R E F L E C T I O N S: September 2010

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Simply because God is good

Good News ReflectionThursday of the 26th Week of Ordinary Time September 30, 2010
Toda's Saint: JeromePray for better knowledge of scripture:http://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Jerome.htm
Today's Readings:Job 19:21-27Ps 27:7-9,13-14Luke 10:1-12http://www.usccb.org/nab/093010.shtmlUSCCB Podcast of the Readings:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_09_30.mp3
Simply because God is good
Think of something that you're waiting for, that you're hoping will happen, something that you've been praying for. What has God not done about it yet, after many prayers of yearning and heart-felt supplication?
Today's responsorial psalm , especially verse 13, is one of my most necessary favorite scriptures. When going through a particularly long stretch of great difficulty, the Lord made it pop into view whenever I needed reassurance.
He enjoys giving us comfort and hope. If it seems like your prayers for an end to your current trials will never be answered, remind God and yourself (out loud!) of this promise in his Word: "I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living." Amen! Alleluia!In today's first reading, poor Job is still waiting to see the return of the good things in life. But rather than despairing, because he has confidence in the goodness of God, he trusts that he won't have to die first before he sees the glory of the Lord. He says that in his flesh – i.e., in this life on earth – he shall see God.The key to Job's confidence is expressed in the next line: "My inmost being is consumed with longing." Longing for what? The return of good things? No – he longs for God. He knows that his friendship with God is essential; it's of utmost importance, and from this all else will follow, not because of his own goodness, not because he has earned the right to have his prayers answered, not because he deserves anything, but simply because God is good.
God is good to all of us simply because God is good.
Sometimes, we think that our prayers are answered because we've prayed the right words or said enough rosaries. That's not true prayer; that's bargaining. God answers our prayers simply because he is good and what we've asked for is good for us. The rosaries and other prayer efforts we make are a practice in self-discipline to align ourselves more closely to God, not to align God with us.
Sometimes, we think our prayers go unanswered because we're not good enough. Well, in fact we are never good enough! God is always doing what's best for us – and for all those who are affected by the prayed-over situation – simply because he is good.
He who is good cannot do anything but good, no matter what, all the time.I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING. Before I die! You can believe it, too: Experience some of the joy of heaven while you're still on earth. This really is God's plan for you – simply because he is good.
© 2010 by Terry A. ModicaThis work is NOT in Public Domain and may NOT be copied without permission. You may print one copy for your own personal use. For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection for sharing, see:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
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Why do I need your help in my daily ministry?Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. Please visit http://gnm.org/donate.htm where you can make a real difference - even if you cannot make a financial donation!
Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!
Note: Good News Ministries http://gnm.org is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources, LLC http://catholicdr.com is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this 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, September 29, 2010

The ministry of angels

Good News Reflection
Wednesday of the 26th Week of Ordinary Time
September 29, 2010

Today's Feast: Michael, Raphael, Gabriel
Pray for the assistance of the archangels:
http://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/archangels.htm

Today's Readings:
Dan 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12ab
Ps 138:1-5
John 1:47-51
http://www.usccb.org/nab/092910.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_09_29.mp3

The ministry of angels

What kind of relationship do you have with your personal angels? Are you aware that you might have more than one angel working for you, according to your needs and prayer requests and the work you do for God's kingdom? Do you realize that even the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael know who you are and, because of this, they want to be involved in God's plans for you?

Belief in angels is popular even among non-Christians, but unless it unites us to Jesus, it can do more harm than good. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus says, "You shall see heaven open up and the angels of God ascend and descend on the Son of Man."

The word "you" in the original Greek is plural; it's meant for all of us. Jesus wants us to know that angels travel between heaven and earth to work for our benefit, but their ministry depends upon him. Angels deliver God's messages to us. Angels help us every day, in big ways and in small ways. Angels love us; they enjoy assisting us – but only through Jesus and under the authority of Jesus.

When the archangel Michael battled the dragon, as depicted in Rev. 12:7-12, he defeated Satan and his minions because of the future victory that Jesus would win on the cross. The holy angels defeated the evil ones "by the blood of the Lamb" that would be shed millennia later for our sake. Their victory depended upon what Jesus was eventually going to do for us.

Today's responsorial psalm is a song with the angels. Whenever we praise God, angels sing with us. If we praise God in the midst of difficulties, angels surround us in a chorus that fills the air with their trust in God and their love for us and their holiness. Then, evil spirits won't stay near us! Why not? Because this trust and love and holiness surrounds us with the presence of Jesus. He is always in the midst of our praise.

No concern of yours is too small – nor too big – for your angels. Have you lost something? Ask your ministering angels to lead you to it. Are you waiting to get through the red tape of bureaucratic paperwork? Send an angel to put your papers on the top of the pile. Are you going on a long drive? Ask the angels to clear the way before you. Ever need a parking space near the store on a rainy day? Ask an angel to go save a spot for you. Try it, it works!

Angels listen to us and wait for permission to minister to us. We need to ask them for their help. I rely on this fact daily, with good results every time! For example, once when I was in the Holy Land, our group was climbing a steep hill and I was running out of breath and energy. I said, "Ministering angels, push me!" Immediately, I moved faster and easier to the top of the hill. What a great witness to the exhausted people who heard me and saw the results!

For a printer-ready hand-out of this reflection, please go to Catholic Digital Resources:
http://catholicdr.com/calendar/September/archangels.htm

© 2010 by Terry A. Modica
This work is NOT in Public Domain and may NOT be copied without permission.
You may print one copy for your own personal use.
For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection for sharing, see:
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Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!

Note: Good News Ministries http://gnm.org is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources, LLC http://catholicdr.com is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this 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, September 28, 2010

The true measure of holiness

Good News Reflection
Tuesday of the 26th Week of Ordinary Time
September 28, 2010

Today's Readings:
Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23
Ps 88:2-8
Luke 9:51-56
http://www.usccb.org/nab/092810.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_09_28.mp3

The true measure of holiness

How do we react when someone blocks us from doing the work or ministry that we want to do, or persecutes our faith, or makes our life difficult in any way? Normally, we want to retaliate. In today's Gospel reading, the disciples wanted to retaliate against the Samaritans. But Jesus rebuked them, because holiness means doing good in spite of the bad.

In the today's first reading, poor Job despaired because he lost nearly everything that was dear to him. Satan had told God that the only reason why Job was holy was because God had surrounded him with goodness. This story was written to teach that true holiness is the desire to do good in spite of the bad.

Opportunities for practicing holiness arise every day. Christ's disciples and the Samaritans whom they wanted to destroy all loved the same God. Seven centuries earlier, Jews who lived in Samaritan territory had intermarried with pagans, and when the "pure" Israelites rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem after their Babylonian captivity, the Samaritans offered to help, but they were rejected because of their racial impurities. Thus began a long-lasting prejudice and bitter misunderstandings from both sides.

Are we any different toward Christians who don't worship the same way we do?

During the Protestant rebellions of the Reformation – a reformation that was sorely needed – both sides handled it with battles and cruelty. Thus began long-lasting prejudices and stubborn misunderstandings, which have prevented the restoration of unity in the Body of Christ. Vatican Council II instilled in the Catholic Church the truth that Protestants love the same Lord and Savior as we do (see paragraph 818 in the Catechism), but sadly many Protestants still cling to 16th Century prejudices. Misunderstandings about Catholicism are rampant, and the spirit of prejudice is revealed in an unwillingness to listen to the truth about us.

And how do we Catholics feel about this? How do we handle it? Do we retaliate? Or perhaps we avoid Protestants who want to “save” us, which is a passive form of retaliation.

One of the most profound statements I ever heard was from a Protestant preacher who prophesied: "Mourn and weep, for the Body of My Son is broken."

Jesus reprimanded his disciples for wanting to do battle. Despite having the power to punish those who were religiously impure, he retaliated not at all.

Prejudices are cured through love, not force, through mercy, not punishment. It's harder and slower to make changes this way, but nothing else is holy. Nothing else reveals the true nature of Christ.

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Who's better than you?

Good News Reflection
Monday of the 26th Week of Ordinary Time
September 27, 2010

Today's Saint: Vincent de Paul
Pray for charitable ministries:
http://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/VincentdePaul.htm

Today's Readings:
Job 1:6-22
Ps 17:1-3, 6-7
Luke 9:46-50
http://www.usccb.org/nab/092710.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_09_27.mp3

Who's better than you?

How easy it is to identify with the feelings of the disciples in today's Gospel reading! We want to know that we've got greatness within us, that we are not garbage, that we have important value. We all too easily feel inferior. Most of the time, we're controlled by an unmet need to feel better about ourselves. In an effort to convince ourselves that we're okay, we use words like a shrinking ray to diminish others.

This is why Jesus gave the disciples – and us – a couple of examples of how equally special everyone is to him, and why. It's based on what he preached in Matthew 25: What we do to others we do to him. In this case, the caring and acceptance that we give to a child is caring and acceptance that we give to Jesus. We are not greater than (superior to) children, for through them we encounter God, who alone is superior.

We expect children to know less than we do. Thus, when they come up with a gem of wisdom or an insight that challenges us, we dismiss them and ignore what they said with a condescending smile and "Ahhh, how cute." But that's not how Jesus treats them. That's not how Jesus wants to treat them through us.

What about adults? We expect them to believe us when we tell them what's right and what's wrong, and when they challenge us with an insight that goes against our perception of the truth, we diminish what they said so that we can protect ourselves with a feeling of superiority. We're afraid that if we're the one who's wrong, we're the one who's diminished.

But that's not how Jesus treats them. That's not how Jesus treats us.

At some point in our lives, we discovered that we could feel good about ourselves if we belonged to "the right group" – the "in" crowd, the "elite" club, the "high status" jobs, the "most respected" parish ministry. As members of Jesus' inner circle, the disciples assumed that they'd been given special privileges. When an outsider acted as if he had the same privileges, they didn't think he was equally qualified.

We all know people who don't match our idea of who's qualified, but if they're not working against God's kingdom, we'd better not do anything against them, for that's the same as being against Jesus!

Know that you are not inferior. You are no less special than anyone else. Jesus loves you as much as he loves his own mother! Once you realize this and let it heal yourwounded heart, the temptation to feel superior will disappear.

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Good News Reflection FOR NEXT SUNDAY: October 3, 2010 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Good News Reflection
FOR NEXT SUNDAY: October 3, 2010
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA:
For professionally published, printable copies of this reflection,
please go to Catholic Digital Resources:
http://catholicdr.com/calendar/October/27thC.htm - Preview a sample

Next Sunday's Readings:
Habakkuk 1: 2-3; 2: 2-4
Psalm 95:1-2,6-9
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10
http://www.usccb.org/nab/100310.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_10_03.mp3

Next Sunday's Gospel reading is disturbing. After doing a lot of hard work and offering it for the glory of God, the last thing we want to hear from him is: "You're an unprofitable servant."

Whether the work we do is at home or on the job or in ministry, instead of getting appreciated and rewarded with a vacation, we get more work! In families, parents barely start to relax after a busy day when one of the kids needs help with homework. On the job, conscientious employees are given more work because of the failures of lazy colleagues. In the parish, most of the work gets done by only 10 to 20% of the people.

Jesus says that our reaction to all this should be: "Lord, I'm an unworthy servant of your kingdom, because I have only done what's expected of me." Is he implying that it's right to be burdened with more to do when we're tired? Not at all! What he is telling us is that there's a difference between doing what's required out of mere obedience and volunteering to go the extra mile because we love and we care.

Resting is important. Jesus took time out to pray and to recover his energy. Delegating work to others is right, too, so that we don't burn out. Jesus is the supreme example of a delegator who is also a servant. Balance is healthy and necessary.

However, most of us stop short of going the extra mile, and it's because we have an unbalanced view of faith. We're satisfied with a mediocre, half-hearted attitude, serving only when it's easy or convenient. This indicates a mediocre effort at spiritual growth. And then we're astonished that Jesus would suggest that we should be able to command trees to cast themselves into the sea. Sure. When was the last time you saw that happen?

Here's the connection between doing more than the minimum and having a supernatural faith: For both to occur, we have to know that God's love is complete and unconditional and available all the time and that from this comes his desire to serve us. Knowing this, we're confident that he can accomplish anything he wants in us and through us. If we care like he cares, we go the extra mile with him. If we get hurt or tired, he restores us. Do you really believe that yet?

Questions for Personal Reflection:
What's the mulberry tree in your life? What problem is so deeply rooted that it seems immoveable? Who in your life is so stuck in sin that you've lost hope for change? Can you be a worthy servant of God and surprise that person with gestures of love that are unexpected and unrequested?

Questions for Family & Community Faith Sharing:
Describe examples of service that show the difference between doing our duty and doing more. How does volunteering to serve above and beyond what's expected reveal God's love?

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Friday, September 24, 2010

The time to see Jesus

Good News ReflectionFriday of the 25th Week of Ordinary Time September 24, 2010
Today's Readings:Eccl 3:1-11Ps 144:1-4Luke 9:18-22http://www.usccb.org/nab/092410.shtmlUSCCB Podcast of the Readings:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_09_24.mp3
The time to see Jesus
"Who do YOU say that I am?" Jesus asks us the same question that he asked his first disciples in today's Gospel reading.
In every circumstance of life, which we hear listed in today's first reading, we either see Jesus as Lord and Savior, or we don't. When times are good, is he the one we thank for the blessings? When we accomplish a goal that we worked hard to achieve, do we give credit to him? When it's time to weep because we've been hurt, do we look at the cross and see our pain in his agony and trust in the redemptive power of this sacrifice?
When we feel angry – righteously so or otherwise – are we focused on those who irritated us or do we turn to Jesus for the ability to forgive and find peace again?
When someone treats you unjustly, who do you say that Jesus is? How does he minister to you?
When a boss or parent or pastor or other person in authority condescendingly puts you down and makes you feel inadequate, who is Jesus to you? Has he healed you from feelings of inferiority?
When someone snubs your love and wisdom, who is Jesus to you? Has he shown you how to be patient?
When your generosity and kindnesses have been abused, who is Jesus to you? Has he told you to go the extra mile and is he walking that road with you?
When you feel unheard and your needs are ignored, who is Jesus to you? Is he listening?
When your concern and caring for others is not returned, who is Jesus to you? Does he hug you?
When forgiveness is hard, who is Jesus to you? Is he your source of strength?
When you've sinned and need forgiveness, who is Jesus to you? Is he in the priest who waits in the confessional?
When you've failed or you've made mistakes, who is Jesus to you? Is he the redeemer who works everything for your good?
When your prayer life is dry and God seems far away, who is Jesus to you? Has he been interceding for you?
When you feel passionate about doing a ministry and have no opportunity to do it, who is Jesus to you? Is he the carpenter who knows how to wait? Is he running ahead to open a new door for you?
When you look at someone you don't like, who is Jesus to you IN THAT PERSON?
© 2010 by Terry A. ModicaThis work is NOT in Public Domain and may NOT be copied without permission. You may print one copy for your own personal use. For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection for sharing, see: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 to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?Sign up for your own subscription! Go to http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need your help in my daily ministry?Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. Please visit http://gnm.org/donate.htm where you can make a real difference - even if you cannot make a financial donation!
Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!
Note: Good News Ministries http://gnm.org is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources, LLC http://catholicdr.com is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this 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, September 23, 2010

Curiosity should lead to heavenly experiences

Good News ReflectionThursday of the 25th Week of Ordinary Time September 23, 2010
Today's Readings:Eccl 1:2-11Ps 90:(1) 3-6,12-14,17Luke 9:7-9http://www.usccb.org/nab/092310.shtmlUSCCB Podcast of the Readings:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_09_23.mp3
Curiosity should lead to heavenly experiences
In today's Gospel reading, Herod is described as "very curious" to see Jesus. By now, he's heard a lot about this miracle worker from Nazareth. He knows that there's something special about him. Herod was like the people who flock to healing services today looking for miracles but not for Jesus. When he finally met Jesus personally, the encounter did not change him. Why not?
The answer is in today's first reading. Everything that is not of heaven is only temporary. In the long view of eternity, anything that has no lasting value is meaningless, worthless, and we hold onto it in vain. When we focus on what is temporal, when we base our values on worldly standards, and when we strive only for a more comfortable, easy life here on earth, we cannot see who Jesus really is, we cannot understand his teachings, and the cross seems like nothing more than an instrument of a stranger's death.
We are all creatures of curiosity. We get excited over miracles, and new discoveries fascinate us, but if they don't enhance our relationship with Christ, they only benefit our lives for a short time. Spiritual discoveries benefit us forever. Herod did not want to know Jesus where it mattered, in his spirit. He did not want God's touch to change him. When we don't let Jesus change us – when we don't give him the freedom to affect whatever in our lives is temporal – our accomplishments are meaningless, worthless, and vain.We enjoy adventure. We go on pilgrimages and tours to places of new discovery. We attend up-lifting conferences and special church events to get mountaintop experiences, but it's all temporary. While the mountaintop brings us closer to God, the time spent there is wasted unless we're eternally changed by it – a change that is evidenced in the valley.
If you've ever visited the Holy Land, you've seen the temporal side of Jesus. The places where he once walked and healed and preached the kingdom of God are viewable only as aging churches, faded icons, worn-down Byzantine tiles and crumbling stone. We can stand atop Mount Tabor where Jesus was transfigured, and although we are awed by being there, if there is no change that transfigures our souls and radiates Jesus outward from us, it's been a meaningless and vain experience.
Remember, your problems are only temporary, too, including those that seem unending. But if in your sufferings there's no change that transfigures your soul and radiates Jesus outward, any relief you get from the resolution of the problem is temporary and vain.
For our lives to be filled with lasting value, we have to be curious about what Jesus wants to do in our spirits. Our excitement must be based on the changes that will bless the kingdom of God forever.
© 2010 by Terry A. ModicaThis work is NOT in Public Domain and may NOT be copied without permission. You may print one copy for your own personal use. For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection for sharing, see: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 to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?Sign up for your own subscription! Go to http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need your help in my daily ministry?Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. Please visit http://gnm.org/donate.htm where you can make a real difference - even if you cannot make a financial donation!
Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!
Note: Good News Ministries http://gnm.org is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources, LLC http://catholicdr.comis Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this 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:Sign up at http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections or change your addressor unsubscribe

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Words are sacred

Good News Reflection
Wednesday of the 25th Week of Ordinary Time
September 22, 2010

Today's Saint: Maurice
Pray for all church leaders:
http://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Maurice.htm

Today's Readings:
Prv 30:5-9
Ps 119:(105) 29,72,89,101,104,163
Luke 9:1-6
http://www.usccb.org/nab/092210.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_09_22.mp3

Words are sacred

Words are sacred. Why are we so careless with them?

We assume that ill-spoken words lose their damaging power after they're forgotten, but in fact all words ripple through time with either blessings or destruction.

Harsh words spoken to us as a child still control us today unless we submit them to a healing process. Words of guidance and instruction that were based on misconceptions or unhealthiness still manipulate how we think and live until we replace them with the truth. And words of praise continue to encourage us long afterward, although we cannot remember how or why.

How do you feel when someone pulls you aside and says, "May I have a word with you?" The more frightening that is, the more healing you need from the destructive words of your past.

Words are powerful. They cannot be deleted once heard. To be like Jesus, we must develop self-control to check every thought, mood, and word before they come out of our mouths. We're so used to letting our tongues flap freely that we think this is impossible, but it's not – not if we slow down and pray constantly to allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our words.

If we can't do that, then we should take a vow of silence for a day or two and get used to the idea that our tongue CAN be controlled!

Words are sacred. We should always say what we mean and mean what we say and make sure it all glorifies God or honors his kingdom or at least shows respect for his ways. Any other way of speaking is sacrilegious.

This is the lesson that today's resposorial psalm is teaching us. When we speak as if we know the truth while breaking the commands of God's Word, we destroy the sanctity of our words; we are liars. Every unholy word denies God. They prove a lack of love for him. They withhold his love from the people who hear us.

God's Word is a lamp for our feet, as it says in Psalm 119. May our words always reflect that light so that, with Jesus, we help guide others on the path of righteousness. Sacred words are powerful enough to conquer demons and cure diseases, as we read in today's Gospel reading. May we learn to harness the holy power of words.

Amen! (In a word, "so be it!")

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