Reflections of a beloved son

“So also I will allow the pride of Judah to rot, the great pride of Jerusalem.” Jeremiah 13:9 Pride is a tricky thing. Is it wrong to be proud of yourself for a job well done? I don’t think so, but if it gets to your head and you begin to look down on people, then I’d say yes. Pride can get in the way of everything that is important to you, relationships being a major one. Pride focuses on the individual and slowly blocks out other people, even God. While we may feel that we are on top of the world because of our accomplishments and achievements, our relationships may be deteriorating, and our hearts may be rotting. This is not to say that accomplishments and achievements are not worth celebrating but if those are what drives our being and all that we do then the important parts of life may be withering. Sometimes we care so much about the bloom of a plant that we neglect what is needed to ensure the continued growth and health of the plant – the roots, the soil, etc. Selfish pride w...

“I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.” Jeremiah 3:15 Memorial of St. Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest God promised the people of Israel that He would send people to lead them, guide them, encourage them, teach them, and comfort them. He would not abandon them in the midst of slavery or exile. That even when all seems dark and lost, there remains a light and a hope that can never be extinguished. The Lord sent prophets throughout the history of Israel, encouraging the people, speaking for the Lord, anointing kings, and in the fullness of time, God sent His Son, the King of Kings and Lord or Lords, the greatest prophet and the Good Shepherd to save us and to lead us to Paradise with Him. But the people did not always listen and heed the messages of the prophets and leaders. God continued to send but the people could choose to listen or ignore. When finally He sent His only begotten Son, many ignored and even called for His death. T...

“You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 As children, whether at home or at school, we should have been taught what is right and what is wrong. But times have changed. We seem to be confused by what is right and good and what is wrong and evil. What is right and good is now seen as what is conservative and uptight, and what is wrong and evil is now just how we express our individuality. What is wrong will always be wrong – it can’t be justified. Deep down in our hearts we know what is good and what is bad. We have the innate desire to be good because we belong to Goodness. Only the Truth can satiate our hunger. We only need to do what is right, to desire and to love goodness and to clothe ourselves with humility, knowing that we depend on God. So simple yet so difficult. May we ask the Lord for the strength and humility to always choose to do what is right an...

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time What does it mean to be hospitable or to be a good host? Am I kind to people because they have been kind to me or because I know they will be kind back? Am I generous with someone because I know they have the capability and means to pay me back? A true spirit of giving and hospitality is one that consists of no other intent than to give. Meaning if I am doing something for an ulterior motive then I am doing it for the wrong reason. I can think of so many times when I do something, yes at face value I am doing it simply because I know it’s the right thing to do, but deep down I hope for something in return.   If we are really to do something for someone then we really should not expect or even want anything in return. It is easier to be generous and kind to someone we know or like, but it’s not as easy when it comes to someone we do...

Power. Love. Self-control. These were the three things St. Paul reminded of Timothy. “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” Power does not mean dominating the weak or less fortunate, but rather recognizing our weaknesses and letting go of our pride and putting on humility. Love does not mean seeking out pleasure, but rather laying down our lives for others. Power and love are wonderful things, but the world has distorted it. All things that are good are used for the good of others. Power and love are used for the good of others. May we ask the Lord to remove our selfish ambitions and grant us the grace to live selfless lives, bearing witness to the Gospel.

When we get blamed for something or accused of doing or saying something we didn't do or say, how do we respond? Or, when our kindness gets taken for something else and we in turn get the cold shoulder, how do we react? St. Stephen turned to prayer and asked for the forgiveness of those stoning him. Are we like St. Stephen who remains committed only to the Truth and to love even until death, or do we profess one thing with our lips and believe another in our hearts? What we profess must be the same as what we believe. Let us ask God for the grace of humility and courage to reject all duplicity. #Forgiveness #Truth #Humility #BelovedSonMinistry