Good News ReflectionFriday of the Third Week of EasterMay 1, 2009
Today's Memorial: St. Joseph the Workerhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/JosephWorker.htmDownload for sharing: "Your Work Is Awesome!"http://catholicdr.com/calendar/May/StJosephWorker.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 9:1-20Ps 117:1bc-2 (with Mark 16:15)John 6:52-59http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/050109.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_05_01.mp3
A more powerful experience of the Eucharist
In reflecting on what it means to eat the flesh of Jesus and drink his blood, consider this: Are WE not also his Body — his Flesh and Blood — for the world today?
Today's Gospel reading contains the Great Eucharistic Command. However, we must not look at this only from the perspective of "what's in it for me?", not if we want to be followers of Christ who said, "Those who feed on me will have life because of me." What kind of life? What's the difference between having HIS life and the one we were born with, the flesh and blood existence of physical bodies that eventually loses its life? The answer lies in who benefits: us or others.
Jesus gives us his body and blood during every Mass so that we benefit by consuming him, which unites us to him (to his love, his life, his ministry, etc.), which then should benefit others.
We also consume him outside the Mass. We draw him into us during our prayers, our interactions with others, and even by appreciating the beauty of nature. He feeds us through Christian songs and other inspiring music. He quenches our thirst for spiritual growth.
As we open ourselves to receive the presence of Jesus outside the Mass, we prepare ourselves more fully to receive what he gives us inside the Mass. Because the Eucharist is our divine Lord giving himself to us completely, in his full divinity and physical humanity, powerfully and miraculously, we leave church significantly changed — or rather, that's the plan; for it to really happen, we have to cooperate with God's plan by being fully involved in the Mass.
Consuming Jesus is supposed to transform us into his likeness. We become what we receive; we become the Eucharist, which means we're ready for others to consume us, or to put it more accurately, we give them opportunities to be nourished by the True Presence of Jesus within us.
When we give love to others, they receive God's love, and when they don't return our love in equal measure, they deplete us: We're being consumed! The same Eucharistic life happens when we give our time and skills and talents but are not paid or rewarded.
The more we're depleted and consumed by others, the more we need to consume Jesus. I can tell you from experience that the busier I am, the more I need to pray and attend daily Mass.
And remember this, which is absolutely essential: By ourselves, we are not the body and blood of Christ. The body has many parts. If you feel drained and depleted, crushed by stresses and worn down, it's because you haven't allowed Jesus to fill you with all of his body and blood, which includes the people he has given you within the Church community, for they are his hands, his smile, his embrace, and his encouragement that strengthens us and renews us.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
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Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
The gift of living bread
Good News ReflectionThursday of the Third Week of EasterApril 30, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 8:26-40Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20 (with 1)John 6:44-51http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/043009.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_30.mp3
The gift of living bread
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus says, "I am the living bread from heaven." Is he only talking about the Eucharist — or is it more than that? When he taught us the "Our Father" prayer, he said we should ask God to "give us this day our daily bread." Is there a connection between the living bread and our daily bread?
During the Israelites' sojourn in the desert, God miraculously provided manna when they ran out of their own supplies. It was unlike any bread of human invention. These delicious flakes of wafers appeared on the ground every morning. They lasted only a day and then rotted, because God wanted to teach the people to rely on him daily.
God wants us to do everything we can while relying on him for everything we cannot do, every day, each and every moment. In all that we need — whether it's money for living expenses or patient love for someone who's causing us problems — God stretches us beyond our limitations and provides us with his limitless resources.
"Do you really understand what you're reading?" That's the question that Philip asked the Ethiopian in today's first reading. The foreign official had just completed a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and now he wanted to grow closer to God through the scriptures. However, he didn't meet his Savior until someone explained to him that Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus.
When you pray "give us this day our daily bread", do you understand what you're saying? It's not just about asking God to be the provider of our food. We're asking God to help us be more like Jesus, the living bread — the Jesus who told his disciples to go out in ministry without traveling bags or food or money, the Jesus who relied on his Father for everything, the Jesus who told us not to worry about what we will eat or drink.
So why do we pray like everything depends on God and act like it all depends on us? Why do we put away extra money "for future needs" while others are unable to meet their current needs? Why do we pay rent on storage sheds to hold possessions that we no longer use while others could benefit from having them?
When we act this way, we've forgotten that Jesus, who is the living bread, is our daily bread. We've received the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, selfishly, which is hardly what Jesus intended when he instituted the Mass.
Alternatively, when we live believing that God is our provider, we feel safe emptying ourselves, like Christ, to serve the needs of others. In this emptying, we more fully understand the Real Presence of Jesus within us, and only then do we grasp the full meaning of the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated, living bread of the altar.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
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Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Today's Readings:Acts 8:26-40Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20 (with 1)John 6:44-51http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/043009.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_30.mp3
The gift of living bread
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus says, "I am the living bread from heaven." Is he only talking about the Eucharist — or is it more than that? When he taught us the "Our Father" prayer, he said we should ask God to "give us this day our daily bread." Is there a connection between the living bread and our daily bread?
During the Israelites' sojourn in the desert, God miraculously provided manna when they ran out of their own supplies. It was unlike any bread of human invention. These delicious flakes of wafers appeared on the ground every morning. They lasted only a day and then rotted, because God wanted to teach the people to rely on him daily.
God wants us to do everything we can while relying on him for everything we cannot do, every day, each and every moment. In all that we need — whether it's money for living expenses or patient love for someone who's causing us problems — God stretches us beyond our limitations and provides us with his limitless resources.
"Do you really understand what you're reading?" That's the question that Philip asked the Ethiopian in today's first reading. The foreign official had just completed a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and now he wanted to grow closer to God through the scriptures. However, he didn't meet his Savior until someone explained to him that Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus.
When you pray "give us this day our daily bread", do you understand what you're saying? It's not just about asking God to be the provider of our food. We're asking God to help us be more like Jesus, the living bread — the Jesus who told his disciples to go out in ministry without traveling bags or food or money, the Jesus who relied on his Father for everything, the Jesus who told us not to worry about what we will eat or drink.
So why do we pray like everything depends on God and act like it all depends on us? Why do we put away extra money "for future needs" while others are unable to meet their current needs? Why do we pay rent on storage sheds to hold possessions that we no longer use while others could benefit from having them?
When we act this way, we've forgotten that Jesus, who is the living bread, is our daily bread. We've received the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, selfishly, which is hardly what Jesus intended when he instituted the Mass.
Alternatively, when we live believing that God is our provider, we feel safe emptying ourselves, like Christ, to serve the needs of others. In this emptying, we more fully understand the Real Presence of Jesus within us, and only then do we grasp the full meaning of the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated, living bread of the altar.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
How to increase your joy!
Good News ReflectionWednesday of the Third Week of EasterApril 29, 2009
Today's Memorial: Saint Catherine of Sienahttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/CatherineSiena.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 8:1b-8Ps 66:1-7aJohn 6:35-40http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042909.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_29.mp3
How to increase your joy!
I love how the Bible describes, in today's first reading, what happened when Philip did the works of the Lord: "There was great joy in that city", which is also translated as: "The rejoicing in that town rose to fever pitch." In the responsorial Psalm, we read: "Shout joyfully to God!" I hope that if you hear this in Mass today, the lector doesn't make it sound like an obituary. Oh if only we could feel free to behave like real Christians! God is so awesome, we should be whooping it up, even in church! Even if we do look like idiots.
No wonder Christianity doesn't appeal much to non-believers. They don't see us enjoying our faith. Privately, we know the benefits, but do our faces show it? Do we rejoice more than we complain? Do we convey to the world that God is bigger than our problems? Do our attitudes communicate that faith is more fun than disbelief?
What holds us back from openly showing our excitement about being a follower of Christ? Are we afraid that others will ridicule us? How silly! We go to sporting events and whoop it up like there's nothing more exciting on earth, and we don't feel embarrassed there. Is a game more worthy of joyful shouting than God is?
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus assures us that all who follow him will receive eternal life. That's something to get excited about. Imagine the joy that's in heaven. Could it be so wonderful that all the saints are whooping it up (including your deceased relatives and friends who used to be so subdued in church)?When we openly display the joy of our faith, we evangelize ourselves! No matter how bad things get, we still have much to be grateful for. In the midst of sufferings and the drudgery tasks of daily life, we need to focus on what is good and joy-making. When we remember to praise God, we enter into gratefulness, and then the burdens of our troubles become lighter.
Psychologists have proven that smiling reduces stress. Medical doctors have discovered that laughter heals. If you need healing, if you need renewal, if you need to be lifted up out of misery, have a praise and worship service — just you and Jesus and your guardian angel as you sing along with a CD or iTunes of joyful music.
Whatever happens in your life today, give yourself permission to have a spiritual party. Rejoice! Give praise to God for his goodness. Even if you have to go outside or lock yourself inside the bathroom, SHOUT JOYFULLY IN PRAISE OF GOD! See if that doesn't at least make you giggle.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Memorial: Saint Catherine of Sienahttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/CatherineSiena.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 8:1b-8Ps 66:1-7aJohn 6:35-40http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042909.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_29.mp3
How to increase your joy!
I love how the Bible describes, in today's first reading, what happened when Philip did the works of the Lord: "There was great joy in that city", which is also translated as: "The rejoicing in that town rose to fever pitch." In the responsorial Psalm, we read: "Shout joyfully to God!" I hope that if you hear this in Mass today, the lector doesn't make it sound like an obituary. Oh if only we could feel free to behave like real Christians! God is so awesome, we should be whooping it up, even in church! Even if we do look like idiots.
No wonder Christianity doesn't appeal much to non-believers. They don't see us enjoying our faith. Privately, we know the benefits, but do our faces show it? Do we rejoice more than we complain? Do we convey to the world that God is bigger than our problems? Do our attitudes communicate that faith is more fun than disbelief?
What holds us back from openly showing our excitement about being a follower of Christ? Are we afraid that others will ridicule us? How silly! We go to sporting events and whoop it up like there's nothing more exciting on earth, and we don't feel embarrassed there. Is a game more worthy of joyful shouting than God is?
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus assures us that all who follow him will receive eternal life. That's something to get excited about. Imagine the joy that's in heaven. Could it be so wonderful that all the saints are whooping it up (including your deceased relatives and friends who used to be so subdued in church)?When we openly display the joy of our faith, we evangelize ourselves! No matter how bad things get, we still have much to be grateful for. In the midst of sufferings and the drudgery tasks of daily life, we need to focus on what is good and joy-making. When we remember to praise God, we enter into gratefulness, and then the burdens of our troubles become lighter.
Psychologists have proven that smiling reduces stress. Medical doctors have discovered that laughter heals. If you need healing, if you need renewal, if you need to be lifted up out of misery, have a praise and worship service — just you and Jesus and your guardian angel as you sing along with a CD or iTunes of joyful music.
Whatever happens in your life today, give yourself permission to have a spiritual party. Rejoice! Give praise to God for his goodness. Even if you have to go outside or lock yourself inside the bathroom, SHOUT JOYFULLY IN PRAISE OF GOD! See if that doesn't at least make you giggle.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Monday, April 27, 2009
The courage to face persecution
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the Third Week of EasterApril 28, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 7:51 -- 8:1aPs 31:3cd-4, 6-8a, 17, 21abJohn 6:30-35http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042809.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_28.mp3
The courage to face persecution
Saint Stephen was the first person to die for Christ. His story in today's first reading took place in Jerusalem around the year 35 A.D. He was probably a Greek-speaking Jew, and as an enthusiastic member of the "New Way" (as Christianity was called at the time), he was elected by the Apostles to become one of the first deacons. He preached the truth about Jesus so boldly that it cost him his life.
His courage to proceed in his ministry no matter what earthly dangers he faced came from staying focused on heaven and on his beloved Savior. Obviously, he overcame his natural desire to protect himself from the wrath of non-believers. His focus on Christ enabled him to love his enemies. Despite the intense pain of being stoned, he prayed, "Lord forgive them," which impacted a zealous persecutor named Saul.
Not long after that, Saul met Christ and experienced a complete conversion, becoming Saint Paul. As a result of Stephen's courage, Paul traveled extensively to start many churches. When do others see your courage for living and sharing your faith? You're probably underestimating how far-reaching your witness will be.
Relics of Saint Stephen were discovered in the year 415 by a priest named Lucian. The priest was awakened one night by the apparition of a man clothed in white. The vision called him by name and asked him go to Jerusalem and tell the bishop to open his tomb and the tombs of several other servants of God. Through this, the apparition said, God will lead many to conversion.
Identifying himself as Gamaliel, "the one who instructed Paul," he told Lucian that the body of St. Stephen would be found outside the city beyond the northern gate. His body had been left exposed a day and a night, he said, without being touched, and then the faithful had carried it away secretly at night to his home in the country. The bodies of Nicodemus and other early believers would also be found.
Lucian feared that the vision was false and that if he made it known he would be ridiculed and persecuted. He prayed that if this message had come from God it would be repeated. So Gamaliel appeared to him again. Still Lucian hesitated, until a third message came. Finally, he obeyed. He found three coffins. Greek engravings identified them as Stephen, Nicodemus, and Abibas. News of the discovery attracted a large number of people, including the bishop. When they opened Stephen's coffin, a sweet fragrance filled the air. Many miracles and conversions occurred there.
Whenever we fear being ridiculed and persecuted, we should proceed, forgive, and pray, as Jesus did on the cross: "Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit" (from Psalm 31). Then it no longer matters what others do to us or think about us. Our focus is on heaven.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Readings:Acts 7:51 -- 8:1aPs 31:3cd-4, 6-8a, 17, 21abJohn 6:30-35http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042809.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_28.mp3
The courage to face persecution
Saint Stephen was the first person to die for Christ. His story in today's first reading took place in Jerusalem around the year 35 A.D. He was probably a Greek-speaking Jew, and as an enthusiastic member of the "New Way" (as Christianity was called at the time), he was elected by the Apostles to become one of the first deacons. He preached the truth about Jesus so boldly that it cost him his life.
His courage to proceed in his ministry no matter what earthly dangers he faced came from staying focused on heaven and on his beloved Savior. Obviously, he overcame his natural desire to protect himself from the wrath of non-believers. His focus on Christ enabled him to love his enemies. Despite the intense pain of being stoned, he prayed, "Lord forgive them," which impacted a zealous persecutor named Saul.
Not long after that, Saul met Christ and experienced a complete conversion, becoming Saint Paul. As a result of Stephen's courage, Paul traveled extensively to start many churches. When do others see your courage for living and sharing your faith? You're probably underestimating how far-reaching your witness will be.
Relics of Saint Stephen were discovered in the year 415 by a priest named Lucian. The priest was awakened one night by the apparition of a man clothed in white. The vision called him by name and asked him go to Jerusalem and tell the bishop to open his tomb and the tombs of several other servants of God. Through this, the apparition said, God will lead many to conversion.
Identifying himself as Gamaliel, "the one who instructed Paul," he told Lucian that the body of St. Stephen would be found outside the city beyond the northern gate. His body had been left exposed a day and a night, he said, without being touched, and then the faithful had carried it away secretly at night to his home in the country. The bodies of Nicodemus and other early believers would also be found.
Lucian feared that the vision was false and that if he made it known he would be ridiculed and persecuted. He prayed that if this message had come from God it would be repeated. So Gamaliel appeared to him again. Still Lucian hesitated, until a third message came. Finally, he obeyed. He found three coffins. Greek engravings identified them as Stephen, Nicodemus, and Abibas. News of the discovery attracted a large number of people, including the bishop. When they opened Stephen's coffin, a sweet fragrance filled the air. Many miracles and conversions occurred there.
Whenever we fear being ridiculed and persecuted, we should proceed, forgive, and pray, as Jesus did on the cross: "Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit" (from Psalm 31). Then it no longer matters what others do to us or think about us. Our focus is on heaven.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Becoming full of grace
Good News ReflectionMonday of the Third Week of EasterApril 27, 2009
Today's Saint: Zitahttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Zita.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 6:8-15Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30 (with 1ab)John 6:22-29http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042709.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_27.mp3
Becoming full of grace
Was the Virgin Mary the only human who was "full of grace"? In today's Gospel reading, we see that Stephen, too, was full of grace! Think of "grace" as the activity of God made present in a human person — including you — by God's choice. This activity or presence supplies us with whatever supernatural gifts are needed at that moment.
Being full of grace means being totally and completely open to these gifts and united to God's presence within us. When we're in a "state of grace", we are free of sin and detached from everything that is not of God.
We become "full of grace" during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The True Presence of Jesus comes to us in the form of the priest, who sits in for the whole community that was wounded by our sins. Jesus takes our sins, nails them to his cross, absolves us of the punishment we deserve, and begins to heal the divisions that our sins have caused.
The completion of the healing still requires action from us, but in this Sacrament, the action of God is a grace-filled and grace-filling experience: It empowers us to change and to make amends and to avoid repeating the same sins. It's a more powerful experience than seeking God's forgiveness outside of the Sacrament.
Another opportunity to become full of grace is during Mass. It starts when we accept the invitation of the presiding priest to recall our sins and seek Christ's mercy. It continues through the insights that the Holy Spirit gives us from the Word of God and from the homily that explains it. The "Our Father", prayed in unison with the community, furthers the healing. Giving each other the "Peace be with you" handshake or hug helps to heal us from the brokenness of community life that our sins have caused.
By the time we see the miraculous True Presence of Jesus on the altar, we have encountered his grace in many ways. We open ourselves to the fullness of this grace by honestly praying, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but say the Word and I shall be healed."
Then, receiving the Eucharist is receiving our full unity with God and with the community.
If you cannot receive the Eucharist due to special circumstances, and if you're not stuck in an on-going, unrepented sin, your prayer of "Lord ... say the Word and I shall be healed" is your moment of being filled with grace. You receive Spiritual Communion. But do everything possible to receive the fullness of Christ in the Eucharist. Talk to a priest about remedies for your circumstances. The Church has ways to help you open yourself to all that God offers.
Whenever we consciously remain stuck in sin, we're choosing division over communion. Please don't continue pretending that you're not really sinning. Purifying our lives is hard, but God gives us supernatural help through the awesomeness of his grace.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Today's Saint: Zitahttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Zita.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 6:8-15Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30 (with 1ab)John 6:22-29http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042709.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_27.mp3
Becoming full of grace
Was the Virgin Mary the only human who was "full of grace"? In today's Gospel reading, we see that Stephen, too, was full of grace! Think of "grace" as the activity of God made present in a human person — including you — by God's choice. This activity or presence supplies us with whatever supernatural gifts are needed at that moment.
Being full of grace means being totally and completely open to these gifts and united to God's presence within us. When we're in a "state of grace", we are free of sin and detached from everything that is not of God.
We become "full of grace" during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The True Presence of Jesus comes to us in the form of the priest, who sits in for the whole community that was wounded by our sins. Jesus takes our sins, nails them to his cross, absolves us of the punishment we deserve, and begins to heal the divisions that our sins have caused.
The completion of the healing still requires action from us, but in this Sacrament, the action of God is a grace-filled and grace-filling experience: It empowers us to change and to make amends and to avoid repeating the same sins. It's a more powerful experience than seeking God's forgiveness outside of the Sacrament.
Another opportunity to become full of grace is during Mass. It starts when we accept the invitation of the presiding priest to recall our sins and seek Christ's mercy. It continues through the insights that the Holy Spirit gives us from the Word of God and from the homily that explains it. The "Our Father", prayed in unison with the community, furthers the healing. Giving each other the "Peace be with you" handshake or hug helps to heal us from the brokenness of community life that our sins have caused.
By the time we see the miraculous True Presence of Jesus on the altar, we have encountered his grace in many ways. We open ourselves to the fullness of this grace by honestly praying, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but say the Word and I shall be healed."
Then, receiving the Eucharist is receiving our full unity with God and with the community.
If you cannot receive the Eucharist due to special circumstances, and if you're not stuck in an on-going, unrepented sin, your prayer of "Lord ... say the Word and I shall be healed" is your moment of being filled with grace. You receive Spiritual Communion. But do everything possible to receive the fullness of Christ in the Eucharist. Talk to a priest about remedies for your circumstances. The Church has ways to help you open yourself to all that God offers.
Whenever we consciously remain stuck in sin, we're choosing division over communion. Please don't continue pretending that you're not really sinning. Purifying our lives is hard, but God gives us supernatural help through the awesomeness of his grace.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: May 3, 2009Fourth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: May 3, 2009Fourth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA: To distribute copies of this reflection, please order the printer-ready leaflet from Catholic Digital Resources:http://catholicdr.com/calendar/May/Easter4.htm
Next Sunday's Readings:Acts 4:8-12Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28-291 John 3:1-2John 10:11-18http://www.usccb.org/nab/050309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_05_03.mp3
In next Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. We are the sheep for whom he has laid down his life, putting everything aside for our sake – his natural human desire for an easy life, the security and familiarity of a home life, his time, his sleep, his tiredness, and his preference to avoid persecution, torture and death.
We are the sheep who recognize our Shepherd's voice and willingly follow him to better pastures. We want him to be our Good Shepherd. We want his protection, his guidance, and his love.
However, sometimes we forget to listen for his voice. This usually happens when life doesn't go as planned, the way WE want it to. In frustration and fear, we assume that Jesus has left the sheepfold. We think he's gone after the lost sheep and left us behind to fend for ourselves, and – oh no! – this is surely when the wolves attack! Doesn't he realize that? How could he do this to us if he really cares as much about us as he says he does? Why is he more concerned about the sheep who strayed than he is about us who are good sheep?
However, no matter how busy Jesus gets and no matter how far he has to go to rescue lost sheep, he never leaves our side. He is always with us. When life doesn't go the way it should, it's not because he's abandoned us. It's because he's prodding us with his shepherd's staff, trying to get us to move in a different direction, and we just haven't believed it.
We don't want to go in that other direction. We like the familiarity of this old pasture. We're getting annoyed at the tap-tap-tapping of the staff on our heads. And we won't discover the blessing of this discipline until we turn again to Jesus with eyes of trust and ears that are attentive to everything he says, even if at first we don't like what he's saying.
Questions for Personal Reflection:In what areas of your life do you feel lost and alone or abandoned? What activities can you do that will restore your vision and your hearing so you can recognize the presence of your Good Shepherd?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:Name some of the ways that the Good Shepherd's voice calls out to us. Share the story of a time when he prodded you but at first you didn't realize it was him. When did something feel painful until you realized that you were going in the wrong direction? What helped you recognize the voice and the staff of the Good Shepherd?
STARTING ON MONDAY, if you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org* To join and become a member, go to: http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA: To distribute copies of this reflection, please order the printer-ready leaflet from Catholic Digital Resources:http://catholicdr.com/calendar/May/Easter4.htm
Next Sunday's Readings:Acts 4:8-12Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28-291 John 3:1-2John 10:11-18http://www.usccb.org/nab/050309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_05_03.mp3
In next Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. We are the sheep for whom he has laid down his life, putting everything aside for our sake – his natural human desire for an easy life, the security and familiarity of a home life, his time, his sleep, his tiredness, and his preference to avoid persecution, torture and death.
We are the sheep who recognize our Shepherd's voice and willingly follow him to better pastures. We want him to be our Good Shepherd. We want his protection, his guidance, and his love.
However, sometimes we forget to listen for his voice. This usually happens when life doesn't go as planned, the way WE want it to. In frustration and fear, we assume that Jesus has left the sheepfold. We think he's gone after the lost sheep and left us behind to fend for ourselves, and – oh no! – this is surely when the wolves attack! Doesn't he realize that? How could he do this to us if he really cares as much about us as he says he does? Why is he more concerned about the sheep who strayed than he is about us who are good sheep?
However, no matter how busy Jesus gets and no matter how far he has to go to rescue lost sheep, he never leaves our side. He is always with us. When life doesn't go the way it should, it's not because he's abandoned us. It's because he's prodding us with his shepherd's staff, trying to get us to move in a different direction, and we just haven't believed it.
We don't want to go in that other direction. We like the familiarity of this old pasture. We're getting annoyed at the tap-tap-tapping of the staff on our heads. And we won't discover the blessing of this discipline until we turn again to Jesus with eyes of trust and ears that are attentive to everything he says, even if at first we don't like what he's saying.
Questions for Personal Reflection:In what areas of your life do you feel lost and alone or abandoned? What activities can you do that will restore your vision and your hearing so you can recognize the presence of your Good Shepherd?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:Name some of the ways that the Good Shepherd's voice calls out to us. Share the story of a time when he prodded you but at first you didn't realize it was him. When did something feel painful until you realized that you were going in the wrong direction? What helped you recognize the voice and the staff of the Good Shepherd?
STARTING ON MONDAY, if you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org* To join and become a member, go to: http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Friday, April 24, 2009
Joy under trial
Good News ReflectionFriday of the Second Week of EasterApril 24, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 5:34-42Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14John 6:1-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042409.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_24.mp3
Joy under trial
There's a line in the story from today's first reading that does not make sense: They left rejoicing because they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of Jesus. How could anyone derive joy from being misjudged and dishonored? Even for Christ's sake!
When I'm on trial, being judged by others, criticized, misunderstood, or rejected, and my reputation's under attack, I want to grumble about it, to say the least. What if someone in a position of authority were to order me to stop distributing these Good News reflections because he doesn't approve of non-clergy writing them? Well, I don't think joy is what I'd be feeling.
The fact is, no matter where we live, we're all on trial for our faith every day. Some of my readers live in countries where Christians are literally being persecuted like the first apostles. They face real danger if they're caught reading this. However, who hasn't been put on trial for their faith? Only those whose faith is so invisible that it has no impact.
We are whipped with words. We're hauled into the court of people's minds where we're unfairly judged and prosecuted. We're sentenced to a change of subject so that we cannot freely talk about Jesus. It happens when we speak up for children who are in danger of being aborted. It happens when we compassionately embrace homosexuals while promoting chaste living without sexual activity. It happens when we use the gifts and talents and education the Lord has given us when others think we're not qualified.
Think of any time when someone took away your freedom to do what God called you to do. Did you feel full of joy — or angrily frustrated? So, how DID the early apostles find joy as they left the Sanhedrin?
The joy of persecution comes from being so in love with God that nothing else really matters. When we're more in love with our reputations, the disapproval of others makes us miserable. Joy comes from making God our focus instead of what happens to us. And by keeping our eyes on Jesus, we remember that even our crosses become resurrections. Even our denied freedoms are new opportunities for divine intervention, because God cannot be stopped and his will cannot be deferred for long. THAT is a huge reason to feel joyful.
It's not easy to keep our focus entirely on God. It takes great effort and continual, conscious decision. The more we work at it, the more we will enable our trust in God, and that's when we experience amazing joy. With the Holy Spirit's help, it's not impossible at all. And if we feel even just a wee bit of joy, we can ask Jesus to multiply it and he will, just like he did with the bread and fish in today's Gospel reading.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Readings:Acts 5:34-42Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14John 6:1-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042409.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_24.mp3
Joy under trial
There's a line in the story from today's first reading that does not make sense: They left rejoicing because they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of Jesus. How could anyone derive joy from being misjudged and dishonored? Even for Christ's sake!
When I'm on trial, being judged by others, criticized, misunderstood, or rejected, and my reputation's under attack, I want to grumble about it, to say the least. What if someone in a position of authority were to order me to stop distributing these Good News reflections because he doesn't approve of non-clergy writing them? Well, I don't think joy is what I'd be feeling.
The fact is, no matter where we live, we're all on trial for our faith every day. Some of my readers live in countries where Christians are literally being persecuted like the first apostles. They face real danger if they're caught reading this. However, who hasn't been put on trial for their faith? Only those whose faith is so invisible that it has no impact.
We are whipped with words. We're hauled into the court of people's minds where we're unfairly judged and prosecuted. We're sentenced to a change of subject so that we cannot freely talk about Jesus. It happens when we speak up for children who are in danger of being aborted. It happens when we compassionately embrace homosexuals while promoting chaste living without sexual activity. It happens when we use the gifts and talents and education the Lord has given us when others think we're not qualified.
Think of any time when someone took away your freedom to do what God called you to do. Did you feel full of joy — or angrily frustrated? So, how DID the early apostles find joy as they left the Sanhedrin?
The joy of persecution comes from being so in love with God that nothing else really matters. When we're more in love with our reputations, the disapproval of others makes us miserable. Joy comes from making God our focus instead of what happens to us. And by keeping our eyes on Jesus, we remember that even our crosses become resurrections. Even our denied freedoms are new opportunities for divine intervention, because God cannot be stopped and his will cannot be deferred for long. THAT is a huge reason to feel joyful.
It's not easy to keep our focus entirely on God. It takes great effort and continual, conscious decision. The more we work at it, the more we will enable our trust in God, and that's when we experience amazing joy. With the Holy Spirit's help, it's not impossible at all. And if we feel even just a wee bit of joy, we can ask Jesus to multiply it and he will, just like he did with the bread and fish in today's Gospel reading.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Receiving your full portion of the Spirit
Good News ReflectionThursday of the Second Week of EasterApril 23, 2009
Today's Saint: Georgehttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/George.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 5:27-33Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20 (with 7a)John 3:31-36http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042309.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_23.mp3
Receiving your full portion of the Spirit
Has the Father rationed the gift of his Spirit to you? Do you have a portion of the Holy Spirit or the fullness of the Spirit? In today's Gospel passage, Jesus says that the Father did not ration ("limit") the Spirit to him. What about us?
In the first reading, Peter says that the Holy Spirit has been given to all who obey the Father. You and I do not obey God all of the time like Jesus did. Does this mean that the Father gives us less of his Spirit than he gave to Jesus?
Try this question: Is the Father's love ever limited? Can he partially love anyone? Of course not! There is no such thing as "partial love". Love is love! God who is love fully and completely loves you. So why does it seem like he gave Jesus the fullness of the Spirit but only a portion to us?
The Son stayed fully in touch with the Father and was therefore open to receiving everything that the Father wanted to give him. When we were baptized into the life of Christ, the Father gave us his Spirit fully. The problem is, we're not fully in touch with the Father. Our worldly attachments and busyness distract us. Our sins build a dam that holds back the waters of the Spirit.
Countless Saints experienced the power of the Spirit in amazing miracles, because they worked hard daily at breaking down the barriers between this world and heaven. They worked hard at purging out all the sins and distractions that disconnected them from God. "But I'll never be THAT holy," we point out. We give up before we try long enough. We become content with the progress we've made and so we sit down on a cozy wayside bench. We see hard work ahead, and so we turn onto paths that look pleasant and easy.
Thus, we lead mediocre lives instead of miraculous ones. Big dreams become fantasies instead of realities. And instead of making great accomplishments that change the world, we severely limit our potential.
The most important priority of our lives should be the nurturing of our communion with God. Do you care enough about your personal spiritual development that you'll work hard for it? Daily?
The Father is not the one who rations the Holy Spirit to us. We limit the extent of the Spirit's powerful affect on our lives by neglecting to center ourselves more fully in God. We let distractions pull us off-center. We let sins pull us even farther away.
Observe the decisions that you make today (and each day) while asking yourself: "Am I choosing the way of holiness? Am I staying centered on God's love for me and my love for him?" Each and every moment!
Making the right decisions — the holy and loving and soul-nurturing decisions — will flood your life with God's Spirit.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Saint: Georgehttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/George.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 5:27-33Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20 (with 7a)John 3:31-36http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042309.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_23.mp3
Receiving your full portion of the Spirit
Has the Father rationed the gift of his Spirit to you? Do you have a portion of the Holy Spirit or the fullness of the Spirit? In today's Gospel passage, Jesus says that the Father did not ration ("limit") the Spirit to him. What about us?
In the first reading, Peter says that the Holy Spirit has been given to all who obey the Father. You and I do not obey God all of the time like Jesus did. Does this mean that the Father gives us less of his Spirit than he gave to Jesus?
Try this question: Is the Father's love ever limited? Can he partially love anyone? Of course not! There is no such thing as "partial love". Love is love! God who is love fully and completely loves you. So why does it seem like he gave Jesus the fullness of the Spirit but only a portion to us?
The Son stayed fully in touch with the Father and was therefore open to receiving everything that the Father wanted to give him. When we were baptized into the life of Christ, the Father gave us his Spirit fully. The problem is, we're not fully in touch with the Father. Our worldly attachments and busyness distract us. Our sins build a dam that holds back the waters of the Spirit.
Countless Saints experienced the power of the Spirit in amazing miracles, because they worked hard daily at breaking down the barriers between this world and heaven. They worked hard at purging out all the sins and distractions that disconnected them from God. "But I'll never be THAT holy," we point out. We give up before we try long enough. We become content with the progress we've made and so we sit down on a cozy wayside bench. We see hard work ahead, and so we turn onto paths that look pleasant and easy.
Thus, we lead mediocre lives instead of miraculous ones. Big dreams become fantasies instead of realities. And instead of making great accomplishments that change the world, we severely limit our potential.
The most important priority of our lives should be the nurturing of our communion with God. Do you care enough about your personal spiritual development that you'll work hard for it? Daily?
The Father is not the one who rations the Holy Spirit to us. We limit the extent of the Spirit's powerful affect on our lives by neglecting to center ourselves more fully in God. We let distractions pull us off-center. We let sins pull us even farther away.
Observe the decisions that you make today (and each day) while asking yourself: "Am I choosing the way of holiness? Am I staying centered on God's love for me and my love for him?" Each and every moment!
Making the right decisions — the holy and loving and soul-nurturing decisions — will flood your life with God's Spirit.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Living free of condemnation
Good News ReflectionWednesday of the Second Week of EasterApril 22, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 5:17-26Ps 34:2-9John 3:16-21http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042209.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_22.mp3
Living free of condemnation
Today's Gospel passage makes very clear a truth that many of us don't fully believe: Jesus did not come here to condemn anyone. Yet we feel condemned whenever we feel guilty about a sin. Why is that?
It's because we are harder on ourselves than we are on others. On the surface, it seems that we're supposed to do that. To be easy on ourselves (e.g.: "I'm okay, I'm not really sinning.") would be self-indulgent, which is rooted in the sin of pride, right? Yes, but usually the reason why people rationalize that their sins as really not sins is because they're afraid of feeling condemned, which translates to feeling unloved, which translates as proof that they are unlovable.
Have you been unable to forgive yourself? Are you trying to find your happiness in how others treat you because you don't feel happy about yourself? Do you feel like you don't get enough affirmation, but when you do get it, you feel embarrassed and unworthy?
These are typical results from failing to grasp the full meaning of this scripture. They are the normal consequences of believing that we're not good enough no matter what we do.
When we sin, guilt confirms that we deserve to be condemned. When we innocently make a mistake, this too seems to confirm that we deserve to be condemned, and so we condemn ourselves for making the mistake instead of seeing it as just another learning tool. And every unjust, unfair, unkind situation that happens to us also triggers this feeling of being condemned.
The truth is: You were freed from condemnation when you accepted the idea that Christ sacrificed his life on the cross for YOU.
When we sin, we are guilty of doing something evil, and when we repent, we return to the freedom gained by Christ. But too often guilt becomes shame, which is the false assumption that WE are evil. Shame continues long after we've been forgiven. Jesus doesn't condemn us, but shame does. Shame won't free us from guilt, won't allow us to enjoy the forgiveness of God, won't enable us to forgive ourselves.
Guilt tells us the truth about ourselves and invites us to grow from it; shame lies to us and paralyzes our growth.
The truth is: There is no shame in realizing your sinfulness, because facing it frees you to become who you really are. Who are you really? Thanks to your baptism and the presence of Christ's Holy Spirit within you, you are holy!
The good we do is the earthly ministry of Christ as he serves today's world through us. As repentant Christians, we live in his light and our works are seen as done in God. Therefore, God delights in you. Don't let shame hide this truth from you.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Readings:Acts 5:17-26Ps 34:2-9John 3:16-21http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042209.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_22.mp3
Living free of condemnation
Today's Gospel passage makes very clear a truth that many of us don't fully believe: Jesus did not come here to condemn anyone. Yet we feel condemned whenever we feel guilty about a sin. Why is that?
It's because we are harder on ourselves than we are on others. On the surface, it seems that we're supposed to do that. To be easy on ourselves (e.g.: "I'm okay, I'm not really sinning.") would be self-indulgent, which is rooted in the sin of pride, right? Yes, but usually the reason why people rationalize that their sins as really not sins is because they're afraid of feeling condemned, which translates to feeling unloved, which translates as proof that they are unlovable.
Have you been unable to forgive yourself? Are you trying to find your happiness in how others treat you because you don't feel happy about yourself? Do you feel like you don't get enough affirmation, but when you do get it, you feel embarrassed and unworthy?
These are typical results from failing to grasp the full meaning of this scripture. They are the normal consequences of believing that we're not good enough no matter what we do.
When we sin, guilt confirms that we deserve to be condemned. When we innocently make a mistake, this too seems to confirm that we deserve to be condemned, and so we condemn ourselves for making the mistake instead of seeing it as just another learning tool. And every unjust, unfair, unkind situation that happens to us also triggers this feeling of being condemned.
The truth is: You were freed from condemnation when you accepted the idea that Christ sacrificed his life on the cross for YOU.
When we sin, we are guilty of doing something evil, and when we repent, we return to the freedom gained by Christ. But too often guilt becomes shame, which is the false assumption that WE are evil. Shame continues long after we've been forgiven. Jesus doesn't condemn us, but shame does. Shame won't free us from guilt, won't allow us to enjoy the forgiveness of God, won't enable us to forgive ourselves.
Guilt tells us the truth about ourselves and invites us to grow from it; shame lies to us and paralyzes our growth.
The truth is: There is no shame in realizing your sinfulness, because facing it frees you to become who you really are. Who are you really? Thanks to your baptism and the presence of Christ's Holy Spirit within you, you are holy!
The good we do is the earthly ministry of Christ as he serves today's world through us. As repentant Christians, we live in his light and our works are seen as done in God. Therefore, God delights in you. Don't let shame hide this truth from you.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Monday, April 20, 2009
ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: April 26, 2009Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: April 26, 2009Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA: To distribute copies of this reflection, please order the printer-ready leaflet from Catholic Digital Resources:http://catholicdr.com/calendar/April/Easter3.htm
Next Sunday's Readings:Acts 3:13-15, 17-19Ps 4:2, 4, 7-91 John 2:1-5aLuke 24:35-48http://www.usccb.org/nab/042609.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_26.mp3
Now that we're a renewed people — an Easter people — the scriptures at Mass remind us of the stark difference between living a redeemed life and living in sin. The first reading for next Sunday says: "Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away." The second reading says: "Those who say, 'I know him', but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them."
And the Gospel reading says: "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name...."
We are all liars in some way every day, professing our faith with our lips but not in our behaviors. Our actions often say that we don't truly believe what we say about Christ's love. Our worries say that we don't truly believe that God cares about each and every situation.
Our decisions say that we don't truly believe that Jesus knew what he was talking about when he commanded us to love our enemies and do good to those who hurt us. Our moral relativism says that we don't truly believe he was smarter than us when he gave us his commandments.
How loudly do your actions preach the truth about Jesus?
Too many Christians take advantage of what Jesus has done for them, thinking that this is enough to get them into heaven, without humbling themselves under the reality of their need for daily redemption.
God's not expecting perfection from us on this side of heaven's gate. What he does want, though, is our desire to become more and more like Christ every day. As long as we're continually examining our lives and educating ourselves about how we can improve, then doing what is necessary to change, God is very pleased with us.
Questions for Personal Reflection:What sinful tendencies still enslave you? What will you do this week to turn these over to Christ and his redemptive power?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:What do you do to stay in touch with your need for Christ and his redemptive power? How do you rely on the resurrected life of Christ to overcome sinful tendencies and enter into victorious Christian living?
STARTING ON MONDAY, if you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org* To join and become a member, go to: http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflection - Sunday Only" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA: To distribute copies of this reflection, please order the printer-ready leaflet from Catholic Digital Resources:http://catholicdr.com/calendar/April/Easter3.htm
Next Sunday's Readings:Acts 3:13-15, 17-19Ps 4:2, 4, 7-91 John 2:1-5aLuke 24:35-48http://www.usccb.org/nab/042609.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_26.mp3
Now that we're a renewed people — an Easter people — the scriptures at Mass remind us of the stark difference between living a redeemed life and living in sin. The first reading for next Sunday says: "Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away." The second reading says: "Those who say, 'I know him', but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them."
And the Gospel reading says: "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name...."
We are all liars in some way every day, professing our faith with our lips but not in our behaviors. Our actions often say that we don't truly believe what we say about Christ's love. Our worries say that we don't truly believe that God cares about each and every situation.
Our decisions say that we don't truly believe that Jesus knew what he was talking about when he commanded us to love our enemies and do good to those who hurt us. Our moral relativism says that we don't truly believe he was smarter than us when he gave us his commandments.
How loudly do your actions preach the truth about Jesus?
Too many Christians take advantage of what Jesus has done for them, thinking that this is enough to get them into heaven, without humbling themselves under the reality of their need for daily redemption.
God's not expecting perfection from us on this side of heaven's gate. What he does want, though, is our desire to become more and more like Christ every day. As long as we're continually examining our lives and educating ourselves about how we can improve, then doing what is necessary to change, God is very pleased with us.
Questions for Personal Reflection:What sinful tendencies still enslave you? What will you do this week to turn these over to Christ and his redemptive power?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:What do you do to stay in touch with your need for Christ and his redemptive power? How do you rely on the resurrected life of Christ to overcome sinful tendencies and enter into victorious Christian living?
STARTING ON MONDAY, if you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org* To join and become a member, go to: http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflection - Sunday Only" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Flying high in the Spirit
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the Second Week of EasterApril 21, 2009
Today's Saint: Anselm of Canterburyhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Anselm.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 4:32-37Ps 93:1-2, 5John 3:7b-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042109.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_21.mp3
Flying high in the Spirit
What does it mean "to be born from above"? In today's Gospel passage, Jesus explained that it means being led by God even when we don't know where he's leading us. It means being free to float in the Spirit at any time in any direction, because we are not attached to this world even though it's what we can touch, smell, see, hear audibly, and control.
Life in the Spirit means living as a feather on the wind, offering no resistance to being picked up and transported by a gust that we cannot see, having no sense of alarm when find ourselves in an unexpected place. However, being a light-weight feather that's blown around by the Lord's invisible breath is more likely to freak us out than to relax us, because it challenges our "need" to be in control.
We see in the first reading that the community of believers were detached from their possessions. They were so high on the Spirit, so fully trusting in God that everyone made themselves available to be used by God to meet each others' needs. Why can't we become like that? It is possible — this is God's design — but it can only happen within the context of community.
By ourselves, we cannot be that generous, supplying everything that another person needs, but we think we should, and so we feel overwhelmed and inadequate and therefore we don't do much at all. We get stuck in our inadequacies because we live such individualistic lives that we forget that we are part of the earthly Body of Christ, which is the whole Church in community. Individually, the Holy Spirit shows us which particular needs of the community he wants us to address, and in community, Christ's Spirit joins our helpfulness to others who can also help. Thus, everyone's needs can get met.
To measure your freedom of spirit, examine how attached you are to this world. Test yourself with the collection basket at Mass. In scripture, God repeatedly asks for a tithing, i.e., 10% of our total income (which can be split between the parish and other charities). If we're so attached to our possessions that we can't give five percent of our money to our own parish, how free are we to follow any other leadings of the Spirit?
What if the Lord makes you aware of a parishioner who cannot get employment because he has no car? And what if you're about to trade in your old car for a new one? Could you give it to him? What if he attempts to pay you for it but his check bounces? Would you demand payment or forgive the debt? Or would you instead thank God for the opportunity to experience one of the wounds of Jesus as you continue to float along wherever the Spirit blows? (It really is possible; I speak from experience.)
St. John of the Cross said, "It makes little difference whether a bird is tied by a thin thread or by a cord. For even if tied by thread, the bird will be prevented from taking off just as surely as if it were tied by cord -- that is, it will be impeded from flight as long as it does not break the thread....This is the lot of a man who is attached to something; no matter how much virtue he has, he will not reach the freedom of divine union."
For an inspirational PowerPoint presentation on Life in the Spirit to show in religious education classes, RCIA, and prayer groups, please visit Catholic Digital Resources at http://catholicdr.com/TrinityRetreat and scroll down to see the last one on the page where you can preview it.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Saint: Anselm of Canterburyhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Anselm.htm
Today's Readings:Acts 4:32-37Ps 93:1-2, 5John 3:7b-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042109.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_21.mp3
Flying high in the Spirit
What does it mean "to be born from above"? In today's Gospel passage, Jesus explained that it means being led by God even when we don't know where he's leading us. It means being free to float in the Spirit at any time in any direction, because we are not attached to this world even though it's what we can touch, smell, see, hear audibly, and control.
Life in the Spirit means living as a feather on the wind, offering no resistance to being picked up and transported by a gust that we cannot see, having no sense of alarm when find ourselves in an unexpected place. However, being a light-weight feather that's blown around by the Lord's invisible breath is more likely to freak us out than to relax us, because it challenges our "need" to be in control.
We see in the first reading that the community of believers were detached from their possessions. They were so high on the Spirit, so fully trusting in God that everyone made themselves available to be used by God to meet each others' needs. Why can't we become like that? It is possible — this is God's design — but it can only happen within the context of community.
By ourselves, we cannot be that generous, supplying everything that another person needs, but we think we should, and so we feel overwhelmed and inadequate and therefore we don't do much at all. We get stuck in our inadequacies because we live such individualistic lives that we forget that we are part of the earthly Body of Christ, which is the whole Church in community. Individually, the Holy Spirit shows us which particular needs of the community he wants us to address, and in community, Christ's Spirit joins our helpfulness to others who can also help. Thus, everyone's needs can get met.
To measure your freedom of spirit, examine how attached you are to this world. Test yourself with the collection basket at Mass. In scripture, God repeatedly asks for a tithing, i.e., 10% of our total income (which can be split between the parish and other charities). If we're so attached to our possessions that we can't give five percent of our money to our own parish, how free are we to follow any other leadings of the Spirit?
What if the Lord makes you aware of a parishioner who cannot get employment because he has no car? And what if you're about to trade in your old car for a new one? Could you give it to him? What if he attempts to pay you for it but his check bounces? Would you demand payment or forgive the debt? Or would you instead thank God for the opportunity to experience one of the wounds of Jesus as you continue to float along wherever the Spirit blows? (It really is possible; I speak from experience.)
St. John of the Cross said, "It makes little difference whether a bird is tied by a thin thread or by a cord. For even if tied by thread, the bird will be prevented from taking off just as surely as if it were tied by cord -- that is, it will be impeded from flight as long as it does not break the thread....This is the lot of a man who is attached to something; no matter how much virtue he has, he will not reach the freedom of divine union."
For an inspirational PowerPoint presentation on Life in the Spirit to show in religious education classes, RCIA, and prayer groups, please visit Catholic Digital Resources at http://catholicdr.com/TrinityRetreat and scroll down to see the last one on the page where you can preview it.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Is the Holy Spirit alive and active in you?
Good News ReflectionMonday of the Second Week of EasterApril 20, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 4:23-31Ps 2:1-9 (with 11d)John 3:1-8http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_20.mp3
Is the Holy Spirit alive and active in you?
Have you ever been asked, "Are you born-again?" Skip that question! Go directly to: "Is the Holy Spirit living within you, activating your faith, inspiring you to holy action?" Converting to Jesus Christ is not enough. A personal relationship with his Holy Spirit is what makes the difference between a sinful person and a holy person.
As we celebrate the risen Lord throughout the Easter season, the Church repeatedly reminds us that after Easter comes Pentecost. We see the disciples intoday's first reading praying so fully in the Lord that they become overflowingly filled with the Holy Spirit.
It was the Holy Spirit who gave them unfettered boldness to proclaim God's word; without this, they were scared and ineffective. Does your faith in Christ free you from what seems intimidating or frightening? Does your faith give you powerful boldness and confidence, causing you to take action for the sake of continuing Christ's ministry?
It was the Holy Spirit who filled the first Christians with rejoicing when they faced persecution. Are you able to rejoice in the midst of troubles? It was the Holy Spirit who inspired them to pray and then deepened their prayer. Is your prayer life in need of help? It was the Holy Spirit who shook the room in which the disciples were gathered, not an earthquake. Does your faith shake up your life? Do you sense the powerful presence of God when you gather in community?
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus puts the baptism of the Holy Spirit on equal level with baptism by water. The two work together. Baptism by water cleanses us from sin. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be holy and resist new temptations to sin. Does your faith enable you to overcome repeated tendencies to sin? By water, God's holiness has replaced your fallen, sinful nature. By the Holy Spirit, God's holiness has become your true nature.
The Holy Spirit is the key that unlocks our holiness: "No one can enter into God's kingdom without being born of water AND Spirit.... Spirit begets spirit." We can only be Christ-like when his Holy Spirit is alive and active in us. We can only stay on the path to heaven when the Holy Spirit is our guide.
We lack nothing that's needed for salvation and eternal life; the Holy Spirit was given to us FULLY during our Baptism, and this was confirmed in the Sacrament of Confirmation. To succeed in God's plan of salvation, all we have to do is unite our spirit to the activities of Christ's Spirit.
Here's a prayer to the Holy Spirit that you can use in your daily prayers while preparing for the celebration of Pentecost: http://wordbytes.org/prayers/HolySpirit.htm. If you want copies of this to distribute in your parish, please see the published version at Catholic Digital Resources: http://catholicdr.com/faithbuilders/prayers/HolySpirit-Prayer.htm.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Readings:Acts 4:23-31Ps 2:1-9 (with 11d)John 3:1-8http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_20.mp3
Is the Holy Spirit alive and active in you?
Have you ever been asked, "Are you born-again?" Skip that question! Go directly to: "Is the Holy Spirit living within you, activating your faith, inspiring you to holy action?" Converting to Jesus Christ is not enough. A personal relationship with his Holy Spirit is what makes the difference between a sinful person and a holy person.
As we celebrate the risen Lord throughout the Easter season, the Church repeatedly reminds us that after Easter comes Pentecost. We see the disciples intoday's first reading praying so fully in the Lord that they become overflowingly filled with the Holy Spirit.
It was the Holy Spirit who gave them unfettered boldness to proclaim God's word; without this, they were scared and ineffective. Does your faith in Christ free you from what seems intimidating or frightening? Does your faith give you powerful boldness and confidence, causing you to take action for the sake of continuing Christ's ministry?
It was the Holy Spirit who filled the first Christians with rejoicing when they faced persecution. Are you able to rejoice in the midst of troubles? It was the Holy Spirit who inspired them to pray and then deepened their prayer. Is your prayer life in need of help? It was the Holy Spirit who shook the room in which the disciples were gathered, not an earthquake. Does your faith shake up your life? Do you sense the powerful presence of God when you gather in community?
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus puts the baptism of the Holy Spirit on equal level with baptism by water. The two work together. Baptism by water cleanses us from sin. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be holy and resist new temptations to sin. Does your faith enable you to overcome repeated tendencies to sin? By water, God's holiness has replaced your fallen, sinful nature. By the Holy Spirit, God's holiness has become your true nature.
The Holy Spirit is the key that unlocks our holiness: "No one can enter into God's kingdom without being born of water AND Spirit.... Spirit begets spirit." We can only be Christ-like when his Holy Spirit is alive and active in us. We can only stay on the path to heaven when the Holy Spirit is our guide.
We lack nothing that's needed for salvation and eternal life; the Holy Spirit was given to us FULLY during our Baptism, and this was confirmed in the Sacrament of Confirmation. To succeed in God's plan of salvation, all we have to do is unite our spirit to the activities of Christ's Spirit.
Here's a prayer to the Holy Spirit that you can use in your daily prayers while preparing for the celebration of Pentecost: http://wordbytes.org/prayers/HolySpirit.htm. If you want copies of this to distribute in your parish, please see the published version at Catholic Digital Resources: http://catholicdr.com/faithbuilders/prayers/HolySpirit-Prayer.htm.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Moving forward into mature spiritual growth
Good News ReflectionFriday in the Octave of EasterApril 17, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 4:1-12Ps 118:1-2, 4, 22-27aJohn 21:1-14http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041709.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_17.mp3
Moving forward into mature spiritual growth
Recall a time when you had no problem recognizing that Jesus was ministering to you through another person or some unusual circumstance. You had no need to ask Jesus, "Who are you?" or "Is that you, Lord?" because you knew the answer.
Prior to the incident in today's Gospel reading, whenever the resurrected Jesus visited his disciples, they either didn't recognize him or they thought he was a ghost. Now at last they have reached enough spiritual maturity to know Jesus when they encounter him.
What convinced them that this man standing on the lake shore was the Lord? Was it the miracle of the super-abundant catch of fish after a night of frustration and disappointment? As a repeat of what had happened at the beginning of his ministry, this might have been a clue. Or had they learned to sense his nearness?
How do WE recognize Jesus?
Today's first reading reminds us that we reject the presence of Jesus when we fail to recognize him in the people around us, or when we fail to accept what he's doing in our long-suffering hardships. What seems like the wrong way to solve a problem actually is the cornerstone of God's plan. What seems like a reason to doubt God's love turns out to be the cornerstone of new spiritual growth. What seems like the loss of a relationship can become the cornerstone of a new and better friendship. What seems like a day of disaster is really "the day the Lord has made", a day to "rejoice and be glad in it", as today's responsorial Psalm proclaims.
Every time we give up, every time we despair, every time we lose hope, we are misunderstanding Jesus. He is always — always! — busy caring for us and working for our benefit (and for the benefit of everyone else who's involved in the situation). He's always fulfilling the Father's plans for us — plans for our good, a loving plan. It's impossible for him to do otherwise!
Spiritual maturity comes from learning to recognize Jesus and keeping our eyes on him. We mature as he reveals himself through scripture, the Eucharist, in our hearts, in the love of the people around us, in the gifts and talents that God has given us, in the way circumstances fall into place and our prayers are answered, in the circumstances that DON'T seem good, in the people who are difficult to love, and in the dark where we can't see God at all.
When we ask: "Where are you, God? Who are you? Is that you?" — that's when we're on the cusp of new spiritual growth. The next step is to trust that God is right here beside us doing much good.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Today's Readings:Acts 4:1-12Ps 118:1-2, 4, 22-27aJohn 21:1-14http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041709.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_17.mp3
Moving forward into mature spiritual growth
Recall a time when you had no problem recognizing that Jesus was ministering to you through another person or some unusual circumstance. You had no need to ask Jesus, "Who are you?" or "Is that you, Lord?" because you knew the answer.
Prior to the incident in today's Gospel reading, whenever the resurrected Jesus visited his disciples, they either didn't recognize him or they thought he was a ghost. Now at last they have reached enough spiritual maturity to know Jesus when they encounter him.
What convinced them that this man standing on the lake shore was the Lord? Was it the miracle of the super-abundant catch of fish after a night of frustration and disappointment? As a repeat of what had happened at the beginning of his ministry, this might have been a clue. Or had they learned to sense his nearness?
How do WE recognize Jesus?
Today's first reading reminds us that we reject the presence of Jesus when we fail to recognize him in the people around us, or when we fail to accept what he's doing in our long-suffering hardships. What seems like the wrong way to solve a problem actually is the cornerstone of God's plan. What seems like a reason to doubt God's love turns out to be the cornerstone of new spiritual growth. What seems like the loss of a relationship can become the cornerstone of a new and better friendship. What seems like a day of disaster is really "the day the Lord has made", a day to "rejoice and be glad in it", as today's responsorial Psalm proclaims.
Every time we give up, every time we despair, every time we lose hope, we are misunderstanding Jesus. He is always — always! — busy caring for us and working for our benefit (and for the benefit of everyone else who's involved in the situation). He's always fulfilling the Father's plans for us — plans for our good, a loving plan. It's impossible for him to do otherwise!
Spiritual maturity comes from learning to recognize Jesus and keeping our eyes on him. We mature as he reveals himself through scripture, the Eucharist, in our hearts, in the love of the people around us, in the gifts and talents that God has given us, in the way circumstances fall into place and our prayers are answered, in the circumstances that DON'T seem good, in the people who are difficult to love, and in the dark where we can't see God at all.
When we ask: "Where are you, God? Who are you? Is that you?" — that's when we're on the cusp of new spiritual growth. The next step is to trust that God is right here beside us doing much good.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Discovering who we really are
Good News ReflectionThursday in the Octave of EasterApril 16, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 3:11-26Ps 8:2ab, 5-9Luke 24:35-48http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041609.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_16.mp3
Discovering who we really are
Today's Gospel reading makes a point of calling our attention to the physical nature of Jesus' resurrected body. Why is it important to know that Jesus could still eat? Or that people could feel his skin?
Christianity is the only religion that has a savior who is fully divine yet fully human like us. Until the birth of Jesus, the world was divided between heaven and earth, the eternal and the temporal. God could bridge the gap and touch us, but due to our sinfulness, we could not exceed the limitations of earth and touch him. Since Jesus was the only sinless human who was also divine, he became the bridge that united heaven and earth.
Today, we don't have the opportunity to touch his hands and dine on fish with him like the first disciples did, and so we easily forget just how human Jesus continues to be and will always be throughout eternity. As a human, he was the first physical person to reach heaven. As a human, he comes for us when we die. As God, he embraces all those who want to be united to him eternally and takes them to heaven. Jesus leads the way — physically as well as spiritually.
Eventually, we'll all have "glorified" (i.e., eternal) flesh-bodies like the one Jesus told the disciples to touch. We won't be bodiless spirits floating around. We'll be able to eat fish and double-chocolate fudge brownies (without getting fat of course). I suppose that those who enjoy baking here on earth will be able to continue this scrumptious ministry in heaven, and the rest of us will partake of their goodies! Okay, okay, don't take my food-filled description of heaven too literally; the earthly mind cannot begin to know what heaven will really be like, and I'm only using my limited understanding to explain what I can't really explain.
Are there any wounds in heaven? Yes — the wounds of Jesus. He showed them to the disciples, so we know he's still got them. Will we take our wounds into heaven? No — by his wounds we are totally healed! This would not have been possible if God had not become one of us.
There's a bad excuse we sometimes use when we sin: "Oh well, I'm only human." Only what? Being human means being like Jesus! If we've been baptized, we've been raised up into his humanity and his divinity. Therefore, when we sin, it would be more accurate to say: "Oops, I forgot to be human like Jesus."
Our flesh-nature has been redeemed, but in its weaknesses we often succumb to an animalistic sub-human nature. Or we give ourselves up to non-human demonic influences. Either way, it's not who we really are. Jesus made a big deal about the physical nature of his resurrected body so that we could discover who we really are.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Readings:Acts 3:11-26Ps 8:2ab, 5-9Luke 24:35-48http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041609.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_16.mp3
Discovering who we really are
Today's Gospel reading makes a point of calling our attention to the physical nature of Jesus' resurrected body. Why is it important to know that Jesus could still eat? Or that people could feel his skin?
Christianity is the only religion that has a savior who is fully divine yet fully human like us. Until the birth of Jesus, the world was divided between heaven and earth, the eternal and the temporal. God could bridge the gap and touch us, but due to our sinfulness, we could not exceed the limitations of earth and touch him. Since Jesus was the only sinless human who was also divine, he became the bridge that united heaven and earth.
Today, we don't have the opportunity to touch his hands and dine on fish with him like the first disciples did, and so we easily forget just how human Jesus continues to be and will always be throughout eternity. As a human, he was the first physical person to reach heaven. As a human, he comes for us when we die. As God, he embraces all those who want to be united to him eternally and takes them to heaven. Jesus leads the way — physically as well as spiritually.
Eventually, we'll all have "glorified" (i.e., eternal) flesh-bodies like the one Jesus told the disciples to touch. We won't be bodiless spirits floating around. We'll be able to eat fish and double-chocolate fudge brownies (without getting fat of course). I suppose that those who enjoy baking here on earth will be able to continue this scrumptious ministry in heaven, and the rest of us will partake of their goodies! Okay, okay, don't take my food-filled description of heaven too literally; the earthly mind cannot begin to know what heaven will really be like, and I'm only using my limited understanding to explain what I can't really explain.
Are there any wounds in heaven? Yes — the wounds of Jesus. He showed them to the disciples, so we know he's still got them. Will we take our wounds into heaven? No — by his wounds we are totally healed! This would not have been possible if God had not become one of us.
There's a bad excuse we sometimes use when we sin: "Oh well, I'm only human." Only what? Being human means being like Jesus! If we've been baptized, we've been raised up into his humanity and his divinity. Therefore, when we sin, it would be more accurate to say: "Oops, I forgot to be human like Jesus."
Our flesh-nature has been redeemed, but in its weaknesses we often succumb to an animalistic sub-human nature. Or we give ourselves up to non-human demonic influences. Either way, it's not who we really are. Jesus made a big deal about the physical nature of his resurrected body so that we could discover who we really are.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Monday, April 13, 2009
Living in the good news of Easter
Good News ReflectionMonday in the Octave of EasterApril 13, 2009
Today's Readings:Acts 2:14, 22-33Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11Matt 28:8-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_13.mp3
Living in the good news of Easter
Do you know what it's like to be fearful and, at the same time, overjoyed? That's how the women in today's Gospel passage felt when they encountered the risen Lord for the first time.
I can remember numerous occasions when I felt this way. For one, the moment my first child was born. In the midst of that wonderfully awesome joy, fear made me wonder: Can I be a good enough mom to handle the unimaginable responsibilities of raising this son into a God-serving man? (The answer was: "Yes, but only with the Holy Spirit's help. And when he grows up and seems to stray from My plans for him, it's not because you failed as a parent; it's because the Holy Spirit isn't finished with him yet.")
Think of any overwhelming, maybe even impossible task that you've been given. Or any God-ordained task you did do but apparently failed to do well.
Easter is not merely the end of Lent. Resurrection is not merely the end of an old life or old habits or an old problem that you've wanted to overcome. Easter is a season — an unending season — of joyfully running to others to share the Good News like those first evangelists on that first Easter Sunday. The resurrection experience is a season of letting your faith be a source of joy for those who don't yet know how to find Jesus, like the women did for the disciples on that gloriously surprising day.
How overwhelming does THAT task feel?
If we really understand that we're Easter people, which means that we've been resurrected from the destruction of sin, how can we restrain our joy? When we're fully aware, we don't want to keep this truth to ourselves. We push the fearfulness aside and freely share our life-changing experiences with others.
The movement of growth during Lent was inward. We reflected on our need for forgiveness. Now, the movement of growth is outward. In this, there is much to fear: What if we get rejected? What if we get persecuted for our faith?
But Jesus tells us what he told the first disciples: "Don't be afraid." And why not? The reason is simple and profound: Because he is with us always, and because he fills in the gaps of our inadequacies with his Holy Spirit. Jesus the Man kisses our boo-boos and embraces us in our persecutions. His Spirit gives us wisdom and inspiration.
The joy of Easter Sunday is nice, but let's be honest. In our everyday lives, do we live more by fear or by joy? Easter Sunday is the beginning of a season. Easter faith is the beginning of a lifetime of joy. It's time to move beyond the Cross. We have much to celebrate in Jesus. There are people around us who need to see us celebrate our faith. The Good News isn't GOOD news unless it raises people up out of their miseries. This is the evidence that the world needs, proving that Jesus is still very much alive.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Readings:Acts 2:14, 22-33Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11Matt 28:8-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_13.mp3
Living in the good news of Easter
Do you know what it's like to be fearful and, at the same time, overjoyed? That's how the women in today's Gospel passage felt when they encountered the risen Lord for the first time.
I can remember numerous occasions when I felt this way. For one, the moment my first child was born. In the midst of that wonderfully awesome joy, fear made me wonder: Can I be a good enough mom to handle the unimaginable responsibilities of raising this son into a God-serving man? (The answer was: "Yes, but only with the Holy Spirit's help. And when he grows up and seems to stray from My plans for him, it's not because you failed as a parent; it's because the Holy Spirit isn't finished with him yet.")
Think of any overwhelming, maybe even impossible task that you've been given. Or any God-ordained task you did do but apparently failed to do well.
Easter is not merely the end of Lent. Resurrection is not merely the end of an old life or old habits or an old problem that you've wanted to overcome. Easter is a season — an unending season — of joyfully running to others to share the Good News like those first evangelists on that first Easter Sunday. The resurrection experience is a season of letting your faith be a source of joy for those who don't yet know how to find Jesus, like the women did for the disciples on that gloriously surprising day.
How overwhelming does THAT task feel?
If we really understand that we're Easter people, which means that we've been resurrected from the destruction of sin, how can we restrain our joy? When we're fully aware, we don't want to keep this truth to ourselves. We push the fearfulness aside and freely share our life-changing experiences with others.
The movement of growth during Lent was inward. We reflected on our need for forgiveness. Now, the movement of growth is outward. In this, there is much to fear: What if we get rejected? What if we get persecuted for our faith?
But Jesus tells us what he told the first disciples: "Don't be afraid." And why not? The reason is simple and profound: Because he is with us always, and because he fills in the gaps of our inadequacies with his Holy Spirit. Jesus the Man kisses our boo-boos and embraces us in our persecutions. His Spirit gives us wisdom and inspiration.
The joy of Easter Sunday is nice, but let's be honest. In our everyday lives, do we live more by fear or by joy? Easter Sunday is the beginning of a season. Easter faith is the beginning of a lifetime of joy. It's time to move beyond the Cross. We have much to celebrate in Jesus. There are people around us who need to see us celebrate our faith. The Good News isn't GOOD news unless it raises people up out of their miseries. This is the evidence that the world needs, proving that Jesus is still very much alive.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The healing gift of Christ's death
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionGood FridayCelebration of the Lord's Passion April 3, 2009
Today's Readings:Isaiah 52:13 -- 53:12Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9John 18:1 -- 19:42http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_10.mp3
The healing gift of Christ's death
Over the centuries since his death and resurrection, Jesus has revealed to mystics that those who meditate on his Passion are very dear to him. St. Augustine wrote that "there is no more profitable occupation for the soul than to meditate daily on the Passion of Our Lord."
The crucifixes we see today are cleaned-up versions of the horrible torture Our Lord suffered out of love for us. Today, meditate on this love, this tremendous love. He willingly subjected himself to intense pains because HE LOVES YOU and he knew it would do much good for you.
This is a tremendous gift that Jesus has given to you and to me and to everyone who accepts it. Read today's Gospel passage with the realization that every ounce of pain he suffered was offered for your benefit so that your sins would not destroy you. That's how important you are to God! That's how much he cares!
Looking at Jesus on the Cross should cure any low self-esteem, because it shows how highly he esteems us. Since he has done this for you, will he not also do everything else besides, if it's truly good for you?
What sufferings have caused you to doubt yourself, or to think unkindly about yourself, or to feel poorly about yourself? Take them to the Cross. Imagine giving them to a soldier. Now, watch him nail them into the hands and feet of your beloved Savior.
Let these wounds die with Jesus; no matter how badly they have hurt you, he has already taken the brunt of the beatings for you.
In the Good Friday services of the Catholic Church, we venerate the Cross by kissing it. Let your kiss be a gift of "thank you" to Jesus.
Then rest in the silence of the tomb with Jesus on Holy Saturday. Rest in the truth about how valuable you are to the Lord. On Easter Sunday, as we joyfully celebrate his resurrection, he has a glorious resurrection that he wants to share with you! Open yourself to receive it.
Take your own final step to Calvary: Make a list of all the ways you feel bad about yourself. List the people who've ridiculed you and insulted you. List the times you've felt worthless. List the reasons why you feel unlovable. List everything that gives you low self-esteem.
Then, while looking at a cross, meditate on the gift of sacrificial love that Jesus has given to you. He gladly and willingly subjected himself to intense pains because HE LOVES YOU! He knew it would bring you into the kingdom of God where he wants to spend eternity with you!
To help you meditate on this, read "The Healing Wounds of Jesus":http://www.wordbytes.org/healing/HealingWounds/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Good News ReflectionGood FridayCelebration of the Lord's Passion April 3, 2009
Today's Readings:Isaiah 52:13 -- 53:12Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9John 18:1 -- 19:42http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_10.mp3
The healing gift of Christ's death
Over the centuries since his death and resurrection, Jesus has revealed to mystics that those who meditate on his Passion are very dear to him. St. Augustine wrote that "there is no more profitable occupation for the soul than to meditate daily on the Passion of Our Lord."
The crucifixes we see today are cleaned-up versions of the horrible torture Our Lord suffered out of love for us. Today, meditate on this love, this tremendous love. He willingly subjected himself to intense pains because HE LOVES YOU and he knew it would do much good for you.
This is a tremendous gift that Jesus has given to you and to me and to everyone who accepts it. Read today's Gospel passage with the realization that every ounce of pain he suffered was offered for your benefit so that your sins would not destroy you. That's how important you are to God! That's how much he cares!
Looking at Jesus on the Cross should cure any low self-esteem, because it shows how highly he esteems us. Since he has done this for you, will he not also do everything else besides, if it's truly good for you?
What sufferings have caused you to doubt yourself, or to think unkindly about yourself, or to feel poorly about yourself? Take them to the Cross. Imagine giving them to a soldier. Now, watch him nail them into the hands and feet of your beloved Savior.
Let these wounds die with Jesus; no matter how badly they have hurt you, he has already taken the brunt of the beatings for you.
In the Good Friday services of the Catholic Church, we venerate the Cross by kissing it. Let your kiss be a gift of "thank you" to Jesus.
Then rest in the silence of the tomb with Jesus on Holy Saturday. Rest in the truth about how valuable you are to the Lord. On Easter Sunday, as we joyfully celebrate his resurrection, he has a glorious resurrection that he wants to share with you! Open yourself to receive it.
Take your own final step to Calvary: Make a list of all the ways you feel bad about yourself. List the people who've ridiculed you and insulted you. List the times you've felt worthless. List the reasons why you feel unlovable. List everything that gives you low self-esteem.
Then, while looking at a cross, meditate on the gift of sacrificial love that Jesus has given to you. He gladly and willingly subjected himself to intense pains because HE LOVES YOU! He knew it would bring you into the kingdom of God where he wants to spend eternity with you!
To help you meditate on this, read "The Healing Wounds of Jesus":http://www.wordbytes.org/healing/HealingWounds/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Washing away our reluctance to serve
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionHoly ThursdayEvening Mass of the Lord's Supper April 9, 2009
Today's Readings:Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14Ps 116:12-13, 15-181 Cor 11:23-26John 13:1-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040909b.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_09.mp3
Washing away our reluctance to serve
Jesus did not come into this world to be served, although he is God and surely deserves it. He came to serve. He came to serve YOU. And through you, he wants to serve everyone you know.
After inviting us to sit back and enjoy being served by our wonderful God, Jesus says in today's Gospel passage: "I have given you a model to follow — what I have done for you, you should also do." His foot-washing ceremony is a model of service.
Such a Godly model is hard to imitate, very difficult. It means loving others so much that we do good deeds for them, including the people we dislike, those whose feet are dirty and disgusting. In other words, while we're upset about the folks who have not served us the way we think they should (and probably we're right), we unite ourselves to Jesus by becoming Eucharist for them.
What does it mean to "be Eucharist"? Receiving the body and blood of Jesus unites us to him and to his whole Body, the Church. We walk up to Christ in the communion line as individuals, responsible for our own conversions, saying, "I am not worthy to receive you...", but after we receive the Eucharist, we return to our pews as members of the Body, "with union" (the meaning of "communion").
As part of Christ's body, we are now as much the Eucharist as that bread and wine have become. At the end of Mass, we're commissioned to go out and be Eucharist — be the real presence of Christ — in the world.
Years ago, God drove home to me this point. In a prayer meeting, I surprisingly found myself washing the feet of a priest who had betrayed his parishioners (and me and my family and some friends) through his alcoholism and lust. I tell you, his feet were ugly! But much uglier was his refusal to accept the truth about his addictions and sins.
What did the foot-washing accomplish? It made a clear statement about mercy. On a personal level, it gave me the opportunity to show him that I was willing to serve him if he was willing to accept it as part of a healing process. He wasn't, and eventually I had to report him to the authorities, but the foot-washing ceremony healed me of my own unwillingness to love unconditionally. Jesus washed MY feet along with my heart. And I gained a much greater understanding of the love that Jesus has for me every time he washes my ugly feet (my sins).
Remember, though, that Jesus never gives up on anyone. Years later, he washed the feet of this priest with the gift of mercy in a much firmer way. God gave him a redemptive time of earthly purgatory in the form of a painful disease that started with his feet and worked its way up through the rest of his body. Confined to bed, enduring pain that medications couldn't totally eliminate, he allowed the disease to purge him of his pride and his addictions. Although his priesthood was never fully what it should have been, Jesus embraced him with passionate love.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: To be able to do good for others when it's not pleasant, first understand why Jesus washes your feet. Spend time in prayer today visualizing your own personal foot-washing ceremony with Jesus. Imagine him kneeling in front of you gently rinsing off the dirt from your feet. Then go to Holy Thursday Mass with a question for Jesus about how you are being called to go and do likewise.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Good News ReflectionHoly ThursdayEvening Mass of the Lord's Supper April 9, 2009
Today's Readings:Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14Ps 116:12-13, 15-181 Cor 11:23-26John 13:1-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040909b.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_09.mp3
Washing away our reluctance to serve
Jesus did not come into this world to be served, although he is God and surely deserves it. He came to serve. He came to serve YOU. And through you, he wants to serve everyone you know.
After inviting us to sit back and enjoy being served by our wonderful God, Jesus says in today's Gospel passage: "I have given you a model to follow — what I have done for you, you should also do." His foot-washing ceremony is a model of service.
Such a Godly model is hard to imitate, very difficult. It means loving others so much that we do good deeds for them, including the people we dislike, those whose feet are dirty and disgusting. In other words, while we're upset about the folks who have not served us the way we think they should (and probably we're right), we unite ourselves to Jesus by becoming Eucharist for them.
What does it mean to "be Eucharist"? Receiving the body and blood of Jesus unites us to him and to his whole Body, the Church. We walk up to Christ in the communion line as individuals, responsible for our own conversions, saying, "I am not worthy to receive you...", but after we receive the Eucharist, we return to our pews as members of the Body, "with union" (the meaning of "communion").
As part of Christ's body, we are now as much the Eucharist as that bread and wine have become. At the end of Mass, we're commissioned to go out and be Eucharist — be the real presence of Christ — in the world.
Years ago, God drove home to me this point. In a prayer meeting, I surprisingly found myself washing the feet of a priest who had betrayed his parishioners (and me and my family and some friends) through his alcoholism and lust. I tell you, his feet were ugly! But much uglier was his refusal to accept the truth about his addictions and sins.
What did the foot-washing accomplish? It made a clear statement about mercy. On a personal level, it gave me the opportunity to show him that I was willing to serve him if he was willing to accept it as part of a healing process. He wasn't, and eventually I had to report him to the authorities, but the foot-washing ceremony healed me of my own unwillingness to love unconditionally. Jesus washed MY feet along with my heart. And I gained a much greater understanding of the love that Jesus has for me every time he washes my ugly feet (my sins).
Remember, though, that Jesus never gives up on anyone. Years later, he washed the feet of this priest with the gift of mercy in a much firmer way. God gave him a redemptive time of earthly purgatory in the form of a painful disease that started with his feet and worked its way up through the rest of his body. Confined to bed, enduring pain that medications couldn't totally eliminate, he allowed the disease to purge him of his pride and his addictions. Although his priesthood was never fully what it should have been, Jesus embraced him with passionate love.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: To be able to do good for others when it's not pleasant, first understand why Jesus washes your feet. Spend time in prayer today visualizing your own personal foot-washing ceremony with Jesus. Imagine him kneeling in front of you gently rinsing off the dirt from your feet. Then go to Holy Thursday Mass with a question for Jesus about how you are being called to go and do likewise.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Take your need for forgiveness to the Cross
Good News ReflectionWednesday of Holy WeekApril 8, 2009
Today's Readings:Isaiah 50:4-9Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34Matt 26:14-25http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040809.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_08.mp3
Take your need for forgiveness to the Cross
How do we betray Christ? By our selfishness.
Let's look at the motives of Judas in today's Gospel passage. Why did he betray Jesus despite experiencing his unconditional love for three years?
We know that Judas was selfish, because we know that he had embezzled donations (see John 12:6). Intent on finding "what's in it for me?" he wanted Jesus to become a messiah who would deliver him from Roman oppression. Jesus turned out to be quite an uncontrollable disappointment. Judas was so blinded by his own strategies that he could not fathom the possibility that God might have a better idea.
Self-centered people like Judas don't like to sit idly by and accept disappointment. When he decided to take control by turning Jesus over to the Jewish authorities, he asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" Until they promised a reward, handing Jesus over was still an IF.
No wonder Judas committed suicide! He was unable to recognize the forgiveness that Jesus made available to him, because at the heart of every self-centered person is the belief that they are unworthy of being loved. Selfishness comes from the notion that if I don't take care of myself, no one else will (not even God!) because I don't really deserve it.
Are you ever disappointed that Jesus is not what you want him to be for you? We all fall into this "what's in it for me" trap whenever we're upset that God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want him to, or when we give our problems to Jesus and life doesn't get easier, or when he asks us to do something that's difficult and unrewarding.
We fall into the "what's in it for me" trap whenever we search for our own solutions after trusting in God and not getting the results we want. We succumb to it by listening to our self-protective fears. Selfishness tells us to protect our wishes, our happiness, our comfort zone, our possessions and our life style. It blinds us to the possibility that God might have a better idea.
Like Judas, in our selfishness we betray Jesus. We profess to trust him as the Lord of our lives, and yet our self-serving choices prove otherwise. We believe in him only when it suits our purposes. We adore him only when it's easy.
The question is not "Have I betrayed Jesus?" but "How quickly do I seek his forgiveness after I betray him?" Peter betrayed Jesus, too, but he loved Jesus so much that his selfishness lasted only a little while.
Today's step forward on the Lenten journey: Imagine that you're sitting with the disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus has just dipped his matzah into the spice dish, and he hands it to you. He's looking you in the eye. He knows your heart. He loves you despite all your betrayals. What will you say to him? Admit your betrayal; receive his smile. He will now take your sins to the cross with him. Remember to do this at every Mass, because the liturgy transcends time to connect us to the real Last Supper.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
Today's Readings:Isaiah 50:4-9Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34Matt 26:14-25http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040809.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_08.mp3
Take your need for forgiveness to the Cross
How do we betray Christ? By our selfishness.
Let's look at the motives of Judas in today's Gospel passage. Why did he betray Jesus despite experiencing his unconditional love for three years?
We know that Judas was selfish, because we know that he had embezzled donations (see John 12:6). Intent on finding "what's in it for me?" he wanted Jesus to become a messiah who would deliver him from Roman oppression. Jesus turned out to be quite an uncontrollable disappointment. Judas was so blinded by his own strategies that he could not fathom the possibility that God might have a better idea.
Self-centered people like Judas don't like to sit idly by and accept disappointment. When he decided to take control by turning Jesus over to the Jewish authorities, he asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" Until they promised a reward, handing Jesus over was still an IF.
No wonder Judas committed suicide! He was unable to recognize the forgiveness that Jesus made available to him, because at the heart of every self-centered person is the belief that they are unworthy of being loved. Selfishness comes from the notion that if I don't take care of myself, no one else will (not even God!) because I don't really deserve it.
Are you ever disappointed that Jesus is not what you want him to be for you? We all fall into this "what's in it for me" trap whenever we're upset that God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want him to, or when we give our problems to Jesus and life doesn't get easier, or when he asks us to do something that's difficult and unrewarding.
We fall into the "what's in it for me" trap whenever we search for our own solutions after trusting in God and not getting the results we want. We succumb to it by listening to our self-protective fears. Selfishness tells us to protect our wishes, our happiness, our comfort zone, our possessions and our life style. It blinds us to the possibility that God might have a better idea.
Like Judas, in our selfishness we betray Jesus. We profess to trust him as the Lord of our lives, and yet our self-serving choices prove otherwise. We believe in him only when it suits our purposes. We adore him only when it's easy.
The question is not "Have I betrayed Jesus?" but "How quickly do I seek his forgiveness after I betray him?" Peter betrayed Jesus, too, but he loved Jesus so much that his selfishness lasted only a little while.
Today's step forward on the Lenten journey: Imagine that you're sitting with the disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus has just dipped his matzah into the spice dish, and he hands it to you. He's looking you in the eye. He knows your heart. He loves you despite all your betrayals. What will you say to him? Admit your betrayal; receive his smile. He will now take your sins to the cross with him. Remember to do this at every Mass, because the liturgy transcends time to connect us to the real Last Supper.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
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