Tag Archives: jesus

Gaudete Means Rejoice!

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,
This is Gaudete Sunday, and Gaudete means rejoice! In the midst of our dark season of anticipation and recognizing our need for a savior, we rejoice that He is coming.
Some people, of course, will not feel like rejoicing. They are going through a very hard time, and they are focusing on coping and surviving. Even in the midst of struggles, there is a meaning and a hope that cannot be taken away. “We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13).” When we suffer loss, we still grieve, but along with grief we have
hope, and the hope keeps us from getting crushed. When grief is intense, it can be hard to feel hope, but we know it is there. Our suffering is real, but not the final word.
I’ve mentioned before how St. Paul wrote a very joyful letter to the Philippians when he was living under harsh conditions. He did also have his crabby days (we see this in the letter to the Galatians). It is clear he had a full range of emotions and was quite honest about
them, but his disposition, his general approach to life was joyful. I suggest that this had to do with a deep awareness that both the good and the bad he faced were parts of a journey to his ultimate destination, which would be infinitely worth all the trials (Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight
of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).” We remember that what he called “momentary light affliction” was years and years of trials that would
crush many people.
We remember joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The Holy Spirit helps us attend to the bigger picture, in which God is doing wonderful things, and that what we are enduring is worth the journey.
If we exude joy that is authentic, even in difficult times, that bears witness that the power of the Gospel is greater than the evils of the world.
So today is a day to rejoice for all those who can, and there is much to rejoice about. For those who are overwhelmed with pain, grief, stress or other troubles so they cannot feel good about anything right now, they can know (even if they can’t feel) that the pain is
walking with Jesus, and this walking with Jesus is noble and fruitful in growing treasure in heaven. It is a gift that can be offered to Jesus, and one that He holds precious.
Whatever the situation, today we remember especially that what holds us down is no match for the One who is coming.
Blessings,
Fr. Jim 

Edit

All reactions:

19Thomas Ketchum, Angie Terry and 17 others

Road Construction for the Soul

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,

Our first reading for the Second Sunday of Advent is from Baruch talking to Israelites in exile. He talks about smoothing the roads “For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God (Baruch 5:7).” This is about Israel coming back from exile and doing so in safety.

Our sins exile us from God and from each other. They close our minds and hearts to His goodness, and we need Jesus to bring us back. In our Gospel in Luke 3 we see a text similar to Isaiah 40:3-4 being repurposed to the work of John the Baptist preparing for the coming of Jesus.

During the season of Advent, we are called to prepare the way of the Lord, first Jesus coming to us and then smoothing the path of Jesus to others, removing obstacles.

Critical point: we need a lot of clearing of obstacles. We tend to underestimate how seriously our obstacles are holding us back.

Jesus warns us not to be complacent. It is so easy to let our trust in the promises of God fade and trust more and more the promises of the world. “He passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He answered them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter, but not be strong enough (Luke 13:22-24).’” We notice some things. First Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, which is on His way to the Cross. Luke 9:51 references His going to Jerusalem and tells us He is on His way to His death, the terrible price He will pay for our salvation. If you keep reading, Jesus tells a very sad story of someone who doesn’t make it and is surprised. Can anyone read this teaching, take it seriously, and still believe that their salvation can be taken for granted and that we can coast into heaven? I suggest He is telling us the opposite, and we need to be payingfull attention, for heaven’s sake (yes, for heaven’s sake).

This suggests to me that we need all the help we can get. I would say it does not mean we are to be in a constant state of fear, but to a love that drives out fear (1 John 4:18). However, St. Paul gives us a different model of attentive focus. 1 Corinthians 9 compares discipleship to training as an Olympic athlete. Serious athletes, it

seems to me, don’t live in fear (that burns energy uselessly) but drive themselves because they are determined, and seek everything that can give them the fullest advantage possible. Everything that holds them back has got to go, because that can make the difference between winning and losing.

During this Advent, how can we find some time to reflect? What sinful habits are holding us back? What are not themselves sins but set us up to commit sin? What are distractions that lead us to lose focus? How can we smooth the highway for Jesus to come into our

hearts?

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Hope

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,

We have begun the season of Advent, and that is the season of hope. Pope Francis has designated 2025 as a Jubilee year, and the theme is Pilgrims of Hope. It will begin December 24 with the opening of the holy doors at St. Peter’s Basilica.

If we are going through bad times, we need to believe there is something on the other side that will make it worth it. Otherwise we will likely be crushed. I suggest there are many people today who are crushed, depressed, and despairing because they found no

reason for hope. Sharing the Gospel brings the gift of hope to a world in despair.

At the priests’ conference, we were reminded that Christian hope is different from worldly hope. Worldly hope is basically a wish, like “I hope there will be good weather this weekend.” It might happen, or it might not, and it is always temporary. We might have good weather this weekend but bad weather the next. When “our” side wins the election, we know, if we understand the history, that our side will almost certainly lose an election in the future. Christian hope is based on the faithful promise of God. Of course, God did

not promise a life free of troubles, but called is to carry the cross, and promised to be with us. God’s promise involves salvation and a more abundant life. Even in hard times, if our lives have deep meaning and we have strong hope, we can find joy.

Our first reading is from Jeremiah, and he had a very hard life, but did not give up hope. St. Paul knew a great deal of hardship because if his service to the Gospel, but he was able to teach hope and joy with great confidence.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access [by faith] to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, for the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us (Romans 5:1-5).”

The letter to the Philippians can teach us much. He wrote it in prison (a very nasty place), but this letter exudes a powerful joy because his relationship with God was stronger than his circumstances: “I am confident of this, that the one who began the good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).” And also: “It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus]. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14).”

This letter is a good resource during Advent, and is worth getting to know.

Our hope is part of how we prepare the way of the Lord.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Christ the King

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,
This is the Feast of Christ the King! This is the culmination of the Liturgical year, and the happy ending to the great story of life, the universe and everything! Next week we begin the Year of Grace 2025. We will read a lot of the Gospel of Luke, and that has some powerful stories on hope for the sinner.
Pope Francis has said that it is time to strengthen and share hope, so the Jubilee year 2025 will be themed Pilgrims of Hope. Pilgrims are, by definition, on a journey, and so they focus in on a hoped-for destination. Our hope is in the Kingdom of God. We can hope for
good events happening now, but the goods of the earth all pass away. Civilizations rise and fall. We can build things and see them destroyed. The Kingdom is forever.
Our ultimate hope is for Jesus being seen by all as King of Kings, Lord of Lords. “Every knee shall bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (See Philippians 2:10-11).” At this time, all evil will be vanquished, all lies exposed, and justice will reign forever. If we ever get discouraged by world events, and how evil seems to be prospering, we remember
that it will lose in the end and goodness will win.
This is not, by the way, an excuse to be lackadaisical about building a better world now. First, our work to help those in need, defend the helpless, and lift up the lowly is part of our witness to the Gospel. We cannot evangelize if we are not reflecting God’s love with our actions. Second, if we are not doing this work, we are rejecting Christ and will be counted among those who do not know Him (if you doubt this, I challenge you to read Matthew 25
very carefully!).
Those who truly believe in the victory of Jesus can be an unstoppable force for good, because nothing in the world will discourage them. We might not live to see the fruit of our
labors, but Jesus said “One sows and another reaps (John 4:37).” If we try our best ten thousand times and fail ten thousand times, we are still doing the work of the Kingdom, and when the time comes, we will rejoice. Not only that, but we can rejoice now, in good times
and in bad, because the King is coming.
Blessings,
Fr. Jim 

S

Jesus is Coming

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,

Today we get into the Apocalyptic chapter of the Gospel of Mark. Matthew (chapter 24), Mark (14) and Luke (21) all have a chapter that starts with the destruction of the Temple, and winds up talking about the Second Coming of Jesus.

The destruction of the Temple would have been a horrible thought for Israelites. It was the center of their national identity and their relationship with God. Going to the temple was a sacred act, and there were hymns celebrating the trip (See Psalm 122). I saw a video of the tearing down of St. Jean’s church in Muskegon, a church that had been there since 1885.

Those who were attached to it were surely grieving. The destruction of the Temple would have been a far worse trauma. It had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 B. C., and Israel had ceased to be a nation for over a generation, being slaves in exile. The destruction of the Temple in A. D. 70 was also a huge trauma, and the letter to the Hebrews

spends a lot of time helping Jewish Christians on how to understand the faith in light of the destruction of the temple. The Gospel of John will teach powerfully, that Jesus is the new Temple, and we have everything we need.

A critical apocalyptic text is Daniel chapter 7. It speaks of “coming on the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man.” Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the Son of Man, and when interrogated by the high priest if He was the Messiah He said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven

(Mark 14:62).” The closer He got to the cross, the more open He was about His identity.

“Apocalypse” is from the Greek word for “removal of the veil.” “Revelation” is from the Latin equivalent. Apocalyptic literature will use strange images, and sometimes numbers to show the meaning of what is happening at the time. It is often written in times of persecution, and the basic message is that it may appear that God’s plan is failing, but if you could see past the veil of appearances, that plan is unrolling and on the path to success.

Therefore, however discouraging things are, don’t give up. However bad things get, don’t get slack. However corrupt other people become and how horribly they behave, we are called to be faithful. Remember that what we see is not all of reality, and not the best part. Our story is part of a much larger story. Even if civilization collapses, God will be able to do great things, and the kingdom will still be winning. Jesus said, “heaven and earth

will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31). Nothing of the earth is guaranteed. The truth of the Gospel is. Our job is to grow strong in our faith such that whatever happens, our faith in God will rule our lives.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Going the Second Step

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,

This weekend we see a man asking what to do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17-30). It’s a great question and Jesus gives him a two-part answer: first, let go of sins, second, let go of things that would be good in their place, but are holding him back from the kingdom.

This is part of the section of Mark between the stories of the healing of the two blind men (8:22-10). The first man was just called the blind man of Bethsaida; it takes Jesus two steps to heal him, and afterward he goes his way. The second story is about blind Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus; Jesus does it in one step, and ends with him following Jesus on His way. In between we see that to understand Jesus as Son of God centers around the cross. He came to serve, not be served, to suffer and die, not achieve worldly status through worldly means. Following Him does not guarantee worldly power, pleasure, wealth, and honor, but may actually require giving up those things, and even our lives, for the sake of treasure in heaven (See Mark 10:21). To see that is to see clearly, like blind Bartimaeus after he was healed. We see the disciples still don’t get it, as we see by their responses to Jesus’ prediction of the passion (Mark 8:32-33; 9:33-37; 10:35-37). They do not see clearly, like the blind man of Bethsaida after the first healing.

After this section of Mark, we go directly to the entry into Jerusalem and begin with Holy Week. Jesus is very close to His passion now, and that will color the dialog. When He is asked what is the greatest commandment of the law, His answer to love God and neighbor is understood in light of the cross. We remember that for Christians, love is not a feeling, but a gift of self, even to death. We read in John’s farewell discourse: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:12-13).” And then we are to follow in His footsteps.

“So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma (Ephesians 5:1-2).” “I urge you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).”

Learning this in the abstract is challenging enough. Learning it in practice is orders of magnitude harder. That is the challenge of the Christian life. As we go down that journey, reflecting on this section of Mark may help us to see more clearly how God is working in our lives.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Marriage: What is it and Why is it?

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,
For the last three weeks in our Sunday Gospels Jesus talks about children. When the disciples want to know who is most important, Jesus brings forth a child (Mark 9:30-37). When the disciples act out of jealousy toward someone not in their group, Jesus speaks in very strong terms about the seriousness of their example affecting children (Mark 9:36-48). When Jesus is asked about marriage, the next thing He talks about is receiving children and how “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” and how we need to learn from them (Mark 10:2-16). I think He’s trying to get our attention.
I have just finished a book called “Pro-Child Politics” by Kathy Faust. It is a series of chapters on various issues in which our society is sacrificing the well-being of children for the desires of adults. The chapters are written by experts in the field, and they are well written and heavily footnoted, so even if you don’t wind up agreeing with all the things that are said, this is a very
important addition to the conversation, and it will be worthwhile wrestling with the ideas. This week Jesus brings together the question of marriage and welcoming children.
There are currently two views of marriage available in conversation. There is the relational view, that sees marriage as affirming the relationship of the couple (or thruple?) based on their romantic feelings for each other that they label love. In this view, marriage can be anything you want. This is the commonly held view today, and often assumed to be the only one. The other is the conjugal view of marriage, which unites men and women to one another, and to any children they might create, which was the foundation of most of human civilization. It understands marriage as recognized by the government, ideally life long, sexual in nature, exclusive in nature, only two people.
There is a presentation on Formed.org “How to Talk about Marriage and Same Sex Unions” by Trent Horn. There are the books “Getting the Marriage Conversation Right” by William B. May and “What is Marriage?” by Sherif Girgis, Ryan T. Anderson, and Robert P George that make the case for the conjugal view of marriage, and give evidence that this is the best possible situation for a child to grow up in.
I would also suggest reading “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley (written in 1931, eerily prophetic). It describes a dystopian future in which family has been replaced by government, and children are a manufactured commodity. Also see “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, about the effects of smart phone use on childhood.
How often are children seen as a commodity to be produced, and accessory to one’s lifestyle?
It is important to prioritize the well-being of children not only because they are so vulnerable, but because they are going to be running things someday when we are in the nursing home.
The more they are able to learn virtue, empathy, emotional regulation, deferral of gratification, a sense of right and wrong and similar things, the less violent and more flourishing our society
will be. Notice this is not ruled by their feelings and desires, but a deeper sense of the good.
Where do we go from here?
Blessings,
Fr. Jim

Our Thinking and God’s Thinking

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) all relate Jesus giving three predictions of His passion. Today we read in Mark Jesus giving the second prediction of the passion,

and the apostles are clueless. After the first prediction and Peter’s pushback, Jesus says “You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do (Mark 8:33c).”

After the second prediction, the next concern of the Twelve is which one of them is the greatest. Jesus says, “whoever wishes to be first must be the last of all and the servant of all.” Jesus puts His arms around a child and says, “Whoever receives one such child in

my name receives me; and whoever receives me receives not me but the one who sent me (see Mark 10:35-37).”

After the third prediction, James and John start lobbying for the best spots in the kingdom. Jesus teaches that “whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the servant of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:43b-45).

We notice that all the apostles are seen not to understand, but Peter, James, and John are especially highlighted. They were in inner circle, the ones who got to witness the extra special things. They witness the little girl getting raised (Mark 5:47), the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2), and the agony in the garden (Mark 14:33). St. Paul said they were considered “pillars” of the faith community (Galatian 2:9). It appears the closer one gets to Jesus and the higher one gets in the Church the more one gets humbled.

Consider the contrast between God’s way of thinking and human ways of thinking. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my

thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).”

I would connect this to living according to the Spirit and living according to the flesh. “It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life (John 6:63).” See Romans 8 and Galatians 5 for some expanded treatment. We see that the way of the world is seeking one’s own advantage and centering one’s life on power, pleasure wealth and honor. The way of God is focused on giving oneself in love. A leader is a servant leader. The one’s who should get our greatest concern are the powerless and most helpless. Those trapped in poverty, the disabled, those incapacitated by age and infirmity, children, especially unborn children (whose rights and dignity are

currently under attack), and others like them must never be forgotten.

But what we are talking about is not just a collection of activities, but a completely different way of thinking. As we reflect on these teachings, how do they challenge how we approach life?

Blessings

Fr Jim

Warning: a Cross

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,
Saturday, we celebrate the Exaltation of The Cross, and Sunday, we read of Jesus predicting His passion. This section of Mark (8:22-10) is all about the cross, about Jesus preparing to carry it and teaching that His followers will have to follow with a cross as well. People are very slow to get it. Three times He will explain that He will be rejected and put to death, and Mark emphasizes that immediately afterward, the apostles show they don’t get it. We are accustomed to talking about the cross in theory, but it is harder to accept in practice. Jesus had just cured a blind man, but it took two tries. After the first try, the blind man could see, but not clearly (people looked like walking trees). After the second try, he could see clearly. Those who thought Jesus was just a teacher and wonder worker are people who can see, but not clearly. I’ve found some who seem to see themselves as customers in the Church rather than coworkers in mission, and they cooperate (maybe) if they get things the way they want them. They can see, but not clearly. I’ve asked practicing Catholics, “why is it a good thing to be a practicing Catholic Christian?” and would get some answers like, “I get a good feeling on Sunday morning,” or “It is good to get together with the people,” or “it gives moral guidance.” These are people who see, but not clearly.
In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote an essay called “The Crisis.” It began, “THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.”
Given what is happening in the world and what is happening in the Church, I think it is a safe bet that being Church is not going to get easier any time soon. It fact, it will likely get less convenient, more challenging, and require more people to step up beyond what they are accustomed to. Those whose faith is shallow shall very possibly wander away, as have so many before. Those who remain, however, will be more prepared than ever to rise to the level of heroism to which God calls His saints. I see my job as preparing people so that more will endure, and then they will be more prepared for the rebuild.
If following Jesus becomes harder, will you still follow? If it becomes a lot harder?
If being Church becomes harder, will you still do it? If it becomes much harder?
God is calling us to greatness.
Blessings,
Fr. Jim

Bread of Life: What is God Doing?

Leave a reply

Dear Folks,Every three years our lectionary takes us through the Bread of Life discourse in the Gospel of John. Having just finished the Eucharistic Congress, continuing the Eucharistic revival, we are presented with five weeks of following John chapter 6.I’m going to challenge everyone to take advantage of this time.1. Present yourself to God to be changed by this journey. You can imagine that the disciples were changed by this day. In the Eucharistic prayer, I pray for the Holy Spirit to transform the bread and wine, then I pray that the Holy Spirit will transform us.2. Reflect on the Gospel story throughout the week. All four Gospels relate the feeding of 5000 families with five loaves and two fish. Matthew and Mark also tell the story of feeding 4000 with seven loaves and a few fish. We are really familiar with thisstory. What would it be like for the disciples, who had no idea what was about to happen? The Gospels reveal special treasures when we look at them more closely, and this is especially true of the Gospel of John. I suggest that each sentence is importantand has a purpose. What might it be?3. Try to do some extra learning. If you have not yet read Brant Pitre’s book “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist,” Bishop Robert Barron’s “This is my Body,” Scott Hahn’s “The Fourth Cup” or “The Lamb’s Supper,” or any of Timothy O’Malley’s books, this might be an opportunity. On Formed.org there is great stuff.4. The talks from the Eucharistic congress are available on YouTube. There is so much that can be done so easily. Those of us who weren’t able to make it in person can participate to that extent. What if you and a group of friends watch a talk and then discuss it afterward?5. We remember that the Eucharist is about gift of self. The Lord gives Himself to us completely in this intimate encounter, and we are learning to give ourselves. What if we asked the question, “If Jesus could get whatever He wanted of me today, what might it be?” What if we let that question percolate in our minds for a while?6. What if we spent some extra time in front of the tabernacle or the monstrance. We remember that the Eucharist is not a thing but a person, the person of Jesus. As we focus on His presence, He is ever aware of our presence. He is watching you. Now. Yes, now.7. After we receive communion, let us go forth from Mass remembering that Jesus is within us. How does that awareness change how we act?I challenge you to do something different. Something. Anything. How can we open a new door in our minds and hearts to let Jesus in more deeply?

Blessings,

Fr. Jim