Humility

Happy Monday, dear reader! Today we are taking another step into Holy Week. In our readings, we are reminded that we are in humble servitude to God, but we do this willingly because of His unending love for us.

The reading in Isaiah foretells that God is sending us a servant. But not just any servant. He will be someone who will save those who believe in God, who will glorify His name and that He will bring peace and unity to those who wait for Him. 

It also mentions the fact that before this happens, God will send a messenger to announce this arrival and that the things He has said will happen will be confirmed, "See, the earlier things have come to pass, new ones I now foretell" (Is 42:9, NAB). God is saying "look, I kept my word. Did these things not happen already? There are also new things to come." This instills in us our belief that we can trust in God's words and promises. It gives us a hope to hold on to as we move forward. It's sort of a cliffhanger! We need to hold on so we can see how this all ends. 

John's Gospel tells the story of the woman who comes to annoint the feet of Jesus. She uses an oil that is very expensive, and this angers Judas. This is the same man who will betray Jesus. So we already know what a lowlife he is. Judas wanted the money that the oil would bring, for himself. Jesus quietly and calmly explains that the oil is not wasted. This will be the same oil that will be used to annoint His body upon His death, "So Jesus said, 'Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, buy you do not always have Me.'" (Jn 12:7-8). Jesus saw that this act was important to Mary (not Mary, His mother). He also knew that the oil would be needed upon His death, as Jewish tradition called for the anointing of the dead. Again, He is prophesying His death. 

Our readings today are rather heavy. But, that's a good thing, as it gets us thinking. And Holy Week is a good time for that. We reflect on those things that we gave up for Lent, we reflect on our faith and the suffering that Jesus endured, we reflect on what's really imporant in this life. We see how far we've come, but also how much further we have yet to go. Let this week remind you that nothing comes easy, especially when it comes to our faith. The next time you grumble about how unfair life is, remember Jesus on that cross. An innocent Man killed because of the injustice of man. An innocent Man put to death so that you can be free. Kind of puts things in a different light, doesn't it?

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

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

Even though this is a more of a Christmas song, I thought it rather fitting for this post: https://youtu.be/ifCWN5pJGIE

Humility

For today's reflection, I decided to go with a website instead of writing my own. Sometimes other sources can do better than I could do. So read on, lovely people......

Humility seems like such a contradiction.  We are easily tempted to think that the way to greatness involves letting everyone know all that we do well.  There is a constant temptation for most people to put forward their best face and to hope others will see that and admire it.  We want to be noticed and praised.  And we often try to make that happen by the little things we do and say.  And often we tend to exaggerate who we are.

On the flip side, if someone criticizes us and thinks ill of us it has the potential of being devastating.  If we hear that someone said something negative about us we may go home and be depressed or angry about it the rest of the day, or even the rest of the week!  Why?  Because our pride is wounded and that wound can hurt.  It can hurt unless we have discovered the incredible gift of humility.

Humility is a virtue that enables us to be real.  It enables us to cut through any false persona we may have and simply be who we are.  It enables us to be comfortable with our good qualities as well as our failures.  Humility is nothing other than being honest and true about our lives and being comfortable with that person.

Humility is sincerity and genuineness.  And when people see this quality in us they are impressed.  Not so much in a worldly way but in an authentic human way.  They will not look at us and be envious, rather, they will look at us and see the true qualities we have and enjoy them, admire them and want to imitate them.  Humility enables the real you to shine through.  And, believe it or not, the real you is someone who others want to meet and get to know.

Jesus gives us a wonderful lesson in today's Gospel reading that is very hard to live but is absolutely key to living a happy life.  He wants us to be exalted!  He wants us to be noticed by others.  He wants our light of goodness to shine for all to see and for that light to make a difference.  But He wants it done in truth, not by presenting a false persona.  He wants the real “me” to shine forth.  And that is humility.

Reflect, today, on how genuine you are.  Make this time of Lent a time when the foolishness of pride is shattered.  Let God strip away every false image of yourself so that the true you can shine forth.  Humble yourself in this way and God will take you and exalt you in His way so that your heart can be seen and loved by those around you.

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

PRAYER:

Lord of perfect humility, make me humble.  Help me to be sincere and honest about who I am.  And in that honesty, help me to let Your Heart, living in mine, shine through for others to see.  Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.

Source:

Today's reflection comes from My Catholic Life, Catholic Daily Reflections.

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2022/03/14/the-exaltation-of-the-humble-of-heart-2/

**Remember, copy and paste link into your browser**

Repentence and Change

 The overarching theme for this Lenten season is repentence. We see it over and over in the readings we have done so far. However, with Jonah, not only is this about repentence, but it is also about second chances. 

Jonah is often referred to as the reluctant prophet. Most of us are familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale. That was his first chance to do what it was God asked of him and he messed it up. 

So now, God comes to him a second time. He wants Jonah to go to Nineveh to deliver the message that the city will be wiped out in 40 days if they do not repent of their sins. When this message reaches the king, instead of brushing it off or not believing, he runs to the people and tells them what will happen. The people know the power of God and are quick to gather, to fast, to ask forgiveness for their sin. The king hopes that when God sees what they have done, He will spare them, which God ultimately does.

We see the reference to Jonah and Nineveh in Luke's Gospel. Jesus is speaking about change and repentence. He is what Jonah was to Nineveh. The One who will come to save all of us once we give up control to Him and to follow Him. He is the something more than Jonah. 

I found this video with a wonderful commentary on today's reading. Much better than what I have written. Take a moment to check it out. It's only a little over 6 minutes. (You may have to copy and paste the link into your browser..)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_1yTQVOqts&ab_channel=hsccwyo

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

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

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

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Reflection 221: Glorying in Yourself

365 Days with Saint Faustina

Sometimes, those who are quite “religious” speak of many “religious” things. They speak pious language and talk about holy things. But in the end, it may be that all they say and do is actually said and done as a way of glorifying themselves in the sight of others. This is the struggle of the Pharisees. Sadly, those who struggle with this, just like the Pharisees, may even be fooling themselves into thinking they are exceptionally close to God. But their pride has blinded them. The goal of our lives must be to humbly point to God and offer all glory to Him, not to ourselves. This can be very hard, but when done well, as an act of the utmost humility and truth, we realize that God actually does draw us into His glory and allows us to share in the honor that we owe to Him. Only in this way do we come to realize our true dignity as His sons and daughters. And in humbly pointing to God in all things, we are also lifted on high by God Himself.

Are you able to give all glory to God rather than trying to lift yourself up for others to see? Reflect upon this in all honesty and humility. The problem is that if you lift yourself on high, you will not be able to lift yourself very high and will actually find yourself in a more humiliated state than you could have imagined. Lift the Lord on high and point to Him as the source of all goodness and leave the elevation of your own life up to Him. He will raise you higher than you could ever do yourself.

Lord, I pray for the gift of humility.  I pray that in my humility I will see the truth and proclaim only that truth.  I especially pray that I will be able to see the truth that all good things come from You and are accomplished by You.  All glory be to You my Lord!  Jesus, I trust in You

My Personal Reflection:

This one really spoke to me today because recently I had an encounter with a young lady on social media who just kept pushing that I wasn't really a believer in God, and actually tried to "test me" using The Ten Commandments. 

She was taking scripture literally without trying to understand it in the context that is was written (and context is so important when reading Scripture!). To her, it was black and white and not open to discussion or interpretation. She was actually giving out wrong advice based on her views and HER interpretation of Scripture.

I tried to be nice. At first I blocked her and ended our conversation because I was getting very frustrated and she had triggered my anxiety due to a topic we were discussing. So, the next day, I unblocked her and resumed our conversation. I swear it was like talking to a brick wall! I think I would've had better luck explaining things to our dogs!! At that point I really did have to stop our interaction and I blocked her once again. I haven't tried to speak with her again.

Today's Divine Mercy reflection gave me something to think about. And no, it was not to show mercy and go back to try once again explain things to her. For some people, there really is no way of convincing them to think anything other than what they believe. To me, it seems  that perhaps she was trying to glorify herself using the guise of belief of black and white scripture. That was sort of what turned me off for my faith for quite some time. People who call themselves "Christian" can be some of the most hypocritical people in the world. And I'm not really sure why that is. No person is better than someone else because of their spiritual beliefs. I'm no better than anyone else. I'm weak, I sin, I cuss, I take the Lord's name in vain...(I know..I know... 😲)

As I decide to take steps back to my faith, I will not flaunt it, I will not claim that I am such a perfect model of Christianity, because that would be a lie (and does it not tell us in the Ten Commandments that we are not to lie?!). Yes, I have flooded my social media (to an extent) with my new blogs and my thoughts... but I'm not doing it to show off. I am doing it as a humble expression of myself and hoping that maybe what I say may help someone else. (Plus it helps me to process what I'm learning because I continuously am repeating it by writing.)

That's how it should be....our words should be used to lift up, not condemn. We are NOT God, it is not up to us to bully someone into feeling that their faith or belief is not enough. We get enough of that from our negative self-talk (well, maybe not all of you....). I see my daughter struggling with a recent break up between her and her fiancee of two years. She constantly asks what she did wrong, why wasn't she good enough? Do we REALLY need to inflict that pain upon others for our own glorification!?!? 

Everything I have read and written today has been about facing our faith in our every day lives. And I've already quoted this verse a couple of times today, but it's worth repeating...over and over and over... 

"Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before You, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:15 (NAB)

Sending Peace and Love to you all!💜💙💖🕊♱

Helpful links:

https://divinemercy.life/2019/08/09/reflection-221-glorying-in-yourself-2/

The Wise and Foolish Virgins

Today's Gospel reading comes from the optional reading for the memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (our Saint of the Day). It is rare that I get some many ideas and take aways from the daily reflection, but both of today's Gospels seems chock full of lessons, thoughts and ideas. So, read on….

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the *bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, "Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.' While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. The door was locked. Afterwards, the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:1-13, NAB)

(*bridegroom in this instance refers to Christ)

This reading reminds me of a couple of things. First off, the Parable of the Ten Virgins. As I have been studying Gothic architecture, this parable is often found displayed within the exterior statuary of Gothic cathedrals. It was a very popular story at the time because it relayed the message of how living a wise and prudent life is rewarded in heaven. At that time, the "fire and brimstone" approach to Catholicism was at its height. People were urged to repent or suffer eternal damnation. However, it is still a timely message in this day and age when we get so caught up in the busy-ness of our daily lives that we sometimes forget to make time for God. We are constantly running, going here, going there…

Another way to look at it would be like packing for a vacation. You try to stuff everything in that you think you may need and figure anything that's missed can be picked up when you reach your destination. However, when you arrive, you find that you forgot something very important (insert your own important item here). The item you left behind, let's say in this instance, was your spending money for trinkets and whatnot. You beg and plead with the other members of your party to loan you some cash, but no one will help. They remind you that you should have made double sure that you brought your money. 😕🤨 Great time to remind you, huh? So, do you get the point of the story? It kind of goes along with my other thought that follows the images. So, keep reading……..




←All ten virgins are seen here, wonderfully displayed in the central doorway of the western portico of St. Fin ←Barre's cathedral in Cork, Ireland.

                                                                           

 

The five wise virgins on the right side of the doorway..→

You can see how the wise virgins have their heads covered as a display of their chastity, holding their flames up. They are on the right side of the bride groom (Christ), the side being associated with strength, virtue and favor. →

Five Foolish Virgins

←The five foolish virgins, on the left side of the doorway.

They are in direct opposition of the wise virgins. The foolish virgins do not have their heads covered and look rather morose for wasting all of the oil for their for their lamps. This side being can be associated with weakness, frivolity and dishonor.


There is much more depicted within the architecture within the portal, but you get the idea. As I've been studying, the pieces are all starting to come together. To learn about one is to learn about the other. 😊💜

So, the next part of this, where Christ says "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.", He is telling us that we must remain vigilant and be prepared because we do not know when He will return. If we waste our energies on foolish or sinful pursuits, we won't have the stamina to maintain our watchfulness and our faithfulness to Him. We need to gently pace ourselves in our quest for Christ. That does not mean we slack off, though. It just means to take your time. Learn ABOUT Him, not just OF Him. Make an honest and concerted effort in your faith. Your arduous journey will be rewarded in heaven. 💜💙😊

Sending Peace and Love to you all!💜💙💖🕊♱

Helpful Links:
https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/parable-of-the-wise-and-foolish-virgins/
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/0809-memorial-teresa-benedicta.cfm

Here's the link to my Gothic Art & Architecture Blog:
https://gothicartarchitecture.blogspot.com/

The Hard Decisions

Lately I've been felt compelled to go back to my Catholic faith. At the same time, I am learning about Gothic cathedrals. And before you ask what has one to do with the other, it really does make perfect sense because these grand cathedrals are houses of worship, built to glorify God and to bring people a sense of peace. Anyway, I digress..my point is that since this new renewal of my faith, I’ve been sort of hesitant to post a lot of stuff that I’m reading because I do tend to go overboard sometimes. Also, I don’t want people to think that I’m some “holy roller” because Lord knows I am far from it. I’m just a passionate person with strong ideas.

The Conditions of Discipleship

 

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For the Son of Man will come with His angels in His Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming to his kingdom.” (Matt.16:24-28, NAB)

That particular verse where Jesus reminds people that if they deny Him and their faith in Him in this life, then He will deny them when they get to heaven. Think about this for just a minute. How would you feel if someone you truly cared about denied knowing you? How would that make you feel? I know I’d feel pretty crappy and let down. That’s how Jesus feels when you deny your faith in Him. BUT, (and there’s always a but...lol) through the mercy that Jesus shows us continually, He will still forgive you and want you back. How many people can say that?

Why should I deny my faith, my zeal and my passions just so I don’t offend anyone or make them feel uncomfortable. If I deny Jesus now, then, when I get to heaven, He may take one look at me and say “I don’t know who this person is or why she is here”. However, it is much more than that. Our faith teaches us that we must be courageous in our beliefs, in our faith. It’s not easy sometimes. Especially in this day and age where every time we turn around someone else is offended by something.

I hope that maybe I can influence one person, or many people. I hope that through my words you will find courage and strength to get through your day. I hope that I can foster a sense of belonging, peace and serenity. I hope that I can convey my passion through my deeds and through my words. I seek not to offend, but to brighten and educate.

"“Let the words of my mouth meet with Your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before You, Lord, my Rock and Redeemer" (Psalm 19:15, NAB)

Sending Peace and Love to you all!💜💙💖🕊♱

Helpful links:
https://www.catholic.org/bible/daily_reading/