Do All Things for the Glory of God
A Reflection based on the readings for Sunday February 12th 2012
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD of Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.missionstsergius.org
Whatever you eat, whatever you drink, whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God. Never do anything offensive to anyone – to Jews or Greeks or to the Church of God; just as I try to be helpful to everyone at all times, not anxious for my own advantage but for the advantage of everybody else, so that they may be saved. Take me for your model, as I take Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)
These words from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians tell us everything we need to know about how to act as followers of Jesus Christ. “do it for the glory of God Never do anything offensive to anyone ”
NEVER DO ANYTHING OFFENSIVE TO ANYONE!
In light of this instruction from St. Paul, I wonder how any individual, corporation, political party or religious organization can justify any action that would cause any person to feel inferior.
How can any corporation justify exorbitant interest or other fees for the purpose of insuring huge profits, salaries and bonuses for their top executives and shareholders at the expenses of the average individual?
How do followers of Jesus Christ and believers in Almighty God allow a person to suffer from homelessness, hunger, poverty, or any illness while they life with an abundance of luxuries while so many do not have even the basic necessities of life.
How, I wonder, can anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ discriminate against any one of God’s children because their skin color, nationality, marital condition or sexual orientation is different than theirs when doing so causes pain and suffering?
One might ask how a person who has made a commitment to another individual to love them forever go out and seek sexual gratification with someone who is not that partner causing their partner pain.
How, I muse, could adults, who are in positions of trust, especially those who were supposed to be representatives of Jesus Christ here on earth, ever molest a young child and then be protected by those who were their superiors.
There can only be one explanation for any of these actions that have caused so much pain and distress and offended so many over the ages and it is “THE EVIL ONE” who has been in open confrontation with God from the beginning of time.
The same one who even had the audacity to tempt Jesus Christ with the same tools he tempts us with, called the Seven Deadly Sins; lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.
Mohandas Gandhi called these traits, the most spiritually perilous of all things to the wellbeing of humanity: “Wealth without Work, Pleasure without Conscience, Science without Humanity, Knowledge without Character, Politics without Principle, Commerce without Morality, and Worship without Sacrifice.”
At one time or another each one of us has committed at least one of these actions and possibly more than once.
So how do we reverse our failure and turn back to living our lives for THE HONOR AND GLORY OF GOD?
We begin first by making time each day for prayer and reflection on the gifts we have been blessed with and not dwell on what we perceive we have been deprived.
We try our best to live our lives with temperance in all things. We find the courage to speak out against injustice. We strive to love and have charity toward all we encounter as we travel the road of life. We strive to hold our carnal desires in check and make a commitment to have monogamy in our relationships.
We have charity toward those who have less than we have and commit to supporting the work of programs that assist those in need.
In essence, we practice the Corporal Works of Mercy every day by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, shelter to strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, rehabilitating prisoners and providing them their legal rights, and mourning for the dead especially those who died because of the failure of others to provide proper medical care or died as a result of war or another’s injustice.
We need to do all things, as the motto of the Jesuit’s and the title of our missions News Letter is, AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM- For the greater glory of God. AMEN
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Accepting Our Lives
Accepting Life as God has Given It
A Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Based on the readings from Job 7:1-7, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.missionstsergius.org
As I pondered over this week’s reflection, I kept asking myself, “What do these three readings have in common?”
They seem to be so disjointed and unrelated but then I realized what they have in common is accepting you’re your life and making the best of it.
Job seems to be totally depressed and unhappy when we read these words; “Remember that my life is but a breath, and that my eyes will never again see joy.”
Job begins by commenting on how life is drudgery and being like a slave who seeks a shady place to cool off and receives almost nothing for his labor. “Like the slave, sighing for the shade, or the workman with no thought but his wages, months of delusion I have assigned to me, nothing for my own but nights of grief.”
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of how he regards his responsibility to preach the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ. “I do not boast of preaching the gospel, since it is a duty which has been laid on me; I should be punished if I did not preach it! If I had chosen this work myself, I might have been paid for it, but as I have not, it is a responsibility that has been put into my hands. Do you know what my reward is? It is this in my preaching, to be able to offer the Good News free, and not insist on the rights which the gospel gives me.”
Paul concludes by giving the reasons he accepts his lot in life; “I am not a slave of any man I have made myself the slave of everyone so as to win as many as I could. For the weak, I made myself weak. I made myself all things to all men in order to save some, at any cost, for the sake of the gospel, to have a share in its blessings.”
The Gospel reading tells of Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law and many others who were brought to him sick and filled with evil spirits but when morning came Christ had gone off by himself to pray and when Simon and the others found Him Christ suggested; “‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighboring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.
As I said at the beginning of this reflection the common bond of all these readings is that we need to accept our life as God has provided it to us.
We need to accept whatever yoke God might have placed upon us with gratitude and forge forward with the tasks God has assigned us, no matter how heavy a burden they seem to be, just as Christ accepted the cross upon which he was to be hung and carried it to the hill of Calvary.
Life is too short to spend a lot of time complaining about our problems and difficulties or as Job puts it; “Remember that my life is but a breath,” and get on with doing what God has called us to do as best as we can.
Christ told Simon and the others that He had come to this world to teach us the way and St. Paul knew that he had to do whatever was necessary to proclaim the Good News of salvation, so too do we need to go forward each day living out the Word in deed and proclaiming our love of God without shame.
With all of Job’s complaint, we have to remember that Job never abandoned God or gave up on His devotion or love and trust in God and for that He was rewarded a hundred fold everything he had lost.
Our reward for accepting our lot in life and living the word of God as Christ taught in not only our words but more importantly by our actions. We must be compassionate, generous and loving to ALL God’s children especially those who are struggling because of poverty, illness, age, homelessness, or lack of adequate education.
Just as Paul told the people of Corinth, “I have made myself the slave of everyone so as to win as many as I could. For the weak, I made myself weak. I made myself all things to all men in order to save some, at any cost, for the sake of the gospel, to have a share in its blessings.” we also must do whatever it takes to live a life that exhibit’s the attributes that Christ instructed in the Sermon on the Mount and the story of the Good Samaritan.
As that once popular song we used to sing joyfully in church by Carolyn Arends says; “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord And we pray that all unity may one day be restored And they'll know we are Christians by our love, They will know we are Christians by our love. We will work with each other, we will work side by side, we will guard each one’s dignity, and save each one's pride and they will know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand and together we will spread the news that God is in our land and they will know we are Christians by our love. Love is patient, love is kind Never boasts, not full of pride Always hopes, always trusts The evidence of Christ in us.
True Christians are those that not only talk the talk but actually walk the walk by caring for everything God created especially the poor, aged, sick, homeless and unemployed.
I cringe every time I hear a candidate for president of the United States who claims to be a Christian advocating cutting back on programs that help those mentioned above while also endorsing programs that increase the richest citizens wealth on the backs of the poor and middle income people.
True followers of Christ will be known by their love and caring for each other and by their acceptance of their life by making the best of it. True Christians will look out for each other and share what they have been given with those in need.
This is what I gleaned from this week’s readings.
I pray that I and you can accept our live and live our life in a manner that is consistent with the teachings Christ gave us and work toward a time when the Good News of Christ’s Teachings actually brings about a time of peace and brotherhood for all the people of this planet. AMEN
A Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Based on the readings from Job 7:1-7, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.missionstsergius.org
As I pondered over this week’s reflection, I kept asking myself, “What do these three readings have in common?”
They seem to be so disjointed and unrelated but then I realized what they have in common is accepting you’re your life and making the best of it.
Job seems to be totally depressed and unhappy when we read these words; “Remember that my life is but a breath, and that my eyes will never again see joy.”
Job begins by commenting on how life is drudgery and being like a slave who seeks a shady place to cool off and receives almost nothing for his labor. “Like the slave, sighing for the shade, or the workman with no thought but his wages, months of delusion I have assigned to me, nothing for my own but nights of grief.”
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of how he regards his responsibility to preach the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ. “I do not boast of preaching the gospel, since it is a duty which has been laid on me; I should be punished if I did not preach it! If I had chosen this work myself, I might have been paid for it, but as I have not, it is a responsibility that has been put into my hands. Do you know what my reward is? It is this in my preaching, to be able to offer the Good News free, and not insist on the rights which the gospel gives me.”
Paul concludes by giving the reasons he accepts his lot in life; “I am not a slave of any man I have made myself the slave of everyone so as to win as many as I could. For the weak, I made myself weak. I made myself all things to all men in order to save some, at any cost, for the sake of the gospel, to have a share in its blessings.”
The Gospel reading tells of Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law and many others who were brought to him sick and filled with evil spirits but when morning came Christ had gone off by himself to pray and when Simon and the others found Him Christ suggested; “‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighboring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.
As I said at the beginning of this reflection the common bond of all these readings is that we need to accept our life as God has provided it to us.
We need to accept whatever yoke God might have placed upon us with gratitude and forge forward with the tasks God has assigned us, no matter how heavy a burden they seem to be, just as Christ accepted the cross upon which he was to be hung and carried it to the hill of Calvary.
Life is too short to spend a lot of time complaining about our problems and difficulties or as Job puts it; “Remember that my life is but a breath,” and get on with doing what God has called us to do as best as we can.
Christ told Simon and the others that He had come to this world to teach us the way and St. Paul knew that he had to do whatever was necessary to proclaim the Good News of salvation, so too do we need to go forward each day living out the Word in deed and proclaiming our love of God without shame.
With all of Job’s complaint, we have to remember that Job never abandoned God or gave up on His devotion or love and trust in God and for that He was rewarded a hundred fold everything he had lost.
Our reward for accepting our lot in life and living the word of God as Christ taught in not only our words but more importantly by our actions. We must be compassionate, generous and loving to ALL God’s children especially those who are struggling because of poverty, illness, age, homelessness, or lack of adequate education.
Just as Paul told the people of Corinth, “I have made myself the slave of everyone so as to win as many as I could. For the weak, I made myself weak. I made myself all things to all men in order to save some, at any cost, for the sake of the gospel, to have a share in its blessings.” we also must do whatever it takes to live a life that exhibit’s the attributes that Christ instructed in the Sermon on the Mount and the story of the Good Samaritan.
As that once popular song we used to sing joyfully in church by Carolyn Arends says; “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord And we pray that all unity may one day be restored And they'll know we are Christians by our love, They will know we are Christians by our love. We will work with each other, we will work side by side, we will guard each one’s dignity, and save each one's pride and they will know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand and together we will spread the news that God is in our land and they will know we are Christians by our love. Love is patient, love is kind Never boasts, not full of pride Always hopes, always trusts The evidence of Christ in us.
True Christians are those that not only talk the talk but actually walk the walk by caring for everything God created especially the poor, aged, sick, homeless and unemployed.
I cringe every time I hear a candidate for president of the United States who claims to be a Christian advocating cutting back on programs that help those mentioned above while also endorsing programs that increase the richest citizens wealth on the backs of the poor and middle income people.
True followers of Christ will be known by their love and caring for each other and by their acceptance of their life by making the best of it. True Christians will look out for each other and share what they have been given with those in need.
This is what I gleaned from this week’s readings.
I pray that I and you can accept our live and live our life in a manner that is consistent with the teachings Christ gave us and work toward a time when the Good News of Christ’s Teachings actually brings about a time of peace and brotherhood for all the people of this planet. AMEN
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sunday January 22nd Reflection
God’s Call to Action
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15”)
Today I would like to suggest that every individual who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as proclaimed in Luke 3:22 “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my flavor rests on you”., Every person who believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob and David and the God who told Moses "I AM WHO AM, needs to turn to back that God with devotion and prayer.
We need to ask God, in His infinite mercy, love and compassion for all His children, to bring an end to the forces of evil that are dividing nations, churches, and families and causing great pain and suffering to innocent children and adults all over the globe. “And Jesus said to them, Come you after me” (Mark 1:17)
In the last decade the forces of darkness have become increasingly more intent in the battle between good and evil causing consecrated religious to abandon their vows and commit heinous deeds in violation of their vows. Families have been torn apart by divorce and parents, bothers and sisters have disowned their children over a child’s sexual orientation and not something criminal that they did.
Discrimination against people because of their skin color or national origin has destroyed so many and still divides communities in spite of the progress that the United States has made in electing the first African American president.
Sadly there are still subtle signs of discrimination that have crept out in the recent debates by those who would like to unseat that African American President and some of the supporters of those candidates.
Children are starving throughout the world. Seniors have to decide between the medicines that will keep them healthy and active or food and decent shelter.
Trillions have been spent to sustain a war that is Religious and tribal at its core and has raged since the time of Christ, which no amount of military could win.
People who claim Abraham as their father are trying to eradicate each other.
The time is now to put aside the things that have divided us and look toward the things that we have in common and find ways of living in peace and harmony thereby giving honor, glory and praise to the creator of all things.
God allowed Satin to tempt Job in an effort to have Job deny God but Job remained faithful in spite of all Satin did.
I believe today the world is being tempted in the same way and sadly far too many have gone over to the dark side because of their desire for wealth, fame or power.
This greed, which has always been one of Satins best tools to tempt people away from God, has caused financial ruin and great loss to so many poor and middle income people all over the globe with the loss of jobs, homes and the basics of life.
I believe that we need to take an active part in defeating Satin, just as so many prophets and saints who preceded us in the past have taken, we need to plead for God’s help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on our nation’s congressional leaders and those who are seeking the position of President of the United States to find ways of assisting the poor, homeless and unemployed and not cut the programs that do provide relief.
I believe that the times are calling us, whether we call the creator of all things by the name of God, Yahweh, or Jehovah, to turn back and give the devotion we were instructed to do when Christ was asked what the greatest Commandment was. Christ replied; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”. (Matthew 22:37-40)
I would like to suggest that everyone set aside ten minutes twice a day, every day for the coming year, to give recognition toward God by not only asking for things, but thanking God for the things you do have.
We need to turn ourselves over to God and petition God to inspire, not only the world leaders and all who hold positions of power in Government, Religion, Education, Health Care and our local communities, the means to end those things that have caused so much pain and suffering to so many all over the world. I offer this prayer as a possible prayer of petition and dedication of yourself to doing the work of God here on earth.
Prayer of Petition and Dedication and Love to Almighty God
Almighty and merciful God, open my mind, my heart and my soul to your infinite mercy and love.
Guide me in the knowledge of your truth and help me to live in accord to your will in all things.
Guide me in all of my daily actions so that I might reflect the light of your truth toward all I encounter.
Inspire me and those who have been placed in positions of influence in Governments and Religions to find ways of settling the divisions that has caused so much grief to so many.
Inspire families to love and care for all children and to recognize and accept the diversity of God’s plan.
Inspire all your children regardless of their race, or creed; whether they are Christian, Jew, Hindu, Islam, Sikhs, or Buddhist; to gather together in brotherhood and peace for the sake of the entire human race.
Guide those who believe that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah of the ages and our redeemer and savior to come together as one body of faith living as Jesus taught with Kindness, charity and goodwill toward all the world.
We call upon you, O Lord because we acknowledge that all things begin and end with you.
You are the Alpha and the Omega.
In humility and love, we plead with you knowing all too well how we have failed to follow your ways in the past and we ask your forgiveness and mercy.
Hear Us O God and answer our prayer. AMEN
© Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD, Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15”)
Today I would like to suggest that every individual who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as proclaimed in Luke 3:22 “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my flavor rests on you”., Every person who believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob and David and the God who told Moses "I AM WHO AM, needs to turn to back that God with devotion and prayer.
We need to ask God, in His infinite mercy, love and compassion for all His children, to bring an end to the forces of evil that are dividing nations, churches, and families and causing great pain and suffering to innocent children and adults all over the globe. “And Jesus said to them, Come you after me” (Mark 1:17)
In the last decade the forces of darkness have become increasingly more intent in the battle between good and evil causing consecrated religious to abandon their vows and commit heinous deeds in violation of their vows. Families have been torn apart by divorce and parents, bothers and sisters have disowned their children over a child’s sexual orientation and not something criminal that they did.
Discrimination against people because of their skin color or national origin has destroyed so many and still divides communities in spite of the progress that the United States has made in electing the first African American president.
Sadly there are still subtle signs of discrimination that have crept out in the recent debates by those who would like to unseat that African American President and some of the supporters of those candidates.
Children are starving throughout the world. Seniors have to decide between the medicines that will keep them healthy and active or food and decent shelter.
Trillions have been spent to sustain a war that is Religious and tribal at its core and has raged since the time of Christ, which no amount of military could win.
People who claim Abraham as their father are trying to eradicate each other.
The time is now to put aside the things that have divided us and look toward the things that we have in common and find ways of living in peace and harmony thereby giving honor, glory and praise to the creator of all things.
God allowed Satin to tempt Job in an effort to have Job deny God but Job remained faithful in spite of all Satin did.
I believe today the world is being tempted in the same way and sadly far too many have gone over to the dark side because of their desire for wealth, fame or power.
This greed, which has always been one of Satins best tools to tempt people away from God, has caused financial ruin and great loss to so many poor and middle income people all over the globe with the loss of jobs, homes and the basics of life.
I believe that we need to take an active part in defeating Satin, just as so many prophets and saints who preceded us in the past have taken, we need to plead for God’s help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on our nation’s congressional leaders and those who are seeking the position of President of the United States to find ways of assisting the poor, homeless and unemployed and not cut the programs that do provide relief.
I believe that the times are calling us, whether we call the creator of all things by the name of God, Yahweh, or Jehovah, to turn back and give the devotion we were instructed to do when Christ was asked what the greatest Commandment was. Christ replied; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”. (Matthew 22:37-40)
I would like to suggest that everyone set aside ten minutes twice a day, every day for the coming year, to give recognition toward God by not only asking for things, but thanking God for the things you do have.
We need to turn ourselves over to God and petition God to inspire, not only the world leaders and all who hold positions of power in Government, Religion, Education, Health Care and our local communities, the means to end those things that have caused so much pain and suffering to so many all over the world. I offer this prayer as a possible prayer of petition and dedication of yourself to doing the work of God here on earth.
Prayer of Petition and Dedication and Love to Almighty God
Almighty and merciful God, open my mind, my heart and my soul to your infinite mercy and love.
Guide me in the knowledge of your truth and help me to live in accord to your will in all things.
Guide me in all of my daily actions so that I might reflect the light of your truth toward all I encounter.
Inspire me and those who have been placed in positions of influence in Governments and Religions to find ways of settling the divisions that has caused so much grief to so many.
Inspire families to love and care for all children and to recognize and accept the diversity of God’s plan.
Inspire all your children regardless of their race, or creed; whether they are Christian, Jew, Hindu, Islam, Sikhs, or Buddhist; to gather together in brotherhood and peace for the sake of the entire human race.
Guide those who believe that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah of the ages and our redeemer and savior to come together as one body of faith living as Jesus taught with Kindness, charity and goodwill toward all the world.
We call upon you, O Lord because we acknowledge that all things begin and end with you.
You are the Alpha and the Omega.
In humility and love, we plead with you knowing all too well how we have failed to follow your ways in the past and we ask your forgiveness and mercy.
Hear Us O God and answer our prayer. AMEN
© Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD, Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A Reflection for January 15th 2012
Here I am Lord
A Reflection for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD of Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
“Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3) How often, when we hear that inner voice calling out to us or inspiring us to do something that would benefit others and not just ourselves do we cry out with these words; “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
The readings for this Sunday are all about answering God’s call to serve Him.
They also remind us that we are one with Christ and Almighty God by being of service to God.
One might ask, “Exactly what is service to God”. Serving God or being of Service to God, means that we are mindful of the needs of all those around us. It means reaching out to those in need with compassion and generosity. Being of service to God is living Christ’s instructions found in the Sermon on the Mount often called THE BEATITUDES.
Another way of saying, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Is “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will” which is the response for the Psalms of the Mass.
Often I hear people ask, “What is the Lords Will? Or How do we know what God wants?” and the answer is quite simple and is found in all four gospels, “LOVE THE LORD, YOUR GOD, WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, MIND, SOUL AND BODY AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.” (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:20, and John 11:3)
I have come to the conclusion that one of the problems we face today in carrying out this will of God is that far too many people do not love or respect themselves.
Too many people are always trying to change the way God created them rather than accepting how God created them and making the most of it.
People show they have disrespect for themselves by maltreating their bodies which, as the second reading for today states, “The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power, Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him. (1 Corinthians 6)
Far too many people today indulge in risky sexual practices, overeat, misuse alcohol, and so many other behaviors which would seem to indicate they do not appreciate how God created them or that they love themselves.
Far too many other people show disrespect to Almighty God by rejecting some of God’s children because of their skin color, nationality, sexual orientation or economic situation and refuse to allow some of God’s children to participate in the worship of God even denying them the sacraments because of the previously stated man made standards.
Sadly, more than once, I have heard of children being refused Baptism because they were born out of wedlock or the person who was denied membership in a faith community because they could not afford the prescribed financial contribution to the church.
This is not serving God, but as scripture reminds us serving wealth and man made things. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24) & (Luke 13).
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians ends with these words; “You are not your own property; you have been bought and paid for. That is why you should use your body for the glory of God.
To use our body for the glory of God means simply that we do not indulge in anything that might bring about the destruction of God’s temple, our bodies, and we use the gift of sex, as an example, as God intended it to be used in a committed loving relationship and not just for our own self gratification.
To answer God’s call is to be totally giving of ourselves just as Christ was totally giving of Himself, even to accepting death on the cross so that we could have forgiveness of our sins and life everlasting.
When we answer God with; “Here I am Lord” we need to be willing to give ourselves over completely to God’s will for us and to become God’s hands, feet, mouth in the service to ALL God’s children.
I want to close this reflection by sharing a prayer I wrote in 1997 which tells God how we give ourselves over to him.
Prayer of Commitment
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD, August 1997
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
Almighty God, I give you my hands to do your work; I give you my feet to go your way; I give you my eyes to see as you do; I give you my tongue to speak your words; I give you my mind that you may think in me;
I give you my spirit that you may pray in me; Above all, I give you my heart that you may love in and through me all with whom I come in contact with each and every day. I dedicate myself to doing your will in all things and to becoming an instrument through which you might bring peace and harmony to all your children here on earth.. AMEN
Oración de compromiso
Por el reverendo Robert Johnnene OFD,
agosto de 1997
www.missionstsergius.org
Dios Todopoderoso, te doy mis manos para realizar su trabajo; Le doy mis pies tu camino; Te doy mis ojos para ver como haces; Te doy mi lengua para hablar de sus palabras; Te doy mi mente que usted puede pensar en mí; Te doy mi espíritu que usted puede orar en mí; Sobre todo, te doy mi corazón que usted puede ama en y a través de mí todo con quien entran en contacto con cada día. Me dedico a hacer su voluntad en todas las cosas y a convertirse en un instrumento a través del cual usted puede traer la paz y armonía a todos tus hijos aquí en la tierra. AMÉN
A Reflection for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD of Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
“Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3) How often, when we hear that inner voice calling out to us or inspiring us to do something that would benefit others and not just ourselves do we cry out with these words; “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
The readings for this Sunday are all about answering God’s call to serve Him.
They also remind us that we are one with Christ and Almighty God by being of service to God.
One might ask, “Exactly what is service to God”. Serving God or being of Service to God, means that we are mindful of the needs of all those around us. It means reaching out to those in need with compassion and generosity. Being of service to God is living Christ’s instructions found in the Sermon on the Mount often called THE BEATITUDES.
Another way of saying, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Is “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will” which is the response for the Psalms of the Mass.
Often I hear people ask, “What is the Lords Will? Or How do we know what God wants?” and the answer is quite simple and is found in all four gospels, “LOVE THE LORD, YOUR GOD, WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, MIND, SOUL AND BODY AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.” (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:20, and John 11:3)
I have come to the conclusion that one of the problems we face today in carrying out this will of God is that far too many people do not love or respect themselves.
Too many people are always trying to change the way God created them rather than accepting how God created them and making the most of it.
People show they have disrespect for themselves by maltreating their bodies which, as the second reading for today states, “The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power, Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him. (1 Corinthians 6)
Far too many people today indulge in risky sexual practices, overeat, misuse alcohol, and so many other behaviors which would seem to indicate they do not appreciate how God created them or that they love themselves.
Far too many other people show disrespect to Almighty God by rejecting some of God’s children because of their skin color, nationality, sexual orientation or economic situation and refuse to allow some of God’s children to participate in the worship of God even denying them the sacraments because of the previously stated man made standards.
Sadly, more than once, I have heard of children being refused Baptism because they were born out of wedlock or the person who was denied membership in a faith community because they could not afford the prescribed financial contribution to the church.
This is not serving God, but as scripture reminds us serving wealth and man made things. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24) & (Luke 13).
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians ends with these words; “You are not your own property; you have been bought and paid for. That is why you should use your body for the glory of God.
To use our body for the glory of God means simply that we do not indulge in anything that might bring about the destruction of God’s temple, our bodies, and we use the gift of sex, as an example, as God intended it to be used in a committed loving relationship and not just for our own self gratification.
To answer God’s call is to be totally giving of ourselves just as Christ was totally giving of Himself, even to accepting death on the cross so that we could have forgiveness of our sins and life everlasting.
When we answer God with; “Here I am Lord” we need to be willing to give ourselves over completely to God’s will for us and to become God’s hands, feet, mouth in the service to ALL God’s children.
I want to close this reflection by sharing a prayer I wrote in 1997 which tells God how we give ourselves over to him.
Prayer of Commitment
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD, August 1997
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
Almighty God, I give you my hands to do your work; I give you my feet to go your way; I give you my eyes to see as you do; I give you my tongue to speak your words; I give you my mind that you may think in me;
I give you my spirit that you may pray in me; Above all, I give you my heart that you may love in and through me all with whom I come in contact with each and every day. I dedicate myself to doing your will in all things and to becoming an instrument through which you might bring peace and harmony to all your children here on earth.. AMEN
Oración de compromiso
Por el reverendo Robert Johnnene OFD,
agosto de 1997
www.missionstsergius.org
Dios Todopoderoso, te doy mis manos para realizar su trabajo; Le doy mis pies tu camino; Te doy mis ojos para ver como haces; Te doy mi lengua para hablar de sus palabras; Te doy mi mente que usted puede pensar en mí; Te doy mi espíritu que usted puede orar en mí; Sobre todo, te doy mi corazón que usted puede ama en y a través de mí todo con quien entran en contacto con cada día. Me dedico a hacer su voluntad en todas las cosas y a convertirse en un instrumento a través del cual usted puede traer la paz y armonía a todos tus hijos aquí en la tierra. AMÉN
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Reflection for Mary, Mother of God Feast
May the Lord’s Face Shine On You
A Reflection for January First, Mary Mother of God
Readings: Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21,
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mery, Franklin, MA
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.Missionstsergius.org
The Psalm for the liturgy of New Years Day proclaims a message we all should be shouting from the rooftops, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, How awesome are your works!”
When we couple that with the direction given in the first reading of the day from the book of Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 on how to greet people “You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.”
We receive a direction of living our life in accordance with the teachings of Christ and therefore Almighty God. Our hearts should be filled with the knowledge and love that the King of Glory, Jesus Christ brought to this world. Was not just happenstance, but was part of God’s design from the very beginning of time.
As if to reinforce the truth, that we have all been chosen by God as his children and therefore heirs to the kingdom of heaven we have the words from the second reading found in Galatians 4: “The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.”
The Gospel tell us that the name chosen for the child was not a family mane but that it was given to the infant according to the instructions Mary received from the Angel Gabriel.
When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:22
Besides being the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, today is also commemorated in the western church to celebrate the motherhood of Mary, “the Theotokos” in Greek meaning mother of God. The Gospel reading reminds us that Mary pondered all that had come to pass and also the things she was told would occur in her heart by the priest “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2: 34-35.
There should be no doubt in anyone mind that Jesus is the promised one of the ages and as such we need to heed the things He has instructed us to do. We also have to keep in mind that through the centuries many things have been added to what Jesus instructed, mainly for the purpose of gaining power and wealth. Those things have very little to do with living our life according to God’s will. Celibacy of clergy was an idea that came many years after Christ, the early church had women deacons, the early church blessed same sex commitment ceremonies, liturgies were celebrated in the language of the people. These are just some of the things that churches enforce that were not defined by Christ.
All the grandeur, splendor, pomp and circumstance that is associated with some churches fly in the face of what Christ taught. By His birth in a simple manger alone; Christ gave us a lesson that He came to give hope and promise to all and that the poor and needy where more acceptable than the rich and powerful. “Do unto others as you would have done unto you” this teaching should cause us to think about how we treat others and is it the same way that we would want to be treated?
Jesus Christ came to earth to save us, to open up the gates of heaven to all people. Almighty God sent us His son in human form to teach us the truth, to lead us in the path of righteousness, and to gain for us eternal salvation.
As we begin a New Year let us make a new beginning in our relationship with Almighty God through His beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. Let us vow to make the changes necessary in our lives so that we come closer to God in all that we do. Let us set aside time each and every day to acknowledge God and ask His help in making us a better and newer person. Let us examine way that we can actively make a difference by our actions and deeds. Can we be more compassionate toward those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, homelessness and serious illness? Can we do more to support the spreading of the Good News of Salvation preached by Jesus Christ? Can we make time in our schedules to pray and receive the bread of life, the Eucharist?
As the sports adage says; “The ball is in our court” how are we going to play it?
May the New Year bring peace to the hearts and minds of all people, May the wisdom of God infuse the inner being of all especially the leaders of the worlds governments and religions so that they find a pathway to peace and unity and bring about the promise of The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. AMEN
A Reflection for January First, Mary Mother of God
Readings: Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21,
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mery, Franklin, MA
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.Missionstsergius.org
The Psalm for the liturgy of New Years Day proclaims a message we all should be shouting from the rooftops, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, How awesome are your works!”
When we couple that with the direction given in the first reading of the day from the book of Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 on how to greet people “You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.”
We receive a direction of living our life in accordance with the teachings of Christ and therefore Almighty God. Our hearts should be filled with the knowledge and love that the King of Glory, Jesus Christ brought to this world. Was not just happenstance, but was part of God’s design from the very beginning of time.
As if to reinforce the truth, that we have all been chosen by God as his children and therefore heirs to the kingdom of heaven we have the words from the second reading found in Galatians 4: “The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.”
The Gospel tell us that the name chosen for the child was not a family mane but that it was given to the infant according to the instructions Mary received from the Angel Gabriel.
When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:22
Besides being the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, today is also commemorated in the western church to celebrate the motherhood of Mary, “the Theotokos” in Greek meaning mother of God. The Gospel reading reminds us that Mary pondered all that had come to pass and also the things she was told would occur in her heart by the priest “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2: 34-35.
There should be no doubt in anyone mind that Jesus is the promised one of the ages and as such we need to heed the things He has instructed us to do. We also have to keep in mind that through the centuries many things have been added to what Jesus instructed, mainly for the purpose of gaining power and wealth. Those things have very little to do with living our life according to God’s will. Celibacy of clergy was an idea that came many years after Christ, the early church had women deacons, the early church blessed same sex commitment ceremonies, liturgies were celebrated in the language of the people. These are just some of the things that churches enforce that were not defined by Christ.
All the grandeur, splendor, pomp and circumstance that is associated with some churches fly in the face of what Christ taught. By His birth in a simple manger alone; Christ gave us a lesson that He came to give hope and promise to all and that the poor and needy where more acceptable than the rich and powerful. “Do unto others as you would have done unto you” this teaching should cause us to think about how we treat others and is it the same way that we would want to be treated?
Jesus Christ came to earth to save us, to open up the gates of heaven to all people. Almighty God sent us His son in human form to teach us the truth, to lead us in the path of righteousness, and to gain for us eternal salvation.
As we begin a New Year let us make a new beginning in our relationship with Almighty God through His beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. Let us vow to make the changes necessary in our lives so that we come closer to God in all that we do. Let us set aside time each and every day to acknowledge God and ask His help in making us a better and newer person. Let us examine way that we can actively make a difference by our actions and deeds. Can we be more compassionate toward those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, homelessness and serious illness? Can we do more to support the spreading of the Good News of Salvation preached by Jesus Christ? Can we make time in our schedules to pray and receive the bread of life, the Eucharist?
As the sports adage says; “The ball is in our court” how are we going to play it?
May the New Year bring peace to the hearts and minds of all people, May the wisdom of God infuse the inner being of all especially the leaders of the worlds governments and religions so that they find a pathway to peace and unity and bring about the promise of The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. AMEN
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Reflection for Christmas 2011
Christmas 2011 Reflection
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Divine Mercy Parish/ Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
An All Inclusive Independent Old Catholic Parish and Ministry
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.(John 1:14) Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on earth with whom He is Pleased. Today is born unto us a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (John 2:14, 11) His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) And Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, see, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”.(Luke2:7-14) When Jesus came to earth in goodness and loving kindness He saved us by the virtue of His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which was poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)
All the above passages are from one of the three masses assigned to Christmas.
What we need to ponder as we hear these passages is how Jesus, the King of Kings came into this world and why God choose to send him in the way he did.
The King of Kings, Lord of Lords was not born in the warmth comfort of a home or inn. No, he was born in a humble cave used to keep the farm animals sheltered from the elements.
His crib was a feeding troth filled with hay for a mattress and the warm breath of a donkey and a cow provided heat.
Mary and Joseph, his parents, had accepted God’s will for them even though it could have left them open to criticism and [possibly even death since the birth of the child would have meant that they had sexual relations before they were married a crime punishable by death.
Jesus first visitors were simple shepherds, not the elite of the world.
God sent us a sign by this choice for Christ’s birth.
God was trying to tell us to live our lives simply and not by seeking fame or fortune.
We were given a message that the simple things in life are what count like family, friends, and the beauty of nature.
Christ’s birth as a poor homeless individual was a sign to us to be more compassionate toward the poor and homeless, aged and sick.
His birth was also a sing that we never know what a small baby will achieve in life which is why we need to respect life.
From Christ’s humble birth in a manger came the most powerful and largest religious movement of all history, Christianity, based on the teachings of Christ.
I often think that God sent Christ as a last resort. God got tired of how humans continually changed everything God had inspired the prophets of old to tell people and mad God into a vengeful God rather than what God actually was, a God of Compassion, mercy and LOVE.
God decided, I believe, that the only way to set things straight was to send His only begotten son, into this world in a natural human way and not in a thunderous miracle.
God wanted to set the record straight on how He expected humans to live and treat each other.
Every event of Christ’s life recorded in scripture, is a message to us to be accepting of the diversity God created, compassionate toward the poor, aged, sick and forgiving toward those who do us wrong.
Christ welcomed all who came to him and discriminated toward no one. He sat and ate with those considered sinners.
Christ is referred to as “The Light of the World” which means He was sent to light the way for us, like a brilliant beacon that guides ships away from dangerous shoals and reefs toward a safe harbor.
Christ was born to clarify God’s will and dispel the darkness that prevailed and sadly still causes so much pain and suffering because of man’s interpretation of Christ’s teachings.
Christ came to comfort us in times of distress by assuring us that there is a great reward awaiting us at the end of our earthly life if we follow his example.
The miraculous birth we celebrate today is that of God made flesh.
God gave us a human image to equate to; a human being that had to endure all the human feelings, emotions, problems and joys that each of us has to experience in our journey of life.
Christ endured the pain of loss of a parent and friends, Christ experienced the joy of a wedding of a friend. He became angry at the greed and callousness of the priests and temple employees.
Christ’s message was one of Love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy and generosity.
On this day we celebrate God’s gift to us of His only son and God’s promise of salvation to all his children, let us present an offering to Him that reflects the way of life He advised us to lead.
Let us begin to be more compassionate to those who are suffering from hunger, illnesses such as AIDS and cancer, poverty, homelessness and substandard housing, and discrimination and bullying.
Let us work hard to eliminate the ills of our society and bring about a time of equality and justice for ALL God’s children.
On this day that we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace let us make a concerted effort to bring peace into the world beginning with our own families, friends and neighbors whom we might be have hurt in some way.
If all of us strive toward this goal, what a huge difference it could make in a world where greed, profit, power and a disregard for the needs of hundreds of millions of people seems to be the norm, especially among some who claim to actually be Christians.
As Neil Armstrong said upon landing on the moon, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, a small change in our behavior can become a giant leap if each person whose life was changed in even a small way were to reciprocate by making a difference in another’s life, miracles could happen.
In the news this week we have heard of strangers who have gone into stores like Wal-Mart, K Mart and Target and paid off the balances due on peoples lay-a-Way’.
According to the news it influenced others to do the same. That is what a gesture of kindness could do.
This week I have made over 40 Christmas arrangements for distribution to some of those nursing home patients and shut-ins I visit. It cost more than $250 which the ministry could not afford, but I felt that the ray of hope and enjoyment it could bring into the lives of those receiving them was far more important and a way I could do what I believe Christ would have done if he were walking this earth today. We are called to be Christ’s hands and feet as his ministers, which means we are supposed to try to live as we believe Christ would have lived today.
By our taking a small step toward bringing peace into our own lives we might prod others to do the same and eventually this “Virus of Peace” could envelope the whole world.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)
With these words of Jesus I end this joyous message of Christmas and pray that the Peace and infinite love of Christ will invade your hearts today and all the days of your life.
Merry Christmas and May God bless us all with a peaceful and joyous New Year. AMEN
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Divine Mercy Parish/ Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
An All Inclusive Independent Old Catholic Parish and Ministry
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.(John 1:14) Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on earth with whom He is Pleased. Today is born unto us a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (John 2:14, 11) His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) And Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, see, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”.(Luke2:7-14) When Jesus came to earth in goodness and loving kindness He saved us by the virtue of His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which was poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)
All the above passages are from one of the three masses assigned to Christmas.
What we need to ponder as we hear these passages is how Jesus, the King of Kings came into this world and why God choose to send him in the way he did.
The King of Kings, Lord of Lords was not born in the warmth comfort of a home or inn. No, he was born in a humble cave used to keep the farm animals sheltered from the elements.
His crib was a feeding troth filled with hay for a mattress and the warm breath of a donkey and a cow provided heat.
Mary and Joseph, his parents, had accepted God’s will for them even though it could have left them open to criticism and [possibly even death since the birth of the child would have meant that they had sexual relations before they were married a crime punishable by death.
Jesus first visitors were simple shepherds, not the elite of the world.
God sent us a sign by this choice for Christ’s birth.
God was trying to tell us to live our lives simply and not by seeking fame or fortune.
We were given a message that the simple things in life are what count like family, friends, and the beauty of nature.
Christ’s birth as a poor homeless individual was a sign to us to be more compassionate toward the poor and homeless, aged and sick.
His birth was also a sing that we never know what a small baby will achieve in life which is why we need to respect life.
From Christ’s humble birth in a manger came the most powerful and largest religious movement of all history, Christianity, based on the teachings of Christ.
I often think that God sent Christ as a last resort. God got tired of how humans continually changed everything God had inspired the prophets of old to tell people and mad God into a vengeful God rather than what God actually was, a God of Compassion, mercy and LOVE.
God decided, I believe, that the only way to set things straight was to send His only begotten son, into this world in a natural human way and not in a thunderous miracle.
God wanted to set the record straight on how He expected humans to live and treat each other.
Every event of Christ’s life recorded in scripture, is a message to us to be accepting of the diversity God created, compassionate toward the poor, aged, sick and forgiving toward those who do us wrong.
Christ welcomed all who came to him and discriminated toward no one. He sat and ate with those considered sinners.
Christ is referred to as “The Light of the World” which means He was sent to light the way for us, like a brilliant beacon that guides ships away from dangerous shoals and reefs toward a safe harbor.
Christ was born to clarify God’s will and dispel the darkness that prevailed and sadly still causes so much pain and suffering because of man’s interpretation of Christ’s teachings.
Christ came to comfort us in times of distress by assuring us that there is a great reward awaiting us at the end of our earthly life if we follow his example.
The miraculous birth we celebrate today is that of God made flesh.
God gave us a human image to equate to; a human being that had to endure all the human feelings, emotions, problems and joys that each of us has to experience in our journey of life.
Christ endured the pain of loss of a parent and friends, Christ experienced the joy of a wedding of a friend. He became angry at the greed and callousness of the priests and temple employees.
Christ’s message was one of Love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy and generosity.
On this day we celebrate God’s gift to us of His only son and God’s promise of salvation to all his children, let us present an offering to Him that reflects the way of life He advised us to lead.
Let us begin to be more compassionate to those who are suffering from hunger, illnesses such as AIDS and cancer, poverty, homelessness and substandard housing, and discrimination and bullying.
Let us work hard to eliminate the ills of our society and bring about a time of equality and justice for ALL God’s children.
On this day that we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace let us make a concerted effort to bring peace into the world beginning with our own families, friends and neighbors whom we might be have hurt in some way.
If all of us strive toward this goal, what a huge difference it could make in a world where greed, profit, power and a disregard for the needs of hundreds of millions of people seems to be the norm, especially among some who claim to actually be Christians.
As Neil Armstrong said upon landing on the moon, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, a small change in our behavior can become a giant leap if each person whose life was changed in even a small way were to reciprocate by making a difference in another’s life, miracles could happen.
In the news this week we have heard of strangers who have gone into stores like Wal-Mart, K Mart and Target and paid off the balances due on peoples lay-a-Way’.
According to the news it influenced others to do the same. That is what a gesture of kindness could do.
This week I have made over 40 Christmas arrangements for distribution to some of those nursing home patients and shut-ins I visit. It cost more than $250 which the ministry could not afford, but I felt that the ray of hope and enjoyment it could bring into the lives of those receiving them was far more important and a way I could do what I believe Christ would have done if he were walking this earth today. We are called to be Christ’s hands and feet as his ministers, which means we are supposed to try to live as we believe Christ would have lived today.
By our taking a small step toward bringing peace into our own lives we might prod others to do the same and eventually this “Virus of Peace” could envelope the whole world.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)
With these words of Jesus I end this joyous message of Christmas and pray that the Peace and infinite love of Christ will invade your hearts today and all the days of your life.
Merry Christmas and May God bless us all with a peaceful and joyous New Year. AMEN
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Reflection for the Feast of Immaculate Conception
Immaculate Conception Feast Reflection
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
On this, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother let us reflect on what that means in the overall story of God’s gift to all humanity of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit.
Almighty God deemed that Mary should come into this world free of the stain that all others before and after her have come into this world with, original sin, so that she would be a pure receptacle within which Our Savior Jesus Christ would be conceived in.
He sent His messenger, the angel Gabriel, to her to inform her that she had been chosen to bear the promised of the ages.
Mary responded with apprehension but with the affirmative words “Let it be done unto me according to thy will”.
In our lives, we often are faced with challenges or situations where we have great apprehension but after prayer, we feel that what we are facing is God’s will.
Do we respond with “Let it be done according to thy will O Lord”? Or do we complain because it is difficult?
I often wonder what went through Our Blessed Mothers mind when Simeon told her, “a sword will pierce your soul.”
If we had been told that, we would run for cover or accept it as God will that had to be accomplished.
Mary accepted it with the same full acceptance as she accepted her conception without having a sexual relation and being unmarried.
Mary was totally accepting of God’s will in spite of the fact that it held extreme danger for her since an unmarried woman with child was supposed to be stoned to death.
If only each of us could only become more like Mary, accepting our lives as God chose it for us and make the best of them by living our life with the purpose of bringing greater honor and glory to God.
I am certain that Our Blessed Mother was instrumental in my being where I am since the order I was accepted into after so many years of applying to religious orders after my marriage ended, was The Servant Franciscans of the Immaculata, an order dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother.
When that order disbanded I felt called to found the Franciscans of Divine Mercy.
On this feast honoring the Immaculate Conception of Mary, let us dedicate ourselves to being more like Our Blessed Mother, totally and completely accepting God’s will for us. Let us strive to live our life in a manner that reflects her life by accepting what God sends our way even the less than desirable as Christ accepted his passion and death in order for us to have forgiveness of sins.
By accepting all that comes our way we can be assured that we will be blessed with all God’s gifts we will need to gain eternal peace for all eternity.
On December 8th in 1957, I was living in a walk up in New York pursuing my second love Theater, after being told by the Josephites that I needed to think about my vocation to the priesthood and being laicized from my vows as a deacon, I could not seem to fall asleep because some words kept going round and round in my head.
I finally got up and wrote what was in my head down and then went back to bed and sleep. The next morning when I got up, I went to the table and there was what I had written. I thought, “My mother will like this”, and I mailed it to her.
In 1987 after she died, as I was going through her things, I came across the original paper with what I had written on it. I would like to share it with you now.
I call it, A Sinner’s Prayer
A SINNER’S PRAYER
O, Mary Immaculate, Virgin so fair
Mother of our Savior, please hear my prayer
Intercede dearest Mother to your Heavenly Son
Tell Him I am sorry for all the wrongs and sins I have done
Ask Him to guide me by the gifts of the Holy Spirits truth in all of my ways
So that I may be with Him to give glory and praise at the end of my days. Amen
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
On this, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother let us reflect on what that means in the overall story of God’s gift to all humanity of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit.
Almighty God deemed that Mary should come into this world free of the stain that all others before and after her have come into this world with, original sin, so that she would be a pure receptacle within which Our Savior Jesus Christ would be conceived in.
He sent His messenger, the angel Gabriel, to her to inform her that she had been chosen to bear the promised of the ages.
Mary responded with apprehension but with the affirmative words “Let it be done unto me according to thy will”.
In our lives, we often are faced with challenges or situations where we have great apprehension but after prayer, we feel that what we are facing is God’s will.
Do we respond with “Let it be done according to thy will O Lord”? Or do we complain because it is difficult?
I often wonder what went through Our Blessed Mothers mind when Simeon told her, “a sword will pierce your soul.”
If we had been told that, we would run for cover or accept it as God will that had to be accomplished.
Mary accepted it with the same full acceptance as she accepted her conception without having a sexual relation and being unmarried.
Mary was totally accepting of God’s will in spite of the fact that it held extreme danger for her since an unmarried woman with child was supposed to be stoned to death.
If only each of us could only become more like Mary, accepting our lives as God chose it for us and make the best of them by living our life with the purpose of bringing greater honor and glory to God.
I am certain that Our Blessed Mother was instrumental in my being where I am since the order I was accepted into after so many years of applying to religious orders after my marriage ended, was The Servant Franciscans of the Immaculata, an order dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother.
When that order disbanded I felt called to found the Franciscans of Divine Mercy.
On this feast honoring the Immaculate Conception of Mary, let us dedicate ourselves to being more like Our Blessed Mother, totally and completely accepting God’s will for us. Let us strive to live our life in a manner that reflects her life by accepting what God sends our way even the less than desirable as Christ accepted his passion and death in order for us to have forgiveness of sins.
By accepting all that comes our way we can be assured that we will be blessed with all God’s gifts we will need to gain eternal peace for all eternity.
On December 8th in 1957, I was living in a walk up in New York pursuing my second love Theater, after being told by the Josephites that I needed to think about my vocation to the priesthood and being laicized from my vows as a deacon, I could not seem to fall asleep because some words kept going round and round in my head.
I finally got up and wrote what was in my head down and then went back to bed and sleep. The next morning when I got up, I went to the table and there was what I had written. I thought, “My mother will like this”, and I mailed it to her.
In 1987 after she died, as I was going through her things, I came across the original paper with what I had written on it. I would like to share it with you now.
I call it, A Sinner’s Prayer
A SINNER’S PRAYER
O, Mary Immaculate, Virgin so fair
Mother of our Savior, please hear my prayer
Intercede dearest Mother to your Heavenly Son
Tell Him I am sorry for all the wrongs and sins I have done
Ask Him to guide me by the gifts of the Holy Spirits truth in all of my ways
So that I may be with Him to give glory and praise at the end of my days. Amen
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