New Year’s Eve 

   Another year draws to a close.  This one has been a strange and, in many ways, difficult one.  Though it has been a trying time there have been blessings as well.  Babies have been born, lives thought to be lost to Covid have been saved.  The world continues to revolve on its’ axis and around the sun; life goes on.

   Many focus on the evils of the world failing to recognize the joys and blessings that are ours each day.  While this year might have been worse than some, it certainly hasn’t been the worst in history.  World wars, the holocaust and several genocides have occurred over the years.  This year has been far less destructive and difficult than many.

   As difficult as it can be at times I try to look for the good rather than dwell upon the bad.  My soul rests much easier in seeking to find the blessings of each day rather than being overwhelmed by the trials and tribulations.  Faith in the promises of Christ convince me that this world and all its’ woes is temporary.  What is a lifetime for me is no more that a drop in the ocean of infinity.

   As we begin the new year we should pray that it will be better.  But we must also recognize that the blessings we pray for are gifts of God, given out of His love, not something we have earned or deserve.  Our present society is not far from that of Sodom and Gomorrah and we know how that turned out.  So as part of our prayers let us pray for a renewal of faith in God.  Let us pray for a greater love of Him and of our neighbor.  In that prayer there is peace. 

The year is ending.

Help us do better in the new year.

Help us see Your many blessings.

Strengthen our Love for you and for neighbor. 

Amen

 Childlike Wonder 

   Have you ever seen a small child chasing a butterfly?  Or perhaps they’ve noticed a line of ants carrying food back to their nest.  They will watch those ants and chase those butterflies for as long as they can.  They are fascinated with the wonders of the simplest of God’s creations.

   When my two girls were little they loved to go exploring around our house.  Once they came home all excited, with a toy bucket filled with water and dozens of tadpoles.  They had found a small pond and spent most of the morning gathering their treasure.

   My wife and I decided it would be good for them to watch the transition from tadpole to frog, so we let them keep the bucket on our screened in porch.  Later that day we took the girls to the movie.  When we returned there were tiny frogs hopping all over the porch.

   What we saw as a problem, the girls saw as wonderful.  They helped us gather up the frogs, laughing and having a great time.  Still in the bucket were several tadpoles so we covered it to avoid more escapes and let the girls watch them become frogs, which were then set free.

   As we age we grow numb to the joy and wonder of such things as tadpoles and butterflies.  We no longer have that innocence of wonder and joy in God’s creations and the miracles that abound.  Think for a moment of a caterpillar encompassing itself in a cocoon and emerging as a beautiful butterfly.  Or a tiny tadpole slowing losing its’ tail while growing legs to become a frog.  These are miracles of nature that we take for granted and pretty much ignore.

   Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18: 3).  He didn’t mean we were to become childish, but to have a child-like acceptance of God, taking great joy in Him and the many blessings He has given us.

We ignore Your gifts so often.

They become just a part of our life.

Renew in us a childlike wonder.

Let us turn to You in joy, marveling at all You do. 

Amen

 The Slaughter of the Innocents 

   “When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the Magi, he became furious.  He ordered the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the Magi.” (Matt 2: 16) 

   Herod slaughtered an untold number of boys two years old and under.  Rather than seek the newborn King to give Him homage, Herod sought to kill Him as a perceived threat to himself.

   His actions were not the first or the last time innocent children have been killed for political and/or personal reasons.  At the time of Moses, the king of Egypt became afraid that the growing Israelite population might turn against him in war.  So he ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all Israelite boys at birth.  When the midwives failed to follow his command he ordered that all Israeli boys be thrown into the Nile at birth (see Exodus 1).

   Today the slaughter of the innocents continues.  Since abortion was declared legal in 1973 over 50 million innocent children have been slaughtered in the womb in the U.S. alone.  Herod and Pharaoh allowed the female children to live, but we are non-discriminating, we kill them all.  Unlike Pharaoh and Herod we have no fear of threat from the children, they are simply an inconvenience; a mistake to be erased.

   Even some who claim to be Christians are supportive of the continuing massacre, electing those who promise even more abortions to high office.  It’s sad to hear a woman say she is protecting women’s rights by killing women in the womb.  Fathers, those who are supposed to protect their children, demand abortion rights to avoid responsibility.  In a selfish and prideful world innocent children are paying the price for our sins. 

Lord there is a dreadful sin among us.

Innocents are murdered in the womb.

Take this horror from us.

Protect the children. 

Amen

 

 He Gives Me Rest 

   “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11: 28) 

   I often think of time.  I suppose it is because sometimes I feel as if I am just biding my time until I can join my God in eternity.  That is my greatest desire; to leave this world behind and enter forever into His kingdom.  I’m certain that some part of that desire is because I want to be reunited with my wife and spend eternity with her.  The love God gave us does not end at death but is eternal.

   Nevertheless I must recognize that time is not of eternity.  I often turn to St. Peter’s second letter for comfort, “But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.” (2 Peter 3: 8).  The concept of time affects me greatly but is not a part of the life to come.  What seems like a lengthy delay is no more than a blink of an eye in eternity.

   How do my thoughts of time relate to the scripture quoted above?  Jesus knows all my desires and all my burdens.  He knows that I am anxious to depart this life and enter into life with Him.  However, I realize and accept that His plan for me may involve many years before the time is right for me to join Him.  Until that day comes He gives me comfort, He gives me rest.  When I am low He raises me up.  When I am sad, He gives me solace.

   So I will continue to wait, albeit sometimes impatiently, for the time when He calls me home.  It will come at the proper time, the time He has chosen.  Until them I will continue to try my best to serve Him.  I will place my burdens at His feet, and He will give me rest. 

You give me rest Lord.

Rest from the trials of this world.

Your comfort gives me strength.

The strength to carry on. 

Amen

Becoming One With Christ 

   “He must increase; I must decrease. (John 3: 30) 

   “Just as the drop of water poured into the chalice at Mass mingles completely with the wine, so should your life become one with that of Christ. (Frances Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, “The Road of Hope”) 

   John the Baptist realized that Jesus must become greater while he became less.  I must allow Jesus to assume more and more control of my life, always seeking His will rather than my own.

   The image of the water mingling with the wine of the eucharist in “The Road of Hope” is a beautiful comparison to what is to happen in the life of a Christian.  There must be no separation; Christ in me, me in Christ.  Letting Him rule; submitting my will and my life to Him.

   So many times it seems people want to restrict the presence of the Lord within them, retaining certain aspects of their lives to themselves.  They may give Christ control of their “religious” self but want to continue to control the earthly side of life; the work, the play, and many of their desires.  Yet we are told, “For the Lord, your God, is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4: 24).  To give God less than all is not sufficient.

   If I am to increase my closeness to God, I must give up myself in favor of allowing Him control.  I must develop the same attitude as St. Paul expressed, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal 2: 19 – 20).  Everything I have, everything I am has been given me by God.  I must return all to Him to be used according to His purpose. 

All is a gift from You.

I offer everything back to You.

I relinquish myself to You.

Use me according to Your will. 

Amen 

 I Am Not Worthy

 

   “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.”  (Luke 3: 16) 

   When the Pharisees asked John the Baptist who he was he answered, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.”  (John 1: 23). 

    When asked why he was baptizing if he was not Elijah or a prophet, he replied, “I baptize with water, but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie. (John 1: 26 – 27).

   John’s attitude is the attitude that I must have in my relationship with Jesus.  I am not worthy of the many gifts He has given.  I am not worthy of the pain and suffering He endured to pay the price for my sins.  I am not worthy of His scourging and death on the cross.  I am not worthy of His promise of eternal life in His presence.

   Nothing I can do will ever make me worthy of Jesus and all He has done and continues to do for me.  But it not worthiness that he seeks, it is my love and devotion.  It is my willingness to try, however unsuccessfully, to live my life according to His word, it is my hope and trust in His promise of eternal life with Him if I will look to Him as my Lord and Savior.

   Each morning as part of my morning prayer time I say a prayer that ends with the words, “I’ve failed you many times, I know.  But when tonight I rest, I hope that I can kneel and say, ‘Dear God, I’ve tried my best.’”  That is what Jesus asks of me, to do my best in all things, to serve Him, to love Him with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul.. 

Lord I can never repay You for Your blessings.

All I can do is to give You thanks and praise.

I want to serve You in all things.

Strengthen my to do my best. 

Amen

 Christmas 2020 

   “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.  The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.  The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is the Messiah and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel praising God and saying: 

‘Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

(Luke 2: 8 - 14)

 

 

May the blessings of this holy season remain with you throughout the coming year. 

May the Lord of all fill you with His love and charity. 

May the Holy Spirit guide you in all you do. 

May the coming year be one of joy and happiness in the love and mercy of our Lord. 

 

Merry Christmas!

 Quiet Contemplation 

   “Contemplative silence is a fragile little flame in the middle of a raging ocean.  The fire of silence is weak because it is bothersome to a busy world.” (Robert Cardinal Sarah, “The Power of Silence”) 

   The world abhors silence.  Our lives are filled with noise and chaos.  There is very little opportunity for quiet and solitude.  It takes a conscious effort to seek it out, but the result is well worth the effort.  In silence there is peace, there is comfort, there is God.

   Jesus often went to the mountains or away from others to pray in solitude.  The early desert Fathers left all behind, living in caves or small huts in the middle of nowhere to find silence.  Some of those in religious orders isolate themselves in cloisters and spend most of their lives in silence.  It is a goal to be sought.  It is a way of life.

   Time and effort are necessary to achieve silence of place, heart, and mind.  Even if we can find external quiet, internal silence remains difficult.  Our minds want to be busy, not at rest.  Within just a few seconds things begin to interrupt; what’s on the schedule tomorrow?, are the kids OK?, where did I leave my car keys?  Shutting out the world is never easy; we are conditioned to live with the noise and disruptions of everyday life.

   Only with proper preparation, prayer, and consistency can we hope to achieve silent contemplation.  Even then, it is not always attained, for it is a grace of God.  For me, however, it is always the goal for which I strive in my efforts toward a closer relationship with the Lord. 

Lord I come to you in the silence.

In the quiet I know Your presence.

Help me calm myself.

Help me come to you in silence. 

Amen

 Peace on Earth 

   “Peace shall come at a time known only to the Lord.  And it will not last a day or a night as we calculate time; there will be light everlasting, infinite glory, unbroken peace and undisturbed rest.” (Thomas á Kempis, “The Imitation of Christ.) 

   In a small town in Israel long ago a child was born.  He appeared to be like every other child, tiny and helpless.  Like all newborns He was totally dependent upon His mother and earthly father for His very life.  Few took notice, but many would come to know Him.

   This was not just another child, this was the Son of God, Jesus Christ the Messiah.  At the time determined He came to offer salvation to a world with no hope of such a thing.  The gates to heaven had been sealed by sin and humanity was unable to pay the price for those sins and reopen the gates.  Jesus came to make payment for the sins of all and to offer eternal life.

   He did not come to bring peace on earth.  Rather, He said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword.” (Matt 10: 34).  His message caused great division.  Those who were more concerned with themselves and their position refused to accept His message of love.  They chose instead to accuse Him with lies and demand His crucifixion.

   But the story isn’t over.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He will bring peace to the world.  When the time is right He will come again, bringing peace and eternal life to all those who believe.  It could be tomorrow; it could be a thousand years from now.  God alone knows the time.

   As we look to the manger and adore the infant lying there let us keep this promise in mind.  The child born to Mary will return in glory.  He will make all things new.  He will bring peace upon the earth. 

We look to Christmas with joy.

We celebrate the day of Your birth.

You will come again in glory.

Amen, come soon Lord Jesus. 

Amen

 Accepting the Messiah 

   “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will recognize before the angels of God.  But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12: 8 – 9) 

   I’ve often thought about how different things might have been if the religious authorities in Israel had recognized Christ as the Messiah.  The prophecies were all there, the evidence was right before their eyes, but they refused.

   Instead they clung to their nationalistic ideal of what the Messiah would be.  They wanted a Savior who would rout the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel.  Perhaps they had forgotten that Israel was never intended to be a kingdom, but the people of God.  A quick review of the kings of Israel should have reminded them that the people of God did not usually fare well under kingship.

   Of course we can never know how things would have turned out had those He had come to save accepted Him.  The world would most likely be very different, but I suspect the propensity to sin in mankind would still have created serious problems.  We will never know for sure.

   Like the religious leaders of His time, we also have the choice of accepting or rejecting Jesus as the Messiah.  In the hearts of those who rejoice in Jesus, the kingdom long sought after has arrived.  Not a kingdom of this world but one of the peace, joy, love, and happiness that comes from knowing God.

   The Israelites expected a worldly king and could not give up their misguided hopes in order to recognize the true King, the Son of God.  I too must realize that He did not come to make this life a heaven on earth.  He came to offer me eternal life in His presence. 

You came not to rule the world.

You came to rule my heart.

You did not bring an earthly kingdom.

Lead me to Your heavenly kingdom, 

Amen

 Eternal Optimism 

   “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God, have faith in me also.  In my father’s house there are many dwelling places.  If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (John14: 1 – 3) 

   I tend to look for the good and expect that more good will eventually come.  I base that attitude not on an unrealistic expectation about the world becoming a better place but on the above scripture.  I am an optimist because I believe that in the end all will be better.  In fact, it will be perfect. 

   I see the problems in society, in the world, and even in the Church.  I sincerely wish I could fix them.  However, I must acknowledge that there is little that I can do to effect the needed change.  I believe the better course is for me to recognize my limited abilities and instead rely upon prayer to the One who can make a difference.  Rather than complaining, worrying, and perhaps losing the peace Christ gives me, I choose to place all in the hands of God.

     My optimism does not rest on hope for this world, but on the promises of Christ.  St. Paul wrote, “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”  I recognize the woes of this world and will do what I can to help.  At the same time, I will remain detached from them, placing my trust in God and His holy will. 

This world is imperfect.

I cannot change that.

Fill my heart with faith in You.

Always trusting in Your will. 

Amen

Are You Ready? 

   In a few days Christmas will be here.  Families will gather as best they can in these days of Covid restrictions.  Meals will be cooked, and shared, gifts will be exchanged.  Are you ready?

   It amazes me how many people wait until the last minute to prepare for a day that comes every year at the same time.  It’s not like it’s unexpected.  The stores and on-line merchants go to great lengths to make sure we know it’s coming.  Still, there are those who are fighting the crowds, pushing, and shoving, trying to get that very special gift or the perfect turkey or ham at the very last moment.

   Sadly, some also take the same approach in preparing for eternal life, many put it off until the very last minute.  Death-bed conversions, confessions and salvations are incredible blessings, and it seems some have decided that they will wait until that very last opportunity to consider their immortal soul.  God lovingly accepts their last second conversion and rejoices at another soul saved for He is a loving and merciful God.

   The problem with that attitude is we have no idea whether than chance will ever present itself.  A truck crashing into the side of our compact vehicle may end it all in an instance.  A massive heart attack may not allow even a few seconds to consider eternity.

   So the question remains, are you ready?  Not just for Christmas but are you ready for inevitable end that we all come to; the time when you will stand before Christ and be judged?  Have you prepared, are you ready? 

Father, only you know the hour of our death.

We act as if it will never come.

We need to prepare ourselves.

Our immortal soul is at stake. 

Amen

Visiting With the Lord 

As a Catholic I have absolute faith in the real presence of my Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.  Accordingly, I often go to the adoration chapel to spend time with the Lord in the Sacrament.  Last night was one of those times.  I wanted to share some thoughts about my experience during that visit.

In the chapel.  In the presence of my Lord.  In the quiet, the calm, the silence.  Here I find Him, here He is with me. No one else seems to exist, just the Lord.  He is all I need; the One I must have in my life.  In Him is my safety, my hope, my salvation.

There is no better place to be than with Him.  Just the two of us, sitting together in the quiet.  He is before me in the Blessed Sacrament, He is within me in my heart.

To be here, to sit with Him for a while.  To share my thoughts, my hopes, my prayers.  This is where I need to be. This is where I find peace and comfort.

I take Him with me as I leave this holy place. He remains in my heart, in my soul and in my life.  There is great peace in this knowledge.  My heart in filled, my soul overwhelmed.

Thank you, Lord.

 

I come to sit with You.

To pray and be with You.

You come to me in the silence.

You fill me with Your presence.

 

Amen

 Blessed Joseph 

   “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife into your home.  For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” (Matt 1: 20) 

   I would love to know more about Joseph.  Unfortunately, the gospels tell us very little about him.  He is briefly mentioned by Matthew and Luke in the in the incarnation narrative.  Matthew also mentions him in the flight to Egypt and the return.  But his name never again appears in scripture.  He was there at the presentation, and when Jesus was found in the temple, but he wasn’t mentioned by name, only Mary.

   He was obviously a compassionate man.  When he discovered that Mary was pregnant he chose to quietly divorce her and send her away.  He could have accused her of adultery before the high priest and she would have been stoned to death.  At the word of the angel he readily took Mary into his home and became the earthly father of the Messiah.

   He raised Jesus as his own, even though he knew that He was the Messiah.  He taught him a trade.  Jesus was a carpenter as was Joseph.  It is believed that he died before Jesus began His ministry.  While Mary and other relatives followed Him, Joseph is never mentioned among them.

   I look to Joseph as a tower of strength, a just but caring man.  There would have been rumor and speculation about the suddenness of Joseph’s taking Mary into his home and certainly about Jesus’ birth so soon afterwards.  He accepted His role in silence and service to our Lord.

   The love, strength, and compassion of Joseph is an ideal that all should strive to follow.  If there were more people like him in this world it would be a much better place. 

Lord, You chose Joseph.

He became Your earthly father.

He was a man of love and strength.

Make me more like Him. 

Amen

 The Paths We Choose 

   There are many paths to follow, many ways to live my life.  Each day I must choose which path I will walk.

   So many paths, so many ways.  The choice is completely mine.  God will not interfere; He will not force me on His path or demand I believe in Him.  Freedom of choice leaves it entirely up to me.  Make the choice, decide on a path, see where it leads.

   In my life I have walked several paths.  Some full of sinfulness and disregard for the Lord.  Some of indifference, as if I am in control and need not worry about God and His desires.  I found no happiness in those paths, only a longing deep in my heart, a knowledge that somewhere there is a better way.  There is a God who wants to love me if I will only let Him.

   At some point I finally turned to God and claimed Him as my Lord.  My path now is the one He has chosen for me.  I still stray from time to time, but He calls me back.  He will let me wander but then remind me that there is only one path to happiness, the path He has chosen.

   Jesus came because I am weak and sinful.  I can never pay the price for the sins I’ve committed.  I am often reminded of some of my most grievous sins.  I used to think it was Satan trying to steal my peace, but I’ve come to belief it is the Lord’s way of reminding me of how loving and merciful He is.  Regardless the sin, He will forgive. He loves me and wants me to spend eternity with Him.  He is my Rock and my Salvation. 

Father, I have no claim to Your love.

You give it freely.

Heal me, forgive my sins.

Strengthen me to serve You alone. 

Amen

 The Christmas Message 

   “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16) 

   If you want to know the meaning of Christmas you need look no further than John 3: 16.  The love of God is so great that He sent His Son to die for our sins.  He became man to offer us eternal life in His presence.

   I think many people read this scripture never noticing that the Son came that those who believe “might” not perish but have eternal live.  And what does that mean?  It means that simply saying we believe in Christ without living that belief isn’t sufficient.  Our life must reflect our belief in the way we love, both God and our neighbors.

   We must make a choice in response to God’s love.  We must strive to return it as best we can or ignore it as if it doesn’t exist.  There really is no middle ground in this decision, it has to be all or nothing.  Choosing to love brings eternal life, choosing to ignore brings eternal death.  I believe it truly is that simple.

   The message of Christmas is one of love.  This Christmas let us gather not just to share gifts, food, and good times; let us gather to share the gift of God’s love. 

Lord we don’t deserve Your love and mercy.

Yet You love us and are merciful.

May we recognize the greatest gift of all.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Amen

 No Room at the Inn 

   “She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 7) 

   The savior of the world, the Son of God, became man and there was no room for Him in the inn.  As I look around this Christmas it appears there is still very little, if any, room for Jesus.

   I walk around my neighborhood and see houses decorated for Christmas.  I see Santa Claus, reindeers, snowmen, and many other decorations but I see virtually nothing recognizing the birth of Christ.  It’s as if secularism has finally achieved its’ goal of actually taking Christ out of Christmas.

   In stores there are many different Christmas decorations available but, again, practically nothing to indicate that we are to be celebrating the birth of Christ.  The fact that there seems to be no demand for displays recognizing the true meaning of Christmas is a telling sign of our society.  As it was in Bethlehem, there appears to be no room for Jesus in society.

   I am all in favor of Christmas being fun, and most of the secular displays are of no concern.  Commercialism and secularism are always going to be the dominating factors in most any holiday including Christmas.  That isn’t going to change unless we make it change and I see no effort in that direction.  I wish it were different, but it is a sinful, damaged world in which we live.

   The real question is a much more personal one.  Is there room for Jesus in your inn? 

You came to save us.

To bring forgiveness and mercy.

To offer eternal life in You.

May we embrace You as our Savior. 

Amen

 

 A Christmas Reset 

   We hear a lot about “resets” these days.  Resets of the economy after Covid, reset of the political ills of the nation, even a worldwide reset to bring everyone under one government rule.  Whether any of these resets will occur is anybody’s guess but I have a suggestion for another reset.

   Let’s reset Christmas.  Let’s take out the commercialism, the disgusting heresies that pass for Christmas movies, the silliness and banality of many of the so-called Christmas songs.  Let’s focus on why we are to celebrate Christmas.

   Let’s tell the retailers that we are sick of reindeers, penguins, snowmen, and Santa’s.  Let’s demand at least an equal share of Christmas displays that speak to the real reason we celebrate; the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

   Let’s tell the children that the gifts they receive are not only for their fun and enjoyment but are a reminder of the gifts of the Magi, given to Christ at His birth.  Gold, a symbol of His Kingship; frankincense, a symbol of His Divinity; and myrrh, an embalming oil as a symbol of His death.

   Sit down as a family on Christmas Eve and read aloud Luke’s account of the birth of our Savior.  Pay special attention to the account of the Archangel Gabriel announcing the coming of our savior, “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God.  Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. (Luke 1: 30 – 31).   Don’t’ forget to share how the angel announced His birth to the shepherds, “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord” (Luke 2: 11).

   Above all, let’s take time to go to Mass, to celebrate the coming of our Savior, to give Him all thanks and praise for all He has done and continues to do for us.  Then, let’s carry the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts for the coming year and forever. 

Father, Your Son came to save us.

He gave His life that we might live.

Open our hearts to this joyous season.

Giving glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Amen

 Into the Silence 

   “There is one great question: how can man really be in the image of God?  He must enter into silence. (Robert Cardinal Sarah and Nicolas Diat, “The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise”) 

   Silence is more that just the absence of noise.  It is an attitude, a way of life, a communion with God.  The desert fathers knew this and isolated themselves from the world at large.  In cloistered monasteries and convents around the world today those who have chosen the consecrated religious life still know this and practice it.

   Noise is one of Satan’s great tools in his efforts to draw us away from our Lord.  In the daily noise and chaos that surrounds us we find it hard to empty our minds and our hearts.  Yet if we are to come closer to God it is vital that we have time with Him alone.  In the silence and solitude of our heart and soul He comes to us; if we cannot quiet ourselves how is He to come?

   Jesus recognized the necessity of solitude and silence.  He often went off by Himself to pray and to be alone with the Father.  He did so before He named the twelve apostles. (Luke 6: 12 – 13).  On the night He was betrayed He left the twelve and went alone to pray to the Father.  (Matt 26: 36 – 44)

   I need the times of quiet and solitude, of simple openness to His presence and the joy of knowing He is within my heart and soul.  Though I do not desire to be in a cloistered, totally isolated environment, I find that without times of silence and solitude with God life is incomplete. 

In the silence You come.

You fill my heart and soul.

I open myself totally to Your presence.

Let me belong to You alone. 

Amen

 Adopted Children of God 

   “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption.”  (Gal 4: 4 – 5) 

   I am not worthy to be called His son and yet, by adoption, that is what I am.  As a parent of adopted children I perhaps have a view of adoption a bit different than others.  Our children, whether natural or adopted, were equal in my eyes and in the eyes of my wife.  We were the Mom and Dad and there was no difference in our hearts between the  the adopted and the natural.

   God looks upon us with the same love as we looked upon our adopted children.  His love no know bounds and His will is for us to join Him in eternal life with this mortal life is over.  Just as a parent grieves when a child rejects their family I believe God grieves when His children reject Him.  Jesus said, “I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15: 10).  God wants us to come home to Him and all of heaven celebrates when we do.

   “See what the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.  Yet so we are.” (John 3: 1).  By our choice to serve Him God has blessed us by calling us His children, His adopted sons and daughters.  Our lives must reflect that blessing in all we say and do. 

Father I am not worthy to called Yours.

I am a sinful man in a sinful world.

In Your love You have redeemed me.

May I always strive to be a faithful son. 

Amen

 The Commandments of the Lord 

   “Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn your commandments.” (Psalm 119: 73) 

   The Ten Commandments seem to be fairly simple on the surface, but there so much depth to them.  We need to prayerfully consider not just the words but the underlying intent if we are to better understand.

   Jesus taught that “You shall not kill” (Ex 20: 13) includes not only physical death but anger, and even calling another a fool.  (Matt 5: 21 – 22).  He explained that “You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex 20: 14) doesn’t require the physical act, but even one who has a lustful desire for another is guilty as well. (Matt 5: 32).   It's not just the act but even the desire to commit the act that convicts us.  

   The ways of God are mysterious and difficult to understand at times, yet our eternal life is dependent upon following those ways.  If we can’t understand how are we to obey?  Jesus gave us the answer when He said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments”  (Matt 22: 37 - 40).

   If we seek the will of God and open ourselves to His word, He will lead us according to His ways.

 

Father, Your ways are mysterious.

We can’t always understand.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit.

Give us wisdom, give us understanding.

 

Amen

 True Peace 

   “True peace is found only in heaven, not in the human person nor any other creature, but in God alone.”  (Thomas á Kempis, “The Imitation of Christ") 

   Peace is not simply the absence of war or difficulty or trial.  Peace is the assurance that God is with me, in my heart, my mind, and my soul.  True peace cannot be found anywhere but in God.

   Nothing in this world can bring lasting peace, nothing can resolve the despair and angst that we sometimes feel within.  Only with God can we overcome the trials and tribulations of this world.  He has the final word and, when the time is right, this world with all its’ woes will cease to exist.  A new world will be born, a world of true peace, the peace Jesus promises to those who believe.

   Once again we are about to recall and celebrate the birth of the One who came to bring salvation, the One who would offer peace to all.  In reading the accounts of His birth I’m often struck at the quietude and peace of the stable where He was born and the manger in which He was laid.  The only ones who received a “birth announcement” were three foreigners who had seen His star, following it to Bethlehem and the shepherds in the fields.  No great lords or kings of the time, but simple shepherds and travelers seeking Him.

   We will remember, we will celebrate, but will we find peace?  It won’t be found in the family gatherings, some joy and happiness perhaps, but not true peace.  It won’t be found in the gifts under the tree or in the secular and often ridiculous decorations seen at Christmas.

   True peace is found in the one who recognizes Christ as their savior, whose soul who is filled with the Holy Spirit and who seeks the will of the Father.  True peace is in the hope of the world to come. 

Lord, bring us peace.

The peace that only You can give.

Fill our hearts with Your love.

Fill us with Your eternal peace. 

Amen

The Brightest Light 

   “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw his star at its’ rising and have come to do him homage.”  (Matt 2: 2) 

   Somewhere there is a brilliant light.  A light so bright, so awe-inspiring that everyone wants to come near it and bask in its glory.  The universe revolves around it and without it the universe could not exist.

   The question for us is what is that light?  It seems that some think they are that bright light.  They believe they are worthy of adoration and esteem because of their own brilliance.  They simply can’t understand why others don’t recognize their greatness.

   Others see material goods as the light of the world.  If they can get the things they want and enjoy life according to their desires they are satisfied and need no other light to guide them.  These are the ones who believe the adage, “he who dies with the most toys, wins.”

   Still others claim there simply is no light.  This world is what it is and once our time in it is over nothing else exists.  There is no eternity, simply blackness and a ceasing to be.

   Jesus is the light of the world and we would do well to seek His light above all else.  Those who claim that everything, including themselves, simply cease to exist at some point are, in part, correct.  At the word of God the world as we know it will cease to exist.  But that is not the end, a new heaven and a new earth is coming.  One based on the love and mercy of God.

   In a few days we will celebrate the fact that God so loves us that He sent His only Son to live and die for us; to offer us salvation and eternal life.  The Bright Light that all should desire to come near to and bask in is Jesus.  Only through Him can we find eternal happiness. 

Lord, let Your light shine on us.

Illuminate our lives with Your love.

In Your mercy forgive our sins.

Lead us always closer to You. 

Amen 

 Saying Yes to God 

   “Our yes to God is without any reservations.” (Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “Do Something Beautiful for God”) 

   Accepting God’s call is a life-time commitment, a change in the way I live my life.  It is not a decision to be made lightly.  It needs prayerful thought and guidance from the One who is asking.

   The Blessed Virgin Mary said yes to God’s call to be the mother of the Messiah.   Imagine the pain and anguish she felt as she saw Him arrested, scourged, and forced to carry His cross through Jerusalem.  She stood at the foot of the cross as He gave His life in payment for the sins of the world.  The mother of God suffered greatly for her yes to God.

   Martyrs throughout history have said yes to God and suffered death.  Many were terribly tortured to make them deny Christ, but they refused.  They were executed in some of the most horrific ways.  They suffered death in their earthly life but a rebirth into eternal life.

   What is God asking of me?  The question weighs on my mind.  He has asked me to spend the remainder of my life in prayer and quiet contemplation.  I am not a recluse and very much enjoy the times with my family and friends, but each day I am called to spend time with Him in prayer, to shut out the world and be with Him alone.  Those times are a source of great comfort and strength.

   Do I have the faith and strength to suffer as Mary did?  Do I have the courage to suffer torture and death for Him as the martyrs have?  I pray that God would give me such strength.  Saying yes to God is a life-changing decision, it means accepting His way regardless of the cost. 

Heavenly Father, I say yes to You.

Use me according to Your will.

Give me strength to persevere.

Let me never stray from Your way. 

Amen