Follow Me

  Jesus used the phrase “follow me” many times during His ministry.  He came to call the people of Israel to follow Him, the Messiah.  Some listened and followed, others didn’t.  He came to call the whole world to follow.  Again, some listen, many don’t.

   Pride and concern for their own well-being kept many, including most of the Jewish religious leaders, from following.  They thought they had all the answers and Jesus wasn’t the Messiah they expected.  Pride and earthly cares often interfere with our decision to follow.

   To Matthew, a tax collector, He simply said, “Follow me.” (Matt 9: 9).  Matthew immediately got up and followed Him.  When the blind man, Bartimaeus, asked the Lord for his sight Jesus replied, “Go your way, your faith has saved you.” (Mark 10: 52).  Bartimaeus was immediately able to see and he followed Him.

   Following has consequences.  Except for John all of the apostles were martyred.  Early Christians suffered great persecution, torture and martyrdom.  The cost of following can be high.  “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt 16: 24).  The path may not always be easy, but the reward far outweighs the cost.

   Today He says to me, “Follow me”.  With His strength and His help I will follow.  I am weak and can’t do it alone, so I will trust in Him and His love and mercy.  I will pick up my cross and follow in the knowledge that with Him all things are possible.

Jesus you came to call sinners.

I am a sinner, You call me.

I look to You for the strength to follow.

Amen

Jesus Wept

   “And Jesus Wept” (John 11:35)

   When Jesus was first told that Lazarus was ill He delayed going to him, saying, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11: 4).

   By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany Lazarus had been dead for four days.  He had the stone sealing the tomb removed prayed to the Father and “…he cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!” (John 11: 43)   And Lazarus’ life was restored to him.

   Our Lord knew what He was going to do before He went to Bethany.  He knew Lazarus would die and that He would raise him from the dead.  Others were raised from the dead by Jesus throughout His ministry, but this is the only time when it is recorded that He wept.  Why did He weep?  He was about to raise Lazarus from death.

   Perhaps He wept not for Lazarus but because of death itself.  We were never intended to die, but to live in companionship with God for all eternity.  Through the temptations of Satan and human weakness the sin of pride brought death into the world.  We wanted to be like God, assuming the right to define good and evil.  In this desire we rejected God.  Only He can determine right from wrong, good from evil.

   During this Lenten season we are to meditate and consider the great suffering and horrible death our Lord endured for us.   I think it vital that we realize that the prideful sin of our first parents and our own sins caused His suffering and death.  Jesus, forgive us for our sins!

Lord You are all good.

Only You determine right from wrong.

Our pride cost the life of Your Son.

Forgive us Lord!

Amen

Sacrifices

   Lent is a time of sacrifice.  We sacrifice to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  To forgive our sins He became man, lived, suffered and died.  The cost of sin is death and He paid that price.  A perfect sacrifice, an unblemished lamb, was required to pay for our sins.  Since we are far from perfect, God Himself became one of us so that He could offer the necessary sacrifice.

   As lent progresses there will be many promises of sacrifice made and many broken.  Some will offer more than they are capable of and will fail.  Some will offer far too little and will experience virtually no sacrifice at all.  Still others will ignore it completely.

   Regardless the sacrifice offered, it is important to follow through, to make the sacrifice.  Imagine if Jesus, having come to offer the perfect sacrifice, looked up at the cross and said “No”.  That’s the answer we give Him when we offer sacrifice to Him but fail to complete it.

   Offer what you will.  Hopefully it is something that is truly a sacrifice.  Stick to it.  When you weaken and consider giving up look upon Jesus on the cross.  Take strength from Him and His love for you.

Jesus You gave Your life for us.

We promise many things during Lent.

So many times we fail.

Give us strength.

Amen

Ash Wednesday

   “For you are dust, and to dust you will return.” (Gen 3:19)

   Today I am reminded of my mortality.  The priest, using the words from Genesis, traces a cross of ashes on my forehead.  This mortal body of mine will not last, it will return to the earth from which mankind was formed.

   It’s important for me to consider my mortality.  Even more important is to consider that my soul will live forever; it is immortal.  There is nothing more crucial than preparing myself for the time when this ragged tent of a body is folded, and my soul is loosed into eternity.

   The choice of how to live my life is mine alone.  If I’ve lived in Christ and done my best to follow Him my soul will be taken into Him, experiencing perfect joy and happiness throughout eternity.  If I’ve lived for self, abandoning His ways, eternal darkness and loss of God awaits.

   Lent is a time for me to dig deeper into myself; to ensure I am doing all within my power to prepare for eternity and to rely on God’s great love and mercy to forgive my failings.  In His wisdom He knows that I’m imperfect and cannot be made perfect in this life.  In His mercy God forgives.

Lord I try but I fail.

I look inward and see sin.

My faults are many.

In Your mercy sustain me.

Amen

Where is Your God?

   “Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’” (Psalm 79:10)

   The nations, society, often look at Christians and ask, “where is their God?”  They seem to expect that no misfortune should ever affect one who is in Christ.  Some look for the tiniest flaw in a Christian’s actions, expecting perfection.  Still others apparently believe we are just nuts.

   In some ways I think they have a point when they ask where God is in our lives.  Far too many times God is only in church.  We celebrate Him on Sundays and Holy Days but ignore Him the rest of the time.  When our lives don’t reflect God’s presence within us every day it’s easy to see why some would question where He is in our life.

   It is somewhat unfair for those of no faith to question those of faith, but it is our own fault.  We serve gods other than the one true God.  We worship our bank account; our status in our profession; the car we drive; our own sexual gratification.  Satan tries to turn most anything we enjoy into sinful over-indulgence.  These false gods contribute to the questions about our own faith and relationship with God.

   Tomorrow begins the season of Lent.  What better time for us to reflect upon where our gods are.  During this time we are asked to offer sacrifice, to give up something.  Most of us have false gods that plague us.  I can’t think of a better sacrifice than to reject our false gods and worship God alone.

Father You are the one true God.

We turn to so many earthly desires.

We make false gods of many things.

Help us to worship only You.

Amen

The War is Won

   “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”  (John 16:33)

   What a glorious realization!  Jesus has won the war.  He has conquered the world.  All that is left is for Him to come again in glory to claim His victory and those who have believed in Him.  Blessed are those who have remained true.

   There is so much comfort and peace to be had in the knowledge that no matter what happens in this world evil has been defeated.  In the hearts of those who know this there is a joy and happiness that can’t be matched by any earthly pleasure.

   I’ve read the story of many martyrs and I am always amazed at their courage in the face of death.  The one consistency I’ve seen is that they give their life gladly, praising God right up to the moment of death.  Through torture, pain and agony they maintained their faith and refused to waiver.  In their hearts they had the comfort of knowing that Jesus has won the war.  They died to this world and were reborn into the true kingdom of God.  Their faith in death inspired many to convert, even among those who were executing them.

   As Jesus said, there will be troubles in this world.  Evil is prevalent in every aspect of this life.  Satan will not give up on trying to win my soul until I have taken my last breath.  I pray for the strength to endure whatever may come my way.  My desire is that my last breath be a prayer of thanksgiving to God for welcoming me into His kingdom.

Lord, You have won!

Death is defeated.

I am peace in Your love.

Amen

A New Day

   The sun rises; a new day begins.  What will this day bring?  Maybe happiness and joy.  Maybe sorrow and pain.  Regardless it is the day God has given me.  I am to make the best use of it and give praise to Him for giving me this new day.

   Some days it’s very easy to turn to the Lord in thanks and praise, acknowledging the many gifts and blessings He has given me.  Those are the days of comfort and peace.  There are days when life is hard.  Struggles arise, some more difficult than others.  Some that threaten to overwhelm me.  It is then that I must rely on my Lord to see me through.  Those are the days when I need His help to carry my cross.

   Good or bad, easy or difficult, I thank Him for His blessings and seek His comfort when difficulties arise.  He is with me each moment of each new day, giving me strength, giving me purpose.

   A new day, another day to love, worship, thank and rely upon my God.  No matter the day, the joys and happiness or the trials and troubles, He is always with me, to give me His love, mercy and strength.  Thank You Lord!

Each new day is a gift.

A chance to know you better and serve You.

To love You more, always relying on Your help.

I am blessed by Your presence.

Amen

The Lord’s Tent

   “Lord, who may abide in your tent?  Who may dwell on your holy mountain?” (Psalm 15: 1)

   How I wish I had the answer to these questions.  I try to live my life according to God’s will, but still there are questions.  Am I doing those things that will allow me to dwell on God’s holy mountain?  Am I following the path He has for me; the path that leads to His tent?  I pray that I am but only in passing from this world will I know.

   Sometimes I wish I was totally confident that I am doing those things necessary to reach my goal of eternity with my God.  It would be so much easier if I knew with certainty that I was on the right path.  I could relax and rest at ease in the knowledge that my place in heaven was secure.

   If I had that certainty, however, I think it would quickly change my path from one headed to my Lord to one of destruction.  With such confidence I fear complacency would set in.  Since I would have achieved my greatest desire I would no longer strive to gain my goal of salvation.  I think the uncertainty leads me to try harder which pleases God.

   So I will continue to strive toward my goal, looking for the answers from my Lord.  I will do my best to live by His will.  I will seek His love, His mercy and His forgiveness.  I believe this is the path that will lead me to eternity in His holy place.

Lord, how I want to abide in Your tent.

Make me holy I pray.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

Lead me to Your holy mountain.

Amen

Sharing God

   Each day, except Sunday, I sit before my computer and write my daily blog.  I pray that the thoughts I share are those God would have me share; words that may somehow help others.  Sometimes there is a scripture passage or quote from someone that provides the spark.  However, on many days I have no idea of what I am going to say until I actually begin.  Today is one of those days.

   What do You want me to share this morning God?  I’m not certain so I turn to you for guidance.  Do you want me to share the incredible love I have from You or the mercy You’ve shown me over the years?  Your presence in my life is all encompassing; I am trying very hard to live by Your will.  You give me strength to try harder and You forgive me when I fail.

   Am I to write of my failures?  You know how many times I’ve sinned against You; how many times I’ve failed to live my life for You.  You also know of my sorrow for those failings.  You know my desire is to serve You.  With Your help I pray that I can do better.

   Should I share how much I love You and want to be with You?  This world is full of sin and immorality.  There’s not much I can do to change it.  I pray for the day when Christ will come in glory to call His followers to Him.  Come soon Lord Jesus.

   Finally, maybe I should acknowledge my smallness.  I am only one of many billions of people You have created.  I am a mere speck in the history of mankind, a grain of sand on an infinite seashore.  Nothing I have done or can do makes me worthy of You and Your love.  I am nothing, but You care for me.  I pray for Your guidance, Your strength and Your mercy that I may never stray from You.

Lord, I want to be Yours.

I give You my heart, soul, and mind.

I give You all I am or ever will be.

I give You my life.

Amen

To See God Clearly

   “Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, ‘Do you see anything?’  Looking up the man replied, ‘I see people looking like trees and walking.’  The he laid his hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.” (Mark 8: 23 – 25)

   I believe everything Jesus said and did has meaning.  At times there is a deeper, spiritual meaning that goes beyond the physical.  I believe this healing of the man’s blindness is one of those times when there is a deeper, even more important meaning to the miracle.

   Jesus healed many people of many ailments including blindness, deafness, lameness and disease as well as expelling demons.  In none of the other instances that I find is there a time when it took two attempts to perform the miracle.  Yet in this case He had to lay hands on the man’s eyes twice to effectively restore his sight.  To me, there must be a reason other than it just didn’t work the first time.

 

   If I set aside the physical aspects of the man’s blindness and consider the spiritual blindness that affects us all I think I can better understand Jesus’ message in this miracle.

   Before coming to the Lord we are spiritually blind; we can’t see His presence in ourselves or His creation.  This blindness is, in part, cured by recognizing Christ as our Lord and Savior and turning to Him in all things.  Yet we are still not fully seeing Him in all His glory.  St. Paul said, “At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face.  At present, I know partially; then I shall know fully as I am known.” (1 Cor 13: 11 – 12).

   I believe this helps explain the message of Jesus touching the man’s eyes twice to fully restore his site.  At first we are like infants with limited knowledge and understanding of God.  We can begin to see but we can’t yet understand.  As we grow in faith our understanding increases giving us a clearer vision of God and His way.  However, we will never fully understand in this life; our vision will never be totally complete.  Only upon our departure from this world will Jesus make our vision perfect, fully able to see Him and His true glory.

Lord I am blind in so many ways.

I don’t clearly see Your ways.

I don’t understand many things.

I desire to truly see and know you.

Amen

Rebuking Satan

   “Discipline yourselves, keep alert.  Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.”  (1 Peter 5: 8)

   In “The Screwtape Letters” C.S. Lewis tells the story of a senior demon advising one assigned to tempt a human to win his soul for Satan.  It is very enlightening in exposing the many subtle ways of the evil one.

   I sometimes feel that I have one of Satan’s demons assigned to me.  His sole purpose is to tempt me, lie to me, and do all in his power to win my soul for his evil master.  Thankfully I am certain that I also have a guardian angel who battles this demon on my behalf.  Regrettably, I sometimes fail to listen the angel and fall prey to the demon.

   I sit in church and notice the ladies a few rows behind me chatting as if they were at home visiting.  I see the man who decided shorts and a t-shirt are acceptable attire for receiving our Lord in the Eucharist.  I cringe at the casualness with which I see many accepting the Blessed Eucharist as if it were a mint or piece of candy.  Then I realize that I am sinning in my judging of others. I see the splinter in their eye but overlook the log in my own.

   “You Idiot!” is a common thought that comes to mind when someone cuts me off in traffic or does something else I consider stupid.  Instead I should either ignore it or say a prayer for the other driver.  I’m taking offense at one of God’s children rather than loving them.

   So many little things; so many times.  I believe there is great danger in what some would call “little sins”.  They add up, they lessen our consciousness of our sins.  If uncorrected they may lead to more and more serious sin as the awareness of our sins lessens.

   We must be bold and certain in rebuking the evil one.  Else he will devour our soul.

Lord give me strength.

Help me turn away from Satan.

Never let me believe His lies.

May I always turn to You when tempted.

Amen

Never Alone

   I’ve never liked being alone.  Perhaps because I’ve never truly been alone.  Since my wife passed away, however, I find myself alone most of the time.  I have family and friends who love and care for me.  They are a big part of my life and a tremendous blessing.  But still I find myself alone most of the time; but not really.

   Somehow the aloneness has become my solace in many ways.  I’ve discovered that I’m never actually alone.  Though she’s no longer with me in this world I still know the presence of my wife.  She’s with me in my heart, my mind and my soul.  I love her more each day and am filled with the knowledge of her love for me.  I still wear my wedding ring and can’t imagine ever removing it.  Our love didn’t end with her passing; it is eternal.

   My relationship with my Lord has grown in the quiet and solitude.  More and more He is on my mind and in my heart.  The emptiness I felt is being filled with Him and His love for me.  I’ve grown in my faith and am more aware of His presence than ever before.  My life is now directed to serving Him in this world while waiting to be with Him in the next.  I long for eternity with Him and reunion with the only woman I’ve ever loved.

   In some ways my home has become my hermitage.  It is where I am with God.  It is where I still feel the incredible love He gave to me and my wife.  It is where I am alone, but never alone.

Lord You fill me.

You give me Your love.

You give me your peace.

May I always be so miraculously filled.

Amen

  

Choices

   I’ve often considered the mixed blessing and curse of the free will God has granted me.  Out of love He refused to make me an adoring slave, giving me the choice of whether to serve Him or serve Satan.

   Jesus, in His mercy, became human to give me the chance of conversion, repentance and salvation.  By His life, death and resurrection He has given me the opportunity of redemption.  Regardless the sins I’ve committed, He will forgive them when I approach with a sorrowful heart, seeking His mercy.

   Still the choices remain.  Each day I’m faced with making choices between good and evil.  I can freely choose whether to go to daily Mass or not; to spend time in prayer or not; to serve my Lord or not.  Sometimes I almost wish I could relinquish free will so that I would never again be tempted to abandon His will.

   Then I realize how worthless my love and service to God would be if it were demanded rather than chosen.  It is good for me to have to choose between right and wrong.  My life is better because I’ve made the choice to follow the Lord’s ways as best as I can.  My faith tells me He is pleased because I have made that choice of my own free will.

   Satan hasn’t and won’t give up on me I’m sure.  He will continue to tempt me in every way possible.  At times the evil one has a much better memory than I do, reminding me of the evils I have done in the past, long forgiven and lost to my memory.  He tries to seduce me with earthly pleasures and desires.  It is my choice to reject him and my Lord is always there to help in those efforts.

   Free will brings dangers but it also brings the joy of serving God because I want to, because I love Him and want to spend eternity with Him.  I am secure in His arms.

Lord, there are so many choices.

The evil one never rests in his temptations.

I choose to reject Satan.

I am Yours for all eternity.

Amen

Timeless

   “But do not ignore this fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.” (2 Peter 3: 8)

   I struggle with the timelessness of eternity.  There is no yesterday and no tomorrow, only the present.  Understanding eternity is far beyond my ability, but I find comfort when I remember that Jesus knew time for a while.

   In the plan of salvation Jesus chose to become man and live among us.  He entered time just as any other human.  I find it heartening that Jesus experienced time.  He knew the years of childhood that were necessary before adulthood.  As a carpenter He knew the time necessary to expertly build a table or a chair.  He was conscious of time, just as I am.

  Did He become anxious when things didn’t come as quickly as expected?  Did He experience the joy of achieving something that required time to complete?  I suspect He did.  Such things are a common experience for every human, and He was completely human in all ways but sin.

   It comforts me that Jesus knew time for a while.  He knows the slowness of some things and the speed of others.  He understands that there are only so many hours in a day and sometimes I am overwhelmed.

   I look forward to the day when time will no longer exist for me.   The day when all will become clear and I can at last understand.

Lord You are timeless.

I am bound by time.

I long to know eternity with You.

Give me patience while I wait.

Amen

Broken

   From all indications our society is broken.  We no longer have the values and beliefs that allow for society to prosper and it shows in all aspects of life.

   Television shows used to portray wholesome, family experiences.  Mom and Dad loved each other, and the kids and the kids loved their parents.  There was little evidence of unhappiness and fighting in the family.  Even when squabbles occurred they most often taught a lesson about how to get along with others.

   Television today rarely depicts a complete, loving family.   If children are even included they are usually sullen, disrespectful and full of self.  They come by that naturally since the parents are narcissistic and demeaning of one another, showing little evidence of true marital love.

   While the television shows I remember presented an idealized view of family life, today’s shows give little indication that married life can be happy and joyful.  Those old shows taught that a loving family could rise above the complications and difficulties.  Even when marriage is portrayed today it is usually dysfunctional and on the brink of falling apart.

   We shouldn’t wonder why there is so little respect for one another and for what used to be called the norms of society.  Those norms have become abnormal and abandoned.  Between 1960 and 1980 the divorce rate increased from 9.2 to 22.6 divorces per 1000 marriages and has continued to rise.  The “free love” and “if it feels good, do it” attitudes began in the mid to late 1960’s bringing with them no-fault divorce and abortion.

   Society is built upon the family structure.  Without respect for family and each other it cannot survive.  We must become vocal and persistent in our efforts to rebuild proper societal values, including respect for human life from conception to natural death.  We must bring God back to our society.

Father our society is broken.

Too many ignore Your ways.

Strengthen us to fight this battle.

To restore Your place in society.

Amen

Loving Others

   “Our job is to love others without inquiring if they are worthy.”  (Thomas Merton)

   Jesus told us that we must love others.  Not just those who love us or those we want to love, but even our enemies and those who wrong us.  It’s very clear in the gospel that love is the essence of His teachings.

   I struggle with the idea of loving enemies and those who would do me harm.  I wrestle with the idea of loving those who demand abortion be legal, even to the point of birth.  I find it hard to think of loving one who would persecute me for my faith.  How can I love a Hitler; one who would offhandedly murder millions?

   And yet when I look at my life I see that God, who is all love, loves me.  I’ve not killed an infant in the womb or sent people to gas chambers, but I have sinned many times.  I continue to sin even though I try to overcome my sinfulness.  Am I worthy of God’s love?  Of course not!  I am worthy of His condemnation but instead He gives me mercy, forgiveness and love.

   As hard as it might be I must try to follow His example.  If not, I fall further from His ways and am even less worthy of His love.  If I am to claim that I am a Christian I have to do all in my power to share the love He has given me with others whether they are worthy or not.  All are God’s children, all deserve love.  Perhaps my prayers and offer of love can be used by God to change a heart and reclaim one of His wayward children.

   Without love for others I cannot truly have love for God.  He loves all His children with a love filled with mercy and forgiveness.  He asks no less of me.

Lord, You are Love itself.

None are worthy but still You love.

Help me to love others.

Even those who are difficult to love.

Amen

Yes

   If I want to experience the relationship with God that I am intended to have I must say yes.  Yes to His will, not mine.  Yes to the path He puts before me regardless of where it may lead.

   St. Augustine said “yes, but” to God’s call for years. “Lord make me chaste, but not yet!”  He was enjoying his sinful way of life so much that he wanted to delay God’s call.  When he finally resolved to say yes without conditions he realized that “You made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

   For many years my priorities were more earthly than spiritual, saying yes to God when there was nothing else pressing.  I am ashamed of this fact and incredibly thankful that God didn’t just write me off and forget about me.  He waited for me in love and mercy to finally turn to Him completely.

   God has a blueprint for my life.  His plan may not always be convenient.  It may not be the plan I would prefer but it is what is best for me.  When I say yes to God my heart can be at rest in Him.

Father You know where I am to go.

You know what I am to do.

Give me faith and trust to follow You.

May I always say yes to You.

Amen

Into the Depths

   Many people who think of going into the depths would think of it as a negative.  They think of the depths of despair or the depths of sorrow.  I’d like to share a different meaning to this phrase, one that is glorious and positive.

   The depths I’m referring to are the depths of God’s love and mercy.  In these depths there is peace, calm, and comfort.  The deeper I go the more my life seems to be in order and as it should be.  In these depths I talk with God, not just at Him.  Too many times my prayers were all one sided; I spoke and expected God to listen.  I’ve learned that it’s far better for me to be silent and listen to Him.

   The deepness of faith, love of others and love of God isn’t something we can just do; it requires the grace of God.  He will give us these blessings, but we must be willing to accept them according to His will, not ours.  God will change our life although it may not be in the way we expect.  We must be open to His way and be prepared to set aside the way we might have preferred.

   Even the depths of despair and sorrow can be used by God to bring about good; to increase our love and faith in Him.  When we are at our lowest point He comes to us offering solace, mercy and love.  If we allow, He will help us turn our sorrow to joy, our despair to happiness.

   Trials and hardships are part of this life; some bring great distress.  I, like many, have experienced such difficulties and may again if it is God’s will.  By looking to God, trusting in His love and mercy He has brought good from my struggles.  In His mercy He has filled me with His peace and deepened my faith and love of Him.

Father there is great suffering in this world.

I sometimes don’t see a way out.

I turn to You and You help me.

I thank You for Your great love and mercy.

Amen

The Greatest Love

   To consider the depths of God’s love for me is a humbling experience.  There is nothing I can do or could ever do to warrant such a love.  He has blessed me in so many ways; His mercy and forgiveness is endless.

   When I take account of my life I see so many times that I have failed my Lord and sinned against Him.  I’ve done many things that I should not have done and have failed to do many things that I should.  Still He loves me and wants me to be with Him for eternity.

   Because He loves me the Son of God chose to give up His glory for a time and become a defenseless baby.  A child subject to parents just as all children.  A Jew born under the occupation of the Roman empire.  A simple Jewish woman chosen to be His Blessed Mother and a carpenter as His adopted father.

   His life was one of poverty, suffering, betrayal and death.  The sins of the people, my sins included, resulted in His brutal scourging and crucifixion.  Because He loves me, He became the perfect sacrifice for my sins and paid the price I am unable to pay.  He died on that cross for me.

   Though I still sin and fail to live as I should, He continues to forgive me through the sacrifice He made over two thousand years ago on Calvary.  Because time does not exist for God His sacrifice is just as current today as it was then.  His death was as much due to the sins I’ve committed and will commit as it was for the sins of those of His time.  My sins were known to Him then just as they are today.

   I love my Lord, my family, friends and others deeply and sincerely.  However, I can never truly know perfect love in this lifetime.  Only through the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus can I hope to know such love in eternity.  His was, is and will always be the greatest love.

Lord my sins are many.

Out of love You forgive them.

You love for me is endless.

In Your mercy make me worthy of such love.

Amen

The Good Times

   I guess we all sometimes relive the good times in our life.  It helps us keep things in perspective; the good times help us through those that are not so good.

   I remember as a young man living in Kentucky the good times I experienced at the farm of my wife’s family.  Many Sundays after Mass we would head out to the farm.  On the way we would talk and just enjoy each other’s company, looking forward to a great meal and a relaxing day.

   Our daughters had a great time running around finding the barn cats and trying to tame them.  Sometimes they would get to ride the work horse, ‘Ol Joe.  They fished in the pond as all the kids did and caught the tiny little fish, which were carefully unhooked and returned to the pond.

   We had just the two girls at that time, but the boys didn’t miss out.  Even though we had left our small hometown we still went back for visits and the boys got to experience the farm as well, enjoying the freedom of the open spaces and fishing in the pond.

   My favorite memory is just sitting under one of the large trees after dinner enjoying the shade and the breeze.  I could usually hear the kids running and playing which added to my enjoyment.

   The best part was when my wife would come sit beside me.  We usually didn’t talk much then, just held hands and felt the love God had given us to share.  How I miss those times.

   Things are much different now. the kids are all grown, and my wife is no longer with me.  I like to imagine she’s waiting for me to join her in heaven so that we can, at least in our memories, go back to some of those wonderful, peaceful days out on the farm.  I can hardly wait.

   “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”  (1 Cor 2: 9)

Lord, You’ve blessed me with many good times.

I thank you for the joy and happiness of this life.

I yearn for the time when I am with You.

I look forward to eternity with You.

Amen

The Eucharist

   “Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.”  (John 6: 11)

   With five barley loaves and two fish Jesus fed thousands.  For those who recognize His presence in the Eucharist He continues to feed millions each day.

   In my opinion the account of the multiplication of the loaves is a forerunner of the Eucharist.  Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes and they were multiplied.  At every Catholic Mass Jesus, through the priest, again performs a miracle.  The bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord.

   Several years ago I applied to become a permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church but was not selected.  A non-Catholic friend of mine asked why I didn’t change churches and go to one that wasn’t so strict.  My response was immediate and sincere, “Because they can’t feed me.”

   “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you do not have life within you.” (John 6: 53).  It can’t be said much clearer than Jesus said it.  Many of His disciples left Him because they couldn’t accept this teaching.  Jesus did not call them back and explain that He was just talking symbolically or in parables; He let them walk away.  The Savior I know would not have allowed anyone to leave Him over a misunderstanding.  He meant exactly what He had said.

   Appearances can be deceiving.  The water turned to wine at Cana may very well have still looked like water, but it had been changed.  The bread and wine at Mass appear unchanged, but the substance has been altered.  They have become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of my Lord Jesus Christ and He again feeds the multitudes.

You said I must eat Your Body and drink Your Blood.

I can’t explain the miracle of the Eucharist.

Miracles can never be explained.

I trust Your word and accept the miracle.

Amen