Losing your life...

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 16:24-25

As we continue on this journey of faith through Lent, we are invited to look at what being a Christian, and a Catholic truly entails. What is Christ calling us to do? And most importantly, are we prepared to fulfill His will for our lives, no matter what it takes?

But how do we know what His will is? How do we hear His voice in our life? It will not be heard amongst the noise and interference present in this world. No, we must quiet ourselves, turning our souls towards God, trusting in His guidance.

The passage above speaks of "denying" oneself, "taking up his cross". This sounds a little radical doesn't it? I mean, shouldn't we be looking at this logically, in moderation, using sense and not take this whole Christian thing too far?

Yes it is radical. But we are called to be radical! Radical in our faith. Radical in how we live out the message of Christ. We are called to be a living witness to the Gospels, even to the point of forsaking worldly goods and pleasures. We are called to broadcast His Love throughout the world, so all can hear!

This is where the cross comes in. First, there is the Cross of history, the cross that Our Saviour was nailed to almost 2000 years ago. The moment where God showed how much He truly loves us... So much so that He sacrificed himself for our sake, so that we may be saved. If that is not love, then I don't know what is!

Then we come to our own crosses. Denying ourselves., and offering up daily trials and sufferings for His glory. Giving them over to Our Lord. It is times like these when we, as humans, can display the purest form of love. Love for our God, and love for our neighbor. In these moments we are called to love as He loved, even if that means a little pain and suffering for ourselves.

As the noted preacher Father John Corapi says: Love is not an emotion, love is a choice. It is what we decide to do when it really matters, when it comes down to the wire, and we have to make the choice that may not necessarily be the most enjoyable. This is part of the cross that we are called to carry I think. Giving love, even when we don't want to.

There are the individual crosses in our lives that we are called to bear too: illness, financial hardship, trouble with family, friends, or work, the list goes on. Sometimes they can be caused by ourselves and others, and other times His will allows them to happen. It is in these times of suffering that we have a chance to really draw close to God. He understands suffering after all. We put Him through it. His own creation killed the Living God. So when it comes time to bear our own crosses, we should be willing to, knowing that it is for the greater glory of God. Our small sacrifices are nothing compared to what we put Him through...

We are called to lose our life for Him. So as we continue through this Lenten journey, and beyond, remember what we are asked to do. Accept the crosses that are presented in our lives. Perform penance and prayer, try to quiet your soul to hear His will in your life. Do not be afraid to lose your life. For indeed, you are actually gaining it! Trust in His wisdom and guidance, and perhaps we can all become a witness to His Love...

My prayers are with you all as we continue through Lent, in our acts of penance and reparation. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, may all of our sacrifices and sufferings be presented to Her Son, that His will may be done in our lives, and we may all be a witness to His Truth and Love.

God bless,
Dean

Sancte Petri, ora pro nobis. Sancte Benedicte, ora pro nobis.

Lenten Reflection

Note: This posting may seem to be a bit of a departure from my other writings, a bit more harsh. I do not apologize for it. I am tired of people in this world turning a blind eye to suffering, pain and evil! As Catholics and Christians, especially in America it is our duty to set an example, change our lives and be a living witness, and to be an agent of change on this small planet we have here...

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

-Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19

Responsorial from the Mass of Wednesday in the First Week of Lent

This season of Lent is a time of great reflection and prayer. Most importantly, on how we have fallen from His light, confessing this to God, especially sacramentally, repenting, and performing penance. In the words of the Confiteor “I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do…”

Indeed, sin can cut us off from God! I am not saying that we are out of His reach. It is OUR choice. It can deny us communion with him! He has always been there to love us, but it is up to each individual person to allow that love to enter their lives. We must learn to reach out in these times of sorrow, distress, and sin. Learn to remember that He is always there for us, all we must do is reach out and accept His Love and Grace!

This is a hard message for a lot of people to swalllow. So many things in our culture now are relativistic. Sin and evil are now in the eye of the beholder. What may be wrong for one, may be totally acceptable for another.

But to be blunt, this is wrong. There is absolute Truth! Absolute Good, and Evil. And if we are not careful, we can fall into the trap of Evil. It can destroy us, and those around us. All one has to do is look around the world today to see the effects of it...

We must turn towards Him! Take advantage of the helps that the Church has given us, namely the practices of Lent and preparing for Easter. If you are Catholic, go to confession. Receive him in the Eucharist, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

If you are not Catholic, have you ever thought of crossing the Tiber? The swim is tough, and things don't get any easier over here, but you may find you like it over here with us crazy Catholics. The sacraments are awesome! :)

Do penance. Make peace with God this Lenten season. He is there waiting. All you have to do is open the door and let Him in...

My prayers are with you all. May Our Lord guide you and keep you, and may the prayers of the Angels and Saints, especially the Blessed Virgin, be with you.

God bless,
Dean