Seeing is Believing

Good Afternoon, dear reader! Today, we are again seeing the theme of words and deeds. If our words and deeds don't match up, then people feel no confidence in you. You absolutely need to "walk the walk and talk the talk". 

We see, in today's first reading, that the prophet Jeremiah is speaking out against those who have persecuted him. He is aware of the fact that his supposed friends are always waiting for him to make a mistake, to find some fault. He warns his detractors that God may come down to exact His revenge. Notice how he says MAY. That one little word will make them wonder. This is not a direct threat. It's more of a passive-aggressive statement. I believe that Jeremiah also phrased it this way because he knew that it was not up to him to judge or punish these people. God may come to punish.... or He may not... are you willing to risk it?! lol

When we look at todays Gospel, we see it is similar to our last few readings in this book. The Jews are mad, they think that Jesus is committing blasphemy for saying He is the Son of God or God incarnate. It seems no matter where Jesus goes, these people just don't understand. Jesus tries to tell them that it's fine if they don't want to believe His words, but look at the things He has done "If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe Me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe Me, believe the works" (Jn 10:37-38, NAB). This is clearly a case of seeing is believing. 

Once again, the Jews try to arrest Jesus, and once again He avoids it, as it is still not His time to be captured. After all this, Jesus decides to go to the river where John the Baptist baptised Him. He again encounters more people. They tell Jesus that even though John did not perform any sort of miracles, the things he said about Jesus were true, so this Jesus is the real thing. Again, a case of seeing is believing.

Sometimes it's hard trusting in people, especially if they say one thing and do something else. How can you actually believe what they say? We see this so much in the world today. Promises are made, rhetoric abounds. It is up to us to discern whether or not they will live up to the things they say. We need to decide based on reputation and past actions if they can be trusted. It's a sort of slippery slope. 

However, we as Christians know that faith comes from believing in what we cannot see. But, God gave us the ultimate sign that we CAN believe....the empty tomb. We know that God lived up to His word. We can believe all that was prophesied in the Old Testament, we saw it play out in the New Testament. We saw it played out on the cross. Because of this, we know that we can trust in everything God does and everything He promises us.

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

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

"What Faith Can Do" Kutless https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo

Promises

Good Afternoon, dear reader. We see the promises of God fulfilled both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. 

In Genesis, God assures Abraham that his family will multiply and lead for generations. The amazing part of this tale is that Abraham was 90 years old!! This was a miracle only God could perform. This gives all of us hope for the future. If God could use Abraham in his old age to build a kingdom, just imagine what God can do with us! We just need to trust in His timing and His promises, no matter how difficult things may seem. 

As we move to our Gospel reading, we again see Jesus trying to tell people that He was God in human form and that He knew Abraham and his joy at being assured of a future. The Jews thought Jesus was insane or possessed by the devil. They were so incensed by this, that they began to throw stones at Jesus! Jesus knows this a fight He can't win, so He choses to just walk away. 

This reminds us that we are to chose our battles carefully. Sometimes the best answer is no answer. As long as you are following Jesus and doing good, there's not much else you can do. You also need to remember that your words speak of who you are. Be sure you are only speaking in kindness. Oftentimes, your reputation will be built upon your promises, your actions and your beliefs. 

Today, do a "gut check". What is your reputation like at this moment? Do you follow through with your promises to others? Do you speak kindly and with encouragement? Make sure you're walking with God and doing the right thing. And, as always friend, be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_07kj4ntgfI

"Words" by Hawk Nelson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf_H7Lwl0FI

Stepping Out in Faith

 Good Afternoon, dear reader. We are half way through yet another week. The promise of things to come keep us moving forward. 

Today we revisit the tale of the three men who refused to worship the golden idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had created. However, we come in at a later part of the story. The men were in the furnace. The fire grew hotter and larger, yet nothing happened to these men! The person in charge of making sure the fire burned hot and that the men did not escape told the king that there were FOUR men in the furnace, one of whom looked like the Son of God. How could this be? This was way before the time of Jesus's birth. It is explained that the king saw this as an angel who was sent down from God to protect the men. After this, the king realized that these men were so sure in their faith that God protected them. He then said that anyone who talked bad about these men would be "cut to pieces and his house destroyed, for there is no other God who can rescue like this" (Dn 3:96, NAB). 

Sometimes it really does take a miracle, an act so surreal that there is no doubt that it was God's doing. And it takes a great deal of courage to stick by your faith, especially when your life is in the balance. The ones past who had given their lives for their belief in God were true martyrs, most of whom went on the become saints. Their defiance and their beliefs spoke of great faith, even if it didn't save their lives. I don't know a great many people who would do that. This is why our behavior, our actions, our lives should reflect our comittment to God. We need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, as the saying goes. 

We see a similar theme in today's Gospel. Jesus tells the Jews that whoever listens to His word will be His disciples. But the Jews only believe in one God and follow the
prophet Abraham. Much of Jewish law is based in the Old Testament. So for them to believe in Jesus, they were going against God's law set forth in the Ten Commandments (Dt 5:7). Jesus tried explaining that by believing in Him, they also believed in God. No matter how much Jesus tried explaining, they wouldn't believe, they wouldn't listen. 

Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to explain something to someone but no matter which way you said it, they still wouldn't believe you? It is truly mind numbing. I've often thought I'd have an easier time explaining things to my dog!! lol I imagine Jesus must've felt a similar way. He was trying to say that it was ok for the Jews to believe in Him because He was sent here by His Father, God. After a while, He just sort of gave up. Just go on being sinful. You're not going to listen. Continue to be a slave to what is not of God. As the Jews began to throw stones at Him, He must've thrown up His hands and basically said "I'm outta here." There is nothing more you can do. You can't force people to listen or understand. And, as hard as it might be, sometimes you do need to just walk away. You know what's right and what's true, and as long as you are following what Jesus taught us. And that's all that matters.

So, dear reader, be assured in your faith, stand firm in that belief. Let your actions follow that of your words. Be the example of Jesus. And as always, be a nice human.😇

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

"The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9u-LOa3OI

Spiritual Health

 Read: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 

           Matthew 5:43-48

Most of us today watch what we eat, we exercise, we do what we can in order to maintain a healthy body. BUT, what are you doing to keep your spirit healthy? Did you know that it takes more energy to be miserable than it does to be happy? So, why not do something for a healthy soul? 

In today's reading, God tells us to LOVE those who hate, who antagonise, who are miserable. He is issuing us a challenge. Sure, it's easier to be kind to those who show us kindness, but, that's the challenge! Think of it this way, by showing kindness and compassion, you are actually helping your physical and spiritual health! Why no go forth and spread some kindness today!! Be the example! Walk in your faith!

Be blessed my friends. And, as always, be a nice human. 😇

Here's a great video from Hawk Nelson on the power of words:

https://youtu.be/Bf_H7Lwl0FI

This morning's thoughts from Father Bill:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EioyYMkBkfQ

***Remember... copy and paste links into your browser.***

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

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/