Fifth Sunday of Lent_B - 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

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Image Credit: Pinterest.com - Sermon on the Mount.catholicism.org

Deacon Tom Writes, 

Free To Choose

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Jeremiah is teaching the people about simple holiness that leads one to a life of happiness and a sense of security and well-being in the Lord. He uses some vivid images contrasting two opposing ways of life- the holy and the wretched. “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings… (whose) heart turns away from the Lord.”  Why would one turn their back on the all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful Lord of all and follow a stumbling fool walking in the dark? Not a good thing, Jeremiah says, for such a person is “like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season.”

 

On the other hand, the blessed person “is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream…its leaves stay green; in the year of drought, it shows no distress, but still bears fruit”. Seems rather a simple choice, doesn’t it? 

 

Jesus also uses contrasting ways of life in today’s readings from St. Luke’s account of the Beatitudes to teach about a life of holiness and blessedness on the one hand and a life of misery and woes on the other. We learn that blessedness is a state of being; it is an attitude with which we go through life. Being blessed is our state of mind when we realize that we can never be satisfied with the things of this world. Being blessed is not about what we have or don’t have, it is about knowing what constitutes the important things in life and choosing them: good relationships, simple living, humility, a prayerful spirit. 

 

Our readings today cause us to stop and evaluate our lives by looking to see how we are living them. Are our lives healthy and vibrant because we are rooted in virtuous living? Or are we going through a desert experience and withering away? The difference, I suspect, is what emphasis we place on God in our lives. The more God-centered our life, the more blessed we will be, in our hunger for the things that matter, in our finding comfort in our times of sorrow, in our persevering through our daily trials and struggles. 

 

Today’s readings would have us consider the quality of our spiritual lives based upon the path that we choose. Are our lives flourishing like a tree planted by a stream, fully alive, deep-rooted, a full canopy providing shade and comfort for those around us or, are we withered up and dying of thirst, rotting from the inside out as we go about our lives. It's our choice! Today we hear Saint Paul make the case that we have much to lose by choosing the wrong path as he reminds us that .... “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is in vain; we are still in our sins…. And if for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all.” 

 

May we know in our hearts the simple truth that God has called us to the fullness of life in this world and in the next. By his grace we will make the right choice. 

 

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: A Reason to Believe, A Personal Story by Lawyer Ron Tesoriero of his fascinating journey in pursuit of answers. Following the trail of the blood of Christ through history and through science he also encounters Eucharistic miracles, the Shroud of Turin, The Sudarium of Oviedo and a vial of “the blood of Christ” taken at the time of the crucifixion now in Bruges, Belgium, in search for the DNA of Christ.

 

Recommended YouTube Video:  The Eucharistic Miracle of Buenos Aires

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time_C - Depart From Me, Lord_02092025

Image credit: Miraculous draught of fishes by Raphael

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Depart From Me, Lord”

 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

 

Simple amazement at catching a boatload of fish overwhelms Peter and gives him some insight into the person of Jesus. But Peter’s initial reaction is to resist Jesus telling him, “Depart from me, Lord.” Luke is the only Evangelist to record this episode from the early days of Jesus’ ministry and yet, this brief story speaks volumes not only about Peter’s call to serve God but our own as well. Like Isaiah in our first reading, we are very reluctant to put our shoulder to the task, claiming the obvious excuse that we are not worthy. And like Peter, we too often brush Jesus off or tell him to “hit the road.” To some extent, these are natural responses. We all know that we are sinners and can parrot Peter’s confession before the Lord, “I am a sinful man.” But God is patient, a characteristic essential for anglers, who casts out his line and waits for something to happen.

 

That waiting on God’s part is our to say yes to his invitation to divine life. God is calling us constantly from the day of our birth. He is calling us to be good children as we begin to form our consciences; he calls us to be good students and to learn about the wonders of the universe he has created; he calls us to build healthy, positive relationships with one another. God calls us into an intimate relationship with him through a sacramental life that nourishes us and draws us close to him through marriage and family life or as individuals who embrace a life of celibacy and or call the Holy Orders. God calls us into service to one another by the vocations that we choose: fireman, lawyer, teacher, janitor, soldier or those who profess vows as religious sisters or brothers, or as clergy be it as priest or deacon. We are all called to a specific task God has for us also, a task that only we can fulfill. And, our calling is not a one-time event. We are called each and every moment to live our lives faithfully by doing those things we have been called to do. We are especially called to be the best mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends we can be to one another, for family is a calling that is special to God. It is through family life that God reveals the dynamic love of the Holy Trinity and enables us to share in God’s divine essence.

 

Today we reflect on the call that we have received from God and thank him for the love he has for each and every one of us. Yes, we are unworthy and we know that, but so does God. And do you know what? He doesn’t care! He loves us beyond our sinfulness, and he desires that we love him in return. And so, as we look forward to another day, another precious gift from God, let us keep these words from St. Paul to the Ephesians in our thoughts:

 

“I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” Eph:  4:1

 

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 Shepherd who Didn't Run by Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda is the enduring story of Fr. Stan Rother, the martyr from Okarche, who loved, served and was martyred in the village of Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala serving among God's humble people. A truly remarkable and timely story about America's First martyr.

 

Recommended YouTube Video: An Ordinary Martyr: The Life and Death of Blessed Stanley Rother

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord_C - My Messenger_020225

 

Deacon Tom Writes,

“My Messenger”

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Year A

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” as the saying goes. In today’s first reading the Prophet Malachi speaks of another messenger whose anticipated arrival was awaited with much desire by the Jewish people. Malachi writes that this mysterious person will be pleasing to the Lord and will purge every tinge of imperfection from his priests and his people. He will fulfill the covenant and be swift to judge with justice. Malachi writes that “You will find him in the temple”.

 

While our Christmas season has faded into the past, our feast today celebrates the Jewish ritual in which the first-born male born was presented in the Temple as a sacred offering to the Lord. What a thought! The most precious gift we receive from God is symbolically offered back to the Lord, the source of all that we have… and all that we are.

 

How our faith really challenges us! God’s messenger, God’s Word, God’s revelation of himself to his creation was manifested in such a fully recognizable and human experience, a child….  a vulnerable, needy, dependent, infant in whom lies the salvation of a broken world.

 

The Feast we celebrated today calls to mind our need to present ourselves to the Lord; that we are called to offer our very being and the work of our hands to do what God asks of us in bringing about the Kingdom of God here in our time, where we work and live and go about our daily tasks.

 

Jesus enters into the human family in an ordinary way, subjects himself to the rites and rituals of the Jewish faith in order to fully embrace our human condition. Throughout his ministry, Jesus continues to draw closer to the Father and discerns what is God’s Will for him. And, by so doing, Jesus becomes for us the “The Way, the Truth and the Life.”

 

The Prophets Simeon and Anna tell Jesus’ wonder struck parents somewhat of the foreboding road that lies ahead… there will be challenges for their child to overcome, there will be pain and suffering for him and them, too. Isn’t that the story of life? Perhaps that’s why God’s Messenger begins his story where we all do, an infant. May our journey through this life, like Jesus’ follow the path God has laid out for us. And may we follow his example and place our hope and trust in him.

 

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:  Christian Mystics - Their lives and Legacies throughout the Ages by Ursula King Introduces sixty men and women whose great devotion and mystical relation to God transformed the times in which they lived and continues to affect our search for spirituality today.

 

Recommended Podcast: 3 Stages of the Spiritual Life according to the Catholic Saints. A look at the lives of those who wrote extensively and contributed greatly to the spirituality of the Catholic Church? This video will explore some of the thoughts of St Teresa of Avila, St John of the Cross, St Catherine of Siena, St Francis de Sales and St Bernard of Clairvaux.

 

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time_C - One in Christ_012625

  

Image: http://religion-cults.com/metanoia/cristo-cuerp-m.jpg

Deacon Tom Writes,

“One in Christ”

 

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

 

The devastation caused by natural disasters that currently devastate the Las Angeles area or the recent floods in the northeast, the sufferings of those traumatized by war in the Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, the famine in may African countries, the fear on the faces of children with bellies swollen from hunger and disease, these images  have simply overwhelmed our senses. We just can’t take in the misery and suffering we witness day to day. In many respects we have become all too familiar with it all. It is painful to watch this suffering unfold, for, the truth is, our minds simply cannot grasp the horrific misery many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are enduring at this very moment. Worse, we may have even become indifferent to it. Consider what the Syrian people have experienced these many years. I know they have been forgotten or rather displaced by the suffering of other peoples whose situation is equally dire or, imaginable as it may seem, even worse...the Uyghurs, the Afghans, the Rohingya or the Yemenis. It is virtually impossible to comprehend the millions of people who are on the verge of starvation in these and many other places around the world! Then again imagine what it is like to lose everything you own in an instant when a tornado rips through your home or the nearby wild fire blazes over the hilltop and consumes everything in sight, everything you have worked your whole life for and perhaps even a loved one. Yes, these are horrific images that overwhelm us and perhaps we can’t even bare to look at them. Yet, St. Paul tells us the reason we Christians feel the pain that others are experiencing is because we believe that we are all part of the one Body of Christ. “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it” St. Paul reminds us in today’s reading. Are we feeling the pain that our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing today?

 

St. Paul recognized that we are intimately united with one another when we enter into a relationship with Christ. His experience while on his way to Damascus to persecute those early followers of Christ helped formed this understanding. Recall the events of the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 9, when Saul was blinded by a bright light and fell to the ground. He heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me”? When Saul asked who was speaking to him, he heard the response, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Saul must have felt totally bewildered. He was on a mission to put an end to that fledgling group of Jesus’ followers, NOT to encounter this Jesus who was already dead. But after this profound encounter with Jesus, the newly transformed bounty hunter would become one of Christ’s greatest witnesses. And one of his many contributions to our faith is what he understood to be this Mystical Body of Christ that we read about today.

 

Because we Christians believe that we share this mystical union with one another through Christ, all of us suffer any and each time someone else suffers physically, mentally, or emotionally, whether the cause is natural or the result of our own violent, aggressive and misguided activities. Yes, we are all aware of the suffering and misery that thrives in our world today. And how are we as Christians to respond to the afflictions of refugees, or the victims of war…AIDS…poverty…injustice, etc. that ravage our brothers and sisters in Christ, all of whom, we believe, are made in the image and likeness of God? Certainly, financial support is essential for food, medical supplies, and disease control. These items are most essential. But also, we cannot overlook our spiritual contributions – prayer, fasting and time spent reflecting on how the suffering of people around the world is bound up with Our Lord’s redemptive suffering that frees us from death and restores us to everlasting life. In the end we need both the material and the spiritual contributions to help alleviate the suffering of so many people. Doing our small part will help us better understand ourselves as the mystical body and provide much needed assistance to those in need. And, therein lies tremendous hope for our broken and troubled world.

 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

 

 

Please Visit www.deaconspod.com  and listen in as Paulist Fathers Deacon Affiliates engage in a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those thinking of coming into or leaving it.

 

OTHER RESOURCES

 

Recommended Reading:  Life is Changed, Not Ended: An Introduction to Christian Eschatology by Robin Ryan  Beginning with its anthropological foundations, Robin 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.

 

Recommended Podcast: Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast with Colleen Thomas & Mark Dannenfelser. Episode 12/03/2023 with Fr. Greg Boyle - Fr. Greg Boyle: Everybody is Unshakably Good. No Exceptions.