Month: February 2020

A Light to the Whole World

A sacrament is a visible sign of invisible grace, of the grace of God. When we receive the Eucharist in the Mass, we are physically receiving God’s love and have that love not only in our hearts, but we consume it. Then immediately we hear, “The Mass has ended, go in peace.” You would think that something so important would necessitate a lot of time to process and pray. So why does the Church immediately dismiss us?

Check out the Gospel from today. It’s all about the light that we can be to the world and not hiding that light but bringing it to all. The reality is that the most divine we will be on this earth is right after we receive our Lord. Why does the Church immediately send us out? Because it’s at this moment that we can evangelize better than ever. We have literally become little Christs to go out and be with others and share grace and love.

Thankfully, because we have received Jesus, it does not need to be all on us. We don’t have to worry about our faults or weaknesses. We don’t need to know the Catechism back to back or memorize all the right scripture verses. We need only to receive Jesus and share with others our experience of Him. Today, people put more stock into personal experience than they do in deductive reasoning. This would seem to be negative in sharing Christ with people, but I have found the opposite.

When sharing the love of Christ with others, if we share our own personal experience of Christ, nobody can argue with that. It’s our own experience. They can’t tell us we are wrong. At most, they can just say they don’t agree. But in a world where subjective experience has become king, it can be powerful to share our subjective experience of the Lord.

This means that we have to have an experience. This means that our religion must be more than rules and regulations and just something we do. I agree with G.K. Chesterton, who said, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” Let us all receive Christ, experience Christ, and bring Christ to all those we meet. God Bless!

Contact the author

Tommy Shultz is Director of Marketing for Ablaze ministries as well as Director of Evangelization for the North Allegan Catholic Collaborative. In these roles he is comitted to bringing all those he meets into a deeper relationship with Christ. Tommy has a heart and a flair for inspiring people to live their faith every day. He has worked in various youth ministry, adult ministry, and diocesan roles. He has been a featured speaker at retreats and events across the country. His mission and drive have been especially inspired by St. John Paul II’s teachings. Tommy is blessed to be able to learn from the numerous parishes he visits and pass that experience on in his presentations. Contact him at tshultz@diocesan.com.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 IS 58:7-10

Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
If you remove from your midst
oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
if you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

Responsorial Psalm PS 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (4a) The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
Alleluia.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
Alleluia.
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
Alleluia.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
His justice shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.
or:
Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 COR 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers and sisters,
proclaiming the mystery of God,
I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of Spirit and power,
so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.

Alleluia JN 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”

– – –
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rest A While

The world is a busy place – fast paced, on-the-go, and often yielding a need for multitasking. It is hard to find time for rest and silence in the world today. There are so many demands, so much that needs to get done, and so little time to get it done.

How do we find the time and space to rest in Christ when the demands of daily life become too much? I am in the process of learning how to do this now. While working in full-time ministry the individuals served need very much love and support – the harvest is plentiful. One thing I find helps me amongst the busy days is to say “Jesus, I trust in You”. While the full schedules don’t go away a peace washes over me when I say His name.

It can be difficult to slip away from the world for a bit to rejuvenate. Maybe for you it is reading 5 minutes of scripture, praying the Divine Mercy chaplet, or even saying “Jesus, I trust in You”. Whatever draws you into the peace of Christ should be a priority in your life. Your relationship with Jesus comes first. In order to serve others we must remember the importance of our own faith and relationship with Christ. Be not afraid to take a few moments as needed to spend that time in a sacred place with Him.

Contact the author

Nathalie Shultz is a joyful convert to the Catholic faith and a competitive swimmer with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  She loves to share her passion for Catholicism with others, including her conversion story and how God continues to work miracles in her life through her OCD. She is the Director of Religious Education for the North Allegan Catholic Collaborative of parishes. Nathalie is married to her best friend, Tommy Shultz. Her favorite saints include St. Peter the Apostle, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. John Paul II.  She is also a huge fan of C.S. Lewis. If you have any questions for Nathalie, or just want her to pray for you, you can email her at rodzinkaministry@gmail.com.

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 1 Kgs 3:4-13

Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there,
because that was the most renowned high place.
Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings.
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.
God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”
Solomon answered:
“You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David,
because he behaved faithfully toward you,
with justice and an upright heart;
and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today,
seating a son of his on his throne.
O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant,
king to succeed my father David;
but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,
a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this–
not for a long life for yourself,
nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies,
but for understanding so that you may know what is right–
I do as you requested.
I give you a heart so wise and understanding
that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you.
In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,
such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”

Responsorial Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R.    (12b)  Lord, teach me your statutes.
How shall a young man be faultless in his way?
By keeping to your words.
R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.
With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands.
R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.
Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.
R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.
Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.
R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.
With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.
R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.

Alleluia Jn 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus
and reported all they had done and taught.
He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
People were coming and going in great numbers,
and they had no opportunity even to eat.
So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.
They hastened there on foot from all the towns
and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.

 

For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saint Jerome Emiliani, please go here.

For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, please go here.

– – –
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Perspective

I recently had a visit with my spiritual director. I look forward to this dedicated time (for where two or more are gathered in my name, Mt 18:20) because we talk about the situations in my life, how I see the world, and how that is linked to the relationship I have with the Lord. 

Part of our conversation concerned the topics of control (or power) along with acknowledgment, acceptance, and action, as I experience daily life. This process is illustrated in today’s readings.

The first readings for the last two weeks have focused on David’s life. We read of his accomplishments, sins, and his change of heart (metanoia). David acknowledged his mistakes, accepted his sinfulness, and found an abundance of ways to glorify the Lord. Today’s reading tells us that David has dedicated all the people (of Israel) to sing God’s praise and give Him thanks. Because of these efforts, the Lord forgave David’s sins and exalted his strength forever, giving David the rights of royalty in Israel. 

The Gospel tells the story of Herod’s hearing of Jesus and the beheading of John the Baptist. Herod had his own successes, troubles, mistakes, and vanities. History has not been kind in its descriptions of his life. 

Self-check: what would history make of my life story? 

I need to acknowledge my own mistakes and sinfulness (my pride, anger, envy, lust, greed, and laziness). I need to recognize that everyone I come in contact with is on a different path than I (even if the end goal is the same). My points of reference and memory-triggers while going through life can be very different from yours. 

I find myself needing to acknowledge the different perspectives and expectations I have going into any given situation and recognize that they may be a stark contrast to the person who is right in front of me. I need to accept the fact that our viewpoints and way of dealing with the world are not alike, and that is OK, especially when we continue to respect each other and work together on common goals. When I act, my focus should be on the Gospel acclamation, “keeping the word with a generous heart, and yield a harvest through perseverance.” 

Like David, with acceptance and change of heart, I can be made new, and my sins are forgiven. Listen to this song by Matthew West. It can help remind you that you, too, can be made Brand New.

Contact the author

Beth is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She brings a unique depth of experience to the group due to her time spent in education, parish ministries, sales and the service industry over the last 25 yrs. She is a practicing spiritual director as well as a Secular Franciscan (OFS). Beth is quick to offer a laugh, a prayer or smile to all she comes in contact with. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.