Matthew 11:16-19
Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare this generation?
It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance,
we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,
‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
What is our calling in life if not to love God in all that we do? Often times I find myself searching for Christ in my life. It's easy to overlook Him, and good people in general. We are called by Jesus to be drawn into relationship with, are we not? The first step to that is to be aware! It's simple, I know, but how often do we dismiss those around us who are humble as "too good"? Or, especially in this day and age, how often do we judge those who we might see as "unworthy"? Actually, it's even easier to look at someone who does not fulfill our expectations of what a Christian should be and ignore what he or she may stand for. Where do we, as people seeking to live and walk with Christ, fall into place in this crazy world?
As a Catholic, I am always a fan of looking to those who have gone before me for examples of how I should live my life. Here in the Gospel, John the Baptist is considered crazy for being too austere while Jesus is called a partier for hanging out with the less desirable people in society. Many people consider that the life of the monk may be the holiest and best way to live.While other people (my family members included) who see extreme piety and say that the monks cannot truly know the world. The typical understanding of this world is in order to fully understand the problems in society, you must experience them. In contrast, the life a socialite can be just as dismissed even easier by the "holier-than-thou" types. Though, from the outside someone who is continually around partiers may be considered one, it is easy to miss the great ministerial opportunities that are created in that atmosphere. Both lifestyles have their positive and negative points, but which is the right way to live? The simple answer is that we need to love God in the way that is unique to us.
I struggle to find myself in this world where we are called to be "in the world, but not of it." I don't want to seem crazy for following God, or doing what God asks me to do. In the same way, I so deeply desire to bring others nearer to Christ that I need to be understanding and aware of how this world works. It's a fine line that we Christians walk. So, how is it that we are to find the right road to walk to God? Consider this:
How are you called to follow God's call?
What keeps us from answering that call?
Is it you and your own prejudices?
Or, do you sway with your concerns and fears?
If you are concerned with whether you are on the right path, I was given wise advice by a Jesuit Brother once. He told me (and others) that, "shit rolls downhill." Now, that may seem funny at first, but think about it.
Let us offer up ourselves to God in this season that we may renew our understanding of who God is calling us to be, and how He is allowing us to be open for others.
reflected by Matthew Keppel
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
“I am the LORD, your God,who grasp your right hand;
It is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ ” - Isaiah 41:13
How do we find God among people around us? In our quests to reach out to others, we may forget that the Lord is there. A peculiar aspect of being human is a deep desire to belong, to fit within a social context, and to play a role in our social environments. I can offer my own workplace as an example. My position as a hospital employee often puts me on the brink of life and death situations. Should anything happen, I often find myself struggling to defend my qualifications and prove my actions were responsible. In convincing others, failure would mean walking away from my position, my job, my colleagues, my team. In other words, I constantly struggle to keep my role among others. It is when our very place in society is threatened that we can find ourselves pleading for recognition. The Lord grants us an escape, to know that we belong to Him. We are God’s beloved whether others care to recognize it or not. While people can cast judgement, criticize, and alienate, God tells us not to fear because He will always be there and help.
Lord, in our struggles to maintain and grow our relationships with those around us, may we always keep in mind that there You are to guide and support us.
What have we done in the past to prove our worthiness to belong in a group? Why did we not feel like we belong as one chosen by God?
reflected by Le Anthony Vinh
It is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ ” - Isaiah 41:13
How do we find God among people around us? In our quests to reach out to others, we may forget that the Lord is there. A peculiar aspect of being human is a deep desire to belong, to fit within a social context, and to play a role in our social environments. I can offer my own workplace as an example. My position as a hospital employee often puts me on the brink of life and death situations. Should anything happen, I often find myself struggling to defend my qualifications and prove my actions were responsible. In convincing others, failure would mean walking away from my position, my job, my colleagues, my team. In other words, I constantly struggle to keep my role among others. It is when our very place in society is threatened that we can find ourselves pleading for recognition. The Lord grants us an escape, to know that we belong to Him. We are God’s beloved whether others care to recognize it or not. While people can cast judgement, criticize, and alienate, God tells us not to fear because He will always be there and help.
Lord, in our struggles to maintain and grow our relationships with those around us, may we always keep in mind that there You are to guide and support us.
What have we done in the past to prove our worthiness to belong in a group? Why did we not feel like we belong as one chosen by God?
reflected by Le Anthony Vinh
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
“Adam and Eve hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden, at the breezy time of the day. The LORD God then called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?” He answered, "I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." - Gn 3:8-10
“I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." This is what Adam and Eve responded to God after had eaten the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Shame and fear overcame them. Their self-judgment makes them feel ugly before God. I feel this way before God when I sin or face my own brokenness and sinfulness. Like Adam and Eve, I hide from God because I feel “naked and afraid.” Yet, God does not look at us in this way. God does not shrink away from our fragile humanity and whatever we see as unlovable in ourselves. Before we (Adam, Eve and I) sin we are already naked. Yet, God has no problems accepting and loving us as we are. God does not want to run away. God still wants to take a walk with us in the breezy late afternoon; God does not blame us like Adam blaming his wife and Eve blaming the serpent. Instead, God makes a promise to save, stating that Eve’s future offspring will strike at the head of evil – the serpent. Moreover, before they are sent out of the Garden, God does something so tender and loving. God clothes them with leather garment. It is as if God says, “I don’t think your nakedness is ugly. But if you think so, I will cover your nakedness so you won’t self-judge yourself all the time.”
As a perfectionist, I am prone to self-judgment. I can be hard on myself, especially after making a mistake or sinning. I judge myself as “ugly” and hide from God as well as other people out of shame. Yet, there are people in my life, like God, who do not shrink away from my self-rejection. There are times when I take a walk in the breezy late afternoon by myself or with a friend and catch God looking at me with tenderness, covering my sense of nakedness with loving acceptance. Such love humbles me. I become a little more like Mary in today’s Gospel: “May it be done to me according to your word.” I become more willing to say “yes” to God and not run away.
Do you feel afraid, naked, wanting to hide? Would you consider taking a walk with God or a friend, risk being vulnerable and seeing yourself through their eyes?
“I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." This is what Adam and Eve responded to God after had eaten the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Shame and fear overcame them. Their self-judgment makes them feel ugly before God. I feel this way before God when I sin or face my own brokenness and sinfulness. Like Adam and Eve, I hide from God because I feel “naked and afraid.” Yet, God does not look at us in this way. God does not shrink away from our fragile humanity and whatever we see as unlovable in ourselves. Before we (Adam, Eve and I) sin we are already naked. Yet, God has no problems accepting and loving us as we are. God does not want to run away. God still wants to take a walk with us in the breezy late afternoon; God does not blame us like Adam blaming his wife and Eve blaming the serpent. Instead, God makes a promise to save, stating that Eve’s future offspring will strike at the head of evil – the serpent. Moreover, before they are sent out of the Garden, God does something so tender and loving. God clothes them with leather garment. It is as if God says, “I don’t think your nakedness is ugly. But if you think so, I will cover your nakedness so you won’t self-judge yourself all the time.”
As a perfectionist, I am prone to self-judgment. I can be hard on myself, especially after making a mistake or sinning. I judge myself as “ugly” and hide from God as well as other people out of shame. Yet, there are people in my life, like God, who do not shrink away from my self-rejection. There are times when I take a walk in the breezy late afternoon by myself or with a friend and catch God looking at me with tenderness, covering my sense of nakedness with loving acceptance. Such love humbles me. I become a little more like Mary in today’s Gospel: “May it be done to me according to your word.” I become more willing to say “yes” to God and not run away.
Do you feel afraid, naked, wanting to hide? Would you consider taking a walk with God or a friend, risk being vulnerable and seeing yourself through their eyes?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
“A voice says, ‘Cry out!’ I answer, ‘What shall I cry out?’” Isaiah 40:6
Today is the middle of a "triduum" that I find personally meaningful. Yesterday the Church celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas, the Wonderworker of Myra, a great Saint and bishop who is among few Saints venerated widely by the Orthodox and Catholic faithful alike for his great love for others. Tomorrow we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and God’s great blessing which prepared her for the courageous and humble “Yes” that she spoke with her entire life. Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Ambrose of Milan.
St. Ambrose and his relationship to St. Augustine have been important touchstones of my faith. In today’s readings, Isaiah speaks of the one who cries out in the desert; words echoed by John the Baptist in last Sunday’s readings. Advent is always a reminder to of St. John, who preaching always points beyond himself to Jesus, but is also a reminder to us of our call to do likewise. St. Ambrose was this person for St. Augustine. Through Ambrose’s eloquence, God called out to Augustine, the professor of rhetoric. Subtly, the proclamation of the Gospel penetrated this “restless heart,” so that he could at last experience the comfort described at the end of the first reading.
In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims His special concern for the lost sheep. Who are the voices that cry out to us and proclaim to us God’s love? How have we proclaimed that love to others?
In the midst of pain, suffering and loss, as described in the first reading, do we also see the God who comes with power to embrace the lost and lead us with care? In this Advent waiting, “What shall I cry out?”
reflected by Jason Coito
Today is the middle of a "triduum" that I find personally meaningful. Yesterday the Church celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas, the Wonderworker of Myra, a great Saint and bishop who is among few Saints venerated widely by the Orthodox and Catholic faithful alike for his great love for others. Tomorrow we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and God’s great blessing which prepared her for the courageous and humble “Yes” that she spoke with her entire life. Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Ambrose of Milan.
St. Ambrose and his relationship to St. Augustine have been important touchstones of my faith. In today’s readings, Isaiah speaks of the one who cries out in the desert; words echoed by John the Baptist in last Sunday’s readings. Advent is always a reminder to of St. John, who preaching always points beyond himself to Jesus, but is also a reminder to us of our call to do likewise. St. Ambrose was this person for St. Augustine. Through Ambrose’s eloquence, God called out to Augustine, the professor of rhetoric. Subtly, the proclamation of the Gospel penetrated this “restless heart,” so that he could at last experience the comfort described at the end of the first reading.
In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims His special concern for the lost sheep. Who are the voices that cry out to us and proclaim to us God’s love? How have we proclaimed that love to others?
In the midst of pain, suffering and loss, as described in the first reading, do we also see the God who comes with power to embrace the lost and lead us with care? In this Advent waiting, “What shall I cry out?”
reflected by Jason Coito
Monday, December 6, 2010
Feast of Saint Nicholas
This Thanksgiving, I was asked to think of 3 things this year that I was thankful for. Surprisingly, THE struggle made the list! I thought I was doing well with God… a few other disappointments and I found such peace and joy in Him. But when the economic delays hit my finances and even more so, when I was concretely helpless in others’ struggles, it hit me.
This was/is the year to face my limitations and weaknesses. During the time when the job hunt got rough, I couldn’t understand why I was so discouraged and couldn’t find joy in Christ.
Today’s Gospel reading reminds me of our limitations. How the paralytic, because of his disability, couldn’t reach Jesus amongst the crowd. But thanks to his friends who carried him on a stretcher through the roof, he was able meet Jesus and be healed.
The beauty of community. How God uses the relationships around us to bring us to His fulfillment. My pride got in the way of this awareness at first, but by frustration then grace, I was able to see that people around me gladly extended to help and were willing to embrace all of me… weaknesses and all. Being more open and honest with this area (to myself, others, and to God), was a new thing to me. It was rough, but then again, God’s not boring; and really, I probably wouldn’t have listened any other way.
Who are the “stretcher- carriers” in your life? Who fills your limitations and brings you back home where you feel most safe and loved?
God of Surprises! You remind me of a Vietnamese chef. My mom uses the bone for this dish, the fat for that... thank You for using all of me, even the parts that I feel are unfit, to nurture growth, relate to others, and to draw me close to You. May I "go when You tell me to go and stay where You tell me to stay" even when it hurts. For in this present moment, You are here.
reflected by Chau Nguyen
This was/is the year to face my limitations and weaknesses. During the time when the job hunt got rough, I couldn’t understand why I was so discouraged and couldn’t find joy in Christ.
Today’s Gospel reading reminds me of our limitations. How the paralytic, because of his disability, couldn’t reach Jesus amongst the crowd. But thanks to his friends who carried him on a stretcher through the roof, he was able meet Jesus and be healed.
The beauty of community. How God uses the relationships around us to bring us to His fulfillment. My pride got in the way of this awareness at first, but by frustration then grace, I was able to see that people around me gladly extended to help and were willing to embrace all of me… weaknesses and all. Being more open and honest with this area (to myself, others, and to God), was a new thing to me. It was rough, but then again, God’s not boring; and really, I probably wouldn’t have listened any other way.
Who are the “stretcher- carriers” in your life? Who fills your limitations and brings you back home where you feel most safe and loved?
God of Surprises! You remind me of a Vietnamese chef. My mom uses the bone for this dish, the fat for that... thank You for using all of me, even the parts that I feel are unfit, to nurture growth, relate to others, and to draw me close to You. May I "go when You tell me to go and stay where You tell me to stay" even when it hurts. For in this present moment, You are here.
reflected by Chau Nguyen
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
“I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” – Mt 3:11
Often times, it is easier to say sorry than to change one’s mind. I apologize often; and most of the time, I am genuinely sorry. This is part of what John the Baptist means by repentance. However, the Greek word for repentance, “metanoia,” means more. Literally “metá” means “beyond” and “noos” means “mind.” Hence, metanoia signifies a change of mind, a shift in mindset, a different way of seeing the world, ourselves, and others. This shift of mind triggers a conversion of heart and change in the way one relates to others, God, and self.
To my surprise, there are occasions when a conversion of mind and heart happens in me, beyond just saying sorry. I had an “allergic reaction” to a brother in the house. When I am physically near him, I feel like a bomb goes off inside. I feel agitated, annoyed, anxious, tempted to judge. I also feel bad and guilty for having these feelings. It took me some time, but slowly I learned just to let my feelings be without judging myself. I learned to embrace these negative feelings, be at peace, and actually listen to discover what might be going on within me. Gradually, I became more honest with myself and to even allow God in, to make space for God. I tried to look at my brother Jesuit with the eyes and heart of Jesus, to imagine Jesus being with him, caring for me, and loving him in his needs and struggles. I tried to pray this brother, for his well-being, even to imagine how I could cooperate with Jesus in loving the man. It took some time. But I began to notice a shift in attitude, in the way I see this Jesuit brother, with the way I relate with him. I became a bit more patient with myself, and grew to trust God more. Perhaps this is a glimpse into the baptism with “the Holy Spirit and fire” that John the Baptist announces: a conversion from rejecting my “allergic reactions”; a conversion for greater acceptance of someone quite different from myself. I am grateful for this change.
Lord, what negative feelings do you invite me to embrace and listen without judgment? Who do you invite me to greater acceptance, including accepting myself?
Often times, it is easier to say sorry than to change one’s mind. I apologize often; and most of the time, I am genuinely sorry. This is part of what John the Baptist means by repentance. However, the Greek word for repentance, “metanoia,” means more. Literally “metá” means “beyond” and “noos” means “mind.” Hence, metanoia signifies a change of mind, a shift in mindset, a different way of seeing the world, ourselves, and others. This shift of mind triggers a conversion of heart and change in the way one relates to others, God, and self.
To my surprise, there are occasions when a conversion of mind and heart happens in me, beyond just saying sorry. I had an “allergic reaction” to a brother in the house. When I am physically near him, I feel like a bomb goes off inside. I feel agitated, annoyed, anxious, tempted to judge. I also feel bad and guilty for having these feelings. It took me some time, but slowly I learned just to let my feelings be without judging myself. I learned to embrace these negative feelings, be at peace, and actually listen to discover what might be going on within me. Gradually, I became more honest with myself and to even allow God in, to make space for God. I tried to look at my brother Jesuit with the eyes and heart of Jesus, to imagine Jesus being with him, caring for me, and loving him in his needs and struggles. I tried to pray this brother, for his well-being, even to imagine how I could cooperate with Jesus in loving the man. It took some time. But I began to notice a shift in attitude, in the way I see this Jesuit brother, with the way I relate with him. I became a bit more patient with myself, and grew to trust God more. Perhaps this is a glimpse into the baptism with “the Holy Spirit and fire” that John the Baptist announces: a conversion from rejecting my “allergic reactions”; a conversion for greater acceptance of someone quite different from myself. I am grateful for this change.
Lord, what negative feelings do you invite me to embrace and listen without judgment? Who do you invite me to greater acceptance, including accepting myself?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Saturday of the First Week of Advent
"Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” - Matthew 9:35-10:8
In today's Gospel, Jesus gives his disciples not just the authority to perform miracles but a special mission to give of themselves to the "troubled and abandoned" and "lost sheep". When we think of giving ourselves to others, we naturally think of our talents. Our talents are our unique abilities that we can do especially well. However, in thinking that we give only from our talents, we start to forget that what we can do exceptionally well does not completely define the extent from which we can give.
We each may have a few talents, but our gifts are more abundant. Henri Nouwen wrote, "our gifts are the many ways in which we express our humanity...friendship, kindness, patience, joy, peace, forgiveness, gentleness, love, hope, trust..." These gifts are often things we take for granted and do not think as gifts to give others. For most of our lives, we sometimes struggle to give because we remember how hard we had to work to cultivate and maintain our talents. So, the idea of giving it away to those who did not put in the time to earn these talents sometimes seems unfair to us. However, we must remember that God is the source of all good things. He freely gave us the seeds of our talents and our gifts so we may give to others.
"True joy, happiness, and inner peace come from the giving of ourselves to others". Lord, grant us the grace to give freely to others the same joy, happiness, peace, and love that we experience when we acknowledge and show gratitude for your gifts to us.
Are we aware of the gifts we have in our daily lives? How can we be more willing and alert to times when God calls us to give to others?
adapted anonymously from Henri Nouwen
In today's Gospel, Jesus gives his disciples not just the authority to perform miracles but a special mission to give of themselves to the "troubled and abandoned" and "lost sheep". When we think of giving ourselves to others, we naturally think of our talents. Our talents are our unique abilities that we can do especially well. However, in thinking that we give only from our talents, we start to forget that what we can do exceptionally well does not completely define the extent from which we can give.
We each may have a few talents, but our gifts are more abundant. Henri Nouwen wrote, "our gifts are the many ways in which we express our humanity...friendship, kindness, patience, joy, peace, forgiveness, gentleness, love, hope, trust..." These gifts are often things we take for granted and do not think as gifts to give others. For most of our lives, we sometimes struggle to give because we remember how hard we had to work to cultivate and maintain our talents. So, the idea of giving it away to those who did not put in the time to earn these talents sometimes seems unfair to us. However, we must remember that God is the source of all good things. He freely gave us the seeds of our talents and our gifts so we may give to others.
"True joy, happiness, and inner peace come from the giving of ourselves to others". Lord, grant us the grace to give freely to others the same joy, happiness, peace, and love that we experience when we acknowledge and show gratitude for your gifts to us.
Are we aware of the gifts we have in our daily lives? How can we be more willing and alert to times when God calls us to give to others?
adapted anonymously from Henri Nouwen
Friday, December 3, 2010
Feast of Saint Francis Xavier
"Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD." - Psalm 27:14
Often in my life I find myself desiring perfection. Even in writing this brief reflection I found myself stressed out over what I should write, and how it needs to inspire those who read the words I would transcribe. I have tried for hours to put words down, yet I have found myself toiling aimlessly for my own glory for words that mean nothing to me. I, then, set myself to refocus using on of my favorite saints, Francis Xavier, S.J.
Every time I sit and meditate on the life of Francis, I feel humbled by God. Each and every one of us is called to be saints, holy men and women of God. But what does it take to walk in the path of sainthood? Mother Theresa once asked up to "give until it hurt, then give some more." Our very Savior, as well as the martyrs, gave their last drops of blood. St. Francis Xavier left everything he knew; his friends, family, and his order to follow where called called him. Francis sailed around Africa, through India and Southeast Asia, up to Japan, and ended outside China. Everything he did was for the glory of God. From risking his life on a ship for many years to teaching and converting the many different people he came across. Francis gave absolutely everything he had for his mission.
Now, we have all walked this path before. The "yes" which was so emphatic and inspired on Sunday, now fades, awaiting renewal. As the weeks wear on, and though Christmas seems like a distance away, consider St. Francis and his mission. Though not all of us are called to drop everything and follow, we are always called to make little sacrifices in our days. In Advent, we are reminded of Christ's coming Kingdom, of his triumphant return; but we must remain vigilant. Let us ask for the grace to see the little ways to sacrifice in your day-to-day life.
What can we do in the coming weeks to remind ourselves of our path to dwell with God?
That is, what can we do to strengthen ourselves as we await the coming Kingdom?
reflected by Matthew Keppel
Often in my life I find myself desiring perfection. Even in writing this brief reflection I found myself stressed out over what I should write, and how it needs to inspire those who read the words I would transcribe. I have tried for hours to put words down, yet I have found myself toiling aimlessly for my own glory for words that mean nothing to me. I, then, set myself to refocus using on of my favorite saints, Francis Xavier, S.J.
Every time I sit and meditate on the life of Francis, I feel humbled by God. Each and every one of us is called to be saints, holy men and women of God. But what does it take to walk in the path of sainthood? Mother Theresa once asked up to "give until it hurt, then give some more." Our very Savior, as well as the martyrs, gave their last drops of blood. St. Francis Xavier left everything he knew; his friends, family, and his order to follow where called called him. Francis sailed around Africa, through India and Southeast Asia, up to Japan, and ended outside China. Everything he did was for the glory of God. From risking his life on a ship for many years to teaching and converting the many different people he came across. Francis gave absolutely everything he had for his mission.
Now, we have all walked this path before. The "yes" which was so emphatic and inspired on Sunday, now fades, awaiting renewal. As the weeks wear on, and though Christmas seems like a distance away, consider St. Francis and his mission. Though not all of us are called to drop everything and follow, we are always called to make little sacrifices in our days. In Advent, we are reminded of Christ's coming Kingdom, of his triumphant return; but we must remain vigilant. Let us ask for the grace to see the little ways to sacrifice in your day-to-day life.
What can we do in the coming weeks to remind ourselves of our path to dwell with God?
That is, what can we do to strengthen ourselves as we await the coming Kingdom?
reflected by Matthew Keppel
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
“Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:4
How do we respond to God’s call to live in faith? We may find it so easy to spend our days fending for ourselves instead of appreciating life for the divine gift it is. In my daily life, I’ve found many colorful characters who consistently demonstrate a reckless discourtesy. One particular person occasionally pops into my life and has a pattern of challenging my status or achievements. A few times, I’ve been moved to defend myself, as if my survival depends on clinging and protecting what’s mine. Yet nothing lasts forever. My status will change. My achievements will be forgotten. Everything that is mine, or that I claim to be mine, will be taken away. The true challenge may be to recognize the greater truth, that everything is not mine, but God’s. The truly eternal is God, who has given us the gift of life, who has enabled us to be here and now. Despite the conflicts, despite the obnoxious people in our lives, when we see everything as gifts God has placed in front of us, perhaps we can live in appreciation of every beautiful experience we have. Perhaps then we can unquestionably believe behind everything that comes and goes, we are God’s beloved forever.
How do you live in faith when you find yourself clinging to situations, circumstances, or possessions that are taken away?
reflected by Le Anthony Vinh
How do we respond to God’s call to live in faith? We may find it so easy to spend our days fending for ourselves instead of appreciating life for the divine gift it is. In my daily life, I’ve found many colorful characters who consistently demonstrate a reckless discourtesy. One particular person occasionally pops into my life and has a pattern of challenging my status or achievements. A few times, I’ve been moved to defend myself, as if my survival depends on clinging and protecting what’s mine. Yet nothing lasts forever. My status will change. My achievements will be forgotten. Everything that is mine, or that I claim to be mine, will be taken away. The true challenge may be to recognize the greater truth, that everything is not mine, but God’s. The truly eternal is God, who has given us the gift of life, who has enabled us to be here and now. Despite the conflicts, despite the obnoxious people in our lives, when we see everything as gifts God has placed in front of us, perhaps we can live in appreciation of every beautiful experience we have. Perhaps then we can unquestionably believe behind everything that comes and goes, we are God’s beloved forever.
How do you live in faith when you find yourself clinging to situations, circumstances, or possessions that are taken away?
reflected by Le Anthony Vinh
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wednesday of the First Week of Advent: God's Endless Abundance
“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat... They all ate and were satisfied.” - Matthew 15:29-37
In the office of a good friend, there is a frame with the quote “Grace upon grace.” The quote reinforces God’s endless abundance and how He has given us the grace to carry out what He has called us to do. He calls us to share our gifts with others, especially to those who are less fortunate than us. We are able to be compassionate because God recognizes our needs and always takes care of them but there are times when we are constantly asking of God for more but He has already given us so much. It’s up to us to actively acknowledge and give gratitude for His gifts and grace upon grace we have already received.
Those who came to see Jesus at the mountain were hopeful they may be cured of their ailments but not only were they cured, Jesus was able to provide a surplus of food to feed everyone there despite being in a remote place. In this season of waiting, we must maintain a spirit of hope to spread to everyone around us and also strengthen our faith in God that He will always provide more than enough.
Lord, may we humbly take every opportunity to be a reflection of your life-giving and endless love for all those who come into our life and to praise you through gratitude for taking care of all our needs.
Are we conscious of and grateful for all that God has provided to us? In what other ways can we be more giving of ourselves?
reflected by Greg Lontok
In the office of a good friend, there is a frame with the quote “Grace upon grace.” The quote reinforces God’s endless abundance and how He has given us the grace to carry out what He has called us to do. He calls us to share our gifts with others, especially to those who are less fortunate than us. We are able to be compassionate because God recognizes our needs and always takes care of them but there are times when we are constantly asking of God for more but He has already given us so much. It’s up to us to actively acknowledge and give gratitude for His gifts and grace upon grace we have already received.
Those who came to see Jesus at the mountain were hopeful they may be cured of their ailments but not only were they cured, Jesus was able to provide a surplus of food to feed everyone there despite being in a remote place. In this season of waiting, we must maintain a spirit of hope to spread to everyone around us and also strengthen our faith in God that He will always provide more than enough.
Lord, may we humbly take every opportunity to be a reflection of your life-giving and endless love for all those who come into our life and to praise you through gratitude for taking care of all our needs.
Are we conscious of and grateful for all that God has provided to us? In what other ways can we be more giving of ourselves?
reflected by Greg Lontok
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