SHUTDOWN Wisdom and Antidotes

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Terry and John

This was one of those days when the daily readings jumped off the page. In less that twenty-four hours after the President’s address about a government shutdown, here is what appeared. And also, what struck us about each reading.

From John 4:11-18

God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him… There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and one who fears in not yet perfect in love.

When we face a SHUTDOWN, whether it is of government services, a relationship, a store in the mall, or a vital organ in a loved one’s body –what is our immediate response? Panic, fear, anger? This passage reminds us to look at our capacity to love in such a situation. “Maybe, I am not perfect in love!” becomes an important insight.  And, “How can I love all the persons being impacted in this situation?” is an important next step.

From Psalm 72:1-2

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you… [Because God] shall have pity for the lowly and the poor.

Do we have more confidence about God’s loving intervention in our individual lives, than we do in God’s love for our whole nation? Do we seek the aid of our patron saint, Mary? Do we believe that Jesus is redeeming our country, even now? Do we praise Jesus for his love for our nation?

From Mark 6:45-52

[Jesus] saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them… [So] he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass them by… [But] they had all seen him and were terrified… [His response was] ‘Take courage it is I.”

Jesus is like the mother of a sick child, who listens as the door in the middle of the night to be sure that her baby is well. Jesus is paying attention when we are in trouble. He is close at hand. Our wellness, whether it is physical, emotional or political, is part of his redemptive desires for the human race. Do we strive to see him more clearly? Do we offer Jesus our nation? Do we serve the common good in ways that are aligned with Gospel values?

So let us seek and praise God together.

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Behold! Our Emmanuel Comes!

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Terry and John

Christ is born! Christ has died! Christ is Risen! Christ will come again! This is what we proclaim.

But who cares? And how do we invite others to care along with us? Who is interested in remembering a few questionable historic moments from so long ago? And who can warm up to this final statement? Doesn’t it sound like a fairy tale or a science fiction extravaganza?

Maybe, we can share a closer look. Perhaps, we can ask another’s response to one or more of these questions. Then share each ending statement, prefaced by, “I believe that….”

Christ is born. What babies have you experienced close up? What difference did one baby make? What do you known about your birth, about abortion, pregnancy or welcoming a new child? God chose and chooses to enter each reality through the birth of Jesus.

Christ has died. Maybe there aren’t crucifixions on the edge of your town. But death still surround us: from starvation, war, disease, catastrophes, poverty, even loneliness. Which kind of death threatens you most? Jesus dies beside each victim. Jesus holds each person in his arms during every final gasp for air.

Christ is risen. Can you imagine such an incomprehensible reversal of everything we know about the end of the human body? How can this be true? The Holy Spirit can help. “Jesus once said to St. Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Then Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:27-28)

Christ will come again. Will Jesus come marching on the clouds, blotting out the sun; or on the heels of a perishing earth –ravaged by climate catastrophes? But wait. Have you ever experienced Jesus coming as your Emmanuel, as God-with-us? Whether you answer YES or NO, Jesus comes today and again tomorrow. Let Christ be born in you now. Let him share all of your deaths. Let Jesus raise you up to holiness, again and again. Let Jesus come. Then, acknowledge his ultimate coming, when the last AGAIN is written in large letters for all of creation.

 

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Eliminate Clutter from Evangelizing Efforts

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Terry and John

Ever take a photo without paying attention to what is behind your subject? The picture might include distracting clutter, a house plant growing out of someone’s head, or odd colored walls. It can be the same when you don’t see what influences and surrounds your evangelizing efforts.

Perhaps you would like to engage someone in a spiritual conversation, or offer your extended family a few religious carols at a Christmas meal. Maybe your desire is to pray with someone in need, or to include a brief sharing about Jesus during a parish event. Here are some background beliefs that can give a sharper, uncluttered focus to evangelizing efforts.

  1. God is always present to every person and has become incarnate in Jesus Christ who is Emmanuel, God with us. We do not bring Jesus, but join him, where he is already present in another’s live.
  2. Every human heart is made with an inner space that only God can fill. Every person is like a sheep who has the potential to recognize the One who holds the key to inner happiness.
  3. Focus on God’s unfailing love, even when someone is in trouble or not a regular church-goer. Remember, if he or she has received the sacraments, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit continues to offer opportunities for encounters with Jesus.
  4. As humans, we need to see, hear and experience God’s love, especially through another believing person. So, do not deprive others of the flesh and blood encounters they need to grasp God’s presence.
  5. The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of evangelization and will intervene, especially as we engage in ongoing prayer for others. So, let the Spirit enkindle an awareness of the call to evangelize with spiritual compassion, and an honesty that reflects the true reality of who God is for us.
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