I Firmly Resolve

It is that time of year again when people pull out their “goal” for the next year. Most people call it a resolution. Others seem to call it a false promise to yourself. When we think about New Year’s Resolutions, we usually set a lofty goal that will, in some shape or form, work towards our benefit. People join a gym, buy exercise equipment, or research diets in order to “live healthier in 2013.” As a personal trainer, my first job at a gym was set to begin January 1st a few years back. That was my first job offer. The “resolution” to live healthy or get in shape is so prominent that I was going to get paid (very well) to help people commit to their goal.
We all know, however, that many resolutions are often too lofty and unattainable. Perhaps 365 days is to big of a measure for a goal and we need to focus on shorter terms. I would always make short programs for my clients—-about 3 weeks in length. Rather than focusing on the long term goal of losing 15 pounds over the course of 12 weeks, I would set up short term, easily attainable goals: Week 1. I will motivate myself to go to the gym this week by laying out my gym clothes each night before I go to sleep; Week 2. I will master the technique of Exercise A and B this week; Week 3. I will work out an extra day this week by doing something fun—rock climbing, playing basketball, etc. The list of weekly goals would continue. By the 12th week, not only would the client enjoy their workout routine and want to continue it, but many would find that they lost more weight or gained more muscle than they anticipated.
The same thing is true in our resolutions of faith, namely our resolve to “go and sin no more” after we confess our sins in reconciliation. There are different versions of our “Act of Contrition,” but the one I was taught growing up includes the phrase, “I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do my penance, and amend my life…” That is an extremely attainable resolution, if we take it little by little. Let us make a different kind of New Year’s resolution for 2013. Let’s start with getting right with the Lord through confession. Whether it has been a week or 40 years, let us resolve to 1. confess our sins; 2. do our penance; and 3. Amend our lives. It can be done, little by little, and by the time we look at the scale of our spiritual weight, we fill find that our faith has become much stronger than we originally set out for.

Sorry, Bo Peep!

“Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture…” The Lord sends us all a wake up call with the readings this week. First we hear from Jeremiah as he informs his listeners of the Lord’s faithfulness to his flock. Jeremiah warns the “bad shepherds” of the time by letting them know that the Good Shepherd is coming and the Good Shepherd will gather his flock and lead them to green pastures, as we read in the Psalms. In the Gospel, we hear about the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. And as the Good Shepherd, Jesus does not leave his flock when they need Him. He puts their needs before His own.

The Disciples had returned from their long journeys. They were tired and hungry. They were looking for a quiet place to rest when the crowds came to them. It is in this moment that Jesus taught his Disciples (and continues to teach us today) a valuable lesson. There are times when we want to take a break from ministry. We each have our own unique mission in life that the Lord calls us to—some are called to ministry by serving the sick as a doctor or a nurse. Others are called to educate as parents and teachers. Still others are called to provide jobs and financial support for people in the business world. However “ministry” takes shape in our lives, it can become tiresome. We grow weary and sometimes we would love to find a quiet place to rest. Jesus teaches us that even in those times, it is important to see the needs of others and give of ourselves even more.

While it is very important to find time for retreat, relaxation, and rest (even Jesus found time to go off by himself to pray) Jesus calls us to give ourselves to the service of others and when we feel like we cannot give anymore—give. Even though that seems like a lot ask, think of what happens when we choose to take for ourselves instead of giving. What example does that set for those who ask for our help and we turn them away because we are too tired or “not in the mood”? As Jeremiah exclaimed in the first reading, “Woe to the shepherds who mislead my flock”

Life is Simple

Life is simple when we live simply! It is by this motto that I am trying to live my life and pave the way for my family. My wife and I do not make a lot of money in the eyes of the world, but over the past year we have experienced an unexplainable joy—a true joy that cannot come from a beautiful home, money in the bank, or even a dream job. From renting a one-bedroom apartment to now living with my in-laws, our living situation has been less than ideal, but through this time, we have grown closer to one another and our Lord. Our first year of marriage certainly has been a test of how “simple” life can be. Simple, of course, does not mean easy.

We have given up the search for the perfect house—simply because it does not exist and even if it did, it cannot bring us happiness. All too often we hear about how great the market is to buy a house. “It’s a buyer’s market...interest rates are at their lowest...why rent when you can own?” While the interest rates and house prices continue to drop, it is a BAD market—not a buyers market. The housing market is ugly and doesn’t look like it will be improving soon. My wife and I have gone from looking to invest in a house to buying a home. A home is not an investment—it’s a safe place for families to be nurtured and grow. A home is where my wife and I will develop our “Domestic Church” as Vatican II calls each family. The house, condo, or apartment does not produce this—the family does.

While we continue to search for a home, I can’t help but think of the homes in which Jesus lived and how Joseph and Mary prepared Jesus for His ministry by living simply. From Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth, the Holy Family lived simply. If we look at the Nativity scene, we find Jesus living amongst the animals in the manger. Shortly after, Joseph took the family to Egypt, where there was no job waiting for him—we can assume that he had to find work and a place to live for the time they spent there. Finally, in Nazareth, we know that Joseph was a carpenter. There is no mention of lavish living or palaces for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They lived simply.
This carries into Jesus’ public ministry, especially in when He sends his disciples out two by two. His instructions-live simply! “Take nothing with you but a walking stick.” He tells them. As Jesus himself traveled, that is how He lived. He and His disciples did not stay in luxurious hotels. Jesus did not build a 13 bedroom mansion for them to return to and retire in. Instead, they were constantly traveling, staying where they could rest their head—even if that meant around a campfire.

How simple of a lifestyle these men lived. The Disciples trusted completely in the Lord providing for them. They took their example from Jesus who took His example from his humble beginnings, being raised by a carpenter and his humble wife. We can learn from this example as well. For instance, when I look at all the “things” and “stuff” that I so desperately want to give my family I remember the words, “Take nothing with you for the journey, but a walking stick.” In that sentence, Jesus tells us that our life is a journey and the journey can be hard, but it can be even harder when you have to carry all these things on your back. The road may be steep and windy at times, but with a walking stick, the climb is a bit simpler. Jesus also lends us a hint as to what matters in life—obviously “things” and “stuff” are not important, but what’s more? THE JOURNEY is important. It is the journey that leads us home.

Take a Vacation...grow in your faith!

The picture above is from my honeymoon last year in Antigua. Yes, my wife and I are coming up on our 1st Anniversary-feel free to send us a gift! All joking aside, I cannot believe it has been a year since the last time I took a real vacation. After the non-stop planning and running around associated with the wedding, it was such a relaxing, wonderful experience. Between working a few jobs and completing my Master’s degree and my wife working about 50-60 hours per week, it was the first time we got to spend alone together; it was our first vacation.
Usually when we think of summer vacation, we think of unplugging and shutting ourselves off from the world. We go camping or head down the shore (I’m a Wildwood/Cape May kind of guy), fly to the Carolinas, or take a cruise. Whatever your vacation desires are, I bet “growing in holiness” isn’t on the top of many people’s priority lists. Vacation=taking a break from every day life. True, but it cannot = a break from faith.
I can’t think of a more perfect time to grow in our faith than when we are free from the noise and chaos of our everyday lives. Vacation can almost be a mini retreat experience. We do not have the distraction of work, school, or rush hour traffic. We make our own schedule and do what we want to do.
If you are like me, there are some must haves during my vacation. First, I enjoy walking on the beach first thing in the morning. If I am up for the walk, I can certainly find a local Church for daily Mass. (just go to masstimes.org and type in a zip code to find a church!) What better way to start the day than by giving thanks to God for the opportunity to have a vacation?
Second, I always bring a book or two. I have now made it a habit to bring at least two spiritual books with me when I travel, just in case I get bored with one. I am not saying that we all need to be reading the Summa of St. Thomas Aquinas or the entire Catechism (Although, if your up to it go for it!). What I am saying is that by opening our minds to some spiritual reading during our vacations, the Lord can sometimes speak to us more clearly—especially without the many distractions of life. What we learn may even help us when we return home and take up our everyday tasks and occupations.
Finally, I need to pray. It is so easy to pray when we are at the beach or even on a hike. When we surround ourselves with God’s wonderful creation, how easy is it for us to say, “Wow, God is great,” or “Thanks for making this world so beautiful.” By doing this, we really begin to experience God’s presence everywhere. We may even begin to realize that we cannot escape Him and He truly is with us wherever we go. So go! Take a vacation!

For Greater Glory - Movie Review

A MUST SEE FILM!

For Greater Glory is about the Cristiada, or Cristero War, in Mexico during the 1920s. Since seeing the movie on Friday June 1st, I cannot help but replay many of the scenes in my head. The imagery was beautiful, the story—captivating. What’s more, the reality of this historical tragedy hits close to home.

The movie opens with the President of Mexico addressing the nation with his plan to restrict the practice of Catholicism including Mass and clerical garb for clergy. The President’s reasoning behind his new law was to modernize the country and rid it of “religious fanatics and superstition.” The initial reaction of the people is passive and there seemed to be an overwhelming consensus that this new law would be temporary. The Mexican government attempted to silence non-violent protests by making the consequences known to the public. Priests were dragged out of churches and killed, while Sacred images were burned and destroyed.

Taking the battle for freedom in their own hands, groups of “Cristeros” all over Mexico were fighting back against the government, engaging in violent battles with the Federales (the Mexican Federal Police). The Cristeros began to organize and formed an army to better strategize with hopes to overthrow the government and restore religious freedom to Mexico. Under the guidance of a retired military general and strategist, Enrique Gorostieta (played by Andy Garcia), the Cristeros become a powerful force to be reckoned with.

Jose, a young altar boy, quickly captures your heart as you watch his child-like faith inspire believers and unbelievers in the film and in the audience alike. Jose stands the true test of his faith throughout the entire movie as he first assists local parish priests and later leaving his family to assist the Cristero movement. Jose’s unwavering faith and servant’s heart catches General Gorosieta’s attention taking him from a defender of religious freedom to a defender of faith.

The reality of this tragic era in Mexican history extends beyond the screen and into the heart of any person of faith. Living in a society today where religion and faith are often mocked and ridiculed as “superstition” and people of faith are called “fanatics,” we see yet another battle for personal freedom. With so much on the news about government mandates, religious freedom, and Church/State relations, perhaps we should look at what has been in order to prevent what could be.

This movie will make you wonder if you would have the courage to stand up for our faith to the point of imprisonment and martyrdom. Honestly, what would you do if our government issued laws and mandates stating that the Church cannot practice her religion freely? Would you think of it as something that “will never last?” or would you stand up against it? If it was illegal to say “Long live Christ the King,” would you still shout it from the rooftops?

It’s not what you said, it's how you said it.

Being married only 11 months, I already know that how I say something is equally important as the actual words I am speaking. When my wife asks, “How do I look?” and I respond with an unenthusiastic “Fine,” there is a miscommunication. For me, the word “fine” means that there is nothing wrong with the way she looks. Fine, however, can mean a great number of things. She wants to look better than fine—she wants to look beautiful, and even deeper than that, she wants to be appreciated. While I am thinking she looks beautiful and I am certainly thankful for God blessing me with such an amazing wife, what I says and how I say it can portray something less glamorous. Such a simple exchange of words, which on the surface seems so “everyday” can actually carry a deeper, more intimate expression.

For a long time in the Church, many of the faithful have been left confused with what was said and how it was said. When we say things like, “The bread will be distributed in the center aisle…” we can easily lead others to believe that the Holy Eucharist is simply bread—something much less glamorous than the “Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.” There is no wonder why so many Catholics do not believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I will be the first to admit that Transubstantiation (the complete transformation of substance from bread and wine to Christ’s body and blood) is difficult to wrap our minds around. This has been the case since the beginning—look up John 6:60.

Just because something is difficult to understand or perceive does not make it false, instead it calls us to open our minds and challenges us to deepen our faith in what Christ teaches. It’s not necessarily what you say, ie. making a reference to Christ as the Bread of Life is perfectly fine, in fact it is taken directly from Scripture (it is also mentioned in the 2nd Eucharistic Prayer). It is, however HOW you say it—referring to the Eucharist as simply bread, is not accurate. On the same token, saying “wine” instead of Precious Blood is also false. Moreover, when the Church proclaims the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, she is truly annunciating what we believe and profess. It is our duty as believers to profess what we believe, to not shy away from teachings that are hard to understand. We are called to enter into a deeper understanding of what we believe. One of the best ways to do so is to bear witness to the truth—to say what we mean and mean what we say. After all, it’s what we say AND how we say it.

What's your sign?

As Catholics, we have become so accustomed to “rituals.” Some of these “rituals” become almost second nature to us. For example, we enter the Church and dip our fingers in Holy water and make the sign of the cross. Then, as we make our way to a pew, we genuflect and cross ourselves again. After that, we kneel to pray and make the sign of the cross yet again. And finally when our prayer is done, we cross ourselves one last time. Because we do this so often, we can sometimes forget what we are doing.

The sign of the cross is not simply an “on/off” switch for prayer. It isn’t a symbolic way of putting on an taking off our prayer hat. The sign of the cross is such a huge blessing in our lives. We get to bless ourselves in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—one God, three Persons—perhaps the greatest mystery of our faith. Think about it. When we enter/leave Church, when we pray, when we genuflect, we are invoking God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! We bless ourselves and call upon the very same God who created the Heavens and the Earth, who sent His only Son for our salvation, whose Holy Spirit was breathed upon the Apostles and each one of us during our Confirmation.

How vast and wonderful is God! We cannot even comprehend the depths of who he is! Yet we bless ourselves with the greatest mystery of our faith. Let’s make a conscious effort to avoid making this an empty motion of our faith. Let’s acknowledge what we are doing and let people know what our “sign” is—the sign of the Cross.

Who Needs a Superhero?

“God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1)

Many people think the Holy Spirit is a Christian’s super power. The Holy Spirit guided the authors of Sacred Scripture as well as descended upon the Apostles who were able to do marvelous things. The Holy Spirit has been likened to an impersonal “force” similar to the one from the Star Wars saga. The Holy Spirit is not a “power.” Theologically, a power is a rank of angels and since the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, he ranks higher than the angels-He is God. The Holy Spirit is not a “force,” but an encourager, a protector, and an advocate. As the Catechism states, in the Holy Spirit we become the adopted sons and daughters of God. As sons and daughters of God, through the Holy Spirit, we can call God “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).

It is through the Holy Spirit that we come to know God and His will for our lives. How many times did the apostles and followers of Jesus misunderstand His teachings and parables? How many times did they ask Him for signs and wonders? Yet once the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Apostles, they understand all that was spoken to them (John 14:26) and they proclaim it to the ends of the earth. In a way it would seem as if the Apostles received a super power, because their uncertainty is replaced by wisdom and knowledge; their fears are replaced by fortitude. Peter, who once made the decision to deny our Lord was filled with counsel and courage to lead the early Church. Through their mission, many came to believe with piety and fear of the Lord. What others see as super powers, are given to us as gifts-gifts that keep on giving. (See Galatians 5:22-23) So I ask you, who needs a Super Hero?

At the Heart of the Gospel: Book Review

Whenever I read a book, I tend to mark pages that hold insightful quotes or powerful passages. While reading Christopher West’s, “At the Heart of the Gospel,” I nearly marked every page. At the Heart of the Gospel is not just a catchy title, but explains the purpose of this book and, I will go as far as saying, Theology of the Body as a whole. In the same way in which the body needs a heart to survive, it is not the be all and end all of what it means to be living. Theology of the Body, in turn, is not the be all and end all answer to the world’s problems. As John Paul II previously mentioned, and Christopher West now acclaims, the body offers the most in depth look at the Father’s love for us. In no way does it give us the complete picture, but it’s the best we have on this earth.

While his latest book is certainly readable for a large audience of those interested in the topic, I would recommend a brief familiarization with the topics at hand. Theology of the Body is becoming a “craze” in youth and young adult ministry. However, in my experience, many young people want to learn more about it without fully understanding what they are undertaking. There are preconceived notions by many young people which will leave them disappointed after studying this material. Theology of the Body is much more fruitful for those who study it in its proper context, that is, as a deeper look at how God created us and how that reveals God to man.

All in all, I found Christopher West’s newest book to be a phenomenal read. Of course, I am trying to be as objective as possible while not ignoring the fact that I focused a majority of my studies on this area of Theology. West truly has gift for taking the works of great theologians and philosophers and making it readable, relatable and understandable for today’s audiences. I would argue that I found the book much more enlightening because I have read West’s previous works as well as have a rooted knowledge in the subject matter. This is not to say that the book cannot be read with a basic understanding of TOB material.

West provides insights not only to John Paul II’s works, but numerous theologians and philosophers as well. Addressing many Catholic concerns of the present generations, West provides a glimmer of hope in what seems to be an ever-growing relativistic society. West presents solutions to major issues such as human sexuality, the definition of marriage, and the world’s utilitarian view of the body. All of which, I may add, are primary motivators in John Paul II’s call for the New Evangelization within the Church. The solution is simple-get to the Heart of the Gospel. Find out HOW and WHY God created men and women. Find out what purpose our bodies have. Find out what it means to be truly man and truly woman. View the body and sexuality in their proper context-not ugly or dirty, but beautifully created by God, for God.

Personal Reflection on the Holy Family

On December 28th I, along with seven others, piled into a 15-passenger van and headed to Minnesota. Why on earth would anyone want to go to Minnesota in the middle of winter in between Christmas and New Years? And why would they drive? The answer: A good friend of mine decided to get married in the heart of winter in one of the coldest states in the U.S. Because he was such a great friend (I consider him a brother) and the fact that I was in the wedding party, made me pack my bags and drive 26 hours to Minnesota. Flying was out of the question due to the fact that the holidays bring about jacked up airfare (over $1000 for my wife and I to fly there). Nevertheless, the Lord rewarded me in more ways than I could have hoped for.

I was amazed at the wedding. Not only did I meet one of the nicest families as I was introduced to my friend's new in-laws, but I experienced the Holy Family during this journey. As I witnessed my first wedding since my wife and I were united in July, I was overwhelmed by the devotion the bride and groom had to Christ. I witnessed their love of the Lord manifest in the celebration of their Nuptial Mass, which happened to fall on the feast of the Holy Family. As I explained to the couple during the reception, I had not felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in such a way in a long time. I never, with the exception of my own wedding, had been so prayerful during a wedding celebration. I thanked them for their constant focus and the way they made sure their guests knew who was at the center of their relationship. I felt as if we journeyed to Nazareth to be with the Holy Family simply because I was surrounded by holy familIES! The holiness and faithfulness of many of the couples in attendance also inspired me to live a life worthy of being called "Christian."

As I continue to reflect on the life Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived during Jesus' childhood and adolescence, I am filled with excitement as I await the day I raise my own children-bringing them up in the ways of the faith. I have such great support and examples in my life to draw from. So, if you were to ask me if I traveled anywhere special this holiday season, the answer is YES!

Books I plan to read and review in 2012

"The Bible's Best Love Stories" by Allan F. Wright

"The Rite" by Matt Baglio

"At the Heart of the Gospel" by Christopher West

"Night of the Confessor" by Tomas Halik

Heart Throbs

If you have a teenage girl in your family or have watched any form of mainstream television this holiday season, you know the name Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber has become extremely famous over the past few years as the latest “teen sensation” and by virtue of that title he is a heart throb for many young girls. Bieber posted youtube videos of himself singing and playing numerous instruments and was discovered by an agent in 2008. Since then, he has become a platinum-selling, Grammy nominated artist. He has created his own perfume (which, by the way, the holiday commercials were hilarious), authored a book, and made numerous appearances on television shows and holiday specials singing alongside well-known artists like Carlos Santana and Mariah Carey. So why does this young artist attract so many teenage hearts? Justin Bieber is certainly in the world’s spotlight. His story inspires many to follow their dreams and not lose hope. People come from afar to see his concerts and live performances. However, I cannot help but think of the countless artists who were once heart throbs who are now “Dancing with the stars.” How long until Bieber’s fame and fortune pass away?

In the Old Testament reading from Mass this morning, Isaiah reminds us that there is one and only heart throb worth following and paying homage to as he prophesies Christ entering into this world. Christ enters in the most humble of ways—a poor woman and her husband give birth to our Lord in a manger. However, there is such beauty in this:

“Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” (Isaiah 60)

Isaiah is not referring to Justin Bieber as a heart throb, or anyone in this world for that matter. Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s radiance and light shining in the darkness of the world. Once we allow ourselves to see past the limelight, past the fame and fortune, past the passing things of this world, we can see the face of God. How amazing the sight must have been for the magi—more radiant than any flawless diamond or jewel. The heavenly music sung and played by the angel choirs are beyond words (I’d take that music over Justin Bieber’s anyday!) They saw the radiance of pure love within their midst and their hearts throbbed and were overjoyed.

Allow Christ to be your heart throb-his light will shine when all else fades. He cannot be our flavor of the week or our passing teen sensation-his glory goes beyond all fame. We must only follow the stars that lead us to him, where our hearts will throb and be overflowed with his grace, mercy, and love.