FR. ROBERT BARRON: 22ND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
August 30, 2013
August 29, 2013
Pacify
MEMORIAL OF THE MARTYRDOM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Today, the Church celebrates the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. Here's the story in a nutshell. Herod Antipas was appointed by the Roman Caesar, Caesar Augustus, to rule the Roman controlled state of Galilee in 4 B.C. He eventually married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip ... who o' by the way was still alive. The core message of Saint John the Baptist's preaching was repentance. John boldly reprimanded Herod Antipas and Herodias for their scandalous adultery and marriage. In anger, Herod threw John into prison. About a year after John was thrown in prison, Herod threw a gala for the high and mighty of Galilee. Salome, the daughter of Herodias and Herod Antipas' brother Philip, tantalized Herod by her dancing. Driven with lust, Herod gives her permission to ask for whatever she wanted. Salome and Herodias, who hate John the Baptist because of his stinging preaching, ask Herod for the death of John the Baptist. John was martyred in 30 A.D.
Today's story is an interesting one to unpack, but so too are Christmas greeting cards. There is a difference between America's "Christmas" season (Black Friday through Christmas Eve) and celebrating the birth of Christ. Greeting cards lure us into believing that Christmas is about "Peace", "Joy", and "Good will toward all".
On the other hand, 2,000 years ago ... days and weeks before Christmas ... there was a real person named Mary and a real person named Joseph. They weren't preparing for "Peace", "Joy", and "Good will toward all" ... they were preparing for a person ― for the Messiah. There was a real person in Mary's womb ― and his name was Jesus.
11 days ago, on Sunday, August 18, 2013 you went to church on Sunday. There you heard the Gospel from Luke, chapter 12. We heard this: "Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?" No. Jesus said: "No."
What? Believe it or not ... Jesus said: "No."
Jesus said this: stop buying the Christmas cards that reduce Him to a nice guy who wants everybody to get along. Yes, of course, Jesus wants peace, but not the kind of peace America's "Christmas" season is offering. What did Jesus say He wants? "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!"
Jesus yearns you to be free. Jesus will do anything ― I mean anything ― for you and I to live in communion with the Trinity. Precisely because he loves you, Jesus rejects the notion that he has come to "establish peace" because he knows that peace is often confused with pacifism. Jesus cannot redeem us through pacifism. He must stay rooted in the truth. Far too often peace is mistaken for pacifism. We don’t want to upset the status quo, for doing so would unleash insurmountable attacks. So, we mistake "peace" with lack of conflict, while underneath the pacifism there remains grave injustice, deep unrest, or fear-filled unforgiveness. It is at work and at school. It is at home and in our extended families. It is in Washington and in the media. We just want everyone to "get along."
However, pacifism rejects Truth in order to assure that no one is offended. Jesus, on the other hand, always proclaims the Truth ― always ― I mean always. Thus, his causing "division" isn’t for division’s sake, but for the sake of the Truth. And ... we need today's story because of our boxes.
Many of us have a box for God. We compartmentalize our lives —"this is my family box, this is my work box, this is my God box." Nice and neat, each aspect of our life is compartmentalized. Yet, Jesus has come for us—for all of us and all of our compartmentalized categories of life. Compartmentalized boxes keep life neat. Boxes give us a false permission to remain silent—we don’t have to struggle, we don’t have to challenge. There is no drama, no tension, no upset. However, love—the kind of love that changes the world—doesn’t live in a box. Love is a person whose name is Jesus Christ. And, when you and I fall in love with Jesus, we will do anything for him. We will even surrender our boxes, being silent no more.
Here's the point: at some point in your life you will face the consequences of discipleship. The real question is how will you respond? Just as Jesus never denied the truth of who He was, we too must never deny the Truth of who God is. If we refuse to pacify, step outside our boxes, and refuse to be silent, we will be confronted by the world—we too will face the cross. When you and I feel the consequences, remember this — "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first" (John 15:18). That's why John was martyred ... that's why he was beheaded.
Today we celebrate the life, and death, of man who longed for God to be known ... even if it meant no longer pacifying the leader of his country.
When you are confronted with the resistance of our culture — whether at home, or at work, or in the grocery store — remember this, Jesus wants you totally and wants us to love him totally. In tense moments where you refuse to pacify, focus on Jesus. Listen to his voice. When you feel the consequences, go within just like we talked about yesterday.
God is with you ... at all times ... even in the temptation to pacify.
FR. ROBERT BARRON AND "THE LIMITS OF TOLERANCE"
Today, the Church celebrates the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. Here's the story in a nutshell. Herod Antipas was appointed by the Roman Caesar, Caesar Augustus, to rule the Roman controlled state of Galilee in 4 B.C. He eventually married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip ... who o' by the way was still alive. The core message of Saint John the Baptist's preaching was repentance. John boldly reprimanded Herod Antipas and Herodias for their scandalous adultery and marriage. In anger, Herod threw John into prison. About a year after John was thrown in prison, Herod threw a gala for the high and mighty of Galilee. Salome, the daughter of Herodias and Herod Antipas' brother Philip, tantalized Herod by her dancing. Driven with lust, Herod gives her permission to ask for whatever she wanted. Salome and Herodias, who hate John the Baptist because of his stinging preaching, ask Herod for the death of John the Baptist. John was martyred in 30 A.D.
Today's story is an interesting one to unpack, but so too are Christmas greeting cards. There is a difference between America's "Christmas" season (Black Friday through Christmas Eve) and celebrating the birth of Christ. Greeting cards lure us into believing that Christmas is about "Peace", "Joy", and "Good will toward all".
On the other hand, 2,000 years ago ... days and weeks before Christmas ... there was a real person named Mary and a real person named Joseph. They weren't preparing for "Peace", "Joy", and "Good will toward all" ... they were preparing for a person ― for the Messiah. There was a real person in Mary's womb ― and his name was Jesus.
11 days ago, on Sunday, August 18, 2013 you went to church on Sunday. There you heard the Gospel from Luke, chapter 12. We heard this: "Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?" No. Jesus said: "No."
What? Believe it or not ... Jesus said: "No."
Jesus said this: stop buying the Christmas cards that reduce Him to a nice guy who wants everybody to get along. Yes, of course, Jesus wants peace, but not the kind of peace America's "Christmas" season is offering. What did Jesus say He wants? "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!"
Jesus yearns you to be free. Jesus will do anything ― I mean anything ― for you and I to live in communion with the Trinity. Precisely because he loves you, Jesus rejects the notion that he has come to "establish peace" because he knows that peace is often confused with pacifism. Jesus cannot redeem us through pacifism. He must stay rooted in the truth. Far too often peace is mistaken for pacifism. We don’t want to upset the status quo, for doing so would unleash insurmountable attacks. So, we mistake "peace" with lack of conflict, while underneath the pacifism there remains grave injustice, deep unrest, or fear-filled unforgiveness. It is at work and at school. It is at home and in our extended families. It is in Washington and in the media. We just want everyone to "get along."
However, pacifism rejects Truth in order to assure that no one is offended. Jesus, on the other hand, always proclaims the Truth ― always ― I mean always. Thus, his causing "division" isn’t for division’s sake, but for the sake of the Truth. And ... we need today's story because of our boxes.
Many of us have a box for God. We compartmentalize our lives —"this is my family box, this is my work box, this is my God box." Nice and neat, each aspect of our life is compartmentalized. Yet, Jesus has come for us—for all of us and all of our compartmentalized categories of life. Compartmentalized boxes keep life neat. Boxes give us a false permission to remain silent—we don’t have to struggle, we don’t have to challenge. There is no drama, no tension, no upset. However, love—the kind of love that changes the world—doesn’t live in a box. Love is a person whose name is Jesus Christ. And, when you and I fall in love with Jesus, we will do anything for him. We will even surrender our boxes, being silent no more.
Here's the point: at some point in your life you will face the consequences of discipleship. The real question is how will you respond? Just as Jesus never denied the truth of who He was, we too must never deny the Truth of who God is. If we refuse to pacify, step outside our boxes, and refuse to be silent, we will be confronted by the world—we too will face the cross. When you and I feel the consequences, remember this — "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first" (John 15:18). That's why John was martyred ... that's why he was beheaded.
Today we celebrate the life, and death, of man who longed for God to be known ... even if it meant no longer pacifying the leader of his country.
When you are confronted with the resistance of our culture — whether at home, or at work, or in the grocery store — remember this, Jesus wants you totally and wants us to love him totally. In tense moments where you refuse to pacify, focus on Jesus. Listen to his voice. When you feel the consequences, go within just like we talked about yesterday.
God is with you ... at all times ... even in the temptation to pacify.
FR. ROBERT BARRON AND "THE LIMITS OF TOLERANCE"
August 28, 2013
Within or Without
MEMORIAL OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Today, the Church celebrates the life of Saint Augustine, one of the greatest saints within the history of the Church. Augustine Aurelius was born in November of 354 in a small town in Northern Africa. After leaving home at the age of 17, Augustine lived a hedonistic lifestyle for the next 14 years: he chased pagan philosophy, philandering his way through the schools of Europe while fathering his own child. Simply, Augustine embodied all that is the story of the Prodigal Son. However, much to the intercession of his mother Monica, Augustine had a life-changing conversion in his early 30's. He went on to be one of the greatest theologians and bishops of the past 2,000 years.
Saint Augustine tells us that his whole life was focused without: his entire focus of life was on things outside of him ... the "world", the pursuit of pleasure, the relentless thirst for "more". Yet, God was within nudging at his heart ... inviting Augustine into the very peace he longed for. It was within Augustine that he found God speaking to him.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. is famous for asking us: "When you look at the culture you and I live in, do you think most people live within or without?" We, like Augustine, live in a world frenetically consumed with without. From iPods to texting to smartphones we are constantly tempted to occupy our time doing something, listening to something, or distracting ourselves with something. Pope Benedict XVI once said: "The world in its frenetic activism often looses its direction. Its action and capacities become destructive if they lack the power of prayer, from which the waters of life irrigate the arid land." Life feels frenetic when we only live without. If we only live without we get tired, lives grows ever empty, and life "looses its direction."
Hmmmmmm ... when you look at Augustine's words, ask yourself: do you live more within or without?
We, like Augustine, also yearn for God. The Catechism states: "Man is in search of God. In the act of creation, God calls every being from nothingness into existence. Even after losing through his sin his likeness to God, man remains an image of his Creator, and retains the desire for the one who calls him into existence. All religions bear witness to man’s essential search for God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 2566)
We want God ... and God, just like He did with Augustine, is calling us from within.
What would have happened if Augustine would not have paid attention to the stirrings within him? What would have happened if the first Apostles would not have paid attention to the longings "for more" within him? What would have happened in my life if I would have not listened to the voice of God within me?
Deep within ... very deep within ... what do you really want?
GETTING READY FOR THIS WEEKEND
Let's start preparing for Mass this weekend. Click here to read the readings that we'll hear at Mass this weekend. First: read all the readings slowly. Pay attention to the story, the context. Secondly: read the readings again, a second time ... read them even slower. Pay attention to what word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart. Finally: read the reading that contains the word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart. Read it really slow. Pay attention to your heart. Now ... talk to God about what stirred within. Talk to Him about the word or phrase grabbed your attention or tugged at your heart.
"[Many] seem to want to fill every empty moment with music and images, out of fear of feeling this very emptiness. This is a trend that has always existed, especially among the young and in the more developed urban contexts but today it has reached a level such as to give rise to talk about anthropological mutation. Some people are no longer able to remain for long periods in silence and solitude."
― Pope Benedict XVI, October 9, 2011
WHO IS SAINT AUGUSTINE?
WHO IS SAINT AUGUSTINE?
August 27, 2013
Timing
MEMORIAL OF SAINT MONICA
> 1st Thessalonians 2:1-8
Today, the Church celebrates the life of Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine whose tireless intercession fostered her son's historic conversion. There are many saintly things to celebrate in the life of this holy woman: her commitment to prayer, her unconditional love of her son, her trusting the Church at key seasons of her fear. However, perhaps what's most inspiring is her waiting all those years. She waited ... as Augustine chased the empty promises of the "world". She waited ... as her son philandered his purity away. She waited ... as the future saint drank in the seductions of heresy. She waited ... as only a mother can.
Many of us know what it's like to wait. For most of us the weight in the wait stems from our misunderstanding why we are waiting. Many of us yearn for God to hear our prayer ... and, when we don't see God responding, we erroneously assume that God hasn't heard us or God won't act. In reality, God has heard us; however, God's timing isn't our timing. As He says in Isaiah: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—says of the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
When God hears our prayers He listens to us with the "big picture" in mind. Thus, He always responds to our prayers in the present moment with the "big picture" in mind. You can't see your future, but God can. You can't see what God is doing in other people's lives, but God can. You can't see the big picture, but God can. Therefore, God often acts on a different timetable than we'd like.
Perhaps today you too are still waiting. Perhaps you're waiting for a breakthrough ... or a miracle ... of the conversion of someone you love. Saint Monica knew Isaiah 55:8-9, but she also knew verses 10-11: "Yet just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it." When God says He's going to do something it will happen ... guaranteed ... in His timing.
In the end, God's timing worked. Augustine became one of the greatest of all the saints. Monica's waiting paid off. Likewise, trust that God will come through for you.
And ... perhaps as you wait ... instead of assuming that God isn't doing anything ... ask Him to show what He is doing. Ask Him to say more to you about His timing.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
UNPACKING THIS PAST WEEKEND'S HOMILY
> Matthew 23:23-26
> All the readings together
> Click here to learn more about Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine
> All the readings together
> Click here to learn more about Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine
Today, the Church celebrates the life of Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine whose tireless intercession fostered her son's historic conversion. There are many saintly things to celebrate in the life of this holy woman: her commitment to prayer, her unconditional love of her son, her trusting the Church at key seasons of her fear. However, perhaps what's most inspiring is her waiting all those years. She waited ... as Augustine chased the empty promises of the "world". She waited ... as her son philandered his purity away. She waited ... as the future saint drank in the seductions of heresy. She waited ... as only a mother can.
Many of us know what it's like to wait. For most of us the weight in the wait stems from our misunderstanding why we are waiting. Many of us yearn for God to hear our prayer ... and, when we don't see God responding, we erroneously assume that God hasn't heard us or God won't act. In reality, God has heard us; however, God's timing isn't our timing. As He says in Isaiah: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—says of the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
When God hears our prayers He listens to us with the "big picture" in mind. Thus, He always responds to our prayers in the present moment with the "big picture" in mind. You can't see your future, but God can. You can't see what God is doing in other people's lives, but God can. You can't see the big picture, but God can. Therefore, God often acts on a different timetable than we'd like.
Perhaps today you too are still waiting. Perhaps you're waiting for a breakthrough ... or a miracle ... of the conversion of someone you love. Saint Monica knew Isaiah 55:8-9, but she also knew verses 10-11: "Yet just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it." When God says He's going to do something it will happen ... guaranteed ... in His timing.
In the end, God's timing worked. Augustine became one of the greatest of all the saints. Monica's waiting paid off. Likewise, trust that God will come through for you.
And ... perhaps as you wait ... instead of assuming that God isn't doing anything ... ask Him to show what He is doing. Ask Him to say more to you about His timing.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
UNPACKING THIS PAST WEEKEND'S HOMILY
This past weekend we concluded our three-week series on "storms". Part of every "storm" involves our pleading for God to intervene in our lives. And, we, like Monica, may have to wait. If you're going through a "storm" or a "trial" be reminded of God's timing. And, be reminded of why God may not act as quickly as we'd like. The homily from Sunday, August 11, 2013 addressed this question head on. Click here to listen to the homily from Sunday, August 11, 2013. Click here to listen to the most recent homily from Sunday, August 25, 2013.
TODAY'S QUOTE
"Consider seriously how quickly people change, and how little trust is to be had in them; and hold fast to God, who does not change."
― Teresa of Ávila
WHO IS SAINT MONICA, MOTHER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE?
WHO IS SAINT MONICA, MOTHER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE?
August 26, 2013
Convicted
MONDAY OF THE 21ST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
> 1st Thessalonians 1:1-5,8-10
In the first reading at today's Mass we read from Saint Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians: "For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction. You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake." (1st Thessalonians 1:5)
Saint Paul didn't simply preach the Gospel: "For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone". Rather, he lived the Gospel: "but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction."
Saint Paul was conscious of his lifestyle. He was conscious of his witness, for he writes today: "You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake." He was aware of what sort of person he was. Saint Paul was a man of conviction.
Saint Paul has much to teach many modern day American Catholics. Stay with me here. In his recent best-seller, Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter, author Fr. Michael White writes: "Unbeknownst to us, what we were dealing with was a consumer culture. We didn’t understand what that was. Consumer culture arose out of industrialization, urbanization, and the emergence of general literacy. It’s great if you’re a retail establishment making money from it. It’s not so great if you’re a church. In fact, consumer culture erodes the sustainability of church communities because it allows the congregant to assume the posture of shallow commitment and the attitude of ceaseless demands. Author Rodney Clapp puts it this way: 'The consumer is schooled in insatiability. He or she is never to be satisfied, at least not for long. The consumer is taught that persons consist basically of unmet needs that can be requited by commodified goods and experiences. Accordingly, the consumer should think first and foremost of himself or herself and meeting his or her felt needs.'"
We have a consumer culture within American Catholicism. In fact, Fr. Michael describes his parish ... which sounds a lot like many American parishes: "[We were] a convenient outlet for demanding religious consumers, and what they were demanding more than anything else was to just 'get it over with' (it being Communion . . . to fulfill their obligation . . . for whatever reason they felt an obligation: guilt, fear, or just to get their mothers-in-law off their backs, whatever). It all came down to the consumption of Communion, so the greatest values in our church’s culture were simple, easy, and fast. Arriving late and leaving early were the rule rather than the exception. Parking strategically and positioning yourself in the pew to beat everyone else out were the marks of the true masters. We’ve actually had demanding consumers who, in their 'get it over with' mentality (and startling ignorance of the Eucharistic celebration) tried to insist that we bring Communion to their children in religious education classes. Since they had no intention of taking their kids to class and Mass, they wanted to streamline both. We’ve seen communicants coming to Communion with their car keys already in their hands, forcing us to place the Host alongside the keys."
American Catholicism's "consumerism" is inconsistent with authentic Christianity and sincere discipleship. American Catholicism's "consumerism" may be secularly religious at best, but it is not Christianity or discipleship.
In Deus Caritas Est, no. 1, Pope Benedict XVI writes: "Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction." Being Christian is about Christ, it's about Jesus. Being a disciple is less about a checklist for living and more about a person we're living with. Being Christian is a about a person and His name is Jesus Christ.
It's easier for us to follow a "way" or a "check list." There, we're still in control. There, we're really don't have to surrender fully. Many of us, at different seasons in our life, want to be disciples on our terms. It is vulnerable challenge to desire the person of Jesus Christ as revealed by Gospel. Why? People force you to change your life. People force you to be known. People force you to know them.
When we really encounter the person of Jesus Christ, we, like Saint Paul, become a people who want to follow Him ... we want to love Him ... we want to surrender to Him ... we are convicted about Him.
If someone who does not already know you met you in the grocery store, the airport, or at work, would they describe you as a religious "consumer" or a convicted disciple?
What do you want? What do you really want? What does He, the person of Jesus Christ, want for you life?
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
UNPACKING YESTERDAY'S HOMILY
In the first reading at today's Mass we read from Saint Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians: "For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction. You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake." (1st Thessalonians 1:5)
Saint Paul didn't simply preach the Gospel: "For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone". Rather, he lived the Gospel: "but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction."
Saint Paul was conscious of his lifestyle. He was conscious of his witness, for he writes today: "You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake." He was aware of what sort of person he was. Saint Paul was a man of conviction.
Saint Paul has much to teach many modern day American Catholics. Stay with me here. In his recent best-seller, Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter, author Fr. Michael White writes: "Unbeknownst to us, what we were dealing with was a consumer culture. We didn’t understand what that was. Consumer culture arose out of industrialization, urbanization, and the emergence of general literacy. It’s great if you’re a retail establishment making money from it. It’s not so great if you’re a church. In fact, consumer culture erodes the sustainability of church communities because it allows the congregant to assume the posture of shallow commitment and the attitude of ceaseless demands. Author Rodney Clapp puts it this way: 'The consumer is schooled in insatiability. He or she is never to be satisfied, at least not for long. The consumer is taught that persons consist basically of unmet needs that can be requited by commodified goods and experiences. Accordingly, the consumer should think first and foremost of himself or herself and meeting his or her felt needs.'"
We have a consumer culture within American Catholicism. In fact, Fr. Michael describes his parish ... which sounds a lot like many American parishes: "[We were] a convenient outlet for demanding religious consumers, and what they were demanding more than anything else was to just 'get it over with' (it being Communion . . . to fulfill their obligation . . . for whatever reason they felt an obligation: guilt, fear, or just to get their mothers-in-law off their backs, whatever). It all came down to the consumption of Communion, so the greatest values in our church’s culture were simple, easy, and fast. Arriving late and leaving early were the rule rather than the exception. Parking strategically and positioning yourself in the pew to beat everyone else out were the marks of the true masters. We’ve actually had demanding consumers who, in their 'get it over with' mentality (and startling ignorance of the Eucharistic celebration) tried to insist that we bring Communion to their children in religious education classes. Since they had no intention of taking their kids to class and Mass, they wanted to streamline both. We’ve seen communicants coming to Communion with their car keys already in their hands, forcing us to place the Host alongside the keys."
American Catholicism's "consumerism" is inconsistent with authentic Christianity and sincere discipleship. American Catholicism's "consumerism" may be secularly religious at best, but it is not Christianity or discipleship.
In Deus Caritas Est, no. 1, Pope Benedict XVI writes: "Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction." Being Christian is about Christ, it's about Jesus. Being a disciple is less about a checklist for living and more about a person we're living with. Being Christian is a about a person and His name is Jesus Christ.
It's easier for us to follow a "way" or a "check list." There, we're still in control. There, we're really don't have to surrender fully. Many of us, at different seasons in our life, want to be disciples on our terms. It is vulnerable challenge to desire the person of Jesus Christ as revealed by Gospel. Why? People force you to change your life. People force you to be known. People force you to know them.
When we really encounter the person of Jesus Christ, we, like Saint Paul, become a people who want to follow Him ... we want to love Him ... we want to surrender to Him ... we are convicted about Him.
If someone who does not already know you met you in the grocery store, the airport, or at work, would they describe you as a religious "consumer" or a convicted disciple?
What do you want? What do you really want? What does He, the person of Jesus Christ, want for you life?
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
UNPACKING YESTERDAY'S HOMILY
This past weekend we talked about God's passionate desire for us to get to Heaven. Thus, we best understand what Hebrews describes as His "correction" and "discipline" through the lens of His desire for us to get to Heaven. Yesterday's homily is really only understood when we remember that life, as you know it now, is not as good as it gets. There is more for you ... on this side of Heaven ... now. God wants more for you ... now. God only "disciplines" us so that we can grow in relationship and communion with Him. He wants us to be transformed. He wants us to be redeemed. He wants us to be convicted. The question is this: do you really believe that life as you know it now is as good as it gets? Do you believed that God is convicted about transforming your life? Click here to listen to yesterday's homily from Sunday, August 25, 2013.
TODAY'S QUOTE
"Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction."
― Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, no. 1
FR. ROBERT BARRON AND EVANGELIZATION
FR. ROBERT BARRON AND EVANGELIZATION
August 25, 2013
Homily: Sunday, August 25, 2013
21ST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
"WHY DOES GOD ALLOW TRIALS IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE?"
"WHY DOES GOD ALLOW TRIALS IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE?"
> All the readings together
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your intercession and support this past week as I made my annual silent retreat. The retreat was filled with grace ... a wonderful time to be with the Lord, rest contemplatively in the silence, and receive a renewed intimacy with the One I love.
CONNECT INTRODUCTION TO DAILY LIFE
WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES SAY TO US?
"Brothers and sisters, you have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: 'My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.' Endure your trials as 'discipline'; God treats you as sons. For what 'son' is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it." (Hebrews 12:5-6,11)
"The discipline of the Lord, my son, do not spurn; do not disdain his reproof; For whom the Lord loves he reproves, as a father, the son he favors." (Proverbs 3:11-12)
"So you must know in your heart that, even as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord, your God, disciplines you." (Deuteronomy 8:5)
"but since we are judged by [the] Lord, we are being disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." (1st Corinthians 11:32)
CORE MESSAGE: THE HOMILY IN ONE SENTENCE
Trials can be a fruitful part of the spiritual life.
THREE THINGS WE NEED TO REMEMBER ABOUT GOD
No. 1: God wants you to get Heaven more than anything else.
"in persons who are going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is ordinarily accustomed to propose apparent pleasures to them, leading them to imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses a contrary method, stinging and biting their consciences through their rational power of moral judgment." (Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, no. 314)
No. 2: Sometimes God is revealing that a particular relationship needs to be removed so that temptation is removed.
No. 3: God wants all things in the dark to come to the light. We are as free as our secrets.
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'" (Ephesians 5:8-14)
"Likewise the enemy conducts himself as a false lover in wishing to remain secret and not be revealed. For a dissolute man who, speaking with evil intention, makes dishonorable advances to a daughter of a good father or a wife of a good husband, wishes his words and persuasions to be secret, and the contrary displeases him very much, when the daughter reveals to her father or the wife to her husband his false words and depraved intention, because he easily perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the undertaking begun. In the same way, when the enemy of human nature brings his wiles and persuasions to the just soul, he wishes and desires that they be received and kept in secret; but when one reveals them to one’s good confessor or to another spiritual person, who knows his deceits and malicious designs, it weighs on him very much, because he perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the malicious undertaking he has begun, since his manifest deceits have been revealed." (Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, no. 326)
CONCLUSION: GOING BACK TO THE CORE MESSAGE
Trials can be a fruitful part of the spiritual life.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your intercession and support this past week as I made my annual silent retreat. The retreat was filled with grace ... a wonderful time to be with the Lord, rest contemplatively in the silence, and receive a renewed intimacy with the One I love.
My retreat, while blessed, wasn't easy. Authentic love is honest. Part of an authentic relationship with God is allowing God to reveal the parts of our life the need to be brought into the light. As Fr. Walter Burghardt, S.J. often says: "Prayer is a long, loving, look at the real."
CONNECT INTRODUCTION TO DAILY LIFE
Today is week three of a three-part series on "Storms". In week 1 (Sunday, August 11) we talked about what to do when you really need God but can't "see" Him in your midst. Last week, in week 2 (Sunday, August 18), we talked about the "storms" of life and what they teach us. Today, in week 3, we hear the Scriptures reminding us that "trials" are a part of our spiritual life: a somewhat necessary or fruitful part, of our spiritual life.
WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES SAY TO US?
"Brothers and sisters, you have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: 'My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.' Endure your trials as 'discipline'; God treats you as sons. For what 'son' is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it." (Hebrews 12:5-6,11)
"The discipline of the Lord, my son, do not spurn; do not disdain his reproof; For whom the Lord loves he reproves, as a father, the son he favors." (Proverbs 3:11-12)
"So you must know in your heart that, even as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord, your God, disciplines you." (Deuteronomy 8:5)
"but since we are judged by [the] Lord, we are being disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." (1st Corinthians 11:32)
CORE MESSAGE: THE HOMILY IN ONE SENTENCE
Trials can be a fruitful part of the spiritual life.
THREE THINGS WE NEED TO REMEMBER ABOUT GOD
No. 1: God wants you to get Heaven more than anything else.
No. 2: God longs for us to live in communion with Him. However, God never forces Himself on us. We have to choose to choose God.
No. 3: God never desires our suffering for the sake of suffering. God always and only desires our communion with Him. However, God will do whatever if takes for us to choose communion with Him.
THREE THINGS WE NEED TO REMEMBER ABOUT TRIALS
Sometimes you'll experience trials in life because other people have issues. That's not what we're talking about. Other times you'll experience trials because evil exists. That's not what we're talking about. Those two instances would be more associated with the "storms" that we talked about last week. We're specifically talking about the "trials" that are alluded to in Hebrews: "the discipline of the Lord" and "Endure your trials as 'discipline'; God treats you as sons. For what 'son' is there whom his father does not discipline?"
No. 1: Sometimes God is trying to get your attention, especially if there is an area of our life that needs conversion.
No. 3: God never desires our suffering for the sake of suffering. God always and only desires our communion with Him. However, God will do whatever if takes for us to choose communion with Him.
THREE THINGS WE NEED TO REMEMBER ABOUT TRIALS
Sometimes you'll experience trials in life because other people have issues. That's not what we're talking about. Other times you'll experience trials because evil exists. That's not what we're talking about. Those two instances would be more associated with the "storms" that we talked about last week. We're specifically talking about the "trials" that are alluded to in Hebrews: "the discipline of the Lord" and "Endure your trials as 'discipline'; God treats you as sons. For what 'son' is there whom his father does not discipline?"
No. 1: Sometimes God is trying to get your attention, especially if there is an area of our life that needs conversion.
"in persons who are going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is ordinarily accustomed to propose apparent pleasures to them, leading them to imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses a contrary method, stinging and biting their consciences through their rational power of moral judgment." (Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, no. 314)
No. 2: Sometimes God is revealing that a particular relationship needs to be removed so that temptation is removed.
No. 3: God wants all things in the dark to come to the light. We are as free as our secrets.
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'" (Ephesians 5:8-14)
"Likewise the enemy conducts himself as a false lover in wishing to remain secret and not be revealed. For a dissolute man who, speaking with evil intention, makes dishonorable advances to a daughter of a good father or a wife of a good husband, wishes his words and persuasions to be secret, and the contrary displeases him very much, when the daughter reveals to her father or the wife to her husband his false words and depraved intention, because he easily perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the undertaking begun. In the same way, when the enemy of human nature brings his wiles and persuasions to the just soul, he wishes and desires that they be received and kept in secret; but when one reveals them to one’s good confessor or to another spiritual person, who knows his deceits and malicious designs, it weighs on him very much, because he perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the malicious undertaking he has begun, since his manifest deceits have been revealed." (Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, no. 326)
CONCLUSION: GOING BACK TO THE CORE MESSAGE
Trials can be a fruitful part of the spiritual life.
FOR YOUR PRAYER THIS WEEK: PSALMS TO PRAY WITH DURING TRIALS
MONDAY: Psalm 46
MONDAY: Psalm 46
TUESDAY: Psalm 68
WEDNESDAY: Psalm 139
THURSDAY: Psalm 103
FRIDAY: Psalm 131
SATURDAY: Read the readings for next weekend's Mass: click here for the readings
Recorded Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. © Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
> Click here for more information about Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
WEDNESDAY: Psalm 139
THURSDAY: Psalm 103
FRIDAY: Psalm 131
SATURDAY: Read the readings for next weekend's Mass: click here for the readings
Recorded Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. © Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
August 24, 2013
August 23, 2013
Retreat ... Day 4
Having a great retreat ... thanks for your prayer. Let's keep praying for each other.
This Sunday I'll wrap up week three of the series: "Storms". Week 1 (Sunday, August 11) we talked about what to do when you really need God but can't "see" Him in your midst. Week 2 (Sunday, August 18) we talked about the "storms" of life and what they teach us. This Sunday, Week 3 (Sunday, August 25), we'll unpack the 2nd Reading from Hebrews and our "trials" in life.
Since Sunday's homily will focus on the 2nd Reading from Hebrews, I would encourage you to practice the art of Lectio Divina and pray with Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13. You can click here for the reading.
First: read the text slowly. Pay attention to the words, the context. Secondly: read the reading again, a second time ... read it even slower. Pay attention to what word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart ... or elicits resistance. Finally: read the the word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart. Read it really slow. Pay attention to your heart. Now ... talk to God about what stirred within. Talk to Him about the word or phrase grabbed your attention or tugged at your heart.
Secondly; consider your response to the "trials" of life. How do you typically respond? Do you get angry? Do you get focused? Do you pretend it's not there? How do you typically respond to the trials of life?
Know anybody going through a trial of life? Bring them to any one of Masses this Sunday. And, consider forwarding them the first two homilies from this series. Click here for the homily from Sunday, August 11. Click here for the homily from Sunday, August 18.
This Sunday I'll wrap up week three of the series: "Storms". Week 1 (Sunday, August 11) we talked about what to do when you really need God but can't "see" Him in your midst. Week 2 (Sunday, August 18) we talked about the "storms" of life and what they teach us. This Sunday, Week 3 (Sunday, August 25), we'll unpack the 2nd Reading from Hebrews and our "trials" in life.
Since Sunday's homily will focus on the 2nd Reading from Hebrews, I would encourage you to practice the art of Lectio Divina and pray with Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13. You can click here for the reading.
First: read the text slowly. Pay attention to the words, the context. Secondly: read the reading again, a second time ... read it even slower. Pay attention to what word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart ... or elicits resistance. Finally: read the the word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart. Read it really slow. Pay attention to your heart. Now ... talk to God about what stirred within. Talk to Him about the word or phrase grabbed your attention or tugged at your heart.
Secondly; consider your response to the "trials" of life. How do you typically respond? Do you get angry? Do you get focused? Do you pretend it's not there? How do you typically respond to the trials of life?
Know anybody going through a trial of life? Bring them to any one of Masses this Sunday. And, consider forwarding them the first two homilies from this series. Click here for the homily from Sunday, August 11. Click here for the homily from Sunday, August 18.
August 22, 2013
Retreat ... Day 3
Today is day 3 of my personal silent retreat ... let's keep praying for each other.
Let's start getting ready for Mass this Sunday. Click here to read the readings for Mass this Sunday.
First: read all the readings slowly. Pay attention to the story, the context.
Secondly: read the readings again, a second time ... read them even slower. Pay attention to what word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart.
Finally: read the reading that contains the word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart. Read it really slow. Pay attention to your heart.
Now ... talk to God about what stirred within. Talk to Him about the word or phrase grabbed your attention or tugged at your heart.
Let's start getting ready for Mass this Sunday. Click here to read the readings for Mass this Sunday.
First: read all the readings slowly. Pay attention to the story, the context.
Secondly: read the readings again, a second time ... read them even slower. Pay attention to what word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart.
Finally: read the reading that contains the word or phrase grabs your attention or tugs at your heart. Read it really slow. Pay attention to your heart.
Now ... talk to God about what stirred within. Talk to Him about the word or phrase grabbed your attention or tugged at your heart.
August 21, 2013
Retreat ... Day 2
Today is day 2 of my personal silent retreat ... let's keep praying for each other. Here's part 3 of Andy Stanley's series on worry and anxiety.
August 20, 2013
Retreat ... Day 1
Today is day 1 of my personal silent retreat ... let's keep praying for each other. Here's part 2 of Andy Stanley's series on worry and anxiety.
August 19, 2013
Retreat
Preparing my personal silent retreat ... let's keep praying for each other. However, here's a clip from one of my favorite preachers: Andy Stanley. Andy has a three-part series on worry and anxiety ... ties in nicely with what we talked about this weekend.
August 18, 2013
Homily: Sunday, August 18, 2013
20TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
"THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU'RE IN A STORM"
"THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU'RE IN A STORM"
> All the readings together
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO DAILY LIFE
Just like there are storms in the natural world, we experience storms in our supernatural world. Sometimes we go through "storms" in life.
WHERE DO WE SEE THIS IN THE SCRIPTURES?
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah we see Jeremiah thrown into the cistern.
There are three things that we can learn about life's storms that can help us when we're in them.
Nature's storms always end ... and so too will the "storms" of life. They too will come to an end.
NO. 2: STORMS WILL REVEAL WHAT YOU ARE ATTACHED TO
Your priorities will come to the forefront during the "storm"
NO. 3: GOD CAN BRING FREEDOM IN OUR LIVES, EVEN IN THE STORM
Often times we have to let go of the very things that guarantee our unfreedom
FOR YOUR PRAYER THIS WEEK: SCRIPTURE PASSAGES ABOUT STORMS
MONDAY: Matthew 14:22-33
INTRODUCTION
While fishing this past week, a storm popped up. I fished through it, mainly because I didn't want to loose my fish.
INTRODUCTION TO DAILY LIFE
WHERE DO WE SEE THIS IN THE SCRIPTURES?
In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah we see Jeremiah thrown into the cistern.
CORE MESSAGE: THE HOMILY IN ONE SENTENCE
There are three things that we can learn about life's storms that can help us when we're in them.
NO. 1: STORMS HAVE A BEGINNING AND AN END
Nature's storms always end ... and so too will the "storms" of life. They too will come to an end.
NO. 2: STORMS WILL REVEAL WHAT YOU ARE ATTACHED TO
Your priorities will come to the forefront during the "storm"
Often times we have to let go of the very things that guarantee our unfreedom
FOR YOUR PRAYER THIS WEEK: SCRIPTURE PASSAGES ABOUT STORMS
MONDAY: Matthew 14:22-33
TUESDAY: Matthew 8:23-27
WEDNESDAY: Psalm 23
THURSDAY: Exodus 14:10-31
FRIDAY: Psalm 22
SATURDAY: Read the readings for next weekend's Mass: click here for the readings
Recorded Sunday, August 18, 2013 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. © Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
> Click here for more information about Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
WEDNESDAY: Psalm 23
THURSDAY: Exodus 14:10-31
FRIDAY: Psalm 22
SATURDAY: Read the readings for next weekend's Mass: click here for the readings
Recorded Sunday, August 18, 2013 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. © Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
August 16, 2013
August 15, 2013
Go to Rome with Fr. Mark!
FR. MARK IS GOING TO ROME! WANNA COME?
Join Fr. Mark December 27, 2013 through January 4, 2014 as he leads pilgrims and their families on a journey of a lifetime: a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi! Points of interest include Papal Mass with our Holy Father Pope Francis, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Missionaries of Charity, Scavi Tour and Basilica of Saint Francis. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable, multi-lingual, and experienced Catholic pilgrimage guide. Package includes airfare, accommodations, and more. This experience will be a great opportunity to renew your faith.
Space is limited & spots are given on a first come, first served basis so register today.
For more information, call 337.291.1933 or 877.454.7469 ... info@holytravels.org ... www.holytravels.org
August 14, 2013
August 13, 2013
August 12, 2013
Vacation
On vacation till the weekend. Will be thinking of you all ... let's keep praying for each other ...
August 11, 2013
Homily: Sunday, August 11, 2013
19TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
"BE PATIENT WHEN YOU HOPE FOR SOMETHING
BUT CAN'T SEE GOD AT WORK"
"BE PATIENT WHEN YOU HOPE FOR SOMETHING
BUT CAN'T SEE GOD AT WORK"
> All the readings together
Recorded Sunday, August 11, 2013 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. © Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
> Click here for more information about Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
Recorded Sunday, August 11, 2013 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. © Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
August 10, 2013
August 8, 2013
Buddies
THURSDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DOMINIC
> Numbers 20:1-13
Today the Church celebrates the life of Saint Dominic. Dominic de Guzman was born in the year 1170 in northern Spain. The son of Spanish nobility, he left the allurements of wealth and became a priest, eventually founding the religious order we know as the Dominicans. Known as the "Order of Preachers," the Dominicans were founded as preachers and teachers to counteract the heresies threatening the Church in the 11th and 12th centuries. Why is he important? Why are we remembering him 800 years after his death? What's the big deal?
It's been said that in the absence of clear vision people will create their own. That's true in business. That's true with churches. That's true in your experience of Jesus. There are two options. Either we will follow Jesus as He says He is or we will construct a religion within based off a Jesus we want Him to be. Either we will let Jesus determine who we are or we will try to determine who we want Jesus to be. Either we will conform our life to God or we will construct an image of God conducive to a lifestyle that we're comfortable with. It was the case 2,000 years ago in John 6:60-66. It was the case 800 years ago with Saint Dominic. And, yes, it is still the same today.
We all like to be in control. It was the story with Adam and Eve and has been the story ever since. The classic human battle is whether or not we want to be in relationship with God on His terms or our terms. Look at it this way. There is a difference between our relationship with people and our relationship the Divine. I have a relationship with my physician. I have a relationship with my insurance agent. I have a relationship with my favorite waiter at my favorite restaurant. I also have a relationship with my fraternity brothers, my golf buddies, and my fishing buddies. I have relationships with lots of people. It's mutual. I have as much influence over them as they do with me.
Jesus is not like that. God is not on par with my fishing buddies. I never have that kind of "relationship" with God. I once wrote that today's culture presents Jesus as merely a historical figure. Worse yet, Jesus is presented as our "buddy". Our culture wants to think of Jesus as a nice guy who likes the birds, nature, and all the animals on the list of endangered species. This is as dangerous of a heresy as the one's Saint Dominic faced. By believing in this "chummy" Jesus presented by the culture, we are seduced in believing that Jesus is about as powerful as Mr. Rogers: they both have good advice and they both are nice.
Eh hem ... Jesus is not chummy; Jesus is not Mr. Rogers. Jesus doesn't simply like the birds, the flowers, and endangered animals. Jesus Christ crushed evil. Jesus Christ destroyed death. Jesus Christ is the only person getting you to Heaven. When we reduce God to yet "another relationship" we are seduced to relating to God in the same way we do our dentist and our accountant: we'll make an appointment, get the help we need, and then return to living life as we did prior to the appointment. Thus, the same American culture that doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, sees Jesus as the same as Mohammad or Buddha ... after all America tells us "We're all going to Heaven, aren't we? Aren't they all different expressions of the same God?" So, the culture says to us: "believe what you want, it doesn't really matter" ... "think for yourself and be critical" ... "be all that you can be".
There was one single question that led to Jesus' death. One question. One. "Again the high priest asked him and said to him, 'Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?' Then Jesus answered, 'I am; and "you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.'" At that the high priest tore his garments and said, 'What further need have we of witnesses?' You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?' They all condemned him as deserving to die." (Mark 14:61-64)
I also once shared that nothing kills a marriage faster than when couples become so familiar with each other that they take each other for granted. Nothing kills a friendship faster that when we become so familiar with someone's generosity that we come to expect it. When you and I become so familiar with God we tend to lower God to our level rather than elevate our lives to His level. Therefore, because we have lowered God to our level we may believe that we can have an equal relationship, I influence God and He influences me.
Yes, God is near, but Jesus is not merely "my buddy". Yes, God is mercy―pure mercy―but Jesus is not simply a sensitive guy. Yes, God is patient, but Jesus is not equal to my favorite waiter.
Either we will follow Jesus as He says He is or we will construct a religion within based off a Jesus we want Him to be. Either we will let Jesus determine who we are or we will try to determine who we want Jesus to be. Either we will conform our life to God or we will construct an image of God conducive to a lifestyle that we're comfortable with.
Who is He? Really .... who is He? Is Jesus who He says He is?
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"It is not enough to be more or less like everyone else and to think like everyone else. Our lives have a deeper purpose. We need God, the God who has shown us His face and opened His heart to us: Jesus Christ."
― Homily, Marian Shrine of Mariazell, Austria, September 8, 2007
IS HE MY BUDDDY? IS JESUS REALLY WHO HE SAYS HE IS?
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DOMINIC
Today the Church celebrates the life of Saint Dominic. Dominic de Guzman was born in the year 1170 in northern Spain. The son of Spanish nobility, he left the allurements of wealth and became a priest, eventually founding the religious order we know as the Dominicans. Known as the "Order of Preachers," the Dominicans were founded as preachers and teachers to counteract the heresies threatening the Church in the 11th and 12th centuries. Why is he important? Why are we remembering him 800 years after his death? What's the big deal?
It's been said that in the absence of clear vision people will create their own. That's true in business. That's true with churches. That's true in your experience of Jesus. There are two options. Either we will follow Jesus as He says He is or we will construct a religion within based off a Jesus we want Him to be. Either we will let Jesus determine who we are or we will try to determine who we want Jesus to be. Either we will conform our life to God or we will construct an image of God conducive to a lifestyle that we're comfortable with. It was the case 2,000 years ago in John 6:60-66. It was the case 800 years ago with Saint Dominic. And, yes, it is still the same today.
We all like to be in control. It was the story with Adam and Eve and has been the story ever since. The classic human battle is whether or not we want to be in relationship with God on His terms or our terms. Look at it this way. There is a difference between our relationship with people and our relationship the Divine. I have a relationship with my physician. I have a relationship with my insurance agent. I have a relationship with my favorite waiter at my favorite restaurant. I also have a relationship with my fraternity brothers, my golf buddies, and my fishing buddies. I have relationships with lots of people. It's mutual. I have as much influence over them as they do with me.
Jesus is not like that. God is not on par with my fishing buddies. I never have that kind of "relationship" with God. I once wrote that today's culture presents Jesus as merely a historical figure. Worse yet, Jesus is presented as our "buddy". Our culture wants to think of Jesus as a nice guy who likes the birds, nature, and all the animals on the list of endangered species. This is as dangerous of a heresy as the one's Saint Dominic faced. By believing in this "chummy" Jesus presented by the culture, we are seduced in believing that Jesus is about as powerful as Mr. Rogers: they both have good advice and they both are nice.
Eh hem ... Jesus is not chummy; Jesus is not Mr. Rogers. Jesus doesn't simply like the birds, the flowers, and endangered animals. Jesus Christ crushed evil. Jesus Christ destroyed death. Jesus Christ is the only person getting you to Heaven. When we reduce God to yet "another relationship" we are seduced to relating to God in the same way we do our dentist and our accountant: we'll make an appointment, get the help we need, and then return to living life as we did prior to the appointment. Thus, the same American culture that doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, sees Jesus as the same as Mohammad or Buddha ... after all America tells us "We're all going to Heaven, aren't we? Aren't they all different expressions of the same God?" So, the culture says to us: "believe what you want, it doesn't really matter" ... "think for yourself and be critical" ... "be all that you can be".
There was one single question that led to Jesus' death. One question. One. "Again the high priest asked him and said to him, 'Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?' Then Jesus answered, 'I am; and "you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.'" At that the high priest tore his garments and said, 'What further need have we of witnesses?' You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?' They all condemned him as deserving to die." (Mark 14:61-64)
I also once shared that nothing kills a marriage faster than when couples become so familiar with each other that they take each other for granted. Nothing kills a friendship faster that when we become so familiar with someone's generosity that we come to expect it. When you and I become so familiar with God we tend to lower God to our level rather than elevate our lives to His level. Therefore, because we have lowered God to our level we may believe that we can have an equal relationship, I influence God and He influences me.
Yes, God is near, but Jesus is not merely "my buddy". Yes, God is mercy―pure mercy―but Jesus is not simply a sensitive guy. Yes, God is patient, but Jesus is not equal to my favorite waiter.
Either we will follow Jesus as He says He is or we will construct a religion within based off a Jesus we want Him to be. Either we will let Jesus determine who we are or we will try to determine who we want Jesus to be. Either we will conform our life to God or we will construct an image of God conducive to a lifestyle that we're comfortable with.
Who is He? Really .... who is He? Is Jesus who He says He is?
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"It is not enough to be more or less like everyone else and to think like everyone else. Our lives have a deeper purpose. We need God, the God who has shown us His face and opened His heart to us: Jesus Christ."
― Homily, Marian Shrine of Mariazell, Austria, September 8, 2007
IS HE MY BUDDDY? IS JESUS REALLY WHO HE SAYS HE IS?
August 7, 2013
Grasp
WEDNESDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
> Numbers 13:1-2,25-14:1,26-29,34-35
Today's first reading at Mass has a tiny little line describing a huge human phenomena.
First, the line: "Caleb, however, to quiet the people toward Moses, said, 'We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so.'" (Numbers 13:30)
Hmmmmmm. What's the big deal, right? A little commentary ...
God always takes the initiative. God, because He is pure love, always seeks to fill us with His love. We, as creatures created by a God such as this, are designed by God to receive His love. We are designed by God to receive all the blessings that He longs to give us.
For example ... who took the initiative with Pharaoh? God. Who took the initiative in liberating Israel from slavery? God. Who led them through the desert? God. Who gave them miraculous bread from Heaven? God.
Who is leading them to a promised land? God. Who wants to give the Chosen People a new land? God. That's right ... it's God ... and He wants to give it to His Chosen People.
So, here's the scene today. God has led Moses and the Chosen People to the edge of the Promised Land. Moses sends scouts on reconnaissance to find out who's there and what's the land like. After glowing reports describing the land of "milk and honey", fear grips the Israelites. They grow afraid that they won't be able to defeat their enemies. Now, enter Caleb. "Caleb, however, to quiet the people toward Moses, said, 'We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so.'" (Numbers 13:30)
Caleb wants to seize the land. He wants to take it. God has promised He would give it to them; however, because of fear, now the Chosen People want to grasp at it. And, that my friends is a classic human response.
God is good (yes, you can say it ... all the time). God is always good, He is always trustworthy. However, we get impatient. We doubt. We get anxious. We forget God. We turn in on ourselves. And, then, we grasp at the very things God wants to give us. Of course, that never works, does it? When we grasp at the very things God wants to give us it always is less that what God could have given us and it usually hurts either us or someone else along the way.
What do you want from God? What do you really want from God? How's God's timing? Are you growing impatient? Are you growing anxious? Do you really trust that waiting on the Lord will work? Don't grasp ... be patient. After all, the story of how God eventually gave the Chosen People the Promised Land is one worth learning from.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
PREPARING FOR MASS THIS WEEKEND
Let's start getting ready for Mass this weekend. Read the readings that will be proclaimed at Mass on Sunday, August 11, the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Click here to read the readings online.
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"Always expressed in every prayer, in fact, is the truth of the human creature who on the one hand experiences weakness and impoverishment, who therefore addresses his supplication to Heaven, and on the other is endowed with an extraordinary dignity, so that, in preparing to receive the divine Revelation, finds himself able to enter into communion with God."
― General Audience, May 4, 2011
WHAT DOES GOD SEE WHEN HE SEES YOU?
Today's first reading at Mass has a tiny little line describing a huge human phenomena.
First, the line: "Caleb, however, to quiet the people toward Moses, said, 'We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so.'" (Numbers 13:30)
Hmmmmmm. What's the big deal, right? A little commentary ...
God always takes the initiative. God, because He is pure love, always seeks to fill us with His love. We, as creatures created by a God such as this, are designed by God to receive His love. We are designed by God to receive all the blessings that He longs to give us.
For example ... who took the initiative with Pharaoh? God. Who took the initiative in liberating Israel from slavery? God. Who led them through the desert? God. Who gave them miraculous bread from Heaven? God.
Who is leading them to a promised land? God. Who wants to give the Chosen People a new land? God. That's right ... it's God ... and He wants to give it to His Chosen People.
So, here's the scene today. God has led Moses and the Chosen People to the edge of the Promised Land. Moses sends scouts on reconnaissance to find out who's there and what's the land like. After glowing reports describing the land of "milk and honey", fear grips the Israelites. They grow afraid that they won't be able to defeat their enemies. Now, enter Caleb. "Caleb, however, to quiet the people toward Moses, said, 'We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so.'" (Numbers 13:30)
Caleb wants to seize the land. He wants to take it. God has promised He would give it to them; however, because of fear, now the Chosen People want to grasp at it. And, that my friends is a classic human response.
God is good (yes, you can say it ... all the time). God is always good, He is always trustworthy. However, we get impatient. We doubt. We get anxious. We forget God. We turn in on ourselves. And, then, we grasp at the very things God wants to give us. Of course, that never works, does it? When we grasp at the very things God wants to give us it always is less that what God could have given us and it usually hurts either us or someone else along the way.
What do you want from God? What do you really want from God? How's God's timing? Are you growing impatient? Are you growing anxious? Do you really trust that waiting on the Lord will work? Don't grasp ... be patient. After all, the story of how God eventually gave the Chosen People the Promised Land is one worth learning from.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
PREPARING FOR MASS THIS WEEKEND
Let's start getting ready for Mass this weekend. Read the readings that will be proclaimed at Mass on Sunday, August 11, the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Click here to read the readings online.
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"Always expressed in every prayer, in fact, is the truth of the human creature who on the one hand experiences weakness and impoverishment, who therefore addresses his supplication to Heaven, and on the other is endowed with an extraordinary dignity, so that, in preparing to receive the divine Revelation, finds himself able to enter into communion with God."
― General Audience, May 4, 2011
WHAT DOES GOD SEE WHEN HE SEES YOU?
August 6, 2013
Light
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
> Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Today we celebrate Jesus being transfigured atop Mount Tabor. Why? What's the big deal?
The ninth chapter of the Gospel of Luke is of critical importance. Jesus sends out the twelve with authority "over all demons" (Luke 9:1). He feeds the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17) and Peter acknowledges that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah (Luke 9:18-21). However, the chapter shifts when Jesus confesses that the "Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed" (Luke 9:22). Thus, in Luke 9:51 we hear that "When the days for his being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem." Jesus was "determined." With his Passion and death awaiting him at the end of the journey, Jesus was "resolutely determined" to start His triumphant journey. However, just before Jesus starts the march to Jerusalem, "he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white." (Luke 9:28-29)
Jesus is transfigured ... before they begin the march to Jerusalem. Knowing everything that awaits both Him and His disciples in His Passion, Jesus takes His most trusted Apostles up the mountain so that they experience the transfigured light. There will be unparalleled darkness on Good Friday ... and before all that happens, Jesus wants to remind us all that light always shines in the darkness. Peter will need to remember this. James and John will need to remember this. You and I need to remember this. Light always shines in the darkness.
Physics reminds us that darkness is simply the absence of light. In other words, there is no such thing as "dark" molecules and "light" molecules ... as if they wage war against each other and miraculously the "light" molecules always win. No, darkness is simply the absence of light. Therefore, when we allow God in, God always enters. God is perfect light ... for the Scriptures remind us: "God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all." (1st John 1:5)
Deeply embedded in our anxiety can be a silent lie that sounds like this: "God is not big enough to overcome the things in my life." Eh hem ... He already has. He conquered death. He opened up Heaven. All things were created through Him. He is bigger than your fear. He is bigger than your challenges. He is bigger than you are facing now. Therefore, if you let Him into your darkness He will fill it with light ... I promise you.
Happy Feast Day. Be not afraid. Light is triumphant, God is big. Let His light shine in your darkness.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
This past weekend we talked about anxiety and where do we go with our anxiety. One of the things that creates anxiety is feeling alone in the "darkness". Perhaps today you can pray with Matthew 8:23-27, the scene of Jesus "sleeping in the storm". Be there. Be in the scene. What's your storm? What are you facing in life? How does it feel to have Jesus "sleeping" in your storm. Then ... you ask Him to wake up. He does and commands the storm to stop. What's it like to experience His power? What does He say to you about your storm?
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"Those who believe in Jesus do not lead lives of perpetual sunshine, as though they could be spared suffering and hardship; but there is always a bright glimmer there, lighting up the path that leads to fullness of life. The eyes of those who believe in Christ see light even amid the darkest night and they already see the dawning of a new day."
― Address to Young People, Freiburg, Germany, September 24, 2011
Today we celebrate Jesus being transfigured atop Mount Tabor. Why? What's the big deal?
The ninth chapter of the Gospel of Luke is of critical importance. Jesus sends out the twelve with authority "over all demons" (Luke 9:1). He feeds the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17) and Peter acknowledges that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah (Luke 9:18-21). However, the chapter shifts when Jesus confesses that the "Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed" (Luke 9:22). Thus, in Luke 9:51 we hear that "When the days for his being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem." Jesus was "determined." With his Passion and death awaiting him at the end of the journey, Jesus was "resolutely determined" to start His triumphant journey. However, just before Jesus starts the march to Jerusalem, "he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white." (Luke 9:28-29)
Jesus is transfigured ... before they begin the march to Jerusalem. Knowing everything that awaits both Him and His disciples in His Passion, Jesus takes His most trusted Apostles up the mountain so that they experience the transfigured light. There will be unparalleled darkness on Good Friday ... and before all that happens, Jesus wants to remind us all that light always shines in the darkness. Peter will need to remember this. James and John will need to remember this. You and I need to remember this. Light always shines in the darkness.
Physics reminds us that darkness is simply the absence of light. In other words, there is no such thing as "dark" molecules and "light" molecules ... as if they wage war against each other and miraculously the "light" molecules always win. No, darkness is simply the absence of light. Therefore, when we allow God in, God always enters. God is perfect light ... for the Scriptures remind us: "God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all." (1st John 1:5)
Deeply embedded in our anxiety can be a silent lie that sounds like this: "God is not big enough to overcome the things in my life." Eh hem ... He already has. He conquered death. He opened up Heaven. All things were created through Him. He is bigger than your fear. He is bigger than your challenges. He is bigger than you are facing now. Therefore, if you let Him into your darkness He will fill it with light ... I promise you.
Happy Feast Day. Be not afraid. Light is triumphant, God is big. Let His light shine in your darkness.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
UNPACKING THIS PAST WEEKEND'S HOMILY
This past weekend we talked about anxiety and where do we go with our anxiety. One of the things that creates anxiety is feeling alone in the "darkness". Perhaps today you can pray with Matthew 8:23-27, the scene of Jesus "sleeping in the storm". Be there. Be in the scene. What's your storm? What are you facing in life? How does it feel to have Jesus "sleeping" in your storm. Then ... you ask Him to wake up. He does and commands the storm to stop. What's it like to experience His power? What does He say to you about your storm?
"Those who believe in Jesus do not lead lives of perpetual sunshine, as though they could be spared suffering and hardship; but there is always a bright glimmer there, lighting up the path that leads to fullness of life. The eyes of those who believe in Christ see light even amid the darkest night and they already see the dawning of a new day."
― Address to Young People, Freiburg, Germany, September 24, 2011
August 5, 2013
Heavy
MONDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
DEDICATION OF SAINT MARY MAJOR
> Numbers 11:4-15
In the first reading at today's Mass we continue with the story of Moses as he leads the Chosen People through the desert. Poor Moses, what a task he has been given. First he had to confront Pharaoh. Now he has to listen to the Israelites. I'm not quite sure which one was harder.
First the Israelites complained because they had no food. (Exodus 16) In response to their plea God rained down miraculous manna from heaven. You'd think they'd be grateful. Well, think again. Today, the Israelites are complaining ... again. In Numbers 11:4-6 we read: "The children of Israel lamented, 'Would that we had meat for food! We remember the fish we used to eat without cost in Egypt, and the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now we are famished; we see nothing before us but this manna.'"
Whew. Never satisfied, always complaining. "Stiff-knecked" Moses called them. The burden of leading such a people is getting to Moses. Thus, today, he laments to God: "I cannot carry all this people by myself, for they are too heavy for me." (Numbers 11:14)
Sometimes life gets heavy. Ever been there? Marriage can be tough. Raising kids or grandkids can be challenging. Work, bills, finances, and everything else can be overwhelming. Then, in the blink of an eye years have past. Soon we admit that life hasn't met our expectations. We can want a break, but don't really know how that can happen. We too can feel like Moses, saying something like: "I cannot carry all this by myself, for it is too heavy for me."
I've heard people say: "God never gives you anything you can't handle." I agree with that, but completely different reasons. You see, contrary to popular believe, not everything happens for a reason. There is no master of fate. Free will is real. Likewise, God, while He built us to receive, doesn't give you heavy things. God doesn't make bad things happen. God doesn't will our misfortune. God doesn't long for us to suffer. God allows things to happen. He respects our free will and longs for us at every second of our life to turn to Him, entrusting our hearts and our heaviness to Him.
No, "God never gives you anything you can't handle" because doesn't give you things like that. Instead, God gives you Himself. He says in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
Your heaviness is not heavy to Him. He can carry it. In fact, He carried it all already on Calvary. When life gets heavy simply "Come to Him." His yoke (His expectations) are light, they are easy.
Life is heavy enough, you don't have to manage it alone. When life gets heavy, turn to Jesus. Ask Him for help. After all, the Israelites were complaining about a miraculous bread that appeared from thin air everyday. The same God who worked those miracles is fighting for you ... now. Be not afraid ... your life doesn't have to feel this heavy.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
UNPACKING YESTERDAY'S HOMILY
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"The important thing today… is for us to see clearly and anew, that God is present, that He is concerned with us and responds to us."
― General Audience, October 10, 2012
WHAT IS SAINT MARY MAJOR AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
DEDICATION OF SAINT MARY MAJOR
In the first reading at today's Mass we continue with the story of Moses as he leads the Chosen People through the desert. Poor Moses, what a task he has been given. First he had to confront Pharaoh. Now he has to listen to the Israelites. I'm not quite sure which one was harder.
First the Israelites complained because they had no food. (Exodus 16) In response to their plea God rained down miraculous manna from heaven. You'd think they'd be grateful. Well, think again. Today, the Israelites are complaining ... again. In Numbers 11:4-6 we read: "The children of Israel lamented, 'Would that we had meat for food! We remember the fish we used to eat without cost in Egypt, and the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now we are famished; we see nothing before us but this manna.'"
Whew. Never satisfied, always complaining. "Stiff-knecked" Moses called them. The burden of leading such a people is getting to Moses. Thus, today, he laments to God: "I cannot carry all this people by myself, for they are too heavy for me." (Numbers 11:14)
Sometimes life gets heavy. Ever been there? Marriage can be tough. Raising kids or grandkids can be challenging. Work, bills, finances, and everything else can be overwhelming. Then, in the blink of an eye years have past. Soon we admit that life hasn't met our expectations. We can want a break, but don't really know how that can happen. We too can feel like Moses, saying something like: "I cannot carry all this by myself, for it is too heavy for me."
I've heard people say: "God never gives you anything you can't handle." I agree with that, but completely different reasons. You see, contrary to popular believe, not everything happens for a reason. There is no master of fate. Free will is real. Likewise, God, while He built us to receive, doesn't give you heavy things. God doesn't make bad things happen. God doesn't will our misfortune. God doesn't long for us to suffer. God allows things to happen. He respects our free will and longs for us at every second of our life to turn to Him, entrusting our hearts and our heaviness to Him.
No, "God never gives you anything you can't handle" because doesn't give you things like that. Instead, God gives you Himself. He says in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
Your heaviness is not heavy to Him. He can carry it. In fact, He carried it all already on Calvary. When life gets heavy simply "Come to Him." His yoke (His expectations) are light, they are easy.
Life is heavy enough, you don't have to manage it alone. When life gets heavy, turn to Jesus. Ask Him for help. After all, the Israelites were complaining about a miraculous bread that appeared from thin air everyday. The same God who worked those miracles is fighting for you ... now. Be not afraid ... your life doesn't have to feel this heavy.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
UNPACKING YESTERDAY'S HOMILY
This past weekend we talked about anxiety and where do we go with our anxiety. One of the things that creates anxiety is the heavy burdens we face in our daily life. Don't take your eyes off Jesus. Perhaps today you can pray with Matthew 14:22-33, the scene of Saint Peter sinking in the water because he took his eyes off of Jesus. Be Peter ... be in the scene ... Jesus calls you out the boat ... Jesus asks you to look at Him. What it's like when you're looking at Jesus ... and notice what happens when you take your eyes off of Him. Ask yourself today: why do you take your eyes off of Jesus? When do you take your eyes off of Jesus? What happens in your life when you take your eyes off of Jesus?
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"The important thing today… is for us to see clearly and anew, that God is present, that He is concerned with us and responds to us."
― General Audience, October 10, 2012
WHAT IS SAINT MARY MAJOR AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)