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?