My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionMonday of the Fifth Week of LentMarch 30, 2009
Today's Readings:Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 Ps 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6John 8:1-11http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/033009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_30.mp3
Protected by God's mercy
Have you ever been accused unmercifully? Whether we have been rightly reprimanded (like the woman found in adultery in today's Gospel reading) or falsely accused (like Susanna in the first reading), we feel terribly invalidated when we have to endure condemnation without forgiveness.Feeling remorseful for a genuine sin does not make it easier to accept the harsh reactions of others, so we defend ourselves rather than admit our guilt, and we try to rationalize away our sins. We want to protect ourselves from a crushing sense of shame.
Does it really work though? No, only mercy can protect us. Only mercy can validate our worth. Without it, we try to manipulate people into liking us and approving of us and affirming us. The more we sin, the more desperate we become for other people's approval. And the more desperate we become, the less remorse we feel for what we've done wrong, because remorse is a feeling that says we deserve disapproval.
To fill the emptiness and heal the wound, we need to realize that we've been forgiven by the mercy of God. The Sacrament of Confession gives us audible proof of this mercy. And we must understand that it's only God's opinion of us that really matters. Even if others refuse to give us mercy, if we know that we have God's mercy, we will have peace and the sense of personal value that we need.
When we're falsely accused, we feel empty and invalidated because the truth has been misjudged and we're at the mercy of others' wrong opinions of us. They're rejecting us and it's totally unfair. We hunger for their affirmation, and if we don't receive it, we defend ourselves and offend them. We convert our innocence into selfishness and pride and unloving behavior.
To fill this emptiness and heal this wound, we need to realize that we are protected by the mercy of God, and we must remind ourselves that it's only his opinion of us that really matters.
No one can validate us or heal us like God can. He alone loves us no matter what we do. Mercifully, when we deserve punishment, he says: "I do not condemn you. I love you. Go on with your life and sin no more, but be assured that I will always love you, even if you sin this way again."
God has more mercy to give you than you've allowed yourself to receive. Meditate on this and open yourself to his steady, merciful love. He wants to free you from the need to be validated and healed by people.
This truth will free you to love others even when they sin against you. With Jesus, tell the Father: "I do not condemn them. Please grant them your forgiveness even if they do not ask for it."
We forgive others not because they repent (some never will), but because God has been merciful to us. As we have received mercy from him, so do we share his mercy with others.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: From whom (besides God) have you been seeking validation? What are you going to do to center yourself on God instead?
© 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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Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Receive your Father's praise
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionThursday of the Fourth Week in LentMarch 26, 2009
Today's Readings:Exodus 32:7-14Ps 106:19-23John 5:31-47http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032609.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_26.mp3
Receive your Father's praise
How do you feel when you're complimented? Embarrassed? This typical reaction happens because we fail to realize that it is God our Father who is praising us. In today's Gospel passage, Jesus makes it clear that the only praise that really matters is that which originates from the Father, and such praise is very important.
Praise is good. We were made in the image of a God who values being praised. But because we're afraid that it's not humble to accept compliments, we quickly negate the affirmation. Well guess what. That's telling the people who compliment us that they're liars. And it initiates the game of "If I say I'm not worthy of your praise, then you'll try to convince me that I am indeed worthy of it, and I'll get more attention from you as we drag this out longer."
What a mess! Pride gets confused with humility. True humility means accepting praise and acknowledging that ultimately the credit goes to God. True humility means affirming those who compliment us by accepting their kind words and good intentions.
Jesus said that the Father's praise gives testimony about the Son's worth. Jesus was NOT implying that John's affirmation was invalid. On the contrary, he reminded the Jews about John's testimony precisely because it was very important indeed. But greater than John's praise was the Father's. The one who sent Jesus into the world was the best one to judge how well he was fulfilling his calling.
You, too, have been sent by the Father. You, too, have been commission and empowered to give Jesus to the world by using all of the gifts that he has given you, i.e., all of the good that is in you. If you're doing this to the best of your current ability, and if you're obeying the Father to the best of your awareness, repenting when you slip into sin, the Father is praising you just like he praised his Son, Jesus.
No less than that!
Because we cannot hear his voice audibly, he speaks to us through people. We will hear him if we're listening to what he's saying to us through the people that he's putting in front of us today. If they affirm what is true in us, if they encourage us and build us up, it's the Father himself who's ministering to us. We must not reject his caring words!
Let your Father embrace you with his loving praise: Accept the affirmation of others. And when people tear you down or discourage you, remember that it's only God's opinion of you that really matters, and he likes you far more than they do!
Today's step on the Lenten journey: List as many compliments as you can remember receiving in the past couple of months.
© 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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Good News ReflectionThursday of the Fourth Week in LentMarch 26, 2009
Today's Readings:Exodus 32:7-14Ps 106:19-23John 5:31-47http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032609.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_26.mp3
Receive your Father's praise
How do you feel when you're complimented? Embarrassed? This typical reaction happens because we fail to realize that it is God our Father who is praising us. In today's Gospel passage, Jesus makes it clear that the only praise that really matters is that which originates from the Father, and such praise is very important.
Praise is good. We were made in the image of a God who values being praised. But because we're afraid that it's not humble to accept compliments, we quickly negate the affirmation. Well guess what. That's telling the people who compliment us that they're liars. And it initiates the game of "If I say I'm not worthy of your praise, then you'll try to convince me that I am indeed worthy of it, and I'll get more attention from you as we drag this out longer."
What a mess! Pride gets confused with humility. True humility means accepting praise and acknowledging that ultimately the credit goes to God. True humility means affirming those who compliment us by accepting their kind words and good intentions.
Jesus said that the Father's praise gives testimony about the Son's worth. Jesus was NOT implying that John's affirmation was invalid. On the contrary, he reminded the Jews about John's testimony precisely because it was very important indeed. But greater than John's praise was the Father's. The one who sent Jesus into the world was the best one to judge how well he was fulfilling his calling.
You, too, have been sent by the Father. You, too, have been commission and empowered to give Jesus to the world by using all of the gifts that he has given you, i.e., all of the good that is in you. If you're doing this to the best of your current ability, and if you're obeying the Father to the best of your awareness, repenting when you slip into sin, the Father is praising you just like he praised his Son, Jesus.
No less than that!
Because we cannot hear his voice audibly, he speaks to us through people. We will hear him if we're listening to what he's saying to us through the people that he's putting in front of us today. If they affirm what is true in us, if they encourage us and build us up, it's the Father himself who's ministering to us. We must not reject his caring words!
Let your Father embrace you with his loving praise: Accept the affirmation of others. And when people tear you down or discourage you, remember that it's only God's opinion of you that really matters, and he likes you far more than they do!
Today's step on the Lenten journey: List as many compliments as you can remember receiving in the past couple of months.
© 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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Increasing your courage
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionWednesday of the Fourth Week in LentMarch 25, 2009
Today's Solemnity: The Annunciationhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Annuciation.htm
Today's Readings:Isaiah 7:10-14Ps 40:7-11Heb 10:4-10Luke 1:26-38http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032509.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_25.mp3
Increasing your courage
In today's Gospel passage, Mary has a very difficult decision to make. According to her society's rules, when a woman gets pregnant outside of marriage, she could be stoned to death for her blatant disregard of the sacredness of marriage.
Surely Mary wondered how her beloved Joseph would react. The angel Gabriel did nothing to reassure her that Joseph would believe her explanation. And at first, he didn't!
What would her parents think? Even if they believed her, what about other relatives? And her friends? She faced disapproval and misunderstanding from every direction. How did she find the courage to say yes to God's plan without reassurance that everything would turn out okay?
I think we all wish that God would describe his plans for us, outlined in 10 easy steps with the end results clearly detailed.
How do you feel about uncertainty? Is it paralyzing you? How do you feel about people's disapproval? Do you have the courage to follow God's inspiration no matter what, or are you waiting for him to reassure you that all will turn out well?
He rarely gives us that reassurance. He prefers that we trust him and rely on him instead. Mary found her courage in God. Trust is not a feeling; trust is a decision to depend on God's love and power and wisdom. To whatever extent we're controlled by the fear of the disapprovals of others, this is how much we're not guided by our faith in God.
Today's step forward on the Lenten journey: Here's a simple but powerful way to silence the voices of fear so that courage can grow:
1. Identify what message your fears are telling you. What are you afraid will happen if you forge ahead and do what God seems to be asking of you?
2. Remember that fear's message is based at least partially on falsehoods; ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of all the truths that contradict these lies.
3. Choose to act upon those truths — respond to the truth instead of the fear. Move forward emboldened and encouraged ("in courage") by the awareness that you can safely trust in God's desire and ability to help you do everything that he asks of you. This is the moment of your own Annunciation experience. This is your opportunity to give God your own fiat, your own "Yes! Let it be done to me as YOU say!"
God speaks to us in annunciations every day. If we learn from Mary's example, she helps us to say "yes", and she's available as our nurturing mother and guide to help us live out that "yes."
© 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 ReflectionWednesday of the Fourth Week in LentMarch 25, 2009
Today's Solemnity: The Annunciationhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Annuciation.htm
Today's Readings:Isaiah 7:10-14Ps 40:7-11Heb 10:4-10Luke 1:26-38http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032509.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_25.mp3
Increasing your courage
In today's Gospel passage, Mary has a very difficult decision to make. According to her society's rules, when a woman gets pregnant outside of marriage, she could be stoned to death for her blatant disregard of the sacredness of marriage.
Surely Mary wondered how her beloved Joseph would react. The angel Gabriel did nothing to reassure her that Joseph would believe her explanation. And at first, he didn't!
What would her parents think? Even if they believed her, what about other relatives? And her friends? She faced disapproval and misunderstanding from every direction. How did she find the courage to say yes to God's plan without reassurance that everything would turn out okay?
I think we all wish that God would describe his plans for us, outlined in 10 easy steps with the end results clearly detailed.
How do you feel about uncertainty? Is it paralyzing you? How do you feel about people's disapproval? Do you have the courage to follow God's inspiration no matter what, or are you waiting for him to reassure you that all will turn out well?
He rarely gives us that reassurance. He prefers that we trust him and rely on him instead. Mary found her courage in God. Trust is not a feeling; trust is a decision to depend on God's love and power and wisdom. To whatever extent we're controlled by the fear of the disapprovals of others, this is how much we're not guided by our faith in God.
Today's step forward on the Lenten journey: Here's a simple but powerful way to silence the voices of fear so that courage can grow:
1. Identify what message your fears are telling you. What are you afraid will happen if you forge ahead and do what God seems to be asking of you?
2. Remember that fear's message is based at least partially on falsehoods; ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of all the truths that contradict these lies.
3. Choose to act upon those truths — respond to the truth instead of the fear. Move forward emboldened and encouraged ("in courage") by the awareness that you can safely trust in God's desire and ability to help you do everything that he asks of you. This is the moment of your own Annunciation experience. This is your opportunity to give God your own fiat, your own "Yes! Let it be done to me as YOU say!"
God speaks to us in annunciations every day. If we learn from Mary's example, she helps us to say "yes", and she's available as our nurturing mother and guide to help us live out that "yes."
© 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, March 23, 2009
Dare to care
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the Fourth Week of LentMarch 24, 2009
Today's Readings:Daniel 3:25, 34-43Ps 25:4-9Matt 18:21-35http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032409.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_24.mp3
Dare to care
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus faces an important decision when he notices a man who's been sick for 38 years. Should he protect himself from being rejected, ridiculed, and persecuted for breaking the religious law about not working on the Sabbath? Or should he respond to the man's suffering and work a healing?
The lame man did not ask Jesus for a healing. It was entirely Jesus' decision. Apparently, the poor guy hadn't heard of Jesus yet, as evidenced by his reply about needing someone to put him into the pool.
Why did Jesus zero in on this man amidst a crowd of many who were ill, blind, lame, and crippled? Maybe he'd been sick the longest. Maybe he had more love for God than the others did. Maybe the Father had a special plan for his life. We don't know, but whatever the reason, Jesus recognized his need and readiness to be healed, and so he decided to take the initiative and reach out to the man.
We don't know why Jesus picks any of us out of the crowd. When he takes the initiative to give us any gift, healing, vocation or other blessing, all we can do is trust in his wisdom and accept what he does and praise him for being so good to us.
Jesus knew the ramifications of inviting the lame man to receive his healing gift: Both he and the man would be condemned as sinners. Have you ever been in that kind of a situation? Following in the footsteps of Jesus means responding to the needs of others, whether it will backfire or not.
This is compassionate love. In compassion, we contact the authorities when we see children being abused, even though their parents might retaliate. In compassion, we take meals to a sick neighbor, even though his illness is making him cranky and he's likely to lash out at us. In compassion, we speak up for someone who's been misunderstood and rejected, even though we'll become the next target of condemnation. In compassion, we advocate for employees who are being ill treated by their employers, even though we'll be disdained or fired or blacklisted for stirring up trouble.
Right? Or do we think God won't take care of us if we work this hard for his kingdom?
To do less is unChrist-like. When we get nailed for doing good deeds, we are truly being like Jesus. We're taking our compassion all the way to the cross. Actually, it's Christ's compassion. Our compassion is his. Our crosses are his. We are intimately united to him when we suffer for the sake of love.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Take a bold, compassionate step toward someone today. Dare to follow your heart to where others need the caring touch of Jesus. If this is easy, great, but look for opportunities to be Jesus for others in ways that you've avoided before. Stretch your ability to face the cross, because you love others that much. The word "compassion" means "with passion" — you are with Jesus in his holy Passion!
© 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 ReflectionTuesday of the Fourth Week of LentMarch 24, 2009
Today's Readings:Daniel 3:25, 34-43Ps 25:4-9Matt 18:21-35http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032409.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_24.mp3
Dare to care
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus faces an important decision when he notices a man who's been sick for 38 years. Should he protect himself from being rejected, ridiculed, and persecuted for breaking the religious law about not working on the Sabbath? Or should he respond to the man's suffering and work a healing?
The lame man did not ask Jesus for a healing. It was entirely Jesus' decision. Apparently, the poor guy hadn't heard of Jesus yet, as evidenced by his reply about needing someone to put him into the pool.
Why did Jesus zero in on this man amidst a crowd of many who were ill, blind, lame, and crippled? Maybe he'd been sick the longest. Maybe he had more love for God than the others did. Maybe the Father had a special plan for his life. We don't know, but whatever the reason, Jesus recognized his need and readiness to be healed, and so he decided to take the initiative and reach out to the man.
We don't know why Jesus picks any of us out of the crowd. When he takes the initiative to give us any gift, healing, vocation or other blessing, all we can do is trust in his wisdom and accept what he does and praise him for being so good to us.
Jesus knew the ramifications of inviting the lame man to receive his healing gift: Both he and the man would be condemned as sinners. Have you ever been in that kind of a situation? Following in the footsteps of Jesus means responding to the needs of others, whether it will backfire or not.
This is compassionate love. In compassion, we contact the authorities when we see children being abused, even though their parents might retaliate. In compassion, we take meals to a sick neighbor, even though his illness is making him cranky and he's likely to lash out at us. In compassion, we speak up for someone who's been misunderstood and rejected, even though we'll become the next target of condemnation. In compassion, we advocate for employees who are being ill treated by their employers, even though we'll be disdained or fired or blacklisted for stirring up trouble.
Right? Or do we think God won't take care of us if we work this hard for his kingdom?
To do less is unChrist-like. When we get nailed for doing good deeds, we are truly being like Jesus. We're taking our compassion all the way to the cross. Actually, it's Christ's compassion. Our compassion is his. Our crosses are his. We are intimately united to him when we suffer for the sake of love.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Take a bold, compassionate step toward someone today. Dare to follow your heart to where others need the caring touch of Jesus. If this is easy, great, but look for opportunities to be Jesus for others in ways that you've avoided before. Stretch your ability to face the cross, because you love others that much. The word "compassion" means "with passion" — you are with Jesus in his holy Passion!
© 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
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Stepping out in trust through the parenting of St. Joseph
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionThursday of the Third Week in LentMarch 19, 2009
Today's Feast: Saint Josephhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Joseph.htm
Today's Readings:2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22Matt 1:16, 18-21, 24, or Luke 2:41-51http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031909.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_19.mp3
Stepping out in trust through the parenting of St. Joseph
How did St. Joseph parent the boy Jesus for his ministry as Savior? He lived a life of choosing to trust in a God who understood everything perfectly, especially when nothing made sense. Surely this attitude set an example that helped Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
For example, when Mary told Joseph that she was pregnant, the only sensible conclusion he understood was that the father was another man. He might have also thought that the townspeople had considered Mary to be model citizen and now they would probably condemn her for a major breach of righteousness.
He also knew that he loved her, and in that unconditional love, under the circumstances, the most sensible thing to do would be to break their engagement and free her to marry the child's father.
However, Joseph's trust in God overrode his sensibilities. He was open to being corrected when his assumptions were wrong. After the angel spoke to him in a dream, it didn't take Joseph long to admit his mistake and change his plans. Did he understand how God would protect this family from judgmental neighbors? No. Did he understand how to do a good job parenting a messiah? No. But he knew God knew, and that's all that really mattered.
Joseph lived a practical faith, continually seeking God's will, choosing to follow his guidance even when it didn't make logical sense. It carried him through the difficult journey to Bethlehem and the search for a room when Mary went into labor. It saved the family when Herod sent soldiers to kill the baby. It kept them safely in Egypt until the time was right to return home. It helped him and his wife cope with losing their 12-year-old in the crowded city of Jerusalem.
This fatherly example of practical spirituality surely must have helped Jesus find the strength to put up with the daily hardships of his ministry. I suspect it also helped him overcome his self-protective resistance to the torture of the cross, so that he could obey and trust the Father all the way to the resurrection and beyond.
Dads: Never underestimate the impact you have on your children's faith! Your examples are powerful influences!
We need not be afraid of anything. We can trust God in everything. Even the most catastrophic events are not fearsome when we realize that God is trustworthy.
Take a step forward on the Lenten journey with St. Joseph: Whether you're a father or a mother, or not a parent at all, look honestly at the example you're setting. Do others grow in their faith by watching you? Ask St. Joseph to help you more effectively "parent" the spirituality of others.
© 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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Good News ReflectionThursday of the Third Week in LentMarch 19, 2009
Today's Feast: Saint Josephhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Joseph.htm
Today's Readings:2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22Matt 1:16, 18-21, 24, or Luke 2:41-51http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031909.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_19.mp3
Stepping out in trust through the parenting of St. Joseph
How did St. Joseph parent the boy Jesus for his ministry as Savior? He lived a life of choosing to trust in a God who understood everything perfectly, especially when nothing made sense. Surely this attitude set an example that helped Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
For example, when Mary told Joseph that she was pregnant, the only sensible conclusion he understood was that the father was another man. He might have also thought that the townspeople had considered Mary to be model citizen and now they would probably condemn her for a major breach of righteousness.
He also knew that he loved her, and in that unconditional love, under the circumstances, the most sensible thing to do would be to break their engagement and free her to marry the child's father.
However, Joseph's trust in God overrode his sensibilities. He was open to being corrected when his assumptions were wrong. After the angel spoke to him in a dream, it didn't take Joseph long to admit his mistake and change his plans. Did he understand how God would protect this family from judgmental neighbors? No. Did he understand how to do a good job parenting a messiah? No. But he knew God knew, and that's all that really mattered.
Joseph lived a practical faith, continually seeking God's will, choosing to follow his guidance even when it didn't make logical sense. It carried him through the difficult journey to Bethlehem and the search for a room when Mary went into labor. It saved the family when Herod sent soldiers to kill the baby. It kept them safely in Egypt until the time was right to return home. It helped him and his wife cope with losing their 12-year-old in the crowded city of Jerusalem.
This fatherly example of practical spirituality surely must have helped Jesus find the strength to put up with the daily hardships of his ministry. I suspect it also helped him overcome his self-protective resistance to the torture of the cross, so that he could obey and trust the Father all the way to the resurrection and beyond.
Dads: Never underestimate the impact you have on your children's faith! Your examples are powerful influences!
We need not be afraid of anything. We can trust God in everything. Even the most catastrophic events are not fearsome when we realize that God is trustworthy.
Take a step forward on the Lenten journey with St. Joseph: Whether you're a father or a mother, or not a parent at all, look honestly at the example you're setting. Do others grow in their faith by watching you? Ask St. Joseph to help you more effectively "parent" the spirituality of others.
© 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, March 16, 2009
Forgive, forgive, forgive … again?
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the Third Week of LentMarch 17, 2009
Today's Saint: Patrickhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Patrick.htm
Today's Readings:Daniel 3:25, 34-43Ps 25:4-9Matt 18:21-35http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031709.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_17.mp3
Forgive, forgive, forgive … again?
How many people have taught you how to forgive seventy times seven times? This method of learning the lesson of today's Gospel passage is not fun. But there's a reason why God allows us to experience those who repeatedly — sometimes seventy times in one day! — give us opportunities to practice forgiveness: They need this gesture of mercy more than others do. And in God's great concern for them, he puts them in OUR paths. (Gee thanks God, but couldn't you have picked someone else?)
Such people are in desperate need of love; they've received less of it than we have, and that's why they behave so badly. In many cases, they have NEVER received real love; their only experience of so-called "love" is actually co-dependency or control or conditions.
In some cases, disease, addiction, or mental illness has robbed them of the ability to receive love when it is, in fact, given to them.
No one can give what they do not have. They can only give us what they do have, and sadly, that's grief — and plenty of it!
We can give them the forgiveness we've received from our loving Father — the "king who settled accounts with his officials" in the parable. We know what love is, because we've opened ourselves to God's generous love, and therefore we have the responsibility of sharing it with those who have less.
They might assume that they know what love is, but they don't know how to recognize real, unconditional, Christ-like love, so we have to persist and forgive and persist and forgive until finally — finally! — our love breaks through the barricades of their hearts.
Then, when they slip back into their old ways, we forgive them again. Our persistence might be the only true connection to Jesus that they have.
However, we cannot succeed alone. Others are also needed, including counselors, doctors, or therapists. Sometimes God tells us that we've done enough and it's time to step away so that he can help them through someone else.
The process is long. We have to ask God to give us a supernatural love for these people. When we want to quit prematurely, we can look at Jesus hanging on the cross for us. He did not give up on us. If we truly want to follow him, we have to become like him. By uniting our sufferings to his cross, we are intimately united to his redemptive power.
Pray for those who are causing you pain; choose to forgive them. It's a choice, not a feeling. And we need to do it now, not when (or if) they repent. Jesus did not delay his walk to Calvary hoping that humankind would repent before he got nailed for our sins. As you follow him in the spirit of forgiveness, remember: After crucifixion there is always resurrection!
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Finish this sentence: The people I choose to forgive again 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
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the Third Week of LentMarch 17, 2009
Today's Saint: Patrickhttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Patrick.htm
Today's Readings:Daniel 3:25, 34-43Ps 25:4-9Matt 18:21-35http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031709.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_17.mp3
Forgive, forgive, forgive … again?
How many people have taught you how to forgive seventy times seven times? This method of learning the lesson of today's Gospel passage is not fun. But there's a reason why God allows us to experience those who repeatedly — sometimes seventy times in one day! — give us opportunities to practice forgiveness: They need this gesture of mercy more than others do. And in God's great concern for them, he puts them in OUR paths. (Gee thanks God, but couldn't you have picked someone else?)
Such people are in desperate need of love; they've received less of it than we have, and that's why they behave so badly. In many cases, they have NEVER received real love; their only experience of so-called "love" is actually co-dependency or control or conditions.
In some cases, disease, addiction, or mental illness has robbed them of the ability to receive love when it is, in fact, given to them.
No one can give what they do not have. They can only give us what they do have, and sadly, that's grief — and plenty of it!
We can give them the forgiveness we've received from our loving Father — the "king who settled accounts with his officials" in the parable. We know what love is, because we've opened ourselves to God's generous love, and therefore we have the responsibility of sharing it with those who have less.
They might assume that they know what love is, but they don't know how to recognize real, unconditional, Christ-like love, so we have to persist and forgive and persist and forgive until finally — finally! — our love breaks through the barricades of their hearts.
Then, when they slip back into their old ways, we forgive them again. Our persistence might be the only true connection to Jesus that they have.
However, we cannot succeed alone. Others are also needed, including counselors, doctors, or therapists. Sometimes God tells us that we've done enough and it's time to step away so that he can help them through someone else.
The process is long. We have to ask God to give us a supernatural love for these people. When we want to quit prematurely, we can look at Jesus hanging on the cross for us. He did not give up on us. If we truly want to follow him, we have to become like him. By uniting our sufferings to his cross, we are intimately united to his redemptive power.
Pray for those who are causing you pain; choose to forgive them. It's a choice, not a feeling. And we need to do it now, not when (or if) they repent. Jesus did not delay his walk to Calvary hoping that humankind would repent before he got nailed for our sins. As you follow him in the spirit of forgiveness, remember: After crucifixion there is always resurrection!
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Finish this sentence: The people I choose to forgive again 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
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Next Sunday's Reflection
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: March 22, 2009Fourth Sunday of Lent, 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/Lent/Lent4.htm
Next Sunday's Readings 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23Ps 137:1-6Ephesians 2:4-10John 3:14-21http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032209.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_22.mp3
Why do we hide in darkness? Why do we prefer to conceal our sins rather than face them and go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and speak out loud what we've done wrong?
It's Jesus who meets us in the confessional, appearing to us in the form of a priest who's sworn to secrecy. In the Gospel reading, Jesus assures us that he did not come to condemn us. It is safe to come into the light where our sins are exposed.
However, we don't want to go to Confession if guilt is driving us deeper into the darkness of low self esteem, the fear of being unlovable, and an inability to forgive ourselves.
Guilt is a good motivator for repentance and change, but when combined with the messages of a poor self image, we feel undeserving of forgiveness. We feel shame. And shame makes us even more afraid to expose the truth about our sins.
However, the very thing we fear is what will become our joy and healing if we dare to face the work of letting Jesus heal our low self esteem. Perhaps your starting point needs to be a counselor or therapist, or a spiritual director, or the priest in the confessional. Whatever will help you get into the confessional, this is where your healing lies.
Jesus completes the healing by curing your spirit with forgiveness, mercy, and unconditional love through the words of absolution that he speaks to you through the priest.
In today's Gospel, Jesus points out that whoever lives the truth (whoever is honest about themselves) "comes to the light" to be rescued. When we admit anything we've done wrong, speaking it out loud to the ears of one of Christ's servants, we are rescued by Jesus. We hear Jesus minister to us through the vocal chords of the priest, and we receive from Jesus the power to resist the same sins in the future.
Why suffer any longer, hiding in the darkness of fear and a poor self image? Jesus has come to rescue you!
Questions for Personal Reflection:What do you feel ashamed about? Have you taken this to the Sacrament of Reconciliation yet? If yes, remember that since God has forgiven you and the Church has forgiven you, they do not condemn you, so why are you condemning yourself? Otherwise, what are you waiting for? Blessings and healing await you!
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:How are we set free to live in joy and peace by admitting our sins and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Describe a time when you lived in darkness; how did Jesus bring you into the light? How have you experienced special graces from going to Confession?
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
Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: March 22, 2009Fourth Sunday of Lent, 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/Lent/Lent4.htm
Next Sunday's Readings 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23Ps 137:1-6Ephesians 2:4-10John 3:14-21http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032209.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_22.mp3
Why do we hide in darkness? Why do we prefer to conceal our sins rather than face them and go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and speak out loud what we've done wrong?
It's Jesus who meets us in the confessional, appearing to us in the form of a priest who's sworn to secrecy. In the Gospel reading, Jesus assures us that he did not come to condemn us. It is safe to come into the light where our sins are exposed.
However, we don't want to go to Confession if guilt is driving us deeper into the darkness of low self esteem, the fear of being unlovable, and an inability to forgive ourselves.
Guilt is a good motivator for repentance and change, but when combined with the messages of a poor self image, we feel undeserving of forgiveness. We feel shame. And shame makes us even more afraid to expose the truth about our sins.
However, the very thing we fear is what will become our joy and healing if we dare to face the work of letting Jesus heal our low self esteem. Perhaps your starting point needs to be a counselor or therapist, or a spiritual director, or the priest in the confessional. Whatever will help you get into the confessional, this is where your healing lies.
Jesus completes the healing by curing your spirit with forgiveness, mercy, and unconditional love through the words of absolution that he speaks to you through the priest.
In today's Gospel, Jesus points out that whoever lives the truth (whoever is honest about themselves) "comes to the light" to be rescued. When we admit anything we've done wrong, speaking it out loud to the ears of one of Christ's servants, we are rescued by Jesus. We hear Jesus minister to us through the vocal chords of the priest, and we receive from Jesus the power to resist the same sins in the future.
Why suffer any longer, hiding in the darkness of fear and a poor self image? Jesus has come to rescue you!
Questions for Personal Reflection:What do you feel ashamed about? Have you taken this to the Sacrament of Reconciliation yet? If yes, remember that since God has forgiven you and the Church has forgiven you, they do not condemn you, so why are you condemning yourself? Otherwise, what are you waiting for? Blessings and healing await you!
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:How are we set free to live in joy and peace by admitting our sins and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Describe a time when you lived in darkness; how did Jesus bring you into the light? How have you experienced special graces from going to Confession?
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, March 13, 2009
Progressing from tragedy into triumph
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionFriday of the Second Week in Lent March 13, 2009
Today's Readings:Gen 37:3-4, 12-13, 17b-28aPs 105:16-21 (with 5a) Matt 21:33-43, 45-46http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_13.mp3
Progressing from tragedy into triumph
How awful we feel when our plans get sidetracked, especially the important ones. How tragic when we lose a loved one or a job or our health or a marriage. Discouragement sets in, as well as despair with hopelessness, anger and mourning.
That's how Joseph probably felt in today's first reading, because he lost his doting father, his family, his inheritance, his home, everything that was familiar to him, and all his plans, hopes and dreams for the future. He nearly even lost his life. Sold into slavery, he lost his freedom. He had every reason to despair and grieve.
Jesus gives us another example of ruined plans in the parable of today's Gospel passage. The property owner's hopes for a good crop were sabotaged by the tenants who were supposed to take care of his vineyard. And they murdered his son!
It's normal to feel resentful and to hold onto huge grudges when our lives get sidetracked by the sins of others, as in these two stories. Our lives would be so much better if only the "jerks" we know would stop causing so much trouble.
We try to cooperate with God's will, do what he's called us to do, and live out what he's designed for us, but then someone's sinfulness gets in the way. Grrrr!
The good news is that nothing is ever really destroyed — no dream, no plans, no relationships permanently side-tracked — if we're following Jesus and living in HIS plans for our lives. God is bigger and more powerful than any disaster and sinful interference, more loving than any loss. Out of deep concern for us, he starts planning how to make triumph come from our tragedies long before the disasters begin.
It was many years before Joseph became the Pharaoh's right-hand man and saved all of Egypt and his own family from starvation in the drought. It only took the vineyard owner's son (Jesus) a short while to rise from the dead and become the cornerstone of a victorious Church. How long did it take before he became the cornerstone of your life? What happened to you before you gave him your heart? What disastrous directions did you go in before you converted? How did the mess you got into convince you that you needed God?
Your own life is already an example of how God turns tragedies into triumphs. Whenever we ask for his help, he takes the bad consequences of sin and reshapes them into a glorious plan that will benefit many. Isn't it amazing? He is so awesome! It might take longer than we'd like it to take, but his plans for victory are always very amazing!
Make Jesus the cornerstone of whatever is going wrong in your life. Let him take it over with his own ideas and dreams for you, which are far better than anything you could dream up. And give him time to work.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: List the tragedies that you would like Jesus to turn into triumphs.
© 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 ReflectionFriday of the Second Week in Lent March 13, 2009
Today's Readings:Gen 37:3-4, 12-13, 17b-28aPs 105:16-21 (with 5a) Matt 21:33-43, 45-46http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_13.mp3
Progressing from tragedy into triumph
How awful we feel when our plans get sidetracked, especially the important ones. How tragic when we lose a loved one or a job or our health or a marriage. Discouragement sets in, as well as despair with hopelessness, anger and mourning.
That's how Joseph probably felt in today's first reading, because he lost his doting father, his family, his inheritance, his home, everything that was familiar to him, and all his plans, hopes and dreams for the future. He nearly even lost his life. Sold into slavery, he lost his freedom. He had every reason to despair and grieve.
Jesus gives us another example of ruined plans in the parable of today's Gospel passage. The property owner's hopes for a good crop were sabotaged by the tenants who were supposed to take care of his vineyard. And they murdered his son!
It's normal to feel resentful and to hold onto huge grudges when our lives get sidetracked by the sins of others, as in these two stories. Our lives would be so much better if only the "jerks" we know would stop causing so much trouble.
We try to cooperate with God's will, do what he's called us to do, and live out what he's designed for us, but then someone's sinfulness gets in the way. Grrrr!
The good news is that nothing is ever really destroyed — no dream, no plans, no relationships permanently side-tracked — if we're following Jesus and living in HIS plans for our lives. God is bigger and more powerful than any disaster and sinful interference, more loving than any loss. Out of deep concern for us, he starts planning how to make triumph come from our tragedies long before the disasters begin.
It was many years before Joseph became the Pharaoh's right-hand man and saved all of Egypt and his own family from starvation in the drought. It only took the vineyard owner's son (Jesus) a short while to rise from the dead and become the cornerstone of a victorious Church. How long did it take before he became the cornerstone of your life? What happened to you before you gave him your heart? What disastrous directions did you go in before you converted? How did the mess you got into convince you that you needed God?
Your own life is already an example of how God turns tragedies into triumphs. Whenever we ask for his help, he takes the bad consequences of sin and reshapes them into a glorious plan that will benefit many. Isn't it amazing? He is so awesome! It might take longer than we'd like it to take, but his plans for victory are always very amazing!
Make Jesus the cornerstone of whatever is going wrong in your life. Let him take it over with his own ideas and dreams for you, which are far better than anything you could dream up. And give him time to work.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: List the tragedies that you would like Jesus to turn into triumphs.
© 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
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Living in heaven on earth
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionThursday of the Second Week in LentMarch 12, 2009
Today's Readings:Jeremiah 17:5-10Ps 1:1-4, 6Luke 16:19-31http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031209.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_12.mp3
Living in heaven on earth
Hell is not "down" in the middle of the earth, a physical place where bad people and pagans go after death for eternal punishment. Rather, hell is separation from God. And it's not God who separates himself from people. It's we who separate ourselves from him, and it begins while we are still here on earth.
Do you feel (at least sometimes) like you're living in hell on earth? It's not the pains and trials we endure that make our lives hellish. It's the feeling that God is not with us.
The parable in today's Gospel passage shows that it's impossible to rescue anyone from hell after they've died. It also teaches that it's impossible to rescue an alive person who is headed for hell — that is, IF they are not willing to unite themselves to God's love. Jesus points out the lack of repentance in those who reject what God has revealed to them.
Jesus revealed himself as God by becoming one of us and willingly sacrificing himself on the cross to take our punishment for sin upon himself, removing all obstacles between us and God, and then rising from the dead to give us eternal life in God's presence. It's not the people who don't know this who go to hell. It's the people who reject God's love because they don't want to give love.
When someone dies without knowledge of Jesus but they lived in the spirit of Christ by loving others, he or she will want to live forever with him when they meet him on their personal judgment day at the hour of their passing from earth. But those who heard of him and rejected him because they had no desire to give up their unloving ways — they will want to avoid Jesus at the hour of their death. Thus, they decide to separate themselves from God forever.
The question for you and me right now is this: What am I doing today that rejects love? How am I separating myself from God and creating my own hell on earth? We might be 90% in love with God, but it's that other 10% that makes us miserable.
Even when other people's unlovingness ruins our fun, we can rise above the suffering by living in God's embrace. This is why the Lord said in today's first reading: "Cursed are those who trust in human beings and turn their hearts away from me, but blessed are those who trust in me." The message is repeated in today's responsorial Psalm.
What holds you back from being completely loving? Are you trusting in God's love when others fail to love you enough? There's always plenty of evidence, when life is hard, that "proves" we should not trust him, but Jesus' death and resurrection are proof that his love is real. Acting upon that truth by loving others unconditionally is how we bring heaven to earth.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Take a step closer to heaven by listing the ways you reject love. Let this serve as an eye-opener that motivates you to benefit from the Sacrament of Confession this Lent.
© 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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Good News ReflectionThursday of the Second Week in LentMarch 12, 2009
Today's Readings:Jeremiah 17:5-10Ps 1:1-4, 6Luke 16:19-31http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031209.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_12.mp3
Living in heaven on earth
Hell is not "down" in the middle of the earth, a physical place where bad people and pagans go after death for eternal punishment. Rather, hell is separation from God. And it's not God who separates himself from people. It's we who separate ourselves from him, and it begins while we are still here on earth.
Do you feel (at least sometimes) like you're living in hell on earth? It's not the pains and trials we endure that make our lives hellish. It's the feeling that God is not with us.
The parable in today's Gospel passage shows that it's impossible to rescue anyone from hell after they've died. It also teaches that it's impossible to rescue an alive person who is headed for hell — that is, IF they are not willing to unite themselves to God's love. Jesus points out the lack of repentance in those who reject what God has revealed to them.
Jesus revealed himself as God by becoming one of us and willingly sacrificing himself on the cross to take our punishment for sin upon himself, removing all obstacles between us and God, and then rising from the dead to give us eternal life in God's presence. It's not the people who don't know this who go to hell. It's the people who reject God's love because they don't want to give love.
When someone dies without knowledge of Jesus but they lived in the spirit of Christ by loving others, he or she will want to live forever with him when they meet him on their personal judgment day at the hour of their passing from earth. But those who heard of him and rejected him because they had no desire to give up their unloving ways — they will want to avoid Jesus at the hour of their death. Thus, they decide to separate themselves from God forever.
The question for you and me right now is this: What am I doing today that rejects love? How am I separating myself from God and creating my own hell on earth? We might be 90% in love with God, but it's that other 10% that makes us miserable.
Even when other people's unlovingness ruins our fun, we can rise above the suffering by living in God's embrace. This is why the Lord said in today's first reading: "Cursed are those who trust in human beings and turn their hearts away from me, but blessed are those who trust in me." The message is repeated in today's responsorial Psalm.
What holds you back from being completely loving? Are you trusting in God's love when others fail to love you enough? There's always plenty of evidence, when life is hard, that "proves" we should not trust him, but Jesus' death and resurrection are proof that his love is real. Acting upon that truth by loving others unconditionally is how we bring heaven to earth.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Take a step closer to heaven by listing the ways you reject love. Let this serve as an eye-opener that motivates you to benefit from the Sacrament of Confession this Lent.
© 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, March 10, 2009
Embracing your specialness
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionWednesday of the Second Week in LentMarch 11, 2009
Today's Readings:Jeremiah 18:18-20Ps 31:5-6, 14-16Matt 20:17-28http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031109.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_11.mp3
Embracing your specialness
Have you ever had the feeling that you've been served enough? Not me! For years, I would feel depressed on my birthday and on Mother's Day, because these were the days I was supposed to be served and yet I always ended up doing the dishes or some other chore that served others. Even though my family treated me sweetly to make those days special, it did not feel like they served me enough.
One year I started a new tradition for celebrating my "specialness" as a person and as a mother. I decided that on any day when the focus is on me — or SHOULD be on me — I remember that it's really like any other day. God blessed me with life and the talents to serve others, and if perchance I receive special treatment from others, this is a bonus. It's nothing more than an additional gift from God, coming to me through whomever God has chosen at that moment, like any other day of the year.
And you know what? I've greatly enjoyed every birthday and Mother's Day ever since!
When we're the ones being served, we might feel special, but oh how quickly that feeling fades, doesn't it?
We truly are happiest when we're using our gifts and talents in ways that make a difference in the lives of others. That's because we're made special by our unique combination of gifts and talents and personality traits. It's a specialness that no one else has. No one else ever did or ever will have what makes you YOU.
However, the only way to experience this specialness is to USE your uniqueness in ways that God designed you to use it — and that means in service to others, which glorifies God and helps his kingdom.
Otherwise, we're like a kid who gets an enormous basket of chocolates for Easter and he tries to enjoy all of it's deliciousness in one day, without sharing it. Soon, he gets sick. Where's the fun in that?
This is why Jesus tells us in today's Gospel passage that the greatest person is the one who serves all the rest.
Serving others doesn't make us look good in the eyes of God — that's not where our greatness comes from. To God, we're already great, simply because he made us each so unique, so special. Our greatness comes from making a difference in the world.
We can only make a difference by using our giftedness to serve others. If you were to die tonight, what would people say about you at your funeral? The more good deeds you've done for others, the more you will be exalted in your eulogy — and in the kingdom of heaven.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Step forward with Jesus by listing what makes you special. How do you or will you share these with others for the sake of God's kingdom?
© 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 ReflectionWednesday of the Second Week in LentMarch 11, 2009
Today's Readings:Jeremiah 18:18-20Ps 31:5-6, 14-16Matt 20:17-28http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031109.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_11.mp3
Embracing your specialness
Have you ever had the feeling that you've been served enough? Not me! For years, I would feel depressed on my birthday and on Mother's Day, because these were the days I was supposed to be served and yet I always ended up doing the dishes or some other chore that served others. Even though my family treated me sweetly to make those days special, it did not feel like they served me enough.
One year I started a new tradition for celebrating my "specialness" as a person and as a mother. I decided that on any day when the focus is on me — or SHOULD be on me — I remember that it's really like any other day. God blessed me with life and the talents to serve others, and if perchance I receive special treatment from others, this is a bonus. It's nothing more than an additional gift from God, coming to me through whomever God has chosen at that moment, like any other day of the year.
And you know what? I've greatly enjoyed every birthday and Mother's Day ever since!
When we're the ones being served, we might feel special, but oh how quickly that feeling fades, doesn't it?
We truly are happiest when we're using our gifts and talents in ways that make a difference in the lives of others. That's because we're made special by our unique combination of gifts and talents and personality traits. It's a specialness that no one else has. No one else ever did or ever will have what makes you YOU.
However, the only way to experience this specialness is to USE your uniqueness in ways that God designed you to use it — and that means in service to others, which glorifies God and helps his kingdom.
Otherwise, we're like a kid who gets an enormous basket of chocolates for Easter and he tries to enjoy all of it's deliciousness in one day, without sharing it. Soon, he gets sick. Where's the fun in that?
This is why Jesus tells us in today's Gospel passage that the greatest person is the one who serves all the rest.
Serving others doesn't make us look good in the eyes of God — that's not where our greatness comes from. To God, we're already great, simply because he made us each so unique, so special. Our greatness comes from making a difference in the world.
We can only make a difference by using our giftedness to serve others. If you were to die tonight, what would people say about you at your funeral? The more good deeds you've done for others, the more you will be exalted in your eulogy — and in the kingdom of heaven.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Step forward with Jesus by listing what makes you special. How do you or will you share these with others for the sake of God's kingdom?
© 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
The humility of equality
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the Second Week of LentMarch 10, 2009
Today's Saint: Dominic Saviohttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/DominicSavio.htm
Today's Readings:Isaiah 1:10, 16-20Ps 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23Matt 23:1-12http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_10.mp3
The humility of equality
Today's Gospel passage is easily misinterpreted if we take it literally. It's an example of why it's necessary to look beyond our understanding of the words of scripture into the heart of Jesus.
Jesus is not saying that it's wrong to call your dad or a priest "father", nor he is saying that it's a sin to be labeled as a teacher. Take a look at the bigger picture: Parents, priests and teachers are people who are supposed to be signs or reflections of what the True Father is like and what Jesus the True Teacher is like.
The point of today's lesson from Christ is humility. We are not to use our titles, our college degrees, our social or religious status, nor any positions of authority to win favors or to control others. We're not to lord it over the people who serve us, because only Jesus is Lord. Rather, we are to serve those who serve us, like Jesus did (and still does). This is why the Pope is called "the servant of the servants of God". This is the definition of a true leader.
Jesus emphasized this when he washed the feet of his disciples.
As a leader — a parent, a business manager, a priest, the head of a ministry, a sports coach, a teacher, or any role of authority — you received your position from God so that you can make a difference for his kingdom. Did you hear that? You received your position from God so that you can make a difference for HIS KINGDOM!
You are a representative of Jesus himself, even where there is no opportunity to verbally share your religious beliefs.
In imitation of Christ, we care so much about the ones who are under our authority that we're willing to make sacrifices for them. In following Jesus, we take whatever steps are necessary to be loving toward those who follow us, even if it means taking the blame for them, walking with them through hardships, getting nailed by their misunderstanding of us, and sacrificing what we value most. And sometimes what we value most is our feeling of superiority!
In situations where we are not the leader, we're to serve those in authority as if they were Jesus himself. We give love to Jesus by being kind to them and obeying them (as long as they do not lead us into sin).
This is the humility of equality. Only our Creator is the True Father, but we are to treat his representatives here on earth the same way we should treat him. Only Jesus is our True Teacher, but we are to respond to his representatives here on earth the same way we should respond to him. And whenever and however WE are his representatives, we are to serve others the way he serves us.
Walk away from the desire to be superior to others and from the assumption that you're inferior to others. The only superior one is God, and he does not squash you into inferiority. He raises you up to the highest level of preciousness and specialness.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: What roles of authority do you have? Make a commitment to use these positions to reveal more of what Jesus is like.
© 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 ReflectionTuesday of the Second Week of LentMarch 10, 2009
Today's Saint: Dominic Saviohttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/DominicSavio.htm
Today's Readings:Isaiah 1:10, 16-20Ps 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23Matt 23:1-12http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031009.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_10.mp3
The humility of equality
Today's Gospel passage is easily misinterpreted if we take it literally. It's an example of why it's necessary to look beyond our understanding of the words of scripture into the heart of Jesus.
Jesus is not saying that it's wrong to call your dad or a priest "father", nor he is saying that it's a sin to be labeled as a teacher. Take a look at the bigger picture: Parents, priests and teachers are people who are supposed to be signs or reflections of what the True Father is like and what Jesus the True Teacher is like.
The point of today's lesson from Christ is humility. We are not to use our titles, our college degrees, our social or religious status, nor any positions of authority to win favors or to control others. We're not to lord it over the people who serve us, because only Jesus is Lord. Rather, we are to serve those who serve us, like Jesus did (and still does). This is why the Pope is called "the servant of the servants of God". This is the definition of a true leader.
Jesus emphasized this when he washed the feet of his disciples.
As a leader — a parent, a business manager, a priest, the head of a ministry, a sports coach, a teacher, or any role of authority — you received your position from God so that you can make a difference for his kingdom. Did you hear that? You received your position from God so that you can make a difference for HIS KINGDOM!
You are a representative of Jesus himself, even where there is no opportunity to verbally share your religious beliefs.
In imitation of Christ, we care so much about the ones who are under our authority that we're willing to make sacrifices for them. In following Jesus, we take whatever steps are necessary to be loving toward those who follow us, even if it means taking the blame for them, walking with them through hardships, getting nailed by their misunderstanding of us, and sacrificing what we value most. And sometimes what we value most is our feeling of superiority!
In situations where we are not the leader, we're to serve those in authority as if they were Jesus himself. We give love to Jesus by being kind to them and obeying them (as long as they do not lead us into sin).
This is the humility of equality. Only our Creator is the True Father, but we are to treat his representatives here on earth the same way we should treat him. Only Jesus is our True Teacher, but we are to respond to his representatives here on earth the same way we should respond to him. And whenever and however WE are his representatives, we are to serve others the way he serves us.
Walk away from the desire to be superior to others and from the assumption that you're inferior to others. The only superior one is God, and he does not squash you into inferiority. He raises you up to the highest level of preciousness and specialness.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: What roles of authority do you have? Make a commitment to use these positions to reveal more of what Jesus is like.
© 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, March 9, 2009
The victorious gift of mercy
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionMonday of the Second Week of LentMarch 9, 2009
Today's Saint: Frances of Romehttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/FrancisRome.htm
Today's Readings:Daniel 9:4-10Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13Luke 6:36-38http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030909.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_09.mp3
The victorious gift of mercy
Be merciful, don't judge, don't condemn, freely forgive, and be generous, says Jesus in today's Gospel reading. This is what it means to love unconditionally.
We agree. We nod our heads in willing assent, but we frown, because we often fail. Do you know why we fail? It's because we don't treat ourselves the way we know we should treat others.
How merciful are you toward yourself? When you make a mistake, or when you discover that you're wrong, or when you realize that you've sinned, how do you handle it? After making amends, do you still condemn yourself with impatience, unkindness or self-loathing?
How quickly do you forgive yourself?
We can't give to others more mercy and compassion than we give to ourselves.
When we lack mercy, we become judgmental. How judgmental are you about your own life? When someone else's prayers are answered, do you judge yourself as unlikely to receive a similar response from God? When you're asked to do a service for your parish or community, do your judge yourself as unqualified and untalented, even though the one who asked you says you can do it?
We judge others as harshly as we judge ourselves.
What kind of a sentence do you impose on yourself after you've passed judgment? How long lasting is your self-condemnation? Are you still punishing yourself for sins you confessed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? The right attitude — the holy attitude — is one of learning from the past in a spirit of compassionate self-encouragement.
After judging and imposing a punishment, how soon do you grant yourself a pardon?
We can't move forward in renewed relationships with others if we can't let go of our own past to embrace who we've become.
How generous are you toward yourself? Do you take time to rest from hard work? Do you make sure that your needs are met without waiting for others to read your mind? Do you applaud yourself for the good that you do? This is not prideful as long as we realize that our ability to do good comes from God.
To move forward in holiness, treat yourself with mercy, judging your sins but not your personhood. Forgive yourself so that you'll become generous in love. Love yourself so that you'll fill up with God, since he is love.
The more we give his love to ourselves, the more we will give it to others. And then, more is returned to us. We're the ones who determine how big is our measuring cup. The measure with which we give to others is THE SAME as what we give to ourselves. This isn't selfishness, not unless we keep it all for ourselves.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Figure out something to do today to love yourself more mercifully.
© 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 ReflectionMonday of the Second Week of LentMarch 9, 2009
Today's Saint: Frances of Romehttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/FrancisRome.htm
Today's Readings:Daniel 9:4-10Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13Luke 6:36-38http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030909.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_09.mp3
The victorious gift of mercy
Be merciful, don't judge, don't condemn, freely forgive, and be generous, says Jesus in today's Gospel reading. This is what it means to love unconditionally.
We agree. We nod our heads in willing assent, but we frown, because we often fail. Do you know why we fail? It's because we don't treat ourselves the way we know we should treat others.
How merciful are you toward yourself? When you make a mistake, or when you discover that you're wrong, or when you realize that you've sinned, how do you handle it? After making amends, do you still condemn yourself with impatience, unkindness or self-loathing?
How quickly do you forgive yourself?
We can't give to others more mercy and compassion than we give to ourselves.
When we lack mercy, we become judgmental. How judgmental are you about your own life? When someone else's prayers are answered, do you judge yourself as unlikely to receive a similar response from God? When you're asked to do a service for your parish or community, do your judge yourself as unqualified and untalented, even though the one who asked you says you can do it?
We judge others as harshly as we judge ourselves.
What kind of a sentence do you impose on yourself after you've passed judgment? How long lasting is your self-condemnation? Are you still punishing yourself for sins you confessed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? The right attitude — the holy attitude — is one of learning from the past in a spirit of compassionate self-encouragement.
After judging and imposing a punishment, how soon do you grant yourself a pardon?
We can't move forward in renewed relationships with others if we can't let go of our own past to embrace who we've become.
How generous are you toward yourself? Do you take time to rest from hard work? Do you make sure that your needs are met without waiting for others to read your mind? Do you applaud yourself for the good that you do? This is not prideful as long as we realize that our ability to do good comes from God.
To move forward in holiness, treat yourself with mercy, judging your sins but not your personhood. Forgive yourself so that you'll become generous in love. Love yourself so that you'll fill up with God, since he is love.
The more we give his love to ourselves, the more we will give it to others. And then, more is returned to us. We're the ones who determine how big is our measuring cup. The measure with which we give to others is THE SAME as what we give to ourselves. This isn't selfishness, not unless we keep it all for ourselves.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Figure out something to do today to love yourself more mercifully.
© 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
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Next Sunday Reflection
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: March 15, 2009Third Sunday of Lent, 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/Lent/Lent3.htm
Next Sunday's Readings Exodus 20:1-17Ps 19:8-111 Cor 1:22-25John 2:13-25http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031509a.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_15.mp3
The final paragraph of next Sunday's Gospel reading is very revealing. Jesus did not "trust" himself to the converts whose faith in him was based on the signs and wonders that he had done. The reason: He did not want anyone to testify about (i.e., have faith because of) human nature.
Believing because of signs is human nature. It's easier to put faith in what we can see, touch, and hear than in a God who is invisible and who usually sounds very silent. There is nothing supernatural about this kind of faith, but God is very supernatural.
What happens to our faith when we pray and pray and pray for God's intervention and there are no signs indicating that we'll get what we want?
Jesus knew that his physical presence was the greatest sign of all, but it would soon be taken away. Don't we sometimes wish that Jesus would appear in front of us and make himself audible to our human ears? We think it would make our faith stronger.
We base our faith on many signs: prayers being answered, love being evidenced, peace and happiness filling our hearts, etc. But what happens to our faith when we enter the dark desert night of trials and difficulties? Do we continue to trust God when we can no longer see or feel signs that he cares?
The kind of faith we need when faith matters most comes from a relationship of trust. Real trust. We choose to trust God for who he really is and how much he really cares, rather than on what the evidence seems to say.
To succeed in this, we need supernatural faith. When we're united to the divinity of Christ, we join ourselves to his faith. We then trust him so much that we don't need signs.
Remember this the next time you receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Not only are you consuming his body, you are also uniting yourself to his divinity. And he is uniting himself to you! If you truly believe this, of course there will be miracles, but that is not the greatest gift that he's sharing with you. What he wants to give you most of all is HIS ALL.
Questions for Personal Reflection:Name some of the signs you rely upon that convince you that God is real and that he truly cares about you? How do you feel when those signs are missing? Are these feelings based on the reality of God's unending love or on fear?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:Have you ever wished that Jesus would appear to you? Why? Did God provide what you needed some other way? How do you remind yourself that God cares during those difficult times when you can't see it or feel it?
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
Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: March 15, 2009Third Sunday of Lent, 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/Lent/Lent3.htm
Next Sunday's Readings Exodus 20:1-17Ps 19:8-111 Cor 1:22-25John 2:13-25http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031509a.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_15.mp3
The final paragraph of next Sunday's Gospel reading is very revealing. Jesus did not "trust" himself to the converts whose faith in him was based on the signs and wonders that he had done. The reason: He did not want anyone to testify about (i.e., have faith because of) human nature.
Believing because of signs is human nature. It's easier to put faith in what we can see, touch, and hear than in a God who is invisible and who usually sounds very silent. There is nothing supernatural about this kind of faith, but God is very supernatural.
What happens to our faith when we pray and pray and pray for God's intervention and there are no signs indicating that we'll get what we want?
Jesus knew that his physical presence was the greatest sign of all, but it would soon be taken away. Don't we sometimes wish that Jesus would appear in front of us and make himself audible to our human ears? We think it would make our faith stronger.
We base our faith on many signs: prayers being answered, love being evidenced, peace and happiness filling our hearts, etc. But what happens to our faith when we enter the dark desert night of trials and difficulties? Do we continue to trust God when we can no longer see or feel signs that he cares?
The kind of faith we need when faith matters most comes from a relationship of trust. Real trust. We choose to trust God for who he really is and how much he really cares, rather than on what the evidence seems to say.
To succeed in this, we need supernatural faith. When we're united to the divinity of Christ, we join ourselves to his faith. We then trust him so much that we don't need signs.
Remember this the next time you receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Not only are you consuming his body, you are also uniting yourself to his divinity. And he is uniting himself to you! If you truly believe this, of course there will be miracles, but that is not the greatest gift that he's sharing with you. What he wants to give you most of all is HIS ALL.
Questions for Personal Reflection:Name some of the signs you rely upon that convince you that God is real and that he truly cares about you? How do you feel when those signs are missing? Are these feelings based on the reality of God's unending love or on fear?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:Have you ever wished that Jesus would appear to you? Why? Did God provide what you needed some other way? How do you remind yourself that God cares during those difficult times when you can't see it or feel it?
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
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Stepping from anger to healing
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionFriday of the First Week in Lent March 6, 2009
Today's Saint: Colettehttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Colette.htm
Today's Readings:Ezekiel 18:21-28Ps 130:1-8Matthew 5:20-26http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030609.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_06.mp3
Stepping from anger to healing
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus speaks to us about anger. He makes us aware of the increasing dangers of anger by referring to increasingly disastrous results in the angry person's soul. At the lowest level, anger in the heart results in "judgment," which in that day meant the Jewish local court where the easiest punishments were meted out.
Then, he describes how anger in the heart becomes anger that kills: To use abusive language toward others destroys their self-esteem. It belittles them. It kills their spirit. The abuser must now face a trial before the Sanhredin, which was the highest judicial body.
Finally, Jesus warns that holding someone in contempt is the worst of all forms of anger. To hate someone so much as to see no value in them is to condemn oneself to Gehenna. "Gehenna" was a name given to a nearby valley that was used as the center of a demonic cult in which children were killed by fire as a sacrifice to the gods. The Jews used the name to illustrate the concept of punishment by fire; today we call it "hell."
Abortion is such a sin, because it sees no value in the unborn child. However, even in this, God's forgiveness and healing is very nearby. The Sacrament of Confession re-opens the door to heaven, where we will someday be reunited in love with these children.
The rest of this scripture passage is God's remedy for the times we feel angry. In essence, Jesus says: Go and do whatever is necessary to be reconciled with the one who's made you angry. This, he points out, is even more important than worshiping God.
How genuine can our worship really be if anger has replaced love in our hearts? Since God is love, wor-
ship that's mixed with hateful anger is hollow and hypocritical, a slap on God's face, a stomp on the Eucharist.
Anger as an emotion is not evil. Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they're merely a temporary reflection of what's going on inside of us at the moment.
Anger that stays in us long enough to damage others is rooted in the emptiness of not feeling loved. Filling that void with anger deceptively feels better than continuing in the pain of the void.
Therefore, we are healed when we choose to fill the void with love. When we love ourselves, we are letting God love us, and once God's love fills our emptiness, there's no room left for anger.
Jesus got angry about sin. It's okay to feel justifiable anger. It's what we do with the feeling that matters. Do we allow God to use it for loving purposes or do we use it as a weapon that hurts others?
Today's step on the Lenten journey: What is triggering your anger? Look deeper than the obvious. Once you realize its true source (the fear or the void caused by feeling unloved), the next step is to choose to unite yourself to the love of Christ by forgiving all those who contributed to it. And don't forget to forgive yourself!
© 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 ReflectionFriday of the First Week in Lent March 6, 2009
Today's Saint: Colettehttp://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Colette.htm
Today's Readings:Ezekiel 18:21-28Ps 130:1-8Matthew 5:20-26http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030609.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_06.mp3
Stepping from anger to healing
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus speaks to us about anger. He makes us aware of the increasing dangers of anger by referring to increasingly disastrous results in the angry person's soul. At the lowest level, anger in the heart results in "judgment," which in that day meant the Jewish local court where the easiest punishments were meted out.
Then, he describes how anger in the heart becomes anger that kills: To use abusive language toward others destroys their self-esteem. It belittles them. It kills their spirit. The abuser must now face a trial before the Sanhredin, which was the highest judicial body.
Finally, Jesus warns that holding someone in contempt is the worst of all forms of anger. To hate someone so much as to see no value in them is to condemn oneself to Gehenna. "Gehenna" was a name given to a nearby valley that was used as the center of a demonic cult in which children were killed by fire as a sacrifice to the gods. The Jews used the name to illustrate the concept of punishment by fire; today we call it "hell."
Abortion is such a sin, because it sees no value in the unborn child. However, even in this, God's forgiveness and healing is very nearby. The Sacrament of Confession re-opens the door to heaven, where we will someday be reunited in love with these children.
The rest of this scripture passage is God's remedy for the times we feel angry. In essence, Jesus says: Go and do whatever is necessary to be reconciled with the one who's made you angry. This, he points out, is even more important than worshiping God.
How genuine can our worship really be if anger has replaced love in our hearts? Since God is love, wor-
ship that's mixed with hateful anger is hollow and hypocritical, a slap on God's face, a stomp on the Eucharist.
Anger as an emotion is not evil. Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they're merely a temporary reflection of what's going on inside of us at the moment.
Anger that stays in us long enough to damage others is rooted in the emptiness of not feeling loved. Filling that void with anger deceptively feels better than continuing in the pain of the void.
Therefore, we are healed when we choose to fill the void with love. When we love ourselves, we are letting God love us, and once God's love fills our emptiness, there's no room left for anger.
Jesus got angry about sin. It's okay to feel justifiable anger. It's what we do with the feeling that matters. Do we allow God to use it for loving purposes or do we use it as a weapon that hurts others?
Today's step on the Lenten journey: What is triggering your anger? Look deeper than the obvious. Once you realize its true source (the fear or the void caused by feeling unloved), the next step is to choose to unite yourself to the love of Christ by forgiving all those who contributed to it. And don't forget to forgive yourself!
© 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
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Walking in God's unconditional love
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionThursday of the First Week in LentMarch 5, 2009
Today's Readings:Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25Ps 138:1-3, 7-8Matt 7:7-12http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030509.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_05.mp3
Walking in God's unconditional love
Queen Esther totally trusted God (as we see in today's first reading). She knew that she could count on his help as she spoke boldly to her husband, King Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus, a Persian), who was planning to murder the Jews who lived in his kingdom.
By daring to stand up for her people, she endangered her own life. Her faith in God's love gave her the courage to make a difference in the lives of others. To this day, the Jews commemorate this in the Feast of Purim.
The writer of our responsorial Psalm also knew that he could count on God's help for the same reason: God loved him.
Are we that confident? We have visible proof of his love, which the psalmist did not have — Jesus who died on the cross for us — so why do we often act as though we're not sure that he truly loves us?
Jesus says in today's Gospel passage that we find what we seek. If we're seeking God's love, we find it. If we're seeking God's help, we find it. Jesus shows complete confidence in God's love for you when he says: "Knock, and the door WILL be opened for you!"
The problem is, we stand at the door and knock ... and knock ... and knock. Jesus is calling out to us, "Come in! It's not locked!" but we don't believe it. Something childishly immature in us is convinced that we don't deserve it.
We were raised in a system of rewards and punishments — at home, in school, and even in the Church of the post-Trent, pre-Vatican II era when people feared going to hell if they sipped even a little chicken broth on a Friday.
Although our parents told us, "I'm punishing you because I love you," the child in us equated love with reward and punishment with the withholding of love.
However, Jesus loves us so much that he took the punishment we deserve! God is not on the other side of the door blocking it until we start behaving perfectly.
When we understand what Jesus did for us on the cross, we realize that the door is already open. We step over the threshold and LIVE WITH God in mature faith. Only then are we able to do what Jesus tells us to do at the end of this scripture.
As long as we think that we deserve to be punished, we want to punish others. When we know we are loved no matter how imperfect and sinful we are, it's easier to love others no matter how imperfect and sinful they are. We treat others the way WE want to be treated, because the question of who deserves what no longer matters.
Forgive yourself for everything and anything that you don't like about yourself. Make a list and nail it to the door of God's kingdom. The Father will interpret that as a good, loud, resounding knock, and he will open the door wide. Now enter into his love by choosing to love yourself without limits or conditions.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Write a statement of unconditional love for yourself.
© 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 ReflectionThursday of the First Week in LentMarch 5, 2009
Today's Readings:Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25Ps 138:1-3, 7-8Matt 7:7-12http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030509.shtmlAudio:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_05.mp3
Walking in God's unconditional love
Queen Esther totally trusted God (as we see in today's first reading). She knew that she could count on his help as she spoke boldly to her husband, King Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus, a Persian), who was planning to murder the Jews who lived in his kingdom.
By daring to stand up for her people, she endangered her own life. Her faith in God's love gave her the courage to make a difference in the lives of others. To this day, the Jews commemorate this in the Feast of Purim.
The writer of our responsorial Psalm also knew that he could count on God's help for the same reason: God loved him.
Are we that confident? We have visible proof of his love, which the psalmist did not have — Jesus who died on the cross for us — so why do we often act as though we're not sure that he truly loves us?
Jesus says in today's Gospel passage that we find what we seek. If we're seeking God's love, we find it. If we're seeking God's help, we find it. Jesus shows complete confidence in God's love for you when he says: "Knock, and the door WILL be opened for you!"
The problem is, we stand at the door and knock ... and knock ... and knock. Jesus is calling out to us, "Come in! It's not locked!" but we don't believe it. Something childishly immature in us is convinced that we don't deserve it.
We were raised in a system of rewards and punishments — at home, in school, and even in the Church of the post-Trent, pre-Vatican II era when people feared going to hell if they sipped even a little chicken broth on a Friday.
Although our parents told us, "I'm punishing you because I love you," the child in us equated love with reward and punishment with the withholding of love.
However, Jesus loves us so much that he took the punishment we deserve! God is not on the other side of the door blocking it until we start behaving perfectly.
When we understand what Jesus did for us on the cross, we realize that the door is already open. We step over the threshold and LIVE WITH God in mature faith. Only then are we able to do what Jesus tells us to do at the end of this scripture.
As long as we think that we deserve to be punished, we want to punish others. When we know we are loved no matter how imperfect and sinful we are, it's easier to love others no matter how imperfect and sinful they are. We treat others the way WE want to be treated, because the question of who deserves what no longer matters.
Forgive yourself for everything and anything that you don't like about yourself. Make a list and nail it to the door of God's kingdom. The Father will interpret that as a good, loud, resounding knock, and he will open the door wide. Now enter into his love by choosing to love yourself without limits or conditions.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Write a statement of unconditional love for yourself.
© 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, March 3, 2009
The sign we can trust
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionWednesday of the First Week in LentMarch 4, 2009
Today's Readings:Jonah 3:1-10Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19Luke 11:29-32http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030409.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_04.mp3
The sign we can trust
What sign are you waiting for that would prove that God really, really loves you? What resolution to a problem, what new job, what reconciled relationship? In today's Gospel passage, we find out that Jesus is THE sign. We need no other sign.
In today's first reading, we see that Jonah's mission was to call the Ninevites to repentance. In the Gospel reading, we're reminded that, like Jonah, Jesus emerged from the belly of death to call you and me to repentance. He is the sign we are given.
Jesus died because he loves YOU. Then God the Father raised him from death because he loves YOU. Out of this tremendous love, God calls us to repent so that we can live in his love all the time.
Then why are we reluctant to identify our sins and repent? We're so determined to resolve our problems in the easiest possible way — without making any sacrifices — that we fail to recognize the sign of the cross. We fail to recognize the love that's there and the love we receive when we unite our problems to the cross of Christ.
Yet, we stare at a reminder of it every time we go to Mass and look at the crucifix. We hang reminders of it in our homes and workplaces, and we even wear them around our necks! But we think, "That was for you to do, Jesus. I don't want any part of it! I want resurrection in my life but I definitely do NOT want to go through the cross to reach it!"
When we sin, it's usually because we don't understand how to find God's love in the situation we're facing.
Sin is a selfish attempt to do things our own way — in other words, to take care of ourselves as if we are greater than God. Jesus' death and resurrection is a
sign that we need to repent of this idolatry. We cannot understand God's tremendous love unless we trust in that love when the odds are against us. And we can't trust until we let go of our own ways of fixing problems.
Repentance means changing. Repentance means letting go of our ways when they're not God's ways. We need to sacrifice our resistance to the cross. Then and only then can we experience the joy of trusting God.
Joy amidst suffering comes from trusting that God cares about us all the time, no matter what. Joy comes from trusting that God is generously working a plan that will turn every bad situation into something much better than we could've dreamed up.
Thus begins our resurrection.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Spend time meditating on a crucifix. Keeping looking at it until you see in it the reason why you can trust God. What sin do you need to repent of in order to give God your complete trust in that problem you're hoping to resolve, or the job situation you're praying for, or the relationship you want healed?
© 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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Good News ReflectionWednesday of the First Week in LentMarch 4, 2009
Today's Readings:Jonah 3:1-10Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19Luke 11:29-32http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030409.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_04.mp3
The sign we can trust
What sign are you waiting for that would prove that God really, really loves you? What resolution to a problem, what new job, what reconciled relationship? In today's Gospel passage, we find out that Jesus is THE sign. We need no other sign.
In today's first reading, we see that Jonah's mission was to call the Ninevites to repentance. In the Gospel reading, we're reminded that, like Jonah, Jesus emerged from the belly of death to call you and me to repentance. He is the sign we are given.
Jesus died because he loves YOU. Then God the Father raised him from death because he loves YOU. Out of this tremendous love, God calls us to repent so that we can live in his love all the time.
Then why are we reluctant to identify our sins and repent? We're so determined to resolve our problems in the easiest possible way — without making any sacrifices — that we fail to recognize the sign of the cross. We fail to recognize the love that's there and the love we receive when we unite our problems to the cross of Christ.
Yet, we stare at a reminder of it every time we go to Mass and look at the crucifix. We hang reminders of it in our homes and workplaces, and we even wear them around our necks! But we think, "That was for you to do, Jesus. I don't want any part of it! I want resurrection in my life but I definitely do NOT want to go through the cross to reach it!"
When we sin, it's usually because we don't understand how to find God's love in the situation we're facing.
Sin is a selfish attempt to do things our own way — in other words, to take care of ourselves as if we are greater than God. Jesus' death and resurrection is a
sign that we need to repent of this idolatry. We cannot understand God's tremendous love unless we trust in that love when the odds are against us. And we can't trust until we let go of our own ways of fixing problems.
Repentance means changing. Repentance means letting go of our ways when they're not God's ways. We need to sacrifice our resistance to the cross. Then and only then can we experience the joy of trusting God.
Joy amidst suffering comes from trusting that God cares about us all the time, no matter what. Joy comes from trusting that God is generously working a plan that will turn every bad situation into something much better than we could've dreamed up.
Thus begins our resurrection.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Spend time meditating on a crucifix. Keeping looking at it until you see in it the reason why you can trust God. What sin do you need to repent of in order to give God your complete trust in that problem you're hoping to resolve, or the job situation you're praying for, or the relationship you want healed?
© 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, March 2, 2009
The healing power of forgiveness
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the First Week of LentMarch 3, 2009
Today's Readings:Isaiah 55:10-11Ps 34:4-7, 16-19Matt 6:7-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_03.mp3
The healing power of forgiveness
In our holy walk following in the footsteps of Jesus, we make a difficult journey. Holiness means struggling to remain in the spirit of love even when others commit sins against us: It might be the spouse who divorced you, or an abusive priest, or the employer who fired you, or the friend who betrayed you with no desire to make amends.
In the "Our Father" prayer that Jesus gives us in today's Gospel passage, he puts the greatest emphasis on forgiveness. Oh no! This means that by asking God to "forgive us for our sins THE SAME WAY AS we forgive those who've sinned against us" we're taking our holiness very seriously. It means that the measure we give out mercy to others is the measure we're asking God to give us, but we prefer to receive mercy much more than we want to give it!
It's not that God withholds forgiveness from us — he already forgave us 2000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross on our behalf. The fact is, we separate ourselves from God's forgiveness whenever we refuse to forgive others. In this stormy sea of our unmerciful attitude, we find it hard to believe, deep inside, that we deserve to be forgiven any more than we believe someone else deserves our forgiveness.
Jesus is challenging us to take the next step in loving ourselves at a holier, healthier level. To receive all of the love that God has for us, we must enter into the world of forgiveness by forgiving those who have wronged us. He didn't say that we must wait until they ask for forgiveness. What he said was that if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven. Giving forgiveness frees us to enjoy life; it frees us from dependence on what others do or don't do to us.
To follow Jesus, we have to embrace our pain as Jesus embraced his. Embracing the wounds caused by others means that we make a decision to forgive. This then begins true healing — we're no longer controlled by the pain and the other person's hurtfulness.
It's okay to not enjoy this. Jesus wanted to avoid his cross, too. But the only way to resurrection is through the cross.
To feel the embrace of Jesus as we journey with him, we have to stay in his arms in both good times and bad, when his hands are reaching out with healing love and when his hands are nailed to the cross. By choosing to forgive those who show no remorse for hurting us, we're benefiting from the sacrifice that Jesus made for us: We are forgiven, we are saved, we are healed.
Identify the people you haven't really forgiven yet. Make the decision to forgive them, then meditate upon the pain that Jesus suffered in love for you. Realize how much compassion it took for Jesus to do that for you, even though you did not deserve it. Remind yourself that he continues to love you this much every day, no matter what, whether you're sinning or not.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Spend time today meditating on the following question. Where does this awareness of his unconditional love lead 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
Good News ReflectionTuesday of the First Week of LentMarch 3, 2009
Today's Readings:Isaiah 55:10-11Ps 34:4-7, 16-19Matt 6:7-15http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030309.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_03.mp3
The healing power of forgiveness
In our holy walk following in the footsteps of Jesus, we make a difficult journey. Holiness means struggling to remain in the spirit of love even when others commit sins against us: It might be the spouse who divorced you, or an abusive priest, or the employer who fired you, or the friend who betrayed you with no desire to make amends.
In the "Our Father" prayer that Jesus gives us in today's Gospel passage, he puts the greatest emphasis on forgiveness. Oh no! This means that by asking God to "forgive us for our sins THE SAME WAY AS we forgive those who've sinned against us" we're taking our holiness very seriously. It means that the measure we give out mercy to others is the measure we're asking God to give us, but we prefer to receive mercy much more than we want to give it!
It's not that God withholds forgiveness from us — he already forgave us 2000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross on our behalf. The fact is, we separate ourselves from God's forgiveness whenever we refuse to forgive others. In this stormy sea of our unmerciful attitude, we find it hard to believe, deep inside, that we deserve to be forgiven any more than we believe someone else deserves our forgiveness.
Jesus is challenging us to take the next step in loving ourselves at a holier, healthier level. To receive all of the love that God has for us, we must enter into the world of forgiveness by forgiving those who have wronged us. He didn't say that we must wait until they ask for forgiveness. What he said was that if we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven. Giving forgiveness frees us to enjoy life; it frees us from dependence on what others do or don't do to us.
To follow Jesus, we have to embrace our pain as Jesus embraced his. Embracing the wounds caused by others means that we make a decision to forgive. This then begins true healing — we're no longer controlled by the pain and the other person's hurtfulness.
It's okay to not enjoy this. Jesus wanted to avoid his cross, too. But the only way to resurrection is through the cross.
To feel the embrace of Jesus as we journey with him, we have to stay in his arms in both good times and bad, when his hands are reaching out with healing love and when his hands are nailed to the cross. By choosing to forgive those who show no remorse for hurting us, we're benefiting from the sacrifice that Jesus made for us: We are forgiven, we are saved, we are healed.
Identify the people you haven't really forgiven yet. Make the decision to forgive them, then meditate upon the pain that Jesus suffered in love for you. Realize how much compassion it took for Jesus to do that for you, even though you did not deserve it. Remind yourself that he continues to love you this much every day, no matter what, whether you're sinning or not.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Spend time today meditating on the following question. Where does this awareness of his unconditional love lead 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
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Walking toward heaven as sheep
My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionMonday of the First Week of LentMarch 2, 2009
Today's Readings:Lev 19:1-2, 11-18Ps 19:8-10, 15Matt 25:31-46http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030209.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_02.mp3
Walking toward heaven as sheep
Today's first reading expands upon a portion of the Ten Commandments — the commandments about loving others, not about loving God. If we don't love others, we don't love God.
Why? Because he cares about everyone, even the worst of the worst. If we truly love him, we care about those that he loves: everyone, even those who reject him, even those who cause us to suffer.
Jesus tells us in today's Gospel passage that what we do to others we are actually doing to him. Why? Because he united himself to every sinner — even the most terrible sinners — when he came to earth as one of us and then offered himself as a sacrifice on the cross for our sins.
The worst of the worst people in our lives are the "least of these" whom we are to treat the way we'd like to treat Jesus, even if they don't acknowledge what Jesus did for them.
Our love for others is our love for God. When we lie or speak falsely, we're lying to Christ as he hangs on the cross. When we break a promise to a child, we profane the name of God, who is THE Promise Keeper.
When we curse someone who cannot hear us or when we speak ill of others behind their backs, God hears us and takes it personally. When we make the blind stumble (for example, causing a sinner to sin more), God sees and holds us accountable.
When we judge others unfairly as if we knew everything about their hearts and motives, we judge God, who is THE Judge. When we slander and complain about our relatives or ex-spouses, we slander God.
When we stand idly by while our neighbor suffers even though we could help, we turn our backs on the Lord who suffered tremendously.
When we recognize that someone is sinning, it's right to try to reprove him, but if we prove our hatred for him by retaliating or holding a grudge, we are hating God, who is THE Giver of Mercy. And since we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, whenever we're unkind to ourselves, we're being cruel to God.
When we choose not to do good to others, we are refusing to do good to Jesus, and thus we become the accursed "goats" who are separated from him. Love means DOing something good for others and thus also for Jesus. The "sheep" in the story did good deeds — actions of caring — even to those who deserved it least.
The reason why DOing is so important is because it converts our feelings. It's hard to hold a grudge while doing an act of kindness.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Imagine that you've died and Jesus has come to take you to heaven, but he looks like the person you least want to see. Whose face is he wearing? What good deed can you do for that person?
© 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 ReflectionMonday of the First Week of LentMarch 2, 2009
Today's Readings:Lev 19:1-2, 11-18Ps 19:8-10, 15Matt 25:31-46http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030209.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_02.mp3
Walking toward heaven as sheep
Today's first reading expands upon a portion of the Ten Commandments — the commandments about loving others, not about loving God. If we don't love others, we don't love God.
Why? Because he cares about everyone, even the worst of the worst. If we truly love him, we care about those that he loves: everyone, even those who reject him, even those who cause us to suffer.
Jesus tells us in today's Gospel passage that what we do to others we are actually doing to him. Why? Because he united himself to every sinner — even the most terrible sinners — when he came to earth as one of us and then offered himself as a sacrifice on the cross for our sins.
The worst of the worst people in our lives are the "least of these" whom we are to treat the way we'd like to treat Jesus, even if they don't acknowledge what Jesus did for them.
Our love for others is our love for God. When we lie or speak falsely, we're lying to Christ as he hangs on the cross. When we break a promise to a child, we profane the name of God, who is THE Promise Keeper.
When we curse someone who cannot hear us or when we speak ill of others behind their backs, God hears us and takes it personally. When we make the blind stumble (for example, causing a sinner to sin more), God sees and holds us accountable.
When we judge others unfairly as if we knew everything about their hearts and motives, we judge God, who is THE Judge. When we slander and complain about our relatives or ex-spouses, we slander God.
When we stand idly by while our neighbor suffers even though we could help, we turn our backs on the Lord who suffered tremendously.
When we recognize that someone is sinning, it's right to try to reprove him, but if we prove our hatred for him by retaliating or holding a grudge, we are hating God, who is THE Giver of Mercy. And since we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, whenever we're unkind to ourselves, we're being cruel to God.
When we choose not to do good to others, we are refusing to do good to Jesus, and thus we become the accursed "goats" who are separated from him. Love means DOing something good for others and thus also for Jesus. The "sheep" in the story did good deeds — actions of caring — even to those who deserved it least.
The reason why DOing is so important is because it converts our feelings. It's hard to hold a grudge while doing an act of kindness.
Today's step on the Lenten journey: Imagine that you've died and Jesus has come to take you to heaven, but he looks like the person you least want to see. Whose face is he wearing? What good deed can you do for that person?
© 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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