I think it is good for us to know how original sin, or the first sin, affected us and how Christ's salvation helps us.
Original sin caused us to lose original justice, which fundamentally, is the will's subjection to God. Because of this, our minds became subject to ignorance, our desires became inclined to go against reason or conscience, and we became subject to sickness and death.
In spite of this, original sin did not completely wipe out the good of human nature. At our core, we are still good because we are rational, that is, we are inclined to virtue. No sin, or amount of sin, can take this away. If it could, we would cease to be human.
But even though the first sin did not destroy our inclination to virtue, it did diminish it. As was mentioned above, our feelings and desires have a tendency to go against conscience. These irrational desires are called concupiscence, and they are an obstacle to our inclination to virtue. The main problem with these desires is that they can lead us to become too attached to created things; they make it easier for us to love created things more than the Creator.
In baptism, God changes all of this. The fundamental change he makes is that he restores our lost relationship with him, which brings our wills into subjection to his. Because of this, the ignorance of our minds is replaced with knowledge of God and truth, and concupiscence is weakened. We are still subject to sickness and death, but these can be means to a deeper love of God and neighbor.
Because God neither completely removes the ignorance in our minds nor concupiscence in baptism, he has left us with a battle we have to fight every day. We still have forces within us, which lead us to go against the new creations that we are. However, the power we have in us from the indwelling Trinity is greater than the elements of original sin that remain.
God will strengthen us to be true to our new identity in Christ. May we avail ourselves of his help through constant prayer and worthy reception of the sacraments.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Reflection on Vicky
When I was in elementary school, I, and a bunch of my classmates, would make fun of this girl, Vicky, every day. One day, when we were in fourth grade and were outside for recess, we, as usual, were making fun of Vicky. But, for whatever reason, I noticed the look of hurt on her face; and it broke my heart because I knew that I was the reason for her pain. I wanted to yell at my friends and tell them to stop making fun of her, but I did not say anything because I did not want my friends to turn on me. From that day on, I never made fun of Vicky again.
This is what needs to happen with us and Jesus. We have to see that our sins caused his crucifixion and continue to hurt him, just like my cruelness to Vicky caused her pain. We need to see the look of hurt and rejection on his crucified face, and realize that we have caused it. When this happens, we will begin to detest our sins and love our Savior for using our rejection of him as the thing through which he brings us salvation.
This is what needs to happen with us and Jesus. We have to see that our sins caused his crucifixion and continue to hurt him, just like my cruelness to Vicky caused her pain. We need to see the look of hurt and rejection on his crucified face, and realize that we have caused it. When this happens, we will begin to detest our sins and love our Savior for using our rejection of him as the thing through which he brings us salvation.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Reflection on God's Purpose for Trials and Temptations
"The genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
1 Peter 1:7
I think we all want to have a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ. According to the verse above, that will only happen when we endure the heat and pressure of trials and temptations. There is no other way to burn off the imperfections in our love for Jesus.
In light of this, I think we need to embrace trials and temptations as our friends, not for how they can drive us further from God if we give in to them, but for how they can deepen our love for him if, by his grace, we resist them.
To God, our faith, or our devotion to him, is precious; therefore, he will allow trials and temptations to come into our lives from time to time. Let us, then, see God's purpose for them and, by his grace, withstand the heat from the furnace.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Reflection on Philippians 2:5-11
Here is something I find to be a bit odd.
Jesus Christ, who was in the form of God, since he was of the same being as God, did not consider this equality with God as something to be held onto. Rather, without losing any of his divinity, he humbled himself by taking on the form of a man, and by becoming obedient to God the Father until death, death on a cross. Because of this self-emptying of Christ, God the Father exalted him to the highest place in the universe.
We, on the other hand, as mere human beings, erroneously think we are in the form of God, and want to hold onto our equality with God; so rather than emptying and humbling ourselves by becoming obedient to God, we do our own thing, thinking this is how we continue to be like God.
Should we not have learned the paradox set forth by our Lord that our exaltation to oneness with God occurs when we die to ourselves and not when we live for ourselves?
May God, in his mercy, help us.
Jesus Christ, who was in the form of God, since he was of the same being as God, did not consider this equality with God as something to be held onto. Rather, without losing any of his divinity, he humbled himself by taking on the form of a man, and by becoming obedient to God the Father until death, death on a cross. Because of this self-emptying of Christ, God the Father exalted him to the highest place in the universe.
We, on the other hand, as mere human beings, erroneously think we are in the form of God, and want to hold onto our equality with God; so rather than emptying and humbling ourselves by becoming obedient to God, we do our own thing, thinking this is how we continue to be like God.
Should we not have learned the paradox set forth by our Lord that our exaltation to oneness with God occurs when we die to ourselves and not when we live for ourselves?
May God, in his mercy, help us.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Reflection for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032712.cfm
In today's first reading, the Israelites grew weary on their journey in the wilderness, so they complained against God and Moses. In a similar way, we may have become weary of our journey in the Lenten wilderness. Our fastings, prayers, almsgivings, and self-denials may have wore thin. We may have even started to complain about them. It is possible that we began Lent with enthusiasm, which may have all but disappeared.
The remedy for our lack of zeal is for us to look at I AM, the One who was lifted up, not on a pole, but on the cross for our sins. Out of love for God the Father and us, he never grew weary of his journey, but persevered all the way to death. In light of such love for us, is it too much for us to finish this Lenten season well for him?
In today's first reading, the Israelites grew weary on their journey in the wilderness, so they complained against God and Moses. In a similar way, we may have become weary of our journey in the Lenten wilderness. Our fastings, prayers, almsgivings, and self-denials may have wore thin. We may have even started to complain about them. It is possible that we began Lent with enthusiasm, which may have all but disappeared.
The remedy for our lack of zeal is for us to look at I AM, the One who was lifted up, not on a pole, but on the cross for our sins. Out of love for God the Father and us, he never grew weary of his journey, but persevered all the way to death. In light of such love for us, is it too much for us to finish this Lenten season well for him?
Reflection for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032612.cfm
When we read the above verse, which reveals our Lord's purpose in coming to earth, we should hear the Holy Spirit encourage us by saying, "Yes, you can do this". To do God's will, that is, to obey God, is to love God and our neighbor for the love of God to the point where we die to ourselves for God's glory and our neighbor's good. When we die to ourselves, we will bring forth Jesus in our lives in such a way that our bodies and all their parts will become Jesus' body and his parts. For this to happen, we have to trust, like Mary did, that "nothing shall be impossible for God" and that "the Holy Spirit will come upon us, and the power of the Most High will overshadows us". In other words, we have to believe that God is not going to call us to the perfection of love unless he is going to give us the strength of the Holy Spirit to accomplish it.
The Annunciation teaches us that God loves us, and wants his Son to be conceived in our hearts. Let us, then, as Mary did, offer our bodies to him, as living sacrifices, in the full assurance of faith that he who calls us to holiness will give us the power to respond to the call.
"Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will."
The Annunciation teaches us that God loves us, and wants his Son to be conceived in our hearts. Let us, then, as Mary did, offer our bodies to him, as living sacrifices, in the full assurance of faith that he who calls us to holiness will give us the power to respond to the call.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
God's Love and Our Suffering
I think, for most of us, it is easy to believe God unconditionally loves us in the cross of Christ when things are going well in our lives. When our lives are free from suffering, we find joy in God's love.
When suffering comes into our lives, though, we may find it difficult to believe God really loves us in Christ. It is in times of suffering when our faith in the unfathomable love of God for us is challenged. After all, if God loves us so much, then why has he allowed us to suffer?
I think God not only understands our struggle, but he also respects it. In fact, he respects it so much that he became one of us in the person of Christ, and experienced suffering. Consider that Jesus lost his dear friend, John the Baptist, his foster father, St. Joseph, was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, and was denied by St. Peter. And on the cross, our Lord cried out in our name, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He, without losing his faith, became one with our struggle to harmonize God's love and suffering. As such, our Lord has shown us that the two can, and do, fit together. The one (suffering) does not cancel out the other (God's love in the face of the crucified Christ).
Our Lord and God understands and sympathizes with our struggle of faith in times of suffering. Let us draw near him often for the grace to believe in God's love in the dark times of our lives.
When suffering comes into our lives, though, we may find it difficult to believe God really loves us in Christ. It is in times of suffering when our faith in the unfathomable love of God for us is challenged. After all, if God loves us so much, then why has he allowed us to suffer?
I think God not only understands our struggle, but he also respects it. In fact, he respects it so much that he became one of us in the person of Christ, and experienced suffering. Consider that Jesus lost his dear friend, John the Baptist, his foster father, St. Joseph, was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, and was denied by St. Peter. And on the cross, our Lord cried out in our name, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He, without losing his faith, became one with our struggle to harmonize God's love and suffering. As such, our Lord has shown us that the two can, and do, fit together. The one (suffering) does not cancel out the other (God's love in the face of the crucified Christ).
Our Lord and God understands and sympathizes with our struggle of faith in times of suffering. Let us draw near him often for the grace to believe in God's love in the dark times of our lives.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Reflection on Psalm 103:5
Psalm 103:5 in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) tells us to bless the Lord because he is the one who "fills our desire with good things."
In the end, God only desires one thing; and that is we. In the end, we also only desire one thing; and that is happiness. All other things we desire are simply means to this end.
Our desire for happiness has been put in us by God, and is a desire for him. Through it, we experience God's desire for us. In other words, through our desire for God/happiness, we experience, in a small way, God's desire for us. We may not always realize this, but it is the truth. We only have to look at the face of the crucified Christ to realize God's desire for us.
Because God loves us, he desires to fill us with the good things that come from his presence in our lives. Let us open wide our mouths, so that he can fill them. After all, the things of this life will never fully satisfy us.
In the end, God only desires one thing; and that is we. In the end, we also only desire one thing; and that is happiness. All other things we desire are simply means to this end.
Our desire for happiness has been put in us by God, and is a desire for him. Through it, we experience God's desire for us. In other words, through our desire for God/happiness, we experience, in a small way, God's desire for us. We may not always realize this, but it is the truth. We only have to look at the face of the crucified Christ to realize God's desire for us.
Because God loves us, he desires to fill us with the good things that come from his presence in our lives. Let us open wide our mouths, so that he can fill them. After all, the things of this life will never fully satisfy us.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Reflection for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032112.cfm
"For he who pities them leads them and guides them beside springs of water."
Is it not a wonderful thing that the Lord pities us by leading us beside springs of water or places of spiritual refreshment?
We experience God's pity and spiritual renewal in prayer, which is why it is so important that we bring all the movements of our inner life to him. Throughout the day, our souls experience various emotions. Some of these like anxiety, anger, greed, and lust not only weigh on the soul and cause it to feel empty and agitated, but can also draw us from God and lead us to commit grave sin. Taking these emotions to the Lord can remove the emptiness and agitation, and keep us from committing sin.
Our God pities us because he loves us. Let us bring our emotions to him, so we can experience the refreshment his love brings.
"For he who pities them leads them and guides them beside springs of water."
Is it not a wonderful thing that the Lord pities us by leading us beside springs of water or places of spiritual refreshment?
We experience God's pity and spiritual renewal in prayer, which is why it is so important that we bring all the movements of our inner life to him. Throughout the day, our souls experience various emotions. Some of these like anxiety, anger, greed, and lust not only weigh on the soul and cause it to feel empty and agitated, but can also draw us from God and lead us to commit grave sin. Taking these emotions to the Lord can remove the emptiness and agitation, and keep us from committing sin.
Our God pities us because he loves us. Let us bring our emotions to him, so we can experience the refreshment his love brings.
Reflection for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032012.cfm
In the first reading, the Lord shows the prophet Ezekiel a vision of a river that flows from the temple in Jerusalem into the sea, turns the bitter salt water of the sea into fresh water, and causes every living thing that comes into contact with the water to reproduce.
In the Gospel, the Apostle John teaches us that Jesus' body, which was crucified and resurrected, is the temple from which flows the river of the Holy Spirit whose love turned the bitter salt water of the sick man's illness into the fresh water of healing.
As our Lord said to the sick man in today's Gospel, he says to us, "Do you want to be well?" We still have some remnants of the bitterness of sin in our lives, and our Lord offers us the river of the Holy Spirit to change the bitterness of the salt water of sin into the fresh water of regeneration. This gift of Christ's love changes our hearts so we can bring forth the fruit of love in our lives. The new life begins in baptism and is nourished by the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
Our Lord offers his healing love to us. Let us open our hearts to him through weekly reception of the Eucharist and regular reception of Reconciliation.
In the first reading, the Lord shows the prophet Ezekiel a vision of a river that flows from the temple in Jerusalem into the sea, turns the bitter salt water of the sea into fresh water, and causes every living thing that comes into contact with the water to reproduce.
In the Gospel, the Apostle John teaches us that Jesus' body, which was crucified and resurrected, is the temple from which flows the river of the Holy Spirit whose love turned the bitter salt water of the sick man's illness into the fresh water of healing.
As our Lord said to the sick man in today's Gospel, he says to us, "Do you want to be well?" We still have some remnants of the bitterness of sin in our lives, and our Lord offers us the river of the Holy Spirit to change the bitterness of the salt water of sin into the fresh water of regeneration. This gift of Christ's love changes our hearts so we can bring forth the fruit of love in our lives. The new life begins in baptism and is nourished by the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
Our Lord offers his healing love to us. Let us open our hearts to him through weekly reception of the Eucharist and regular reception of Reconciliation.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Reflection for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031912.cfm
In the Old Testament, there were two covenants that foretold what the Messianic age would look like. The first was the Abrahamic covenant. In this covenant, which St. Paul discusses in the second reading, God promised Abraham that, through him, the age of the Messiah would include salvation for all nations, not just Israel. The second was the Davidic covenant. In this covenant, which is touched on in the first reading, God promised King David that one of his sons, that is, the Messiah, would sit on the throne of a kingdom that would last forever.
All of the promises made to Abraham and David were fulfilled in Jesus and the eternal kingdom he established; and just as Abraham and David believed that God could fulfill the impossible promises made to them, so St. Joseph believed that God had done an impossible thing in causing Mary to conceive the Messiah as a virgin.
We, too, are called to believe that God can do something impossible in us: turn us from sinners to saints. This is no small feat, as our sinful habits are impossible to break; however, the same God who caused the Blessed Virgin Mary to conceive the Son of God is the one who calls us to become saints; and whenever God calls, he equips.
Our God loves us immensely and unconditionally through Christ. Therefore, like St. Joseph, let us entrust ourselves completely to him, knowing that nothing shall be impossible for God.
In the Old Testament, there were two covenants that foretold what the Messianic age would look like. The first was the Abrahamic covenant. In this covenant, which St. Paul discusses in the second reading, God promised Abraham that, through him, the age of the Messiah would include salvation for all nations, not just Israel. The second was the Davidic covenant. In this covenant, which is touched on in the first reading, God promised King David that one of his sons, that is, the Messiah, would sit on the throne of a kingdom that would last forever.
All of the promises made to Abraham and David were fulfilled in Jesus and the eternal kingdom he established; and just as Abraham and David believed that God could fulfill the impossible promises made to them, so St. Joseph believed that God had done an impossible thing in causing Mary to conceive the Messiah as a virgin.
We, too, are called to believe that God can do something impossible in us: turn us from sinners to saints. This is no small feat, as our sinful habits are impossible to break; however, the same God who caused the Blessed Virgin Mary to conceive the Son of God is the one who calls us to become saints; and whenever God calls, he equips.
Our God loves us immensely and unconditionally through Christ. Therefore, like St. Joseph, let us entrust ourselves completely to him, knowing that nothing shall be impossible for God.
Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031812-fourth-sunday-of-lent.cfm
In the first reading, the people of the southern kingdom of Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians because of their persistent love for the darkness of sin and infidelity to God. Their captivity was sandwiched between two acts of God's mercy: first, in the form of the prophets he sent to them to warn them and lead them to repentance; and second, in their return to Judah from captivity through Cyrus, the Persian king who had conquered the Babylonians.
The Gospel shows that Christ is the mercy of God in that he is the prophet whose preaching and manner of life call us to repentance; and he is the new Cyrus in that, through his being lifted up on the cross, he frees, not just one nation, but the whole world from our spiritual captivity, which is our persistent love for the darkness of sin and infidelity to God. In order to receive the love God has for us, we have to believe in his only Son, which is the total commitment of ourselves to God through his Son.
Indeed, God has loved the world so very much through his Son. Therefore, let us cast off our spiritual captivity and live the truth.
In the first reading, the people of the southern kingdom of Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians because of their persistent love for the darkness of sin and infidelity to God. Their captivity was sandwiched between two acts of God's mercy: first, in the form of the prophets he sent to them to warn them and lead them to repentance; and second, in their return to Judah from captivity through Cyrus, the Persian king who had conquered the Babylonians.
The Gospel shows that Christ is the mercy of God in that he is the prophet whose preaching and manner of life call us to repentance; and he is the new Cyrus in that, through his being lifted up on the cross, he frees, not just one nation, but the whole world from our spiritual captivity, which is our persistent love for the darkness of sin and infidelity to God. In order to receive the love God has for us, we have to believe in his only Son, which is the total commitment of ourselves to God through his Son.
Indeed, God has loved the world so very much through his Son. Therefore, let us cast off our spiritual captivity and live the truth.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Reflection for Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031712.cfm
In the first reading, the prophet Hosea provides us with the inner life of the tax collector in the Gospel at the time he was repenting of his sin.
In Hosea, it is stated that God is the one who "rents" and "strikes" us when we sin. The tax collector understood this. He understood that his sense of guilt, as well as any other consequences that arise from his sin, are permitted by God as a manner of discipline. It is not that God directly causes the discipline in our lives; rather, he allows the natural consequences, which flow from sin itself, to run their course; so that we will see from where we have fallen, and flee to God with repentance.
Hosea also says that God will "heal", "bind up wounds", "revive after two days", and "raise up on the third day". In other words, he will be merciful. The tax collector was confident of this, and his complete confidence in the mercy of God gave him the encouragement he needed to be honest before the Lord about his sin and misery. Our God did not spare his Son, but freely gave him up for us all; therefore, we have every reason to be confident that God does not want to hold our sins against us, but longs to forgive them.
May God give us the grace to trust in his limitless mercy in Christ, so we will have the incentive to look honestly at our sin, and repent of it.
In the first reading, the prophet Hosea provides us with the inner life of the tax collector in the Gospel at the time he was repenting of his sin.
In Hosea, it is stated that God is the one who "rents" and "strikes" us when we sin. The tax collector understood this. He understood that his sense of guilt, as well as any other consequences that arise from his sin, are permitted by God as a manner of discipline. It is not that God directly causes the discipline in our lives; rather, he allows the natural consequences, which flow from sin itself, to run their course; so that we will see from where we have fallen, and flee to God with repentance.
Hosea also says that God will "heal", "bind up wounds", "revive after two days", and "raise up on the third day". In other words, he will be merciful. The tax collector was confident of this, and his complete confidence in the mercy of God gave him the encouragement he needed to be honest before the Lord about his sin and misery. Our God did not spare his Son, but freely gave him up for us all; therefore, we have every reason to be confident that God does not want to hold our sins against us, but longs to forgive them.
May God give us the grace to trust in his limitless mercy in Christ, so we will have the incentive to look honestly at our sin, and repent of it.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Reflection for Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031612.cfm
In the first reading, God promises the Israelites that after they repent, they will experience peace, comfort, and fruitfulness. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that the essence of the law is love for God and neighbor. This love is renewed in us after we repent, and is the basis of the peace, comfort, and fruitfulness mentioned in the first reading.
Love, as one of the theological virtues, is to will the good of another for the love of God. As such, it is a love that is centered on God. Because it has God for its object, it is not something that can flow from human nature alone. It is above human nature and must be given to us from above, that is, from God.
Love is also the essence of the conscience. When the conscience tells us to do good and avoid evil, it is telling us to do the loving thing and avoid the unloving thing.
This Lent, may God give us the grace of repentance, so we will be filled with love of God and neighbor, and experience the peace, comfort, and fruitfulness that are the fruits of love.
In the first reading, God promises the Israelites that after they repent, they will experience peace, comfort, and fruitfulness. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that the essence of the law is love for God and neighbor. This love is renewed in us after we repent, and is the basis of the peace, comfort, and fruitfulness mentioned in the first reading.
Love, as one of the theological virtues, is to will the good of another for the love of God. As such, it is a love that is centered on God. Because it has God for its object, it is not something that can flow from human nature alone. It is above human nature and must be given to us from above, that is, from God.
Love is also the essence of the conscience. When the conscience tells us to do good and avoid evil, it is telling us to do the loving thing and avoid the unloving thing.
This Lent, may God give us the grace of repentance, so we will be filled with love of God and neighbor, and experience the peace, comfort, and fruitfulness that are the fruits of love.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Reflection for Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031512.cfm
In the first reading, God chides the Israelites for turning their backs on him by not listening to the prophets who were deliverers of his word. In the Gospel, Jesus, the prophet of God, proves by his exorcising a demon that his teachings are from God and that the kingdom of God has come to earth in his person; yet the Jewish religious leaders turn their backs on him by not listening to his word.
For us, the prophets of God are the popes and bishops who, together, faithfully teach us God's word.
God's prophets for us are also the saints whose teachings and way of life prove that Christ and his kingdom were alive in them. As such, in order to follow God, we would do well to imitate their virtues and discipline, even if we have to tailor their virtues and discipline to our manner of life. For example, some of the saints were celibate men and women who participated in long and rigorous fasts. It would not be wise for us who are married and involved with careers to fast in the same way the celibates did; but we should still fast, albeit for a shorter period of time and with less rigor.
May our Lord give us the grace to turn our faces to him by listening to the word he teaches us through his prophets: the Magisterium (bishops in union with the pope) and the saints.
In the first reading, God chides the Israelites for turning their backs on him by not listening to the prophets who were deliverers of his word. In the Gospel, Jesus, the prophet of God, proves by his exorcising a demon that his teachings are from God and that the kingdom of God has come to earth in his person; yet the Jewish religious leaders turn their backs on him by not listening to his word.
For us, the prophets of God are the popes and bishops who, together, faithfully teach us God's word.
God's prophets for us are also the saints whose teachings and way of life prove that Christ and his kingdom were alive in them. As such, in order to follow God, we would do well to imitate their virtues and discipline, even if we have to tailor their virtues and discipline to our manner of life. For example, some of the saints were celibate men and women who participated in long and rigorous fasts. It would not be wise for us who are married and involved with careers to fast in the same way the celibates did; but we should still fast, albeit for a shorter period of time and with less rigor.
May our Lord give us the grace to turn our faces to him by listening to the word he teaches us through his prophets: the Magisterium (bishops in union with the pope) and the saints.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Reflection for Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031312.cfm
Because the Lord Jesus has forgiven us many times, he requires us to forgive those who have sinned against us. In fact, he seems to state at the end of today's Gospel that if we do not forgive, we will lose eternal life.
There is one truth on which we should meditate when we find it hard to imitate God by forgiving someone who has sinned against us. When we prayerfully ponder this thought, God infuses us with the strength we need to forgive.
Nobody will ever sin against us the way we have sinned against God. We have sinned against God with a "huge amount" of sins; whereas, someone who has sinned against us has done so with a "smaller amount" of sins. In addition, God's forgiveness is given to us at the price of his Son.
May the Lord open our hearts to the wonder of his forgiveness of us, so that we will be able to imitate him in our forgiveness of those who wronged us.
Because the Lord Jesus has forgiven us many times, he requires us to forgive those who have sinned against us. In fact, he seems to state at the end of today's Gospel that if we do not forgive, we will lose eternal life.
There is one truth on which we should meditate when we find it hard to imitate God by forgiving someone who has sinned against us. When we prayerfully ponder this thought, God infuses us with the strength we need to forgive.
Nobody will ever sin against us the way we have sinned against God. We have sinned against God with a "huge amount" of sins; whereas, someone who has sinned against us has done so with a "smaller amount" of sins. In addition, God's forgiveness is given to us at the price of his Son.
May the Lord open our hearts to the wonder of his forgiveness of us, so that we will be able to imitate him in our forgiveness of those who wronged us.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Reflection for Monday of the Third Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031212.cfm
It must have been disappointing for our Lord that most of the people in his hometown did not believe in him. In this rejection from his townsfolk, Jesus was the fulfillment of the type established in the Old Testament by Elijah and Elisha of Hebrew prophets who could only heal Gentiles because their native Hebrews did not believe in them. When Jesus reminded the people in his hometown of this, he did not do it to condemn them. Rather, he did it so that they might repent after seeing that they were committing the same mistake their forefathers made. Of course, they did not believe Jesus was a prophet from God, so they got angry and tried to kill him.
This pattern of rejection from those who are closest to us is lived on in us who are members of Christ's body. Oftentimes, our family, friends, and co-workers are the last ones to come to faith as a result of our lives, if they come to faith at all. Familiarity breeds contempt. Part of the problem could be that we do not live the faith well enough or give a true explanation of it when the opportunity arises. These things can contribute to people's unbelief.
This Lent, may the Lord strengthen us to live our faith well and to teach it well when the opportunity presents itself.
It must have been disappointing for our Lord that most of the people in his hometown did not believe in him. In this rejection from his townsfolk, Jesus was the fulfillment of the type established in the Old Testament by Elijah and Elisha of Hebrew prophets who could only heal Gentiles because their native Hebrews did not believe in them. When Jesus reminded the people in his hometown of this, he did not do it to condemn them. Rather, he did it so that they might repent after seeing that they were committing the same mistake their forefathers made. Of course, they did not believe Jesus was a prophet from God, so they got angry and tried to kill him.
This pattern of rejection from those who are closest to us is lived on in us who are members of Christ's body. Oftentimes, our family, friends, and co-workers are the last ones to come to faith as a result of our lives, if they come to faith at all. Familiarity breeds contempt. Part of the problem could be that we do not live the faith well enough or give a true explanation of it when the opportunity arises. These things can contribute to people's unbelief.
This Lent, may the Lord strengthen us to live our faith well and to teach it well when the opportunity presents itself.
Reflection for the Third Sunday of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031112-third-sunday-of-lent.cfm
The Lord Jesus, in today's Gospel, showed how he perfectly lived the two greatest commandments concerning love of God and neighbor. First, he showed that he loved God the Father with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength by ridding the Temple of the greed that had become prevalent. He was so passionate about the Father's glory that he had to dispel from his house of prayer that which corrupted it. Second, he showed that he loved his neighbor as himself by removing from the Temple that which kept people from loving and connecting with God completely.
Now, our bodies are God's Temple; and Christ is zealous for God's glory to be revealed in them, so in many different ways, he takes the cords of his love and drives out from our hearts that which keeps us from loving him above all things and our neighbor as ourselves.
May the Lord open our eyes to see that when he drives out the things in our lives that keep us from fully committing to God, he does it out of love for the Father and us. May our Lenten disciplines and penances be ways that we cooperate with his purifying love in our lives.
The Lord Jesus, in today's Gospel, showed how he perfectly lived the two greatest commandments concerning love of God and neighbor. First, he showed that he loved God the Father with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength by ridding the Temple of the greed that had become prevalent. He was so passionate about the Father's glory that he had to dispel from his house of prayer that which corrupted it. Second, he showed that he loved his neighbor as himself by removing from the Temple that which kept people from loving and connecting with God completely.
Now, our bodies are God's Temple; and Christ is zealous for God's glory to be revealed in them, so in many different ways, he takes the cords of his love and drives out from our hearts that which keeps us from loving him above all things and our neighbor as ourselves.
May the Lord open our eyes to see that when he drives out the things in our lives that keep us from fully committing to God, he does it out of love for the Father and us. May our Lenten disciplines and penances be ways that we cooperate with his purifying love in our lives.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Reflection for Saturday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031012.cfm
It is easy for us to become blind like the scribes and Pharisees and to think we have it all together spiritually and morally speaking. It is easy for us to think of God as harsh and as one who only associates with those who are without sin.
The truth is, we are like the younger son (who represents the tax collectors and sinners) in the parable in today's Gospel, because we are sinners. On many occasions, we have taken the good things God, in his generosity and love, has given us, and used them to indulge in evil.
At the same time, we have also experienced the grace of God allowing us to hit rock bottom, opening our eyes so that we come to our senses, and leading us back to God with a broken heart and total confidence in his mercy. In these times, we have felt God's embrace and compassion as he rejoiced at our return.
So now, in gratitude for God's deep compassion and love, we sit, as one of the tax collectors and sinners, at the feet of Jesus to listen to him.
It is easy for us to become blind like the scribes and Pharisees and to think we have it all together spiritually and morally speaking. It is easy for us to think of God as harsh and as one who only associates with those who are without sin.
The truth is, we are like the younger son (who represents the tax collectors and sinners) in the parable in today's Gospel, because we are sinners. On many occasions, we have taken the good things God, in his generosity and love, has given us, and used them to indulge in evil.
At the same time, we have also experienced the grace of God allowing us to hit rock bottom, opening our eyes so that we come to our senses, and leading us back to God with a broken heart and total confidence in his mercy. In these times, we have felt God's embrace and compassion as he rejoiced at our return.
So now, in gratitude for God's deep compassion and love, we sit, as one of the tax collectors and sinners, at the feet of Jesus to listen to him.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Reflection for Friday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030912.cfm
When we were baptized, God the Father entrusted the vineyard, which is his Son, to us that we might be stewards of this precious gift and bring forth the fruit of the vineyard. God does not leave us on our own to tend his vineyard; he sends us his servants: the pope, bishops, and priests, to guide us. If we listen to their teaching, which is really the teaching of Christ through them, we will produce the fruit of the vineyard.
The question is: Do we listen to the servants God sends to help us tend the vineyard? Or do we listen to the ideas and perspectives of our secular culture? I realize there are times when we have a legitimate problem with a teaching of the Church. In these times, we need to draw close to the Lord in frequent prayer and ask him to give us the gifts of humility and docility. These will keep us from becoming obstinate and hard-hearted and will keep our hearts open to what our Lord is saying through his Church, which he has made the pillar and bulwark of the truth. It is also helpful to keep in mind that, because our Lord has promised to guide the Church into all the truth, she knows what makes us fully human and fully happy in a way our secular culture often does not.
As part of our Lenten growth, may God strengthen us to avail ourselves of the help his servants give, so we might produce the fruit of the vineyard.
When we were baptized, God the Father entrusted the vineyard, which is his Son, to us that we might be stewards of this precious gift and bring forth the fruit of the vineyard. God does not leave us on our own to tend his vineyard; he sends us his servants: the pope, bishops, and priests, to guide us. If we listen to their teaching, which is really the teaching of Christ through them, we will produce the fruit of the vineyard.
The question is: Do we listen to the servants God sends to help us tend the vineyard? Or do we listen to the ideas and perspectives of our secular culture? I realize there are times when we have a legitimate problem with a teaching of the Church. In these times, we need to draw close to the Lord in frequent prayer and ask him to give us the gifts of humility and docility. These will keep us from becoming obstinate and hard-hearted and will keep our hearts open to what our Lord is saying through his Church, which he has made the pillar and bulwark of the truth. It is also helpful to keep in mind that, because our Lord has promised to guide the Church into all the truth, she knows what makes us fully human and fully happy in a way our secular culture often does not.
As part of our Lenten growth, may God strengthen us to avail ourselves of the help his servants give, so we might produce the fruit of the vineyard.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Reflection for Thursday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030812.cfm
Oh Lord! I have trusted in created things because I thought they were my end and would put my soul at rest. Eventually, these things wear me out and leave me dry like a plant in the desert. They make my life fruitless and devoid of substance. I begin to despise these creatures because I see that they are not my end and do not ultimately satisfy me. There is something imperfect and incomplete about them, and my heart craves that which is perfect and complete.
Yet, when I trust in you, because I see you as my end, I find rest for my soul. My strength is renewed, and I become like a tree planted by water. My life becomes fruitful and full of substance. There is nothing to despise about you because there is nothing lacking in you. My heart is satisfied because it has found the one who is perfect and complete.
A Prayer to God Based on the First Reading
Oh Lord! I have trusted in created things because I thought they were my end and would put my soul at rest. Eventually, these things wear me out and leave me dry like a plant in the desert. They make my life fruitless and devoid of substance. I begin to despise these creatures because I see that they are not my end and do not ultimately satisfy me. There is something imperfect and incomplete about them, and my heart craves that which is perfect and complete.
Yet, when I trust in you, because I see you as my end, I find rest for my soul. My strength is renewed, and I become like a tree planted by water. My life becomes fruitful and full of substance. There is nothing to despise about you because there is nothing lacking in you. My heart is satisfied because it has found the one who is perfect and complete.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Wednesday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030712.cfm
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah, who is a type of Christ, asks God a question: "Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life?"
We who have the light of faith know that Christ has always been good and that he was innocent of the sins for which he was condemned. In light of this knowledge, why do we sometimes repay his goodness with evil by sinning against him? The Jews and Romans of Jesus' day were enslaved to the darkness of a humongous misunderstanding about Christ; but we have been set free from this darkness, so we know better. When we repay him with evil, we are less excusable than the authors of his passion, if we are excusable at all. When we delight in, and hold onto, our vices and sins, we must really hurt the Lord.
Lent is a season in which we take an honest look at ourselves in light of the goodness Christ has showered upon us and loathe ourselves for the pain we have caused our Lord. Let us make a sincere commitment to him today that we will not offend him in even the slightest manner. After all, he deserves it....and we know better.
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah, who is a type of Christ, asks God a question: "Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life?"
We who have the light of faith know that Christ has always been good and that he was innocent of the sins for which he was condemned. In light of this knowledge, why do we sometimes repay his goodness with evil by sinning against him? The Jews and Romans of Jesus' day were enslaved to the darkness of a humongous misunderstanding about Christ; but we have been set free from this darkness, so we know better. When we repay him with evil, we are less excusable than the authors of his passion, if we are excusable at all. When we delight in, and hold onto, our vices and sins, we must really hurt the Lord.
Lent is a season in which we take an honest look at ourselves in light of the goodness Christ has showered upon us and loathe ourselves for the pain we have caused our Lord. Let us make a sincere commitment to him today that we will not offend him in even the slightest manner. After all, he deserves it....and we know better.
Reflection for Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030612.cfm
"They love the places of honor....The greatest among you must be your servant."
The problem with the scribes and Pharisees was they loved the respect and accolades they received from people. The problem was not with the respect and titles, per se. It was with the fact that they loved and coveted them. This turned them into rulers over the people instead of servants of the people. They were more concerned with having their egos stroked than with being channels of grace to the people.
The same is true for us who are citizens of the kingdom of God through baptism. We may have positions of authority, and because of that, we may be called by various titles. This is all good and necessary; but we must always remember that God, who is above us, has given us these positions of power so that we might serve those under us and better their lives in some way. We must never allow pride and self-love to distort our perspective.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, who deserves all respect and every accolade, humbly served us to the point of offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. It is that kind of humble, self-giving love we must offer to those we serve.
"They love the places of honor....The greatest among you must be your servant."
The problem with the scribes and Pharisees was they loved the respect and accolades they received from people. The problem was not with the respect and titles, per se. It was with the fact that they loved and coveted them. This turned them into rulers over the people instead of servants of the people. They were more concerned with having their egos stroked than with being channels of grace to the people.
The same is true for us who are citizens of the kingdom of God through baptism. We may have positions of authority, and because of that, we may be called by various titles. This is all good and necessary; but we must always remember that God, who is above us, has given us these positions of power so that we might serve those under us and better their lives in some way. We must never allow pride and self-love to distort our perspective.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, who deserves all respect and every accolade, humbly served us to the point of offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. It is that kind of humble, self-giving love we must offer to those we serve.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Reflection for Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030512.cfm
"Jesus said to his disciples, 'Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.'"
We human beings tend to take on the characteristics of those whom we admire. This is why parents are cautious about the people they allow their children to make for friends. The same is true concerning our image of God. If we imagine God to be harsh with us, then we will be harsh with ourselves and others. Conversely, if we imagine God to be gentle and merciful with us, then we will be gentle and merciful with ourselves and others.
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us to be merciful and to stop condemning and judging others. The basis of this is that our heavenly Father is merciful. In other words, we are to reflect the image of God in the way we deal with the sins and shortcomings of others; and since God has been merciful to us concerning our sins and shortcomings, we are to take on that characteristic in our dealings with others.
The question for us is: How do we imagine God to be with us? One way to find a correct answer to this is to evaluate how we handle our own weaknesses and those of others. If we are intolerant, then there is a good chance we (incorrectly) think God is intolerant with us. If we are patient, then there is a good chance we (correctly) think God is patient with us.
At its core, Lent is about conversion; and conversion is just as much about a change in perspective as it is about a change in behavior. May Christ purify our minds of an incorrect perspective of God the Father, so that we can extend his mercy to ourselves and others.
"Jesus said to his disciples, 'Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.'"
We human beings tend to take on the characteristics of those whom we admire. This is why parents are cautious about the people they allow their children to make for friends. The same is true concerning our image of God. If we imagine God to be harsh with us, then we will be harsh with ourselves and others. Conversely, if we imagine God to be gentle and merciful with us, then we will be gentle and merciful with ourselves and others.
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us to be merciful and to stop condemning and judging others. The basis of this is that our heavenly Father is merciful. In other words, we are to reflect the image of God in the way we deal with the sins and shortcomings of others; and since God has been merciful to us concerning our sins and shortcomings, we are to take on that characteristic in our dealings with others.
The question for us is: How do we imagine God to be with us? One way to find a correct answer to this is to evaluate how we handle our own weaknesses and those of others. If we are intolerant, then there is a good chance we (incorrectly) think God is intolerant with us. If we are patient, then there is a good chance we (correctly) think God is patient with us.
At its core, Lent is about conversion; and conversion is just as much about a change in perspective as it is about a change in behavior. May Christ purify our minds of an incorrect perspective of God the Father, so that we can extend his mercy to ourselves and others.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Reflection for the Second Sunday of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030412.cfm
Whenever I read the first reading, I feel ashamed and convicted because I don't love God the way Abraham did. Heck, I would have a hard time giving up my iPhone, let alone one of my kids. What did Abraham see in God that enabled him to love God above everything else in his life? I suspect it was God's love and goodness. In any case, I do not know God the way Abraham did.
What can we do to become more like Abraham in our love for God? I think it begins with realizing that God loved us first and showed it by not withholding his Son from us. Abraham loved God and did not withhold his son; God loved us and did not withhold his Son. I bet Abraham spent a lot of time pondering the love of God for him, and this gave him the strength and encouragement he needed to love God in return. The same will happen for us.
I think one way for us to ponder God's love this Lent is to spend some time meditating on the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary with the intention that God, through the intercession of Mary, would open our eyes to the depth of his love in Christ. As we pray the sorrowful mysteries, we should think about how our sins have caused Christ such pain; and yet, even though we have done such horrible things to him, he still loves us.
May God help us to put him first in our hearts, since we were first in his.
Whenever I read the first reading, I feel ashamed and convicted because I don't love God the way Abraham did. Heck, I would have a hard time giving up my iPhone, let alone one of my kids. What did Abraham see in God that enabled him to love God above everything else in his life? I suspect it was God's love and goodness. In any case, I do not know God the way Abraham did.
What can we do to become more like Abraham in our love for God? I think it begins with realizing that God loved us first and showed it by not withholding his Son from us. Abraham loved God and did not withhold his son; God loved us and did not withhold his Son. I bet Abraham spent a lot of time pondering the love of God for him, and this gave him the strength and encouragement he needed to love God in return. The same will happen for us.
I think one way for us to ponder God's love this Lent is to spend some time meditating on the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary with the intention that God, through the intercession of Mary, would open our eyes to the depth of his love in Christ. As we pray the sorrowful mysteries, we should think about how our sins have caused Christ such pain; and yet, even though we have done such horrible things to him, he still loves us.
May God help us to put him first in our hearts, since we were first in his.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Reflection for Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030312.cfm
I think Jesus gives us a good litmus test in today's Gospel to see if we are really sons and daughters of God, that is, if we are in a loving union with him through Christ.
You know, it really does not take much to love our family and friends (although, maybe it is a challenge sometimes to love members of our family). It is good that we love them, but even those who are furthest from God can do that in their own human strength.
What takes supernatural strength, which can only come from God working in a human heart, is to love those who have wronged us in some way. God is good to all: the righteous (those who love him) and the unrighteous (those who do not love him); so if we are his children and share his DNA, so to speak, then we should resemble him in the way we treat all people, but especially those who are cruel to us.
All of us, at some point, were enemies of God; but even when we were, God showed his love for us by sending his Son to die for us. Through pondering this truth, may God grant us encouragement to love our enemies.
I think Jesus gives us a good litmus test in today's Gospel to see if we are really sons and daughters of God, that is, if we are in a loving union with him through Christ.
You know, it really does not take much to love our family and friends (although, maybe it is a challenge sometimes to love members of our family). It is good that we love them, but even those who are furthest from God can do that in their own human strength.
What takes supernatural strength, which can only come from God working in a human heart, is to love those who have wronged us in some way. God is good to all: the righteous (those who love him) and the unrighteous (those who do not love him); so if we are his children and share his DNA, so to speak, then we should resemble him in the way we treat all people, but especially those who are cruel to us.
All of us, at some point, were enemies of God; but even when we were, God showed his love for us by sending his Son to die for us. Through pondering this truth, may God grant us encouragement to love our enemies.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Reflection for Friday of the First Week of Lent
Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030212.cfm
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.'"
What type of righteousness is Jesus referring to in the above passage? He is referring to one that begins in the heart and flows outward to virtuous deeds, rather than one that is merely outward. The scribes and Pharisees had reduced holiness to the outward observation of minute and detailed rules, and they thought their good works obligated God to reward them with eternal life. However, they ignored the sinful attitudes and perspectives they had in the heart. For example, they thought they could hate others passionately, but as long as they did not physically kill them, they were not guilty of sin. They were outwardly very religious; but their hearts were full of pride, selfishness, greed, envy, and hatred. Jesus makes it clear in today's Gospel that this perspective is, at best, only partially true. The heart counts just as much as the works.
During Lent, it is good for us to perform the works of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving; but we must not forget that they do not mean much if they do not flow from a repentant and pure heart. We must also avoid the perspective that thinks that our Lenten disciplines put God in a position where he owes us heaven. Strictly speaking, God owes us nothing. He is pleased to reward that which he works in us, but we can never manipulate God with religiosity to the point where he becomes our debtor.
This Lent, may God give us the strength and wisdom to focus on our inner life so that our good works will flow from hearts that have been renewed by God's love.
"Jesus said to his disciples: 'I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.'"
What type of righteousness is Jesus referring to in the above passage? He is referring to one that begins in the heart and flows outward to virtuous deeds, rather than one that is merely outward. The scribes and Pharisees had reduced holiness to the outward observation of minute and detailed rules, and they thought their good works obligated God to reward them with eternal life. However, they ignored the sinful attitudes and perspectives they had in the heart. For example, they thought they could hate others passionately, but as long as they did not physically kill them, they were not guilty of sin. They were outwardly very religious; but their hearts were full of pride, selfishness, greed, envy, and hatred. Jesus makes it clear in today's Gospel that this perspective is, at best, only partially true. The heart counts just as much as the works.
During Lent, it is good for us to perform the works of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving; but we must not forget that they do not mean much if they do not flow from a repentant and pure heart. We must also avoid the perspective that thinks that our Lenten disciplines put God in a position where he owes us heaven. Strictly speaking, God owes us nothing. He is pleased to reward that which he works in us, but we can never manipulate God with religiosity to the point where he becomes our debtor.
This Lent, may God give us the strength and wisdom to focus on our inner life so that our good works will flow from hearts that have been renewed by God's love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)