Visitation Lenten Reflections

Jeremiah 20:10-13 John 10:31-42  In today’s Gospel, we are shown a very powerful message that what we do in representation of the Lord, or other faithful acts, is more impactful than speaking about it. Our parish exhibits this same message, that actions speak louder than words. At Visitation, not only do we encourage others to help in the community, we do more tangible actions like making care bags for the homeless and sponsoring Morning Glory Ministries. It is not enough to say that you are a philanthropist or a hardworking person. It is important to do the actions that truly embody those ideals.  To be honest, sometimes I wonder if this message even means anything because, “doesn’t just saying thank you do the same thing as paying a kind act forward?” As time has gone on I have been able to unlock a deeper meaning to this message. Sure, sometimes it is okay to just say “thank you,” but maybe the scenario calls for something more. This could be holding the door for the next p...

Genesis 17:3-9 John 8:51-59  In the first reading Abraham (formerly Abram) was made “father of a host of nations” for maintaining God’s covenant. In return God asked that Abraham’s descendants keep their covenant throughout all the ages. Now, as a ‘Type A’ person I struggle with this deeply, as I want to be 100% in control of my narrative, and think I know what is best for me. After years of struggling with grief and loss I hated to hear “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” I felt my life was out of control, but I eventually learned it was just out of MY control. I needed to surrender myself to God and uphold my covenant to him. Now this requires patience, and I can assure you that is a virtue I have yet to master. If we remain patient and faithful to our covenant with God, we too will continue to receive God’s unconditional blessings and he will deliver gifts beyond our wildest dreams…it may just be on a different timeline than we originally planned.  As Jesus promi...

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-42  This Gospel passage begins with Jesus promising those who already believed in him that if they “remain in my word… [they] will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” The believers and would-be disciples seem to take offense at the suggestion that they are not already “free” because they are descendants (sons) of Abraham. Jesus explains further, “everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” I think Jesus wants them to accept that we are all slaves of sin and no person, whatever your religion or background, is immune. Jesus is challenging those who already believe in him that “belief,” even belief that is handed down to them for generations, is not enough to set them free from sin.  I confess that until recently my life was mostly “semi-secular” in belief and practice. I believed in God, but never understood how sacrificing his Son Jesus was an act of love so that we may be forgiven for our sins. However, after my own son Matthew...

Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30 The first reading from the Book of Numbers takes us to the Israelites, who amid a long and difficult journey through the desert with no end in sight, begin to complain and lose faith in Moses and God. “But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!’” Upon reflecting on this reading, I immediately think about my relationship with God during the “long and difficult journeys” in life. When my life is going well, it is generally easy to be faithful and practice gratitude for all God has given me. However, it is during the difficult times, when my patience is worn thin, that it is easy to lose faith and complain against God, just as the Israelites did in the desert. It is easy to question God and place blame on Him for these hardships.  It is during these difficult journeys that...

Daniel 13:41c-62 John 8:12-20 In today’s readings we witness God’s abundant mercy. In the first reading from the book of Daniel, a falsely accused woman turns to God for help to be spared from being condemned to death. In John’s Gospel, we hear the story of the Pharisees bringing an adulteress before Jesus to validate their right to stone her. In both stories, our Lord responds with mercy and love coming to their aid, saving the women from being put to death, despite their guilt or innocence. One of the lessons I take away is that just as the women rushed to God’s aid, I too should run to God, especially in times of trouble or need. There will be times in our lives when we identify with the  feelings the characters in these passages feel: fear, shame, guilt, humility. God has the ability to soothe hearts with His forgiveness and soften hearts with His wisdom. He responds with compassion and love. Our Lord is so gracious. I should also reflect on my actions. When have I chosen sin? ...

Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11 Unfortunately, I am able to easily say that death is the most significant image that is present in my life at this time. My wife of 50+ years died approximately 2½ years ago. My wife was a seriously  committed Catholic and she was able to accept her death after an illness of less than 2 years. She said, “Jim, I am ready.” I think a lot about what “ready” means and what it meant to Kathy! Clearly, Kathy thought that she had accomplished a full life of being a mother to our children, being a loving and faithful wife to me, and being an active and meaningful friend to the people she met and the organizations she assisted and contributed to. She was at her best when assisting “others.” Probably the biggest contribution Kathy made to me and our children was that she has made it easy for us to face our own deaths because she was “at peace” with her imminent death; and yet she showed us a graceful way to handle the process and demonstrate tha...

Isaiah 7:10-14: 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 Asking God for a Sign So often we find ourselves deeper in prayer and reflection in a time of need. And so, often we find ourselves too busy to stop and do anything, let alone pray, thank God for his many blessings, listen to God talking to us, and yes, ask God for a sign when we need it. These readings and the messages they are telling us are a great reminder to find that closeness to God, and to make prayer, receiving Jesus in Communion and spending time listening and hearing what God is calling us to do – a priority in our lives. In the Annunciation of the Lord, Gabriel came to Mary and told her she was to carry the son of God. While this was a very clear sign, I feel we often miss the signs God is trying to convey to us. Maybe we are not wanting to hear what God is telling us, or we’re too busy to listen, or we don’t spend enough time in prayer and reflection to know when God is actually speaking to us? Lent is a wonderful time in o...