How To Avoid Making the Stones Cry Out

Deacon Tom Writes

“How To Avoid Making The Stones Cry Out”

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 gather at the moment. Today the crowd gathers to welcome Jesus and to sing his praises. Why not? He has a good reputation in the minds people. Word of his good works has spread throughout the land. He is a healer, worker of miracles, and 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 big problem!

Word spreads of his arrival in the city to celebrate Passover with his friends; 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”. Jesus responds, “If they were to keep quiet, I tell you, the very stones would cry out”.

What a difference a few days can make. As Jesus stands before Pilate, 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. 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 presences 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 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 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 different 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 will surely help us in our effort to avoid making stones cry out!!!

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same

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. Low paying jobs with no benefits, the sparsely of full time employment, and the high cost of living have combined to 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 either.

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 fathers need to stand by his son who made a mistake and was man 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 father.

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. Mathew (Mt 18:22). Perhaps, if we practiced to forgive this many times….. we would become good at it, and things would change for the better!

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Image Credit:Act Of Forgiveness, after Giotto 1450 reproduction 

We've Got To Change Our Evil Ways!

Deacon Tom Writes,

“We’ve Got To Change Our Evil Ways!”

Third Sunday of Lent Year C

A tip of the hat to Carlos Santana for the melody that popped into my head while I was preparing today's reflection… In St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he recalls the history of the Jewish people and their wandering in the desert”. He reminds his listeners that while their ancestors were in the desert they, “all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink”… yet, they were “struck down in the desert” because their spiritual food did not change their evil desires”. Paul goes on to say that 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 understanding of Eucharist as our “spiritual food and drink” 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, are permanently changed and transformed into the “Mystical Body of Christ”? 

To live in the “Kingdom of God” that Jesus reveals requires that we make some significant changes to the way we think, in how we live our lives, and how we related and interact with one another”. The process of going about making these changes is known by various names but they all produce the same results… “repentance”, “change of heart”, “metanoia”. These are the traditional words used to describe the interior work we must do 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… the food we eat transforms us! In the Kingdom of God, if there is no transformation, there is no new life!

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, than 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. 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom 

The Enemy Within

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 will be the father of many nations, that his children will 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!!! 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 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 him daily. 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

Be With Me, Lord

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Be With Me Lord”

First Sunday of Lent, Year C

“Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble”. These words are from Psalm 91 that carries the heading “Security Under God’s Protection”. That’s solid advice to help get us started on the right foot this holy season. “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. Protect us from all our fears and anxieties… Keep us safe; watch over us; lead us; help us…to navigate the uncertainties and challenges that await us.

Think about our own experiences when problems arise. We turn to God in our time of need. That’s not unusual. It’s a wise person that asks for help before it’s too late! Jesus is a wise man and we see that he has a deep trust and confidence in God. He turns to God to support and sustain him during his ordeal in the desert as he confronts Satan. Luke hints at the source of Jesus’ confidence by telling us that Jesus did not go into the desert alone. Luke says he had a companion… that Jesus, “… was filled with the Holy Spirit” who reminded him that he was not alone during his temptation. The Holy Spirit was there throughout Jesus’ ministry as he revealed the Kingdom of God to the people of Israel and beyond. Jesus knew he could depend upon God to “Be with him” not only during his troubles but also, as he taught his disciples, God is with us “always”.

Lent is a very holy time to enrich our spiritual lives by deepening our relationship with God, to spend time developing and strengthening that relationship, as Jesus did, so that we have the confidence to know that God is always present, always willing to help us during the hard and sorrowful times and also to share our joy on the good days. That God is really present, that he really cares for us…. loves us more than we love ourselves is so often hard for us to believe; yet, it is true.

We come to this understanding by placing our hearts and minds in the presence of God and asking him… “Be with me, Lord”… now and forever.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Extreme Makeover

King David with harp -imgkid.com

Deacon Tom Writes ©

Extreme Makeover

Fifth Sunday of Lent Year B

One of the most passionate psalms we read in the Old Testament is Psalm 51 attributed to David. It’s the one we use today on this Fifth Sunday of Lent. David is tormented by his guild and wants to be freed from it. He wants it taken away and for him to be washed clean. Mindful of the damage he has done to Bathsheba, Uriah and his soldiers, to the people of Israel whom he shepherds on God’s behalf, and to himself, David turns to God and begs, “Create a clean heart in me, O God”.   Most of us can relate to David because we have been in his shoes. And we, like David, would like to have a fresh start, an “extreme makeover”, to renew and purify us through and through and, not in the least, to rid us of our guild, torment, and shame.

If we have been doing any introspection this Lent, we probably have encountered some of our flaws. That’s actually a good thing!  That’s one of the primary purposes of these forty days. But then comes more challenging tasks…. changing those bad behaviors that trouble us and gnat away at us…. And that’s very hard to do. It takes lot of time, effort, and resolve to change our habits and behaviors. Yet no matter how firm our resolve, we are going to need help, yes, help from above. So we turn to God and ask him to cleanse us, renew us, and give us a willing spirit to change our ways.

It is a fact of life that most of us carry around burdens from the past. In this we can easily identify with David. We find his failure in the Second Book of the Prophet Samuel, Chapter 11. When Nathan, the Prophet, confronts David with his sin, David turns to God where he finds forgiveness and comfort in the compassion of God.  And so can we. Sinners that we are, God is always seeking to create a clean heart in us so and to renew our weary spirits so that we can grow in his love and share in the joy of his salvation.  These last few weeks of Lent give us ample opportunity to confront our shortcomings and defects so that we can join in the Easter celebration as people who have been given a special blessing, an “extreme makeover” from the hands of God who loves us beyond our wildest imagination. Renewed and set right with God, we will then be eager to enter into the new life that lies ahead.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

A Tough Nut To Crack

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                                           Deacon Tom writes ©

A Tough Nut To Crack

First Sunday of Lent Year B

The word “Contrition” comes from the Latin word contritio, meaning a breaking of something hardened…  Like our attitudes, perhaps?  We all become hardened to one degree or another by our life experiences. A homeless person will approach us on the street and ask for some change and we refuse him. We justify our actions in many different ways… They need to get a job…They will only buy booze… Those panhandlers make loads of money! …Etc. If only we were in their shoes for a little while, how our attitudes would change.

That is exactly what the Season of Lent is all about. It is a time to make some changes in our attitudes. And our attitudes can only change when we take steps to change the focus of our life.

I don’t think many of us enter Lent looking to do a complete makeover of our lives. Most of us know that even small changes in our behavior are very difficult to make. Just try to stop smoking or go on a low cholesterol diet!  We find out then how making small changes really impacts many other facets of our lives.

Maybe that’s why we approach Lent so cautiously. We are afraid to go messing around with some of those attitudes that need to be adjusted. Let’s face it; it is easier to give up a meal here and there than to try reaching out to a co-worker who is always making our lives miserable. It is much easier to say a Rosary than to say I forgive you to someone who has hurt us in the past.  Yet, Lent is the perfect time to look deeply into our lives and honestly confront those areas where change is needed.  Perhaps we need to be more forgiving of ourselves and others.  Maybe we need to be more appreciative of what others do for us, more thankful for the gifts we have, kinder with our words when we things aren't going our way.  If we just take the time to reflect on the events of the day and how we responded to them, I am sure our eyes would be opened to some of the changes we could make to improve our attitudes so that we could become better persons and more Christ like in the process.  

During these next forty days, let’s ask God for his grace that calls us to a spirit of “Contrition” so he may help us in our efforts to breakdown any and all of those attitudes that keep us separated from His love, mercy, and compassion.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom