July 22, 2009 - Wednesday Meditation (Mary of Magdala, Apostle to the Apostles!)



So on that third day, when you went to the tomb and found it empty, you were the one God ordained to be there to see the Risen One alive.  And, you were the one chosen to be an apostle to the apostles.  In those days, no one would choose a woman to be a witness in court.  But, you were no ordinary woman.  The disciples would believe you.  You were different.  Your testimony was credible and your grateful love was trustworthy.

 

 

Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene

Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15

Psalm 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28

John 20:1-2, 11-18 (alternate reading: Matthew 13:1-9)

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18 Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.  

 

 

Meditation by Andy Alexander, S.J.

Dear Mary of Magdala,

On this, your feast day, I’d like to write to you in a reflective, imaginative contemplation.  You were such an important person in the life of the early Church, and such an intimate friend of Jesus, that I want to spend some time with you and get to know you better.

I find it helpful to start by remembering that you were from Magdala.  Your coming from this prosperous town on the west coast of the Sea of Galilee gives me a good starting place.  I imagine that since you are not named, as many of the other women are, in reference to a man, e.g., you weren’t called “Mary, wife of Jacob,” that you were never married.  I’ll assume the reason for that was that you were a very wealthy woman, involved in the one of the two great businesses that Magdala was famous for - the preserving of fish and the building of ships.  Perhaps your father had no sons and died an early death, leaving you to run a thriving business.  It’s possible you never needed to be supported by a husband and so no marriage was arranged for you.  I’d like to imagine that the man your father arranged for you either died or that he was unfaithful and abandoned you for what he perceived was a more “feminine” woman.

What we know about you from the gospels is that Jesus drove “seven demons” out of you and that you followed him, along with Mary his mother and the other women who were benefactresses for him and his followers.  What demons possessed you, Mary?  I really doubt that you were the sinful woman at Simon’s banquet in Luke’s gospel or the prostitute saved from stoning in John’s gospel.  Medieval art too easily identified you with these women.  It is clear from these stories that Jesus didn’t know these women and there is no reference to “seven demons” being driven out of them.  Your struggle was not something sexual, Mary.  I suspect the magnificent demons you struggled with had to do with your wealth and the fame and pride they brought you in Magdala.  Riches, honors and pride are the biggest demons Jesus talks about, not the sexual sins.

I suspect you were an extraordinary woman in Magdala.  I can picture you as a unique and powerful woman in that city of merchants and artisans.  I’ll bet you had no peer.  No woman had been tutored the way your father trained you.  You were smart, clever and you understood people.  You were successful and your accumulated wealth won you respect, perhaps fear, and maybe even a lot of artificial friends and workers.  In a man’s world, you had become a leader.  It was all in God’s plan for our salvation, Mary.  You were prepared to meet and be transformed by Jesus.  Your gifts would serve his mission well.

What was the encounter like?  I suspect it was a trip Jesus made up the coast, just passing through Magdala.  You were a prominent person in town and it would have been natural for you to want to meet this celebrity coming through town and making a stir.  You weren’t a very religious Jew, but you were well educated and understood both the religious and political issues Jesus was stirring up.  His message stirred up your heart as well.  “If you want to find yourself, you have to lose yourself.”  “It will be so hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven - a camel passing through the eye of a needle.”  “When I was hungry, thirsty, naked, sick or in prison, you weren’t there.”  “The rich man begged Father Abraham to let the poor beggar bring him a drop of water.”  “You can’t serve two masters, God and money.”  Seven horrible demons came pouring out of your heart, Mary, and your heart was so emptied to be open to receive him, to love him, to follow him.

Jesus needed you.  Of course, your assets supported their travel and daily needs.  But, you were there, an eye witness to his preaching and miracles.  You were there for Mary, his mother, every step of the way.  I can only imagine how much she loved you and was so thrilled that a woman of your gifts was following him.  And you stayed by his side, even when his disciples fled.  The Romans didn’t frighten you.  And, your heart was on fire, as theirs never could be.

So on that third day, when you went to the tomb and found it empty, you were the one God ordained to be there to see the Risen One alive.  And, you were the one chosen to be an apostle to the apostles.  In those days, no one would choose a woman to be a witness in court.  But, you were no ordinary woman.  The disciples would believe you.  You were different.  Your testimony was credible and your grateful love was trustworthy.  

After what you’d been freed from, you didn’t need great attention and recognition for being chosen to be the first witness to the Resurrection.  I’m sure you played the role that you were allowed to play in the early Church.  Perhaps you returned to Magdala and preached the faith there and no written record of your preaching remains.  I can almost hear it.  I’m sure it was all about Jesus and how freeing it is to let him love us.

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

Add Significance

 

"Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." – Philippians 2:4

 

Moishe Rosen teaches a one-sentence mental exercise that is an effective tool in helping a person identify his dream. He asks a person to fill in the blanks:

 

If I had [you fill in the blank], I would [you fill in the blank].

 

The idea is that if you had anything you wanted—unlimited time, unlimited money, unlimited information, unlimited staff (all the resources you could ask for)—what would you do? Your answer to that question is your dream.

 

Everyone has heard the story of Isaac Newton's discovery of the law of gravity after observing the fall of an apple. What few people know is that Edmund Halley, the astronomer who discovered Halley's Comet, is almost single-handedly responsible for Newton 's theories becoming known. Halley challenged Newton to think through his original notions. He corrected Newton 's mathematical errors and prepared geometrical figures to support his work. Not only did he encourage Newton to write his great work, Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, but he edited the work, supervised its publication, and financed its printing, even though Newton could easily afford the printing costs.

 

Halley encouraged Newton to act on his dream, and it added immeasurable significance to Newton 's life. Halley received little credit, but he must have gained great satisfaction in knowing he had inspired revolutionary ideas in the advancement of scientific thought.

 

 

* * *

What would you do if there were no limits on your life?

* * *  

 

This excerpt was taken from the "The Maxwell Daily Reader" - John C. Maxwell

 



GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.
http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/


 

 

 

 

   

July 24, 2009 - Friday Meditation (Jesus is Our Foundation)



My relationship with God becomes foundational to all my other relationships – with family, friends, children, spouse and even professional relationships.  Gradually, as I become more intimate with Jesus, with the Father, with the Spirit, I become more and more conscious of God’s loving desires for me and of God’s presence in all my relationships.  Gently, God reveals my own faults, shortcomings, wounds in need of healing and tendencies to inflict pain on myself or others.

 

 

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Exodus 20:1-17

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Matthew 13:18-23  "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is  what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately  he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it  proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."  

 

 

 

Meditation by Joan Blandin Howard

 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul…”

Taken as a whole, today’s readings speak not only of the law of the Lord as found in the reading from the book of Exodus, but of a variety of circumstances in which I hear and receive “the word of the Kingdom…”  Matthew says that often the word, which I may have received in joy, does not take root either because of lack of understanding or because of the environment: “worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word.”

What is there not to understand?  The commandments found in Exodus seem very clear.  However, consider that the Ten Commandments were addressed to a wandering, tribal community – not to the 21st century educated urban dweller.  This being said the salvific truths remain, but we must read with opened eyes and hearts.

“I, the Lord, am your God…You shall not have other gods besides me…I am a jealous God, inflicting punishment…but bestowing mercy to…those who love me and keep my commandments.”   There is a pleading quality to these words.  I am your God, please listen to me, take me seriously. I will not abandon you.  I desire you.

These laws, commandments, were addressed to a community attempting to separate themselves from other tribal communities.  They were the Chosen and invited to respond accordingly.  These commandments were meant to be encouragements from Yahweh – this is how one who is in a loving relationship with Yahweh would want to respond to that gratuitous relationship.  One would want to love and be faithful to one’s only God.  All, including Yahweh, recognized the garden of gods available and vying for attention.  Still today, we are aware of the garden of gods vying for attention and adoration – money, fame, success, status, drugs, sex, body image and addictions of all manner.  

We hear these same pleading sentiments – today, in the 21st century.  I am your God.  I am a jealous God.  I love you.  God longs for me.  When I am aware of being involved in an intimate and loving relationship with God, these commandments fall away.  As Matthew suggests, the temptations become more subtle as I grow in spiritual maturity.  I no longer use or need the Ten Commandments with which to examine my conscience.  As I move into deeper intimacy with the Lord, Spirit, God, the Lover – I am invited to examine my consciousness.  To examine my day, my life, my relationships, in terms of, in light of my relationship with God.  My relationship with God becomes foundational to all my other relationships – with family, friends, children, spouse and even professional relationships.  Gradually, as I become more intimate with Jesus, with the Father, with the Spirit, I become more and more conscious of God’s loving desires for me and of God’s presence in all my relationships.  Gently, God reveals my own faults, shortcomings, wounds in need of healing and tendencies to inflict pain on myself or others.

As I grow in intimacy with God, I grow in self awareness and grow in loving relationship with others.

When I am in love, not only don’t I kill, commit adultery, steal or cheat, but conversely I desire to live and breathe and have my being in Christ.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing (my) soul…”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

Choose Your Values Carefully

 

"God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him…For in him we live and move and have our being." – Acts 17:27-28

 

The faith taught to me as a child has been the primary source of my value system. I was brought up on the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. My values were infused with faith, hope and love because of my Judeo-Christian foundation. This faith has given me energy and enthusiasm in my life. It has motivated me to say yes to great ideas, to maintain an "I will not quit" attitude, and to have the courage to say no to the alluring values that come from a de-humanizing culture.

 

Positive spiritual passion is the power source that transforms people from selfish, greedy, arrogant, and duplicitous creatures into beautiful human beings who are unselfish, generous, caring, and compassionate.

 

Choose your values carefully. Pursue a positive faith that will boost and bless your values and shape you into a beautiful human being.

 

 

* * *

What does a positive faith look like? What difference has a positive faith made in your life on a daily basis?

* * *

 

This excerpt was taken from the  "Power for Life Daily Devotional"

 

 

 

 

GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.


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July 26, 2009 - Sunday Meditation (Dont Take Jesus For Granted, Please...)



But the trouble with taking things for granted is that we can become a bit indifferent, and so fail to enjoy them as much as we might. Children have a lot to teach us here - their gift for perceiving so many things as miracle and wonder makes them enjoy life a lot more than many of us do.

 

 

 

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year

2 Kings 4:42-44

Ephesians 4:1-6

John 6:1-15 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiber'i -as. 2 And a multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, "How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" 6 This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as  they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost." 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, "This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!" 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

 

 

 

Meditation by Dominic White O.P.

Even in these tough times, we still assume a lot will be there as normal. Like electricity, for example. A couple of winters ago, there was quite a long power-cut one evening in the area around St. Dominic's Parish in London, where I'm a priest. Mass had to be celebrated with every candle we could find, and for several hours there was no electricity at all. No lights, no electric cookers or kitchen gadgets, no hi-fi, TV or computers. That very dark evening, struggling to read by candle-light, I reflected on how much we can take things for granted.

Today's Gospel is a well-known and much-loved story about how Jesus took pity on the great crowd of people who were following them, and taking the five loaves and two fish offered by one of them, turned it into a meal for thousands, with twelve baskets left over. A story so well known and loved that we can take it for granted. We can take it for granted too that we instinctively recognise it's meant to make us think about Mass - because it involves bread.

That's just what St. John wants us to think: he tells us that it was 'shortly before the Passover', which is also the time when Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, the first Mass. Later on in the same chapter, in next week's Gospel, we will hear that people came to find Jesus on the other side of the sea, when He will tell them that He is 'the Bread of Life'.

This is a wonderful thing, a far greater miracle and wonder than the feeding of the five thousand: at every Mass what we bring to the altar as bread really becomes the Body of Christ, and we receive it as our food.

Yet because this happens at every Mass, because it's a matter of course that every Sunday we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, our Lord and God, we can easily take it for granted. It's as much part of our life as electricity, and indeed that's how it should be. For us here in London , anyway, we're more likely to suffer a power-cut than suddenly to be deprived of Mass. And that makes it all the more easy to take the Eucharist for granted.

But the trouble with taking things for granted is that we can become a bit indifferent, and so fail to enjoy them as much as we might. Children have a lot to teach us here - their gift for perceiving so many things as miracle and wonder makes them enjoy life a lot more than many of us do. And maybe that's also why traditional peoples in poor countries have such a gift for festivals, and are so hospitable - if you don't have much, then when something special does happen, you really celebrate it.

What about the people in today's Gospel? They don't understand what Jesus is about - he does not want to become a secular ruler who provides endless free meals. They have not gone beyond the surface in finding out the truth about him. But it will be to their credit in next week's Gospel that they come after him - because they want more from Jesus. Even if what they most obviously want is more free food, there is a deeper desire at work in them - the desire for God's love, the desire for eternal life.

Because Jesus has left them - because he has passed over to the other side - they will come and seek him out. So if sometimes God feels a long way from us, or if Mass has become a rather ordinary and humdrum affair for us, let's actively seek the Lord out, and ask him for more.

Equally, we might think about preparing for the Eucharist each Sunday. I know that idealistic preachers sometimes tell us to arrive early and spend some time in prayer before Mass, or read through the Sunday readings the night before. The reality of getting children to church and sorting everything else out may mean that's a bit unrealistic for most of us. But I suggest we can all manage, however we do it, to fast a little before Mass. Nothing dramatic here - all we're meant to do is to abstain from food an hour before Holy Communion. Not because there's anything wrong with food, but because putting off for a little bit the marvellous pleasure of food really helps us to focus, without being distracted, on the wonderful miracle of the Eucharist in which we're about to take part. Jesus used to fast, and so did his disciples.

Obviously it doesn't follow that the more you fast the closer you will get to God - that is a very dangerous idea, and forgets that food is one of the good things God gives us! But a sensible, manageable fast is just one of the ways we can free ourselves up to seek Jesus as He really is, and to find the happiness that he wants to give us, and pass it on to others. So let us seek the Lord, and seek him with all our hearts - and enjoy the miracle and wonder that he wants to give us.

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

My Weakness, God's Strength by Sheila Schuller Coleman

 

 

"Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way." – Isaiah 35:3

 

My mother is always on call for me. One morning when I felt completely inadequate for a task, I phoned Mom.

"I can't do this, Mom. I lack the skills and innate abilities the project requires. This dream needs someone fearless. I'm too reluctant to sell myself or my projects."

"Well, Sheila," Mom said, "that just means your dream is God-given. God will only give you a dream that demands his help so he gets the credit while building your faith. If it's something you can do all by yourself, you don't need God. A dream that is too big for you drives you to your knees, which is exactly where he wants you."

Mother knows best! When I feel inadequate I put my trust in God. I grow spiritually and watch God in action. And I wouldn't miss that for the world!

 

* * *

What's YOUR dream? Measure the size of it by asking this: Is my dream too big to achieve on my own, or can I only achieve it if God is central to it?

* * *

 

 

 



GOD BLESS US ALL!
O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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July 28, 2009 - Tuesday Meditation (Sow and Reap)


Charles Read said: “Sow an act and you reap a habit.  Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

 

Tuesday in Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time

Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28

Psalm 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13

Matthew 13:36-43  Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the  field." 37 He answered, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of man; 38 the field is the world, and the good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.  

 

 

 

Meditation by Don Schwager  

Are you quick to judge the faults of others? Jesus’ parable teaches us patience lest we judge before the time is right. Jesus also warns that there is an enemy who seeks to destroy the good seed of his word before it can bear fruit. Both good and evil can be sown in our hearts like tiny seeds which germinate, and in due time yield a harvest of good or bad fruit. We must stand guard lest evil take root in our hearts and corrupt us. Charles Read said: “Sow an act and you reap a habit.  Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” In the day of judgment each will reap what he or she has sown in this life. Those who sow good will shine in the kingdom of their Father. They will radiate with the beauty, joy, and fulness of God’s love. Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in your heart and in your actions?
"Lord Jesus, may your all-consuming love rule in my heart and transform my life that I may sow what is good, worthy, and pleasing to you.”
 

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

He Surrounds You

 

“…for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike.” – Matthew 11:25

 

While driving to the grocery one Christmas season, I asked my then six-year-old nephew if he was excited to see Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. He replied with a firm “no.”

“There’s no Santa here,” he added.

“Huh?” I replied, “Why is there no Santa here?”

“Because there’s no snow.”

I had a good laugh. A simple observation from a little boy. His innocence made him speak with a lot of sense.

God chose to reveal the fulfilment of His plans to the childlike because their ignorance made them see with eyes of faith. When you are losing faith because of the troubles that you face, notice the constant signs around you that tell you of God’s presence in your life — the unexpected phone call from a friend who offered you a job when you felt hopeless about finding one, the comforting hug from a child after a tiring day at work, the contagious laughter of a workmate that got you laughing hard when you badly wanted to cry because of a pressing problem at home. That’s God at work.

Like little children, let us trust in our Father’s ways. Nova Arias (Kerygma)

 

REFLECTION:

“The root of all difficulties is a lack of the sense of the Presence of God.” (Emmett Fox)

 

 



GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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July 30, 2009 - Thursday Meditation (Which Side is Winning in Me?)


But it is not so much fear of the Lord that should guide us, but the desire for beauty, goodness, truth, and joy. There is no comparison between the loveliness of the way of the Lord and the unsatisfying lure of lesser goods.  

 

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38

Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a, 11

Matthew 13:47-53  "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous, 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. 51 "Have you understood all this?" They said to him, "Yes." 52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his  treasure what is new and what is old." 53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there.  

 

 

Meditation by Bert Thelen, S.J.

This is the final reading from Exodus, the founding document for the Jewish faith. We go to the Book of Leviticus tomorrow and then to Numbers.

But today's reading describes so vividly not only the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, God's Dwelling, but also its purpose in guiding the children of Israel, slaves in exodus, on their journey to the Promised Land..  Apparently, it was an awesome sight to the people, and a confirming sign of God's providence. It should hopefully, in our prayer, call us to ask the daily question, Where have I recognized or discerned God's presence, "the Dwelling," in my life this past 24 hours?  Have I allowed the Lord to truly lead me? In what ways have I been found unworthy to enter that Presence, and how have I allowed it to shine forth in my words and actions?

As with the Exodus passage, Matthew's thirteenth chapter brings us to the end of Jesus' long discourse, mostly in parables, on the Kingdom of Heaven . Here he reminds us that God does not interfere as a judge separating the good from the evil.  God allows both, and, only at the end of the age, is there a final judgment. Meanwhile, there is good and bad together, in each of us, and among us.  For the line between good and evil cuts right through the center of every human heart.

Again, we are called to an examination of conscience: which side has been winning in me?  God's justice and human goodness or the reign of Satan and human wickedness?  Better to commit myself now to choosing life and love, rather than putting it off until Judgment Day!

But it is not so much fear of the Lord that should guide us, but the desire for beauty, goodness, truth, and joy. There is no comparison between the loveliness of the way of the Lord and the unsatisfying lure of lesser goods.  Pondering these matters and making them deeply personal, I will then pray the glorious words of Psalm 84:

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, Mighty God!

My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord.

My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God!

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young ---

Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God!

Blessed are they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you.

Blessed are the people whose strength you are!  They go from strength to strength.

I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;

I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

God is at Work in You by  Sheila Schuller Coleman

 

 

"God works in you…to fulfill his good purpose." - Philippians 2:13

 

 

Wow! You don't have to do this by yourself! How reassuring to know that it is God at work in you. There is nothing more powerful than God himself working through you. And there is no more trustworthy assurance!

God gives you his will-his desires, his purpose, his plan for your life.

God gives you his power-his abilities, his courage, and his ideas to achieve his purposes.

Embrace God's promise. Let it fuel your dreams! Rest on his assurance. Go forth asking and letting him use you today!

 

* * *

How has God been working in your life recently to fulfill his good purpose through you?

* * *

 

 

GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/

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Aug 1, 2009 - Saturday Meditation (Integrity - Still Around?)


"Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact."

 

 

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Leviticus 25:1, 8-17

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8

Matthew 14:1-12  At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; 2 and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." 3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; 4 because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. 6 But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Hero'di-as danced before the company, and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." 9 And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; 10 he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.  

 

 

Meditation by Isabelle Cherney

I am working in Switzerland this summer, and today is the day when the Swiss celebrate their independence from the Habsburg in 1291. It is the Swiss national holiday. It is customary for inhabitants of every village to sit around a large bonfire and watch the fireworks. Children carry with them candle-lit lanterns and walk through the village. Food, drinks, and traditional music keep everyone merry. This celebration reminds me of today’s first reading. We read about the Day of Atonement, a special day of celebration. The trumpet resounds to remind the people of the “liberty in the land for all its inhabitants.” It is a time when all people shall return home to their roots and family. It is a time of fasting and forgiving. In today’s society, we tend to celebrate holidays by gathering around to eat and drink together. These readings remind me that I should take the time to gather with family and friends and celebrate their and God’s presence in our lives.

Matthew’s gospel tells the story of John the Baptist’s beheading. The reasons for this barbaric action appear outlandish.  John the Baptist disapproved of Herod’s divorce from his wife and unlawfully taking his brother’s wife. John the Baptist did not change his message to accommodate Herod, but rather he was willing to be imprisoned for being true to God’s word. A drunken Herod ordered to have John the Baptist beheaded because he promised to give Herodias’ daughter anything she wanted. Herod was weak. He succumbed to temptation. He became a vehicle for vengeance. His weaknesses led to the death of a pious man. It is easy for us to judge, but how often have we succumbed to our weaknesses?

Today, I pray that God will give me strength to work on my weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

Integrity is a Hard-won Achievement by  John C. Maxwell

 

 

"Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value persons who speak what is right." - Proverbs 16:13

 

 

Integrity is not a given factor in everyone's life. It is a result of self-discipline, inner trust, and a decision to be relentlessly honest in all situations in our lives. Unfortunately, in today's world, strength of character is a rare commodity. As a result, we have few contemporary models of integrity. Our culture has produced a few enduring heroes, few models of virtue. We have become a nation of imitators, but there are few leaders worth imitating.

The meaning of integrity has been eroded. Drop the word into conversations in Hollywood , on Wall Street, even on Main Street , and you'll get blank stares in return. For most Americans, the word conjures up ideas of prudishness or narrow-mindedness. In an age when the meanings of words are manipulated, foundational values such as integrity can be pulverized overnight.

Integrity is antithetical to the spirit of our age. The overarching philosophy of life that guides our culture revolves around a materialistic, consumer mentality. The craving need of the moment supersedes consideration of values that have eternal significance.

Billy Graham said, "Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact."

 

* * *

Are you willing to be a person of integrity at all costs?

* * *



 





GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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Aug 3, 2009 - Monday Meditation (Power of Right Choices)



Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.



Monday in the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Numbers 11:4b-15

Psalm 81:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

Matthew 14:13-21 Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." 28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30 but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." 34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent round to all that region and brought to him all that were sick, 36 and besought him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.  

 

 

Meditation by Pat Borchers

It’s tempting to comment on the Gospel reading of Matthew’s account of the loaves and the fishes, but the reading is familiar to all and I fear that I would have little to say that you, the reader, haven’t thought of already.

But the first reading about the children of Israel lamenting their lack of food and their nostalgia about their captivity in Egypt spoke directly to me.  I am not one of those people who suffers in silence when facing a challenge, whether it be physical, emotional or what have you.  To some extent this is part of my coping mechanism because it helps me to talk about it with other people.  There’s a certain healthy aspect to this I suppose, but I fear I often underestimate Evil One’s deviousness.  One way that he tries to trick us is to trap us into self pity.  “See, if God really loved you and cared about you, he wouldn’t do this to you!”  So he tempts us into self pity and ignoring other people because after all we’re suffering.  Of course it’s good to try to get help but to give God the cold shoulder is exactly what the Evil One wants us to do.  If he can do that, he can turn us from children of God into children of self pity and self indulgence.  We can’t let it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

The power of Right Choices by  John C. Maxwell

 

 

"…He will instruct them in the ways they should choose." – Psalm 25:12

 

Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you. What will you do for your career: Who will you marry? Where will you live? How much education will you get? What will you do with today? But one of the most important choices you will make is who will you become! Life is not merely a matter of holding and playing a good hand as you would hope to do in a card game. What you start with isn't up to you. Talent is God-given. Life is playing the hand you have been dealt well. That is determined by your choices.

The talent-plus people are the ones who maximize their talent, reach their potential, and fulfill their destiny.

I was reading a book by Dr. Seuss to my grandchildren called Oh, the Places You'll Go! In it, I found a wonderful truth. It said,

You have brains in your head

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself

Any direction you choose.

I believe that with all my heart. My prayer is that you steer yourself in the right direction and make right choices that will empower you to become a talent-plus person, build upon the foundation of your abilities, and live your life to its fullest potential.

 

* * *

Maximize your talent by steering your entire life in the right direction.

* * *

 

 




 
GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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Bro. Botskie,

Are interested in discussing religion in this forum?

Aug 5, 2009 - Wednesday Meditation (Insistent Faith!)



The woman needs to pray unceasingly, just as the woman appealing to the unjust judge (Luke 18), but in this case it is not that Jesus is refusing or even that He changes His mind: in the heat of her desire and the insistence of her prayer, the woman comes to see the depth of her need and her faith, engages her courage and her wit, and grows as a result of the interaction.

 

 

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome

Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35

Psalm 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23

Matthew 15: 21-28  And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon . 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." 24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ." 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.  

 

 

 

Meditation by Chas Kestermeier, S.J.


As humans we get accustomed to things, make them habits or relegate them to the ordinary, basically forgetting them unless something goes wrong.  This process extends to what we see and smell as well as to such activities as walking, eating, and driving --- not to mention the way that we think.  

And we also have our little temporary preferences and "needs" that we can forget two weeks later, putting them behind us as unimportant.  They can disappear from our lives, even if these "needs" can seem temporarily urgent or even essential to our well-being.

In the Gospel passage the Lord seems to be addressing just that proclivity in the devious way that good teachers do.  He deals lovingly with the woman in today's gospel, teaching her with what seems at first to be cruel disregard.  Consider that Jesus has left Israel to go to a specifically pagan area, He does this one remembered thing, and then He returns to Israel : is this conversation with the woman really a refusal on His part?  I don't think so.

The woman needs to pray unceasingly, just as the woman appealing to the unjust judge (Luke 18), but in this case it is not that Jesus is refusing or even that He changes His mind: in the heat of her desire and the insistence of her prayer, the woman comes to see the depth of her need and her faith, engages her courage and her wit, and grows as a result of the interaction.  Her daughter may be healed in body, but she herself is graced with a greater faith and love.

As for ourselves, do we pray unceasingly?  Do we learn to ask for what it is that we really desire, not taking Jesus for granted and not just asking for a passing fancy of our hearts?  How serious are we about our lives as we approach the Lord?

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

Everyday Heroes by  Robert H. Schuller

 

 

"Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart." – Psalm 125:4

 

 

When my oldest grandson, Jason, was eleven years old, he came into my office and noticed a framed picture of me propped against the wall. "That's a nice picture of you, Grandpa," he noted. "Why isn't it hanging on the wall?"

"Because," I responded, "it was given to me and I haven't decided where to hang it yet."

"I know where you could hang it," he offered, "…in my bedroom. Because Grandpa, you're my hero."

We all need heroes. Heroes are all around us. They're in our classrooms, doctor's offices, and hospital corridors. They patrol our streets, fight fires, and secure our borders. They serve, protect, preserve…so we can continue to enjoy the many freedoms we often take for granted.

Stop for a minute and remember the heroes who've been part of your life. Thank God for them. Then aspire to be one!

 

* * *

Who are the heroes that have been part of your life? Thank God for them. Then aspire to be one!

* * *

 

 




GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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Aug 6, 2009 - Thursday Meditation (Are you Spiritually Awake?)


Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

 

 

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Deuteronomy 7:9-10, 13-14

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

2 Peter 1:16-19

Mark 9:2-10 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them, 3

and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Eli'jah with Moses; and they were talking

to Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah." 6 For he did

not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to

him." 8 And suddenly looking around they no longer saw any one with them but Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell

no one what they had seen, until the Son of man should have risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what the rising from the

dead meant.

 

 

 

Meditation by Don Schwager

Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when some of the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on a high mountain. [In the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches, this event is celebrated as a major feast on August 6.] Jesus often went to a lonely place to pray – to seek solitude and sanctuary away from the crowds. But on this occasion, the Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus was transfigured ..and his garments became glistening, intensely white (Mark 9:2,3).

When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles – Peter, James, and John.
What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem – his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The Father glorified his son because he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).
 
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory – he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory – follow me – obey my words – take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom – your name will be written in heaven. Jesus succeeded in his mission because he went to Calvary so that Paradise would be restored to us once again. He embraced the cross to obtain the crown of glory that awaits each of us, if we will follow in his footsteps.
Origen, the great 3rd century bible scholar, shows us how the transfiguration can change our lives: “When he is transfigured, his face also shines as the sun that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness.”
Luke’s gospel tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually?  There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ.  Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?
“Lord Jesus, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory.”
 

 

 

 

Supplementary Reading

Spiritually Fit

 

"To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy…to [him] be glory, majesty, power and authority…now and forevermore!" – Jude 24-25

One of the Schuller grandchildren recently graduated from the police academy. He knew when he went into the academy he would face hundreds of push-ups, running miles in the heat of the day, even boxing matches against his training officers. He didn't look at the academy as a way to get in shape. No! He took over a year to get in shape before he applied to the academy. So, on the first day, even though it was grueling, he was in shape.

The same is true for our spiritual lives. God didn't promise life would be a cake-walk if we follow him. The more effective we are for Christ, the more opposition we can expect—from spiritual and human foes. We need to be spiritually fit if we are going to fight the good fight and win!

 

* * *

On a scale of 1 to 10—1 being completely out of shape and 10 being just short of spiritual perfection—how spiritually fit would you say you are? What is one thing you can do today to get more spiritually fit?

* * *

 

Note:   This excerpt was taken from the "Power for Life Daily Devotional"

 

 

 




GOD BLESS US ALL!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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