Friday, April 30, 2010

"In A Word": Reflection for May 3, 2010, 5th Sunday of the Easter Season

Scripture for today , the 5th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21: 1-5; John 13: 31-35 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

In A Word

Sometimes just a few words can make more of an impact than a long discourse. In fact, as a message is condensed, the essential point usually becomes clearer.

God’s Word today tells us the essential point of Jesus’ legacy: “Love one another as I have loved you.”(John)
In our everyday lives we continue Jesus’ ministry as we put love into action, “wiping away tears…making things new.”(Revelation)
Yet, as we may have experienced, living this way can involve difficulties and sometimes even hardships (Acts of the Apostles).

In the midst of our life’s journey, God’s Word reminds us that God dwells with us; God is always present with us.
This wonderful image of God’s relationship with us as One who is at home with us, wiping away our tears, making all things new (Revelation) can strengthen us on life’s journey and help us keep essential matters in focus.

To think about: Do I try to remember that God is always with me, caring about me, accepting me, loving me...regardless of how I feel or how trivial my job may seem to me or to others?
Do I envision God as One who is at home with me?
When it’s hard for me to show love, do I just give up, or do I ask Jesus to help me to love as he loves?
Can I see some of the routine aspects of my life and my responsibilities as ways of helping God’s love grow in the world now?

To do: Notice examples of love that are right before your eyes: the many ways that people try to “wipe away tears”, or help those who are mourning or in pain.
Look beyond your own needs and take time to encourage someone who is discouraged and experiences difficulty showing love.
Show love to someone you find hard to love, perhaps by being more patient, by trying to listen, or by doing some small act of kindness.
Call, write or e-mail someone who touched your life with their love, and thank them!
Use one or two words of praise or thanks often during the day instead of using many words.

To pray: Use just one word like "Welcome" to remember that God is always with you. Or try "Thanks" as you remember people who have loved you in your ife.

Next week: 6th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 15:22-29; Revelation 21: 10-14; John 14: 23-29

Friday, April 23, 2010

"Signs of Life All Around Us": Reflection for the 4th Sunday of the Easter Season, April 25, 2010

"Signs of Life All Around Us": Reflection for the 4th Sunday of the Easter Season.
Today's Scripture: Acts of the Apostles 13: 43-52; Revelation 7:14-17; John 10: 27-30 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

Signs of new life can continue to flourish and amaze us if we take time to notice. Availability of water and light encourages this abundance of renewed life in nature. Often as the hours of light increase, we even feel our own spirits lighten!

God’s Word today reminds us that God’s life-in-us calls us to help life flourish in our world. Our Easter renewal of our Baptismal commitment reminds us that we have been lead to “springs of life-giving water” (Revelation).
In turn, we are called to respond with renewed awareness to this gift by the way that we live.

Like the Good Shepherd in today's Gospel reading (John), we bring life to our world in many ways.
God's Word “I have made you a light” (Acts) reminds each of us of our personal call to make a difference.

To think about: Do I ever think about God’s life within me as alive and growing?
Do I have life-giving images of God?
Does my life show that I believe in God as the God of life?
Do I let God’s presence influence the way I treat others, listen to them, help them, console them, or take care of them?
Do I bring my awareness of renewed life to environmental issues?

To do: Be aware of the ways you and members of your family help bring God’s life and light to your world in the simple, everyday things you do, including the ways that you make environmentally based decisions.
Decide on one area of your life where you see a need for God’s life to grow, and be attentive to the person in that situation during the week.
Pray for children who are celebrating First Eucharist at this time of year, that they will see Jesus as a Giver of Life, a Shepherd who knows and cares about each person.
Enjoy the life and energy of young people when you are with them.

To pray: Hear God say to you, “I have made you, (insert your own name), a light.” (Acts)

Next week: 5th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21: 1-5; John 13: 31-35

Friday, April 16, 2010

"What Do You See?"; Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of the Easter Season, April 18, 2010

"What Do You See?" 3rd Sunday of the Easter Season

Today's Scripture: Acts of the Apostles 5: 27-41; Revelation 5: 11-14; John 21: 1-19 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

People, even when looking at the same object, can see and notice different things. Proximity to an object, familiarity and even special interest can all make a difference in one’s perception.

Since people seem to become more aware of the beauty of the earth at this time of year, perhaps looking at God’s Word today through a lens of environmental awareness can give us new insights.

A view of “everything in the universe; every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth and in the sea” praising God (Revelation) can certainly affect the way that we view our environment.
And today as we hear the story of the disciples’ catching a full net of fish and then eating the freshly-caught fish for breakfast (John), we may almost be in awe of this event. The story certainly gives a vivid picture of an activity that many people would enjoy in this present day! Unfortunately, this is also an activity that many people cannot enjoy because of environmental pollution.

As Sister Joyce Rupp reminds us, "We can be nourished by a moment of wonder and beauty and be fed by God’s creation." (see www.ncronline.org)

God's Word strongly reminds us to live with respect for our created universe. As the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins reminds us, “the world is charged with the grandeur of God”.


To think about: Do I treat creation as God’s gift, handling it with care?
Do I “put my money where my mouth is” by buying products that do not deplete natural resources or contain excessive non-recyclable materials?
Do I try to recycle whatever I can, realizing that natural resources are limited?
Do I avoid unnecessary pesticides that contaminate ground water?
If I caught some fish, would I be able to eat them with Jesus, or have I kept quiet while local waters and air have become polluted?
Do I encourage efforts to help environmental awareness?


To do: Go take a hike or at least a walk, and just enjoy the beauties of creation.
Or go fly a kite and have some fun outdoors!
How about watching a nature program? You may be in awe of the wonders of creation.
Put your reflections into action, realizing that creation is a gift from God.
Commend your children when they show concern for the environment.
Find a local environmental event and get involved in it.

To pray: See how many times each day you can notice the wonders of creation and say “How great You are!” to the Creator of this beauty.

Next week: 4th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts of the Apostles 13: 43-52; Revelation 7: 14-17; John 10: 27-30

Friday, April 9, 2010

"How Does Faith Grow?": Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of the Easter Season, April 11, 2010

Scripture for today, the 2nd Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts of the Apostles 5: 12-16; Revelation 1: 4-19; John 20: 19-31 can be found at www.usccb.org/nab

"How Does Faith Grow?"

People sometimes worry when they experience doubts and questions about faith. Yet God’s Word today reminds us that doubts and questions can lead to greater, deeper faith. And God’s Word also shows us everyday ways in which faith grows.
Most of us can easily identify with Thomas as he honestly proclaims his lack of faith and his need to experience the Risen Lord (John 20: 19-31). Jesus does not denounce this man; instead, Jesus answers Thomas’ need and accepts Thomas where he is! And without even touching Jesus, Thomas believes in a new way!
When a person’s life reflects belief in the Risen Jesus, that life speaks volumes (Acts).
And being part of a community that tries to live the message of Jesus can help all of us remember that Jesus is alive today (Revelation).

To think about: What has “shaken my faith”?
In times of doubt, do I turn toward Jesus or away from him?
Am I able to bring my lack of faith to Jesus?
Do I realize that faith changes and grows and that often childish ideas need to be replaced?
Who has helped me in times of doubt and shaken faith?
What has helped my faith to grow?
How much does my life reflect my belief in Jesus?
Do I give my time, talent and treasure to caring for others?

To do: Notice signs of renewed life in nature; let them remind you of eternal life.
Thank someone who gives time and effort to help others, especially those who try to make Jesus’ message come alive today.
Consciously let your faith in Jesus influence a decision you make this week.
Make an effort to look for answers to some religious questions you may have by using the parish library or Catholic internet sites.

To pray: Hear Jesus say to you, “Do not be afraid (insert your name here) …I am alive.”(Revelation)

Next week: 3rd Sunday of the Easter Season : Acts of the Apostles 5: 27-41; Revelation 5: 11-14; John 21: 1-19

Saturday, April 3, 2010

"Awareness of Life": Reflection for the Celebration of New Life, April 4,2010

Easter - The Resurrection of the Lord: Today's Scripture: Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43; Colossians 3: 1-4; Luke 24: 1-12 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab.

Awareness of Life

Listening to the news certainly affects the way we view life. God’s Word today is a true “wake-up” call, reminding us that this news is good: Jesus lives! And we shall live! Death is not the final answer! Life does have meaning.

This news can definitely affect the way we view life; the way we use our time, talents and treasure; the way we treat people and all creation; the way we embrace our hopes and dreams.
As we consider this celebration of life's fuller meaning, let us look for small ways to help bring the message of new life to our world.

TO THINK ABOUT: What have been some “Easter experiences” in my life, times when I was in awe of life’s wonder, beauty, or grandeur?
Where do I, my family, community, and world need new hope in life and belief in resurrection? What difference does Jesus make in my life, in my family’s life?
Who have been life-enriching people for me?
How do I try to show that life is precious and valuable?

TO DO: Take time to enjoy signs of new life- in church: the 2010 Resurrection candle and baptismal font; in nature: see how many signs of new life you and your family can spot; in people: new attitudes, your child’s growth and even increased energy!
Work toward making “all things new” through attention to someone you’ve neglected.
Notice how you do “resurrection work” as you care for yourself and others in body, mind, or spirit.
Share memories of family members who have died.

TO PRAY: Jesus, be alive in my life!

Next week: 2nd Sunday of Easter: Acts 5: 12-16; Revelation 1: 4-19; John 20: 19-31