Daily Reflections - May 31,2013

GOD’S VISITATION

 

Whenever I meditate on this Gospel, I always remember a beautiful picture hanging up in our novice house in Canberra, Australia. It is the image of the Virgin running down some steps, hastily, with no time to waste. There is a sense of serious concern on her face, yet her face is brightened by joy and wonder. She is going to visit her cousin Elizabeth to see for herself the mighty things God has done. It is a beautiful image of our Lady of the Visitation, or Our Lady of the Way. One can easily imagine the joy in her heart, the song of praise on her lips, the news about to be shared with all of humanity, beginning with Elizabeth — it is all expressed in her movement, body, features and face.

       Mary is reminded of Hannah and all the women who experienced the graciousness of God in childbearing. Mary is to be the Mother of Jesus, Son of God. Imagine all that she must have pondered on in the lengthy journey to Judea. An angel visited her, prophesying her vocation and God’s plan for her life. Mary would have thought of her dearly betrothed Joseph. She would have imagined her cousin’s reaction to her visit, knowing that Elizabeth, too, has experienced the visitation of God.

       The feast we celebrate today, originally a medieval Franciscan tradition, is prayed as the second joyful mystery of the Holy Rosary. Countless images of the scene have captured the hearts of many. Having been established in the West much earlier than the East, the feast reminds us that God is near.

       We all carry Christ within us. Mary had borne Jesus in her womb physically; we bear Jesus in our souls sacramentally. The priest dismisses us after Mass to carry Christ with us wherever we go; Mary had done this in the visitation to her cousin. May she continue to direct our steps and efforts of evangelization as we seek to follow her example to bring Christ to those in need. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Who should you visit today? Who is in most need of the Good News today?

 

Renew me in Your love today, O Lord. Grant me the grace to bring You to others. Our Lady of the Visitation, pray for me.

Daily Reflections - May 30,2013

THROWING OFF THE CLOAK

 

How many times must Bartimaeus have sat by the side of the road begging? Was he able to sustain himself daily from what he begged for? How many times did travelers to Jerusalem pass him by? This day, though, something changed his life. He met Jesus who gave his sight back to him. What a miracle!

       The miracles we hear or read about in the Gospels should inspire us. We are faced every day with sad news; the miracles we hear about are good news. Jesus has come to set the captive free, to give sight to the blind. We are told in the story that Jesus was passing by, just as so many did that day, near Bartimaeus. When Bartimaeus heard it was Jesus, he sought to win His attention. Jesus could have kept walking, as His schedule was busy. Yet, He stopped and called Bartimaeus to Himself.

       I like the scene before us in the Gospel. Can you imagine Bartimaeus standing up unsteadily? Throwing off his cloak, his own source of warmth and protection, comfort and provision, he went to Jesus. Jesus never presumes, and so He asks Bartimaeus what he wants. Logically, Bartimaeus wants to see.

       What a miracle! A blind man sees again! After Bartimaeus’ sight is restored, he no longer begs or stays on the road. He no longer needs his cloak, now thrown away. He is a changed man; he followed Jesus.

       Did Bartimaeus become a full-time follower of Jesus from that time on? Was he a faithful disciple? We do not know. Jesus gives him sight. Bartimaeus physically and spiritually sees and is enlightened. So many times before, he had heard about Jesus; now, he sees for himself the kindness of the Messiah. Have we heard about Jesus along the way? Are we willing to throw off our cloaks and follow Jesus? Are we willing to shout out His name to beg healing and forgiveness for our sins? Let the courage of Bartimaeus be our confidence. Do not let Jesus pass by today without your calling upon Him to help You and guide You. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What blindness is stopping you from following Jesus along the way?

 

Master, let me see You through the eyes of faith. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 28,2013

HUNDREDFOLD BLESSINGS   When I first joined my community, of which I have been a part for more than 20 years now, my constant refrain was, “I have never been richer.” What I mean is that, since joining a Charismatic community, I have gained so many brothers, sisters and other things. Being part of a faith community means that I share in the manifold blessings of God’s provision. Anyone who has lived in a religious or lay community will understand my sentiments. It reminds me of the story in the Acts of the Apostles, whereby the Apostles lived in unity and shared all things in common.        Peter, you might assume, was somewhat jealous when he asked the Lord, “What about us?” Peter knew the sacrifice of surrendering all things to the Lord, unlike the rich young man who went away sad. Peter, upon joining the community of Jesus, had to leave his family, wife, work and so many other things to journey with the Lord. But his question is also our concern: “What about us? Will I be taken care of? Will the Lord provide for me? What will I eat and drink?” Jesus tells us not to worry, as the Father knows we need these things. Jesus’ promise to Peter and to all of us is the hundredfold blessing.        As the early Church began to grow and develop, their striking characteristic was the way they loved and cared for each other. Jesus’ response to Peter is true for all of us baptized Catholics. We belong to a big God, and a big Church. Catholic (katholikos or universal) is the name and life we bear in reality. As baptized members of His (Jesus’) Body, we have houses, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, children and everything, since we all live as one holy, Catholic and apostolic faith in the Lord. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTION: How has God blessed you, your household, family, Church and community?   Lord, I have left everything to follow You. Give me Your love and grace, for that is enough for me. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 27,2013

A STEADY GAZE

 

Have you ever felt like this man in the Gospel? Full of life and love? Eager to serve the Lord? Willing to do anything? A feeling that you are on the right road and all is “cool”? Well, think again! The rich young man has his own reaction. What will be yours?

       We can imagine a young spritely, energetic and enthused person ready to serve the Lord. After repeating the commandments (especially those that relate to our neighbor), Jesus challenges the young man further. The man has kept all these commandments from his early days. Sounds good; but now, the bad news. After Jesus tells him to surrender everything, the young man is downcast, his energy drained, and he walks away from the encounter. What happened to the enthusiasm? Where is the energy? Mark gives us the reason for this sadness — he was a rich man, one of great wealth, such that he could not let go and let God. What a terrible shame! What a sad ending!

       Jesus looked steadily at this man and loved him. I love this text in Scripture. Can you imagine Jesus looking at you, steadily, and loving you? With that steady gaze of Jesus upon you, He looks in to the depths of your heart. And there He sees all and knows all. You cannot hide from Him. His gaze penetrates and challenges. His gaze heals and calls forth a response. Take time to look at Him with the same love, and respond with a loving surrender of your life.

       You know the story of St. John Vianney, the Cure of Ars in France. He noticed a man in his church every morning gazing at the tabernacle in loving contemplation. When asked what he was doing, the poor peasant replied to the Cure: “I simply gaze upon Him gazing at me!” What a wonderful description of prayer. Prayer is a simple gaze upon the “One whom I know loves me” (Teresa de Avila).

       Are you ready to have Jesus gaze upon you? Imagine Jesus calling forth a response from you in love. Go and sell everything. What is it that Jesus is calling you to “sell,” perhaps not literally but spiritually? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Try gazing upon Jesus. What is He trying to tell you at this stage of your life?

 

Lord, I thank You for Your gaze of love upon my life. May I respond willingly and whole-heartedly to what You ask of me. Amen.

 

Daily Reflections - May 26,2013

LIFE IN THE TRINITY

 

I remember coming across a beautiful image of the Trinity in my hotel room when I was in Rome. The Father holds the symbols of the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. Jesus holds the Cross in His hands, the instrument of our salvation. The Holy Spirit hovers above the two figures of Father and Son, encircling them in light. The figures are, as it were, suspended in the air, giving a sense of divinity, awe and wonder. The whole image is surrounded by light in its color and its features. It was a very beautiful image.

       I am sure all of us have a favorite image of the Trinity. Another one of my favorites is Rublev’s icon of the Trinity. This is a deep and thought-provoking image of the Father and the Spirit looking towards the Son who was to be sent into the world to save humankind.

       Jesus is our peace. He is our access to God and the eternal life we share with the Trinity. The Spirit has been poured into our hearts as a guarantee of God’s loving mercy and acceptance, through the love of Jesus shed on the Cross. One of my favorite prefaces is “God sees and loves in us what he sees and loves in Christ” (Preface VII of Sunday in Ordinary Time). When the Father looks upon us, He sees an image of His Son Jesus. As Jesus suffered for our sake, so too must we offer our trials and afflictions, that we might persevere in the hope that God has given us.

       Do you have a relationship with the Trinity? We should all have one, since the Holy Trinity desires relationship. The whole understanding of the Trinity evolves around the concept of relationship.

       Spend some time today reflecting on that love poured into our hearts that enables us access into the life of the Trinity. God desires a relationship of love. Love is being in communion with another, and we see this beautifully expressed in the Trinity. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you relate with the Trinity? How does this relationship impact your day-to-day life?

 

Father, I thank You for crowning me in honor and glory through Your Son in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 24,2013

THE BEAUTY OF FRIENDSHIP

 

A faithful friend is a sure shelter. Friendship is a wonderful gift of God yet a rare treasure. Once found, it is the elixir of life. All of us seek a friend in our life, one to whom we can turn to in the depths of our heart. They are few and far between. There are three types of love according to the Greek mind: sexual love (eros), friendship love (philos) and sacrificial love (agape). Take note of your friends. Do they love in an agape way? Take a look at Jesus and you will see that He is the best friend we can ever have: faithful, honest, loyal and sacrificially loving.

       The First Reading from Sirach mentions three kinds of friends — seemingly to be avoided at all costs! One kind of friend will stand by you when all is going well. Come some trial and confrontation, they are quick to depart and leave you abandoned. He is there as long as it suits him — for selfish pleasure. Another friend stands alongside you, but as soon as a quarrel begins, they will publicly display their anger. They will in turn become bitter with gossip, and false rumors will spread about you. A third kind of friend will share all things with you, even quite intimately, but trouble comes and you find him nowhere in sight.

       The author Frank Crane states that a friend is one “with whom you dare to be yourself.” With a true friend, we can come from behind the masks of insecurity and be truly who we are. Many of us are hidden from others; we pretend to be who we really are not. Many of us live with a sense of false security and identity, we don’t know who we really are. We become afraid of ourselves.

       Jesus is the most loyal friend. With Him, we can be truly ourselves. He loves and calls us His friends by sharing with us His most intimate secrets. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to develop our friendship with the Lord. And let us pray for good friends in our lives. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Consider those whom you call friends. Are they loyal, faithful and loving in all circumstances?

 

Jesus, You have called me Your friend. Help me to be loyal and faithful to You. Guide me, Lord, in the way of Your commands. Amen.

 

Daily Reflections - May 23,2013

PRIDE AND PRESUMPTION

 

One of the dangers we usually face in our spiritual life is presumption, especially when it comes to the forgiveness and mercy of God. I must confess I also often fall into this trap of presumption.

       The Lord is kind and merciful indeed, but we must not presume His mercy. The mercy of God is a tremendous gift that we humbly and graciously accept from the Lord. We can add to the danger list the sin of self-sufficiency. Being self-sufficient is fine, but if it means total dependence on our efforts and not God’s grace, we need to do some serious reflection.

       The prophet once exclaimed that the heart is a devious thing. No truer word has been spoken. Who knows the heart of another? If we follow our passions and evil desires, the heart becomes despondent on the ways of God. It is a good thing to meditate on the words of wisdom we find in the Book of Wisdom. The author states that there is no time like the present to trust in the Lord and return to Him with all our hearts. Do not delay your return to the Lord.

       Pride is the first capital sin. It manifests itself in so many ways, the first being our denial that we have it. All have fallen short of the glory of God. The subtle power of pride undermines relationships and situations, producing anger and bitterness, angst and depression.

       It is time to give the Lord His due authority over our lives. Let God have His way in us. God knows best as a father disciplines his children with love.

       This day is the day of salvation. Now is the acceptable time to make a return to the Lord. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: When was the last time you went to confession? Is the Lord prompting you to return to Him? Respond today to His grace.

 

Lord, I want to please You and delight myself in Your Law. I repent of the many times I presumed on Your mercy and forgiveness for my sins. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 22, 2013

THE WISDOM OF GOD

 

I went to Rome for the beatification of Blessed John Paul II in 2011. As part of our pilgrimage, we traveled around Italy. On the way to Cascia to visit the incorrupt body of St. Rita, a companion was amazed at how many saints lived high in the mountains. Italy is a beautiful place surrounded by high mountain ranges that have hosted countless saints. Seeing the place where St. Rita lived was an amazing experience. The monastery where she was mysteriously transported to (legend says her patron saints John the Baptist, Augustine and Nicholas of Tolentino carried her to the convent) overlooks some of the most glorious scenery my eyes will ever behold.

       Legends abound in the life of St. Rita, the patron saint of impossible cases. Bees were seen entering and exiting her mouth as an infant, unbeknown to her, and causing her no harm. Even her relative was asked to bring a rose (in cold January) from the family garden. One rose was found blooming, just for Rita, as a sign of God’s love and affection. She had an incurable wound on her forehead after asking for grace from the Lord to suffer as He did in His lifetime.       

       In today’s reading from Sirach, the author praises the gift of wisdom. Wisdom is seen in feminine form as the one who fills with happiness those who ask for her guidance. Whoever pays attention to wisdom dwells secure. This is true in the case of St. Rita. She fully trusted in the Lord, disciplined as it were by the rod of wisdom.

       The saints inspire us in every age. The Church raises up men and women outstanding in grace and holiness to show us how to live in the wisdom of God. Perhaps, we can take some time today to invoke St.Rita’s loving intercession for those facing crises especially in their married life. St. Rita, pray for us. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you praying for a seemingly impossible situation? Ask for St. Rita’s intercession.

 

Lord Jesus, help us to follow You as St. Rita did. May her life inspire us to seek You and love You more. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 21,2013

CHILDLIKE CONFIDENCE

 

This is the second time that Jesus predicts His passion. He tells them in private about His messiahship because the people have a wrong notion. This is the “messianic secret” since the messiahship of Jesus is all about servant leadership, not the overthrowing of the Roman government as most people expected the Messiah to do. Jesus takes a small child and begins to teach the way of His leadership.

       Children are insignificant in Jewish society. They have no title, no status, and are basically seen as nobody. In a society whereby status and identity are vitally important for respect and honor, Jesus is telling them to shun any desire for status in society. If we are honest enough with ourselves, we will realize that we want to be accepted and we seek recognition in our lives. We want to be the center of attention. And yet, the follower of Jesus is to live humbly, seeking no recognition, but serving God in all humility.

       The so-called argument on the road was about position in the Kingdom of Jesus. They had it all wrong — their understanding of Jesus’ messiahship was politically oriented, and Jesus would have none of the sort. As Jesus predicts His passion, the disciples are afraid to ask for clarification. A constant theme in Mark’s Gospel is the misunderstanding of the disciples. They really had no clue as to who Jesus really was.

       The humility, littleness and innocence of a child are good examples for us who seek to follow the Lord. A child is always dependent on his parents and the people around him. A child can teach us to depend on God alone. The child always asks his parents for kind favors. This is the way to approach God our Father. Do we have that same simple childlike confidence? Are we willing to depend totally upon the Father for His provision and sustenance in our daily lives? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you trust God as a child trusts his parents?

 

Lord, I thank You that I am Your child. Father, I commit my life to You. Help me to trust in You always. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 20,2013

BELIEF VS. UNBELIEF

 

After the wonderful experience of the Transfiguration, Jesus now takes the disciples back to reality. We, too, are in the same predicament. After the wonders of this Easter season, we now go back to reality.

       The boy we hear about in the Gospel today is in a terrible fit. Violence possesses him and throws him into the fire. At the sight of Jesus, the boy is thrown into epilepsy, a terrible nervous disorder that throws one into convulsions. Jesus’ own disciples cannot pacify the boy. The father of the child is at his wits’ end. He has faith but he tells Jesus to help his unbelief. The situation is a desperate one and desperate measures are called for. With the powerful Word of Jesus, the boy is brought back to himself and, regaining consciousness, goes on his way. The mysterious healing of the boy can only be explained by prayer. Elsewhere, the evangelist adds fasting.

       There is power in prayer. When all else fails, prayer is the key that unlocks every mystery. Prayer brings about peace and order. It drives away all doubt and brings our minds to rest. It has the power to break evil bondages and sin. We must allow Jesus to speak His Word into our hearts and bring us healing and deliverance. Notice that Jesus is very specific in His prayer. The Gospel teaches us to be specific in what we ask of the Father.

       “I do have faith, help my unbelief.” These words resonate within us as we notice our lack of trust and faith in the Lord at times. Sometimes, our faith is tested and needs to be purified. The Gospel teaches us that we can never take faith for granted; it is a gift of God. It would be good to reflect  upon our faith in the Lord. The Gospel is an honest call to us. Do we truly believe in Jesus? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are there areas in your life that you lack faith in?

 

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 19,2013

THE LORD IS TRULY RISEN

 

Happy birthday to us! Today, the Church is born of the Spirit.

       In the Gospel, Jesus breathes on the Apostles His gift of life and love —the Holy Spirit. The Spirit dispels all fear and the Apostles boldly proclaim that Jesus is Lord and Savior.

       I like to reflect on the greetings of our Easter brothers and sisters. In Russian Orthodox tradition, on this Easter morn, they greet each other like this: “The Lord has truly risen.” What a wonderful greeting. In the West, as we exchange niceties about the weather and family, our Orthodox friends greet one another in the way just mentioned. Often we forget the beauty and wonder of this day. Yes, my friends, the Lord has risen indeed!

       Today is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost was that ancient agricultural feast celebrating the first fruits of the field 50 days after the Passover. The Church now celebrates Pentecost as the day the Risen Jesus sent His Spirit 50 days after His death — a first-fruit offering to the Father. Let us receive that offering, the breath of God.

       As God breathed first into the nostrils of man, and man became a living being, so now the Holy Spirit is breathed upon us. Today, let us thank God for the gift of breath, which we so easily take for granted.

       Allow the Lord to breathe into our lives again. May His Spirit bring healing to our wounds, renew our strength, and bend our stubborn hearts to His will. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What areas of your life need the fresh breath of God — the Holy Spirit?

 

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of Your faithful and renew us. Amen.

 

Daily Reflections - May 17,2013

DO YOU LOVE ME?

 

Anyone who has seen the Holy Father would experience a sense of awe and wonder. Somehow there is a presence about the pope that one will never forget. I remember seeing him in my travels and being inspired by his person. Here is a man who truly loves Jesus. And he should. He governs, guides and inspires millions of Catholics around the world to love and follow Jesus.

       In the Gospel today, Jesus is asking the threefold question to Peter, the first pope. The question is, “Do you love me?” Three times Jesus asks, and three times Peter responds. Each time, Jesus charges Peter with a task that he and every pope that follows him will take up: the care and concern of the flock of God. The pope has the awesome responsibility of caring for, tending and feeding the sheep that ultimately belong to Jesus, not him. The threefold questioning is balm to the threefold denial that Peter made towards Jesus at His trial leading to His death.

       Do you love Jesus? It is an easy question to answer — either yes or no; either you love Him and follow Him, or reject His presence in your life and follow your own selfish ideas and ambitions. What a tragedy to live the latter way!

       If we love Jesus, we have the obligation to follow Jesus wherever He may lead us. For Peter, it ended in his death on a cross. The love of Jesus is a demanding one. Yes, we want the easy way out, the one without the cross. But what is the point of following Jesus if it does not involve the cross?

       The one who loves Jesus is attractive in the sight of others. Observe the Holy Father. People love him, listen to and respect him because he seeks to be a man after the Savior’s heart.

       Let us seek to be lovers of Jesus — the Lover of our souls. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you love Jesus? How do you show Jesus that you love Him?

 

Lord, I love You. I pray for the grace to follow You. I pray that I might please You all the days of my life. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 16,2013

UNITED IN LOVE

 

After Jesus has prayed for the holiness of His disciples in this lengthy prayer for unity, He prays for those who will benefit from the work of the disciples — us! The bishops are the successors of the Apostles and the priests are the helpers of the bishops to bring about the Good News. Since bishops cannot be in every parish and in every part of the world, priests are ordained to serve and cooperate with the work of the bishops. Jesus prays for unity — that there will be united workers, hand in hand with the Head of the Church, Jesus Himself.

       Just as the Father and Jesus are one, so too does Jesus pray that His followers will be one. Having been given the Holy Spirit, we know that we are one with the Father and the Son. The Spirit is the love of God poured into our hearts. In this offering of prayer to the Father, Jesus is convincing the Father that we are worthy to be in His sight, because He has paid the price for our sins. This union with Jesus and the Father is made manifest, most of all, through the Eucharist that we share.

       Intercessory prayer is a gift that Jesus gives to His Church. In the Gospel today, Jesus is interceding for us, His beloved, before the Father. We should pray for this gift. In my experience, there are times when the Spirit impresses on my heart to pray for certain people at certain times. If we are open to the Spirit, we shall pray and intercede. The Lord is using us to unite that person to Him. It is a beautiful gift of the Church that probably does not get much attention. It is something important and vital to the life of the Church.

       Jesus desires that all be saved and come to know the truth of the Father. He desires that we all be with Him in heaven. What better way to accomplish that than through the power of intercessory prayer. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you united with Jesus in prayer? Do you commune with the Lord every day?

 

Lord, fill me with Your love and grant me the grace to intercede for the Church, others and myself. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 14,2013

CHOSEN BY GOD

 

St. Matthias is one of those “mystery persons” in the Bible. There is nothing known of him except what we have read in the First Reading today. In fact, even his feast day has changed in recent times. Before, his feast was on February 24. But in order to take it out of the Lenten period, it was transferred to May 14, since his story is an Easter story anyway.

       Matthias is seen as the “lucky one” although we shall call him “blessed.” He was chosen by lot, not by chance, but inspired by the Holy Spirit. See how clever God is! What we can say is that he was with Jesus in His travels, perhaps one of the many who were traveling around on His missionary journeys. And that he was dear to the Lord’s heart. The Apostles begin their prayers by addressing the God who knows and reads our hearts.

       The words of Jesus can be applied literally to the life of Matthias. “You did not choose me; no, I chose you.” Jesus is the one who chooses, not us. This is a great consolation to those in ministry — to know that God has chosen us to bear fruit. There is also tremendous responsibility on our shoulders when God chooses His people — to bear fruit that will last.

       This is a consolation check for me. Am I bearing fruit in my life according to the will of the One who has chosen me? Many people ask those ordained how they knew they were to become a priest or religious. The first thing I dare to mention is that I am not employed as one would consider a career. It is God’s call for me and I have the experience to prove it. Sometimes, I wonder about His choice, as we all do. All of us have been called and chosen. God’s choice is irrevocable. He calls us to be members of His Church, seeking Him and using the gifts and talents given to us out of His bounty. We are all called to a royal priesthood to offer our lives; to be a holy nation and a people set apart to sing the praises of God, according to St. Peter. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you bearing fruit in your life? How?

 

Lord Jesus, I thank You for calling me Your friend. Help me to be worthy of the calling You have placed upon my life. Amen.

 

Daily Reflections - May 10,2013

HEARTS OF JOY

 

Joy is a characteristic disposition of the Easter days we are celebrating in the Church. The joy of the Risen Lord is our strength. As Job says, if we take happiness from the Lord, we must take sorrow, too. Joy is the fruit of suffering. Jesus gives us a beautiful analogy today as He refers to the joy of His resurrection, like that of a mother giving birth to her child. All the pain and labor is seemingly insignificant to the birth of a child. Think of your joyous moments. Have they been born out of suffering and pain?

Jesus says our hearts are full of joy. Isn’t this the attitude of Mary Magdalene, Mary, Thomas and the Apostles as they see Him again, risen from the dead? Our heads should be raised high these days and never lacking in confidence. We are an Easter people, a people born of Christ’s side. Jesus states that this joy cannot be taken from us. It is the firm conviction that God is in love with us. He caused His Son to rise from the dead. God has taken away our sins through Jesus’ dying and rising. This is the essence of our baptism and victory. With Jesus, we die and rise again.

Joy is not only a disposition, or a fruit of the Spirit. It involves choice. So many things that try to destroy our joy seek our attention. The resurrection is foundational in our faith. There is hope beyond hopelessness and desperate situations. There is strength for those who are weak. There is peace where there has been angst. There is order where there has been chaos. This is the Resurrection of the Lord.

It would be good to take a moment to thank the Lord for all the situations we have encountered in life. See how much joy has been dominant in these experiences. We will see how the Spirit has been guiding our lives. Today, let our hearts rejoice in the Lord. He is risen, He is truly risen! Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you joyful?

 

May my heart rejoice in You, Lord. Let my soul find joy and delight in You, my Father. Give me the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 9,2013

THE ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

 

A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, according to the psalmist. What we see in time is different from its eternal perspective. God sees the final picture while we anxiously travel through life with its trials and successes. We have to work out the final picture with the assistance of the Lord. It is good for us to get an “eternal perspective.” I notice this in the comments that people make: “All will be well.” “There is light at the end of the tunnel.” “Every cloud has a silver lining.” In all these comments, we glimpse a hope, a looking forward, that things will get better. Of course, when one is going through a trial, it seems endless, so it is good for us to have an eternal perspective.

I believe we see something of this “eternal perspective” in the Gospel today. Jesus talks about the “little while.” It will seem like an eternity for the Apostles in the days ahead — with the crucifixion, suffering and death of the Lord — but three days later He will rise again. Jesus says, “Your sorrow will turn to joy.” This is the “little while” He is literally referring to. It is also the short time we have on earth.

So what are we doing on earth in this short time? I hope we are making the most of it. Our time here is short; eternity is a long time. The Lord is kind and merciful as He allows us to use this short time well. We must fulfill our baptismal duty of witnessing. We must be people of generosity, giving to those in need. We must be a people who seek the face of God and live. There is much to do in this short time. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you have an eternal perspective? Do you live your life in accordance with this eternal perspective?

 

Lord of life, my life is a gift from You. Help me live according to the eternal perspective. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 7,2013

SAYING GOODBYE

 

Saying goodbye is always hard. And if you are someone like me who is easily attached to people, it’s harder. There are some who hate saying goodbye. Someone once said that life is all about hellos and goodbyes. The songs you listen to on the radio seem to have “goodbye” as a common theme. Jesus in the Gospel today is aware of what His farewell will mean to His disciples. They will grieve.

Grief is a natural human reaction to parting. When there is a certain level of intimacy, support and strength, among other qualities, in a relationship, it becomes almost impossible to part with the loved one. Time is often the greatest healer when dealing with the death of a loved one.

Dealing with grief can be a process. Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross says there are five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Her studies on death and dying have inspired her to conclude that grief is a process we have to deal with. Grief can refer to any “loss experience” — death of a loved one, separation, loss of a job, illness, or anything that causes a sense of loss. Once we are able to identify these stages based on what we are going through, grief becomes a little easier to deal with and not so overwhelming.

The disciples must have experienced these stages, too. Their Master, the One whom they loved, was going to die. They were at a loss as to what would happen to them. How would they cope? We could imagine the disciples grappling with the forthcoming absence of Jesus in their hearts. That is why Jesus emphasizes the role of the Advocate: He will be with them always.

And, as Jesus promised, the silent presence of the Advocate remains among us, today and for always. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you respond to grief? Do you see the five stages at work in your life as you go through your grief?

 

Lord, You keep me safe and defend me. Come to me in my hour of need. May Your Holy Spirit comfort me. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 6,2013

WITNESSES OF TRUTH

 

Did you ever think of the Holy Spirit as a lawyer? Well, that is what Jesus calls Himself: “When the Advocate comes whom I shall send...” We often see the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, or metaphorically, water and wind. But a lawyer? (No offense meant here!)

Being a Christian is tough business. It is a dirty world out there and you are going to need all the help you can get. It won’t be through your efforts alone that you can live as a faithful Christian. You will need to cooperate with God’s grace, but in the end it is the Holy Spirit who is the agent of mission. When a Christian takes his place in the world, he must be prepared for an ordeal. Satan hates us with a vengeance and will do anything to dissuade, disappoint and destroy the followers of Jesus. A trial awaits us, whereby good and evil are fought in a daily battle. We need an aid, a counselor and an advocate. He will stand beside us as a steady witness, guiding us in wisdom and truth. This is why we find in the Gospel the encouraging words of Jesus. Be strong. Be wise. Be faithful. Jesus is telling the disciples now so that, when the time comes, they won’t be so shaken.

How often do we fall into the temptation of giving false witness when the Spirit is one of truth? How often do we cover it up with “white lies”? Is there such a thing? A lie is a lie, a false witness and dishonesty. How often do we try to excuse ourselves from dishonesty, convincing ourselves that it doesn’t really matter? Does it?

The Lord invites us to a life of honesty and integrity. No more lying. Say it as it is. Let us rid ourselves of the habit of lying and being deceitful. The more secure we are in the love of God, the less time we have to make petty excuses and cover up ourselves by lying to one another. Jesus wants us to testify — not falsely, but to the truth. Let us examine ourselves today and, if need be, repent of the times we have given false witness to others, to ourselves and, most of all, to God. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you dishonest or honest? Do you need to repent of lying and giving false witness?

 

Lord, You take delight in Your people. May I find favor in Your sight. Let Your Spirit of truth guide and govern me. Amen.

Daily Reflections - May 3,2013

A GLIMPSE OF THE FATHER

 

I remember walking into the Basilica of St. Paul in Rome and being overwhelmed by the large life-size images of the Apostles. As you enter, the images flank either side, standing alongside each other as pillars representing the foundation of the Church and seemingly looking over the passing pilgrims, day in and day out.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of Sts. James and Philip, both called by Jesus Himself. They had firsthand experience of being with Jesus. What must it have been like to be in the company of Jesus over a long period of time?

The Gospel today gives us a glimpse of what it must have been like. Jesus has just expressed Himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. He speaks of the Father: “To see Me is to have seen the Father.” This is His answer when Philip says, “Let us see the Father and we shall be satisfied.” The Father satisfies, and is merciful, loving and kind. He satisfies our deep longings for love and healing, peace and freedom. So often, we look elsewhere for satisfaction, but only the Father satisfies. Only Jesus leads us to the Father.

Sadly, we live in a world of absent fathers, physically and/or psychologically. We all need to be in a relationship. It is true that once we have discovered a father’s love, we become strong in identity, secure in our emotions, and sure in our ways. We need a father’s love to satisfy the longings of our human heart. For nine months we lived in the womb of our mother, so the mother’s love is set deep within. We have to let go and search for the love of the Father. It doesn’t come easy. Some never find it. But Jesus has told us that no one can come to the Father except through Him, as He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Let us take time to be with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament today. Then we shall see the Father and know what St. Teresa of Avila means when she says, “Prayer is coming to the One who I know loves me. The Father loves me, since He sees in us what He sees and loves in Christ Jesus.” Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you still longing for your father’s love? Seek Jesus and you will be satisfied.

 

Jesus, show me the Way. Lead me to the Truth. Fill me with Your Life. Amen.