Friday, February 26, 2010

"Seeing in a New Light"

“Seeing in a New Light” Reflection for February 28, 2010; 2nd Sunday of Lent

Today’s Scripture: Genesis 15: 1-18; Philippians 3: 17- 4:1; Luke 9: 28-36 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

Seeing in a New Light

Most of us can probably remember special “Aha!” moments when we’ve seen life in a new way. A feeling of connection with the wider universe, an awareness of life’s fragility, or a sense of deeper insight can mark such moments. People often comment that such times have been moments of transformation.

God’s Word today reminds us of significant moments that give new insights into who we are and who God is.
Abram, a symbol of all who try to be in relationship with God, experiences God’s presence in his life (Genesis).
Peter, James and John see Jesus at a time of transformation; they become aware of God’s love within Jesus (Luke).

Like the apostles who accompanied Jesus, we do not stay in the experience, we return to daily life: “after the ecstasy, the laundry”, according to an ancient saying.

While experiences of God are important, God’s Word today challenges us to let these deeper insights touch the way we live (Philippians).

To think about: What have been some special moments of insight that I remember?
How have they touched or influenced my life?
Is there a relationship in my life that needs transformation - one that I need to see in a new way?
What does my use of time, talents, and treasure show about my priorities and values?
Do I spend time with my family and try to see goodness in those who are close to me?
Do I express appreciation to others for simple actions?

To do: Help someone to experience life’s beauty with a call, a visit, a note, a smile.
Thank someone who has helped you see things in a new way, with new insights.
Affirm a talent or gift that you see in another person.
Be aware of the way that you use earth’s resources this week.
Thank God for the ordinary blessings of your life.
If you are “wedded” to one view of a person or group of people, take time to consider your willingness to be changed by new insights.

To pray: Hear Jesus saying to you, “You are my chosen one”(Luke).

Next week: 3rd Sunday of Lent: Exodus 3: 2-12; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-12; Luke 13: 1-9

Thursday, February 18, 2010

"Traveling With Jesus: A Journey to Renewed Life"

"Traveling With Jesus: A Journey to Renewed Life" : Reflection for February 21, 2010, 1st Sunday of Lent
Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11; Romans 10: 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab


Traveling can certainly be very stressful. In fact, sometimes people even return from vacations more exhausted than before the trip!

As we begin this Lenten time, God’s Word presents us with images of journeys.
We hear of the Israelites who, in the midst of their own journey to the Land of Promise, recall their family history and the journey of their ancestors (Deuteronomy).
We also hear of Jesus’ journey into the desert where he faces challenges and struggles (Luke).

As all travelers know, journeys can provide new insights and greater awareness.
God's Word today challenges us to consider Lent as a journey time: a time for new insights and greater awareness, a time to consider the direction in which one’s life is heading, as well as changes or adjustments that might make life’s voyage more meaningful.

To think about: How willing am I to include Jesus in my life journey, letting His influence touch my life?
Does my life reflect any awareness that “The Word is near you, on your lips and in your heart”(Romans)?
For a journey to begin, one must leave some things behind and take that first step. What do I need to leave behind if I want to travel with new awareness of God in my life?
Can I change one way that I use my time, talents, or treasure so that my life journey is renewed?

To do: Be aware of how your lips and heart reflect God’s Presence; let “Thanks” be often on your lips and in your heart.
Speak up in the face of injustice; replace a word of ridicule or sarcasm with a word of direct acknowledgement.
Call or visit someone who is experiencing difficulty on their life journey.
Simplify your life journey by buying less and using what you already have.
Move from the computer, TV, or newspaper and spend time with a family member or as quiet time to experience a small time of renewal!

To pray: Hear God saying to you, “ Do not be afraid, (insert your own name), I am with you”.

Next week: 2nd Sunday of Lent: Genesis 15: 1-18; Philippians 3: 17- 4:1; Luke 9: 28-36

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Keeping Love Alive

“Keeping Love Alive”: Reflection for Sunday, February 14, 2010, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 17: 5-10; 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20; Luke 6: 17-26 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab.

Keeping Love Alive

Hearts, cards, perhaps a few extra chocolates, maybe even some beautiful flowers – all these signs of Valentine’s Day serve as visible reminders of love. But after Valentine’s Day, when the hearts, cards, and even the chocolates disappear and the flowers have died, love continues.
Like the “tree planted by water” mentioned in today’s first reading from Jeremiah, love continues even during the tough times of “summer heat or drought”,
Shown in the many small aspects of everyday life, love looks outward, rather than looking to acquiring more for oneself, and is seen in the many small touches brought to everyday life (Luke).
God's Word challenges us to look beyond a "happily-ever-after" version of love to a reality-based concept that acknowledges that love is shown in daily life (Luke).

To think about: How do I picture love?
What do I usually do when love meets hard times?
Where do I turn when I need love to be renewed or refreshed; do I turn to God, TV, popular culture?
Who are people in my life/ my family’s life who have helped love grow?
Do I notice and appreciate small signs of love in my life?
How do I encourage my child to show love?

To do: Notice and appreciate the small signs of love in your life.
Tell stories of people who helped you during difficult times - “times of drought”.
Thank someone who makes a difference by giving time and talent to helping others as a volunteer.
Show your child how to add love to life by learning a skill that helps others at home.
Take a few moments to turn to God and let God’s presence help your love “tree” grow.

To pray: “Open my heart, Lord; help me to love like you.”
Next week: 1st Sunday of Lent: Deuteronomy 26: 4-10; Romans 10: 8- 13; Luke 4: 1-13

Friday, February 5, 2010

"Change Is Always Possible": Reflection for Feb 7, 2010, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture for today: Isaiah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11; Luke 5: 1-11 can be found at www.usccb.org/nab

Change is Always Possible

People sometimes claim that they cannot change because, according to them, “that’s the way I am!”
And sometimes we are reluctant to give another the benefit of the doubt because that person says or does something that is not within their usual mode of behavior; we think that someone else cannot change.
Yet God’s Word so clearly tells us today that change and growth are possible. In fact, as God’s Word vividly shows, not only can people change; they can also do God’s work!

Special talents or a certain level of holiness are not requirements to do God’s work! Realizing our own inadequacies can even make room for God to work in our lives (Isaiah).
Sometimes we may feel like Peter, working all night long and catching no fish (Luke).
Yet, when we ask Jesus to help us with our “nets”, and realize that we can’t “do it alone”, when we can say “Here I am; send me”(Isaiah) even with our shortcomings, God can work through us.
Like Paul “the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle” we too can then rejoice because of God’s power, knowing that “by the grace of God I am what I am.”(Corinthians)

To think about:
Do I categorize people or think that some people, including myself, can never change?
Do I try to see goodness in others?
Have I ever moved out of my own “comfort zone” to do something I felt needed to be done?
Do I affirm talents and abilities in others?
Do I thank God for my own abilities and use these talents for the greater good?
Have I ever asked where God is calling me to use my talents and abilities?
Do I show my child how to use personal talents and abilites to help others?

To do: Say that word of comfort, praise or forgiveness that you don’t usually say.
Speak up in face of an unjust situation.
Affirm the small gesture or effort to make a difference.
Thank someone who uses time and talent to help others.
Put time into an activity that serves others; local opportunities abound!
Join with others who try to make a difference as part of national or international networks.

To pray: “Here I am, Lord…I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.”

Next week: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 17: 5-10; 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20; Luke 6: 17-26