Presented to God

Women of Faith:

Yesterday was the Feast of the Presentation – an ancient Jewish custom whereby boys (approximately 40 days after birth) were presented at the temple in sacrifice to God. The custom at that time would have been similar to ours of baptizing children at 8 days old (similar to circumcision dating): presenting and sealing our children forever as a Child of God.

"When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.” Lk 2: 22-24

The custom recognized that even at 40 days old we were born with a purpose for God. That God’s mission for us isn’t to fulfill our own desires, but His.

“Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” Heb 2: 14-18

Here the writer gives us an insight into what our mission (our purpose) is when he says, “Jesus shares with those who BECOME SLAVES and then gives power to overcome the devil and death.”

Our call to God—to become holy—is fulfilled by Jesus’ death and resurrection, which grants us the forgiveness and mercy we need because of our human weaknesses.  

But our “passage” to receiving “a share” is to humbly live in sacrifice and slavery to others: by loving my enemies and serving those less fortunate. By being willing to care for those who have less, by being patient with those who understand less, and by loving as Christ loved (granting forgiveness and mercy, not judgment) upon all those whom he puts in my life—most especially to those closest to us (our spouses and our families).

I am not here to judge, and I am not here to say, “Why do you ask this of me?” or “What will I get out of this if I do it?” My mission here on earth is to accept the challenges and to give Him control of my life, so that as I move forward in trust, I will remember in hope that His promise to me will be fulfilled not today, not tomorrow, but “on the last day.”

Jesus did not come to help angels, but to free those who have become slaves to each other. I am not expecting I will be served by others, but that I should be looking for ways that others need my service. My understanding is to believe in the hope that whomever I serve will see a part of Christ in me, some light, so that they too will seek to be become holy by imitating Jesus’ example of loving neighbor as themselves.

That doesn’t mean that I can’t accept or shouldn’t ask for help from others, it just means that I shouldn’t EXPECT someone to do and bear what God has given me as my responsibility and burdens.

To bring others to holiness is the call of a vocation. The vocation of the Priest and the religious is to serve the Church, sacrificing their desire for human intimacy to serve the needs of the Church community—to be one with Christ, to spread the good news of Christ, to be fishers of men, and to feed our Spirit with the food of Christ’s body in the Eucharist.

The vocation of Marriage is a call for a man and woman to serve each other AND to spread Christ’s Church by the one flesh unity which creates an ongoing, continuing presence in the creation of new life and new families. Our sacrifice as spouses gives up our own wants and desires for each other and for our new family so that as a domestic Church, as a family unit, we may all be brought to holiness. Marriage is not about me, marriage is about the other. It is about making a small unit into a community of believers who will work to fulfill God’s promise and in turn to become a Godly part of a bigger community.

And the vocation of singleness—is again to serve others and again a sacrifice of human intimacy by dedicating their life of holiness and to doing those jobs that take time and dedication not available to those with families.

Heavenly Father: “Show forth your work to your servants; let your glory shine on their children. Let the favor of the Lord be upon us; give success to the work of our hands, give success to the work of our hands.”  (Ps 90: 13-17) ”Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to You.” (Mt 5: 16) Amen.

Present yourself to God, accept your responsibilities and your sufferings, put your needs behind the needs of those around you, and be ready this week to be HIS servant—someone needs you,

Blessings,

Charlotte

God, Politics and Santa Claus

Friends of Faith:

I figured if we were tired of politics, it must be time for Santa Claus.

I learned several important lessons growing up: God is everywhere and knows everything (and so is Santa Claus.)

With God all things are possible (Mk 10:27): and if you don’t believe (in God or Santa Claus)—you won’t receive (heaven or presents.)

And in order to prove that you believe, you must DO (work hard) for what you believe—hard work, I thought, especially as a little girl; but even harder work, I have realized, as I have grown up.

“You know the commandments.” (Mk 10:18-19) A clear set of common sense rules to live by. A clear reward if we choose to live by them. And a clear punishment if we don’t: it probably isn’t a coincidence that a lump of coal could easily symbolize the fires of hell.

As a little person, the choices didn’t really seem that difficult, or even that tough. I had to work (and play) within the boundaries my parents, and God, as our Father, set—to receive what is most important for every little child—their parent’s (and the promise of God’s) love.

It was always Christmastime at our house—the Christmas of love, as a child the equivalent of Santa love, as I grew older the knowledge that I am always loved. Love had both a long memory, and much forgiveness—just like the love I more and more grow to desire from God.

Back then, I didn’t know it, but everything I did was a choice—a choice of choosing between rights. Mom and Dad’s commandments were pretty clear (and very much in line with God’s commandments). If we disobeyed we had to ask both their forgiveness (and do a penance for them) and do something for God (an extra prayer, often asking God’s forgiveness thru confession.) It was a great life lesson, both because we knew our boundaries and because we learned the discipline and hard work of choosing right truths.

I did have a choice, but when I chose to disobey, to take the easier way out, or to choose what seemed like more fun, or less work, I also had to face the consequences of that wrong choice (sin). And the pain of those poor choices was much more difficult than the work of right ones.

Santa Claus love, represented my parent’s love, and like God’s love, always won out in the end.

As an adult, the choices may seem more difficult, but our eternal parent, God, is just as clear with his commandments, His rules, His disciplines, His boundaries and His promise of love.

God’s consequences are much bigger than my parent’s consequences. Almost as if, growing up, means I have to grow up to a higher standard—God. The choice is no longer for Santa Claus presents, the choice is now for eternal presents. And life keeps getting shorter, because thru the reality of living I now realize that our time here on earth isn’t forever—in fact, it isn’t even my choice—it could be over in a second and when it is over, I will no longer have the opportunity to choose: in God, politics or Santa Claus gifts and rights.

Maybe that is what God means by saying he is the power over principalities (Eph 6) and the reason he gives us the hope that regardless of what the principalities do he is always in control and the final judge. (Lk 12:1-7)

The commandments: A clear set of common sense rules to live by. A clear reward if we choose to live by them.

And the political ads are like the Christmas ads growing up – Santa Claus ads which showed what would happen (toys or a lump of coal) (heaven or earth) if I didn’t/don’t work for the right beliefs and choices. (Choosing right was and always will require money, work and difficult discipline—they won’t be easy or free!!)

Someone said to me this week that the political ads looked like an ad for the Catholic/Christian Church.

I can’t and won’t disagree: We are being asked to choose: to give up money, for work and to be disciplined: to choose God’s design for marriage, protection for life, and obedience to Him vs. lifestyles of promiscuity, greed, homosexuality, abortion (murder) and the freedom to choose these wrong and sinful behaviors.  (Gal 5:18-25)

And these right choices may mean we have to work harder and sacrifice here on earth to receive what we desire of God, heaven, just as we worked for, and sacrificed for, our parents and God when we were younger, so that we can always receive what each of them promised: a Santa type present—only received because we believed, and because we acted as if we believed. (Gal 5:1-6)

The freedom to choose is only a right when we are obeying God’s laws. “The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived.” (1Jn 2: 3-6)

God is very clear on both the commandments and the consequences. Who will we obey, who will we choose—in the politics of both heaven and earth?

Heavenly Father, your gifts are far greater than any we have ever received from Santa Claus. Help us to do the hard work you require in our vocations (marriage, celibate, or single), in our families and in our choices for you. Thank you for your forgiving and ever “present” love. Amen.

If we believe in God, all things are possible. Make them possible this week,

Blessings,
Charlotte

I Saw a Sermon

Women of Faith:

It is always difficult to go back to work after a few days off, but for me I hope today will be different because I “Saw a Sermon:” A sermon which showed me a new vision of peace and tranquility –trust and calm.

Sermons We See, by Edgar Guest

"I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil
and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
but example's always clear;
And the best of all preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it
if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver
may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons
by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you
and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
how you act and how you live."

And I would like to thank some of our “tour guides” of the past three weeks for this “Sermon I See:” Fr. Chris Ditomo, Fr. Patrick, Fr. Stephen and Brother Michael.

Their collective “sermon I saw” was perfect for our time spent away from the craziness of life. And what I saw was “calm” and “trust” led by “joy in each moment” and “peace in their place.”

While we didn’t really sit still while we were together – time seemed almost as if it had stopped. There was no sense of urgency, only a sense of calm waiting and an anticipation and trust of where God would next lead us on our journey.

These young, energetic, faith filled men have learned to follow this weekend’s parable of TRUST that God will work if we let Him.

‘Jesus said to the crowds: "This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come."’ Mk 4:26-34

Collectively they were a “Sermon I could see” – the trust they have given to God in both their opportunities and their challenges: to grow them, mold them, and to let them bear the fruit and spread truth on their journey thru life: to truly be servants of God.

Heavenly Father: You are Here, You are Present, You are blessing me with everything I need. Help me to Trust that you will take care of my needs. Help me to give you Control of my life. Guide my actions, which speak louder than words, to always be honorable to Your call. Let me always be a willing servant. Thank you for keeping us safe on our travels and for opening doors to “new vision.” Bless all of those you call to the vocation of religious service. Amen.

Will you allow God to live through you?

Will your actions this week be a “sermon someone will see?”

Blessings,

Charlotte