“Out of darkness into his wonderful light”
Simeon, a righteous and devout man of Israel, had received a revelation from the Holy Spirit that before his death he would behold the Messiah, “the Christ of the Lord” (Lk 2:26). We do not know for how long Simeon was waiting, we do not know how old he was when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple. How many people had crossed his path, how many times must he have turned his head wondering, “Is this the one?”
Today we recall the presentation of Jesus in the temple, the day in which Simeon’s waiting, his growing anticipation, comes to an end. “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel” (cf. Lk 2:29-32). He can now go to his eternal rest is peace and so can we.
What Simeon said and experienced, when Jesus was presented in the Temple is still true for us today. Jesus the Christ has come to us, to lead us “out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9), for he is the living Temple, the place where heaven and earth meet, where the divine and human are one. May we spend some time in prayer today imaging ourselves holding the infant Jesus in our arms, looking into his eyes, and allowing his smile, hearing is giggle, to fill us with his unconditional love and mercy. As we reach up a hand to him and he grasps our finger, may we feel a warmth that radiates through our being that melts away all anxiety, doubt, or fear. May anything that keeps us bound to darkness and sin be loosed such that we feel a freedom of forgiveness that will inspire us, from this moment of experiencing Jesus in our time and place, to give our life to him so that we too may radiate his light, his love, his mercy and forgiveness to others, to anyone Jesus sends us to today.
Photo: Statue of the Holy Family, grounds of St Peter Catholic Church, Jupiter, FL
Link for the Mass readings for Friday, February 2, 2018:
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020218.cfm
Sent as Witnesses
The rejection of Jesus by those in his hometown did not slow down his ministerial goals. We can imagine that Jesus knew what he was going to do already, but en route, wanted to stop by to see if any from his “native land” would like to participate in his public outreach. Apparently no one did, so without missing a beat, Jesus went ahead and “summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7). We are summoned and sent out as well.
At the end of each Mass, we as Catholics are sent, just as the Apostles, to proclaim the good news! All of us as the Body of Christ, believers in Jesus the Christ, the baptized, are to live as his disciples and be witnesses to him in all aspects of our lives. This is best done by acknowledging that God is the center of our lives and recognizing, empowering, and standing up for the dignity of each person that we have the blessing to encounter. This is to be foundational in the way we think, look, feel, and act toward another. Beyond this our call of evangelization is unique, for we each have a particular charism and gifts that the Holy Spirit provides.
Jesus is the one who calls us, sends us, and empowers us. We become divinized, become God when we say yes to his will and participate in his life of service. Jesus not only teaches with authority, he calls and sends us with that same authority – exousia in Greek, meaning coming out of or from his own divine substance as Son of God. We are to rely on the divine providence of our Father, meaning he will provide that which we need to accomplish the task he has given us, and he will also send the Holy Spirit and others to provide help, aid, guidance and support. We see this over and over again in the lives of the saints.
At first sight we may not agree with God’s choosing, his choosing us or the others he sends to help us! Yet, we only need to recall what he accomplished with the Apostles, remembering the simple beginnings they came from and the wonders they accomplished in Jesus’ name. We also need to remember that God sees not as we do, for we are often misled by appearances “or lofty stature” but God sees the heart and character of the person (cf 1 Samuel 16:7). Let us be about building up the reign of God, being willing to be empowered by Jesus and those he brings into our lives, as well as empowering others. May we pray and be open to what God is calling us to do to serve him, to be willing to encounter others and will their good without seeking anything in return.
Photo: With Dr. Antonio Lopez, he has empowered me time again with his wisdom, compassion, and faithful witness!
Link for Mass readings for Thursday, February 1, 2018:
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020118.cfm
Reconnect with the wonder of God!
Today’s gospel reading is a sad account. Jesus preached and taught, but for the most part his words were not received, he did not perform healings, exorcisms, he was not able to bring those who knew him best into a deeper communion with his Father. The whole reason that he came was to bring light to a world suffering in darkness, and those closest to him refused the invitation such that: “he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mk 6:6).
Is our world today becoming more and more like Jesus’ “native place”? Where many of us expend more energy on cynicism, taking care of number one, and an uncritical acceptance of empiricism or scientism. Again, a sad state because science is an awesome gift. Science and faith come from the same source, our intrinsic ability to embrace wonder! These two are not incompatible. Authentic faith seeks understanding. Questioning and a searching mind are the ingredients for a faith alive, relevant, and vibrant. This is true for good science as well!
One without the other leads to a more limited understanding of the vast expanse of creation. Scientism is limiting the very gift of science itself because it stops when the questions get really interesting, when the exploration goes beyond the measurable, the sensate experiences as we know them. An embrace of mathematics, the sciences, philosophy, theology, the arts, sports, relationships, food, and recreation all help us to better understand and experience who we are called to be: the glory of God, which is the human being fully alive!
May we resist giving into limitation, minimalism, cynicism, and hardening of our hearts, and instead take some time today to enter into and embrace again the gift of wonder! If your efforts fall short, or you could use some extra wonder, look up tonight at the Blue Moon!
Photo: Almost super moon last night, January 30, 2018. Blue, Super Moon tomorrow night 😉
Link for the Mass reading for Wednesday, January 31, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/013118.cfm
“Do not be afraid, just have faith.”
“Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who has touched my clothes'” (Mk 5:30)? The woman could have slipped away, she could have stood still and said nothing, no one knew. His disciples were bewildered that Jesus asked such a question with so many pressing about him. But the woman approached with “fear and trembling” and told him the truth. Jesus did not admonish her for breaking a social taboo, even though both he and she knew the woman was healed the moment she touched his garment, Jesus publicly recognized her faith.
All the while as this scene transpired, Jairus must have been in agony, knowing how close his daughter was to death, and Jesus actually stopped and took the precious time to even engage with this woman. Finally, they were about to resume their journey when the terrible news came that his daughter had passed away. What might have flashed through his mind in that moment? The time Jesus took to talk with her, could that have made the difference? Other details surely crossed his mind, he was a synagogue official and would have known the taboos she crossed to reach out and touch Jesus in public, he knew that in doing so she would make Jesus unclean, she was a woman who was the lowest of low. She was frail and pallid from her condition, at death’s door herself, yet she had mustered more courage and faith, than he had.
Jesus said to the man, “Do not be afraid, just have faith” (Mk 5:36). Jairus had just experienced a powerful expression of just such faith with this woman, probably someone until this very moment who he would have shown disdain for. Maybe just maybe, if he could muster the same faith as her, Jesus could bring his daughter back to life. A light shone in the darkness of his despair and the darkness did not overcome it. Jesus indeed heals his daughter, by taking her hand and commanding her to rise and walk.
How many of us have been or have known someone who has experienced such great needs as did Jairus, whose daughter was near death, or did the woman who had been suffering for twelve years with hemorrhages? How many of us know of such healings that still happen today? How many of us have though experienced the opposite? Where we experienced no healing, we wondered where Jesus was, and why did he allow this to happen, or did not step in to help?
The best we can do in times of trial and dire need is to trust in Jesus. He may or may not bring the outcome we seek. But I assure you that he is present with us through our pain and suffering, whether we feel his presence or not. Sometimes he allows the unthinkable to happen, of which we cannot even comprehend at the time, to bring about a greater good. Often, we are not able to see that until a later date when we are able to look back. Remember also, death is not a final end, Jesus has conquered death, he and we who participate with him are victorious. Ultimately, faith is placing our trust in our God and Father who loves us, who is present to us, and carries us in our darkest hour. He sent his Son Jesus to us, to walk with us, who has given us these words: “Do not be afraid, just have faith” (Mk 5:36). Let us place our hand in his, face what is before us, and be on our way together.
Photo: St Augustine Parish, Culver City, CA, December 2017
Link for the Mass readings for Tuesday, January 30, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/013018.cfm
Jesus, Our Light of Hope in the Darkness
Today’s Gospel account follows Jesus successfully showing his power over the tumultuous storm at sea. Jesus and his disciples have entered the Gentile territory of the Gerasenes. As soon as they get out of the boat a man possessed by an unclean spirit rushes up to him. He himself was in a worse state than the storm. He called himself Legion as he was possessed by many demons. He had been living in the tombs, away from society, family, and friends, some of whom had made multiple attempts to restrain him, cure him, bring him back to his right mind, but to no avail. The encounter with Jesus ultimately brought about the result of this man “sitting there clothed and in his right mind” (Mk 5:15). Jesus was able to liberate this man from his desperate state. If you have not done so, I recommend reading the full account (Mk 5:1-20).
Many scoff at the healing power and miracles of Jesus, and they certainly would also discount demon possession. Though very rare, there are still cases today. A strict approach of scientism that only accepts the empirical, only that which can be measured by the five senses, discounts not only the divinity of Jesus and God, but any talk of a spiritual realm. This is unfortunate, because it is limiting approach in our understanding of the fullness of creation. We ourselves are both physical and spiritual, and to seek to understand both, helps us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
Too many today are in the same need of experiencing the liberating power of Jesus. Just as chaotic and tumultuous, especially among our youth, are those who are consumed and imprisoned by a vice grip of addiction. Family members and friends reach out desperately to help, to provide aid, and find themselves in the same situation as those who sought to care for this man who had been living in the tombs. Somehow this man caught “sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him” (Mk 5:6). There must have been some ember at the core of who he was that could still move and bring him to Jesus. This growing epidemic could benefit from a unified approach of the best that science, psychology, and prayer can offer.
May we pray for all those suffering, bound, and shackled by the wide range of addictions that plague too many today. That even in the deepest darkness of their internal imprisonment, they may see the light of Jesus, encounter him and give their life to him. May we pray also for the families, friends, and those close to the ones struggling with these agonizing torments of addiction that they may also draw on the strength of Jesus, be guided to find the proper aid, support, facility, and/or treatment programs for themselves and their loved ones who are suffering.
May we hold on to the hope that Jesus is stronger than any evil that seeks to bind anyone, and we claim his victory for all those who are suffering from any form of addiction. May Jesus lead them to freedom, to their right mind, and like the Gerasene man who was healed in today’s gospel, may they experience the fullness of healing whereby they may go forth to help others to find the same path to liberation.
Photo: Sunset a few weeks back
Link for the Mass readings for Monday, January 29, 2018: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012918.cfm
Jesus, Blessed Redeemer; Emmanuel, God with Us
Yesterday we read how Jesus, “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still” (Mk 4:39)! Today we read how Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and said, “Quiet! Come out of him” (Mk 1:25)! In both cases and throughout the Gospels, Jesus is showing his authority as Lord of All. The power he wields is the divine outpouring of the Love shared between himself and his Father who is the Holy Spirit which is extended out to us.
We are invited to participate in the same life and authority of the love of Jesus. The question is, do we want to? We are inclined to sin, have adopted sinful tendencies and habits, and are entrenched in debilitating defense mechanisms that have developed over years, and maybe, even unbeknownst to us, we have even entertained and executed the influences of demons. These negative attributes will not dissolve overnight. What we can do on this Lord’s Day, is determine and decide who today is the Lord of our life. Is it us or Jesus? If you choose Jesus, read on.
May we make some time today to sit and examine our conscience and identify a habit, a thought pattern, something in our life that is counter to serving the will of God. Call to mind the seven deadly sins of pride, avarice (greed), envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, sloth, or acedia (CCC 1866) and choose one to uproot. Clearly identify it and then rebuke it in the name of Jesus. Then, as we continue into the day, and at the very instant the temptation arises again, at the moment it seeps into our thoughts, we need to use the words of Jesus and in his name rebuke it again, again, “In Jesus’ name: Pride, Quiet, be still!” or “In Jesus’ name: Pride, Quiet, come out of me!”
We also need to replace that which we have uprooted. As we identify and uproot the capital sins, those main roots that nourish many other negative and sinful behaviors, we must replace them by learning and putting into practice the four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, courage, and the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. We must realize in this work of healing, that alone we will not succeed, for we must align our will and discipline with the power of his name. When we call upon the name of Jesus in seeking healing for ourselves and others, he is present and working through us just as he did when he healed and cast out unclean spirits.
Let us call upon the name of Jesus, for where the light and love of Jesus the Christ is present, no darkness can remain. May we be willing to hold the healing hand of Jesus, our Blessed Redeemer, that he may reveal to us that which is keeping us from his Father and so choose to repent and experience the healing power of his Love. May we be willing to discipline ourselves and align ourselves with the guidance of Emmanuel, God with us. May we be willing to surrender our lives to Jesus, to become holy, to become saints, to be his instruments of his love and healing.
Photo: Photo: Statue of Mary and Jesus on the front grounds of Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside, CA
Link for the Mass readings for Sunday, January 28, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012818.cfm
Embrace Jesus in the Midst of Storms
On display in this recounting of the calming of the storm at sea is the humanity of Jesus. He has finally succumbed to the exhaustion from being pulled and touched, challenged and accused, the constant interaction through his service of teaching, healing, forgiving, and exorcising, that he not only fell asleep on the boat but was in such a deep sleep that he was as if dead, even through the height of the storm. Also, we see his divinity expressed when his disciples wake him and he calmed the storm immediately with just his word: “Quiet! Be Still” (Mk 4:39)!
The disciples have grasped his uniqueness and have accepted him as their rabbi, their teacher, but they are still having trouble comprehending that he is also the Son of God. The disciples will continue to experience his miracles, but it will not be until after the resurrection and ascension, that their faith will find the maturity to participate in the fullness of the ministry Jesus he was grooming them for.
Storms arise in our lives, sometimes just as unannounced and as quickly as the squall in today’s Gospel. A health issue, an injury, an economic shift, a conflict in a relationship, the effects of a mistake in judgment or a sinful choice, all can arise at a moment’s notice. We, like the disciples, can sometimes only hold on so as not to be tossed into the sea, or bail out water so we don’t sink, but sooner or later we need to turn to Jesus to seek his aid. As the storms arise, a helpful point to keep in mind that I have learned from one of our past retreat directors, Fr. RB is: “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, and sometimes the Lord lets the storm rage on and calms his child.”
This is where our faith and trust mature. No matter the severity of the storm we need to trust in Jesus that he is present with us, accompanying us and not leaving us alone, no matter if we brought the storms in our lives upon ourselves, or they arose from another source. May we trust that he will either calm the storm or bring us a sense of peace as we travel through it assured that Jesus will give us that which we need to ride it out to the other side. We are also to follow his model and be the same for others in their storms. May we be that calm assurance and presence for those who need Jesus but do not know him or are focusing on fear instead of him. May we be present and accompany one another through our storms, such that we can experience the divinity and so the peace of Christ through our embrace of one another.
Carry these words with you and call upon them as storms arise: In Jesus’ name, “Quiet! Be still” (Mk 4:39)!
Photo credit: Deacon Michael Miller – We as Church are at our best when we embrace and support one another through the storms and celebrations of life.
Fr RB Williams home page and link to his homily from today:
http://www.rbwords.com/
http://www.rbwords.com/wttw/date/2018-01-27
Link for the Mass readings for Saturday, January 27, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012718.cfm
God Has Invited us to Relationship and Participation in Building His Kingdom
Two parables are presented by Jesus today in the Gospel of Mark. Both are presenting what the kingdom of God is like, the first presents a man who sows seeds, and the second is a mustard seed that is planted. In both cases the seeds germinate and go through the process of becoming mature plants. The kingdom of God is like these plants in that it starts with the smallest of beginnings, and we also need to realize that God’s timing is not our timing. In our rapid paced world of instant access, we would do well to slow down.
God not only begins small, and on his own timetable, but he is often working beyond the realm of our awareness. This is evident in the first parable offered by Jesus: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how” (Mk 4:26-27). This is not to say that God has set everything in motion and is indifferent or despondent to his creation. Quite the opposite. God has a plan and has been engaged in our life even before our conception. Just as he revealed this truth to Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you” (Jeremiah 1:5), he reveals himself and his will for us today as well.
God has always known us. The beauty is that even though God has no need for us, he invites us to know him, to participate in spreading his kingdom. Just think of someone who you have for the longest time wanted to meet. If the opportunity arose to spend time with that person, how excited would you be? We have the opportunity to do so with the Creator of all that exists, and not just today, or tomorrow, but for all of eternity. He has created us for himself and he invites us to share in his relationship, his work of salvation history in simple and subtle ways. Are we making an effort to be aware, are we willing to watch and pray? Are we willing to place ourselves in a posture to receive his Word as well as his Silence? Just as a seed that is sown matures and grows over time into a mightiest of oak trees, so may our relationship with our Loving God and Father also grow and mature that we become one with him.
Photo: A pair of Sand Hill Cranes JoAnn and I saw one evening on one of our walks.
Link for the Mass readings for Friday, January, 26, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012618.cfmGod
Spiritual Stepping Stones 