The Road to Damascus

Good Morning, dear reader. Happy Friday. God has seen to it to awaken us this morning, so we are off to a good start! 

We briefly touched on the subject of Saul's conversion yesterday. Today we read the story of that conversion. Now Saul was not a good man. He struck fear in the hearts of those familiar with him. He spent his days seeking out anyone who had anything to do with Jesus and hauling them off to jail. This day was no different. Only now, Saul needed to go to other towns in search of more followers of Jesus. So he and a few cohorts set out for Damascus. Surely in a large city as this, there would be that many more people. As they are walking, Saul is suddenly blinded by a bright light and he hears a voice calling to him "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"(v4). The voice is none other than that of Jesus. Sometimes you just need to take matters into your own hands to fix a problem, and this is exactly what Jesus is doing. He blinds Saul, forcing him to rely on his friends to get him to Damascus. When they finally reach the city, Jesus calls on Ananias to go to Saul and see to his conversion. Jesus will work through Ananias in order to achieve this. Ananias isn't so sure of this. He knows how awful Saul is and is doubtful that he can be converted. But Jesus doesn't care. He knows He can save this man and bring him into the fold. So Ananias sets out on his task. Saul is so overwhelmed by it all that he is left no choice but to believe that this had been the work of Jesus. He is baptised and healed. Chalk another one up for "Team Jesus"! 

The study guide in my bible gives the best lesson on this story, so I will share it with you.

If Saul can be converted then surely God can use anything to advance the Divine Plan. Saul had been so diligent and unrelenting in his attack on Jesus' followers that his transformation from being an enemy and persecutor of the Gospel to being one of its most successful advocates is truly remarkable. Each version of this story serves to demonstrate Saul's legitimate role as teacher of the Gospel. He now has the authority to endorse such things as preaching to the Gentiles and excusing non-Jewish Christians from observance of the Jewish Law. 

With our reading in John, we are getting to the end of the Bread of Life discourse. The Jews don't understand that eating Jesus' flesh and drinking His blood isn't to be taken in the literal sense. It is symbolic. Just like when we take Holy Communion in church. The wine and the Eucharist are the symbolic gestures we use to remind us of what Jesus did for us on the cross. This way, we are partaking in what Jesus has offered to us so that we may be one with Him. 

It is truly amazing the ways that Jesus can use situations and people for good. It shows that no matter how bad things get, He can turn it around and use it for something good. We can never fall so far from His grace that we can't be rescued. We just need to be open to it. Once that healing takes place, we are truly transformed in His love. Show how Jesus has transformed you by always being a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://youtu.be/aZ9l2lGxKgU

 

Learning and Understanding

Good Morning, dear reader. I was struck by the simplicity of our reading in Acts today. Philip asks this gentleman if he understands what it is he is reading. This could actually be interpreted in two ways. Do you KNOW what you are reading!?! In other words, do you know the importance of what it is? Or, he could simply be asking if the man understands the words written and what they mean. As the conversation continues, the man gets the impression that what he is reading is of some importance. So he asks Philip who it is that the passage is being written about. The man wishes to be taught about the bible and about Jesus. As Philip helps the gentleman read through these passages, he is converted right there and declares that he wishes to be baptised! 

This is often how it goes when people are introduced to Jesus and to scripture. They have a thirst for knowledge and understanding that can only be found in faith. I was that way when I started learning about the bible. I love to learn. I can be like a sponge. The bible I had been using at that time had become well worn. There were page markers, bookmarks, highlights, underlines, pieces of paper, you name it. You could tell how often I used it and learned from it. That's what we all should be doing. Don't be afraid to mark up your bible. Put your own notations in it. These are all things that will help you as you read through it. 

John's Gospel continues on with the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus keeps repeating this so that everyone will understand that God is the giver of life and that those who believe in Him also believe in Jesus, which can give us eternal life. "Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from Him comes to Me" (v45). This is why we need to understand what is written in the Bible. We listen to God's word, and His teachings. We can then begin to understand the importance of Jesus Christ. 

This was my hope in starting this blog. To help myself gain a deeper understanding of my faith, to keep me close to Jesus, and to give me something positive in my life. I also hoped that maybe I could help others learn of Jesus and His words and teachings. I would gladly spend time discussing all things faith. So, dear reader, if you ever have any questions or just wish to talk about something, feel free to leave a comment, or even email me. You can also reach out to me via social media. I don't have dedicated social media accounts for Everyday Faith because so far I have zero followers on my blog. But I will leave a link to my Twitter account that I use for this. And always remember, dear reader... be a nice human.😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://youtu.be/-dqe5JOibco

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lruthanne67

Email: ljwhitworth67@gmail.com

From Chaos Comes Opportunity

Good Morning, dear reader. Well, we are halfway through another week. I am still feeling under the weather. 😕 Be that as it may, we continue our Easter journey.

As we begin chapter 8 of Acts, we see that the church is beginning to fall apart.  Jerusalem is in chaos. People are leaving so they don't get caught up in it all. Stephen needs to be buried before the remaining faithful depart for other lands.

We now see another person enter the story, Saul. We briefly saw his name yesterday as we finished Acts 7. He was the one who gave permission for Stephen to be killed. If you are familiar with the various people in the Bible, you may recall that Saul later becomes Paul of Tarsis. He was transformed on the road to Damascus. But, before that happens, he remains Saul of Tarsis. And at this point, he is going house to house, finding anyone who is a believer or follower of Jesus, and throwing them in jail. Jesus has really turned things upside down! 

Philip arrives in Samaria and begins to teach the good news of Jesus Christ. The crowds of people are spellbound while they listen to what Philip has to say. Those who are full of sinful ways, those who were ill or handicapped were blessed and made well. The people of Samaria rejoiced! Never have they seen such miracles! The uprising in Jerusalem was a blessing in disguise as it gave more people the opportunity to hear about Jesus, to have miracles performed, and to have the number of followers multiplied! 

Our reading in John continues with the Bread of Life discourse. Jesus is telling the people that He is merely doing the will of His Father, "I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the One who sent Me" (v38). Anything that is given to Jesus by the Father will be passed on to those who come to Jesus. And anyone who has seen Jesus and believes in Him will be given eternal life. 

I know this seems redundant. I have had to go back and check to make sure we weren't repeating any readings. I do know that when something is repeated often it means that it is something that requires you to pay attention because it's important. Obviously, it is important that we pay attention to everything we read in scripture. But this lesson is even more important. This is the basis for our belief. We know that Jesus will sustain us. He will save us. He will bless us. All He asks is that we believe in Him and follow Him. I think that's a pretty reasonable request. One that should be easy enough to do, as well. I know that in my own life and what we are dealing with currently, if I didn't have my faith, if I didn't have that promise of hope in Jesus, I probably would've given up by now. 

And, on that note, dear reader, I'm going to crawl back under the covers and try to take a nap. I'm at least feeling slightly better today than I did yesterday. I wish you blessings for the day and remind you, as always, to be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://youtu.be/GXTCFKfAqC8

The Crucifixion and Forgiveness

Good Morning, dear reader. Happy Sunday! We embark on our journey into the third week of Easter. The resurrection was so glorious and miraculous that we celebrate it for 50 days, ending on Pentecost Sunday. As a matter of fact, the Easter season is more important than Christmas!! 

We have touched upon the book of Revelation in previous posts. As you will recall, Revelation is mostly symbolic in nature. It is not to be taken literally. There really isn't much explaining needed for this passage. In today's reading, you will see Jesus Christ referred to as the Lamb. We also hear this at mass when we pray "Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us." just before we receive communion. Equating Jesus with a lamb means that He is the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for sin. (There's a longer explanation, having to do with Passover and its celebration, but this is it in a nutshell.) All the creatures in heaven and on earth rejoice and honour God and His Son, Jesus.   

Now, on to John. Jesus asks Peter three times if he truly loves Him. He asks this because Peter was the one who denied Jesus three times before His crucifixion. So, now, Jesus is a little doubtful about how faithful Peter is to Him. However, Jesus is willing to forgive Peter and the role he played in His death. As we have seen throughout the Gospels, Peter becomes the most favoured and important Apostle. Probably because he did feel guilty about what he did to Jesus and now wants to make up for it. 

I think what this passage is trying to convey is that no matter how bad our actions are, Jesus is always willing to forgive and give us another chance. This doesn't mean you should keep doing something you know is bad just because you know that Jesus will forgive you. He can sense when you are insincere, and He will dole out punishment. I'm just saying, that in our everyday, imperfect lives, we mess up. We're all sinners. It's comforting to know that I can never be so awful that Jesus won't forgive me and bring me back to His care. This is our assurance of salvation through His death and resurrection. This is what Easter is all about. So, dear reader, you can rest assured that Jesus will never stop loving you or caring about you. Just try to be a nice human, though. The world will appreciate it. 😇

**I have omitted the video today because Father Bill doesn't upload any on Sunday. Also, it seemed today's readings were ones we have done previously, so I picked the second reading. You'll just have to make do with my thoughts! lol 

Reaching, Preaching and Teaching

Good Morning, dear reader! We have completed another joyous week of Easter! I'm going to start with John's Gospel this morning because it is one we are all familiar with...Jesus walking on water. 

So, picture this, winds are blowing, the sea is roiling. You're out in your little boat being tossed around. You look out at the ocean and all of sudden, here comes Jesus, strolling along ON TOP OF THE WATER!!! While the disciples are fearfully staring at Jesus, He basically says to them "Hey, it's me! Jesus! Nothing to be afraid of!". Yeah, ok. How many people have you seen walking on water in the middle of a roiling blow!?!? This is just another ordinary day for Jesus. Talk about your signs and wonders!! This has to be His all-time best miracle!! But, then again, this is the same Man who could raise people from the dead! Yup, Jesus is definitely amazing!!  

As we leave this absolutely incredible story, we enter into a slightly more complicated one. We see some new people here, the Hellenists. The explanation given in my bible is as follows:

The Hellenists were not necessarily migrant Jews, but were more probably Palestinian Jews who spoke only Greek.The Hebrews were Palestinian Jews who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic and who may also have spoken Greek. Both groups belong to the Jerusalem Jewish Christian community. (Hiesberger et al., 1995)

As the number of believers increased, the efficiency of the ones in charge decreased. The Apostles could only do so much. In such great numbers of people, someone always gets overlooked. This seems to be what happened with the Hellenists. It was just one more group that needed help. So Peter came up with a plan. He would come up with a group of seven men who could aid in the service of the people. This way, it would free up others to help where they were needed most. This was the beginning of appointing deacons and elders within the church body who would oversee the various missions. 

Think of how many people it takes to run a church. You have the priest, the associate priest, eucharistic ministers, altar servers, and so on. Everyone has a specific task. This is so that all the members of the church, and the community, are reached and their needs met. Without all these people the church would quickly become inundated with the needs of others and would not be able to efficiently and effectively run. If everyone gives just a little bit, a lot can be accomplished. 

The next time you are at church or a church gathering, find out ways in which you can help. It could be something as simple as passing out the church bulletin or serving at a community supper. There is always a need for a helping hand, and it is always very much appreciated. As the old saying goes, many hands make light work. Just think, donating your time ensures that you will always be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XSZEd15w9s

Reference:

Hiesberger, J., Breen, C., Lucinio, J., Marcheschi, G. and Mazza, B., 1995. The Catholic Bible. New York: Oxford University Press, p.193.

Bread of Life

Good Afternoon, dear reader. I am so glad you decided to drop by and read about the good news of Jesus Christ!! I hope you will continue on in your journey of faith! 

The verse I chose for today goes with our reading in John. It shows that we need more than just physical sustenance. We need both the word of God to nourish our soul and physical food to nourish our body. However, in this context, bread is symbolic of faith; faith in God and in Jesus, which is our very source of life. When we accept the Eucharist at Mass, we are saying that we accept Jesus into our body; a life-giving force that is the heart of every Christian. Jesus IS life! "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" (Rev 22:13, nab).

As we move into the reading in Acts, we see Peter and John are once again in front of the Sanhedrin. It is becoming most obvious that the high priests cannot silence the crowd in their exaltations for Jesus. The signs and wonders had spread far and wide and the people were amazed. However, this did not bode well for the members of the Sanhedrin. If they didn't do something to stop this, it would make them look weak. The priests had to demonstrate that they were still in charge; somehow they had to get a handle on this movement. One of the high priests, Gamaliel, wanted to have Peter and John set free. The way he figured it, if these men are some sort of fraud, they will soon disappear and the people will lose interest. However, if these two men are who they say they are, then the Sanhedrin would suffer the wrath of God. They decided a flogging would be strong enough to send a message. But even this backfired because this just further brought strength to Peter and John. They would suffer for their faith in Jesus. After all, Jesus died for them. A flogging seemed a mere pittance in comparison.

What does your everyday faith look like? Do God's words sustain you? Is your soul at peace because of your faith? Or is it just something you haul out on Sunday morning? That's the thing with being a believer, you're either all in or you're all out. There is no in-between, as much as we'd like to believe it's possible. It's like being pregnant, you either are or you're not. There is no sort of. It's easier to be "more holy" when you're in church. You're surrounded by people who believe the same as you. You are led by someone, you receive the Eucharist, you sing, you pray. Sometimes just being in church can bring you peace. I get it. I'm the same way. I'm great when I'm in church. But, once I leave and get back to "real life", it's not as easy. 

This is why God's word is so important. It gives us a way to keep our body and soul connected. Our lives are busy and sometimes we forget this. This is where technology is a plus! There are tons of bible apps so we can access God's word. Take two minutes, maybe on a bathroom break. Find one line of scripture and read it. Let it bolster you as you go through your daily routine. Before you go to sleep at night, maybe write down the verse and reflect on it. Write down how it made you feel when you read it. Write down how it impacted your day and/or your thoughts. Did it help your day go better? Did it give you a moment's peace? Before you know it, you will have filled a whole notebook! If you'd like, share your verse and your thoughts here. Tell me what you chose and why you chose it (even if it was just the first one that came up when you opened your bible app). Let's start a whole conversation!! And, as always, dear reader.... be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef3P2Le6iHM

John 3:16

Good Morning, dear reader! This morning's readings remind us of the glory of the risen Son! Our second reading contains one of the most well-known Bible verses. So that is where I shall start this morning.

This whole passage is basically self-explanatory. It is a gift from God that was freely given to us. It is a promise of life everlasting. In this world that is full of darkness and uncertainty, it is something that gives us hope and comfort. It is something we know is for sure. To me, this is the one thing that gives my life any meaning. 

The reading in Acts shows us what the Apostles suffered through as they tried spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. It wasn't JUST Jesus that the Sanhedrin was after, but the entire "Jesus Movement". Was it because Jesus was more popular than the kings? Was it because what Jesus brought to the people was greater than what a king and pagan gods could do for them? It could be all of this and more. We don't know exactly what their thought process was. But, whatever it was it wasn't good news for Jesus's disciples. 

Here is how my Bible explains it:

A second action against the community is taken by the Sanhedrin in the arrest and trial of the Twelve (apostles). The motive is jealousy of the religious authorities over the popularity of the apostles, who are now charged with the defiance of the Sanhedrin's previous order to them to abandon their prophetic role. In this crisis, the apostles are favoured by a miraculous release from prison. The real significance of such an event, however, would be manifest only to people of faith not to the unbelievers; since the Sanhedrin already judged the Twelve to be inauthentic prophets, it could disregard reports of their miracles.**

Our world seems upside down and nothing seems to make sense. It is my hope that this has brought you some comfort and reassurance. Keep believing, keep spreading His word, and, as always.... be a nice human.😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUXkosLJDX0

"Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns (my favorite Christian band): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ype1xE0wzsg

**Hiesberger, J. M., Breen, C., Lucinio, J., Marcheschi, G., & Mazza, B. (1995). The Catholic Bible: Personal study edition. Oxford University.

Speak Up!! Speak Out!!

Good Morning, dear reader!! This morning we continue our celebration of the resurrection. 

Again, we see Peter and John in front of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin are still wondering how they can keep this whole "Jesus movement" quiet. They tell Peter and John that they won't be punished if they promise never to speak of it again. This doesn't sit well with our two disciples. They ask the members of the Sanhedrin if it would be prudent to listen to their decision or that of God. Remember, these men are Jewish. They follow the God of the Old Testament. Do they really want to tempt God's wrath? Could they deny the fact that a disabled man, who had been that way for forty years, can now walk? Even if Peter and John never uttered a single word in reference to Jesus, this particular miracle is undeniable. The Sanhedrin had no choice but to let the men go, 

The Romans thought that by killing Jesus it would set an example for the other followers. This is what will happen to you, as well, They never figured Jesus would come back from the dead. They never figured that Jesus would become so popular AFTER His death. They were hoping for out of sight, out of mind coupled with the threat of death would silence these people once and for all. Did that ever backfire!! Not only did it not stop "the Jesus movement", it made it even stronger! More and more people were being converted. Word was spreading far and wide. The Sanhedrin knew there was the possibility of riots and uprising if they punished Peter and John. They knew there would be others to follow. For every non-believer, there are hundreds more who are. Jesus had become THAT powerful!! This is why we must never be timid in our faith or in our praise! 

As we move into Mark's Gospel, we see a similar theme as that in Acts. Jesus is becoming frustrated with the fact that His own followers don't believe that He has risen from the dead. He keeps popping up here and there, word is slowly spreading, but still they remain doubtful. Once Jesus has it out with His disciples, He tells them that they need to go out into the world and spread the good news. Tell everyone that if they believe in Him, they are to be baptised and be saved. This is the same thing that is asked of us today. We need to make know the joy of Jesus Christ and the salvation that it brings. We need others to see our faith, to understand the immense change it can make in life. No matter who tries to silence us, our voices MUST be heard!! 

So, dear reader, go forth and preach!! Spread the good news of Jesus Christ! Be a light in the middle of darkness. But, while you're doing that, remember... be a nice human! 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K12qP_fZrNg

Faith Like A Child

Good Afternoon, dear reader! Today we look at the rest of Peter's speech in Acts. If you recall, yesterday we saw the healing of the beggar. Peter wonders why the people there are so in awe of what just happened and why they are looking at Peter and his companion as if they had performed some kind of miracle. It was not done BY them, but THROUGH them. He advises the people there that they should confess their sins, be forgiven, and then follow Jesus in faith. If Jesus can heal that man, then just think what He can do for you!! 

Moving on to Luke. Jesus is still hanging around and totally spooking people! He shows up at random, as if He is a ghost. In this bit, Jesus decides to check in with His disciples. When they see Him, they are completely freaked out!! How could this be? Is He a ghost? Some sort of spirit? An angel? Jesus, being calm and cool, asks them why they are so scared. It's Him, their Jesus, the one they have been close to and worked with and ate with. Still not convinced, Jesus shows them His scars, "Look at My hands and feet, that it is I myself" (Lk 24:39, NAB). Jesus then asks His disciples if they have anything to eat. This is not necessarily because He is hungry. He wants them to see that He is not a ghost or a spirit or an angel. So He sits down to eat as the disciples watch, which I guess finally convinces them. Then Jesus goes on to explain that everything that has happened was as He told them would happen. This was no great mystery, it harkened all the way back to Moses. 

Are you looking for concrete proof in your relationship with Jesus? Do you need some sort of sign? Or are you trusting in your faith, knowing that Jesus is there with you every step of the way? Children believe in the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and so on. We explain that the reasons we see the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus in all the malls is because they are "helpers", so the child believes. They haven't seen an actual Easter Bunny hopping into their homes, they don't see Santa Claus sliding down their chimney (if they even have one!) but yet they still believe. So, then, why is it so hard for us, as adults, to believe in Jesus? Do we need to see "helpers" every where we go? Do we need Jesus to actually show up at our homes to show us His scars? Perhaps it's because as adults, we develop a more rational brain. One that requires rock solid evidence to believe in something. Maybe we should be like children when it comes to our faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths".

Why not take a chance and believe? What have you got to lose? Let me know in the comments what your choice was. I promise it will be judgement-free. And remember, dear reader.... be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's take on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBQ50_bOyFg

The Road

Good Morning, dear reader! We're halfway through the week! Today we are continue our study of the Easter message. The reading in Acts will enlighten us as to the apostles journey as they seek to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and bring more believers to Him.  And in Luke, we will see that Jesus is working on revealing Himself to his followers. 

This morning, in Acts, we see Peter and John on their way to temple where they meet up with a man who was handicapped. They stop to talk to him and figure while they're at it, they can heal the man through the power of Jesus Christ. And so they do. This man was overjoyed to be able to walk again! It is with these signs and deeds that the apostles were able to convert so many more to believe in Jesus! What more powerful message could one need than to see a man who couldn't walk, suddenly able to stand up and enter into the temple on his own two legs! You've got me sold! In this case, seeing is definitely believing!! It is stories like this that encourages us to stay the course and keep walking with Jesus! 

As we move into our reading in Luke, the story begins on the same day that the empty tomb was discovered. Two of Jesus's disciples are walking along discussing what just happened. They are still in a sort of daze. They're trying to process the whole thing. As they're walking along, they meet up with a "man" and the "man" asks them what they are talking about. The two must've been quite puzzled that this "man" had no clue as to recent events. Has he been living under a rock!??! However, once he had been brought up to speed, it would seem that he had a good grasp on what it all meant. He goes on to explain that Moses and the prophets were right in saying that the suffering of Jesus was necessary as a part of God's plan. He wanted them to understand that this wasn't just some random persecution. This HAD to happen. As the men are listening, something inside them tells them that this is not just any man. There was something about him, something that excited them...but they just couldn't figure out what it was. It was that "gut feeling" you get when you meet someone.  It is not until later, after Jesus revealed HImself to them at the supper, that they realize that their heart recognized Jesus, even if they didn't physically know who He was at the time.

What all this amounts to is that we have to have continual faith in Christ even if we can't feel Him or see Him. We know that He is there and will never leave us. You need to rely on faith. Your heart still knows even if your brain doesn't. When you are mired in the dark and struggling for understanding, let your heart be your guide. Let your faith be the path that leads you to peace. You will eventually get to a place where everything will make sense. You will see God's plan and know that you are stronger for having come through it. "If God brings you to it, He will see you through it". Remember that. And as you are walking the path, also remember to be a nice human. 😇 

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi1kii4hieE

A familiar hymn, but with a little more "oommph": https://vimeo.com/700496586

Monday after Easter

Good Afternoon, dear reader. We continue the Easter journey. Jesus's followers are now aware that He has been resurrected. But, there is more work to be done before His assention into heaven.

The story of the guards.. what can I say?! lol How do they explain the empty tomb? No one would believe their story of an earthquake and an angel. Would you? I'd probably ask what drugs these guys were on! I mean, seriously.. earthquakes and angels and a missing body. Sounds like a bad plot on one of my murder mystery shows that I like to watch. No one wanted to lose their jobs. They didn't want to look like blithering, drugged out idiots. So, what could they say? Enter bribery... works every time! These men weren't followers of Christ. They just did what everyone else would do. Here's some money to keep your mouth shut. I find one flaw in their plan.. the guards wanted to use the excuse that Jesus's disciples came in the night and stole the body. Well, if that were true, then someone was asleep on the job! But, I suppose that's better than the fate that would befall these men if they told the truth! 

On a more serious note, Peter's speech in Acts was a powerful one. I think the one phrase that really stands out was when Peter said, "But God raised Him up, releasing Him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it" (v 24) Can you imagine!! Jesus could not and would not be bound by death! Wow!! That really packs some punch! But, this shouldn't come as any great surprise to us. Remember, this is the same Man who calmed the storming seas and walked on water! Jesus is our ultimate Superman!! He can do anything! So don't be afraid to reach out to Him. He can bear anything you may be dealing with. Matthew 11:30 even tells us this "For My yolk is easy and My burden is light". 

So, let us savour this week with its promises and hope. Let us use this opportunity to be renewed and refreshed. Come stand in the light of Jesus! And, as always, dear reader... be a nice human. 😇

Reflection on today from Msgr. James Vlaun: https://bible.usccb.org/podcasts/video/2022-04-18-reflection-261

Here is a beautiful, Celtic rendition of "In Christ Alone": https://youtu.be/o9VzJmtmSFI

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.  Matthew 1:20

Today we celebrate Joseph, the Earthly father of Jesus. He was a brave man. Here is his fiance, a virgin, who is all of a sudden pregnant before their wedding. Then, in a dream, he is spoken to by an angel who says he is to become the father of child who will become the Savior of the world! Talk about being overwhelmed!! This was a lot for poor Joseph to have to swallow. But he heeded the angels words. "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife (Mary) into his home." (Mt 1:24, NAB).

And then there is Mary. This young girl who is engaged to a carpenter, being chosen by God to bear His holy child! How was she going to tell Joseph? And would he even believe her!?!? Would he still love her and want to marry her? I can't even begin to imagine how Mary must've felt. 

Todays readings are a story of hope and faith. Trusting that God knows what He's doing. To have hope in knowing that God is bringing us through whatever it is that we may be struggling with. To be strong, to wake up every day and know that whatever it is we may encounter during our day, we are not doing it alone. Remember Joseph and Mary and the awesome responsibility thrust upon them. Kind of makes whatever it is we are going through seem not so bad. It puts everything in a whole new perspective. 

Today, pray for God's guidance in your life. Give Him your burdens. Pray to Joseph. Pray to Mary. Be reminded of what they did. And remember Jesus, who suffered and died for us. As always folks, be a nice human. 

Father Bill has some interesting facts about Joseph. Have a listen to what he has to say about today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXuNN9HroI  **Remember, you have to copy and paste link into your browser.**

Image: "The Dream of St. Joseph", Anton Raphael Mengs (1773/1774) 

March 3, 2022 Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Read: Deut 30: 15-20; PSALMS 1:1-4,6; LUKE 9:22-25.

Many people dream of winning the lottery. And oftentimes, the dream is for many millions of dollars. Imagine what you would do if you became an instant millionaire or an instant billionaire. Do you find yourself daydreaming about this?

If so, perhaps the question above is a good one to ponder. What good is it if you win the biggest lottery in history, become the wealthiest person on the face of the Earth, but lack the grace of God in your life and lack faith? Would you trade your faith for being exceptionally wealthy and gaining the whole world? Many people probably would or else Jesus would not have asked this question.

Very often in life we have the wrong priorities. We seek instant satisfaction and gratification over eternal fulfillment. It's hard for many people to live with an eternal perspective. Some may say "Well, I choose both! I want the whole world and the salvation of my soul!" But Jesus' question presupposes that we cannot have both. We must pick which one we choose to pursue. Choosing a life of faith and salvation of our souls requires that we let go of many things in this world. Even if God were to bless us with much in this world, we must strive to live in such a way that we are ready and willing to "give it up" if it were beneficial to our eternal salvation, or the salvation of others. This is hard to do and requires a very deep love of God. It requires that we are convinced, on the deepest level, that the pursuit of holiness is more important than anything else.

Reflect, today, upon this profound question from Jesus. Know that He poses it to you. How do you repsond? Do not hesitate to make God and His abundant mercy the centeral focus of your life. Lent is one of the best times of the year to seriously look at the most fundamental desire and goal of your heart. Choose Him above all else and you will be eternally grateful you did.

My eternal Lord, as we enter into this Lenten season, give me the grace that I need to look at my priorities. Help me to honestly discern that which is the most fundamental and central driving motivation of my life. Help me to choose You above all else so that You will help everything in my life become ordered in accord with Your Holy Will. Jesus I trust in You.

**Today's commentary comes courtesy of My Daily Bible Reflections on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/mydailybiblereflections

Pope Francis: Discover the beauty of prayer in adoration

This is a really great take on the Gospel message from Sunday, Aug. 17. There were so many ways in which that reading could be interpreted, which is really good because it sparks conversation and thought. 

Here is the reading:

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:49-53, NIV)

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-discover-the-beauty-of-prayer-in-adoration-72637?fbclid=IwAR0kv3zQ43bNzEAldBVyKpjDIlep-POcLiUuRHG9OC8EZ3p_tdriapN_I6o

MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

I know the month is just about over, but it's a good reminder for next year (mark it on your calendar to help you to remember).

The Church dedicates the month of August to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is a dogma of the Catholic faith that Mary is the Immaculate Conception; that is, in preparation for the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity in her womb, she was conceived without the corruption of sin through the foreseen and infinite merits of her Son, Jesus Christ. The physical heart of Mary is venerated (and not adored as the Sacred Heart of Jesus is) because it is united to her person and is the seat of her love (especially for her divine Son), virtue, and inner life. Such devotion is an incentive to a similar love and virtue.            

Over the centuries, as saints and theologians reflected on how Mary pondered and treasured the sacred events from the life of Christ in her holy heart, as attested in Scripture, her pure heart was recognized as something to be imitated. Devotion to Our Lady’s purity of heart began to flower—so much so that in the 17th century, St. John Eudes promoted it alongside the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The devotion rose to a new level after the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, when Mary revealed an image of her Immaculate Heart to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco.

This devotion has received new emphasis in this century due to the many miracles ascribed to prayer to the Virgin. On October 31,1942, Pope Pius XII made a solemn Act of Consecration of the Church and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart. Let us remember this devotion year-round, but particularly through the month of August.       

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary   

            

O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring,     consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially…(special intention).