord.

The first point we note is our Lord’s example of this sacrament’s necessity.  Baptism is the sacrament essential for salvation, either sacramental Baptism in the Church, or at least Baptism by desire for those who lack the opportunity of Baptism in the Church.  Our Lord insisted that He Himself had to be baptized, so you and I, who are His followers, even more so need the waters of Baptism.

Second, our Lord gave us an example of humility.  He was born in a lowly stable, He died the ignoble death on a cross, and at the moment of beginning His public ministry, He stooped once again to be baptized by His servant John.  Thus, to be Christ-like means to be humble, and you and I are daily faced with the challenge of humbling ourselves in imitation of our Master.

Third, as the ritual of Baptism reminds us, Jesus sanctified the waters of Baptism at that moment.  In contrast, for you and me and all other Christians, it is the waters of Baptism which make us holy, which gives us new birth as children of God.  But for Jesus, Who is Holiness, Who is the Son of God, it was the waters themselves that were made holy at His Baptism, so that all Christians could share a taste of His living waters.

And, even though few of His disciples could themselves recall the Baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit inspired all four of the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, to include this event in their Gospels.  Only two of them recorded the events of the Birth of Jesus, but all four recorded His Baptism.  Hmm.  This is an invitation then, insisting that all of His followers were called to reflect on significance of the Lord’s Baptism, and the same holds true for you and me:  most of us were baptized as babies, and so we lack a personal memory of this event.  But, as you and I look to the distant past today, meditating on the Baptism of the Lord, we also reflect on the significance of our own Baptism.  So, when we stand today to profess the holy Faith into which we were baptized, let us do so with gratitude in our hearts for those cleansing waters, with humility in the recognition that salvation comes from Jesus, not ourselves, and with resolution to follow the footsteps of the Lord by living lives pleasing to our heavenly Father!

Daily Retreat 01/19/08

2008 Jan 19 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM
1 Sm 9: 1-4. 17-19; 10: 1/ Ps 20(21): 2-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Mk 2: 13-17

From today’s readings:  “There was no other son of Israel more handsome than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people....  Lord, in your strength the king is glad.....  Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners .”

God's Choices are always good

Understandably, our perception of Saul is clouded by our awareness of his future failings (such as his  jealousy of David) and the disastrous end of his life.  However, in the first reading, Saul is introduced in a  most flattering manner, as "head and shoulders" above everyone else.  In spite of his future disobedience and pathetic phobia,  Saul was still chosen by God to be the first king of the  chosen people.

Whenever God calls someone to a mission of service, God gives the wherewithal to faithfully fulfill the vocation. This was certainly true in Saul's case - his stalwart lineage, lofty stature, courage, handsome composure and other strengths made him an ideal kingly candidate.  So Saul's failings will prove to be his own fault - he cannot  complain that God demanded more of him than he was suited for.

You and I need to bear in mind this same insight: God has intentionally equipped you with the talents and strength (internal and external) necessary to faithfully fulfill His vocation for you. For past, present, and future failings, we cannot get off the hook by complaining that God asks too much of us; rather, in moments of failure, we need to re- discover the depth of character which God saw in us when He called us to the challenges of our vocation, and ask Him to help us anew to live up to the dignity of our calling!

Daily Retreat 01/18/08

2008 Jan 18 Fri: Ordinary Weekday
1 Sm 8: 4-7. 10-22a/ Ps 88(89): 16-17. 18-19/ Mk 2: 1-12

From today’s readings:  “It is not you they reject, they are rejecting Me as their king....  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.....  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth.....”

Rejecting God as King

A careful study of the books of Samuel reveals an ambivalence toward the monarchy: on the one hand, the kingship of David is certainly celebrated, but, texts such as today's also point out the downside of royalty.  

The elders of Israel who insisted that Samuel anoint a  king, did so with the hope of being like other nations.  So instead of inspiring other nations to imitate the exulted example that God wanted them to give (viz., a  holy nation living in God's law), the Israelites chose to adapt the non-divinely directed customs of the pagan peoples around them.  

Do you and I conform to God's exulted plan for us, or do we content ourselves with accommodating to the prevailing world spirit? This is the choice we have to make in all our decisions, and so we do well to remember that whenever we reject God as our King and the rule of His law, we inevitably invite the disastrous and miserable consequences that are sure to follow.

Daily Retreat 01/17/08

2008 Jan 17 Thu: Anthony, ab M
1 Sm 4: 1-11/ Ps 43(44): 10-11. 14-15. 24-25/ Mk 1: 40-45

From today’s readings:  “ The elders of Israel said, ‘Why has the LORD permitted us to be defeated today by the Philistines?’  Redeem us, Lord, because of Your mercy....   Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out His hand, touched the leper.....”

God's Side

The Old Testament is full of incredible battle accounts which relate great victories of God's people against humanly impossible odds. Less memorable, but also chronicled in the Bible, are details of ignoble defeats of the Israelites.
 
So, was God on their side, or not? If God was on their side, that certainly explains the miraculous victories. But then, if the almighty God was on their side, how could they ever lose, as, for instance, the time of the disastrous battle against the Philistines recorded in the first reading?

The question the Israelites should have asked (and that we should ask today) is not whether or not God is on our side, but whether or not we are on His side! God cannot be expected to endorse with His omnipotence every action of His people, especially when His people's actions are contrary to His will.

Compare the pathetic defeat recounted here in chapter 4, with the picture in chapter 7 of the First Book of Samuel, when the Israelites returned to God. When we align ourselves squarely with God and His will, then indeed He will give success to the work of our hands, and we will have the thrill of triumphantly surfing the waves of His invincibility!

Daily Retreat 01/16/08

2008 Jan 16 Wed: Ordinary Weekday
1 Sm 3: 1-10. 19-20/ Ps 39(40): 2 and 5. 7-8a. 8b-9. 10/ Mk 1: 29-39

From today’s readings:  “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening....  Here am I, Lord; I come to do Your will....  Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed.”

Samuel’s Model Vocation

The Lord’s call of Samuel is an excellent biblical example of typical signs which point to a divine vocation.  First, note that Samuel thought that he was being called by Eli.  Likewise, a modern vocation to the priesthood or religious life often is first felt with a subdued suggestion, from parents, pastor, teachers, or others, who ask a youngster if he has ever thought of becoming a priest, or if she has any interest in serving the Lord as a religious Sister.  A child faced with this prospect would probably at first just think the vocational idea originated with the person who brought it up.  However, if the idea resonates within the child’s heart, and especially if the same suggestion is brought up by several significant adults, the child will eventually conclude that the vocation actually originates with God, who often calls through human instruments.

Second, note the nature of God’s call to Samuel: gentle and initially indefinite, yet clear and persistent.    Likewise, a modern vocation to the priesthood or religious life often is experienced as a gentle invitation heard in prayer to come closer to God.  The child or young adult might not even have a vague notion about where the invitation ultimately will lead.  But the invitation itself is clear - when dismissed or put on a back burner, it inevitably will turn up again, gentle, but clear and persistent.  There are exceptions (such as Paul’s vocation!) when the initial call is itself an overwhelming experience and not subtle at all, but those are the exceptions.

Finally, when Samuel responds to the Lord’s call with the exemplary, “Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening!”, the Lord in turn responds to Samuel’s response.  The lectionary reading omits these verses, 1 Sam 3:11 -18, because the Lord’s words are not good news for Eli, and the lectionary compilers evidently sought to preserve the propitious and sacred sense of this vocational moment by not dampening it with the introduction of the negative news  - Eli himself would probably concur with that approach (cf.  v. 18).  Likewise, although the call is at times experienced in the midst of some turmoil, whenever a young adult begins to respond to a divine vocation, confirmation signs affirming the response will soon be given by God.

Each of us has a role in fostering vocations to the priesthood in religious life, through our prayers and personal encouragement.  During this vocation awareness week, the model vocation of Samuel can help us all to do our part in making sure the call gets heard!  Note that while the call came directly from God, Eli was instrumental in setting Samuel on the right track, and think about how you might be able to do the same for someone you know who might be called by God as was Samuel.  

If anyone reading this has surfaced personal vocational questions, I heartily encourage you to bring them up with a trusted spiritual advisor!

Daily Retreat 01/15/08

2008 Jan 15 Tue: Ordinary Weekday
1 Sm 1: 9-20/ 1 Sm 2: 1. 4-5. 6-7. 8abcd/ Mk 1: 21-28

From today’s readings:  “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him....  My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior....  The people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.”

Prejudice and Contrition

The word “prejudice” literally means “pre-judgment,” the crystalizing of an opinion before all pertinent facts have a chance to be examined and considered.  While the word is strongly charged in modern parlance as the unwarranted basis for racial and other discrimination, “prejudice” actually has a wider denotation that applies to numerous everyday situations that more than likely  all of us find ourselves in too often.

In the first reading, when the priest Eli saw Hannah miserably mouthing her petition in the temple, he concluded that she was drunk, and so he berated her in a rather un-priestly fashion!  In his pre-judgment, Eli had concluded the worst about Hannah, and even told her so.  To Hannah’s credit, she did NOT storm out of the temple, never to return, harboring a lifelong grudge against cruel priests!  Given Eli’s insensitivity, no one would have blamed Hannah for overreacting in such a manner, as some have done in our day in response to insensitive remarks or other inexcusable actions of priests.  Hannah, however, looks past Eli’s human failings and calls upon the intercession of his priesthood as she explains to him a bit of her sad situation.  Much chagrined, Eli changes his tone completely, intercedes as a priest for her petition, and offers Hannah a few words that evidently brought her comfort, for she “left, went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and no longer appeared downcast.” Read the rest of chapter one to see the happy ending to this incident!

In my own human frailty, I know I have been guilty of Eli’s example of prejudice - instantly assuming the worst about people; and even if my words aren’t as coldly insensitive as  were Eli’s, there’s still been too many times when I made my disgust known, even if only with a non-verbal cold shoulder.  Inspired by the Word of God, I’m sure that all my brother priests join me in praying to God for forgiveness for such faults, and begging anyone offended by any one of us to have the mature faith of Hannah - look past our human failings, turn to your priests for the prayers, inspiration and intercession God charges us to provide, bringing the Gospel - the Good News! - to every heavy heart.

Daily Retreat 01/14/08

2008 Jan 14 Mon: Ordinary Weekday
1 Sm 1: 1-8/ Ps 115(116): 12-13. 14-17. 18-19/ Mk 1: 14-20
NB: in the lectionary, the weekday readings are from “Year II” of the daily cycle.  Odd number years follow the “Year I” cycle, even numbered years (such as “2008") follow Year II.

From today’s readings:  “Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you refuse to eat? Why do you grieve...?  This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel!”

Vocation and baptism

After the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (celebrated yesterday), the daily lectionary makes a jump to the beginning (almost) of the Gospel of St. Mark, and to the very beginning of the First Book of Samuel.  In spite of the jump, a certain continuity can be found, since with baptism, there comes a vocation and mission.

Perhaps you will recall that the incident of Samuel’s presentation in the temple by his mother was read just a few days before Christmas.  Now we have the chance to get the background for that whole story - today and tomorrow, the first reading focuses on Hannah’s misery in being childless.  For this reason, there’s a timely providential reminder here for us, in preparation for the upcoming tragic anniversary of the American Supreme Court decision (Roe vs. Wade) which legalized abortion, to begin today praying for greater respect for life.

Daily Retreat 01/13/08

2008 Jan 13 SUN: BAPTISM OF THE LORD F
Is 42: 1-4. 6-7/ Ps 28(29): 1-2. 3-4. 3. 9-10 (11b)/ Acts 10: 34-38/ Mt 3: 13-17

From today’s readings: “Here is My servant Whom I uphold, My chosen One with Whom I am pleased, upon Whom I have put My spirit....  The Lord will bless His people with peace...  You know the word that He sent to the Israelites as He proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all....  Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness....”

Good Reasons for Baptism

In accordance with the Church’s recommendation, many of us received the grace of Baptism within a few weeks after our birth, and so it’s hardly a coincidence that, this Sunday, the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord, just a few weeks after the Christmas celebration of His birth.

Christ’s baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, and since the life of Jesus is an example for us, our commemoration of His baptism today is also intended to inspire us to appreciate anew the grace of our own baptism, and understand how our own baptism is connected to Christ’s baptism.

Why are Christians baptized?  What happens in the spiritual order when the minister of baptism pours water on a person’s head, saying, in fulfillment of Christ’s own command, “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”?  Through the waters of baptism, all sins (including Original Sin) are washed away, and moreover, the person baptized is born anew in the order of grace as a child of God, a bona fide member of His family.  

There’s much to elaborate about these two central effects of baptism, but before that line of thought can even be pursued (on another occasion), since baptism washes away sin and gives new birth as a child of God, then the question immediately arises, Why was Christ baptized?  He who knew no sin certainly did not require the sacramental cleansing of baptism, and of course, that only begotten Son of God had no need of baptism to legitimize His lineage.  No wonder John the Baptist was understandable taken aback when approached by Jesus, when the King explained to His soldier his ironic duty of commissioning his own Monarch!

And yet, as always, God knows best!  For Jesus too needed to undergo baptism for two reasons, though His motives were quite different from the spiritually salutary effects you and I received at the moment of our baptism.  

First, in order to fulfill all righteousness, Jesus was baptized Himself in order to leave His followers forever with the crystal clear example of the crucial indispensability of baptism - He who Himself wholly knew no sin had the humility to approach John, who though himself holy, did know sin.  Clearly, then, none among us, even one with the innocence of a baby, should forego divine sacramental cleansing!

And second, Jesus was submersed in the waters of baptism not for His own rebirth, but to baptize the water itself as the new sacramental conduit of His holiness of life.  So now, all the baptismal water which washes the head of a child originates as prolific runoff from the head of Christ!

Daily Retreat 01/12/08

2008 Jan 12 Sat: Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 5: 14-21/ Ps 149: 1-2. 3-4. 5 and 6a and 9b/ Jn 3: 22-30

From today’s readings: “Children, be on your guard against idols....  The Lord takes delight in His people....  He must increase; I must decrease.... ”

Wrapping up the Christmas season

Although profoundly poetic, especially in the ecstatic meditations on the nature of divine Love, the first letter of John is not the easiest book of the Bible to read from start to finish - there’s quite a bit of jumping around from one topic to another, and there’s not a strong structure to suggest a sense of direction.

However, that observation is not meant to dismiss the letter in any way - only to offer a warning when reading to compensate for some of the confusion that’s bound to arise.   Since St. John does not shrink from addressing some of the most profound implications of faith in Jesus, it’s no wonder that he doesn’t always complete every explanation and connection - it would simply take too many words to adequately explain!

Yet what he does write is so deep - it’s no wonder the Church prescribes reading this whole letter right after Christmas in order for us to begin to fathom the mystery of the birth of Christ in the world!  And so, my recommendation is that you join me in re-reading the whole letter today, thereby igniting once again the light of Christmas faith for the whole year that lies before us!  Parts of the letter are refreshingly blunt and lucidly unforgettable, but other passages might seem esoterically cryptic, at least until complementary biblical texts are encountered in future lectionary readings.  But be patient - they will come!  “Beloved: We have this confidence in Him....”

Daily Retreat 01/11/08

2008 Jan 11 Fri: Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 5: 5-13/ Ps 147: 12-13. 14-15. 19-20/ Lk 5: 12-16

From today’s readings:  “ God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son....  Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion....  It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with Him....”

Eternal life and love

As St. John begins to bring this letter of love to a close (and as we likewise approach the formal close of the Christmas liturgical season), he states his purpose in writing:
“I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the Name of the Son of God!”

What does it mean to you to have eternal life?  Mostly, we only think of that concept in terms of heavenly bliss, but St. John suggests that this is not just something promised for the future (“God WILL give us eternal life...”) but something that has already been presented (“God GAVE us eternal life...”).

To be sure, this eternal life is not yet possessed in its fulness by those of us still running the course of our earthly life. But in spite of the differences, John's insight is that there is a profound continuity between life now in Christ and life in Heaven with Christ, for "whoever possesses the Son has life...."

Daily Retreat 01/10/08

2008 Jan 10 Thu: Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 4: 19 – 5: 4/ Ps 71(72): 1-2. 14 and 15bc. 17/ Lk 4: 14-22

From today’s readings: “Whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen....  Lord, every nation on earth will adore You.....  Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of Him spread throughout the whole region....”

Delightful Logic of Love

God’s love is like the sun’s light - we can turn our backs on it and shut out its warmth, but it is impossible to altogether stymie its influence.  God is good, and God is love, and so to intentionally not love God is like attempting to cast a shadow on the sun!

And yet, our experience of the sun’s light is almost always indirect - we see the sweeping landscapes or glowing sky, or whatever is in our line of sight - all this, imbued with light from the sun, but the source of the light, the sun itself, is impossible to directly view (except when muffled with atmosphere haze or tantalizingly hovering on the horizon at sunrise and sunset).

What would we say of a person who says, “I love the sunlight!” but assiduously avoids  the daylight?  Such a person must surely be suffering from a mental mixup!  So it is, explains St. John, with the person who claims to love God (the source of love), but rejects the nearby manifestation of that love (his brother).

Daily Retreat 01/09/08

2008 Jan 9 Wed: Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 4: 11-18/ Ps 71(72): 1-2. 10. 12-13/ Mk 6: 45-52

From today’s readings: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another....  Lord, every nation on earth will adore You....  Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! ”

Living Love

The entire Bible recounts how God has manifested His love to our world.  The entire Bible also insists, often implicitly but at times also explicitly (such as in the first reading), that the logical consequence to God’s love is the reasonable expectation that we, the recipients of God’s love, must love one another.

Both insights are essential.  For, when we fail to reflect on the perfection and immensity of God’s love, it becomes all too easy to be complacent about that innate selfishness in fallen human nature that corrodes and curtails the instinct to love others for the love of God.  And when we fail to concretely extend the love of God to others, we effectively profess merely a static, stunted faith, unanimated by the transforming nature of divine love.

Every page of the Bible can thus be read very appropriately and profitably simply by considering how it answers the reciprocal questions “What does this reveal about God’s love?” and “What does this imply for my love for others?”

Daily Retreat 01/08/08

2008 Jan 8 Tue: Christmas Weekday
1 Jn 4: 7-10/ Ps 71(72): 1-2. 3-4. 7-8/ Mk 6: 34-44

From today’s readings: “God is love....  Lord, every nation on earth will adore You....  When Jesus saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd....”

God is Love

The verse most quoted from John’s epistles is probably 1 John 4:8, “God is Love!” (repeated just a few verses later, 1John 4:16).  How profound, and yet how simple!

The Devil strives to blunt the effect of simple truths by tempting us to dismiss them as lackluster truisms: “Yeah, yeah, yeah, ‘God is love’ - everyone knows that, what’s the big deal?”  Likewise, the Devil tries to dim the light of profound truths by tempting us to ignore them as convoluted sophisms: “God is love?  What’s that supposed to really mean, anyway?”

So that you and I may thus avoid the demonic traps of overlooking the compelling significance of “God is love,” St. John wrote his whole first epistle to teach that simple, profound truth!  So, by reading the whole letter, we can then see “God is love” as the soul’s truth of life!

Daily Retreat 01/07/08

2008 Jan 7 Mon: Christmas Weekday/ Raymond of Peñafort, p
1 Jn 3: 22 – 4: 6/ Ps 2: 7bc-8. 10-12a/ Mt 4: 12-17. 23-25

From today’s readings:  “Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world...  I will give You the nations as Your inheritance....   The people who dwell in darkness have seen a great light.”

Testing the spirits

Human beings were created by God with a body and a soul, and while it is almost impossible to ignore the corporeal aspect of our existence (body), there is an ongoing temptation to slight the spiritual dimension (soul) of our life.  As a result, many, if not most, people fail to appreciate the spiritual facets of reality, which are both positive and negative.

For instance, everyone recognizes “physical” as a neutral adjective - there are good physical things and experiences (such as delicious meal), but there are also bad physical things and experiences (such as indigestion).  But many people would call to mind only the positive denotations of the word  “spiritual” - that which pertains to God or man’s higher faculties (intellect, conscience, will).   But we must not forget that evil spirits are also part of the whole of spiritual reality!

Why is this such a crucial insight?  Because so many people are spiritually impoverished, they automatically tend to welcome every spiritual experience as “positive,” and neglect to “test the spirits” and evaluate whether the source is Good or Evil.  For instance, a physical and spiritual euphoric experience can result both from marital intercourse and from an illicit union.  In the first case, in conformity with God’s plan of creation, it is something good, but in the second case, involving an infraction of God’s commandment, it is something evil.  However, the false prophets of this world, denying God’s dominion in matters of the flesh, would equivocate them both as equal spiritual experiences.  But when we “test the spirits,” and acknowledge Jesus Christ come in the flesh, we must recognize His dominion in this and every aspect of our life!

Daily Retreat 01/06/08

2008 Jan 6 SUN: EPIPHANY OF THE LORD S
Is 60: 1-6/ Ps 71(72): 1-2. 7-8. 10-11. 12-13/ Eph 3: 2-3a. 5-6/ Mt 2: 1-12

From today’s readings:  “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem - your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you....  Lord, every nation on earth will adore You....  the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel....  Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star at its rising and have come to do Him homage.”

Insights from 3 Wisemen, during a recent Church visit


2nd Wiseman: Just imagine how wonderful it would have been to visit Jesus in Bethlehem...

1st Wiseman: But that’s what we’re doing now!

2nd Wiseman: No, I’m talking about the real, actual Bethlehem, that you can see and touch!

1st Wiseman: But the word “Bethlehem” actually means “House of Bread”!

2nd Wiseman: Well, so?

1st Wiseman: Look over there! (pointing to the Tabernacle)

2nd Wiseman: You mean that fancy box by the wall?  That’s called the “Tabernacle,” right?  What’s so special about that?

1st Wiseman: Because the Tabernacle contains the Eucharistic Bread, and so, like Bethlehem, it is “the House of Bread.”

3rd wiseman: Yeah.... but....but it’s not the real Bethlehem, like ....where the three kings actually were right there in the presence of baby Jesus.

1st Wiseman: Oh, but it is!  You see, the Eucharist Bread is the Real Presence, the Body of Christ, so He is present here in this Church, as He was present in Bethlehem.

2nd Wiseman: You know, I never thought of it like that!  We really can worship Christ here, just as if we were there in the city of Bethlehem.

1st Wiseman: Yes!  And since we are in the Presence of Christ, we should always act with the greatest reverence, just like the three wisemen did in Bethlehem.  It’s proper to always genuflect before the Tabernacle, like this.... (genuflects).

2nd Wiseman: (Genuflects) Yeah, that make sense - after all, the Tabernacle contains the King of Kings!

1st Wiseman: Exactly.  So we always act as if we were in the presence of our King, because in fact, we are!  This means there should never be any unnecessary talking, that we should always act with respect and reverence in the church, like....

3rd wiseman: Hey dude!  What’s with all these little lights?  (PAUSE)   And why are there so many read flowers all over the place????  (PAUSE)  And check out this log doll house....  (Pointing to Navitity set) And....look at ME - I’m one of those three wise guys!

1st Wiseman: NOT like that!

2nd Wiseman (talking to 3rd wiseman): Hey - don’t you know that when we act reverently and maintain a sacred silence, we’re showing that we realize Jesus is here - don’t you think you should act reverently in the Church too?

3rd wiseman: Pfff!  Whatever!    I don’t think so.  After all, this isn’t the type of place where a real king would hang out.  Compared with palaces and mansions, this place is nothing!

1st Wiseman: You’re right this building doesn’t match up to even a simple palace, but remember, Jesus was born in a stable, and because HE was there, the Three Kings acted with as much reverence in that place where animals were sleeping as if they were in a palace.

3rd wiseman: (PAUSE) Well.... I guess I never thought of it that way before.  (Genuflects) You’ve got a good point - we really are blessed to be here in the presence of Jesus at Bethlehem, “the House of Bread!”

Daily Retreat 01/05/08

2008 Jan 5 Sat: John Neumann, bp M
1 Jn 3: 11-21/ Ps 99(100): 1b-2. 3. 4. 5/ Jn 1: 43-51

From today’s readings:  “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him....  Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.....  Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Love and Life

In general, the tendency is to think of MATTER as distinct from ENERGY, although intuitively, one supposes that the two notions are certainly somehow related.  Albert Einstein’s simple yet most profound equation, E= mc2, calculates the fundamental equivalency of ENERGY and MATTER.   As Einstein explained, “It followed from the special theory of relativity that mass and energy are both but different manifestations of the same thing -- a somewhat unfamiliar conception for the average mind.”

St. John’s Gospel and letters are favorites of many Christians because of the ardent and sublime verses which extol and explain Christian LOVE.  But St. John also returns time and time again to the theme of LIFE.  It’s intuitive, of course, to recognize that LIFE and LOVE are intimately related realities, but St. John declares certain formulae which insists that the two notions are marked with a fundamental equivalency, e.g.:

     “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death.   Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.   The way we came to know love was that He laid down His life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

Daily Retreat 01/04/08

2008 Jan 4 Fri: Elizabeth Ann Seton, r M
1 Jn 3: 7-10/ Ps 97(98): 1. 7-8. 9/ Jn 1: 35-42

From today’s readings:  “ Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil....  All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God....  We have found the Messiah!”

Unraveling the Devil’s works

The Devil is also known as “the Deceiver” - he lurks in lies and eclipses truth with the darkness of dishonesty.  In contrast, Jesus is the true Light of the world (John 1:9), dispelling the darkness of sin and error, untangling the mess of deception and confusion.  The clarity of this radical opposition is bluntly expressed time after time in the works of St. John.

The tendency of modern man, however, is to avoid absolutes, insisting that there is no black and white - only varying shades of grey.  Granted, many moral issues are indeed complex, but it is precisely the complexity of these issues that calls for a clarifying examination in Christ’s light.

The Son of God was revealed precisely to unravel and destroy all the Deceiver’s deceptions, so whenever we’re faced with the confusion of choices, you and I need to pray, study  and seek the illumination of the eternal Truth of Christ.  In fact, many (if not most) of us are at least vaguely suspicious that we continue to tolerate some self-deception in various areas of our lives - NOW is the time to pierce the fogginess of these secret issues with the piercing light of the Truth of Christ!

Daily Retreat 01/03/08

2008 Jan 3 Thu: Christmas Weekday/ Holy Name of Jesus
1 Jn 2: 29 – 3: 6/ Ps 97(98): 1. 3cd-4. 5-6/ Jn 1: 29-34

From today’s readings:  “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.....  All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God....  Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Children of God

At the Incarnation, when God became man, human nature was elevated - no longer were we to be considered mere creations of God, now Jesus our Brother gives us the right to be called children of God.  This is the highest dignity of our race - even if an alien race were discovered which surpassed human intelligence, they would still rank below us in the order of grace, for we are the only “blood relatives” of God!

That’s why the birth of Christ has universal, direct significance for every human being of the past, present, and future.  And that’s why our Christian moral obligations to others of our race goes beyond just the minimal, “Do no harm.”  As children of God, united as members of His holy family, we have the divine command to “Love one another.”  Divine adoption enriched our nature not just with great dignity, but great responsibility.

And that’s not all - St. John reminds us, “Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  So God is not finished with us yet - in the end, those adopted children of God who persevere in His grace will be glorified in body and soul and have the fullness of sharing the Resurrection of Christ!