Daily Reflection September 7th, 2008

Daily Reflection September 7th, 2008

by Larry Gillick, S.J.

Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality

23nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 33:7-9

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Romans 13:8-10

Matthew 18:15-20

PRE-PRAYERING

A young priest here on campus shared with me recently the love of God that surrounded him while attending an organ recital in our local cathedral. He described the vibrations, the power, the sweetness and variety of the music. While I listened he seemed to be back there experiencing God’s love for him through the art, majesty and the music of this large church building.

I told him that I could hardly imagine it. He agreed that it was almost beyond imagining. In his reverie, he missed that I meant my comment differently. Organ music seems confusing and not something one can dance to.

There is an old Latin saying, De gustibus, non disputandum. “About taste there is no arguing.” I was not arguing with the fellow; he has his tastes and maybe I don’t have any at all.

Jesus prayed that His joy may be complete in us. This week as we move toward the celebration of the Eucharist, we might pray with those human experiences which delight us, grace us, and bring us to our senses concerning all the ways God can get into our hearts and souls. God knows that we have our ways of receiving, delighting and tasting. They differ and God comes to us according to how we need to be come-to. So if it is organ music, God bless you there, if not, God will bless you through your ways.

REFLECTION

The First Reading has to do with the role of the prophet. The verses before the ones we hear in today’s liturgy speak of how sentries are posted on the outskirts of an area when invaders are coming. They are to blow the warning-horn when the enemy approaches. If they do, but some refuse to respond, their deaths are their responsibility. If the sentry does not alert the citizens, then their deaths are the watchman’s responsibility. Ezekiel is warned about his own response to the calls of God to call Israel back to God.

What we hear is an instruction of just how Ezekiel is to speak to the wicked of the nation. As with the “watchman” who does not speak, Ezekiel, if he does not speak, will die and the death of the wicked will be also his responsibility. Ezekiel understands and is encouraged more than a little bit. In the verses immediately following our Reading, Ezekiel hears the hard words from God which he then speaks to Israel, calling them back to the Lord’s Ways.

Today’s Gospel has two themes: prayerful confrontation and confronting-prayer to God. Matthew relies on his readers’ awareness of the Law concerning the fault-telling process to the neighbor. Jesus lays out in greater detail how His followers are to “help” one whose sin, (usually in the area of Justice) is to be dealt with. Little comment or reflection need take place, hmmm.

I was sitting in the pew of a church today before a funeral was to begin. Behind me, four persons were entertaining themselves by talking of a certain fault of a relationship belonging to a non-present person. Now perhaps they were discussing this in preparation for one of them to execute the first step of Jesus’ plan. Maybe they had already sent one of their group to this person without profit and they were preparing the next step. It was all taking place while the Church was gathering and maybe they were going to present their collective findings and opinions to the whole group after mass. You see, I was trying to put a good interpretation on their bothering my holy pre-liturgy prayer.

The real problem with presenting my real problem to someone else about their real problem is that I am not sure whether what I consider their problem is just that it bothers me. I need to confront myself honestly first, second and third, then confront God in prayer to see if I am going to be a grace for this other person or just getting rid of my negative energy. I have not found an easy answer or plan.

I would hope that I do wish healthy and graceful living for the other and by my not being honest, this person might be living less. Each Jesuit superior has an appointed “Admonitor”. One was appointed when I was called to be Rector at our high school here in Omaha. This wise man came to me the first day and said he didn’t want to do this at all. I told him I would never say anything upon his admonition except “Thank you”. Every time he came to perform his duty, he would close the door, clear his throat a bit theatrically and let me have it. Then he would walk out, close the door behind him, and then knock for readmittance to have a friendly chat about one thing and another. Confrontation! It does take prayer more than perception.

I suspect we all need to hear about binding and loosing. One way to hear it is that if I bind somebody up in my anger, hurt, or my vengeful feelings, then God does too. Wrong! I know I have to pray alone and in the communal celebrations for a freedom from my tremendous ability to bind. As a young Jesuit, I actually worked in our bindery and I had many first and second hand experiences of the stickiness of the glue pot. It took a special cleaner to de-glue my fingers from each other.

It does all come down to this then, where two or more are gathered, there is going to be the tug-of-war between and among egos which will call for prayer to loose and be unstuck from the glue of our judgments.

I did not confront those people behind me this morning. I think they got bored with their negativity and moved on to other topics. I just smiled and continued praying to not be so judgmental and negative about those who are likewise inclined. Ah, self-confrontation, so sticky.

“Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul long for you, my God. My soul is thirsting for the living God.”Ps. 43, 2-3

Daily Reflection September 6th, 2008

Daily Reflection September 6th, 2008

by Janine ter Kuile

Financial Aid Office

1 Corinthians 4:6b-15

Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21

Luke 6:1-5

Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath." Luke 6: 5

This gospel brings up a great discussion about legality and morality. It has something to do with legalists being law-minded for the wrong reasons. Christ, when accused by the Pharisees, defends his disciples’ eating from the fields, as satisfying their human needs. Neither were acts of mercy or healing allowed on the Sabbath. It makes us wonder then, about the purpose of this ridiculously extreme legalism that caused thousands of Jews to be butchered in the streets of Jerusalem on a Sabbath rather than take up arms to defend themselves.

We know the reasons why Jesus was rejected; he brought blessings to the Gentiles, he claimed to be God, he associated with sinners, and he didn’t keep the Sabbath. So is it really about the law? Or is it about who Jesus was? He had the right to set aside the law, which was to be done away with. He came after all, to give us new and better commandments!

When legalists refuse to interpret the law in the light of the spirit in which it was given, it is used to entice us to sin. In keeping the law, like the Pharisees, let’s not become experts at avoiding its commands. God’s law requires mercy and compassion.

In Men and Women for Others, Pedro Arrupe says, “To be drugged by the comforts of privilege is to become contributors to injustice as silent beneficiaries of the fruits of injustice…(we must be of) a decision to work with others toward the dismantling of unjust social structures so that the weak, the oppressed, the marginalized of this world may be set free.”

We must pray continually for people of law and authority in the world who, given the burden of responsibility to make just decisions affecting the lives of others, will be surrounded by the Spirit.

Daily Reflection September 5th, 2008

Daily Reflection September 5th, 2008

by Chas Kestermeier, S.J.English Department

The first line of today's reading from Paul, speaking of us being seen as servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God, is a real challenge to us Christians and is almost a whole spirituality in itself.

The first step in my responding to Paul's injunction is (and must be) turning to the Lord and finding out who He is and what He wants of me personally: there is a world of books and television shows and voices out there, all telling me what other people think about it, but I need to meet Christ personally in prayer to find my way through all of this. I also need to change who I am by fasting, by making hard choices, and by finding my way to silence, to poverty of self, and to humility so that I can let His Spirit mold me as Jesus wishes, let Jesus do His work in me.

That will make me a servant of Christ, but there is also the other side, one that goes beyond this mere drive for spiritual growth. If I am truly "conformed" to Christ (Romans 8:29), then I can and indeed must speak of Him to others, must share His wealth of love and be as generous and joyful as He is. I must be about my Father's business, being and acting in a committed yet joyful and loving manner, just like Jesus. I must live the mystery that is my salvation, not just possess it. I must be, to use Paul's word, an "administrator" of God's life within me, a love that seeks to be shared at any and all costs.

But the two steps, the prayer and the constant presence to God on the one hand and my active and generous love on the other, are only one single thing, what Jesuits refer to as "contemplation in action." Who we are and what we do in this world often seem to be two very distinct and opposed realities, but God calls us to His own simplicity, where we will see God in all things and all things in God at every moment (and that will define who we are) and our godly action will flow from us as naturally as an apple tree's producing apples....

To Whom Do You Belong?

Daily Reflection September 4th, 2008

by Jim Egan, S.J.Jesuit Community

To Whom Do You Belong?

“All belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.” 1 Cor 3:23
“To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it.” Ps 24
“They left everything and followed Jesus.” Lk 5:11

Peter is called in three challenges. First, to share his boat with Jesus, then to cast his nets into the deep, and finally to accept the abundance of his catch in spite of his sinfulness.

Getting into the boat with Peter, Jesus asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Jesus’ words announced the kingdom in the words he had used at the Nazareth synagogue, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, liberty for the captives, freedom to the oppressed ... ” Then Jesus dares Peter to cast his net into the deep. Peter obeys as did Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah when the word of God came to them.

The abundance of the catch unveils the mission and mystery of the church, the New people, Jesus is calling forth. Jesus has come to catch people in the net of God’s merciful love that they may be born together into a new life of joy and freedom. Peter and his partners are struck dumb with amazement and fear of the power that is the burning bush in the person of Jesus. He is transforming them. Peter’s converted heart is awakened to the joy of self abandonment. In freedom he and his partners leave all to follow him.

To whom do you belong?

Father, I abandon myself into your hands.

Whatever is your will I accept it.

I am ready for all. I thank you for all.

I ask only that your will be done

In me and in all your creatures.

I love you, Lord and

I so need to give myself to you.

With all the love of my heart

I abandon myself into your hands

Without reserve and with boundless confidence

For you are my Father ... my Father ... my Father.

Blessed Charles de Foucauld (adapted)

6 Easy Steps to Getting What You Want

Step 1 - Read these instructions.
(See? I told you this was gonna be easy!)

Step 2 - Think about what you want.
Think of the resolution to a challenge you’re facing. Or some kind of expansion you’re intending in your life. Or some area of your life that could use a little energy, light, abundance, peace, or healing.

Step 3 - Write your intention as powerfully as you can.
Examples:
“I am intending a healthy body and full healing from back pain.” = more powerful.
“I am sick and miserable. Please help me not be sick and miserable” = less powerful.
For some, it might feel impossible to write a powerful intention, especially if you’re scared or hurting. That’s okay. But just try to remember this: the more of your own affirming mindset that you can conjure up, the better it is for you. If you can’t conjure that up - then read on. We’ll do it for you!

Step 4 - Comment below. Or send an Email.
Put your intention or request in the comment box below or send an email entitled, “Prayer List” to christine@christinekane.com. State your intention or your request.

Step 5 - Let go.
Waste no time wondering if you did it right or if this stuff even works or if you look stupid or if you asked for the perfect thing when you need so many things or if your boss will know that’s you in the comments asking for a different job. Let go means let go. Take a breath and let go.

Step 6 - Be grateful.
At some point today, write down or say out loud ten things for which you are grateful in your life. Be grateful that you are learning the lesson that this challenge is offering. Be grateful that you have friends, a roof over your head, a job. Just be grateful for as much as you can.

Chords from the heart. by blue bird

Life in a prism

Life in a prism of windows, me looking out in wonder.Wondering which way to go, which window of light to jump through. Sometimes I delight in my comfortable place, all warm and familiar,with windows to peek out of. Where I can just sit and watch from a distance, life going by, going past at it's awesomely fast rate. But to venture out, out to all the beautiful things in the world that wait for my discovery, can be a huge ask.

Can I leave this cosy place of mine? Can I walk free of these lovely walls, and turn a way to face something new and different? Can I be brave, be bold, be adventurous, somewhat wreckless In walking a long distance from everything that makes life so nice and supportive?

Am I brave I wonder? Am I?

Suddenly the window opens, a hand becons from above. "Come out" says a voice, kindly,gently encouragingly.

I rise to my feet, raise my leg to the window, put my foot out, climb on the window sill. I hesitate.The air is mild, smells fresh and sweet, all looks well, looks safe and completely free from danger.

I scan everything. Look for pitfalls, pot holes, and barriers. Make sure I can get back to my window if need be.

"Come' SAYS THE SOFT UNDERSTANDING VOICE."Come with me" I take the invisible hand of my God and he leads me out of the prism, out of the window. The grass is soft and green under my bare feet. It is cool and fragrant.

Gardenias fill the air with a heady perfume, while pretty fusias seem to dance in an unannouced ballet, each dancer wearing a beautiful frilly dress to do her part to impress the audience.

I am wondering far from my safe zone, my place of comfort and safety. I glance around worredly, but I feel the strong arm of my God about my shoulders. I relax, he is with me, guiding me like a guide dog that leads the blind woman on her way. I turn another corner,then another and another and so on until I am in unfamiliar territorry. All is strange to me. The smells, the sounds, the faces of those milling around. Scuffles break out, I hear shouts, people look at me as one they do not know. I feel a little fear, but God is near. He pulls me in tight, not allowing me to enter into a fight, this night.

Then I see her, a little pale face in the shadows, crouching under a miriad of plants and trees. Hiding from something scary, something she doesn't want to see. Something she doesn't want to experience....something painful she doesn't to to feel....

I stay in the light,where she can see my face . I speak softly, speak words of comfort.''It's okay, I won't hurt you..It's okay, I know someone who can help you."

We exchange names. She lets her defence down.

Soon I am able to coax her out of her dark prism, she stretches forth her foot, her legs and her frame until she is free to walk right next to me, holding my hand tightly,as I hold onto my God tightly too!

In the light of the street lamp, I tell her of heaven and how God has the power to help, to answer prayers. I tell her he is powerful, and full of might and can work miracles to make bad things in our lives go away or even disapear.

She closes her eyes to pray to tell God what is wrong, to tell him what she is afraid of and why she needs help........ God listens,and is about to answer more wonderfully than she can imagine.

Right then her mother startles me.She has been listening quietly from behind a tree. She smiles meekly, a new sparkle in her eyes. The little girl apon seeing her mummy, runs to her waiting arms.........


This story is ficticious today..................but it does illustrate how God can use any of us to reach out and help someone in need of a knowlege of him!

The Trip of a Life Time

The trip of a life time, is living for life, which is a lot like a never ending road trip. It's not always a smooth ride, bumpy at most. The turns might be sudden, making you think you might die with all the jerks, and people in the back honking at you to speed up. When finding yourself at a dead end, you take out the handy road map. The road map is more commonly know as The Holy Bible, but looking at it now, all you see is that it is covered in dust. There are some who take out the map and makes their way on the dirt road. The dirt road is great, until that first rain storm, where you find yourself suddenly stuck. The map might show you short cuts, but if you do not fallow that paved road, your going to find yourself lost again. To use the map correctly is to know Jesus Christ, and live through him. He will always take the wheel, when it becomes too hard to steer. At night when becomes to dark to see where your going, turn on the head lights, the wisdom of past will always light the way for you.