What is Zacchaeus doing? Why is he climbing a tree? Are we like Zacchaeus? Should we be like Zacchaeus?
We are busy; our days are crowded with concerns, activities, family, work, etc. All of these make it difficult for us to slow down, be aware of God in our lives. We forget. And we miss little moments where we can be blessed by an awareness of God with us always.
How do we be a follower of the Gospel today? Be a person of God, a Christian in our world? We are called to be holy. Openness to God, discipleship, awareness, and prayerfulness are characteristics we want in our daily lives. But we can’t be prayerful, aware, stopping to quiet ourselves all day. It’s not humanly possible.
Maybe our answer comes from Zacchaeus. He is also seeking, questioning, and then finding out for himself. He climbs a tree, finds a spot, puts himself in a place where he can view Jesus. He takes that extra step, that extra time to seek a glimpse of Jesus.
We can take a little time each week, each day to pause, be quiet, pray, practice openness. Take a few minutes to be in touch with the life that is within us, the life within us however we envision it: God’s spirit, God’s love, God’s blessings, etc.
If we highlight our day with prayer, then all that we do becomes a prayer. Knowing and living this lifts the burden and quest that sometimes wearies us: “How do I do this spiritual thing all the time?”
What will you do so to highlight your day with prayer, so that all you do is a prayer? Be like Zacchaeus. Find your own way to climb a tree to see God more clearly. Find your spot or time to get a glimpse of Jesus. Seek your few moments regularly to be in God’s presence.
With our Scripture readings for this week, we will be enabled to pray with the writer of Wisdom, “O Lord and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things!” We want to also pray for each other with St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, “We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.”
Mary Ellen Koenn is a member of St John's
Recommended Reading:
Retreat in the Real World by Alexander, Gillick, and McCann-Waldron
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/cmo-retreat.html
Question of the Week:
What can I do this week to be like Zacchaeus? How do I pray regularly so that all I do is a prayer?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
“I don’t want to be a Pharisee...”
Luke begins today’s Gospel by giving away the story, the Pharisee is described as self-righteous and despising others, even before he appears. Does this editorial comment provide too much information? What if the Pharisee is sincere and believes all he says? After all, he begins by thanking God and saying that he avoids sin and does good by fasting and tithing. Isn’t that what we aspire to? Isn’t it all those other people who are greedy, dishonest and adulterous?
Almost certainly, the Pharisee sins less than the tax collector, and leads what he truly believes is a holy life, which should merit him a reward. Was it the editorial comment or something more subtle that caused Jesus to choose the tax collector as the role model? The tax collector sins more, but he believes that he can be forgiven. He understands something that the Pharisee misses, that salvation is a free gift from God, not a reward. The Pharisee’s sin is not his arrogance, but his self reliant attitude regarding justification.
The roles here could be entirely reversed; the tax collector is, after all, a man of importance in the community, at least to the government. Why is he more justified? Perhaps the first reading can help. We learn that God does not discriminate or play favorites, although He hears the cry of the oppressed and weak, the widows and orphans. This seems to be inconsistent, but perhaps these people understand, as did the tax collector, that sins can be forgiven, and that salvation is a free gift. The writer of Godspell, the musical from long ago, succinctly rewrote these readings: “What gift have we to offer, for all Thy love imparts, but that which Thou desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.”
Joan Mooney is a member of St. John’s
Further readings: The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Henri Nouwen
Psalm 51
See: Godspell
Question of the Week:
Do I minister like the Pharisee, for the pat on the back, the affirmation, the recognition?
Almost certainly, the Pharisee sins less than the tax collector, and leads what he truly believes is a holy life, which should merit him a reward. Was it the editorial comment or something more subtle that caused Jesus to choose the tax collector as the role model? The tax collector sins more, but he believes that he can be forgiven. He understands something that the Pharisee misses, that salvation is a free gift from God, not a reward. The Pharisee’s sin is not his arrogance, but his self reliant attitude regarding justification.
The roles here could be entirely reversed; the tax collector is, after all, a man of importance in the community, at least to the government. Why is he more justified? Perhaps the first reading can help. We learn that God does not discriminate or play favorites, although He hears the cry of the oppressed and weak, the widows and orphans. This seems to be inconsistent, but perhaps these people understand, as did the tax collector, that sins can be forgiven, and that salvation is a free gift. The writer of Godspell, the musical from long ago, succinctly rewrote these readings: “What gift have we to offer, for all Thy love imparts, but that which Thou desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.”
Joan Mooney is a member of St. John’s
Further readings: The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Henri Nouwen
Psalm 51
See: Godspell
Question of the Week:
Do I minister like the Pharisee, for the pat on the back, the affirmation, the recognition?
“John Henry Cardinal Newman’s Thoughts on ‘What is a University?’”
by John Stasny (September 10, 2000)
edited by Moira Reilly
We celebrated with the rest of the world on September 19th, 2010 when Pope Benedict XVI beatified Cardinal Newman (1801-1890), for whom our Newman Hall is named, along with all of the Newman centers for Catholic students at secular universities across the English-speaking world. Newman was the university man par excellence. His own education was at Oxford University, where he also served as a fellow and then a tutor (professor), until he left to join the Catholic Church. Newman became a Cardinal in 1879.
For all of us associated in various ways with WVU, we must ask ourselves: “What is a University and what are we doing here?” Newman’s own thoughts on the university shed light for us:
"A University is a place of concourse, whither students come from every quarter for every kind of knowledge...it is a place in which the intellect may safely range and speculate, sure to find its equal in some antagonistic activity, and its judge in the tribunal of truth. It is a place where inquiry is pushed forward, and discoveries verified and perfected, and rashness innocuous, and error exposed, by the collision of mind with mind, and knowledge with knowledge. It is a place where the professor becomes eloquent, and is a missionary and a preacher, displaying his science in its most complete and most winning form, pouring it forth with the zeal of enthusiasm, and lighting up his own love of it in the breasts of his hearers...it is the seat of wisdom, a light of the world, a minister of faith, an Alma Mater of the rising generation." (The Rise and Progress of Universities, 1854)
"When a multitude of young [wo/]men, keen, open-hearted, sympathetic, and observant, as young [wo/]men are, come together and freely mix with each other, they are sure to learn one from another...the conversation of all is a series of lectures to each, and they gain for themselves new ideas and views, fresh matter of thought, and distinct principles for judging and acting, day by day...learning how to think, reason, compare, discriminate, and discover and contemplate the truth...forming a habit of mind which lasts through life, of which the attributes are freedom, equitableness, calmness, moderation and wisdom." (The Idea of a University, 1852)
The Idea of a University is Newman’s most important book on the nature and purpose of a University. I used to tell my students that if they approached commencement day without having read and meditated on it, they would be taking their degrees under false pretenses.
Recommended Reading:
The Idea of a University (1852) by John Henry Cardinal Newman
Question of the week:
In light of Cardinal Newman’s thoughts on the mission of the university, what is our mission as St. John University Parish? How can we fulfill this mission?
edited by Moira Reilly
We celebrated with the rest of the world on September 19th, 2010 when Pope Benedict XVI beatified Cardinal Newman (1801-1890), for whom our Newman Hall is named, along with all of the Newman centers for Catholic students at secular universities across the English-speaking world. Newman was the university man par excellence. His own education was at Oxford University, where he also served as a fellow and then a tutor (professor), until he left to join the Catholic Church. Newman became a Cardinal in 1879.
For all of us associated in various ways with WVU, we must ask ourselves: “What is a University and what are we doing here?” Newman’s own thoughts on the university shed light for us:
"A University is a place of concourse, whither students come from every quarter for every kind of knowledge...it is a place in which the intellect may safely range and speculate, sure to find its equal in some antagonistic activity, and its judge in the tribunal of truth. It is a place where inquiry is pushed forward, and discoveries verified and perfected, and rashness innocuous, and error exposed, by the collision of mind with mind, and knowledge with knowledge. It is a place where the professor becomes eloquent, and is a missionary and a preacher, displaying his science in its most complete and most winning form, pouring it forth with the zeal of enthusiasm, and lighting up his own love of it in the breasts of his hearers...it is the seat of wisdom, a light of the world, a minister of faith, an Alma Mater of the rising generation." (The Rise and Progress of Universities, 1854)
"When a multitude of young [wo/]men, keen, open-hearted, sympathetic, and observant, as young [wo/]men are, come together and freely mix with each other, they are sure to learn one from another...the conversation of all is a series of lectures to each, and they gain for themselves new ideas and views, fresh matter of thought, and distinct principles for judging and acting, day by day...learning how to think, reason, compare, discriminate, and discover and contemplate the truth...forming a habit of mind which lasts through life, of which the attributes are freedom, equitableness, calmness, moderation and wisdom." (The Idea of a University, 1852)
The Idea of a University is Newman’s most important book on the nature and purpose of a University. I used to tell my students that if they approached commencement day without having read and meditated on it, they would be taking their degrees under false pretenses.
Recommended Reading:
The Idea of a University (1852) by John Henry Cardinal Newman
Question of the week:
In light of Cardinal Newman’s thoughts on the mission of the university, what is our mission as St. John University Parish? How can we fulfill this mission?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Through a Glass Darkly
Obviously Jesus didn’t own a cat, otherwise the parable in Sunday’s reading would feature the persistence of a cat rather than a widow. When your cat begs you for food, expect a deafening concert of meows, and cats don’t have a remote with a mute button! That must be the kind of persistence God wants in our prayers to Him too. Or maybe more, since cats offer you all the theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Love.
Cats show you their love by rubbing against your legs so vigorously that you better sit down lest you fall, and with improved access to your legs, they’ll dig their claws into your trousers. Is that what God’s looking for? Maybe; He did have Jeremiah (13:11) to tell us that He wants us to cling to Him like tight underwear. When we pray to God do we show such love for Him, or just meow loudly for what we want?
When cats beg, they show their faith by coming to you, looking you in the eyes, and asking you for what they want. Oh, if possible, they would open the pantry door, and find food for themselves. But lacking an opposable thumb, they must rely on a greater power. When we pray, do we admit our limitations? Do we believe that God can answer prayers? Do we show our Faith in Him, or just beg meowingly?
Catechism of the Catholic Church (1820) says that Hope links Faith and Love, but cats already knew that. They believe in you, love you and know you love them, and that they can expect good from you. When we pray, do we show such a trusting relationship with God? If so, keep meowing; we can expect good from Him!
Stan Wearden is professor of statistics at WVU and a member of St. John's.
Recommended Reading:
God's Plan for You by Fr. Bekeh Utietiang
Question of the Week:
What strengthens me in faith and trust? When I lay a petition before the Lord, do I trust that God will take care of it?
http://wvudoubtingthomas.blogspot.com
Cats show you their love by rubbing against your legs so vigorously that you better sit down lest you fall, and with improved access to your legs, they’ll dig their claws into your trousers. Is that what God’s looking for? Maybe; He did have Jeremiah (13:11) to tell us that He wants us to cling to Him like tight underwear. When we pray to God do we show such love for Him, or just meow loudly for what we want?
When cats beg, they show their faith by coming to you, looking you in the eyes, and asking you for what they want. Oh, if possible, they would open the pantry door, and find food for themselves. But lacking an opposable thumb, they must rely on a greater power. When we pray, do we admit our limitations? Do we believe that God can answer prayers? Do we show our Faith in Him, or just beg meowingly?
Catechism of the Catholic Church (1820) says that Hope links Faith and Love, but cats already knew that. They believe in you, love you and know you love them, and that they can expect good from you. When we pray, do we show such a trusting relationship with God? If so, keep meowing; we can expect good from Him!
Stan Wearden is professor of statistics at WVU and a member of St. John's.
Recommended Reading:
God's Plan for You by Fr. Bekeh Utietiang
Question of the Week:
What strengthens me in faith and trust? When I lay a petition before the Lord, do I trust that God will take care of it?
http://wvudoubtingthomas.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Indiscriminant Love
This week’s reading talked about healing and God’s welcoming. During His ministry Jesus healed so many people, but personally this weekend’s gospel is one of my favorites on this topic. Luke takes special care to say that the only leper to return and praise God was a Samaritan. Throughout the gospels it is made very clear how the Samaritans and Jewish people dislike each other. Yet, at the same time, stories such as this and the Good Samaritan show a different side, and through this how God accepts anyone to Him, no matter who they are. This is God’s version of the disclaimer that is seen on every application and syllabus, that there is no discrimination. God loves everyone no matter who they are. He does not discriminate. If you want to go to Him, He will be there. God will always be there, especially in our toughest times; I know this fact extremely well. Though we may suffer in this life, He is there to comfort us. Though we may be sick and everyone else keeps away, He will be right beside us, healing us. Even if we have left Him, if we return, He will heal us.
While last week we heard how God is strict, this week we see the soft loving side of Him. All we need to do is seek Him out and believe in Him. If you’ve ever seen or had it read to you as a child, this is the same faith that allows you to hear Santa’s bells on Christmas in the Polar Express.
To close I leave you with one more analogy; if heaven were a hotel the vacancy light would always be on and God would always have a reservation for you, all you need to do is show up.
Victoria Trimble is a sophomore forensics major here at WVU.
Recommended Reading:
Psalm 139
Question of the Week:
How have you experienced God’s loving embrace?
While last week we heard how God is strict, this week we see the soft loving side of Him. All we need to do is seek Him out and believe in Him. If you’ve ever seen or had it read to you as a child, this is the same faith that allows you to hear Santa’s bells on Christmas in the Polar Express.
To close I leave you with one more analogy; if heaven were a hotel the vacancy light would always be on and God would always have a reservation for you, all you need to do is show up.
Victoria Trimble is a sophomore forensics major here at WVU.
Recommended Reading:
Psalm 139
Question of the Week:
How have you experienced God’s loving embrace?
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Servant’s Heart
As “faithful” Christians, we sometimes feel like we should be exempt from certain sufferings or strife. We think we deserve relief or ask God for His favor or merit for our adherence to His word. But Jesus dispels that notion when he tells us that doing what is expected is simply doing one’s duty. God has already blessed us, His believers, with gifts beyond measure. Our service is a response to God’s grace, not a way of earning grace.
We are called to turn ourselves over completely to the Lord. And by becoming His, we can truly understand our heavenly call. This is certainly hard to do with the demands of daily living, but through our expressions of humility, love and servitude, we are faithfully following God’s nurturing plan. Living as God wants us to live is typified by the story of Nick Vujicic:
…On the morning of December 4, 1982, moments after his birth, they laid Nick in his mother's arms. She held a blunt torso. Her firstborn had no arms. No legs. No limbs. Just this one twisted flap of flesh, a foot flipper. She swaddled him close and prayed; and he lived, thrived. Doctors never knew why Nick was born without limbs. Today Nick combs his hair, brushes his teeth, jets around the world on speaking tours, and, astonishingly, even swims.
But it's his words that jolt: . . . “People are touched just by my smile. It's important to be open to the way God wants to use us." Nick, a man with no biceps, no thighs, just teeth and a "'flipper," can get himself a glass of water, type on his keyboard, and shares his hope story with thousands of hurting people. God uses people willing to minister not out of their strengths but out of real weakness. Isn't that how God himself ministered to the world?
The application of today’s readings is clear. Those serving God cannot simply stop working and expect gratitude. Rather, because of our gratitude to God for His gift of faith and love, we must share our faith with others, and strive to bring God’s justice to reality on earth. We do not simply minister for the sake of ourselves. We act out of gratitude for the undeserved gifts we have already received. Nick Vujicic fulfills that faith challenge every day. Can I do anything less?
“Almost-Deacon Don” Battista did his pastoral ministry internship with our campus ministry in 2009. He is a parishioner at St. Peter the Apostle and St. Peter at the Lake Parish in Garrett County, Maryland and will be ordained a deacon in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in May, 2011.
Questions of the Week:
Where is God leading me? How can I be a better servant?
Recommended Reading:
You Are Special by Max Lucado
(Moira has a copy in her office: stop by!)
We are called to turn ourselves over completely to the Lord. And by becoming His, we can truly understand our heavenly call. This is certainly hard to do with the demands of daily living, but through our expressions of humility, love and servitude, we are faithfully following God’s nurturing plan. Living as God wants us to live is typified by the story of Nick Vujicic:
…On the morning of December 4, 1982, moments after his birth, they laid Nick in his mother's arms. She held a blunt torso. Her firstborn had no arms. No legs. No limbs. Just this one twisted flap of flesh, a foot flipper. She swaddled him close and prayed; and he lived, thrived. Doctors never knew why Nick was born without limbs. Today Nick combs his hair, brushes his teeth, jets around the world on speaking tours, and, astonishingly, even swims.
But it's his words that jolt: . . . “People are touched just by my smile. It's important to be open to the way God wants to use us." Nick, a man with no biceps, no thighs, just teeth and a "'flipper," can get himself a glass of water, type on his keyboard, and shares his hope story with thousands of hurting people. God uses people willing to minister not out of their strengths but out of real weakness. Isn't that how God himself ministered to the world?
The application of today’s readings is clear. Those serving God cannot simply stop working and expect gratitude. Rather, because of our gratitude to God for His gift of faith and love, we must share our faith with others, and strive to bring God’s justice to reality on earth. We do not simply minister for the sake of ourselves. We act out of gratitude for the undeserved gifts we have already received. Nick Vujicic fulfills that faith challenge every day. Can I do anything less?
“Almost-Deacon Don” Battista did his pastoral ministry internship with our campus ministry in 2009. He is a parishioner at St. Peter the Apostle and St. Peter at the Lake Parish in Garrett County, Maryland and will be ordained a deacon in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in May, 2011.
Questions of the Week:
Where is God leading me? How can I be a better servant?
Recommended Reading:
You Are Special by Max Lucado
(Moira has a copy in her office: stop by!)
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