Christian Witness

What is our response, as Christian witnesses, to a divided and fragmented world? How can we offer the hope of peace, healing and harmony to those “stations” of conflict, suffering, and tension…unity and reconciliation cannot be achieved through our efforts alone. God has made us for one another (cf. Gen 2:24) and only in God and his Church can we find the unity we seek. –Pope Benedict XVI, Message to the Youth, 2008

I pray that we have not yet forgotten the wonderful words that Pope Emeritus Benedict shared with us throughout his papacy. He continues to aid the Church through his prayers. May we also pray for him!

Recently the youth gathered with our Holy Father Pope Francis. He is a powerful witness to the Gospel and causes us to reflect on our walk with the Lord. Living World Youth Day 2013 through the powerful images and words shared by Pope Francis caused me to reflect on the past World Youth Days with Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Despite how amazing the images and words are, the question remains, are we living our faith with Christ? We can undoubtedly be powerfully enriched by an experience in the Church like a World Youth Day, Steubenville, ACTS, Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, but how are we being Christian witnesses every day?

As Pope Emeritus Benedict stated at World Youth Day 2008, “What is our response, as Christian witnesses, to a divided and fragmented world?” How are we offering hope of peace, healing and harmony to those areas of conflict, suffering and tension through the world?

As Christians we must do our part to put an end to the conflicts, suffering and tensions throughout the world. However, to truly put an end to those things around the world, we must first look to put an end those things in our own lives! We must, where possible and within our reach, make a choice to end those conflicts, sufferings, and tensions between members of our families, our friends, and within our communities.

Often times it seems impossible and thus we may want to give up. We sometimes believe we have to do it all alone. Pope Benedict says that unity and reconciliation cannot be achieved through our efforts alone because God has made us for one another. Do we hear those words? We were made for each other! Do we live as such?

Conflicts arise and tensions will be there, but are we the cause of those conflicts or tensions? Are we building walls? Are we allowing challenges and sin to get in the way of seeking and living for the other?

We all too often want things our own way. We choose to stay angry or upset. We find ways to separate rather than seek opportunities for togetherness. This is by no means easily overcome. It is only when we turn to God and to the teachings safeguarded by the Church that we will have the tools to remember that we are made for one another! We need to support each other with prayers and words of encouragement.

Stop looking for reasons to divide and separate. Stop looking to put up walls and barriers. Stop choosing words that cause battle and actions that lead to war. Remember at the end of the day despite our differences we were made for one another! Be a Christian witness always! Each and every day!

Principles

I thank God for any wisdom He graciously has granted to me and I hope to pass it on through my words and by example. Here are a few principles that I strive to live in my life. They have helped me through the challenges and continue to guide me in my walk with others. Each of us will ponder it in our own way. I can only hope they may be a source of grace for you as well.

1. Take the time each day to see the blessings of God. God is always at work and so do not focus solely on the problems and obstacles. Rather, see where God is at work in other areas of your life.
2. Don’t waste the time questioning “why me” rather ask yourself“ what now” and “where do I go from here”.
3. Always move forward. Learn from the past, strive to make the changes in the present, but always keep going.
4. In every action seek to do it for the glory of God and always with love in your heart.
5. Give people the benefit of doubt! Don’t presume to know everyone’s situation. Take the time to minister to everyone even those we may find difficult to love.

Year in Review

I wanted to share a video I made recently about my year in Rome. I will soon be returning but I wanted to share my adventure with so many of you who have supported me along the way. God bless. Enjoy!

Cling to the Lord

My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of adversity. Cling to him, do not leave him, that you may prosper in your last days. Accept whatever happens to you; in periods of humiliation be patient. For in fire gold is tested, and the chosen, in the crucible of humiliation. Trust in God, and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in him. You that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, do not stray lest you fall. You that fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You that fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Consider the generations long past and see: has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been ignored? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; forgives sins and saves in time of trouble. -Sirach 2:1-11

What an uplifting and inspirational reading! So much wisdom is provided by means of the Holy Scriptures. It is wisdom from God that challenges, encourages, inspires, uplifts, confronts, and moves. Where is it moving you? 

You see Scripture calls us to MOVE! Not just settle for a nice saying that we recall throughout the day or to simply share occasionally with a friend. Scripture through the inspiration and movement of the Holy Spirit calls us to action. The primary action leads to an on-going relationship with the Lord. It is through our life giving relationship with God that we understand our calling to serve. We are called to serve: service of God and service of one another.

So are you ready to serve the Lord? Or if you are already serving the Lord, are you ready to re-evaluate your commitment? In today's world there needs to be a deeper reflection on the nature of our commitments. What does it mean to commit? Unfortunately in our day and age we have a tendency to place conditions on our commitments. Whether it be with others or ultimately with God. Before we evaluate our relationships with one another, let us first focus on our relationship with God. A important reflection question for all of us, whether we are contemplating serving the Lord or are already in service, could be: Will I or do I place conditions on my service to the Lord? Conditions such as: I will serve, but only if it goes my way or I will serve as long as there are no challenges and I meet no resistance or I will serve but only until something else comes along or grabs my attention! Are we really called to put such conditions on our commitment of service to the Lord? Are we not called to give it all while not counting the costs?

You cannot serve the Lord with one foot in and one foot out. Often times this is easier and many would rather do so, but this is not discipleship. Scripture says you cannot serve two masters, you will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other (Mt 6:24). When a decision is made to serve, we must do it with our whole heart. As the reading says we must serve with a sincere heart and a steadfast spirit while we cling to the Lord. I have witnessed on numerous occasions my nieces and nephews clinging to their parents. Their parents can't go anywhere without their child being so close to them and following their every move. One definition of the word, cling, says to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence. This is the type of relationship we are called to have with God. A dependence on God that calls upon us never to abandon His embrace no matter the cost. Whether things go our way or not. Whether we feel happy or feel sad. Whether it be good times or bad times. The reading above reminds us when we follow and serve the Lord there will be challenges and difficulties. There will be moments when we feel humiliated or just plain, beat up. There will be times when things are not meeting our expectations. Nevertheless, God's word encourages us not to give up or turn back, but to move forward with hope and trust in His presence and faithfulness.

Commitment in any form requires being sincere of heart and steadfast. It requires us not to become distracted nor impatient. It is having an awareness that situations will arise that will cause us to waver and ultimately test our commitment. Yet, through it all we cannot be consumed with the pain, anger, resentment, sadness or disappointment of the moment. No, it is in those trials that we are invited to cling even tighter to the one who asks us to Trust and to Hope. To cling to the one who is faithful! To cling to the one who is compassionate and merciful! To cling to the one who forgives us of our sins and saves us in times of trouble! We must remain faithful and cling to the God we serve!

Follow Me

Pope Francis has given us two different looks at the nature of sin these last few days. He said, "The problem is not that we are sinners: the problem is not repenting of sin, not being ashamed of what we have done."

We all are sinners. This does not exclude anyone. To think only that the other has sinned but not ourselves is ignorant. At the same time it should not be a game of comparison which looks to see who is worse. We need to stay focused on acknowledging our own sins before God and strive to repent. This is what will make a difference in the lives of others.

If we fail to recognize our own sinfulness we will be tempted to point only at the sins of others in idle chatter or as Pope Francis said, "to compare oneself with others." He goes on to say, "When there is this comparison, we end up in bitterness and even envy, but envy rusts the Christian community, it brings much hurt, and the devil wants that. This kind of talk will not do you any good, because it will just bring to the Church a spirit of destruction."

Rather Pope Francis reminds us of our true role as Christians which is to hear the Lord Jesus saying to us, "Follow me!" Pope Francis concludes, "These are the beautiful words of Jesus, it is so clear, that he has so much love for us." When we hear the call and realize Christ's love for us, we then will have the courage to turn away from sin, to repent and to transform our lives. Hopefully along the way we can encourage others to do the same.

All words of Pope Francis are in quotations above. All other words are my own reflections.

The quotes are a translation from the Italian into English from his Mass on Saturday May, 18, 2013. 

TRUTH

Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.” - John 15:18-21

Have you ever been attacked for your beliefs? I'm not talking about being attacked for your opinion or personal viewpoint. I'm referring to those moments when you have spoken the Truth revealed to us by God through his Son Jesus and safeguarded by the Holy Spirit through the Church.

When we strive to live out the example of Christ and preach it through our words and actions, there will be times when we will not be accepted. Not only will we not just be accepted, but we might end up being hated and persecuted. Ouch! I believe the thought of being rejected in fact causes many of us to remain silent and mind our own business. We think it is better to say nothing or we convince ourselves "who are we to say anything".

However, to speak the Truth of God is not about gaining the upper hand or bringing judgment upon somebody. It is not about being praised or thinking we are better than others. To be honest it is not even about us! It is truly about LOVE. The love to speak the truth even if it is not easy nor will it be accepted. The love to say, "your soul is more important to me than just keeping peace or minding my business."

This is never easy and yes we are afraid. We can never be too haste to speak nor speak in our own name. We must consult the Holy Spirit, who Christ promises to be with us, to guide and help us so that the truth remains about God and not about you and me.

God knows we need courageous men and women in our world today to speak the Truth. Men and women who look beyond their personal opinion and take the time to engage in study through reflection upon the revealed Word of God.

Will that person be you or me?

Discipleship with the Cross

"When we walk without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, 

and when we profess Christ without the Cross, we are not disciples of the Lord." 

Pope Francis

Isn't it so true that many, if not all of us, want to go about life without the Cross! After all, Jesus is Risen! Amen, right? Yes, indeed He is Risen. Nevertheless, we must not forget that the Resurrection is only part of the story. Yes, it is essential and the culminating moment. Yet, it remains incomplete without the other elements of the Paschal Mystery, without the Suffering and Death. We have reflected with the help of the Gospels, a major part of Jesus' suffering was the Cross. It is through the Cross that His death came to pass. Instead of abandoning the Cross, Jesus chose to transform it and give to it a whole new meaning. His embrace and death on the Cross brought about redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. Something we could never do on our own nor something we could have ever earned.

So it is in our gratitude we make the choice to live as disciples. To live as His disciples is not to pick and choose what is convenient nor to run away from the Cross because Jesus embraced it for us! Jesus never told his disciples He would carry the Cross so that they need not. Quite the opposite, Jesus commanded his disciples to take up their cross. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus challenges you and me, his disciples to take up our cross daily. It is not easy to take up the cross daily. In so attempting we must not reduce the Cross to one of our choosing nor a Cross we think fits us best.  No, this is not the answer. As disciples we take up the Cross that is given to us. Just like Jesus who was given His Cross.

Be Not Afraid. The Good Shepherd does not abandon His sheep. It is Jesus who helps us to embrace it just as did He. It is Jesus who helps us to carry it when it gets heavy and we want to let it go. It is Jesus who gives new meaning in the suffering endured while with the Cross. It is Jesus who gives us new life in the pain.

One day each of us will stand before God. What Cross will we place before God? Will we even have a Cross to present? Until that day, Jesus commands us to follow His example. And along the way Jesus gives us gifts. Those gifts come only when we embrace the Cross. His gifts are glimpses of new life that come to us through those mini paschal mystery moments in our lives. Those glimpses are when we embrace the Cross, when we find meaning in the suffering, and when we allow "mini deaths" to occur now so as to better equip us and prepare us for the final death, our exit from this world into the next.

Until then, keep taking up your Cross, keep walking, keep searching for meaning in the suffering and pain, and keep believing that Jesus will give you glimpses of new life!