Life For Me

Minute Meditations  Enjoy the Adventure Father, grant us the grace to be humble and content to place ourselves at your service. You know the role you want us to play in your kingdom. Following where you lead is the only sure way to find success and enjoy the adventure. We ask your grace to know this, in Jesus's name, Amen. — from Stories of Jesus St. Stephen of Mar Saba (d. 794)   A "do not disturb" sign helped today's saint find holiness and peace. Stephen of Mar Saba was the nephew of St. John Damascene, who introduced the young boy to monastic life beginning at age 10. When he reached 24, Stephen served the community in a variety of ways, including guest master. After some time he asked permission to live a hermit's life. The answer from the abbot was yes and no: Stephen could follow his preferred lifestyle during the week, but on weekends he was to offer his skills as a counselor. Stephen placed a note on the door of his cell: "Forgive me, Fathers, in the name of the Lord, but please do not disturb me except on Saturdays and Sundays." Despite his calling to prayer and quiet, Stephen displayed uncanny skills with people and was a valued spiritual guide. His biographer and disciple wrote about Stephen: "Whatever help, spiritual or material, he was asked to give, he gave. He received and honored all with the same kindness. He possessed nothing and lacked nothing. In total poverty he possessed all things." Stephen died in 794. Saint of the Day Lives, Lessons and Feast By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.     Presence I pause for a moment and think of the love and the grace that God showers on me: I am created in the image and likeness of God; I am God's dwelling-place. Freedom Lord, you created me to live in freedom. May your Holy Spirit guide me to follow you freely. Instil in my heart a desire To know and love you more each day. Consciousness I exist in a web of relationships - links to nature, people, God. I trace out these links, giving thanks for the life that flows through them. Some links are twisted or broken: I may feel regret, anger, disappointment. I pray for the gift of acceptance and forgiveness.   Tuesday of Holy Week Reading 1 Is 49:1-6 Hear me, O islands, listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth, from my mother's womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, Yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God. For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, That Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; And I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Responsorial Psalm Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17 R. (see 15ab) I will sing of your salvation. In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me. R. I will sing of your salvation. Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. R. I will sing of your salvation. For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother's womb you are my strength. R. I will sing of your salvation. My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. R. I will sing of your salvation. Verse Before the Gospel Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter. Gospel Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus' side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus' chest and said to him, "Master, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it." So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night. When he had left, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, 'Where I go you cannot come,' so now I say it to you." Simon Peter said to him, "Master, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later." Peter said to him, "Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times."     Listen to audio of this reading     Watch a video reflection   Conversation How has God's Word moved me? Has it left me cold? Has it consoled me or moved me to act in a new way? I imagine Jesus standing or sitting beside me, I turn and  share my feelings with him. Conclusion Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Meditation: John 13:21-33, 36-38   Subscriber? Login to view archives. Tuesday of Holy Week Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. (John 13:31) Root vegetables are some of the most challenging crops for a new gardener to harvest. Because you can't easily tell then they are fully ripened, it's easy to pull them up at the wrong time. Carrots, for instance, are supposed to be harvested after they produce a full plume of leaves. Yet there's always that chance that this beautiful fountain of leafy stems is hiding a small, underformed carrot. Potatoes, on the other hand, are best harvested when it looks like the above-ground plant is dead. If you pull them out too soon, you can't replant them. And if you wait too long, they will have gone bad. You have only one chance. The night of the Last Supper posed a similar kind of confusion for the apostles. They saw all the signs that made them think that Jesus was about to take his place as King: cheers and palms upon their entry into Jerusalem, adoring crowds, and amazing miracles. With such powerful displays, they thought it was surely harvest time! In the upper room, Jesus tried to show them the kind of king he was destined to become. He even tried to prepare them for their new roles in his kingdom. But then he started talking about leaving them and how they would not be able to follow him where he was going. It was all so baffling! His glory was so close, but they didn't understand that he had to die first in order to take up his throne. So in their confusion, they made a few mistakes. Imagine how Peter felt when, after denying Jesus three times, he heard the cock crow. Imagine how all the disciples felt at the Last Supper when they began arguing about who was the greatest in the kingdom. We all make mistakes. Jesus understands that we are novice farmers. Today, remember that his grace can cover any of our blunders, and his harvest is rich in mercy and love. The miracle of Christianity is that quite often, we can undo our mistakes. We can replant something and still watch it grow! "Lord, you know that I will sometimes make mistakes. Still, I thank you for always being willing to forgive me and for patiently teaching me how to prepare the best harvest."   Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17       Life For Me going4th-20150331090310.mp3 my2cents: The 1st Holy Scripture ends today with "I will make you a light to the nations,that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."  Last night we were asked in the Lenten Longings final class at the end "...how can you be a better disciple of Christ" (I'm paraphrasing, forgive me I've slept since then).  And I had to extract the answers of every one in the quiet room.  One young man said "we should keep in contact", and then another said "I'm going to start going to church, so I can tell others to go, but I set the example" and another said "I'm going to make a special place in my home for prayer", and another said "I'm going to visit the elderly in nursing homes" and another said "I'm going to be more open, for whenever someone needs help".   Sounds like good answers right?  The Holy Spirit was prevailing among us, and I kept pointing out throughout the evening the moments the Holy Spirit was taking over.  At one point the young man wouldn't answer a question and I said "open your mouth" and let the Lord speak, and the answer we needed to hear was on the tip of his tongue. You see, too often we are simply locked in fear and doubt, all counters to what should be our faith.  The Holy Psalms pray today "I will sing of your salvation".  And they continue on, listen to God:   "For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother's womb you are my strength." Of course they tell of the life of Jesus, but who do you think we have to depend on from birth as well?  Only the Lord.  And for those that depend on Him, well, blessings will arise.  I was telling one yesterday "look, you have to start tithing" after he said he wanted to save money including his income tax.  He asked me what I was doing with mine and I said "I'm going to give it to the church", if not all at least half.  His mouth opened wide. LOL.  I explained how the church needed it for the building fund more than my debts.  How can this be? That the Church needs my money more than my needs and debts?  Very simple.  God is more important.  Last week I told a student in Lenten Longings "I've been at this several years, and I've noticed that the church loses.  When it comes to sports, the church loses.  When it comes to work, the church loses.  People just "can't" make it, and the church loses. You don't feel like it and the church loses. The kids sports games are more important, or work, and so forth."  I asked where that guy was last night, turns out, he was at his kids' soccer game.  LOL.  It just doesn't register does it?  "The priest was really hard on us for not knowing the Sacraments" the couple said in class.  I said "was he being harder than I am being on ya'll right now?" LOL.  They said yes.  And so I explained how we (in the parish) are tired of losing.  "There used to be a day when I was younger", I said, "when kids would miss a sporting event to go to a church deal".  Not anymore.  The church loses.  You see, people come and sing at the church, but what are you singing?  Definitely not God's tune.  Because His was one of humility and obedience and love of God above all! Jesus comes, and we hear of the encounter with Satan through Judas.  I told the class last night about this exact moment in the life of Christ, when they were at Holy Thursday, the Last Supper, and the students asked "how did Jesus know who was the betrayor?".  It became a subject of discussion, too much for this bit.  But the important part is at the heart.  I told them "look, all of you will one day (Lord Willing) partake of the Holy Eucharist.  Never take Him with evil in you, because it will make it hard and you will be hardened in your sin.  This is how Judas took the bread and was possessed by the devil.  We can not say we accept Christ, eat with Him and eat HIM and also accept the ways of the world.  I told the class, we have to walk backwards in the world, because we are not of this world.  "You who are shacked up living in sin, you still have to go to Church and fall in love with the Lord above all...otherwise you are compounding your sins by not going to church".  The aim of course is to one day be in complete union with God. Holiness.  And that is our whole focus, the focus the world leads you away from.  And so the lies in the world are as follows: -You don't have to go to Mass on Sundays, just once a year if you can. -You don't have to confess your sins, just keep them to yourself and God. -Your sins don't hurt anybody if nobody is being hurt. -You can make up your own beliefs about God and that is the truth. -You don't have to listen to the magisterium (the Holy Church's teachings) just do what everyone else says is right. And so there inside the religion is the betrayor.  Judas.  The anti-Christ.  It wasn't the scribes and Jews that finally got Jesus, it was someone that was his disciple that got Him...killed.  The real danger of not loving Christ as we ought is more than words can explain.  I asked the young couple how old their baby was they are baptizing.  Then I said "you know why I'm here doing what I'm doing?  For that baby".  For his soul. For their souls.  Should I be quiet about your sins?  Or make light of them?  I will indeed put the light on them.  As we speak, they are coming up with more laws on making homosexual marriage legal across the United States.  So what's the big deal?  About 30 states already legalize it, like decades ago when they started legalizing abortions.  The big deal is that we are pro-life.  Homosexuality is not on the side of life even though they say it does not contradict.  There is a disorder.  And the church teaches against disorder.  Our moments of glory in the United States are many, yet they are counted, like the days of our lives.  So what can we do in the mean time?  I didn't like the answers last night when someone would just blurt out "pray".  I pray.  I think I pray.  I fast. Yet there's more to it.  Can one be on their knees all the time?  Jesus got up after praying alone.  We have to get up after praying. Then what did He do when they came and arrested Him thanks to the kiss goodbye from Judas?  He gave Himself.  We have to give ourselves to God.  At the heart of the matter is what is at stake for the world.  Salvation at hand. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Where do you stand?   adrian Subscribe to the Going4th mailing list.   Podcast Page: http://hipcast.com/podcast/HjNXK9ts

Going4th,

Because of Him

Minute Meditations Jesus's Greatest Gift Father, Jesus offered us the greatest gift he could--Himself as the food for ourselves--and the people's rejection of that gift broke His heart. Yet many Christians do the same thing today by reducing the gift of Christ's body and blood to near symbolism. Father, help us to understand and accept Jesus as He is and never let us be a disappointment to Him! We ask this in His name, Amen. — from Stories of Jesus St. Peter Regalado (1390-1456)   Peter lived at a very busy time in history. The Great Western Schism (1378-1417) was settled at the Council of Constance (1414-1418). France and England were fighting the Hundred Years' War, and in 1453 the Byzantine Empire was completely wiped out by the loss of Constantinople to the Turks. At Peter's death the age of printing had just begun in Germany, and Columbus's arrival in the New World was less than 40 years away. Peter came from a wealthy and pious family in Valladolid, Spain. At the age of 13, he was allowed to enter the Conventual Franciscans. Shortly after his ordination, he was made superior of the friary in Aguilar. He became part of a group of friars who wanted to lead a life of greater poverty and penance. In 1442 he was appointed head of all the Spanish Franciscans in his reform group. Peter led the friars by his example. A special love of the poor and the sick characterized Peter. Miraculous stories are told about his charity to the poor. For example, the bread never seemed to run out as long as Peter had hungry people to feed. Throughout most of his life, Peter went hungry; he lived only on bread and water. Immediately after his death on March 31, 1456, his grave became a place of pilgrimage. Peter was canonized in 1746. Comment: Peter was an effective leader of the friars because he did not become ensnared in anger over the sins of others. Peter helped sinning friars rearrange the priorities in their lives and dedicate themselves to living the gospel of Jesus Christ as they had vowed. This patient correction is an act of charity available to all Franciscans, not just to superiors. Quote: "And let all the brothers, both the ministers and servants as well as the others, take care not to be disturbed or angered at the sin or the evil of another, because the devil wishes to destroy many through the fault of one; but they should spiritually help [the brother] who has sinned as best they can, because it is not the healthy who are in need of the physician, but those who are sick (cf. Mt 9:12; Mk 2:17)" (Rule of 1221, Chapter 5).   Saint of the Day Lives, Lessons and Feast By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.     Presence I pause for a moment and reflect on God's life-giving presence in every part of my body, in everything around me, in the whole of my life.   Freedom "In these days, God taught me as a schoolteacher teaches a pupil" (Saint Ignatius). I remind myself that there are things God has to teach me yet, and ask for the grace to hear them and let them change me. Consciousness How am I really feeling? Lighthearted? Heavy-hearted? I may be very much at peace, happy to be here. Equally, I may be frustrated, worried or angry. I acknowledge how I really am. It is the real me that the Lord loves. The Word of God   Reading 1 Is 42:1-7 Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, Upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, Until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spreads out the earth with its crops, Who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk on it: I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. Responsorial Psalm Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14 R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid? R. The Lord is my light and my salvation. When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, My foes and my enemies themselves stumble and fall. R. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; Though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust. R. The Lord is my light and my salvation. I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD. R. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Verse Before the Gospel Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our faults. Gospel Jn 12:1-11 Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?" He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.     Listen to audio of this reading     Watch a video reflection Conversation Remembering that I am still in God's presence, I imagine Jesus himself standing or sitting beside me, and say whatever is on my mind, whatever is in my heart, speaking as one friend to another. Conclusion Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.   Meditation: Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14 Subscriber? Login to view archives. Monday of Holy Week Wait for the Lord with courage. (Psalm 27:14) This is a week for waiting. As we recall Jesus' final days, his final steps toward the cross, and his final words, we are all waiting for his final victory. However much we share in Jesus' sufferings, however much we unite ourselves to his passion, everything is still colored by that victory. So the psalmist's cry, "The Lord is my light and my salvation" is not just wishful thinking. It's the very bedrock of our lives! The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? (Psalm 27:1) Not other people. Not those who are smarter, wealthier, or more powerful than I am. Not situations where I feel inadequate. Jesus, my Savior, is my light. The Father not only sent him to walk this earth as one like me; he also gave me his Spirit, who is always with me. Day or night, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, I have the light of the Lord to give me the knowledge and wisdom I need. The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) I don't have to fear the circumstances of my life. Not wakeful, lonely nights or sorrowful vigils at a loved one's sick bed. Not bitter exchanges with an agitated family member. Not exhausting battles with illness or with tired children. When loving and caring become too burdensome, Jesus promises to be my strength. He offers his constant presence as a refuge whenever the storms of life threaten to overwhelm. Though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust. (Psalm 27:3) Because Jesus believed unshakably that God was on his side, he could take those final steps toward the cross. God is on my side, too! He is my strength and refuge. He is in control, even when all around me seems chaotic. He is the victor. Period. Jesus might not have seemed victorious as he proceeded to Jerusalem. Not as one of his disciples betrayed him for money. Not as he was mocked and whipped and nailed to a cross. Not as his life's blood poured out. But he waited. He trusted. And he triumphed. And so can I! "God, you are good. I will hold fast to this truth today. I believe that no matter what happens, you are for me."   Isaiah 42:1-7 John 12:1-11       Because of Him going4th-20150330080353.mp3 my2cents: The Lord is my light and my salvation prays the Psalms, the life of Christ.  The prophet Isaiah had proclaimed a prophecy, something for them to live on, a hope, and that hope came, not at the time and the way they wanted in his day, but at the manner and time that the Lord saw it would be good.  In comes our Lord, Jesus.  About a week before dying for us, He dines with His loved ones, one of whom was a friend that He had raised from the dead.  A woman named Mary annoints Him with oil and the house raises awareness.  The evil one speaks "why does the church (the people) waste so much money when they could be "GIVING IT ALL TO THE POOR" and the liar is revealed.  The person speaking is not the person but the devil.  As if we really care so much for the poor.  You have not even lifted a finger for them but you want others to do so?  This is the exact reason they sought to kill the Lord and Lazarus to boot.  And so what does Jesus do?  He still commits Himself to the poor, the starving, those to devour Him.  He tells Judas the one who betrays Him a few days later, "you will alway have the poor with you".  And it is true.  The poor are among us.  And Jesus ain't just talking about the pocket book.  I mean, are you surrounded by homeless people?  In a city of 100,000 we've helped feed usually about 100 per week.  That's about what .1 percent?  No, there's a whole lot more poor Jesus is after.  The world in general is poor in spirit.  This is why He proclaims the beatitudes.  I say this because I got to witness the death of a loved one last night, my aunt.  I thank you for your prayers.  I got to see the coming together of the poor ones.  And I use this life testimony so that you might grow in strength in faith, because our faith is like the mustard seed that just grows as you pass time in the Lord. It was as if most of the day we were waiting for the moment they would unplug my aunt from the machines.  At the hour it would be after a Mass in her presence a few hours before, tears of fears could be heard, we waited in a room across from her room, and at the moment I felt the call to pray the rosary for all present, the turmoil seemed to grow.  I sat down, head down praying.  I had prayed a rosary earlier when grief struck loved ones were getting lound lamenting, I felt the temptation to do the same, but something took it away...the rosary, the prayers, not for me but for all, and it seemed to work, there was calmness as much as possible again.  Now at the hour of passing, the other rosary, with eyes closed I saw as if I were in the crowded room with her, a light pulling from her body, almost as in form of a cross, I don't know but as it happened ...it happened, she was taken out of her earthly body.  We have the poor ones among us.  They were torn, but not broken.  God will see to it that you are not given more than you can handle, because He loves you too. You see, too often we point a finger and fail to realize our need.  For instance, there are times when someone comes into my office as I'm writing to you, seemingly to disturb your peace as the evil one tries.  And so one comes in and realizing this, I decided to give the disturber a sign of love, a smile, I said a little joke and he laughs, and now instead of seeing my mean face concentrating on the screen, the poor man that wants his child baptized sees a sign of hope and love.  The poor are among us, and many times will be our instruments to Heaven.  Obtain them and fulfill the opportunity to love them.  The Vatican will not sell all its riches and give to the poor FOR YOU.  It is you that will render all you have for the poor.  Will you also sell all your family portraits?  All your memories to give to the poor?  Will you too become homeless?  Will you too surrender your every last drop of blood...for JESUS?  Judas did not, and so we have to watch our mouth for the fish dies at the mouth, caught for not having known to love before you speak, act before pondering Jesus.  And this is the way to reach the poor, dying in hospitals, dying of suffering anguishments in nursing homes, torments of those who have no hope in their own homes, people tormented and possessed by their addictions that become their afflictions. Lent is Holy and this is now Holy Week.  What have you given so far?  Has it been enough?  Were you battered and stricken by the temptor?  If not, then give more, because you will know when you give, the temptations will arise to overwhelm you.  The Lord is my light and my salvation.  Say it, and it is all you will need today.  Believe it because that's what makes "Life Worth Living" as archbishop Fulton Sheen would say, and you know what else he said?  This lover of God, Archbishop Fulton Sheen said " "A person is great, not by the ferocity of his hatred of evil, but by the intensity of his love for God." -Fulton J. Sheen And this makes all the difference in the world, from dark to light and no in between. BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER adrian Subscribe to the Going4th mailing list. podcast my2cents and online player: http://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HS2yJb

Going4th,

Be Set Aside

Minute Meditations Abandon Ourselves We need do no more than we are doing at present; that is, to love divine Providence and abandon ourselves in His arms and heart. — from The Joyful Spirit of Padre Pio Lazarus Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, the brother of Martha and Mary, was the one of whom the Jews said, "See how much he loved him." In their sight Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. Legends abound about the life of Lazarus after the death and resurrection of Jesus. He is supposed to have left a written account of what he saw in the next world before he was called back to life. Some say he followed Peter into Syria. Another story is that despite being put into a leaking boat by the Jews at Jaffa, he, his sisters and others landed safely in Cyprus. There he died peacefully after serving as bishop for 30 years. A church was built in his honor in Constantinople and some of his reputed relics were transferred there in 890. A Western legend has the oarless boat arriving in Gaul. There he was bishop of Marseilles, was martyred after making a number of converts and was buried in a cave. His relics were transferred to the new cathedral in Autun in 1146. It is certain there was early devotion to the saint. Around the year 390, the pilgrim lady Etheria talks of the procession that took place on the Saturday before Palm Sunday at the tomb where Lazarus had been raised from the dead. In the West, Passion Sunday was called Dominica de Lazaro, and Augustine tells us that in Africa the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus was read at the office of Palm Sunday. Comment: Many people who have had a near-death experience report losing all fear of death. When Lazarus died a second time, perhaps he was without fear. He must have been sure that Jesus, the friend with whom he had shared many meals and conversations, would be waiting to raise him again. We don't share Lazarus' firsthand knowledge of returning from the grave. Nevertheless, we too have shared meals and conversations with Jesus, who waits to raise us, too.   Saint of the Day Lives, Lessons and Feast By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.     Presence I pause for a moment and think of the love and the grace that God showers on me, creating me in his image and likeness, making me his temple.... Freedom It is so easy to get caught up with the trappings of wealth in this life. Grant, O Lord, that I may be free from greed and selfishness. Remind me that the best things in life are free. Love, laughter, caring and sharing.   Consciousness I remind myself that I am in the presence of the Lord. I will take refuge in His loving heart. He is my strength in times of weakness. He is my comforter in times of sorrow. The Word of God   Reading 1 Jer 20:10-13 I hear the whisperings of many: "Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!" All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. "Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him." But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked! Responsorial Psalm PS 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7 R. (see 7) In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. I love you, O LORD, my strength, O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold! Praised be the LORD, I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies. R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. The breakers of death surged round about me, the destroying floods overwhelmed me; The cords of the nether world enmeshed me, the snares of death overtook me. R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried out to my God; From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. Verse Before the Gospel See Jn 6:63c, 68c Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. Gospel Jn 10:31-42 The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, 'You are gods"'? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, "John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true." And many there began to believe in him.     Listen to audio of this reading     Watch a video reflection Conversation I begin to talk to Jesus about the piece of scripture I have just read. What part of it strikes a chord in me? Perhaps the words of a friend - or some story I have heard recently - will slowly rise to the surface in my consciousness. If so, does the story throw light on what the scripture passage may be trying to say to me? Conclusion Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen Meditation: Jeremiah 20:10-13   Subscriber? Login to view archives.   5th Week of Lent The Lord is with me. (Jeremiah 20:11) Have you ever felt that people were out to get you? Or maybe you have felt as though someone has worked to undermine or mock you. Well, you're not alone. In fact, you're in good company. All three of today's readings show heroes of the faith—Jeremiah, David, and Jesus—responding to public smearing, threats, and betrayal. How do you respond when you find yourself in a situation like this? Do you echo Jeremiah's plea: "O Lord of hosts ... Let me witness the vengeance you take on them" (Jeremiah 20:12)? Or do you follow Jesus' words: "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:44-45)? Place yourself in Jeremiah's shoes. He had been given the heavy task of proclaiming prophecies concerning God's judgment to his wayward family, friends, and countrymen (Jeremiah 4:1-4). He prayed to the Lord to have mercy, but the people repaid him with plots to kill him. Jeremiah's prayer in today's first reading follows the discovery of a second plot to kill him! Although Jeremiah adds a sharp, vengeful little request in his prayer, he nonetheless exemplifies an admirable response to injustice and malice. He takes his broken heart to God. Such a sign of trust pleased the Lord deeply. He comforted Jeremiah, gave him strength for his task, and rescued him from "the power of the wicked" who were out to get him (Jeremiah 20:13). Do you believe that you can go to your Father in just the same way? It's true. It won't upset him to hear your frustration. In fact, it's much better to let it out than to keep it inside. God knows your heart, and he is always ready to give you his heart as you pour out yours to him. As you try this open, two-way approach, you will begin to see your prayers of anger and frustration turn into prayers of compassion and mercy. Give God the time, and he will transform you! "Father, I trust that you will be patient with me when I share my heart with you. Please hear my prayer, and teach me the way of love and forgiveness."   Psalm 18:2-7 John 10:31-42   Be Set Aside going4th-20150327080346.mp3 my2cents: The life of Christ is that of all the prophets.  The giving of life of Christ is the giving of the laws given by God.  Those who break the laws do not set well.  Sin does not set well.  This is why they were chasing Christ out of their lives.  Our Lord got away at that time, interesting, they didn't chase after Him.  It's the story of our lives.  We chase Him away, and never really look for Him, and we are speaking about the truth.  Jesus cries from the cross a week from today on Good Friday, not to say that every Friday in the world and time is not a good friday, because God made it good.  That is why the custom is to sacrifice something on Fridays as a faithful Catholic, abstain from meat, do something to sacrifice and why?  To be in unison with Him forever.  It is a small gesture for the greatest act of Love in human history, that of a man from God, the Son of the only God of all, in total surrender and obedience to the Father in Heaven, the creator of all.  Today's 5minutos ended with: ...Jesus says, "Be merciful as your Father is merciful" (Lk6:36).  Jesus describes the mercy of God not solely to show me what God feels for me, or to forgive me my sins and offer a new life and much happiness, but to invite me to be like God and for us to be merciful with the others like He is with me.  Convert oneself to the celestial Father is not only an important aspect of the teachings of Jesus; it is the very nucleus of His message." What a strange message to those that don't want to be like God, those that don't seek the truth.  How many in your world do you know, don't want to really know this truth?  I know in my world I am riddled with people that are not seeking the truth, they are happy with the way the live with God.  He sits on His end of town, and they sit on the other end of town.  Much like they kicked Jesus out to go to the other side of the Jordan while they sat on their end.  And this is of the devil.  Diablo means in the earliest of languages basically to divide.  And this is the cause that I fight in my family, my parish, my community and the world beyond.  Fighting means uniting in the terms of the celestial realms of the Father. For this Jesus came, no more gentile or Jew, no more pagans, no more anything, just all united through Him, with Him, and in Him.  So, what's wrong with being a little god?  Only thing wrong is who the little god represents, the god of self, or the God of all Gods, our Heavenly Father with Jesus!?   This is why Muslims hate and stone Christians, because we call God our Father, making us equal with Him in a way they suppose.  But we are OF HIM.  How can I not be of the family that I was born into?  And this is through baptism.  Crossing the waters saves.  Now, the life of appreciation ensues and we are leading to the Eucharist, the total surrender that ought to take place in our hearts at the moment He trespasses and infuses into our souls. There is no greater love in the world than that of the Father in Heaven.  It's more than we make it out to be.  How can God say "I'm going to be become one of my creations, my children, and I am going to show them personally what love is. And the starving children eat Him up   adrian Subscribe to the Going4th mailing list. podcast: http://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HS2yJb

Going4th,

Keep His Word

Minute Meditations Medicinal Love Lord, when I help someone who is ill, let me never forget that love is the most important medicine. And when I am ill, Lord, please send me medical men and women who are not only wise and skilled but filled with love. — from The Joyful Spirit of Padre Pio Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz (d. 1801)   Born in Cadiz, Spain, and christened Joseph Francis, the youth spent much of his free time around the Capuchin friars and their church. But his desire to enter the Franciscan Order was delayed because of the difficulty he had with his studies. Finally he was admitted to the novitiate of the Capuchins in Seville as Brother Didacus. He later was ordained a priest and sent out to preach. His gift of preaching was soon evident. He journeyed tirelessly through the territory of Andalusia of Spain, speaking in small towns and crowded cities. His words were able to touch the minds and hearts of young and old, rich and poor, students and professors. His work in the confessional completed the conversions his words began. This unlearned man was called "the apostle of the Holy Trinity" because of his devotion to the Trinity and the ease with which he preached about this sublime mystery. One day a child gave away his secret, crying out: "Mother, mother, see the dove resting on the shoulder of Father Didacus! I could preach like that too if a dove told me all that I should say." Didacus was that close to God, spending nights in prayer and preparing for his sermons by severe penances. His reply to those who criticized him: "My sins and the sins of the people compel me to do it. Those who have been charged with the conversions of sinners must remember that the Lord has imposed on them the sins of all their clients." It is said that sometimes when he preached on the love of God he would be elevated above the pulpit. Crowds in village and town squares were entranced by his words and would attempt to tear off pieces of his habit as he passed by. He died in 1801 at age 58, a holy and revered man. He was beatified in 1894. Comment: Didacus was such a poor student that the Observant Franciscans wouldn't have him. When Capuchin Franciscans finally took him into their order and eventually ordained him, he proved to be a powerful preacher—to everyone's surprise. As we often do, Didacus's contemporaries expected little from someone with a slow mind. Didacus proved to them that intelligence is not the only measure. The person who has a loving heart, a listening ear and a wealth of compassion is, in the long run, much wiser.   Saint of the Day Lives, Lessons and Feast By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.     Presence I pause for a moment and think of the love and the grace that God showers on me, creating me in his image and likeness, making me his temple.... Freedom Lord, may I never take the gift of freedom for granted. You gave me the great blessing of freedom of spirit. Fill my spirit with Your peace and Your joy. Consciousness How am I really feeling? Lighthearted? Heavy-hearted? I may be very much at peace, happy to be here. Equally, I may be frustrated, worried or angry. I acknowledge how I really am. It is the real me that the Lord loves. The Word of God   Reading 1 Gn 17:3-9 When Abram prostrated himself, God spoke to him: "My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations. No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. I will render you exceedingly fertile; I will make nations of you; kings shall stem from you. I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land in which you are now staying, the whole land of Canaan, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God." God also said to Abraham: "On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages." Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations -- Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Verse Before the Gospel Ps 95:8 If today you hear his voice; harden not your hearts. Gospel Jn 8:51-59 Jesus said to the Jews: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death." So the Jews said to him, "Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, 'Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad." So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM." So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.     Listen to audio of this reading     Watch a video reflection Conversation Sometimes I wonder what I might say if I were to meet you in person Lord. I think I might say "Thank You Lord" for always being there for me. I know with certainty there were times when you carried me, Lord, when it was through your strength I got through the dark times in my life. Conclusion Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen   Meditation: John 8:51-59 Subscriber? Login to view archives.   5th Week of Lent Before Abraham came to be, I am. (John 8:58) Throughout this long conversation with the Jewish leaders, Jesus had been hinting at his identity—and angering his opponents in the process. Up to this point, they had already called him a liar, accused him of being a Samaritan, and even suggested that he was demon possessed (John 8:48). You can just imagine them asking, Just who do you think you are, anyway? They might have found it hard enough to swallow if Jesus hadn't gone beyond implying that he was greater than the great patriarch Abraham (8:52-57). But now, by saying, "I am"—a statement which was reserved only for Yahweh to make—Jesus identified himself with Almighty God (8:58)! The claim so infuriated them that they picked up stones to kill him. We have quite a different dilemma today. Unlike first-century Jews, many people today don't think too much about Jesus' identity. They see him as little more than a noble man or a doer of good deeds. And as a result, their vision of life is sadly limited. For us who believe, however, understanding who Jesus is can open up possibilities we might never have considered before. Jesus is the great "I am." In his person reside all the qualities of God himself. As the eternal Son of God, he has always existed. Before the world began, he was predestined to rule over us as a shepherd tends his sheep. Even before we fell into sin, the Father intended to send his Son to us to fill us with divine life and bring us into his presence. Hearing Jesus declare himself "I am" stirs our hearts with the assurance that we are in a safe place. It tells us that the eternal God knows every moment of our lives and that he is with us in every situation. He-who-is never lets us out of his sight—and how wonderful that is! Even when we stumble in sin and disbelief, Jesus is ready to lead us back into his Father's embrace. What love God has for us! Today let's thank him for his faithfulness and ask his Spirit to impress these truths more deeply in our hearts. "Jesus, how comforting it is to know of your unfailing love! Let your word penetrate my heart, that I may see you as you truly are: the awesome, eternal Son of God."   Genesis 17:3-9 Psalm 105:4-9       3/26/15 Keep His Word going4th-20150326090338.mp3 my2cents: "To love God is something greater than to know Him." -St. Thomas Aquinas An uncle said one time he heard the Lord speak to him these words too "...it's not all in the knowing, but loving Me". It's a truth that has been since our Lord made a covenant with us, a loving relationship.  I had a hard time getting to write to you, because I had to focus for quite a while on what it means to keep His Word.  In today's 1st Holy scriptures our Lord our God said: ""On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages." Keep His word?  Keep His covenant?  What is it that we need to do?  Our Lord promised all these things to Abraham, which have all come true through hundreds and thousands of years.  I wonder if it would've taken that long if we didn't keep goofing up.  It seems to take a long time for the Lord to answer some prayers, or is it me that keeps putting Him on hold?  The Psalms pray again on the same, the life of Christ our Lord: "The Lord remembers His covenant forever".  AGAIN?  Ok, Lord, what are you trying to say here?  The Psalms say "Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered."  Whew!  I thought it was going to be hard to follow the Lord, so...He just needs me to serve Him?  Remember the great things He done? The warnings? The declarations of justice to be?  Ok...doable..right? In comes Jesus our Lord on earth from Heaven, such a powerful mixture of divinity and blood.  Our Lord says today ""Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death."  Again with the keeping His word deal!?  Keep my word means what?  Keep my promise.  We all like to be a man of our word right?  (Man all huMANs).  Otherwise, you are virtually a liar, of the father of lies...the devil.  You see, we either belong to one or the other, things are black and white, not grey, because that color is tainted with black, and black don't fit in the light.  And so Jesus tells the guys (Jews) "I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. "  Liars?  The supposed doers and followers of the law of Moses?  Oh, wait. St. Thomas said "To love God is something greater than to know Him".  You see, we all think we know God, and that is sad, because only Jesus knows Him.  To say you know is to lie.  Stay with me.  We know OF God but we don't truly Know Him.  This is reserved for greater revelation in the hereafter.  Right now, all we can do is have faith, that is to say, love.  You see, the Jews had this whole Messiah thing figured out, and it killed the Messiah, the King of the Universe and beyond.  So what makes us want and need to know everything?  Do you really have to know everything?  God does, and that's all that matters.  Now, that's not to say we should never stop learning! LOL.  No need to turn into a pond full of algae!  No, we need to continue to know of Him, through scripture, but even so more, through His Holy Spirit that guides to the truth, and the truth is Jesus.  Do what Jesus says and we will be led to the Father.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you to Jesus, and Jesus to the Father.  That's why I've said you can read the bible until your face is blue and you know every verse and never really  know God, and worse, be a horrible so called Christian.  An old man yelled at my cursillo "si deveras amas a Dios, como le vas a fallar?!"  and this was back in March of 2004, how can I remember?  How can I not.  (in english "If you really Love God, how will you fail Him?") The words were engraved into my heart.  And so it is with the Word of God.  We are tattooed in Baptism with the words from our Lord> You Belong To Me> and so it goes to say, we are not of this world.  We ought not live like the world then.  We ought to live heaven on earth, because the Holy Spirit is among us, a Heaven veiled yet you know is there.  I know my2cents have gone long, but I just have to share so you will grow.  And so some thoughts I leave you with that hit me yesterday after walking outside and praying the rosary with all our kids in tow: "Heaven I've felt when Jesus is made present in the Eucharist" "Heaven I've felt as I sit in front of Him in confession" "Heaven I've felt when surrounded with others learning of Him and singing to Him" "Heaven I've felt alone and I'm contemplating His Greatness" "Heaven I've felt when a promise is fulfilled" And the Lord wants to help us keep our promise.  I told the people at a funeral vigil days ago "...God keeps His promises...it is us that don't" and then said "just because we are unfaithul doesn't mean He is unfaithful".   And this is the message of the Holy Scriptures, God entered us into a covenant relationship.  The new covenant is Jesus.  The Word is Jesus.  I am in a covenant relationship with Jesus, a promise, a pact, but more than all that, a loving relationship with the almighty that presents Himself as what?  You tell me, because your relationship answers that by the life you live adrian Subscribe to the Going4th mailing list. podcast of this: http://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HS2yJb    

Going4th,