Friday, January 29, 2010

'The Circle of Life and Love": Reflection for Sunday, Jan 31, 2010; 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

"The Circle of Life and Love"
Scripture for today, the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, : Jeremiah 1:4-19; 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13; Luke 4: 21-30 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab


“You can’t give what you don’t have” as a wise saying reminds us.
An individual has to experience certain realities or truths before putting those truths into action. Children must experience love in order to show love to others.

God’s Word today clearly reminds us that God loves us and knows us intimately “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”(Jeremiah)

And God’s Word then challenges us to continue the circle of love by the way that we live (Corinthians, Luke), knowing that “actions speak louder than words.”

The familiar description of love as “patient and kind; not envious, boastful, arrogant or rude; rejoicing in truth, believing, hoping, and enduring”(Corinthians) can provideplenty of ideas for everyday life!

On any day, every action of love keeps the circle of love moving.

To think about: Do I ever think of God as one who knows me intimately…and still loves me? Do I thank God for my gifts and talents?
Do I try to reflect God’s love in my interactions with others?
Do I usually wait for someone else to be patient, kind or caring; or have I been willing to take the first step toward putting love into action?

To do: Put love into action: say that kind word, make that call to reconcile, affirm someone’s giftedness.
Remind yourself throughout the day that God loves you intimately.
Notice your child’s ways of showing love through cooperating, sharing and helping.
We all need to be reminded, so say “I love you” to people in your life.
Show love by giving money that you might have spent on yourself for an “extra” in order to help someone in need with a necessity.

To pray: Hear God say lovingly to you, ”Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”

Next week: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11; Luke 5: 1-11

Saturday, January 23, 2010

"Nothing Insignificant": Reflection for Sunday, January 24, 2010; 3rd Sunday in Ordinary TIme

Scripture Readings for Today, the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Nehemiah 8: 2-10; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-30; Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab.

Nothing Insignificant

Many of us have probably experienced the way that some small, almost insignificant, event or action can become very significant and have a noticeable effect.
A small thread continues to unravel and suddenly the garment has a large hole; a small ache begins in one’s foot or knee and one’s exercise routine is gone; one unexpected smile brightens the day while one harsh word can create a chain reaction of responses. In fact this thought reminds me of the children's classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day!

Scientists have, in fact, shown what God’s Word today so vividly reminds us: nothing is insignificant; life is a whole (1 Corinthians).

Whether we are referring to one's body or to the human family, one part affects another part.
Truly, our lives affect others in ways that we may never know.

God’s Word challenges us to recognize the value of life by the way that we live- or at least try to live (Nehemiah; Luke), showing that we believe in God and in our connection with each other.

To think about: Do I consider some people as insignificant or “less than” because of physical, financial or occupational conditions?
Do I give my time, talent, or treasure to help the body of the human family, God’s Family?
Do I try to push myself forward while ignoring others?
Do I care for myself and others as the Body of Christ?(Corinthians)

To do: Notice and thank someone who serves you in life’s everyday routine.
Call or visit someone who is ill, lonely or unable to participate in activities.
Listen attentively to someone you might usually ignore.
Thank someone who volunteers in a service that helps others in the community.
Move “out of the box” and speak to someone younger or older than you.
Say “Amen” to who you are: the Body of Christ!

To pray: “We are many parts, we are all one body.”(Corinthians)

Next week: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 1:4-19; 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13; Luke 4: 21-30

Friday, January 15, 2010

"Seeing Others as God Sees Them": Reflection for Sunday, January 17, 2010

"Seeing Others as God Sees Them" 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Scripture: Isaiah 62: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2: 1-11 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab


Everyday life can contain any number of possible interactions with others. Some of these interactions may be barely noticed; others may be significant. How we view others can greatly affect the way we interact with them. Everyday stresses, unrealistic expectations, or past hurts can also affect our view of people.

God’s Word today reminds us that each person is valued and loved by God: “a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord… the Lord’s beloved” (Isaiah).

Likewise, each person has God-given gifts and talents: “varieties of gifts but the same Spirit”(Corinthians).

As Jesus made a difference at the wedding feast of Cana, God’s Word today challenges us to recognize our own gifts, to use these gifts to serve others, and to help others recognize their own giftedness so that they too can make a difference in our world.(John)

With the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti before our eyes, God's Word can take on renewed meaning for us.


To think about: Do I thank God for my talents and abilities?

Do I thank God for others’ talents and abilities?

Do I try to “catch them doing good” by noticing my child’s abilities and talents?

Do I try to see others, especially those I might not readily like, as someone who is loved by God?

Do I try to use my talents and abilities to make even a small difference in this world?


To do: Compliment or thank someone for a way that they have used their talent and ability.

Help people in Haiti as you contribute to one of the many groups that serve in that poor country. Help develop a child's talents and abilities by sponsoring a child in St. Augustine School Haiti (Call St. Mary's Office 732-780-2666 for info.)

Take time to see yourself as someone whom God loves.

Ask God to help you to see someone else, especially someone you find difficult, as God sees that person.



To pray: “We are many parts, we are all one body. And the gifts we have, we are given to share.”



Next week: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Nehemiah 8: 2-10; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-30; Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21

Friday, January 8, 2010

Baptism of Jesus: Today's Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-7 or Isaiah 40: 1-11; Timothy 2:11-14, 3: 4-7 or Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-38; Luke 3:15-22 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab.

Baptism: A Life-Changing Experience

Today the Christian Church moves in “fast-forward”, from the Infancy narratives two weeks ago and the story of the 12 year old Jesus last week to the ministry of the early Christian community. Talk about a leap! Buthere we are ready to look at ministry with the story of Jesus' Baptism and the beginning of his adult ministry.

Probably each of us can think of significant, almost life-changing events in life- events that have helped shape one's life direction.

God’s Word today reminds us that for each of us, Baptism was such a moment: a moment that can define who we are; one that can give direction and new meaning to life (Luke).

Such direction is clearly given: Baptism is meant to make a difference in our lives, especially in the ways we continue to bring God’s love to others and work toward peace and justice. (Isaiah, Acts).

To think about:
Do I look at Baptism as a “life-defining” event, an event that comes with a “job description”: living as a child of God?
Do I tap into the resource of God’s covenant with me as I live my life?
Do I see myself and others as God’s beloved?
Can I use my time, talents, or treasure to bring God’s love to others at home, in school, at work?

To do: Look at pictures of your child’s Baptism and talk about the significance of that event. Remind yourself of God’s covenant with you as you make decisions this week, especially in the way you treat others.
Bless your child by making the Sign of the Cross on your child’s forehead before school or bed.

To pray: Insert your name and hear God speak to you, “You,____, are my Beloved; in you I am well pleased.”
Next week: 2nd Sunday after Epiphany: Isaiah 62: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11; John 2: 1-11

Friday, January 1, 2010

"Following Stars": Reflection for the Celebration of Epiphany, Jan 3, 2010

Scripture for the Celebration of Epiphany: Isaiah 60: 1-6; Ephesians 3: 1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab.

Following Stars

As we've all probably experienced at one time or another, in the midst of darkness even the smallest light can make a difference.
Today God’s Word reminds us that for all of us, regardless of the darkness we may experience, Jesus is a Light, a Star (Isaiah): "Your light has come,the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth,and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines,and over you appears his glory."

What a difference that Star can make! Our lives can have new direction, we can find joy in simple occurrences (Matthew): "They were overjoyed at seeing the star... they departed for their country by another way."

Light helps us find our way in the midst of any darkness. Whether that darkness be personal, local or global, the Light of Jesus can touch and guide lives (Ephesians): "You are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel."

May we wisely follow the Star of God's Light and Love in this new year.


To think about: What stars am I following?

What stars are my children following?

Do I need to look to different “stars” for life this year?

Can I find ways to let Jesus, the “Star of Light”, guide me and my family this year?

Is joy a significant part of my relationship with God?


To do: Notice the “stars” you follow as you make decisions.

Consciously change one way you usually react or think about someone by letting the Star of Jesus’ Light guide you.

Make a few simple resolutions to use your time, talent, or treasure to bring Jesus’ Light to others.


To pray: “Jesus, be the Star who guides me, the Light who directs my path.”


Next week: Baptism of Jesus: Isaiah 42:1-7; Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-38; Luke 3:15-22