Christian Revival 

   There is a revival needed in Christianity.  It has become common for some to pick and choose which of God's truths they will accept and which ones they will ignore, as if they, not God, determine what is right and wrong.

   “Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” (St. Augustine).  Society today almost wants to determine right from wrong by a popular vote.  Whichever gets the most votes is right.  If the majority approve of murdering an innocent baby in the womb, then it becomes a “right” rather than an abomination.  If most people think it’s OK to euthanize Grandma because they say she no longer has “quality of life” then it’s fine to commit that murder.  I’m not sure where we got the idea that we are the arbiters of which life is of value and which is not, but it’s not true.  Life, all life, is precious from conception to natural death.

   To revive Christianity we must return to the truth of the gospel and the words of Christ.  Those who would soften or even revise those facts are confusing the laity and the laity is responding by leaving the church.  Those who want to pick and choose which truth to accept are only fooling themselves; Christianity is not a buffet, but a way of life.  We can either accept Christ and all He taught, or we can reject Him.  What we can’t do is redefine Him and His truths to suit our desire.

   We cannot be the “Church of Nice”, never confronting evil, with our priests never warning us of the wages of sin, all in the name of “tolerance” and fear of offending those in the pews.  We all need to be offended at times to help us see the evil of our ways and repent.  Christ warned, “How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.  And those who find it are few.” (Matt 7: 14).

   The final revival will come when Christ returns in all His glory and makes all things new.  It is up to us to revive Christianity as best we can until that day comes.

 Confronting Evil 

   “A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach tolerance, correcting opponents with kindness.” (2 Timothy 2: 24 – 25) 

   I often write that we, as Christians, should be ready to confront evil and so we should.  But that brings up the question of how we are to confront it.  The mere word “confrontation” often suggests heated exchanges, arguments, and even fights.  None of these will win souls but will only push them further away.

   Most of us don’t have the training or education to confront evil in everyday life.  We are not theologians and most of us aren’t all that well-versed in scripture.  Trying to defend our faith only to be unable to answer the question of why we believe is worse than not engaging in the first place.  It will only increase the belief many have that Christians don’t have a clue as to what or why they believe; that it’s all superstition and hypocrisy.

   Given all that, how are we to confront evil?  In my opinion we can best do so by the way we live.  By showing kindness and love even to those who hate us for our faith; by wearing our crosses and religious medals openly, by saying grace before meals even in restaurants, by refusing to be a part of lewd conversations or rumors; by politely and gently answering the questions these actions may raise.  These are all opportunities to evangelize in the face of evil.

   Above all we can confront evil through our prayers.  We pray for our friends, our families and for ourselves.  We need to also add a prayer for all those who reject God and live a life of sin and debauchery.  If only one soul is saved through our prayers there will be rejoicing in heaven.

 

 Tolerating Evil 

   “America, it is said, is suffering from intolerance – it is not.  It is suffering from tolerance.”  (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen) 

   Have you ever noticed that those who constantly decry intolerance are the same ones who have no tolerance for any opinion but their own?  Those screaming for free speech refuse to allow freedom for any speech that disagrees with theirs.  If anyone disagrees they are considered bigoted and hateful, a threat to their "right" to redefine good and evil to meet their own vile desires.

   Evil accepts no argument; it is forceful, hateful, and unyielding.  It attacks anyone who dares to question the abominations it practices.  Christianity is and always has been the target of evil’s greatest hatred.  The Church and people of faith are attacked from all sides.  Anyone who objects to the ways of Satan are considered ignorant and must be silenced.  Even our courts and government refuse to defend religious freedom from attack.

   If evil is to be defeated people of faith are going to have to take a stand.  We are going to have to stand up for our religious rights and push back against those who would deny them. If not, our society is doomed to go down the path of ruin just as many evil societies have done in the past.

   Benjamin Franklin said, “Evil prevails when good men fail to act.”  Tolerance in the face of evil equates to supporting it.  Until we confront and rebuke the voices and actions of evil it will continue to grow in strength.

 Preparing for Eternity 

   “Eternity, it really is not something at the end; it is that which influences every moment of the now.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, “The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen”) 

   People often spend years and a lot of money preparing for their future career in this life.  Many years of study and hard work are often required.

   Whatever the career choice, it takes determination to achieve success.  Anyone who is unwilling to devote the needed time and effort will never rise to their full potential.  The world is full of those who never reach their goal because they are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices and do the hard work required to achieve it.

   Preparing for eternal life is no different; it takes time, hard work, and sacrifice to get to heaven.  There will be struggles along the way; crosses to bear.  As hard as we try we will at times fail in our efforts.  But our failure is an opportunity to get back up and try again.   Those who give up, becoming complacent and lukewarm will find themselves standing outside the heavenly gates with no way to enter.

   All the money, fame and glory that may be gained from our earthly careers and successes will disappear in an instant at our death.  And yet, if we have prepared ourselves, death is simply the door to the eternal paradise God has prepared for those who love Him.

 Christian Fellowship 

   Yesterday afternoon and evening I spent time with friends from Church.  We have these potluck dinners monthly, getting together to share our fellowship and love of God.  These are some of my best times.

   In a world gone crazy it’s important to separate oneself from the world.  To draw strength from others who are faithful and striving to live as God would have us.  It is a bulwark against the evil that comes at us from all sides.

   When my friends and I meet we share our struggles and our joys in Christ.  The conversation is always enlightening and lively.  We talk of many things, but usually within the framework of how it affects our faith, and the growing evil in the world.  Though we recognize that there is little we can do to change things we also know that God hears the prayer of those who love Him.  Prayer may not make things right overnight, but our prayers will not go unanswered.  In the end He will make all things new.

   Society would most likely look at us as “religious fanatics” but for those whose faith is strong that is not an insult but a confirmation that we are living as we should, trying to follow the will of God in our life.

   “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” (Acts 2: 42)  In some small way these monthly get-togethers are our way of carrying on the ways of the first Christians, of separating ourselves from the world at large.  These special times help us withstand the evil of a broken world.

 Why Are You Here? 

   While at Mass this morning a question came to my mind; “Why are you here?”  I’ve never been one who “hears” the Lord speaking to me and yet that was what this seemed to be.  It was as if Jesus was urging me to remind myself why I should be at Mass.  I needed to answer Him.

   I’m not there for the music, although that is a plus.  I’m not even there for the priest even though without Him there would be no Mass.  I’m certainly not there to chat with friends and catch up on the events of the week; that is better left to before or after Mass.

   I’m also not there because the Church tells me that I have a moral obligation to be there.  While that is very true, if that’s the only reason I’m there I am missing the point.  I must want to be there; I must need to be there.

   So why am I there?  The simplest answer is I am there to worship God.   I am there to hear the scripture readings and to allow them to edify and enlighten me in the word of God; to take them into my heart and soul.  I’m there to hear the homily the priest has prepared.  Most always there is something said that touches my heart and brings me closer to God.

   Most of all I am there to receive my Lord, Jesus Christ; in the word that is read, the homily that is given, but most of all in the Holy Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.  Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6: 51).  In the Eucharist I get the Bread of Life, the glorified body and blood of my Lord, Jesus Christ.  Above all else that is why I am there.

 The Patience of God 

   “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay”, but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3: 9) 

   There are times in my life when I would certainly have gone to hell should I have died.  Times when I had turned from God seeking joy and happiness in the allure of worldly things; living only for self.

   But God did not take me during those times.  He was patient with me, not wanting me to be lost for all eternity but to turn to Him in sorrow and repentance.  When I finally came to my senses He forgave my sins and remade me into His son.

   It's impossible for me to fully express the anguish my past sins cause me.  Not because they are not forgiven, but because they remind me of how sinful I can become without the grace and help of God.  And I know that, without doubt, I could sink that low again should the Heavenly Father withdraw His help from me.

   I often turn to God and again thank Him for His patience.  I recognize that I was on the road to condemnation and my God cared enough to give me time to understand the error of my ways and turn to Him.  He gave me not just a second chance, but many chances to change my life, to avoid condemnation and return to Him.

   I will be forever grateful for His patience and love.  I will do all in my power to never offend Him again.  By his grace I have been saved and by His grace I am now on the path to His heavenly kingdom.  All glory and praise to Him forever!

 Stormy Days 

   I enjoy rainy, stormy days.  Maybe it’s a hereditary thing; my grandmother also loved these days.  Today is a day she would have enjoyed.

   The lightning streaking across the sky reminds me of the majesty of God who can call forth the lightning and thunder at will.

   The rain reminds me of His love in giving us the water without which we could not survive.  As scripture reminds us, His love is for all, not only those who believe, “for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” (Matt 5: 45).

   The wind cleans the air and refreshes the atmosphere.  It moves the clouds along their path, spreading the goodness of the rain.  The air smells so clean, so good, after a heavy rain, just as it was created to be.

   Most of all storms remind me of the majesty and power of God.  The world, and all creation is in His hands.  When Jesus calmed the storm at sea the apostles were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the seas obey?” (Matt 8: 27)

   Finally, I love stormy days because they help me appreciate the incredible beauty of the clear days.  They remind me that the storms of this life will pass, and the beauty of God’s kingdom will prevail for all eternity.

 Heaven On My Mind 

   “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2: 9) 

   There are few things that bring me such peace and comfort as considering what awaits me in heaven.  Of course, that assumes that I will get there, which is the whole purpose of my life and how I try to live it.  I pray that, with His help, I can reach my lofty goal of eternal paradise.

   I know that it really isn’t possible to know what God has waiting for me in heaven, but that doesn’t lessen the desire I have to contemplate what it may be.  I know it will be pure joy and happiness in the perfection of all things as God has planned.

   I look at the world God has created and the beauty of His creation and wonder how much more beautiful it will be when I see as it was truly meant to be.  Perhaps the perfection of Eden before the fall will be on full display for those in heaven.  No pain, no sorrow, only joy and happiness.

   My heart aches for the reunion with loved ones who have gone before me.  To know love as God intended it to be, a love that cares more for the good of the one loved than for self.   Jesus was the perfect example of such love.  He loved us so much that He gave His life that we might know eternal happiness in the kingdom of God.

   I can’t know what heaven will be, but that doesn’t mean I can’t consider what it might be.  It gives me joy to ponder what it will be and my faith tells me that it will be perfect in all ways.  The details may have to wait, but I don’t mind waiting for paradise. 

 Peace and Happiness 

 “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thes 3: 16) 

   Peace and happiness, everyone wants them, but often fail to find them because they are looking in all the wrong places.  There is only one source that will bring true peace and happiness, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

   Since my wife passed away people, both friends and family, seem to wonder if I am happy.  They offer suggestions to help me be happy, assuming I must be unhappy I guess.  They offer these ideas out of love, and I sincerely appreciate their concern.

   However, my happiness doesn’t lie in what often passes for happiness in this world.  For instance, my wife and I used to travel quite a bit and we had a great time; we knew happiness in sharing these experiences.  But the biggest part of that happiness was sharing the fun with the one we loved.  These trips, this type of happiness, no longer appeals to me.

   That does not, however, mean that I am not happy.  Of course, I’m saddened by the loss of my wife, but I am confident that Karen is now in God’s kingdom knowing the joys and happiness that I can only hope to attain.  That fact brings joy to me in so many ways and has strengthened my faith through the hope of joining her in paradise.

   One who does not know the Lord and who does not draw their happiness from Him can’t understand the joy I know in life.  I have family I love and who love me; I have friends I love and who love me; most of all, I have my Lord I love and who loves me.  And I have the happiness of anticipating the reunion with my wife and spending eternity with her in God’s kingdom.

   Worldly happiness is fickle and short-lived, but happiness in God is eternal.  My hope is that all can come to know the happiness that I have found in faith and the love of God.

 

Getting to Heaven

 

   If I asked a group of people if they wanted to go to heaven, I suspect the majority would answer yes.  Of course, there might be some agnostics and atheists among them who would just sneer and call the question foolish nonsense.

   For those who answered yes there is a second question; one they must answer for themselves alone; “What am I doing to make sure I get to heaven?”  Just wanting to enter God’s kingdom won’t open the doors, there are no magical words like “open sesame”.

   If heaven is the goal there are questions we must answer.  Do I love God?  How am I showing Him that I do?  Do I love my neighbor and see Christ within them?  Do I claim to love God but still live for earthly pleasure and gain?  We can’t have it both ways, we must choose whether we will serve the one true God or the false gods of this world.

   Getting to heaven is a way of life, a desire and earnest effort to follow God’s will; to accept His ways as the right ways and to avoid the wrong ways.  St. Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.” (Gal 2: 19 – 20).

   The way to heaven is both simple and difficult; there will be trials and crosses to bear along the way.  But there is no other path that leads to heaven.  “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up His cross, and follow me.’” (Matt 16: 24). 

 The Battle 

   “For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness of this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens.” (Eph 6: 12) 

   There is a  battle being waged for our soul.  It is happening every hour of every day though we may not be aware.  There are those enemies we see but even worse those who are hidden from us.

   The visible armies of the battle are seen in the evil in society, in governments and those who would openly and forcefully spread hate and sin in the world.  Their boldness and audacity in trying to force their evil on others will someday be their downfall.  Eventually they will be rejected and overcome by those who have the courage to rebuke them, though much evil may be done in the interim.

   Harder to identify are the unseen warriors fighting to steal our soul.  These are Satan and the demons who answer to him.  They are sly and crafty in their efforts against us.  They hide behind false promises of good and pretenses of a better way of life.  They disguise their work in the empty platitudes of politicians and some in the churches who would try to revise God's word to placate an evil society.  They are even behind our friends and family who see Christianity as foolish superstition; those who scoff at our faith.

   The battle will continue throughout our life and our very soul depends upon our winning the fight.  By ourselves we are far too weak to win this battle.  It takes prayer, faith in God, confidence in His love and protection and the protection of His angels sent to help us.  It takes the courage to stand up and fight.  St. Paul wrote, “That is why you must rely on God’s armor, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground.” (Eph 6: 13

   Without the help of God, we cannot win this fight.  But with God, all things are possible.

 The Light of the World 

“Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” (John 8: 12) 

Light is important in life.  I lived in northern Germany for about 18 months many years ago.  Far enough north that the light of day only lasted about six hours in the winter.  The long hours of darkness can at times seem overwhelming. 

Life is no different, there are times of light and times of darkness; good days and bad days.  Light is usually seen as good while darkness brings thoughts of evil and fear.  I know of no one who prefers walking alone on an unlit road in the dark of night.  But a walk along the same road during the day can be quite pleasant and sought out as a way to enjoy the day.

Jesus said that He is the light of the world, it is only through Him that I can find my way to God’s kingdom.  Satan brings the darkness of evil temptations and urgings, striving to separate me from the light.  His only purpose is to snuff out the light of God in my life.

But Satan can’t extinguish the light within me, only I can do that.  Through self-will and pride, I can dim or even turn out the light of Christ in my soul and in my heart.  I pray for the grace to always keep that light burning brightly.

St John wrote, “And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.” (John 3: 19).  The choice is always before me, light or darkness, heaven or hell.

 The Consequences of Evil 

   “Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that the thoughts in his heart fashioned nothing but wickedness all day long.  Yahweh regretted having made man on the earth, and his heart grieved.  ‘I will rid the earth’s face of man, my own creation.’ Yahweh said,”. (Gen 6: 5 – 7). 

   “Then Yahweh said, ‘How great an outcry there is against Sodom and Gomorrah!  How grievous is their sin!  I propose to go down and see whether or not they have done all that is alleged in the outcry against them that has come up to me.  I am determined to know.’”  “As the sun rose over the land and Lot entered Zoar, Yahweh rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Yahweh.  He overthrew these towns and the whole plain, with all the inhabitants of the towns, and everything that grew there.” (Gen 18: 20 – 21 & Gen 19: 23 - 25). 

   God will tolerate wickedness and evil in society only for a time; then His anger will flare.  Over and over in scripture we see humanity being punished for their sins.  He will call for repentance for only so long before He abandons those who do evil to their sins, bringing His punishment upon them.

   The scripture quoted above should make us stop and consider; are we so different today from those in the time of Noah and the flood, or those of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Do we, like them, refuse to turn from our evil, rejecting God in His desire to love us and bring us to Himself?

   These are the questions we must ask if we are to avoid the punishment due because of the evil so powerful in our society today.  Will there be only a few such as Noah and his family and Lot and His family who will survive God’s punishment?

 Walk by Faith 

   “For those who believe, no proof is necessary.  For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible” (Stuart Chase) 

   As Christians we walk by faith in Christ.  We have never seen Him, but He is with us.  We can’t touch Him, but we know He is in our heart and in our soul.  I wonder how many non-believers realize how much they also walk by faith.

   In the musical “Annie”, they sang, “The sun’ll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun.” (“Tomorrow”, lyrics by Martin Chamin, Charles Strauss).  But maybe the sun won’t come out tomorrow, maybe the world will end today.  Death may come knocking this very night.  To even consider that there will be a tomorrow is itself an act of faith.

   My faith is not in the things of this world, it is in God, and the world to come.  Whether there is or is not a tomorrow, there will be an eternity.  The things of this world will disappear in the blink of an eye when Jesus comes in glory.

   Those who do not know God might say my faith in God is no more likely to be true than their faith that the sun will rise tomorrow.  I suppose from their worldly point of view, they are right; I certainly can’t categorically prove that God exists.

   However, if I am right I will spend eternity in God’s kingdom.  If they are right humanity simply ceases to exist and all that we lived for, all that we did comes to nothing at our death.  I choose to place my faith in a loving, merciful God, confident in the promises of eternal paradise.

 The Right Road 

   “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14: 6) 

   If I want to take a trip there are many routes I can take.  The interstate highways may get me there quicker, but the back roads will be more scenic and less stressful.  Sometimes I do a little of both, seeing some sites along the way, but shortening the trip a bit as well.

   That works quite well for a vacation or business trip but doesn’t work at all for the most important journey of my life; the one from this mortal life to eternal life.  There is only one road that will take me to God and that road runs through Jesus.  There are no superhighways or detours, only the path Jesus sets before me.

   I’m like most others, I often look for the easiest path in many things.  But the easiest road isn’t always the right one.  Some roads, especially the ones that seem the easiest, are the roads that lead to hell.  They may appear attractive, but they will steal my very soul if I follow them.

   Our Lord warned us of taking the easy path, “Enter by the narrow gate, since the road that leads to perdition is wide and spacious, and many take it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matt 7: 13 – 14)

   The road to hell is easy and wide, full of false hopes and empty promises.  Sadly, many choose to travel that road.  The path to heaven will have some crosses to bear, but there will also be many joys and pleasures along the way.  Most importantly, it is the only path that leads to the kingdom of God.

 Citizens of Heaven 

   “For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the Savior we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body.” (Phil 3: 21) 

   Christianity knows no nationality; we are of every nation and every country of the world.  Imagine how the world might become if all Christians believed and acted on this truth.  If we all stopped squabbling among ourselves and fought instead the evils of this world.

   Far too often we allow the “accident” of where we were born or where we live to override our Christianity.  We want to fit in with the society in which we live.  But societies are very different, not only in various areas of the world, but even within the same country.  Society responds to the wants and desires of the majority of those within it; Christianity is supposed to stand for the truths given to us by our God.

   It's easy to see this disparity in faith in the United States.  Those who live in very liberal areas of the country are likely to have a more liberal interpretation of Christ’s words.  In more conservative areas, the same words are interpreted more conservatively.  But the words of our Savior are not subject to interpretation and change based on our political opinions or those of society, they are the word of God.

   Christians all over the world need to proclaim their citizenship as heaven and work to bring the ways of God into the many lands of in which we live.  Society changes with the whim of the majority, Christianity cannot.  The truths of God are constant for all eternity.

   Jesus didn’t come to save one nation or people, but the entire world.  As He was about to depart this world He commissioned His apostles saying, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matt 28: 19 – 20).

 Count Your Blessings

 

   It can be easy to become discouraged in the world.  Society seems to be speeding down the road to perdition with little hope of turning around.  Sometimes it seems that nothing can change the path of destruction we seem to be on.

   Scripture teaches us that this world is not the final stop; all the evil and craziness of our world will one day pass away.  All will be made new when our Lord comes in glory.  Looking forward to that day helps put things in perspective.

   But there is a method that can bring peace and comfort in this crazy world.  It just requires a willing heart and a trip down memory lane.  Find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and count your blessings.

   For me, the most joyous blessings I recall are virtually all family centered.  The night I proposed to my wife.  The day we made it official, becoming husband and wife, two who would become one in love.  The many years we had together and our reunion in the life to come that gives me such hope and peace.

   The birth and adoption of our four children and the love, happiness and joy we shared in raising them.  Watching them grow and mature, hoping always for the best for them and praying for their eternal soul every day of my life.  Loving them, now and forever.

   We all have such blessings if we will simply shut out the world for a few minutes and remember.  Our hearts can be filled again with the joys and happiness recalled in those memories.  For those moments the world, with all its problems, simply disappears for a while; one more blessing to be thankful for.

 Finding Peace 

   “Set your mind on the Spirit and on the things of God, and soon your heart finds peace and life itself.” (Allen Hunt, “Nine Words”) 

   We all desire peace but we often look for it in all the wrong places.  The only source of real peace is God.

   Not only do we far too often look for peace where peace cannot be found, we often don’t even understand what peace means.   We attach the concept of peace with worldly and material items, but peace isn’t found in the world; it is found in the Spirit of God and following His will.

   Because we live in a material world there are certain things we must attend to.  We must provide for our needs as well as those of our family, so a job is needed.  Shelter, food, medical care, long term planning for the future are all things that we should concern ourselves with.  But these things should not take priority over our spiritual needs.

   Even if we live a life of poverty and privation, our eternal life can be one of joy and plenty.  We will find love, happiness, and peace beyond imagination if we have properly prepared for that coming.  Only then will we know what peace really means and how foolish we were to think it could be found in this world.

   “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give it to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14: 27).  These words of Jesus remind us that the peace we seek isn’t found in worldly things, but in God.

He Is God 

   “Be still and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10) 

   People can’t seem to get this simple concept through their head.  He is God, we are not.  We don’t know the whole story, but He does, and the story will play out according to His desires not ours.

   Since Adam and Eve, mankind has been trying to second guess God and His plan.  You would think that after all this time and all the problems we have created, people would finally realize that we were created to follow Him, not lead, or question Him.  Yet some still say, “If I were in charge, I’d do things differently”.  Human arrogance seems to have no limit.

   As an example of the troubles such thinking brings, in the 1960’s, the demand for “free love” began, insisting that sex with anyone we choose, in any way we choose is fine.  From that has come promiscuity beyond imagining, single parent families, and abortion on demand.  Sex is now viewed merely as recreational, rather than the complete giving of one’s self, one man and one woman, the two becoming one body as God intended.

   Society has largely rejected God, choosing instead to be a god unto themselves.  History teaches that any society that persists in denying God, becoming immoral and self-aggrandizing will not long stand.  Sadly, few have any real knowledge of history and so will continue to repeat the same errors again and again.

   God is God, we are not.  Ultimately, His will shall be done.  As Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, “In the end, God wins.”

 A Life in Review 

   Sometimes it seems my life passes before me like a movie.  It can be disconcerting but also a blessing.

   I recall the many blessings the Lord has bestowed on me in this lifetime.  The blessing He still gives me though I am undeserving.  It reminds me of how great His love for me is; that even though I have failed Him many times He still loves me and watches over me.  I offer my praise and thanksgiving to the all-merciful, all-loving God.

   Other times I recall the many times I turned my back on the Lord, seeking pleasure and joy in the world rather than in His will.  I believe God allows me to remember my sins to remind me of His mercy.  I know they are forgiven, and I also know that “…as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103: 12).  Still the thought of them brings sorrow and regret.

   Life will always be a mixture of joy and happiness, good times and bad.  I believe this is very important to growing in the spirit.  If I never knew sorrow I could never understand joy.  If I never knew pain I could never understand happiness. 

   God gives me what I need to become the man He created me to be.  Sometimes I don’t understand and sometimes what He gives me is difficult to bear.  But crosses are a part of the Christian life; without the cross of Jesus there would be no salvation.

   In good times and in bad, I pray for the strength and perseverance to submit to His will in all things and to give Him thanks always.

 Knowing God 

   “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways -- says the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55: 8 – 9) 

   I don’t believe it is possible to fully know God in this lifetime.  I can’t comprehend His thoughts and ways just as a kindergartener can’t understand Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.  I will have to settle for striving to know Him more and more though knowing Him completely will have to wait for the next life.

   I recently re-read a book that I had read several years ago, “The Cloud of Unknowing”.  When I read it the first time I was at a loss; I couldn’t grasp what the author was proposing and how to apply it to my life.  Spiritually, I wasn’t ready for waters that deep.

   As I read it this time I began to understand what was puzzling to me before.  Not because I’ve become smarter or holier but because God has brought me to a place of understanding that I didn’t have before.  Through the grace of God, this book has made a tremendous difference in my life.

   As much as I would like to know all there is to know about God and spiritual matters my humanity will not allow it.  There is a cloud between me and that level of knowledge, the cloud of unknowing.  A cloud that I can never fully penetrate through my own desires and efforts.  I can’t force it, I can’t demand it, but I can and must seek it.  It is God, through His grace, who will enlighten me as He deems appropriate.

   I can never fully know and understand God in this life.  But by pursuing such understanding through prayer, and contemplation, always seeking God’s will, He will lead me where He wants me to be.

Open the Door 

   “Someone’s knocking at the door, somebody’s ringing the bell.  Do me a favor, open the door and let ‘em in.” (“Let ‘em In”, lyrics by Paul McCartney) 

   It’s Jesus who is knocking at our door.  Our soul longs to open the door and be filled with His Holy Spirit.  We are meant to know that indwelling of our Lord; to have Him in our lives both now and for all eternity.

   Some people go through life and never hear the knocking or the doorbell ringing.  Or perhaps they do hear but choose to ignore.  Maybe they realize that if they open the door to God it will mean a complete change in their life, and they are afraid.  Change doesn’t come easy for some.  But change is needed if we are to spend eternity in God’s kingdom.

   Many aren’t willing to accept a Savior who would have us love our enemies and pray for them.  One who favors love and redemption of the sinner rather than condemnation and punishment.  We tend to hold onto our grudges and hatred; we seek vengeance, He seeks conversion.  “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” (Luke 15: 7)

   “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.” (Rev 3: 10).  He is there and He will continue to be there knocking.  He wants to forgive our sins, to make us holy, and to give us eternal life.  Just open the door and let Him in.

 The Lord’s Presence 

   “Where could I go to escape your spirit?  Where could I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139: 7) 

   As a child I quickly learned that it was best to be out of sight of my parents if I wanted to do something I was not supposed to do.  What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them and, more importantly, wouldn’t hurt me by the punishment I deserved.

   I might be able to hide my sins from others, but I can never hide them from God.  No matter where I go He is there, no matter what I do, He knows even before I do it.  This can seem a bit scary, but it is really a blessing.  It is much easier to turn from Satan and his evil temptations when I keep in mind that God knows all that I do.

   If there were one wish that I could wish for everyone, it would be that they know this truth; God knows and sees all.  Whatever sins we commit are known to Him.  Even those wrongs we don’t do but, in our heart, desire to do, are known to Him.  Sin begins in the heart even before we act on the desire.  Perhaps in the light of that truth people will turn to God and reconsider their desires as well as their actions.

   Though I want to follow His will in all things I know that I don’t always live up to that desire; I fail at times.  Therefore, I ask, “God, examine me and know my heart, probe me and know my thoughts; make sure I do not follow pernicious ways, and guide me in the way that is everlasting.” (Psalm 139: 23 – 24).  Amen Lord, lead me on the path that leads to you and your heavenly kingdom.

 Carrying the Cross 

   “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt 16: 24) 

   It sometimes seems that those who ignore God’s laws, living only for themselves, have few, if any, crosses to bear.  They give the impression of going about their lives carefree, never concerned with tomorrow, living for today.  In fact, that attitude, that way of life, may well be the cross they bear even though they may not know it.

   Those who do not have God in their lives don’t relate difficulties and hardships to following Christ, they see them as nuisances to be solved and forgotten.  To them, suffering is simply punishment to be avoided at all costs.  If it can’t be avoided they usually look for someone to blame.  Sometimes they even blame the God they claim not to believe in.

   Christians, on the other hand, are often more aware of the crosses they bear because they realize that carrying those crosses is necessary if we are to follow the Lord.  If we reject or shun the cross we are rejecting Christ.  When we accept our crosses, bearing them with love and the help of God we are following in Christ’s footsteps.  We bear our crosses confident in the promise of heaven

   Our cross may be difficult, sometimes almost unbearable, but with God’s help they can be overcome.  The cross of those who do not believe will last throughout eternity; without God, and with no hope of redemption.

 Don’t Give Up the Ship 

   “In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course. (St. Boniface) 

   The ship of the Church is in turbulent seas.  It’s being tossed about by societal changes and a turning from God to human wants and desires.  What is right and what is wrong is considered personal opinion rather than fact.  

   The laity is confused and frustrated.  There is too much argument and too little theology in the “synodal” way that has never been adequately explained.  It appears to be not much more than a huge committee meeting and we all know those often cause more problems than they solve.

   Many in the clergy seem no less confused than the laity.  Some are proposing significant, even heretical changes while others are too meek or too scared to speak against them.  Those in the pews are no longer sure of who can be trusted to rightly shepherd the flock.

   What are we to do when confronted with such a scenario?  Sadly, many have given up; they have abandoned the ship.  Only 40% or less of Catholics say they attend Mass on a weekly basis.  Even fewer attend Mass on Holy Days of Obligation.  Of those who do attend Mass, less than a third profess belief in the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist.

   The Church was founded by Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago.  She has sailed rough waters before, and she will again.   She will not fail; she will not fall; the gates of hell shall not prevail against her.  “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt 28: 20) 

A Prayer for Humility

 

Lord, You could have come as a great King.

But You chose to come as a helpless infant.

You could have been born into royalty.

But You chose a poor family from Nazareth.

There was no room for You at the Inn

So you were laid in a manger.

 

Jesus, you could have chosen the wise.

But You chose fishermen and tax collectors.

You could have dined with the rich and famous.

But You ate with sinners instead.

You could have lived in a mansion.

But You had no place to lay Your head.

 

In Your life you chose the lowly

And brought the mighty low.

You didn’t seek fame or fortune

You sought love and faith.

Take from me all pride and vain desires.

Teach me humility.

 

Amen 

 How Shall We Answer? 

   “But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6: 27 – 28)

   The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their “charitable contributions” to the community during “pride night” at the ballpark.  The "Sisters", who are actually gay men, are a pro LGBT+ group with a history of defaming and condemning the Catholic faith and Christianity as a whole.  I wonder if the Dodgers would offer the same honor to a Ku Klux Klan group who makes donations to the poor while spewing racial hatred for anyone who isn’t white?.

   Who decides which outrageous and contemptuous group gets honored and which does not?  The management of the L.A. Dodgers?  How is that decision to be made; by political correctness or by honesty and integrity?  More importantly, how are we, as Christians to respond to such an outrageous affront to our faith as Catholics and Christians?

   I must admit that it is very hard for me to look at those like the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and to love and pray for them.  And yet that is what our Lord has said I must do.  I have no right to vilify and condemn even those who hate and condemn me; there is room only for love and prayers for them.

   The evil of this world will pass away and those who have brought evil upon the world will be held accountable.  However, it is God, not me, who is to hold them accountable.  Instead, I am to pray for their immortal souls, that they may come to accept the truth, love, and mercy of God in their lives.  To do otherwise, to allow anger and hatred toward them to fester within me, is to reject the teachings of Christ.

 The Peace of Christ 

   “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14: 27) 

   In the world there is very rarely peace and even what peace there may be is often based on lies and misconceptions.  The only source of true peace is our Lord, Jesus Christ.  If I have His peace I can resist the angst and worry that the devil wishes to impose upon me.

   I am fully aware that there are many problems in society and in the Church today, just as there have always been.  And it is also true that there is little that I can do to fix those problems.

   Though I can’t change the world I can refuse to allow the world to change me, filling me with doubts and worries.  I can accept the truth in Christ’s words, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16: 33).

   The world is a mess just as it has always been and will continue to be until the Lord comes again in glory.  I have two choices; I can let the woes and evils of this world overwhelm me and rob me of my peace, or I can trust in God and remain at peace, confident that all is in His glorious hands.  I choose to keep my peace and trust that Jesus truly has “overcome the world.”  Amen Lord!  Come soon!

 The Mysteries of Faith 

   “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”  (Heb 11: 1) 

   One thing I’ve found is that faith doesn’t need proof.  Instead, it is a gift of grace from God that must simply be accepted.  The mysteries of faith cannot be proven no matter how much I study and read.

   I’ve studied, I’ve read, I’ve prayed for guidance and understanding.  In some things I find better insight in my studies, in many I do not.  I have learned to accept that His ways are often beyond my understanding and it’s best to accept rather than question.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 9).

   When I start questioning God, almost insisting that He tell me His reasons and purposes I am reminded of Job and all the evil that he knew.  He also began to question God and was soundly rebuked, “Where were you when I founded the earth?  Tell me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38: 4).

   I recently read a book written by a priest who had been held in Soviet prison camps for over 15 years during and after World War II.  In all the pains and difficulties of his imprisonment he came to realize that each day and all that it may bring was the will of God.  It wasn’t necessary to know why, but rather to accept and continue to live to serve His will.

   Each time I find myself asking for explanations and reasons I hear His voice in the back of my mind, “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46: 11).  Amen!  May I not question, may I simply accept His will in my life and strive to follow it.