Reflection: Baptism of Jesus

This baptism event we celebrate today is not a baby-aged event. We jump over some thirty-years of growing in wisdom and age. We have celebrated the major events of Jesus' early life --- the beginnings of his life's journey. We can recall our own beginnings, our own stepping out onto our own journeys of life. It is a journey we have begun both with a baptism as well as a beginning we set out for ourselves at the beginning of each new year. Hopefully each you we can use these early days of January as an occasion to be grateful for our personal growth in wisdom and grace during the previous year.

The first reading today, again a wonderful Isaiah perception of God's special gift to us in a servant who comes to bring freedom and awareness of God's call to us. The messiah will be graced with God's favor, his blessings. He will come to see his role in bringing other nations the "light" of God --- a light that brings freedom, awareness of God's love for all humankind. This servant Jesus will be the first sign of God's incarnate love for all.

In the river Jesus and John meet. Jesus insists that John carry out the baptism as prescribed by Jewish law. This is the end of the beginnings in his life. He walks out of the waters into the new life of teaching, into the confirmation by the Holy Spirit of his new mission. God's blessings, his favor, are upon him.

As a Jesuit seminarian, along with my classmates, I was taught that we were "on mission." Never was there a day when we were not "on mission." We were always praying and studying to share "the light" of our personal sharing of the "light" of Jesus Christ in our lives. Today, for me, no longer a Jesuit but a diocesan priest, the light of being "on mission" continues. It is a light without a switch, without a rheostat! Always with my mind and heart is my own baptismal call to share the "light" of Christ.

Our personal journey, renewed each year during these days of beginning and new years resolutions, continues to open up for us a deeper awareness of our personal relationship with God. Let us use this day to recall Jesus' baptism, his walking out of the waters of the river of baptism onto the road of bringing God's light to others, to reaffirm our own baptismal rebirth.

Jesus went public in this baptism event. He became obedient to his true identity, the Father's will in his life. Let your baptism be a reminder to continue on your journey, your mission by bringing God's light to others, especially to your own family by making real the awareness of God's favor bestowed upon you in the waters of your baptism.

Friday Reflecton: January 11, 2007

Ten days have passed. Quickly time reminds that the days of our 2008 journey will pass faster than we expect or prefer. As intimated in prior postings, each consideration of daily readings will be included a nod to the notion of spiritual journey.

Setting out on a new journey each year, each may have come to realize from the previous year the need to alter a part of how my life should be. Up front we should come before God as we set out on the year long journey of 2008. Like the leper in today's gospel --- ready to seek out the healing care of Jesus. As Luke points out for us, Jesus is ready to help. He does not say in response to any appeal, "Let me think about it." No, his reply is a convincing assertion that he is ready whenever we come to him. "Of course I can" cure you he tells the leper.

Only in the second week of the year I want to feel confident that I believe, that I trust God and his presence in my heart, in my life. St. John reminds me that if I believe, Jesus is within my very being. He is present to help me live the life God the Father intended for me.

Believing and living in this, you can conquer anything that holds up apart from God. As John's letter points out: a believer can conquer the world!

So we ask of ourselves: Do I truly believe? Does God truly matter in my life? Think of your personal relationships for a moment: spouse, children, parents, relative, colleagues and friends. Is your relationship with God as strong or stronger it is with them? Can you say, "Of course, I can say that."

Thursday Reflection: January 10, 2008

How often do we consider loving God to be careful to follow his commandments and showing our love to others? In setting out upon a journey at the beginning of a year, we should feel as though we are proclaiming a year of favor, a year of God blessing us in so many ways. Imagine, if you will, how peace-filled and happy people would be if at the beginning of each year we set before ourselves intentions to work seriously to make our year a year of favor, a year of grace, a year of blessings, a year of taking our faith and our religion seriously.

Our God will bless each of us with abundance if we take our journey and relationship seriously. Part of our following his commandments is to acknowledge that God has called us to love others with the same kind of love that we love our God. That may mean that we have to stand up of others on one occasion or another. And who are those others: so often it turns out to be someone whose life or way of living is difficult to accept. It may be the poor, it may be the illegal immigrant, it may be the woman who has an abortion, it may be the young adult who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it may be the man who has abandoned his wife and children --- it could be any one of the people the God has created. But we have to make up our minds that we will follow the lead of the Holy Spirit to help these people if they come to us for help. It brings up back to the WWJD question: "What Would Jesus Do?" We have to set before ourselves the intention that we will take our baptismal calling seriously.

Intention is like a power that exists in the world for all to tap into it. It is a reality, a God-given power that enables men and women to accomplish the life God has wanted for that person. Grace-filled moments each day are signs that God want each of us to step out into an extraordinary journey. God did not create this spectacular world simply to stand dormant. Even before a person is born, even before conception, God had plans for that person. That man or woman to be, that child, was already in the mind of God with God's intention that he or she become a unique individual ... but when it is born, it is given free will ... the freedom to become a person not fulfilling God's intention.

So, it is important to consider what God's intention is for each of us ... which we do by living our our days in joyful hope that we can follow where God calls us.

Wednesday Reflection: January 9, 2008

Again, today's readings lead us to consider the theme so important at the beginning of a new year: our 2008 journey. The apostles were in the boat because Jesus had made them set out for Bethsaida. He chose to go off into the hills to pray.

What might be clear is that easily Jesus could have departed with his followers. It probably would have been what most would have expected. But they have missed a major teaching point. There are times when our own journey requires some alone time -- no matter who you might be: even Jesus knew he had to go off to the hills to pray. He had not fear that he might miss something. His love for his Father allowed no room for any temptation to skip a time for prayer. Surely he loved his Father so much that he would not ignore an opportunity to be with his Father.

We ourselves encounter many moments on our spiritual journeys where there is another event or person or thing that can pull us away from quiet moments. How many are the victories of negative forces whop present themselves as "something better" than taking time to silent, to be alone to be with our inner selves and our God.

This is an essential part of the "baggage" we have to carry with us on the journey --- spending time alone and with God. We have to ask ourselves this question: Do I really see how important this is in my life?"

Again, continuing several thoughts about journeying, the event we celebrate today ties in well. Let us focus upon the new born child and the kings or magi who are so prominent.

First – there is a stirring, a movement, a calling in the hearts and minds of the three men. For an unknown reason the three felt called to follow a star. No directive was sent to them: "For you own well-being follow such-and-such a star." Surely the professional colleagues, friends and family must have questioned their sanity. What was the sense in following a star? These men had achieved status and were, most likely, establish and comfortable in their communities. Perhaps they could only answer the interrogations with very simple answers. Nonetheless there was a definite hunger in their hearts for the journey to discover the star and all that they suspected it held for them and their people. That the journey would be a challenge was clear. Safety was not a guarantee on such a journey. Traveling by camel was not an easy mode of transportation. It beat walking, however. Even when they thought they had reached the final place, Jerusalem, the local king lied to them and the star seemed to move on to a more distant location, away from the king. He, as we know now, feared a child whose future had been prophesied. It was easy to lie to save his royal skin! Finally the trio arrived in a little town, a country village by an standards where poverty and want seemed to be the primary traffic. But the star led them just a short distance outside poor Bethlehem.

The three must have been devastated. The star had brought them to a small farm and its animal shelter. They see a young girl holding her new baby and a father standing or walking around in the shelter. What a disappointment. This could not be what they made so many sacrifices to find. Imagine what their colleagues would say. There would be great laughter about their faux pas.

As they looked upon the child at some time during their visit, they must have asked what had happened to them. Surely the star brought them to this location. Then at some point a great epiphany began to happen. They realized, as do many who opt to follow a unique and different calling from what they were accustomed to, that what they saw before them was the opening of a door upon a new experience. They realized that they would never again be the same. In genuine humility they presented this little newborn a gift they had carried to give to a king, an adult potentate. Little did they imagine it would be given to a baby. Little did they ever imagine that their calling, their journey would lead them to a child who would be the savior of humankind.

Imagine the wonder these bright men must have been experiencing in the few days they were with Mary and Joseph and Jesus before they set out to return to their homes by a different route, as we know. But, a thought: did the three ever come back to Nazareth to visit the family?

Everyone is on a journey. At different moments during the traveling, there are epiphanies – revelations that teach us about ourselves. What the Epiphany we celebrate can teach us is that our great discoveries about ourselves can often come to us in moments of great simplicity. The visit of the three kings to a shelter can show us how God can reveal so much about what he wants of us when we are free enough to allow ourselves to be guided by God’s call, his purpose for us.

As you make your 2008 journey, there is a star that beckons you to trust where God leads you. What happiness you will experience when you have that sense of awareness that tells you "this is, without doubt, what God wants of me at this time."

Saturday Reflection: January 5, 2007 St. John Neumann

www.sjnirvine.org/parish/saint/saint.html

To consider the gift of John Neumann (1811-1860), reflect on a life of service, zeal and compassion dedicated to the guidance of the people of God in the new world (USA). Examine the heart to understand how or what kind of service God has planted in your heart. "The Little Bishop", as he was known, was called by God's Spirit to leave his native Bohemia to lend a hand in the American missions.

After beginning his work in the area of New York City, young John was ordained in 1836 ... the beginning of 24 years of priestly service that eventually bring him to Philadelphia. He is buried at the Redemptorist Fathers' church, St.Peter, on 5th Street in Philadelphia (if you visit Philadelphia ... and St. Katherine Drexel is buried in the northerneastern section of the city). His remains are contained in a sealed glass enclosure beneath an altar in the lower church.

Bishop John (consecrated in 1852) labored for parishes and established the first parish schools. As well, he inaugurated the Forty Hours devotions in the USA. He was a man in the city and of the city. He died walking back to his office after visiting and anointing a dying person. He fell dead on the front steps of a row house in the central city Cathedral parish.

Both readings from the liturgy lend much to a reflection on Bishop John's life. As well, the words of both Paul and John the Evangelist open our minds and hearts to the deeper meanings in the life of service one can experience in making a personal response to the vocational call received from God.

John's account of Jesus' words speak of what it means to be a leader, a caretaker, rather than simply a hired man. Jesus is teaching what it means to be called and the expectation placed upon the one who is called. Are we not, all of us, by virtue of our baptism, our incorporation into Christ Jesus, called to be a shepherd? Yes, each of us a shepherd? Do you ever think of yourself and your responsibilities as a leader, a caretaker, a shepherd? What adult in one way of another is not a leader in the eyes of some?

Pray today for a deepened sense of an awareness of service for others ... to which you have been called ... again, by your baptism, and by the many times that you have received the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in communion. This awareness of our own roles as shepherds may well be one of the realities you may find entrusted to you on your personal spiritual journey in 2008. You are a shepherd if you are a Bishop or priest. However, the flock of shepherd is more: parent, teacher, friend ... anyone called by God to lead others.

Friday Reflection: January 4, 2008, Elizabeth Ann Seton

Continuing journey thoughts: precisely what today's gospel offers us. The questions before us: "What do you seek?" and "Where are you staying?"

It is January 4th. Do you know what you are seeking as you consider how the year 2008 can be a better year for you (and probably the people around you)? What is it that roubles your heart? Is there something in your life that is a seed of unrest, embarrassment, lacking in self-confidence or feelings of distrust about your God or your Church?

Surely restlessness is usually a sign that within our hearts there are mixed or conflicting signals. The beginning of a new year, the beginning of a new you and the beginning of a new journey are moments for us to look to God, to examine why the peace He has promised us does not exist in our hearts.

Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), the first American canonized by our Church is an example of someone whose heart knew unrest ... until she discovered her post-marriage (the death of her husband), her post-Episcopalian spiritual life and her family raising duties vocation to be the wonderful representative of God to the many she taught and the many she has brought into the teaching vocation. Hers is a life in which many can find a relatedness. Truly a journeywoman, she became a master of the spiritual journey after many different "stops" along the way.

So, might it not be profitable to use these beginning days of our 2008 journey to establish a pattern or practice that will strengthen our relationship to Jesus: what is God calling you to do this year? How does the life of his Son, Jesus, give strength each day to bring peace and calm to my life?

All of these are remarkable questions. However, the first question each of us must answer sincerely and honestly is this: Do I want to make my relationship to God meaningful? Must I honestly say "I don't care about God now!

As Jesus said to Peter and Andrew, "What is it you are looking for?" That is the question we must face each day as we face ourselves in the mirror!

And let us not forget to offer a prayer for Fr. Mark Ervin and the priests and people of Mother Seton Parish, Germantown, on this their patronal feast day. May God continue to bless them with his abundant graces.

*Photo: Soper Studios, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506

Returning to Our Lady of Victory

On Thursday, January 3, 2008, after two months absence, the blogger returns to his nest at Our Lady of Victory parish.

The two months absence have been a most unusual time in this man's life. The need for the quick surgery was a complete surprise. The length of time need for the repair has been much longer than anticipated ... and even now the fullness of rehabilitation is not complete. Three days each week for the next twelve weeks there will be an hour and a half at the cardiac rehabilitation clinic at Suburban Hospital.

I cannot speak highly enough of the relatively new cardiac center at Suburban Hospital and the surgeon who performed the triple by-pass and then followed up with very regular and concerned care for me.

Likewise I cannot even begin to share with you how marvelous Msgr. Donald Essex and his staff have been for me during the seven weeks at St. Jane deChantal Parish. I was treated as if I were paying the top dollar at a resort. I will always be grateful to Molly, the parish secretary, to Sister Martha the receptionist who kept some of you from getting to see me during the early days of recovery, to Daisy who handled my laundry and kept my room in order and to Wilma who made sure that I had the correct kind of food for dinner each evening. John, the plant supervisor, always asked if there was anything I needed. Likewise, volunteers who helped in different positions were as concerned about the "recuperating priest" as the full time staff. Again, I cannot say thank you as loudly or as frequently as I could. This has been an extraordinary experience.

My return to OLV does not mean that I am returning to 24/7. There is still much care that has to be taken to guarantee the proper healing.

Now, let me express my genuine thanks to Msgr. Duffy and the priests of the parish who have covered for me so well; to Wanda, my secretary and Sheila, the principal, who did so much to make sure operations continued well and did not overburden Msgr. Duffy. And, of course, any pastor has to thank the finance team, the accountant and his assistant, for making sure that all financial matters were handled properly.

Lastly, I thank all of you for your prayers and concerns.

Thursday Reflection: January 3, 2008

On anyone’s spiritual journey, dialog with God is important. St. Catherine of Siena, elevated to the rank of Doctor of the Church along with St. Teresa of Avila, took time during her short life (33 years) to write in her native language so that the ordinary folks could benefit from her talks with God.
Seemingly in one of her locutions with God, the Creator asked her "Do you know how the three virtues of love, humility and discretion stand together?"
He suggested that she imagine a circle drawn on a piece of ground. A tree with an offshoot projecting from the trees side is planted in the center of the circle.
God proposes to the saint that the soul is a tree that exists because of God’s and the person’s love. It is this genuine love that gives the
God, she wrote, said to her that "It is necessary then, that the root of this tree, that is the affection of the soul, should grow in, and issue from, the circle of true self-knowledge which is contained in me (p 14 Little Talks With God)."
"This knowledge of yourself and of me is found in the earth of true humility, which is as wide as the diameter of the circle, that is, as wide as the knowledge of self and of me. (P 15)"
Continuing on, according to Catherine, God said to her, "Thus, the tree of love feeds on humility, bringing forth from its side the offshoot of true discretion, from the heart of the tree. And true discretion is the affection of love in the soul, and the patience, proving that I am in the soul and the soul in me (p 15)."
Somewhat in summary, the dialog continues, "In this way, therefore, the soul reaches the end and goal of its being, that is myself, its God, who am eternal Life (p 15)."
So, on the journey, consider how virtues are a significant part of our relationship with the God who made you and me, the same God who spoke with Catherine.

Wednesday Reflection: January 2, 2008

Well, we know that the major celebrations are finished for another year. Only the coming of the Magi, the Wise Men, the Three Kings awaits us on Sunday, January 6th. Surely there were resolutions written down or at least given a few seconds thoughts. A personal opinion: most people really don't take the making of new resolutions too seriously any longer. People tell you that they are too busy to address issues. It is an attempt at a cop out! Those who do not start the new year off ... either at the outset of Advent or January 1st ... with some serious thinking about resolutions are running away ... away from something.

Because we have become such a busy people ... thank you computer world for all the time you were supposed to save us for ourselves that does not exist ... many folks back away from serious reflection or prayer. These two practices, along with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, help us walk the straight and narrow with some intention. Let the prayer and reflection drop: there is one result ... we weaken our ability to fight temptations that come our way.

Thinking about resolutions at the beginning of the year and honestly facing ourselves and determination, the discipline, to work at accomplishing what we down deep know we need to do ... all of this is a part of the journey each of us undertakes. And anyone who has made a change in life knows that transformation is never easy. Once you set out on a journey, you can expect transformation is one of the realities you will meet along the way. Not everyone is at peace with such transformation because fear takes a hold of part of our being. If we are honest with ourselves, I believe we can say that fear underlies the difficulty in making resolutions. What is going to become of me if I really take on the challenge to change? If I determine to abandon habits or relationships that are not good for me, what am I going to become without those habits or people in my life?

John the Baptist was much like the transformation that some might fear in their lives. He was preaching a life that challenged the way many of the Jewish people lived. Who are you to tell us how to live is what the Jews were asking John about himself and his preaching.

John is that voice speaking out, that voice calling the Jews to hear the new gospel, to live the Commandments. John was the enfleshment of the call, the journey that God was inviting the Jews to accept.

It is the same today. Our calling may be enfleshed in a different style. Nonetheless, it is there. Each day of our lives, God calls out to us to follow him, to make the transformations in our lives that we need to make; that we know we should make.

The trees? A picture of the transformation of a tree!!!