Forgiving others can be extremely difficult. In today's Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells us how important it is to forgive. We must forgive not 7 times but 77 times! In addition, by means of a parable, Jesus gives us a tip or method for how to make forgiveness easier: the more we remind ourselves of the mercy and forgiveness God and others have shown us, the easier it becomes to forgive.
A longer audio version can be found here:
https://theextrameisl.podbean.com/e/a-tip-for-making-forgiveness-easier/
A love that gives hope
Happy Mother's Day! Mothers love us in a way that is is very focused, particular and sacrificial. It is a love that fills us with hope, especially when things are difficult. This is the kind of love and care Jesus shows his followers in today's Gospel (John 14:1-12), part of his "farewell discourse" which is like his last will and testament to us.
Leading like the Good Shepherd
Happy Good Shepherd Sunday! Rather than leaders who are out to enrich themselves, Jesus shows us that true leadership involves sacrificing ourselves so that others may have life (John 10:1-10). All baptized are challenged to live this way. We pray in a particular way today for vocations to priesthood and consecrated life where this call is expressed in a beautiful way.
Going to the margins
Pope Francis has emphasized our need to "go to the margins". Our mission of evangelization should start with those in most need. We see this in Philip's interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch in today's first reading (Acts 8:26-40). In evangelizing the Ethiopian, Philip makes the outsider a part of the community.
The Gospel of St. Mark recorded webinar
Recently I enjoyed giving a webinar on the Gospel of St. Mark for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. If you are interested, you can find a link to the recorded talk below. The webinar explains some of the general characteristics of the Gospel, analyzes a few important texts (e.g. Jesus' encounter with the Syrophoenician woman in Mk 7:24-30), and discusses how the message of Mark can inspire our life of discipleship.
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Moving from sadness to joy
How do we experience the joy of the Resurrection when we feel sad and hopeless? The story of the road to Emmaus in today's Gospel (Luke 24) shows us that when we reach out to those in need with an act of kindness we are awakened to the presence of the Risen Lord in our midst.
Hope in eternal life
In a fascinating detail from today's Gospel (John 3:7-15), Jesus compares his death on the cross to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Unlike the bronze serpent, the life Jesus gives us is eternal. The promise of eternal life is a great source of hope to us especially especially during difficult times.
Divine Mercy Sunday
We often judge the Apostle Thomas harshly because he expresses doubt (John 20:19-31). Although his faith is not what it should be, we can learn from his example. Thomas is honest about his struggle and because of this Jesus can help him in his particular need. Likewise in our life, when we are honest with God about our needs He can more readily give us His mercy, healing and assistance.
Doubt and the resurrection
Like Jesus' first followers, we can have difficulty believing that He has truly risen from the dead. We can take hope, however, knowing that after the resurrection Jesus embarks on a mission of convincing His disciples, us included, that He is indeed risen (cf. Luke 24).
Accompaniment and social distancing
Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged us to practice the art of accompaniment, something Jesus does with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). During the pandemic, accompaniment is more important than ever and requires creativity during this time of social distancing.
Even better than normal
Happy Easter!
When will things get back to normal? Since the pandemic has begun, we have heard this question many times. We long for a return to normal. As wonderful as that will be, the Resurrection shows us that God wants better than normal for us. Jesus has brought about a greater world and each of us has a part in bringing it to fruition.
When God remains silent
On Holy Saturday God can seem hidden, silent. Jesus lays in the tomb and things appear hopeless. Today we contemplate the places in our life where God seems silent and we feel frightened and abandoned. On Holy Saturday we try to be consoled because Jesus entered this "no man's land between death and Resurrection" and will one day take us by the hand and lead us to life (Benedict XVI, 2010).
Mercy can't stop on the Cross
On Good Friday we recognize that when Jesus died on the Cross for us we did not get what we deserved. Instead of death we received mercy and life. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we are transformed to become more merciful and forgiving to those who have harmed us.
Living the Eucharist
On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist. How can we mark this great day at a time when many of us cannot receive Communion? Perhaps one way is by reminding ourselves that the Eucharist leads us to love and serve like Jesus, to wash the feet of others. When we try to humbly serve in this way we live a Eucharistic life.
Relationships and risk
The Wednesday is Holy Week is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" because today's Gospel (Matthew 26:14-25) tells us about Judas' betrayal. A lesson we learn from Spy Wednesday is that relationships are always a risk. Jesus shows us that it is a risk worth taking.
The Wednesday is Holy Week is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" because today's Gospel (Matthew 26:14-25) tells us about Judas' betrayal. A lesson we learn from Spy Wednesday is that relationships are always a risk. Jesus shows us that it is a risk worth taking.
A Messiah who is compassion itself
Jesus is an unexpected kind of Messiah. The Gospels of Palm Sunday remind us of this. He does not take away our suffering, but He suffers with us, He is compassion itself. This encourages us to be compassionate to others, to be "the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth" (St. Teresa of Avila).
Link to video reflection:
Is God still with us?
During the Exile, the prophet Ezekiel gave hope to people who felt that they were separated from God's presence. Ezekiel reminded them that God still dwelt among his people just as he had dwelt in the Temple. God's covenant is everlasting. Ezekiel's message can give us hope during this time that may in some ways feel like an exile.
For the video message click the link below:
https://youtu.be/W5IQpz3MzUY
For the video message click the link below:
https://youtu.be/W5IQpz3MzUY
How the pandemic provokes
In today's Gospel, Jesus asks people a provocative question in order to help them see things differently and to grow (John 10:32). In this pandemic, God may be doing something similar with us.
Find hope in Jesus' promise
In the Gospel today (John 8:51-59), Jesus promises us life, that we will never see death. This is something even greater than what promised Abraham (Genesis 17). Reminding ourselves of Jesus' promise can inspire us with hope in difficult times.
Rediscover the domestic church
The pandemic is a time in the wilderness and potentially a time of growth. In this situation, God is perhaps inviting us to rediscover the idea and practice of the domestic church. Each family is a church where God is worshipped, the faith is handed down and charity is practiced. What are some practices you currently do or would like to try that build up your domestic church?
Jesus weeps and gives life
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Today's Gospel (John 11), in which Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, encourages us to be people of compassion and hope during the time that is given us.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Today's Gospel (John 11), in which Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, encourages us to be people of compassion and hope during the time that is given us.
Taking risks leads to growth
Nicodemus, who appears in today's Gospel (John 7:40-53), is a character who develops greatly as a follower of Jesus. His growth comes from his willingness to take risks. Let us do the same.
What suffering reveals
Today's Gospel (John 7) refers to Jesus' "hour" (v. 30). This is the moment He is raised up on the cross. In John's Gospel, it is in the time of Jesus' greatest suffering when we discover fully who He is. Moments of suffering and challenge are moments of revelation. During this pandemic we have the opportunity to learn more about God, others and ourselves. Let us pay attention.
Selective hearing
Like the people Jesus interacts with in today's Gospel (John 5:31-47), we can have selective hearing, listening to messages that we are comfortable with and ignoring voices that challenge us. During this time it is especially important for us to check on our hearing.
God is never letting go
Happy solemnity of the the Annunciation!
This great feast celebrates the beginning of the mystery of the Incarnation (Luke 1:26-38), when God became like us in all things but sin. This is a great source of hope because it shows us that God is always with us when we suffer and struggle. In the Incarnation, God has embraced us in our weakness and is never letting go.
This great feast celebrates the beginning of the mystery of the Incarnation (Luke 1:26-38), when God became like us in all things but sin. This is a great source of hope because it shows us that God is always with us when we suffer and struggle. In the Incarnation, God has embraced us in our weakness and is never letting go.
Preserving life is greater
In today's Gospel (Jn 5:1-16) Jesus healed a man on the sabbath. In this time of pandemic, we are likewise called to adjust crucial practices of our faith to preserve life.
Jesus power crosses (social) distance
During this time of social distancing we can feel separated not just from family and friends but also from Jesus. We can question whether Jesus' grace and power can work in our lives when we are kept physically away from the Mass and Sacraments. The Gospel today (John 4:46-54) offers hope because it shows us that physical distance is no impediment to the power of Jesus.
Finding Jesus in the pandemic
Suffering is not a punishment from God. Rather, today's Gospel (John 9) shows us that Jesus is with us during hard times bringing about some good. Discovering what Jesus is doing during this pandemic will take time. A good way to start understanding this extraordinary situation is by consciously recognizing some blessing that happens each day.
The right pitch of prayer (Lk 18:8-14)
Today's Gospel (Lk 18:9-14) teaches us that there are types of prayer that God hears better than others. God hears the prayers of those who cry out in their suffering and need. Now is a time to pray.
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