The Voice of Truth

Good Morning, dear reader. Well, we have come to the end of another week. Isn't it lovely, learning all about the wonders of Jesus's works among the people?! It gives us such hope. 

Speaking of hope, the stories of Tabitha and Aeneas are miraculous! We have a man who has been paralysed and a woman who spent her days serving the Lord, both miraculously given new life! We don't know why these two people were specifically chosen by Jesus, especially since we know that there were so many more people who were just as deserving. 

This is a question so many of us ask when we are faced with tragedy in our lives. Why us? Why them? What did we do to deserve this? These questions can fester so deep that it drives us from our faith. We feel God has abandoned us. And, sometimes, it can feel that way. With all my problems of late, I would have every reason to ask why God is letting this happen. I've been good. I'm trying to spread His word. So why is all this still happening? The answer is I don't know. Life happens. Bad things happen to good people. It's what we do with that knowledge that makes the difference. I chose to remain faithful to God. It's all I have left. I have to trust in the fact that things will eventually work themselves out. It has to. And, I know, regardless of the outcome, God will be right there helping me through it. 

In John's Gospel, we see what happens when we don't want to take what is given to us. We go back to our old ways. Jesus watches as those who once believed in His word decide it is too tough to stay the course. He lets them walk away. He doesn't beg them or cajole them or make them feel guilty. That is because we are given a choice. We were given free will. Jesus isn't standing there with a gun to our heads saying we'd better believe in Him or else. I think this did sow a little doubt in Jesus because He turns to His apostles and wants to know if any of them wish to walk away. He doesn't want them to feel pressured to stay. He wants them to be there of their own accord. But Simon Peter makes the point, "to whom shall we go?". Exactly. Where else CAN you go? 

Now that I look at it, our reading in Acts goes hand-in-hand with our reading in John. Again we are being given a choice. Do we want to stick it out with Jesus and hope for the best? Is our faith strong enough to withstand doubt? I think that's a really good summary for all of it. Is our faith strong enough? Can we stay the course? Are we willing to stay? Think about that today. Really think. If everything in your life were to go kerflooey right now, would you still believe in Jesus? Would you still put your trust in God that it will all work out? 

I'm just gonna leave that there.... while you ponder that... remember, be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://youtu.be/dXQ5ZLZZHj0

This is "my song".. it reminds me that I need to listen to the voice of God, the voice of truth... "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns, from the movie "Facing The Giants". https://youtu.be/_YgfiaLk0kE

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

It's All In The Timing

Happy Friday, dear reader! Rejoice, for the Lord has seen to it that you have awakened and are here! 

The first part of the reading from the book of Wisdom reminds us that life is fleeting, we are only here temporarily. Eleanor Roosevelt once said "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present". I think that sums it up pretty well! The other part is that the only sure thing that we can count on in life is that we will all eventually die. It is unavoidable. 

The second part of the reading we see the foretelling of the coming of Christ. The book of Wisdom was written about 150-180 years BEFORE His birth! We also read of His persecution and death. We get the whole story before it even starts. This is why we need to understand the Old Testament before we get to the New Testament. When we finally do see the birth of Christ in the New Testament, we can truly appreciate how His whole life was preordained and that the promise of a Saviour has been fulfilled. 

Moving on to our second reading, again from the book of John. We are slowing working our way up to Jesus's crucifixion. We see more and more the disbelief of some of the people regarding who Jesus really was. The people thought they would recognise who the "true Messiah" was because He would be someone that they wouldn't know, They were familiar with Jesus, as His reputation was spreading like wild fire. There was no way He could be the Messiah. Jesus tries to explain to them that, yes, they know of Him and where He comes from. But, He did not wind up here accidentally. God, His Father, the One they have never seen, was the One who sent Him. Of course, this further incensed the people. They wanted to throw Him in jail, but they didn't. For some reason, they knew the timing was just not right. 

Timing is everything in life. Arrive too early and things haven't started yet. Arrive too late
and you probably missed something important. God's timing is always perfect because He had already set things in motion. To us it may seem like forever, but with God, it's more like in the blink of an eye. In this way, God is teaching us patience. We have to hang in there to see how the story ends. We can't hurry things along. That would mess up God's plan for us. We need to realise that everything in our lives happens for a reason, even if we don't know what that reason is. Even Jesus had His doubts at times. But He knew that His Father had a plan and He had to trust in that plan. And, like Jesus, we need to trust in the plan that He has made for us. We may not like waiting. We are impatient creatures. It is in those times that we need to seek out Jesus and ask Him to help us see the way clear. To follow what He wants for us. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. With Jesus, all things are possible! 

So, dear reader, just hang in there. Keep steady the course. You'll get to where you need to be. Just not in your time. Ask Jesus to give you peace in the waiting. And as I always remind you, be a nice human, because someone else is playing the waiting game too. 😇

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

Following in a Father's Footsteps

Good Morning, dear reader. We're half way through another week, and getting closer to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus!! 

This morning's readings show us that God is the giver of life, and as such, has chosen to share that power with His son, Jesus Christ. We also Jesus as the obedient Son, carrying out the will of God, His Father.

In Isaiah, God is reminding His people that He will never forget them, much like how a mother can not forget her child. It is in this promise that we are assured that, no matter what, we are never far from God and He is never far from us. "See, upon the palms of my hands I have written your name" (Is 49:16, NAB). Although this is meant to say that God will continuously remember each one of us, I also think that it can relate to how, when Jesus went to the Cross, our names were taken with Him, so that we would also have eternal life with Him. That as the nails were driven into His hands, our sins were driven out. 

Sometimes we can feel that God has forgotten us. We feel that our words are not reaching Him. Our pleas for help go unanswered. But, He reassures us, that just as a mother can not forget her child, as such, He will never forget us. He hears our cries, He sees our pain. And just as a mother gives comfort to her child, so God will comfort us. 

As we move into the Gospel of John, we take up where we left off yesterday, with Jesus healing the man in Bethesda. The Jews are angry that this Man, this Jesus, should dare to say that God is His Father! Jesus tells them that just as a son will follow in his fathers' way, so He does follow God, His Father. And those that follow Jesus, those that hear His word and obey, will be given life. Jesus goes on to explain that it's not all on Him, He is doing what His Father has willed. Don't forget.. "THY will be done".. God's Will, God's chosing. Jesus can listen, He can advise His Father, Jesus can, in a way, act as proxy for God. Verse 27 explains this in just one sentence "And He (God) gave Him (Jesus) power to exercise judgement, because He (Jesus) is the Son of Man." Jesus goes on to emphasise this point at the end of our reading "I cannot do anything on My own; I judge as I hear, and My judgement is just, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the One who sent Me (God)." (Jn 5:30, NAB) Think of it this way... "Wait till your father gets home!!" Yup, now you've really done it! lol

Be blessed, dear reader. And, as always... be a nice human. 😇 

Father Bill's reflection for today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQAj0543vIE

Video for the song "Thy Will Be Done": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp4WC_YZAuw

Healing Waters

Good Afternoon, dear reader. A little late with this today, but better late than never! Today we look at the healing powers of water. We all know that without water, we will perish. Water nourishes our body as well as flushing out harmful things in our systems. We know that all living things require water for life. Water IS life. And that's why water is mentioned throughout the Bible. 

We see stark contrasts of what happens when there is too much water or too little. There are floods, unending rain, streams, rivers, oceans... We also see what happens when there isn't enough water. Things dry up, fade away, die off, unending thirst. We cross ourselves with holy water when we enter church, a priest may spread holy water as he proceeds up the aisles, blessing us as he goes. When we are baptised, we are either submerged briefly in water or it is poured over us. It's amazing how something so simple is so important. 

Water can also be the symbol of God's word. His word quenches our thirst and renews our spirit. It gives us peace and reassurance. Water is also seen as a symbol of Jesus and His unending love and ability to heal. In John's Gospel, we see the man who had been ill for thirty eight years. He had no one to carry him to the water to be healed. But Jesus said to the man "Rise, take up your mat and walk" (John 5:8, NAB). The man stood up and realized he had been healed. The man realized that Jesus WAS the water he needed. He believed, he listened and he was healed. If we look further on in John's Gospel, we see Jesus likening Himself to water, "Let anyone who thirsts come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture says, 'Rivers of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:37-38, NAB). I could go on and on. But, you get the point. 

Water is a powerful symbol. Never underestimate its power. Pour it out, drink it, wash in it, be blessed by it. The next time you get a glass of water, or a bottle of water, hold it for a moment, really look at it. Remind yourself of its importance to life. And be reminded of Jesus. Be thankful for all of it. And, as always, dear reader...be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezPWTLZ4KFU

Words and Forgiveness

Friday March 11, 2022

Read: Ezekial 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26

Ezekial was a prophetic prophet, often having visions and mystical insights. So often, God spoke through him, often putting himself in the midst of people in order to spread God's word. 

Chapter 18 emphasizes taking personal responsibility for ones actions. He extoles all things that are considered sinful and the only way to forgiveness is confessing your sins to God in order to live. If one does not take responsibility, if one continues to sin, then the outcome will  surely be death. If not death of the physical self, it certainly would mean death of your spirit and knowing one will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God when they die.

In Matthew, Jesus takes thing a step above. It's not just our actions that can be sinful, but also our words. This is something all of us can identify with. Many priests and pastors use some form of Psalm 19:14 before beginning their homily. The pastor at my former church would always use it before speaking, offering his heart to Jesus so that his words would speak only of love and faith. Wouldn't it be nice if we could do this before we speak, especially when we are angry? We can't take back what was said. But, we can ask forgiveness, both from Jesus and from the person we hurt. It's not an easy thing to do. It requires great strength and humility. You will be a better person for doing this, though. 

At the end of the day, take stock of your actions AND your words. Do they speak of love or hate? What does this say about you? What changes can you make? Bring your wrong doings to the foot of the Cross and ask forgiveness, then try to do better tomorrow. We are imperfect beings of a perfect God. 

Be Blessed and speak life, hope and love. 

Here's a video from Toby Mac about speaking life. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0&ab_channel=TobyMacVEVO

And for further insight to today's reading, here's another video from Father Bill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-bKutiG584&ab_channel=hsccwyo

Calming The Storm

Funny I should read the day after I went to Mass, as one of the things I prayed about was for Jesus to help calm my inner storms so that I can keep moving forward. When we put our trust in Him, and take baby steps forward, it gives us hope that things will get better.

Recall the story of Jesus calming the storm (Matthew 8:23-27). This miraculous act was done as a prophetic sign of Him bringing you peace during the particular challenges you face in life. Jesus did this on a practical level for the safety and well-being of His Apostles. However, by showing that He had absolute and immediate authority over the storm at sea, Jesus also made it clear that He has absolute and immediate authority over any storm within your life, pledging His closeness in your midst. It should be consoling to you to know that there is nothing too much for God’s omnipotence. He can do all things and can bring peace to any and every situation. Knowing this should give you confidence as you surrender your “storms” to Him. And when the storm remains fierce, despite your prayers, you should be assured that it is for your good or the good of others.  It’s an opportunity to deepen your trust in Him and to know of His particular closeness in those moments.

Identify the storm in your life right now. And if things are relatively calm, be grateful but also call to mind that this will not always be the case. Life can “change on a dime” as has been said.  We must be ready for anything and everything that befalls us. As you ponder a storm of life, ask yourself whether you believe Jesus is there, in the midst, by your side, keeping you safe. Do you know that He could solve any problem instantaneously? Reassure yourself of this fact and allow this faith to add confidence to your troubled heart. The Lord’s love for you is perfect; He will never let you drown.

Lord, I trust in Your almighty power and unconditional love. I trust that You care about me and are present in every storm I face in life. Give me hope in the midst of every trial and enable me to turn to You as the source of my peace. I love You, dear Lord.  Jesus, I trust in You.

(From Reflection 232: Calming The Storm, August 20,2019)

https://divinemercy.life/daily-reflections

Quiet Introspection

The last few days I’ve been rather quiet. I just don’t feel like talking. It is in these times that I do my best thinking. I read, I think , I write. 

Sometimes in life, when it all seems overwhelming, you need to just shut out the rest of the world and withdraw inwards. There is nothing wrong with that, so don’t let anyone make you feel that it’s a bad thing. It’s called self-preservation. BUT (there’s always a ‘but’, isn’t there?! Lol)…DON’T focus on the negative. Focus on your “inner you” in order to get back in balance. Meditate, do yoga, pray, say the rosary…whatever makes you comfortable.

In this world of 'hurry up’ and keep moving, we sometimes need to apply the brakes and turn the engine off. When the steam comes pouring forth, bubbling furiously, it's a signal that you need to stop before you boil over. I don’t mean that you can hibernate (unless you can and want to), your daily life does not need to come to a screeching halt. It just means you need to be quiet. You don’t need a constant stream of conversation, you don’t need all that external stimuli. Go about your day, but create for yourself a little “bubble”.

Let’s say you’re having a crazy morning. You got up late, your spouse/significant other is in a bad mood, the dog just peed on the floor and there is a mountain of dishes in the sink. Take a breath. It will all get done. One step at a time. Wrap yourself in your bubble. 

Oh look..the sun’s out! ☀️ Poor doggie…he didn’t mean to make your life harder. He just really needed to pee and couldn’t hold it any more. Grab some paper towels and mop it up (and don’t forget to was your hands!). Pet the dog, reassure him/her you still love them. 🐩🐾

So s.o. is in a bad mood? You didn’t cause it and you can’t fix it. Just don’t add to it. Ask God for patience (trust me, it’s easier than coming up with bail money!) and try to be understanding. It will pass.

You woke up late? ⏰ Nothing you can do about it now. You’re already up and moving. Keep putting one foot in front of the other…👣👣

Those dishes…yup, they’ll still be there later when all is quiet and you can get to them. The world won’t fall apart if they’re not done. It’s the least of your problems…

Finally….it’s quiet. You can grab that cup of coffee ☕☕ without rushing around. Sit with it a moment. I love the smell of coffee. There’s just something inherently soothing about the aroma. To me, it feels like home in a mug. 💙☕

Breathe…yup..in, out…slowly…. See…the world is still spinning. Now, take you and your bubble and see what you can accomplish! Be proud of yourself for just getting out of bed and surviving your crazy morning! It’s the little things that mean the most!!

Sending Love and Blessings……😊✝️💙

Fidelity in the face of suffering

Today we celebrate the Passion of St. John the Baptist. A man clearly after God’s heart. But, that begs the question of why God allows suffering or persecution. I just read a quote from St. Teresa of Avila, where she poses to God, “If this is how you treat Your friends, I can see why You have so few.” We see God as a God of Mercy, of forgiveness. So, why does He allow us, and others, to bear burdens that are often too much to carry?

It is said that in the face of our storms, it is then that we most need God. And this is true. He is the one who will be there to comfort us and reassure us, just as any loving father would do. But, unlike God, our parents don’t like to see us suffer harm or hardship. They try to do everything possible to ease the journey for us. But God…yeah, He puts stumbling blocks in our path, allows us to carry much too much stress and anxiety, He allows our burdens to become so heavy that we almost are ready to buckle under the pressure of it all.

THERE IS HOPE!!!! God does these things, or allows these things because He is testing us and our faith. Will you run FROM God or TO God when it all becomes overwhelming? Do you feel He has forgotten you? Does He feel a million miles away, if at all present? I’ve “been there, done that”. I give up. I run from Him. He’s not hearing me. Life is just getting worse rather than better. Don’t feel bad if you do as I have done (and I’ve done it many, many times in my life). This is God’s way of building us up in our faith and reliance on Him. Going back to God, or relying on God is sort of like an addiction and it’s recovery. God is sitting there, waiting for you…He’s waiting till you hit rock bottom. But that’s a good thing, because once you go down as far as you ever were, the only other way out is UP!

God is sitting there, thrumming His fingers and shaking His head “Oh child of Mine…” He’s just waiting for the right moment, the right time in your life when you will accept the hand He is holding out for you. You are the prodigal child, the one who must run away and “sow your oats” to realize how much you miss being “home”. God is patient. God is kind. He will welcome you back with open arms.

However, as any good parent knows, no reunion goes without a scolding. God will reprimand you, so be ready for it. Be ready to be humbled and brought to your knees. “Oh child, why do you continually run from Me? Am I not enough?” Yikes. Harsh. Instead of feeling judged or feeling like a loser, or you let the Almighty down, really think about the question. Why DO you run from Him? Once you have that answer, you are ready to come back to Him and start again. Beg forgiveness. Show humility. Admit your wrongdoings. Learn from your mistakes. Remember, when we have nowhere else to go, up is always the best choice!