Saturday, September 26, 2009

"Seeing Goodness in Surprising Places": Reflection for September 27, 2009; 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Numbers 11: 25-29; James 5: 1-6; Mark: 9: 38-48
Today’s Scripture can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab

We’ve probably all been surprised at one time or another with a response or an action that was “out of the ordinary”. An unexpected kindness, a generous offer, an unselfish act that we did not expect can startle us, especially when this is done by someone for whom we may not have had much regard. Seeing and acknowledging goodness where we did not expect it can actually even disturb us because we may have conditioned ourselves to expect a different action!

God’s Word today challenges us both to look beyond our own views of who we think is capable of goodness (James) and to acknowledge goodness in our world (Numbers, Mark).
When, in the reading from Numbers, we hear that two men who were not present for all the "rites" were prohesying because God's Spirit was speaking through them, we might be a bit surprised too!
And when we hear the disciples complaining to Jesus about the good actions of someone "outside the group", we quickly see what Jesus considers important.
(Mark)

This week I'll try to remember that God's Word challenges me to notice and affirm goodness wherever I see it! God's Spirit is alive!


To think about:
Do I stereotype people based on outward appearance, ethnicity, or other external factors?
Do I impute ulterior motives or belittle efforts made by some people?
Do I look for opportunities to “catch them doing good”, acknowledging and affirming goodness when I see it?


To do: Affirm your child’s efforts to help, co-operate, share, or establish a good habit.
Thank someone whose goodness touched your life.
Congratulate someone who has been acknowledged or honored.
Notice small gestures of kindness in your daily life.


To pray: “Open our eyes to the wonder of this moment…”


Next week: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Genesis 2: 18-24; Hebrews 1: 1-4, 2: 5-12; Mark 10: 2-16

Friday, September 18, 2009

"Who's First?? Who's Best??" Reflection for Sunday, September 20, 2009, 25th SUnday in Ordinary Time

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 2:12-20; James 3: 16-4:3; Mark 9: 30-37
Scripture for today can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab


Society acknowledges greatness in many different ways, depending on the qualities that form the basis for consideration. Political leadership, achievement in sports or entertainment, the status of one's job or one's family can all be a basis for a perception of "greatness". And, as we know, "greatness” in one area of life certainly does not automatically mean “greatness” in another area.

God’s Word today reminds us that God’s standards for greatness fly in the face of many cultural standards (James, Mark).
When we hear James' reminder that "wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle and compliant", we might shake our heads in amazement!
And picturing the all-too-true-to-life scene of the disciples with their all-too-human "discussion" of "one-upmanship": "I'm greater than you are!!" makes the point even clearer. Ah, I can hear it now!
What does Jesus do? He shows this misguided group a child as an example of greatness!

As God's Word certainly challenges us to examine our standards for measuring greatness this week, we are called to notice what our lives say about our values.

To think about:
How do I and my family define “greatness”?
Who are some people I/we consider truly great? Why?
What qualities do I encourage my child to develop?
Do I take time to notice small acts of kindness, consideration, and helpfulness- or do I usually notice only the most prominent or ostentatious?

To do:
Speak to someone you might usually ignore, someone who quietly does a job or fulfills a responsibility.
Congratulate someone on an accomplishment.
Notice small acts of gentleness, kindness, peacefulness, and service in your child or in others.

To pray: “What you do to the least of my people, you do to me.”

Next week: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Numbers 11: 25-29; James 5: 1-6; Mark: 9: 38-48

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Say It or Do It? Reflection for September 13, 2009: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 50:5-9; James 2:14 -18; Mark 8: 27-35
Today’s Scripture can be found at http:/www.usccb.org/nab




Over the years I've found that sometimes the Word of God as found in the Sunday Scriptures can be hard to understand! There have been times when I've really had to ponder the Scripture to find a key that opened a door to give some insight for my life. But this week's Scripture speaks quite plainly and once again reminds us of that simple reality that "actions speak louder than words."



While words can and do have great impact, a person's action can undo volumes of words. Anyone who interacts with others knows this to be true. Words, like faith, may be wonderful, but as James reminds us in his letter, "faith without works is dead"!



However, putting faith into action is not easy! Many times we are inconvenienced or harried; sometimes we have to find the courage to stand for our convictions or beliefs. Certainly Jesus' comments as found in Mark remind us that putting our faith into action does involve denying ourselves. And Isaiah also reaffirms the difficulties that can be experienced when one tries to put faith into action.

While we cannot do this on our own, we can be strengthened by God's Presence as we continue to try to "put our money where our mouth is" and live our faith in everyday life.


To think about:
Do I often give advice and think about how others should be living?
Do I think of faith as a power- source for my life?
How willing am I to try to "be the change I want to see"?
In what specific relationship or life situation might I put faith into action this week?

To do:
Let faith touch the way that you use your time, talent or treasure this week through at least one action every day. Ask God to strengthen you so that you take this step gracefully! (You might even put a small mark on the calendar each day as you do this as a reminder of how you want to grow as a follower of Jesus!)
Live the behavior that you want to see in others in a relationship or a life situation.

To pray: "Make me a channel of your peace" can help us as we move from prayer to action.

Next week: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; James 3: 16 - 4:3; Mark 9: 30-37

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Planting Seeds of Hope: September 6, 2009: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 35: 4-7; James 2: 1-5; Mark 7: 31-37

Today's Scripture readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab

Fear is a very powerful force that can affect individuals, families, and communities from local levels through international levels. Fear can influence one’s approach to others; it can change thoughts and actions. Fear can blind us to possibilities, keep us from making changes, and almost paralyze us.

Fear is like a weed that can take over a garden. It needs to be replaced with something positive and life-giving in order to have something new grow.

God’s Word today reminds that God helps us move beyond fear (Isaiah) to new possibilities and realities (James, Mark). God's Word helps us envision the promise of seeing with new vision, walking in new paths, finding life in formerly barren places, and even leaping with joy!

This week as many people bring summer to a close with Labor Day celebrations, we know that many others face difficult times.

And as we commemorate the anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11, we also acknowledge the importance of individuals in our lives.

Yet we can take God's Word to heart as we ask God to help us continue to plant seeds of hope that will move us beyond fear to live as channels of God’s love.

To think about:
How does fear affect my life, my family’s life?
How much has fear affected the way I think about and treat people?
Does fear affect my decisions?
Am I afraid to change or take reasonable risks because of fear of failure? Do I fear looking bad in the opinion of others?
Has fear stopped me from speaking or acting for justice?
Has fear stopped me from admitting mistakes or changing my pattern of behavior?

To do:
Speak that word of apology that you’ve been afraid to say.
Reach out a hand of love to someone you’ve been avoiding.
Take the risk of doing without something; plant a seed of hope by giving that money to those in need.
Encourage another's hopes and dreams.
Thank someone who plants seeds of hope by giving time and energy to enable others to accomplish new things.
Encourage your child to reach out to a child whom others may ignore or treat unfairly.

To pray: “Make me a channel of your peace”.

Next week: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 50: 5-9; James 2: 14-18; Mark 8: 27-35