Tending The Sheep

Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
John 21:15-19

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father how true these words are. There are many circumstances in life when we are often led where we don't want to go. The elderly come to mind in this instance. They are led to homes that are no longer theirs or they are led on a path that leaves them struggling after a lifetime of hard work. On the other hand we also lead children on the wrong path with wrongful living. O dear God, we don't always have our sensibilites as we age. We make decisions that are often selfish because we don't want to take the time to love and care for those who are too young or too old to care for themselves. But it is you we are to follow and when we do that, those choices often are made with you in our heart and love for others. Many times as we grow older and cannot take care of ourselves in the way we would like to, it's difficult to let go of independence and rely on others. For many it is fear to be led to a place that leaves them alone with strangers while family cease to be a source of comfort. Following you enables them to have strength and to conquer the fear of being abandoned. Peter knew that Jesus would not abandon him, nor should we fear this as well.

Eyes To Heaven

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.”
John 17:20-26 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father these many prayers Jesus prayed on our behalf and for you reveals so much love. It really is all about love isn't it. When all else failed it was love that spoke the loudest. It's something we all crave in our lives. The simplicity of being loved for who we are. That's how you want to be loved by us, isn't it. With simple hearts that don't put on airs. A love that encompasses everyone, not just a select few. That's why you gave us Jesus, to show us the depths of love we try so hard to understand. For those who are callous toward others often see the beauty of love in the words, in the actions and the hearts of those who are united to you. Being truly in love makes us glow and when we are deeply in love with you it shines brightly. Jesus shone like that because he loved you so much that you gave us to him to take care of for you. Your gift to him, we are then Jesus' treasure. Who would have thought that we are treasures to the Divine Family.

His Suffering

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
‘No slave is greater than his master.’
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me.”
John 15:18-21 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father the Bible gives us exactly what Jesus stated, that he would be hated and persecuted. In the account of the ordeal he suffered in what we had recently gone through ourselves in the season of Lent. Holy week brings to us the truth of these words Jesus spoke. He did it for love of us, to save us because he wanted to do it for you dear Father. As Christians we too suffer in many ways, not as profoundly as Jesus did, but in lesser degrees. Mind you, Jesus did the ultimate suffering for us, so we would be able to endure for love of him. Our persecution at the hands of unbelievers, and even Christians themselves can never give us the true meaning of what Jesus went through. It is in keeping His Word bound to our hearts that we find the source of love. The picture below of the Sacrifice of the Mass with the Angels and Saints speak loudly of today's reading and the sacrifice given up for us. But we also have to remember he asks two specific things of us to love God first and love our neighbor. How hard is that, just think if we honestly loved God first, there would be no hatred nor persecution.

The Hands of Hope

Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Mark 16:15-20

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your Son Jesus whom we love gave the disciples the Word to go out and proclaim the Gospel to every nation. It has been accomplished to the degree that it is around the world. Granted there are many places that still do not know of your Word, but after two thousand years plus, the disciples ministry has flourished. They do so much for your flock dear Father, many use their hands to bring healing to others by helping them when they are unable to do so themselves, as well as laying hands on those entering the Priestly Order. We are all called to be the hands of hope for others, giving signs of our belief. It is through those who believe that Jesus works through them. Faith and belief are the keys, how strong is ours that we are signs for others to see.

Making A Claim

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.
It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,
“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
John 10:22-30 (NAB)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father no matter how much we strive to have you as part of us, we all try hard to be the ones who can claim to be your sheep whether we are lost or not. Oh God, how easy it is for us to follow the voice of the world and so hard to hear the voice of your Son. But your Son knows his sheep and they know him. How do we know this? Easily, by the love we have for Him and you . How wanting to follow your Word is foremost in our lives. It is loving you first and our neighbor as ourselves that prove we believe. The devil can try very hard to shake those who follow you loose from your heart, but he will not succeed when they are steadfast and loyal and believe in all that you stand for, love in the first degree. Love conquers and in that regard know that Jesus and you are one. I can make claim to this truth, how about you?

I Believe

The Jews then took up stones to stone him. Jesus answered them: Many good works I have shewed you from my Father; for which of these works do you stone me? The Jews answered him: For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, maketh thyself God. Jesus answered them: Is it not written in your law: I said you are gods?
If he called them gods, to whom to word of God was spoken, and the scripture cannot be broken; do you say of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world: Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though you will not believe me, believe the works: that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father. They sought therefore to take him; and he escaped out of their hands. And he went again beyond the Jordan, into that place where John was baptizing first; and there he abode. And many resorted to him, and they said: John indeed did no sign. But all things whatsoever John said of this man, were true. And many believed in him.
John 10:31-42 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father I know more than anything that you and Jesus have touched my life for a reason. But many in the world don't see you in theirs. Jesus tried many a time to give them proof that you and he are one. Not only that but of your sending him to bring love and mercy to them. To establish the truth of your existence. Without Jesus we would not have known your love in this beautiful way. The people had a hard time believing in Jesus back then but he perservered and continued to do your work in order that they may belief in the work that was done. We have some of the greatest testimonies of all time that have been passed down since. They have withstood over two thousand years and continue to draw people to you because of the works Jesus had done. He still continues to work for you even in our time. He draws us to him for you so they will believe. Now that is the greatest testimony Jesus has ever given to prove that you and he are one. I for one love you beyond all time because I believe.

Against All Odds

I have discovered that when life throws upheavals, sometimes it's best to step away for a bit to get a better focus on what is happening and why. I went through a big question with what's happening in mine and try to see the positive in it. Like when our Lord went to preach in the temples when against all odds his life was threatened. He still went out and did the Father's Will. The last few days brought home to me how close God is even when I felt there was no hope in a future at the place I work. Jesus never gave up or walked away from his ministry or from doing his Father's work. We humans have a tendency to go off and lick our wounds until they heal, or run away from doing what we are called to do. We tend to take it out on God when things happen and do other things that might go against the kingdom of God.

I had a brief moment after I was told not to come in to work for today, a moment of uncertainty, of fear about how I will survive. In that moment I also forgot Jesus' teaching about not worrying, about letting go and letting God. These are the hardest moments in our lives and yet Jesus went to bat for us time and time again. So today I am here writing and not giving up, but starting again and renewing my promise and fidelity to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to follow him. Giving honor and Glory to God for all the love that he has in his heart for mankind. That means I will continue to do His work even against all odds. And should someone come along to help with God's work, I pray they will be very trustworthy and true to our Lord. It's not an easy road to travel, but worth it.

Loving God First

And there came one of the scribes that had heard them reasoning together, and seeing that he had answered them well, asked him which was the first commandment of all. And Jesus answered him: the first commandment of all is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord thy God is one God.
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength. This is the first commandment.

And the second is like to it: thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said to him: well, Master, thou hast said in truth, that there is one God, and there is no other besides him. And that he should be loved with the whole heart, and with the whole understanding, and with the whole soul, and with the whole strength; and to love one's neighbour as one's self, is a greater thing than all holocausts and sacrifices. And Jesus seeing that he had answered wisely, said to him: thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Mark 12:28-34 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father I think I have always loved this particular reading from the Gospel. To love you with all of our being, it's so powerful to realize the truth of this. How can we not love you, you do so very much for us in our day. It is us who refuses to see your love and most especially your guiding hand in our lives. By the people who often cross our paths day to day. Through the circumstances that may be good or not so good, your love and hand are there. Why is it so very hard to love you first then. People fall in love everyday with other people, that's not so hard to do. So again the question is: why is it so hard for us to love God first in our lives? Some might give the excuse that we cannot see you or touch you. Some may go so far as to say that why should they, what have you done for them. Their belief is often in other people but not in you. Sometimes they seek adulation and recognition from others, but it is what you think about us that is important, since when our life is over and we go on to our eternity, it is your judgement of how well we loved you and ourselves and others that will count.

Stop Pushing God Away

And he said: Amen I say to you, that no prophet is accepted in his own country. In truth I say to you, there were many widows in the days of Elias in Israel, when heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there was a great famine throughout all the earth. And to none of them was Elias sent, but to Sarepta of Sidon, to a widow woman. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet: and none of them was cleansed but Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, hearing these things, were filled with anger. And they rose up and thrust him out of the city; and they brought him to the brow of the hill, whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them, went his way.
Luke 4:24-30 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father you come to us to bring us love and healing, but often we do the same as this reading. We drive you off, push you away like spoiled little children who only want to play. Not once thinking how you want to cleanse us and bring us closer to you. How many of us have truly rejected you in this way when all you did was show us your love. Do we do our part in our lives to love those who are less fortunate, to love those who suffer, to love those who hate us or to even love those who we don't feel too welcome by. Take a moment and reflect on the many times we have read in the Gospel, the times Jesus was rejected. Think about this reading too and the rejection that God suffers for our sake when he sends others to help and they get rejected. What do we as part of his children do in this ourselves. We have done it time and time again ourselves. Whenever we reject our neighbors, we reject God, his love that may come from the least likely person to bring healing, to teach us how to love. Do we reject the person sitting next to us because they don't dress as well as we do, or look as clean and tidy. Everything is up to us on how we continue each day, the choices we make in how we deal with our neighbors, or for that matter how we love them in the same regard as loving God. Who have we rejected this day?

Poor Lazarus, Poor Us

There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen; and feasted sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who lay at his gate, full of sores, desiring to be filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, and no one did give him; moreover the dogs came, and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also died: and he was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom: and he cried, and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, to cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame. And Abraham said to him: Son, remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and likewise Lazareth evil things, but now he is comforted; and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you, there is fixed a great chaos: so that they who would pass from hence to you, cannot, nor from thence come hither. And he said: then, father, I beseech thee, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house, for I have five brethren, that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torments. And Abraham said to him: They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said: No, father Abraham: but if one went to them from the dead, they will do penance. And he said to him: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe, if one rise again from the dead.
Luke 16:19-31 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father this is a wonderful example and so simple to understand. Are we like this also, where we offer to those less fortunate our cast offs. The goods that we don't want, pretty much the crumbs. Do we offer the choicest food, the choicest piece of clothing, or for that matter the choicest furniture. Amazing, but when we refurbish we give ourselves the best. We grocery shop we buy the best cut of meat, the best fruit. Do we offer these to those of our neighbors. We often are like this rich man Jesus gave as an example, does that bode good for us then. What's truly amazing, we too look to the dead to also find the answers of the hereafter. When all we have to do is look to Moses and the prophets. And as Jesus said if we look to the dead who will we then believe even if it came directly from Him. Maybe we all need to work on doing a better job of taking care of our lives and doing a better job of taking care of our neighbors as it is pointed out in this reading about poor Lazarus. But most of all we all need to work on our belief in Jesus and you Dear Father.

An Abundance of Love

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given to you: good measure and pressed down and shaken together and running over shall they give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:36-38 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father you know our thoughts better than we do. Often without thinking what we are doing we judge by appearance those we come across. We judge by their actions, or their words. Often we condemn another without full knowledge about them but what we know so little of. How often do we go the extra mile for those we don't care for. But do it for those we love. Where is our love and non-judgement then. Do we truly give of ourselves by way of loving each person as if they are God themselves. They are made in His image and in need of love just as much as you or I do. If we withold the love for them, then it's our own fault when we do not receive love in return. Love will pour out in abundace in our life when we give it freely to others without expecting it in return. Spread the love, love your neighbor, see how much love will be come back to you. Amen

Light in the Darkness

Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, of whom if his son shall ask bread, will he reach him a stone? Or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a serpent? If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him? All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:7-12 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father so many times I've often heard it said that peoples prayers go unanswered. Some have turned away from you because of this. Their faith wasn't strong enough to sustain their trial. Is it possible that what they were asking for wasn't what they needed and they were only looking for, but a quick fix. Like many out there with addictions. They found their loyalty in something else that would take away their pain. Jesus knew their heart enough to tell us how to pray, how to ask you. But most importantly, how not to give up. The world we live in dear Father is full of suffering in many forms, I come to you this day and ask to heal these addictions that often takes away a persons soul. Be it in the form of drug, alcohol, hidden addiction, perversions and so much more. Be a light in their darkness so when they pray for deliverance from the evil that has taken hold of them, they may find freedom and healing. Restore their hope and love in you and forever banish the evil that has kept your people in bondage. Amen

Let There be Light

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest


And he said to them: Doth a candle come in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be made manifest: neither was it made secret, but that it may come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said to them: Take heed what you hear. In what measure you shall mete, it shall be measured to you again, and more shall be given to you. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, that also which he hath shall be taken away from him.
Mark 4:21-25 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your Son was so smart, it's no wonder that you sent him to fix us. Look at what he did for those who lived over 2000 years ago. Some of whom became shining examples for us, most especially your Son Jesus. His light was the brightest of all, and we in our time try so very hard to stifle it. Just listen to those around us and often we hear his name used, not in a nice way either. Their light is but a tiny smoldering wick. We all should be bright beacons of light, filled with joy. Except our lights glow at different degrees, depending on our faith and our love for God and each other. The more we love the brighter we burn and the light that shines through us reaches farther into the depths of darkness. Imagine how wonderful the world would be when we would all glow from the light of love.

A Full House

Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops

And they come to a house, and the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends had heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him. For they said: He is become mad.
Mark 3:20-21 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your son went beyond himself to take care of the needs of those who came in search of him. They loved him so much that they followed him to the home he went to rest at. But those who were there could not eat in peace and thought Jesus mad because he still tended to those in need. He gives us quite an example that even though we have a set time to sit down and dine, there are times that ministering to others is more important than ourselves and our needs. He shows us how not to be selfish when others seek us out as they did him. Even to the point when our meals are interrupted or our routine. They thought him mad all because he cared enough to take care of those present and be with them. He didn't tell them to leave and come back after they've eaten, he listened to them and talked to them. He gave them love and his undivided attention. Dear Father how often do we do this ourselves when people come seeking us out at inopportune times, or interrupt us when we are eating. Do we stop and listen, or do we tell them to come back at a more convenient time. Where is the love then for neighbor. Dear Father help us to set the example that when we are interrupted and sought out by others while we eat, to be patient and giving of our time as Jesus did, even if it means going without eating for the sake of another. Amen

In His Name

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:15-18 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father it is a great hope that the world will believe in you and your Son Jesus. For them to be baptized by faith, that they may be saved. Your hope for mankind. The apostles were the first to be sent out to proclaim the good news, the first ones to receive the Holy Spirit and the one's who have done great things. We have throughout time come to imitate your Son, to do as he did. Bring healing, deliverance for many. Faith in you brings us hope that we too can go out into the world and bring many back home to you. Can we be your disciples too dear Father where we can do amazing things in your Sons name. For love and hope of the world. Amen

From Prison to Freedom

Third Sunday of Advent

Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ: sending two of his disciples he said to him: Art thou he that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus making answer said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he that shall not be scandalized in me. And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What went you out into the desert to see? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments, are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? a prophet? yea I tell you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee. Amen I say to you, there hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist: yet he that is the lesser in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Matthew 11:2-11 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father what question can I ask that hasn't already been answered. You revealed the answers with my life and through my faith in you. John the Baptist asked a question of your Son even though he baptized him before. The question more or less was to reinforce his faith before the conclusion of his life. He became less so Jesus could become great. You gave us a man who showed us the way to You and your Son through the baptism of water. He lamented our fate and preached repentance. It is through these gifts of faith that we are born and where we die to sin. Why is it always so hard for us to go to another in the sacrament of Penance and receive the healing of Jesus' love. John gave us a way to you in this very way, repentance and Jesus gives us the greatest treasure of all that of Love. May we find the sacrament of Penance as a way of rebirth in our faith and come to love you with open hearts that are made whole in faith. Amen

Eyes and Ears of Faith

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

In that same hour, he rejoiced in the Holy Ghost, and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones. Yea, Father, for so it hath seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me by my Father; and no one knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and to whom the Son will reveal him. And turning to his disciples, he said: Blessed are the eyes that see the things which you see. For I say to you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things that you hear, and have not heard them.
Luke 10:21-24 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your Son rejoices in the Holy Spirit and rightly so. For you are all connected as one. Oh if only they could see how very much the Holy Spirit is the biggest part of the three. Jesus knew this as no one else has and he reveals it to those who love him. Glory to you dear Father, Son and Holy Spirit for united as one you always will be. To think that the disciples have seen and heard what we desire above all else to know. Yet all it takes is loving God first in our lives. Love God first and foremost in our lives and place our thoughts on Him who made all creation. Begin our journey with this in mind upon waking and upon going to sleep. Don't let up when other thoughts come, but keep God as your focus throughout the day. We all can love our neighbor easily then. May our thoughts be yours this day and everyday dear Father. And may many come to know you in a better light. Amen

Zacheus

And entering in, he walked through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacheus, who was the chief of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature. And running before, he climbed up into a sycamore tree, that he might see him; for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up, he saw him, and said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down; for this day I must abide in thy house. And he made haste and came down; and received him with joy. And when all saw it, they murmured, saying, that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a sinner. But Zacheus standing, said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wronged any man of any thing, I restore him fourfold. Jesus said to him: This day is salvation come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:1-10 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father I remember climbing trees when I was a young child, more out of curiosity to see more of the area at greater heights than to attempt to see the bigger picture of my life. It was out of fun when climbing not as Zacheus had done in his attempt to see Jesus. Even though Zacheus was short in stature he was tall in faith. Am I like that too dear Father, where I go to great lengths to see your Son in my life. Would I climb a tree to see him after all these years and shout to him to have mercy on me, a sinner. Oh yes, I would in a heartbeat, because you are all that is love and forgiveness. Just as salvation came to Zacheus, it can come to me too when I seek you with all my heart. May my heart be open to your love and may I seek reconciliation for the sins I committed that separated me from you. Like Zacheus, I too would love to have you at my home and dine with me. As I go out on a limb and attempt to mend my ways for your love. Amen

What are we likened to?

And the Lord said: Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like to children sitting in the marketplace, and speaking one to another, and saying: We have piped to you, and you have not danced: we have mourned, and you have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and you say: He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking: and you say: Behold a man that is a glutton and a drinker of wine, a friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom is justified by all her children.
Luke 7:31-35 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father how fickle we are at times. Jesus had pointed it out to the people of his time and they still didn't understand. Am I like that too dear Father? Do I put more importance on what I am doing in my day rather than thinking of you. How often have I attributed something you have done for me and did not recognize it but placed it with another source and given the credit to elsewhere. Probably many a time and with deep sorrow for not realizing the depth of your love. You sent your Son to save the lost children, the sinners who have gone astray. In your eyes each one of us is precious and I thank you for coming and saving me and opening my eyes to your love. I pray for the grace of wisdom, that I may continue on the path that brings me life. Amen

Thursday the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
“Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
He is One and there is no other than he.
And to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding,

with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself
is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Mark 12:28-34

Prayer

Dear Father if only we could answer Jesus this question so easily. Many would understand how close they were to your kingdom. To love you with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and then to love our neighbor as ourselves, how understanding would dawn within. There is something truly beautiful about loving you with all of our being, it is when we have the second part about loving our neighbor as ourselves that we truly see your love in action. Loving our neighbor as we love you is without judgements. Our thoughts are not on how they look, talk, act but in acceptance of who they are, a person made in your image. People to love unconditionally because you love us this way. May more come to understand and see how loving you and neighbor is more than a blessing but brings us ever closer to your Kingdom. Amen