Fourth Sunday of Easter_C - Hearing Voices_051125

Deacon Tom Writes

“Hearing Voices?”

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Jesus often used everyday examples from the pastoral settings that surrounded him. He drew upon them because they didn’t need any explaining. People knew that all a shepherd had to do was to call out and his sheep would follow his voice. It is said that shepherds would graze their sheep in different fields during the day but when night came the shepherds gathered the sheep into one sheepfold so they could have safety in numbers. At daybreak, the shepherds would simply call out and, amazingly, each sheep would instinctively follow the voice of its own protector and guardian… What a beautiful image of this dynamic relationship between the sheep and the shepherd.

We may have lost the pastoral setting that the shepherds enjoyed back then, but we are still able to understand the message Jesus wants to communicate when he says, “My sheep hear my voice.” This is what Jesus expects of his disciples. Not only the hearing but also the following too. So, a disciple is one who hears and follows the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Today there are many voices competing for our attention. And, there are many gods for us to follow; whispers invite us to seek fame, fortune, be all that we can be in the eyes of the world... top dog, Numero Uno, the king of the hill. How do we choose which voice to follow? Whose voice are we attuned to? Jesus is calling us to “eternal life.” He is promising us the safety and security that comes from the Father, a joy and happiness that is “not of this world.” He is calling us to be his disciples and to live our lives according to his teachings on love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. He is asking us not to count the cost of what it takes to walk in his footsteps as we endeavor to have a genuine relationship with him and one another. Other voices are calling us to focus our attention on ourselves, on getting as much as we can here and now, no matter the cost. Many paths of life to choose; many different flocks to be a part of, and many different shepherd voices to follow, but only one will lead us to green pastures.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm reminds us of some of the additional benefits we receive from the hands of the Good Shepherd… we are filled with his joy and gladness; we share in his unending kindness and enduring faithfulness. God cannot be outdone in generosity to paraphrase Scripture. He loves each of his sheep; our safety, earthly well-being and eternal destiny are his only concern.

May the voice we hear this Easter Season be that of the Good Shepherd, calling us to grow in love, in holiness and service to our brothers and sisters in Christ, the Risen One!

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.


Recommended Reading: The Shattered Lantern by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser O.M.I is a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He is a theologian, professor, award-winning author who knows how to make faith real and tangible for the contemporary reader. The Shattered Lantern invites us to rediscover that while not all seems well, or just, faith truly can make sense of it all.

Recommended Youtube: New Seeds of Contemplation: A guide to Thomas Merton’s Famous book explores the path to spiritual awakening and union with God. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating an inner contemplative life by recognizing the seeds of spiritual vitality present in everyday experiences. The book encourages readers to detach from the superficial self and embrace humility, poverty, and solitude to discover their true identity in Christ.

Third Sunday of Easter _C - Year C - How Do I Love You? Let Me Count the Ways_050525

Image Credit:  2.bp.blogspot.com/jesus-peter-reconciliation1.jpg

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Deacon Tom Writes,

“How Do I Love You? Let Me Count the Ways”

 

Third Sunday of Easter, Year C

 

It takes real courage to admit our mistakes. It takes more courage to move foreword and not be paralyzed or held back by mistakes of the past. Peter appears to have resumed his prior way of life as a fisherman after the death of Jesus, perhaps trying to forget those last days: Jesus’ brutal death, his own cowardly denying his friendship with Jesus, his inability to comprehend Jesus’ mysterious presence in the midst of his disciples. It was just too much for Peter to grasp!

 

It is understandable that Peter and the others would go back to a way of life that was most familiar to them, fishing. They could pick up where they had left off before Jesus called them and now put their ambition and energy back into rebuilding their business. But think about it! Do your really believe anyone could have put that kind of experience behind them and pick up where they left off? No way! Then, as now, that personal experience with Jesus leaves you changed for life. There is no going back. And that is the experience we find in today’s gospel as the Apostles flight to the safety of the past is very short lived.

 

This is more than Peter’s physical encounter with Jesus. It is the consequence of Peter’s coming to terms with himself, with his own failures and shortcomings, with his own fears and doubts. It is our privileged view into Peter’s soul-searching and honest self-reflection that leads to his confessing his love for Jesus. Only after this spiritual catharsis is Peter able to put to rest his failures and weaknesses, and, most importantly, to accept them for what they are. Once he comes to grips with his inner demons, he is ready to move forward to a new and heightened mental and spiritual life that awaits him. He is able to accept Christ’s forgiveness and even to forgive himself and embrace the work that Jesus gives him to do, “Feed my sheep.” Peter embraces this new mission with a renewed enthusiasm fueled by the power he has received from the Holy Spirit. He is now willing and able to assume his role as first among the Apostles and leads them on their mission to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” MT 228:19.

 

Like Peter, many of us have had our “ups and downs” in our relationship with Jesus. We have had our share of doubts and fears and have often disappointed Jesus by our sinful behavior, by our bad choices, by “what we have done and by what we have failed to do.” Over time these actions become like a wedge and sever our relationship with Our Lord. But today’s gospel gives us all hope that we can never be far from God’s abundant mercy and forgiveness. Jesus will always come looking for us, to nourish us physically and spiritually and to bring us his healing presence and compassion so that we can begin again, renewed and restored.

 

Easter is a time of God renewing the whole world. And renewal is what we need now given the present state of our world. Let us embrace Our Risen Savior’s love and forgiveness and be renewed ourselves so that we may be able to experience the newness of life brought about through Christ’s suffering and death.

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

OTHER RESOURCE

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.

 

Recommended Reading: Everything Belongs by Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation who teaches primarily on incarnational mysticism, nondual consciousness, and contemplation, with a particular emphasis on how these affect the social justice issues of our time.

 

Recommended Podcast: Catholic - Link Podcast is A podcast for busy Catholics. A mix of short, informative episodes, long form interviews, and interesting historical episodes. Wherever you are in your faith, we have content for you!

Second Sunday of Easter_C - Divine Mercy Sunday_042725

Deacon Tom Writes   

“Peace Be with You!”

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy), Year C

Today on the Octave of Easter we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. It is the eighth day after Jesus’ triumphant victory over death, the reason for our wholehearted joy today. It is fitting that we reflect on God’s unconditional and constant love for us on this day that has been set aside in honor God’s Divine Mercy for it is thorough God’s Mercy we were redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

We read today about the life of Jesus’ Apostles and the early days of the church. They weren’t looking to establish a religion to rival their own cherished Jewish faith. They had no such grandiose plans to create a new, competitive spiritual organization. Their simple intention was to spread the word about all they had seen and heard as they experienced the life and ministry of Jesus. They had to keep Jesus’ story alive. And, to this end, they were very successful, as we read today, “…the people esteemed them” as they themselves, like their teacher, worked signs and wonders among their fellow Jews. The Apostles were sharing the powers that they had received from the Holy Spirit, “On the evening of that first day of the week.” Enlivened by the Holy Spirit they left the room they had locked themselves in and fearlessly began to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News, the evangelion, that God’s reign had begun. And the people were eager to hear that Good News, for not only were “…great numbers of men and woman were added to them,” but also, “…the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits … were all cured.” And so, it began!



Today it might be a good exercise for us to ask ourselves in what ways God has shown us his mercy and reflect on the many ways God’s Mercy has touched our lives. We may recall the words with which Jesus greeted his Apostles as we begin our contemplation, “Peace be with you.” It is so fitting for us to call to mind the peace of Christ for most of us are desperate for God’s peace, a peace the world cannot give. In the shadow of Christ’s rising from the dead and being witnesses to the chaotic and fragmented world around us, Christians should desire to be filled with Christ’s gentle spirit and humble heart. After all, we’re no different than those people who heard and witnessed the Apostles and followed them. They were looking for inner peace within themselves, peace in their families and neighbors, and in the world around them; they too were eager to ease their troubled hearts and be connected with inner peace of the risen Lord. Don’t we all?

As we witness the horrific tragedies taking place in the Ukraine and see first-hand the suffering of so many new refugees, let’s strive to find little ways to bring God’s peace into our lives and the lives of our family and friends around us. We are summoned to be instruments of Christ’s peace because we have experienced God’s love and mercy in so many ways. We have the power to bring good out of evil if we but help lighten the burden of those whose suffering is unimaginable. No one can do everything to ease the suffering of the many around us BUT, everyone can do some one thing. We are the One Body of Christ... and we need to act as the One Body of Christ, in our effort to bring God’s Love, Mercy and Compassion to all.

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.

 

OTHER RESOURCE

Recommended Reading:

Living Justice by Fr. Thomas Massaro, S.J., He is professor of moral theology at Fordham University. His books and articles are devoted to Catholic social teaching and its recommendations for public policies oriented to social justice, peace, worker rights, and poverty alleviation.

 

Podcast Recommendation:

Busted Halo Show with Fr. Dave Dwyer, C.S.P. Join in to the Busted Halo podcast to hear a reflection on Pope Francis and His Papacy with John Allen, Jr.

Easter Vigil_C - Nonsense_042025

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Nonsense”

 

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord , The Mass of Easter Day, Year C

 

For many people the story of that first Easter morning is sheer nonsense. Even the Apostles didn’t believe it at first when the women told them they had seen Jesus.  And the passage of time hasn’t made believing any easier. As a matter of fact, the dawning of the age of cynicism and the challenges of living in a materialistic society are formidable obstacles to having any faith in anything today, let alone belief in the resurrection of the dead.

 

Let’s face it we all have doubts!  We all have a little bit of “Thomas” in us, the Thomas who would not believe until he put his hands into the wounds where the nails had been. Thomas was lucky; he was able to see with his own eyes. But we fall into that “blessed” category, as in, “Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed”.   

 

Many people of our day have abandoned their faith completely. Others are “casual worshipers” whose faith is a matter of convenience. We seem to have lost that excitement, the awesome bewilderment of what lies in store for those who believe in Jesus, who, by His Resurrection, tells us that one-day we too will rise from the dead.  It really does seem too good to be true.

 

Our journey of faith is a gradual one. We grow a little at a time; we mature in our faith slowly. A prayerful spirit, a generous heart, charitable words and deeds deepen our faith and peal away our skepticism and disbelief and Jesus becomes real to us. When Jesus is a part of our lives, when we know that He lives, we experience today’s remarkable story with excitement and joy knowing with absolute certainty that Jesus is not to be found among the dead. And, although it sounds like nonsense, for those who believe, death will not get the last word. For we were all created to live in the kingdom where Jesus, the firstborn from the dead, will reign forever.  

 

Happy Easter!

Deacon Tom

 

Palm Sunday_C - For Crying Out Loud_0041325

Deacon Tom Writes,

“For Crying Out Loud” 

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Year C

 

The tide of public opinion can change quickly. But the tide of public opinion is often nothing more than the collective mindset of the crowd that happens to prevail at any particular moment. Today the crowd gathers to welcome Jesus and to sing his praises. Why not? He has a good reputation. He speaks kind words. He does good things. He even challenges the religious leaders. Word of his good adventures has spread throughout the land. He is a healer, worker of miracles and an advocate for the poor and disheartened. To some he is a prophet; to others he is the Messiah; to the religious authorities, he is a pain in the .... well, let’s just say that he is a big problem!

 

Word spreads throughout Jerusalem that Jesus has arrived in the city to celebrate Passover with his friends and many turn out to welcome him. The people are in a festive mood and they greet Jesus waving their palm branches and raising a chorus of “Hosanna,” for somehow, they recognize the presence of God in their midst. As the spirit of hope fills the air, the Pharisees, the ones for whom Jesus is a problem, tell him to, “Rebuke your disciples”. They could not tolerate to see the adulations the people were placing upon him. But Jesus responds, “If they were to keep quiet, I tell you, the very stones would cry out.” (Lk 19:40)

 

What a difference a few days can make. As Jesus stands before Pilate several days later, the Pharisees don’t appeal to Jesus to control his disciples; instead, they’re fueling the crowd’s ignorance, stirring them up to advance their agenda – to get rid of the thorn in their side, Jesus. The finger pointing, the false accusations, the skillful manipulation of the emotions of the crowd work in their favor and Jesus is condemned to death. (Aren’t we all too familiar with this technique)??? The only spirit at work in the crowd on that day is the hardness of heart that, to this day, continues to blind many to God’s presence in their lives.

 

Our scripture readings today help us to see Jesus as both the hope for and the scourge of our world. For believers Jesus is the, “Way, the truth, and the life”. For others Jesus is a hindrance, an obstacle to living a life unchecked, unrestrained by any moral or ethical code. With Jesus out of the way, there are no restrictions to living a self-absorbed, it’s all about me, taking care of number one, a selfish, indifferent to the needs and suffering of others lifestyle. Any good that one may do in this state is done solely because it gives one individual pleasure, a sense of feeling good. There is no sense of any common good, let alone any awareness of belonging to the “Mystical Body of Christ.”

 

I suspect that many of the people in the crowd on Good Friday were also there to greet Jesus on Palm Sunday. Today we have a chance to imagine what we would have done if we were present at these two remarkably polarizing events. Better yet, we can look into our lives and see what crowds we side with today. Being champions of the poor, the alienated, the marginalized and the abused is the best way to let our hosannas rise above the crowd around us.

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.

 

OTHER RESOURCE

Recommended Reading: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis who explores the common ground upon which all of the Christian Faiths stand together.

 

Recommended YouTube Video: Shortest Way Home: C.S. Lewis & Mere Christianity

 

Fifth Sunday of Lent_C - Old Problems - New Solutions_040625

Image Credit: Song of David by Hilary Sylvester

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Old Problem – New Solution”

 

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C

 

The language in today’s readings tells us how much the Lord does on our behalf… “The Lord… opens… ways in the sea / paths in mighty waters.” … “The Lord does something new.”  The Responsorial Psalm proclaims, “The Lord is doing great things for us, we are filled with joy.”

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus had another difficult encounter with the scribes and the Pharisees. They bring a woman who, witnesses say, committed adultery. They want Jesus’ opinion on whether they should put her to death. It’s a trick question and Jesus is aware of their insincerity. So, offering no opinion of his own as to the merits of the Mosaic Law, he simply tells the authorities and crowd that had gathered earlier to hear him teach, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

 

Jesus avoids their trap and sets their heads, and ours, spinning. Not surprisingly, Jesus had no takers. When everyone has left, Jesus is alone with the woman. The exchange between them is profound. “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on do not sin any more.”

 

The new approach to the OLD problem of “sin” that Jesus demonstrates today is the NEW way of compassion. It is subtle yet profound. Jesus knows that the woman before him is frightened and ashamed. She may have even preferred death by stoning than public humiliation. Yet Christ does not condemn her for her sin, he does not quote her the citation from Leviticus she was guilty of violating; he does not accuse or blames or point the finger. He does none of these. What he does do is encourage her to go and sin no more. He gives her a new beginning, a fresh start.

 

What a grace-filled, inciteful, affirmative way to encourage someone to make a course correction in their lives. You are familiar with the expression, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink!” So too in our own experiences and those of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Being there to help others in their time of crisis, simply being available without judging or condemnation has the possibility of setting into motion real healing and the desire to make necessary changes in our lives. Or, as Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.”

 

What a new way to fix a persistent problem. What an experience of freedom… What a practice to make our own the remainder of this Lent, to remember that it is God who stands in judgment and it is our job to simply be there to listen and give comfort whenever the opportunity arises. Because who doesn’t like a fresh start every once in a while? Who doesn’t like the slate wiped clean every now and again? That’s the heart of the Easter message: Jesus will give all who follow his ways a fresh start by raising us to new life with him this Easter!

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it. 

OTHER RESOURCE

Recommended Reading:  Christ Among Us by Anthony J Wilhelm C.S.P is one of the most popular guides to modern Catholicism.

 

 

Recommended YouTube Video: The Spirituality of Everyday Life, Part 2 by Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O

 

 

 

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent_C - The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same_033025

        Rembrandt: The Return of the Prodigal Son (1663) Canvas Gallery Wrapped Giclee Wall Art Print (D6045) 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same”

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C

 

There is much commentary today about the vanishing middle class, how they have been left behind in our new economy. There are many reasons for this and they have been long in the making: low paying jobs with no benefits, the persistent difficulty in finding full time employment, the lack of adequate training for the highly skilled jobs demanded by the technological revolution of the last two decades, perhaps because CEOs have decided to ship many of the high-tech jobs overseas to enhance profit margins – when will my microchips get here from Never, Never Land? Now we are in the throes of rapid changes unforeseen in the history of the inflation amid a military build to as we renew the cold or now perhaps hot war with Russia. These conditions are not new economic or social realities. We have seen how the combination of these factors has forced many mothers and fathers to work two, sometimes three jobs to provide for the basic need of their family. Stirred up by politicians and the media, people have become angry that they haven’t been getting their “fair share” and, there is ample evidence to support this sentiment. There is a spirit of bitterness, resentment and even hatred festering in the hearts of many people. As I read today’s gospel in light of these realities, I sense that old truism at work, “The more things change, the more things remain the same.” For, as we read today, the older brother felt that he too wasn’t getting his fair share; that, in his own way of thinking, he was cheated out of a better way of life because of the decisions of others.

 

I sense these are the same emotional struggles the older brother in today’s gospel had to contend with when his younger brother up and left, perhaps to “find himself” in the big city of his day. This older brother had stayed at home; he worked the farm, probably having to take on additional responsibilities because of his brother’s sudden departure. He probably felt that his father was giving away what was rightfully his by his birthright when his younger brother flew the coup. He was resentful and had every right to be because his brother violated the social norms of the times and, upon his return, seems to suffer no ill consequence. Even more challenging, he seems to be rewarded for his bad behavior. Most of us today identify with this older brother and sympathize with him.

 

If we spend some time with this reading, however, our eyes may be opened to the beauty of this parable wherein we are able to see how God not only refuses to see our bad behavior but also readily welcomes us back when we come to our senses. For the younger son, it was his errant behavior, his disrespect for his father and brother, his selfishness and wanton behavior that God overlooks. The older brother, too, is in need of forgiveness for his failing to recognize his father’s need to stand by his son who made a mistake and was contrite enough to admit it. This parable ends, however, and leaves us wondering if the older son ever comes to his senses and joins the banquet with his merciful father, penitent brother and joyful guests.

 

This parable gives us insight into God’s very nature, i.e., one of “unconditional love.” God willingly overlooks all our faults and sins and welcomes us home with open arms when we return. For God does not “count our trespasses against us.”  

 

We are called to forgive “seventy times seven time” Jesus tells us according to St. Matthew (Mt 18:22). Perhaps, if we practiced to forgive this often, we would become good at it. “Practices makes perfect, as they say!” Imagine if we practiced forgiving those who hurt us how much our lives would improve for the better!

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.

OTHER RESOURCES

 

Recommended Reading: The Return of the Prodigal Son – A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen.  A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.

 

Recommended YouTube Video: Centering Prayer with Thomas Merton.  This is a wonderful way to disengage from the world and tune into the quiet, tranquil world of meditation with one of the great master teachers.

 

Third Sunday of Lent_C - We've Got to Change Our Evil Ways_032325

 Photo Credit: Kevin Carter, “the Vulture and the Girl” 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“We’ve Got to Change Our Evil Ways!”

 

Third Sunday of Lent Year C

 

Carlos Santana’s hit song didn’t have the same meaning that St. Paul had in mind in when he was writing the Corinthians. But the title of his hit song, “You’ve Got to Change Your Evil Ways” is a message we could take to heart. In today’s reading Paul recalls the history of the Jewish people and their forty-year experience of wandering in the desert. He reminds the Israelites all during that time they, “all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink” nonetheless, they were “struck down in the desert” because their spiritual food did not change their evil desires.” Paul tells them to take heed because these words, “Have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come.” As we listen to these words today, do they give us a better awareness that the Eucharist is our “spiritual food and drink/” Do we get the message that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist to help us on our desert journey? Do Paul’s words lead us into a deeper awareness of Eucharist as a reality in which we experience Christ and, like the bread and wine, we too are permanently changed and transformed into the “Mystical Body of Christ”?

 

To live in the “Kingdom of God” that Jesus reveals to us throughout his ministry requires that we make some significant changes to the way we think, in how we live our lives, and how we relate and interact with one another. The process of making these changes is known by various names but they all are intended to produce the same results… “repentance,” “a change of heart,” “metanoia.” The need to examine our lives and change our evil ways are challenges we face not only during our Lenten journey but throughout our entire lives. It is hard work; it is necessary work if we are to become productive members of the Kingdom of God that Jesus invites us to seek.

 

The warning Paul gives us today is that we not become like the Israelites of antiquity who ate and drank the spiritual food provided them but to no avail. We have the food of “Everlasting Life” in the Eucharist and it is indeed life sustaining and life giving…if, and only if… this bread of Angels that we eat encourages us, no, better yet, gives us the heartfelt desire to “change our evil ways” and live as Children of God in whose image we have been made! In God’s divine plan, if there is no transformation there is no new life! And, if there is no new life, then our evil ways will have dire spiritual consequences.

 

Just as we read in the gospel, if there are no figs, of what use is the fig tree? If the Eucharist produces no new life in us, then really, we are no better off than our spiritual ancestors who, because they failed to change their evil ways, were struck down in the desert and never entered the Promised Land.

 

On to the rest of the day, with Santana’s hit song playing in my head!

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it..

 

OTHER RESOURCES

Recommended Reading: Fr. Martin Laird, O.S.A. “Into the Silent Land”

Sitting in stillness, the practice of meditation, and the cultivation of awareness are commonly thought to be the preserves of Hindus and Buddhists. Martin Laird shows that the Christian tradition of contemplation has its own refined teachings on using a prayer word to focus the mind, working with the breath to cultivate stillness, and the practice of inner vigilance or awareness. But this book is not a mere historical survey of these teachings. In Into the Silent Land, we see the ancient wisdom of both the Christian East and West brought sharply to bear on the modern-day longing for radical openness to God in the depths of the heart.

 

Recommended YouTube Video: This is a good Lenten practice that will feed your spiritual growth all year long. Give a listen...  Centering Prayer with Thomas Merton

 

Second Sunday of Lent_C - The Enemy Within_031625

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The Enemy Within”

Second Sunday of Lent, Year C

Today’s readings give us food for thought as we begin another Lenten season. Our first reading recalls the promise or covenant God made with Abram, that he would be the father of many nations and that his children would outnumber the stars…. Imagine that! You couldn’t blame Abram for holding back a little chuckle when God revealed his plan. Imagine if he was able to see the heavens through the eyes of the Hubble Telescope and realize how impossible it would be to count the number of stars in the heavens!!! God’s promise was simply beyond Abraham’s imagination. Lent is a time to reflect on the promises God has made and also fulfilled for our benefit. God made good on his promise to redeem the world from the darkness of sin and death through the sacrifice and obedience of his Son, Jesus, Son of God, and Son of Mary. If we understand in the slightest what God has done for us then we realize what a great gift we have received, for we have been given the gift of Eternal Life, the chance to live with him forever. This is the gift that Christ’s death and resurrection has secured for us.

Another theme flowing from our readings today to guide us on our Lenten journey is that of Jesus’ transformation. Peter, James, and John witness Jesus in the fullness of his glory and they are overwhelmed. This sneak preview of the Divine Jesus helps us realize that we too must be transformed into the mystical Body of Christ. St. Paul spoke directly about our need to experience this metamorphosis when he wrote to the Galatians… “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). A mature Christian mindset is one that is always seeking to follow in Christ’s footsteps, that is, to conform our hearts and minds to that of Christ so that we too can pick up our crosses and follow the rocky road of our lives. Not an easy thing to do, and so we take baby steps to learn to “let go and let God” so we can learn to surrender ourselves to God’s Will in the face of our trials and frustrations in life.

Finally, St. Paul gives us a dose of harsh reality, apparently something he witnessed among the early followers of Jesus. Believe it or not, some of those who called themselves Christians were, “…enemies of the cross of Christ.” Wow! Right from the beginning, people were professing to be followers of Jesus, when in fact they were living their old ways. Paul recognized this duplicity and confronts it directly. He admonishes the Philippians to, “join with others in being imitators of me.” What a powerful invitation into the life of Christ from a man who imitated Christ in every way. St. Paul is a model for us on our Lenten Journey. He knows very well how to subdue the enemy within – by constant prayer, fasting, and charitable works. Good activities to occupy us this Lenten season as we too try to quell our own “enemies within.”


Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it..

OTHER RESOURCES

Recommended Reading: Fr. Thomas Massaro, S.J., "Living Justice,” Catholic Social Teaching in Action. Through Scripture, Tradition, world events, and living examples of heroism and holiness ranging from the simple to the extraordinary, Living Justice develops your understanding of Catholic social teaching and inspires you for service.

Recommended YouTube Video: Mercy Not Sacrifice by Fr Mark-David Janus, CSP Reflecting on the musings of his new book, Paulist Father Mark-David Janus speaks about how Christians are often told that Lent is a time when we must sacrifice in order to be worthy of God. He reminds us, it is important to reflect instead on what God wants most—mercy.

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First Sunday of Lent, Year C

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Be With Me Lord When I Am in Trouble”

These words from Psalm 91 are subtitled “Security Under God’s Protection.” They are solid advice to get us started on the right foot this holy season of Lent.

“Be with us, Lord” through the days and nights that lie ahead.
“Be with us, Lord” to face the struggles that life has in store for us.
“Be with us, Lord” and protect us from all our fears and anxieties.
 

Think about our own experiences when problems arise. We turn to God in our desperation. That’s not unusual. When time are good, we might look up and give God a high five between errands. But when times get tough, we get serious and try to bargains with God.

Bargaining with God

We’ve all done it, sometimes intentionally, other times subconsciously.

“God, if you’ll just…” We bargain with God. Sometimes about small things, and others… a desperate cry for divine help to avoid the consequences of our bad choices to help our loved ones in their time of need.

 

God, if you’ll just keep my son safe while his is in the Army, I’ll pray the rosary every day.

God, if you’ll help my dad recover, I’ll volunteer at the soup kitchen. 

God, if you’ll take away this post-super bowl “celebration flu”, I’ll never even look at 

nachos and beer again. 

God, if you’ll just….

The funny part about this is that God doesn’t need our bargaining chip. God is there for us regardless. We just have to ask.

It’s a wise person that asks for help when the going gets tough. The Bible shows us that God answers. In today’s first reading, we have Moses remembering how God saved the people of Israel as the marched through the desert. Jesus sets the tone for this in the example of his life. Throughout his ministry, Jesus relies upon his Father to support and sustain him any time there’s a problem—during his ordeal in the desert as he confronts Satan, during day-to-day life, and even in his last moments of suffering.

Lent is our perfect reset
I encourage all of us to take full advantage of Lent—to really accept it as the gift God intends it to be. Too often, the Lenten greeting is, “What are you giving up?” The things we “give up for lent” are usually things we didn’t need in the first place. Alcohol? Cigarettes? TV? Junk food? These are even things we sometimes use as bargaining chips in our deals with God.

Instead, consider this: Consider using this Lent to deepen our relationship with God, putting our trust in him, that he will “be with us” always. Talk to him. Look around and notice the beauty in his creation—the little things we pass by. In the same way that you call, text, email, or talk to the people we’re closest… give that level of attention to a Lenten relationship reboot with abba, with daddy, the name Jesus called his Father.  

Lent is a very holy time to enrich our spiritual lives. We deepen our relationship with God by spending time developing and strengthening that relationship, as Jesus did. That gives us the confidence to know that God is always present, always willing to help us—during the hard and sorrowful times and the joyful moments, too.

Lent reminds us God is really present, that he really cares for us and loves us more than we love ourselves. It is so often hard for us to believe. Yet, it is true!

May we experience God’s presence as we begin our Lenten journey and be filled with his joy and peace as we pray, “Be with me, Lord” … now and forever.

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com and listen in as the three deacons engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold, those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it..

 

OTHER RESOURCES

Recommended Reading: Throughout the Lenten season, writers from the Ignatian network will guide us on a spiritual journey —"Take Heart" Join in to hear some during these precarious times when it is more important than ever to allow God to encourage us—literally give us the heart we need—to overcome our self-doubts and the doubts we may have about our neighbor; to meet hard-heartedness with the tenderness and mercy that is a gift of the Spirit. Sign up at: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/lent-2025/

 

Recommended YouTube Video: Lenten Meditative Music

 

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time_C - The Truth of the Matter_030225

Photo- Dalia at Enders Island, Connecticut

  

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The Truth of The Matter”

 

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

 

Do you recall the 1963 movie, “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World? It was a farcical comedy that brought some levity into our relatively simple lives back then. Today it seems that movie title all too accurately describes the world we are now living in: Mad... Mad... Mad. Confirmation of this can be found by putting on the evening news.

 

We all witness vast corruption and scandal in our world and in our church; we see political divisions and factions in a constant state of tension with both sides yelling and no one listening; we see families in distress because of broken relationships, drug and alcohol addictions, and a new alienation caused by the proliferation of technology that places in our hands the entire spectrum the good, the bad and the ugly for all to peruse and make their choice. We are indeed living in incredible times, the best and the worst as Dickens would say.

 

Today’s readings provide guidance on the choices we face. There is a clear recognition that the world has a different standard by which to measure success than we find in the teachings of Jesus. We all know the standards for success the world embraces... The world is enthralled with power and success with all its entrapments such as, fame, fortune, the display of extravagant wealth and the lifestyle that goes along with it. The world rewards succeed regardless of the costs and no matter what principles or people have to be compromised along the way. Isn’t it interesting how easily the faults of the rich and the famous are overlooked? People with these qualities will rise to the top and stay there. Yes, they are driven individuals who will succeed no matter the cost.

 

Today’s gospel lays out a dramatically different standard for Jesus’ disciples. It is a very simple standard. It is one Jesus observed in the beauty of nature. “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.” This is pure wisdom by which we can measure the integrity of those attempting to gain influence in our lives.

 

We are at a critical point in the history of the world. There are many powerful voices seeking to influence our spiritual, political, and economic lives. How do we decide what voices to listen to; how do we know what people to support for political office; what standard can we rely upon to help us navigate the world of commerce upon which we depend for our security, comfort, and quality of life?

 

The lesson from nature, and Jesus, is simple. Look at the fruit! “You don’t get figs from thorn bushes; you don’t gather grapes from brambles.” What kind of fruit are we producing?

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com for a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer.

 

OTHER RESOURCES

Recommended Reading: Looking for a good read this Lent? Try “Life of the Beloved” by Henri Nouwen.

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  The Taylor Marshall Show - The Catholic View of the End Times and Tribulation.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C - Be the Change_102325

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Be The Change”

 

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

 

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the great spiritual leaders of the twentieth century, lived and advised others seeking a better world to: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

 

Twenty centuries earlier an itinerant preacher and prophet encouraged his followers to take a different approach to the wickedness of the world. It was a radical approach then... just as it was in Gandhi’s day; it was not just the road less traveled, but rather the road that had been inconceivable until Jesus introduced it. The ancient patterns of behavior of seeking revenge; the old “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” order of the day mentality needed to give way to a new mindset, a new way of resolving differences. Jesus and Ghandi both understood this. In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches some new and innovative ways on how to rise above the vicious and prevalent injustices of the time with this new teaching... “Offer no resistance to one who is evil” and “turn the other cheek.” Does this mean to yield to evil? Not at all!

 

Jesus’ radical new prescription to eradicate the plagues of hatred and discrimination is to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Gandhi’s advice is similar. We are to introduce positive changes in the world by the ways in which we engage the world.... through the way of love, by showing compassion to those who are suffering, and forgiveness to those who have hurt us. Of course, this is much easier said than done.

 

There is a story told about the days following the North’s victory over the South in America’s Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln was being pressured by many of his generals and his politicians to completely destroy the Confederacy, to exact revenge on the enemies of the Union once and for all. Lincoln’s answer was classic. He responded to those calling for the annihilation of the South with these reconciling words: “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends”? Lincoln understood very well that violence only begets more violence. The cycle never ends. How could it in the absence of a new mindset, a new vision that lifts the victim and the vanquished to a higher level of social and moral consciousness?

 

Lincoln’s attitude toward reconciliation between the North and the South may have contributed to an attitude that perhaps helped fashion America’s treatment of our enemies in the twentieth century when, after the Second World War, the Marshall Plan sent massive humanitarian aid to Europe in order to lay the foundation for a world able to reconcile differences through mutual respect and an orderly process of dialogue rather than mutual destruction.

 

Embracing a new way of responding to problems that give rise to the endless cycle of violence that ravages peoples, cultures, and societies is a critical component of our faith. Through the Prophet Moses the Lord told his people to “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” We are called to be holy as God is holy. Therefore, violence and revenge are not options. There is no better advocate for those who choose to follow in his footsteps than Christ who became a victim for us all and who suffered torture and death at the hands of violent people in order to show us the way of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.

 

Let us take Christ’s words to heart and strive to put them into practice by “turning the other cheek” when others choose the way of violence and also by praying for those who do so.

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com for a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer.

 

OTHER RESOURCES

Recommended Reading: Life is CHANGED, Not ENDED by Fr Robin Ryan, CP. Beginning with its anthropological foundations, Fr. Ryan explores the development of Christian eschatology—the consideration of the "last things," our anticipation of our "joyful hope" as the liturgy says. Working his way through Scripture, the Christian tradition, and modern theology, Ryan ends with a reflection on Julian of Norwich's teaching about hope grounded in the love of God as exemplified by the passion of Christ, and considering the mystery of suffering. A great read during our upcoming Lenten Season.

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  The Taylor Marshall Show - The Catholic View of the End Times and Tribulation