tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12658375114019484212024-02-06T23:40:51.712-06:00Life In The SpiritA collection of spiritual messages written for the Christ Renews His Parish email list for St. Joseph's Parish in Cottleville, Missouri. I moved away from St. Joseph's in the summer of 2010, but the email list lives on!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243554831182103203noreply@blogger.comBlogger482125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-78026518018221977472012-04-11T13:33:00.000-05:002012-04-11T13:33:34.173-05:004/11/12 - Why Do You Fear?<b>Mark 4:35-41<br />
</b><br />
<i>35 On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, “Let us cross to the other side.<br />
36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him.<br />
37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. <br />
38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” <br />
39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. <br />
40 Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” <br />
41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” <br />
</i>---------<br />
<br />
Had this passage for Lectio this morning. I've read it many times and when I meditate over it, I typically think about Christ's power over nature and the message that sent to his disciples. <br />
<br />
For whatever reason, verse 40 really struck me today. There's a huge storm going on, and the disciples have reason to be afraid. Christ -- so UN-bothered that he'd slept through it -- asks the disciples why they were even afraid.<br />
<br />
The didn't yet understand that they had HIM. That there is no reason for anyone who has HIM to be afraid. <br />
<br />
Psst --- we have HIM too!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-573251926950958432012-03-01T10:23:00.004-06:002012-03-01T10:25:46.314-06:003/1/12 - Revisiting "Ask, Seek, and Knock"<b>Matthew 7:7-11<br />
</b><br />
<i>Jesus said to his disciples:<br />
"Ask and it will be given to you;<br />
seek and you will find;<br />
knock and the door will be opened to you.<br />
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;<br />
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.<br />
Which one of you would hand his son a stone<br />
when he asked for a loaf of bread,<br />
or a snake when he asked for a fish?<br />
If you then, who are wicked,<br />
know how to give good gifts to your children,<br />
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things<br />
to those who ask him.<br />
<br />
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.<br />
This is the law and the prophets."<br />
</i>------<br />
<br />
So over the time I've been writing this message, I have written about this passage three times. That gives me an opportunity to look at my own spiritual development over the years.<br />
<br />
On 7/22/08, I said: <br />
<br />
If you don’t feel your faith is deep enough, ask God to help build your faith. If you’re looking for an answer to a difficult question, ask God to reveal the answer to you. If you are in a time of trouble, cast all your anxieties upon God, and just seek him. It really is that simple. Sure, the situations can be extremely difficult and the questions can be extremely tough, but remember – God can overcome all of that instantly. If we seek Him faithfully, we will NEVER be disappointed. <br />
<br />
On 3/4/09, I said:<br />
<br />
Developing/increasing your faith and marching toward spiritual maturity doesn’t require great intellect, or some special gift only available to few. For years I had thought that was the case, and I was continually frustrated that I couldn’t unlock the answers to spiritual questions. What I've been able to see in the last year is that when I take those questions to God (i.e., seek Him), God usually reveals the answers to me.<br />
<br />
On 8/24/10, I said:<br />
<br />
The more I think about these verses, the more precious they are to me.<br />
<br />
At the moment, I think of them mostly in terms of my relationship with Christ. I want a deeper relationship than what I have. I want to increase my connection with Christ, who is already living inside me. I want to live "life in the sprit." A lot of people want those things. But ... wanting isn't enough though. I need to ask, seek, and knock. I need to engage Christ - through prayer, adoration, the Sacraments, and the Word. <br />
<br />
Specifically with the Word -- I need to pay close attention to what He desires from His people -- which is for us to remain in Him, and to obey His commandments. The first, most important, and best way to do this is through love. Christ says to love one another. St. Paul tells us that above everything is faith, hope, and love (ie, the theological virtues), and that the greatest of these is love.<br />
<br />
Today ...<br />
<br />
I agree with all of the above. I can also see the transition from being concerned about what what I am seeking from Christ to beginning to be concerned with what He is seeking from me. I think that's a step in the right direction. As I walk through this lent, I want to focus more and more on that point, because that's what a close relationship with Christ is all about. To do that, I need to spend less time talking to God about myself and what I think I need, and more time just sitting in front of Him, and letting Him teach me what He is about.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-4941939010592545652012-02-29T15:38:00.001-06:002012-03-01T10:23:52.841-06:002/29/12 - The Repentance of Ninevah<b>Jonah 3:1-10<br />
</b><br />
<i>The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:<br />
"Set out for the great city of Nineveh,<br />
and announce to it the message that I will tell you."<br />
So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh,<br />
according to the LORD's bidding.<br />
Now Nineveh was an enormously large city;<br />
it took three days to go through it.<br />
Jonah began his journey through the city,<br />
and had gone but a single day's walk announcing,<br />
"Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,"<br />
when the people of Nineveh believed God;<br />
they proclaimed a fast<br />
and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.<br />
<br />
When the news reached the king of Nineveh,<br />
he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe,<br />
covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes.<br />
Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh,<br />
by decree of the king and his nobles:<br />
"Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep,<br />
shall taste anything;<br />
they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. <br />
Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God;<br />
every man shall turn from his evil way<br />
and from the violence he has in hand.<br />
Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath,<br />
so that we shall not perish."<br />
<br />
When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way,<br />
he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them;<br />
he did not carry it out.<br />
</i><br />
-----<br />
<br />
The Ninevites ultimately responded to God. They heard Jonah, they believed him, and the whole city repented from the path they were on. At least for a time.<br />
<br />
Can you imagine Jonah walking into Washington DC (or Chicago, or New York, or Los Angeles) and delivering this message? How do you think he would be received? Would the people believe God? Would our leaders rise from their thrones and put on sackcloth? Would they put our a decree that we all must turn from our evil ways?<br />
<br />
Not to get too political but ... OF COURSE NOT!<br />
<br />
We are so fallen, collectively and individually. What I like the most about Lent is that it's a time for stopping and considering just HOW fallen we really are, and how much God really loves us. Once you allow God to show you even a small glimpse of how sinful you are, you're at a decision point. Either I do something or I don't.<br />
<br />
The road of repentance may seem so daunting that it can't be done. But look at what God did with Jonah. He sent Jonah alone to Ninevah, and a miracle of repentance occurred. That all happened ultimately because Jonah responded to God's call. He did what God told him to do, and he trusted that God would take care of everything else.<br />
<br />
We have the same choice in front of us. Believe in Christ -- have faith in Him, do what He says, and trust in Him completely. That is the path to salvation.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-56293397099844263992012-02-23T08:20:00.003-06:002012-02-23T08:24:39.156-06:002/23/12 - The Blessing and the Curse<b>Deuteronomy 30:15-19</b><br />
<i>Moses said to the people:<br />
"Today I have set before you<br />
life and prosperity, death and doom.<br />
If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God,<br />
which I enjoin on you today,<br />
loving him, and walking in his ways,<br />
and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees,<br />
you will live and grow numerous,<br />
and the LORD, your God,<br />
will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy.<br />
If, however, you turn away your hearts and will not listen,<br />
but are led astray and adore and serve other gods,<br />
I tell you now that you will certainly perish;<br />
you will not have a long life<br />
on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and occupy.<br />
I call heaven and earth today to witness against you:<br />
I have set before you life and death,<br />
the blessing and the curse.<br />
Choose life, then,<br />
that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God,<br />
heeding his voice, and holding fast to him.</i>--------<br />
<br />
These are some ancient words that are very much applicable to our lives today. We all have the same choice that Israel had -- life or death, the blessing or the curse. Choosing life means loving God, keeping His commandments, and walking in His ways. If we turn our back on those things, we choose separation from Him, and ultimately death.<br />
<br />
The right choice to make is obvious. But ... we know how it played out for Israel. They kept turning their back on God, and choosing the wrong path. It's easy to look at it from a distance and chuckle about how stupid a choice this was. But when you take a close look at your own life on a day to day basis, you can see yourself making the same choices that Israel made. <br />
<br />
It's easy to SAY "yes" to loving God, keeping His commandments, and walking in His ways. It is quite another to do it. As Moses says here, the proof is is in the action. And as Christ taught us, not a letter of the law has passed away. He came to fulfill the law, not to tear it down. WITH HIM, we can live that fulfillment. Without him ... well we all know what happens.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-52269583064719723262012-02-22T08:20:00.001-06:002012-02-23T08:23:38.434-06:002/22/12 - Welcome to Lent 2012!From today's first reading: <b>Joel 2:12-13</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><i>Even now, says the LORD,<br />
return to me with your whole heart,<br />
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;<br />
Rend your hearts, not your garments,<br />
and return to the LORD, your God.<br />
For gracious and merciful is he,<br />
slow to anger, rich in kindness,<br />
and relenting in punishment.</i><br />
----<br />
<br />
We all fall away and need .... NEED to return to the Lord. All of us. <br />
<br />
He wants us to come to Him, and He wants our full hearts. He doesn't want us just to be conscious of Him. He doesn't just want us to say "I believe", without changing our hearts. He wants us to rend our hearts and deliver them to Him. <br />
<br />
Best wishes for a fruitful lent!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-21088146633910196052012-01-27T09:43:00.002-06:002012-01-27T09:43:41.681-06:001/27/11 - Do I Really Have to Forgive?I was having an email discussion recently and the question of forgiveness came up. One person in the discussion said that it's interesting that God asks us to forgive others unconditionally, yet he will only forgive us if we ask him. Then he said that in a way, God is asking us to do more than He is willing to do for us. This was my answer. <br />
<br />
Happy Friday! I'm off to Northern Iowa for a weekend of ice fishing and snowmobiling!<br />
<br />
--------------- <br />
<br />
I disagree with the premise that God is asking us to do something more difficult than He is willing to do for us.<br />
<br />
In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ teaches that if we do not forgive others, the Father will not forgive our transgressions. He closes the sermon by saying that we are to put his teaching into practice. The man who hears and does builds his house upon rock. The man who hears and does not is the man who builds his house on sand. <br />
<br />
That's enough for me to answer the question of whether it is necessary for us to forgive other men. <br />
<br />
Forgiving someone is hard enough when they ask for forgiveness. The deeper the wound from the transgression, the harder it is to forgive. If the person doesn't ask for forgiveness, it gets far worse. We convince ourself that the person doesn't deserve our forgiveness, because they didn't seek it from us. <br />
<br />
That is the voice of the Father of Lies. That's Pride. Satan's sin, the sin that caused the Fall, and the sin that tempts us to this day. The battle of "can I forgive" is ALWAYS rooted in our own personal pride.<br />
<br />
Christ of course humbled himself fully, taking human form, and submitting to death, even death on a cross. He completely and totally won the battle against Pride. So ... it isn't true that God is asking us to do something that's more difficult than He's been willing to do for us. <br />
<br />
The hard part comes in the doing. We may not be able to forgive on our own, but with Him, we absolutely can -- with God, all is possible. Our job is to recognize that weakness, and ask for God's grace to help us put it into practice.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-61167139839838240792012-01-23T14:48:00.000-06:002012-01-23T14:48:28.964-06:001/23/12 - Making The Path Straight<b>Mark 1:1-8<br />
</b><br />
<br />
<i>The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. <br />
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:<br />
“Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;<br />
he will prepare your way.<br />
A voice of one crying out in the desert:<br />
"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”<br />
John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert<br />
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.<br />
People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem<br />
were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.<br />
John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist.<br />
He fed on locusts and wild honey.<br />
And this is what he proclaimed:<br />
“One mightier than I is coming after me.<br />
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.<br />
I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.”<br />
</i>-----<br />
<br />
Every day I read and meditate (Lectio Divina) over a small passage from the gospels. Last week I finished Matthew's gospel, and started Mark. I've read it many times, but after I read it this time, I was struck by how intimate and immediate John the Baptist's message really is. <br />
<br />
Repentance and forgiveness of sins isn't something you do just once, or need just once, in your Christian life. It isn't something you need once a year, or twice a year, or once a month. We need it constantly to retain our connection to Christ. <br />
<br />
Jesus desires a true and contrite heart. HIS heart never fails. But our hearts fail repeatedly. We are fallen. We wander off the path, over and over and over again -- almost on a daily basis. We need repentance and forgiveness to reconnect with him. Not just in general, and not just once. We need it repeatedly.<br />
<br />
Continuously.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-84387723469817925212012-01-20T08:41:00.001-06:002012-01-20T08:42:32.128-06:001/20/12 - Relying On God's GraceI've been praying a lot lately over learning to truly rely on God's grace on a daily basis. Here's something from "the dust" on that subject.<br />
From the Imitation of Christ<br />
<br />
"Imitation" was written by Thomas A Kempis in the 15th Centry, and after the bible, it is the most read Christian book in the world. It was used by many saints (including St. Therese of Lisieux) to help in their spiritual development. Book 3 of the Imitation consists of an "interior conversation" between Christ and a disciple. This quote is from Book 3, Chapter 30. Christ is teaching the disciple.<br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 30. THE QUEST OF DIVINE HELP AND CONFIDENCE IN REGAINING GRACE <br />
THE VOICE OF CHRIST<br />
</b><br />
MY CHILD, I am the Lord Who gives strength in the day of trouble. Come to Me when all is not well with you. Your tardiness in turning to prayer is the greatest obstacle to heavenly consolation, for before you pray earnestly to Me you first seek many comforts and take pleasure in outward things. Thus, all things are of little profit to you until you realize that I am the one Who saves those who trust in Me, and that outside of Me there is no worth-while help, or any useful counsel or lasting remedy. <br />
<br />
But now, after the tempest, take courage, grow strong once more in the light of My mercies; for I am near, says the Lord, to restore all things not only to the full but with abundance and above measure. Is anything difficult for Me? Or shall I be as one who promises and does not act? Where is your faith? Stand firm and persevere. Be a man of endurance and courage, and consolation will come to you in due time. Wait for Me; wait -- and I will come to heal you. <br />
<br />
It is only a temptation that troubles you, a vain fear that terrifies you.<br />
<br />
Of what use is anxiety about the future? Does it bring you anything but trouble upon trouble? Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. It is foolish and useless to be either grieved or happy about future things which perhaps may never happen. But it is human to be deluded by such imaginations, and the sign of a weak soul to be led on by suggestions of the enemy. For he does not care whether he overcomes you by love of the present or fear of the future. <br />
<br />
Let not your heart be troubled, therefore, nor let it be afraid. Believe in Me and trust in My mercy. When you think you are far from Me, then often I am very near you. When you judge that almost all is lost, then very often you are in the way of gaining great merit.<br />
<br />
This is about half of the chapter. For the rest, go to: <a href="http://www.leaderu.com/cyber/books/imitation/imb3c21-30.html#RTFToC209">http://www.leaderu.com/cyber/books/imitation/imb3c21-30.html#RTFToC209</a>Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-86015235329118872642012-01-19T10:31:00.000-06:002012-01-19T10:31:41.532-06:001/19/12 - The Messianic Secret<b>Mark 3:7-12<br />
</b><br />
<i>Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.<br />
A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.<br />
Hearing what he was doing, <br />
a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, <br />
from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, <br />
and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.<br />
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, <br />
so that they would not crush him.<br />
He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases<br />
were pressing upon him to touch him.<br />
And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him <br />
and shout, "You are the Son of God."<br />
He warned them sternly not to make him known.<br />
</i><br />
----<br />
<br />
Christ has just finished the first confrontation with the Pharisees that we see in Mark, concluding with the healing of the crippled man. He withdraws from the Pharisees and continues his mission of healing.<br />
<br />
People came from all over. I’m not diligent enough in my study to pull out a map and determine where all these cities are, but others do. Jerusalem is more than a hundred miles from Galilee, Idumea is on the southern border between Palestine and Arabia, and Tyre and Sidon are on the Mediterranean coast. Considering the times, and how long it must have taken to travel these distances, this is amazing. <br />
<br />
In the gospels, we see several accounts of confrontation with the Pharisees, followed by Christ leaving the scene. Clearly Jesus didn’t need to run away, but he didn’t go to the final confrontation because he had more work to do. We also see Jesus on several occasions to warn those who confess he is the Christ to not make him known. In this reading, he rebukes the unclean spirits that recognize him.<br />
<br />
This is known as the "Messianic Secret." Rather than try and explain why, I'll defer to someone smarter.<br />
<br />
-----<br />
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 1, 2009 (http://www.zenit.org/article-24971?l=english).- Christ knew that to fulfill his mission he had to suffer and die on the cross. For this reason, he took great strides to keep his identity hidden, says Benedict XVI.<br />
<br />
Reflecting on today's Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) before praying the Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke about the "so-called 'Messianic secret.'"<br />
<br />
"For the moment, Jesus does not want anyone outside the restricted group of his disciples to know that he is the Christ, the Son of God," the Pontiff explained. "This is why he often admonishes the apostles and the sick people whom he heals to not reveal his identity to anyone."<br />
<br />
"Not only does Jesus chase demons out of people, freeing them from the worst slavery, but he prohibits the demons themselves from revealing his identity," he added.<br />
<br />
The Holy Father said Christ insisted on this secret "because the fulfillment of his mission is at stake, on which our salvation depends."<br />
<br />
"He knows in fact that to liberate humanity from the dominion of sin he must be sacrificed on the cross as the true paschal lamb," Benedict XVI explained. "The devil, for his part, tries to divert his attention and direct it instead toward a human logic of a powerful and successful messiah."<br />
<br />
The Pope continued: "The cross of Christ will be the demon’s ruin, and this is why Jesus does not cease to teach his disciples that in order to enter into his glory he must suffer much, be rejected, condemned and crucified. Suffering is an integral part of his mission."<br />
<br />
"Jesus suffers and dies on the cross for love," he added. "When we consider this, we see that it is in this way that he gave meaning to our suffering, a meaning that many men and women of every age understood and made their own, experiencing profound serenity even in the bitterness of difficult physical and moral trials."<br />
-----<br />
<br />
PS - if anyone is reading, this is a repeat message from last year on this passage.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-68147869409615944012012-01-18T09:24:00.002-06:002012-01-18T09:24:20.134-06:001/18/12 - Sling Shot!<b>1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51<br />
</b><br />
<i>David spoke to Saul:<br />
"Let your majesty not lose courage.<br />
I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine."<br />
But Saul answered David,<br />
"You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him,<br />
for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth."<br />
<br />
David continued:<br />
"The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear,<br />
will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine."<br />
Saul answered David, "Go! the LORD will be with you."<br />
<br />
Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi<br />
and put them in the pocket of his shepherd's bag.<br />
With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine.<br />
<br />
With his shield bearer marching before him,<br />
the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David.<br />
When he had sized David up,<br />
and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance,<br />
the Philistine held David in contempt.<br />
The Philistine said to David,<br />
"Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?"<br />
Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods<br />
and said to him, "Come here to me,<br />
and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air<br />
and the beasts of the field."<br />
David answered him:<br />
"You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar,<br />
but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts,<br />
the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted.<br />
Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand;<br />
I will strike you down and cut off your head.<br />
This very day I will leave your corpse<br />
and the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air<br />
and the beasts of the field;<br />
thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God.<br />
All this multitude, too,<br />
shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves.<br />
For the battle is the LORD's and he shall deliver you into our hands."<br />
<br />
The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters,<br />
while David ran quickly toward the battle line <br />
in the direction of the Philistine.<br />
David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone,<br />
hurled it with the sling,<br />
and struck the Philistine on the forehead.<br />
The stone embedded itself in his brow,<br />
and he fell prostrate on the ground.<br />
Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone;<br />
he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword.<br />
Then David ran and stood over him;<br />
with the Philistine's own sword which he drew from its sheath<br />
he dispatched him and cut off his head.<br />
</i>--------------<br />
<br />
We all know about David and Goliath, today's 1st reading gives the Scriptural account of the story. In 1 Samuel 16, God calls David "a man after my own heart". In this passage, we begin to see why. The whole episode is defined by David's faith. He walks up against Goliath with confidence. He knows from experience that the Lord has delivered Him in the past. That experience gives him the faith to go forward against the giant.<br />
<br />
I think this is an important point. Faith builds over time. If I am conscious of God's involvement in things in my past, and I know how those things work out, my faith grows. I know from experience what happens when I turn a situation over to God, and when I rely on Him completely. As I face a new situation or trial, I need to remember how God has delivered me in the past. It may not have been from the claw or a bear or lion, but it is delivery nonetheless. That knowledge should be able to give me full confidence going forward.<br />
<br />
That .... is FAITH. Faith is far deeper than believing something to be true. It is having full confidence that God's is involved in my situation, that the situation is happening according to God's will, and that I can completely rely on Him and leave it under His control. It's more than that too, but I can't come up with the words to describe it.<br />
<br />
In my experience, there is always some type of fear to overcome as we take a step of faith. My personal belief, though I can't prove it, is that these moments are the battlegrounds of the spiritual war. We are constantly tempted to NOT have faith, in little and big ways. This drama plays out over and over and over, throughout our whole lives.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-41724139133528676092012-01-17T09:49:00.001-06:002012-01-17T10:58:17.393-06:001/17/12 - The Sabbath Was Not Made For Man<b>Mark 2: 23-28<br />
</b><br />
<i>As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath,<br />
his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain.<br />
At this the Pharisees said to him,<br />
"Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?"<br />
He said to them,<br />
"Have you never read what David did<br />
when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry?<br />
How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest<br />
and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat,<br />
and shared it with his companions?"<br />
Then he said to them,<br />
"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.<br />
That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath."<br />
</i><br />
------<br />
<br />
Yesterday we saw the Pharisees question Jesus regarding fasting. Today we see them questioning him on how He treated the Sabbath. His response is pretty interesting and shows the disconnect that the Pharisees had worked themselves into.<br />
<br />
I've often struggled a bit with this passage, trying to understand what it actually means. Apparently I'm not the only one. If you enter "Sabbath was made for man" into Google you'll find a lot of discussion of all sorts of issues, many of them conflicting with each other. Actually it's an interesting snapshot of how well-meaning people can attach differing meanings to the same message.<br />
<br />
When that happens, I go to the Church. Here's what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) has to say:<br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
2173 The Gospel reports many incidents when Jesus was accused of violating the sabbath law. But Jesus never fails to respect the holiness of this day. He gives this law its authentic and authoritative interpretation: "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath." With compassion, Christ declares the sabbath for doing good rather than harm, for saving life rather than killing. The sabbath is the day of the Lord of mercies and a day to honor God. "The Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath." <br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
As the CCC says ... the sabbath was made for honoring God, and for doing good rather than harm. It was made for man's benefit, to set aside time to worship God away from the daily labors that exist. It was not meant to enslave man or to be hurdle between man and God. Man wasn't made for the purpose of observing the Sabbath. The Sabbath was given to man to help him remain with God.<br />
<br />
PS - I got to this CCC reference by going to this website and typing in "Mark 2:23-28". This is an excellent resource.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.catholiccrossreference.com/bible/catechism.cgi">http://www.catholiccrossreference.com/bible/catechism.cgi<br />
</a>Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-21393350751198366002012-01-16T13:15:00.004-06:002012-01-17T10:57:52.881-06:001/16/12 - Fasting, Wine, and Wineskins<b>Mark 2:18-22<br />
</b><br />
<i>The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast.<br />
People came to Jesus and objected,<br />
"Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast,<br />
but your disciples do not fast?"<br />
Jesus answered them,<br />
"Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?<br />
As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.<br />
But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,<br />
and then they will fast on that day.<br />
No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak.<br />
If he does, its fullness pulls away,<br />
the new from the old, and the tear gets worse.<br />
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.<br />
Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins,<br />
and both the wine and the skins are ruined.<br />
Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins."<br />
</i>---------<br />
<br />
There are two teachings going on here. In the first, Christ is saying that there is no need for fasting while HE is there. The purpose of fasting is ultimately self-denial, so that people can learn to turn away from the desires and wants of the world and turn toward God, who is the source of all good. The disciples didn't need to fast, because they were experiencing God in the flesh minute by minute, in a way that no fasting could produce. The time for fasting will come after he -- "the bridegroom" -- is physically gone.<br />
<br />
Jesus isn't saying that people shouldn't fast. In fact he's saying that we should. He's saying that they shouldn't leave the greater (his presence) for the lesser (fasting, which is meant to ultimately bring about ... HIS PRESENCE). This is very similar to how he treated Mary and Martha. Martha worked and prepared, and Mary sat at His feet. Mary chose the better part.<br />
<br />
On to wine and wineskins ....<br />
<br />
The more times I read this, the more I take this very personally. I'm the wineskin. Bit by bit, God is transforming me from the old wineskin to the new. The old wineskin isn't strong enough to contain the wine that God has to offer. It needs to be replaced by something new. Something stronger. Something suitable to contain the wine of the Divine.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-59130814766563054552012-01-12T16:34:00.002-06:002012-01-12T16:34:49.547-06:001/12/12 - I Do Will It -- Be Made Clean!<b>Mark 1:40-45<br />
</b><br />
<i>A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said,<br />
"If you wish, you can make me clean."<br />
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,<br />
touched the leper, and said to him, <br />
"I do will it. Be made clean."<br />
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.<br />
Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.<br />
Then he said to him, "See that you tell no one anything,<br />
but go, show yourself to the priest<br />
and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed;<br />
that will be proof for them."<br />
The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter.<br />
He spread the report abroad<br />
so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.<br />
He remained outside in deserted places,<br />
and people kept coming to him from everywhere.<br />
</i>-----<br />
<br />
Last year when I wrote about this passage, I focused on the fact that Christ touched the leper, and how significant that was for a Jew in that day and age. Prior to that, I'd written about Christ's instruction to keep his miracles secret, and why that was important.<br />
<br />
What strikes me today, though, is very simple:<br />
<br />
"I do will it. Be made clean."<br />
<br />
Christ DOES will to heal us. And we all need healing, every single day. As the passages this week, this healing is the purpose for which he came. He is the Divine Physician, and he has the ability to heal us. Any time. Anywhere. <br />
<br />
It's our responsibility to come to Him. Come to Him in prayer. Come to Him in the Eucharist. And frequently come to him in Reconciliation, where our sins are forgiven. <br />
<br />
Come to Him, on little things and big. Ask Him for healing. Give yourself over to Him, so He can heal our brokenness. And have faith that he will do it!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-59991355399293222512012-01-11T14:59:00.002-06:002012-01-12T16:35:56.521-06:001/11/12 - People Gathered at the Door<b>Mark 1:29-39<br />
</b><br />
<i>On leaving the synagogue<br />
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.<br />
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.<br />
They immediately told him about her.<br />
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.<br />
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.<br />
<br />
When it was evening, after sunset,<br />
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.<br />
The whole town was gathered at the door.<br />
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,<br />
and he drove out many demons,<br />
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.<br />
<br />
Rising very early before dawn,<br />
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.<br />
Simon and those who were with him pursued him<br />
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."<br />
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages<br />
that I may preach there also.<br />
For this purpose have I come."<br />
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons<br />
throughout the whole of Galilee.<br />
</i>---------<br />
<br />
Mark's gospel just jumps right into things. This picks up immediately after yesterday's passage, and it's full of action. It is the sabbath, and Christ has just cast out an unclean spirit. The same day he heals Simon's mother in law, and that evening he heals many. Word spreads like wildfire, and the whole town is waiting at the door.<br />
<br />
We also see the first example in Mark's gospel of another example of Christ withdrawing to solitude to pray. I've been writing this email list for almost four years now, and I've written about this point at least half a dozen times over that period. Still, as of today -- I don't withdraw to pray as frequently as I should. I want to become a man who relies on Christ over and over, throughout the day. Every once and a while I get there, but I still drift in and out. <br />
<br />
The example is right here in black and white - rise early, before dawn Pray in a deserted place where you won't be interrupted. Fiill up with the grace you need to get through the day. Then go to work. <br />
<br />
Peace!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-40517364615116693722012-01-10T11:07:00.002-06:002012-01-10T11:07:56.747-06:001/10/12 - He Commands The Unclean Spirits<b>Mark 1:20-28<br />
</b><br />
<i>Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,<br />
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.<br />
The people were astonished at his teaching,<br />
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.<br />
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;<br />
he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?<br />
Have you come to destroy us?<br />
I know who you are'the Holy One of God!"<br />
Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!"<br />
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.<br />
All were amazed and asked one another,<br />
"What is this?<br />
A new teaching with authority.<br />
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him."<br />
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.<br />
</i><br />
-----<br />
<br />
According to the Gospels, at the time of Christ unclean spirits existed, and they had great influence on people's lives. Those witnessing this event were certainly shocked. It's interesting to consider WHY, though. They don't appear to be shocked at all that an unclean spirit influencing a person. They were shocked by Christ's authority over the spirit.<br />
<br />
So ... how real is this episode to us today? Was this something that occurred during a specific time and place, or do we have this problem now? Do unclean spirits impact our lives?<br />
<br />
In today's world, if I believe in unclean spirits (ie, demons), I'm crazy. Flat out nuts. But the testimony of the Church, both in the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition, is that they are indeed out there, and that they try to prevent us from having a relationship with God. In Christ, we have the ultimate weapon against them, but we need to be able to recognize the enemy at work in our daily lives to fully use that weapon.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-18722128963805908302012-01-09T10:20:00.002-06:002012-01-09T10:20:50.580-06:001/8/12 - The Word Does Not Return Void<b>Isaiah 55:1-11<br />
</b><br />
<i>Thus says the LORD:<br />
All you who are thirsty,<br />
come to the water!<br />
You who have no money,<br />
come, receive grain and eat;<br />
come, without paying and without cost,<br />
drink wine and milk!<br />
Why spend your money for what is not bread,<br />
your wages for what fails to satisfy?<br />
Heed me, and you shall eat well,<br />
you shall delight in rich fare.<br />
Come to me heedfully,<br />
listen, that you may have life.<br />
I will renew with you the everlasting covenant,<br />
the benefits assured to David.<br />
As I made him a witness to the peoples,<br />
a leader and commander of nations,<br />
so shall you summon a nation you knew not,<br />
and nations that knew you not shall run to you,<br />
because of the LORD, your God,<br />
the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you.<br />
<br />
Seek the LORD while he may be found,<br />
call him while he is near.<br />
Let the scoundrel forsake his way,<br />
and the wicked man his thoughts;<br />
let him turn to the LORD for mercy;<br />
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.<br />
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,<br />
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.<br />
As high as the heavens are above the earth<br />
so high are my ways above your ways<br />
and my thoughts above your thoughts.<br />
<br />
For just as from the heavens<br />
the rain and snow come down<br />
and do not return there<br />
till they have watered the earth,<br />
making it fertile and fruitful,<br />
giving seed to the one who sows<br />
and bread to the one who eats,<br />
so shall my word be<br />
that goes forth from my mouth;<br />
my word shall not return to me void,<br />
but shall do my will,<br />
achieving the end for which I sent it.<br />
</i>--------<br />
<br />
There are several options listed for readings today, and this is one of them. There's a lot of meat here, but I'm going to focus on the last paragraph shown above. The Word of God does not return void. God sent us his Word in the person of Jesus Christ -- who did not return void, but achieved the Lord's will.<br />
<br />
Guess what? We have that living inside us! The living Lord Himself, who's ways are far above ours, and thoughts are far above ours. He who does not return void, and He who achieves the Lord's will. He is EVERYTHING that we need to rise above the life in the flesh. He is the water. He is the wine and milk. He is the rich fare that we can eat, and have life. <br />
<br />
O Lord Jesus, help me to forsake my way and my thoughts, and turn to you for mercy!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-91325371528495944512012-01-06T08:13:00.001-06:002012-01-09T11:58:25.733-06:001/6/12 - Making a Gift to God<b>Matthew 26:6-12<br />
</b><br />
<i>Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, <br />
a woman came up to him with an alabaster jar of costly perfumed oil, and poured it on his head while he was reclining at table. <br />
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, "Why this waste? <br />
It could have been sold for much, and the money given to the poor." <br />
Since Jesus knew this, he said to them, "Why do you make trouble for the woman? She has done a good thing for me. <br />
The poor you will always have with you; but you will not always have me.<br />
In pouring this perfumed oil upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.<br />
Amen, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be spoken of, in memory of her." <br />
</i><br />
-------<br />
<br />
One thing that touches me about this passage is how receptive Christ is to the gift that the woman gives to him. She brought something to him that she treasured, and she offered it to Him. He accepted it gratefully, even though others thought that the gift might be wasteful, and that the gift could have been used for better purposes.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to offer my day to God. I can say the words, but I struggle with truly putting it into practice. I'd like to get to the point where I can approach my day as a gift that I can make to the Lord. The gift won't be perfect. There will be lots of junk in it, both good and bad. But if I can begin to approach the day's events as a process of building something I can give to the divine creator, and have that in my mind as I go about my day, I'm sure the day will be more fruitful, and that I might make a gift suitable for Christ. <br />
<br />
Need a heaping spoonful of grace to do that, though!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-81935260540268844812012-01-05T10:55:00.001-06:002012-01-05T10:55:30.922-06:001/5/12 - Follow Me<b>John 1:43-51<br />
</b> <br />
<i>Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. <br />
And Jesus said to him, "Follow me." <br />
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. <br />
Philip found Nathanael and told him,<br />
"We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, <br />
and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth." <br />
But Nathanael said to him,<br />
"Can anything good come from Nazareth?" <br />
Philip said to him, "Come and see." <br />
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,<br />
"Here is a true child of Israel. <br />
There is no duplicity in him." <br />
Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" <br />
Jesus answered and said to him,<br />
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." <br />
Nathanael answered him,<br />
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." <br />
Jesus answered and said to him,<br />
"Do you believe <br />
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? <br />
You will see greater things than this." <br />
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, <br />
you will see the sky opened and the angels of God <br />
ascending and descending on the Son of Man."<br />
</i><br />
-------<br />
<br />
Today we see the calling of Phillip and Nathanial. Just like with Peter and Andrew, the call is very simple. "Follow me." The call is so gentle, yet is so meaningful. We have no idea what will come from it. No clue at all. You just get that tugging at your heart that you need to go along. <br />
<br />
I've had moments where that thought has frightened me. It's usually fear of the unknown, or (worse yet), fear of what I'll have to give up to follow Him. But it's turned out that every time I've turned myself over to Jesus -- without exception -- the return has been great. I just need to come to him, despite whatever burden I might be carrying, and he will give me rest.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-29855303411715374552012-01-04T08:24:00.004-06:002012-01-04T08:26:16.415-06:001/4/12 - Come, and See<b>John 1: 35-42<br />
</b><br />
<i>John was standing with two of his disciples,<br />
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,<br />
"Behold, the Lamb of God."<br />
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.<br />
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,<br />
"What are you looking for?"<br />
They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher),<br />
"where are you staying?"<br />
He said to them, "Come, and you will see."<br />
So they went and saw where he was staying,<br />
and they stayed with him that day.<br />
It was about four in the afternoon.<br />
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,<br />
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.<br />
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,<br />
"We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ.<br />
Then he brought him to Jesus.<br />
Jesus looked at him and said,<br />
"You are Simon the son of John;<br />
you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.<br />
</i><br />
------<br />
<br />
"Come and see" .... what an invitation Christ gives to John and Peter. There's no way that they could have even begun to fathom what they actually WOULD see, and how their lives would change. No clue at all of what they were getting into. But they came.<br />
<br />
It's the same way with us. Christ is continually calling us to Him. Come, and see. We have no clue how great it can be. <br />
<br />
Happy New Year!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-45717149116126753052011-10-07T10:08:00.000-05:002011-10-07T10:08:14.332-05:0010/7/11 - Pearl of Great Price<b>Matthew 13:44-46<br />
</b><br />
<i>44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. <br />
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. <br />
46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. <br />
</i>-------<br />
<br />
How much do you value the kingdom of heaven? <br />
<br />
According to Christ, we should value it more than anything. It is so valuable that we should "sell all that we have" to obtain it. We should hold onto it with everything we have, because it is FAR FAR FAR more valuable than anything that we value here on earth -- even the things we value the most.<br />
<br />
I came back to this verse recently and was struck by it. In my head, I want to value the kingdom of God as Christ says. I'm pretty sure that's what my heart wants too. That all sounds good ... but the proof is in the pudding. The easiest way to understand the things that I truly value is to look at how I spend my time, my money, and my talents. When I look at myself hard from that perspective, I can identify a number of things that I hold more value than the Kingdom.<br />
<br />
That's just plain wrong,<br />
<br />
Of course, faith comes from God. We are human. We are fallen. We are on a journey. But it IS incumbent upon us to realize that ARE on a journey, and that we need God's grace to get us to the Kingdom. We need to ask Him to take us there. Not just once, but over and over and over, throughout the course of our lives. As St. Paul says, we must "press on toward the goal." <br />
<br />
If you're reading this and am with me, just take a moment to stop and pray, and ask God for His help today. And pray for me as well!Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-74893182399573666902011-08-09T13:17:00.002-05:002011-08-09T13:17:23.130-05:008/9/11 - Faith Like A Child<b>Matthew 18:1-5</b><br />
<br />
<i>The disciples approached Jesus and said,<br />
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”<br />
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,<br />
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,<br />
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.<br />
Whoever becomes humble like this child<br />
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.<br />
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.</i><br />
---<br />
<br />
About six months ago we had Mark's version of this episode. <br />
<br />
When we were children, we have full faith in our parents. We depended on our parents for everything, down to the most basic of needs. When something went wrong, we ran to them for help. When we didn't understand something, we went to them for guidance. We had complete trust in them.<br />
<br />
According to Jesus himself, the Word incarnate, that is what our relationship with God should be like. Is that what yours is like? Do you depend on Him? Do you go to Him for guidance? Do you run to Him for help? Do you have trust in Him? <br />
<br />
This is where the rubber meets the road. This is what "faith" is all about. The idea of faith is so watered down in today's culture. It's not merely recognizing something as fact, or believing something to be true. Faith much more than that. It is about trusting completely in God -- which ultimately means seeking Him out, listening to Him, and doing what He tells you to do. That is the way it has always been, from Adam to Noah to Abraham to David ... to Christ. And to us. Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-80586345008546037792011-08-08T13:49:00.002-05:002011-08-08T13:49:39.273-05:008/8/11 - Are You Ready To Walk On Water?<b>Matthew: 14:22-53</b><br />
<br />
<i>After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat<br />
and precede him to the other side,<br />
while he dismissed the crowds. <br />
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. <br />
When it was evening he was there alone. <br />
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,<br />
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. <br />
During the fourth watch of the night,<br />
he came toward them walking on the sea. <br />
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. <br />
“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. <br />
At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” <br />
Peter said to him in reply,<br />
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” <br />
He said, “Come.” <br />
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. <br />
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;<br />
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” <br />
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter,<br />
and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” <br />
After they got into the boat, the wind died down. <br />
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,<br />
“Truly, you are the Son of God.”<br />
</i> <br />
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This was Sunday's gospel, and here at St. Patrick's in Gretna, NE, we had the pleasure of hosting Archbishop George Lucas for the dedication of our new parish center. <br />
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I've gotten to where I really enjoy a trip by the bishop. It gives me an opportunity to remember, and to teach my children, that this is the continuation of an ancient tradition. The bishops are today's successor's to the apostles, and just like those first bishops, these men are the shepherds of the church. It is their job to shepherd the flock in their dioceses, and to teach them the faith. That has been the case since the Pentecost.<br />
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Archbishop Lucas gave a great homily on Sunday. He talked about how this event is so legendary and so far removed in time that it seems distant -- a gift that was meant for other people, for their purposes. And yet, if anything, Christ is MORE present to us here in the 21st Century than He was for the Apostles. He has sent the Holy Spirit. They are inside of us and with us all the time. He is there with us through all sorts of trials, and His help is there for the asking. And he comes to us so intimately and humbly in the Eucharist -- taking all of the hurt and pain and sin we give Him, and exchanging it for His own divinity.<br />
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We all have storms that we struggle through, little ones and big. How often do you go to Christ in those times? Are you willing to completely to rely on Him? Are you willing to step out of the boat and give Him control? Are you willing to commit to that?<br />
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"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-22684525787320790102011-07-06T09:06:00.000-05:002011-07-06T09:06:13.484-05:007/6/11 - What I Say To You In Darkness, Speak In The Light<b>Matthew 10:</b><br />
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<i>27 What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. </i><br />
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In Matthew 10 Jesus is speaking specifically to the Twelve, so these words are meant for them. However, there is a crucial truth in this one verse for anyone who wants to grow spiritually.<br />
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Jesus teaches in the darkness. He teaches in silence. He teaches without words. <br />
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The more I've grown spiritually, the more I've realized this. Great emotional moments are nice. Obvious signs from God are very nice. But ... they aren't ultimately what the Christian should be after. The Christian should be seeking God, and not need any of those things. The God that teaches in silence.<br />
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One thing is for sure -- one after another, the Saints are unanimous on this teaching. Some articulate it better than others. Some, like Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Liseaux, Alphonsus Liguori, and Francis de Sales -- have been able to articulate this in texts that stand as masterpieces for us to learn from. Others have just lived it. Of all people, St. Paul couldn't even describe it in his letters, he could only hint at it with terms like "the peace of God which transcends all understanding." But one saint after another agreed with this remarkable thought.<br />
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God is within us. He teaches us in silence. You can search the world over for Him, and eventually you will find Him within yourself. <br />
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If you want to dive into this subject in detail, go out and buy THIS book. You won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Fire_within.html?id=TQviZRIrmy4C">The Fire Within by Father Thomas Dubay <br />
</a>Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-1319826708458612892011-07-05T07:01:00.000-05:002011-07-05T07:01:00.809-05:007/5/11 - Take My Yoke Upon You<b>Matthew 11:27-30<br />
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<i>27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. <br />
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28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.<br />
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29 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.<br />
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30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." <br />
</i><br />
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Jesus says, no one knows the father, except Him, and anyone to whom He wishes to reveal God. Knowledge of God is divinely revealed, by Jesus, at his own discretion.<br />
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Have you ever wondered exatly what makes Jesus wish to reveal the Father to a person? Verse 29 says "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me." If we are to take Jesus at his word, that means we learn from Jesus by taking on his yoke.<br />
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What does that mean?<br />
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According to Wikipedia, A yoke is a wooden beam, normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs. Taking Chirst's yoke means tying yourself to Him - sticking to Him, going where He goes, and acting the way He wants us to act. According to Jesus, if we are willing to do this, we will learn from Him. He will reveal the Father to us.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265837511401948421.post-61433299820323075362011-06-27T21:58:00.001-05:002011-06-27T21:58:09.198-05:006/27/11 - Corpus ChristiI was very moved at mass this Sunday on the Feast of Corpus Christi. My pastor here in Gretna, NE gave an very poignant homily that moved me to tears. He brought the reality of the Eucharist into focus and challenged us all to keep it there. He left me wondering how it is that I can lose sight of the enormity of the sacrament.<br />
<br />
So I wanted to write about that.<br />
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Turns out that Thomas a Kempis had the same thoughts in the fifteenth century. He did it a little better than I can. This is an excerpt from Book Four, Chapter 1 of The Imitation of Christ. If you want to read the whole chapter, here's the link.<br />
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<a href="http://www.leaderu.com/cyber/books/imitation/imb4c01-10.html#RTFToC312">Imitation of Christ, Book 4, Chapter 1<br />
</a><br />
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Why, then, do I not long more ardently for Your adorable presence? Why do I not prepare myself with greater care to receive Your sacred gifts, since those holy patriarchs and prophets of old, as well as kings and princes with all their people, have shown such affectionate devotion for the worship of God? <br />
The most devout King David danced before the ark of God with all his strength as he recalled the benefits once bestowed upon his fathers. He made musical instruments of many kinds. He composed psalms and ordered them sung with joy. He himself often played upon the harp when moved by the grace of the Holy Ghost. He taught the people of Israel to praise God with all their hearts and to raise their voices every day to bless and glorify Him. If such great devotion flourished in those days and such ceremony in praise of God before the Ark of the Covenant, what great devotion ought not I and all Christian people now show in the presence of this Sacrament; what reverence in receiving the most excellent Body of Christ! <br />
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Many people travel far to honor the relics of the saints, marveling at their wonderful deeds and at the building of magnificent shrines. They gaze upon and kiss the sacred relics encased in silk and gold; and behold, You are here present before me on the altar, my God, Saint of saints, Creator of men, and Lord of angels! <br />
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Often in looking at such things, men are moved by curiosity, by the novelty of the unseen, and they bear away little fruit for the amendment of their lives, especially when they go from place to place lightly and without true contrition. But here in the Sacrament of the altar You are wholly present, my God, the man Christ Jesus, whence is obtained the full realization of eternal salvation, as often as You are worthily and devoutly received. To this, indeed, we are not drawn by levity, or curiosity, or sensuality, but by firm faith, devout hope, and sincere love. <br />
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O God, hidden Creator of the world, how wonderfully You deal with us! How sweetly and graciously You dispose of things with Your elect to whom You offer Yourself to be received in this Sacrament! This, indeed, surpasses all understanding. This in a special manner attracts the hearts of the devout and inflames their love. Your truly faithful servants, who give their whole life to amendment, often receive in Holy Communion the great grace of devotion and love of virtue. <br />
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Oh, the wonderful and hidden grace of this Sacrament which only the faithful of Christ understand, which unbelievers and slaves of sin cannot experience! In it spiritual grace is conferred, lost virtue restored, and the beauty, marred by sin, repaired. At times, indeed, its grace is so great that, from the fullness of the devotion, not only the mind but also the frail body feels filled with greater strength.Matt Shurtliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10215430242860671562noreply@blogger.com0