Priests, prophets, and kings. These three vocations are what we are called to when we receive Baptism. While most of us will never rule a nation as a king, nor take the sacred vow of priesthood (continue to pray for vocations), we are all EXPECTED to become prophets. What does it mean to be a prophet? Hans Walter Wolff, a leading expert in biblical prophecy offered this definition: “…the people in our midst who inform us of the future implications of our present actions.” Since the beginning God has divinely inspired men and women to bring His message to His people. While He chose to impart private revelation to some,…

Fear, more often than not it is what motivates us and calls us to action. We go to work for fear of losing our jobs, we perpetually say ‘yes’ to projects and events for fear of being disliked or excluded, we overprotect our kids for fear of them being hurt, the list goes on. While non of these actions are necessarily bad, we should stop to reflect just why we respond this way and then seek out a better resolve. Blessed Padre Pio had a suggestion for dealing with fear, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” It seems simple enough in theory, but how does it translate to practical application within…

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” MT 23:1-12. Humility, one of the greatest virtues. The ability to recognize that there is one bigger than ourselves, God, and to live accordingly. As we reflect upon our own lives this Lent we may notice some darkness, some areas of sinfulness that we need to address. Admitting that we have made mistakes takes humility. Going to confession is a great act of humility, one rewarded 100 fold by the grace of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Many great saints down through the ages have spoken and written about humility and how it is essential to earning our…

Scripture is such a wealth of spiritual goodness! Yesterday’s Gospel selection was no exception. We read from Luke ch. 6 verses 36-38. Jesus is instructing His disciples on the way in which they are to live. He gives them a very brief but morally stout charge; to be merciful, to pass no judgment or condemnation on anyone, and to share their gifts with others. It is in this passage that Jesus says “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”It’s the golden rule, isn’t it? Treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s the greatest commandment, love your neighbor as yourself.…

I am begotten by God. You are begotten by God. Everyone here today, and those that have already been called back home, are and were desired by God. I am often awestruck by this reality. Theologians have determined that God exists outside of linear time. With that in mind, imagine God seeing all of eternity in a single moment and deciding that his perfect plan was/is only made so with you and I a part of it. Just let that sink in for a moment……is your mind blown yet? God wants us! We help to complete His plan. He values and loves us so much that he could not image an…

“Lord, it is good that we are here.” These are the words Peter speaks to Jesus in our Gospel selection today MT 17:1-9. I wonder, do we feel like we can say the same as Peter? Are we glad to be on this Lenten journey, here and now? Today is a day for examining this question. What are we looking to “get” out of Lent this year? The church sets this season apart as a time for prayer, fasting, and alms giving. It is not to punish us or make us miserable, rather, it is to draw us closer to our Lord in the same manner in which Jesus drew…

For this Lent, one of the things I have decided to do is to learn a new language, a love language. Not the usual romance languages of Italy or Spain, but one whose origin goes even further back in human history. I’m talking about the love Jesus spoke of in Matthew 22:37-41. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Jesus is speaking here of agape love. Putting love of God and neighbor…

“As for me and my house we will serve the Lord” Joshua 25:15. Service, a word we are very familiar with, and I daresay find so commonplace that we may not think much about it’s meaning. The Oxford English dictionary defines service as “the action of helping or doing work for someone.” In the scriptural passage from Joshua, he was referring to the later portion of the definition, ‘doing work for someone.’ Of course the work he did was evangelical as he spread the message of God to all the people. Joshua was one of MANY such individuals all throughout scripture who heard God’s call to a life of service…

Forgiveness. There’s nothing quite like it. It can soothe the soul giving wings to a heavy heart, and yet it can be one of the most challenging things to do. We know how important it is to forgive one another. It’s so important Jesus made sure to speak of it often in the Gospels. Take MT 6: 7-15 for example. Jesus tells the disciples to forgive others that offend them either in word or deed. He goes on to state the importance of this practice as it relates to God. “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will…

I am not good enough. I am not smart enough. I am too fat. I am ugly. I will never be as successful as they are. I am unlovable. God doesn’t care about me, etc., etc. Has the Devil ever spoken one of these lies to you? Did you believe him? My guess is that at one time or another you did. I have. Maybe you are dwelling on one of these falsehoods right now. I’m here to invite you to let go of these lies this lent. While we are busy fasting from other things (chocolate, television, sugar, fast food, etc.) let us also fast from these self-destructive lies…