Lk 21:29-33 Stop Bending! Stand Erect!

Lk 21:29-33 Stop Bending! Stand Erect!

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Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you…heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Today is “Black Friday”. Hundreds of thousands of shoppers will be looking for and taking advantage of great deals and bargains. Items that were once out of reach may know be available at half the price!

I think this is all good news when deals apply to appliances, gadgets and clothes. But if applied to faith and morals, then I think we would be selling ourselves far too cheap!

The Vatican just published its annual report on the growth of the Church. Over thirty-four thousand new believers are added daily throughout the world. Just fewer than two thousand new believers are added to the ranks of Anglicans, Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons on a daily basis. This surprised me! After all, who would want to be a Catholic today? Isn’t it much harder to get married in the Catholic Church? Aren’t the obligations of being a Catholic much more intense? Yes. And you can see how truth bears fruit!

Last week, the Spanish voters ousted the Socialist Party from power after a humiliating defeat in general elections. The Conservative Popular Party won an absolute majority in parliament. Jose Zapataro, the socialist Prime Minister, spent his years in office bending over backwards to humiliate Catholics in Spain. What the Spaniards did not realize was that he was bending them over backwards by bankrupting their pensions and nation! The nation nearly broke – financially and morally! I would not be surprised if he is held responsible for the devastation he inflicted upon the nation.

In Pakistan, the head of the telecommunications office recommended that the words “Jesus Christ” be banned from texting! He stated that the freedom of Pakistani people is “subjected to limitations stipulated by the law, in the interest of the glory of Islam.” This is one reason (out of many) that I reject Islam. Any religion that resorts to death threats to maintain its members or prohibits the free flow of ideas from other religions must not believe that it can stand on its own truths. Thank God for the bravery of the Minister of Harmony, the Catholic, Akram Gill, who raised the matter in the cabinet of ministers. He did not bend! He stood erect! The proposal was defeated.

How can anyone in their right mind say that all religions are the same? If the vast majority of Americans only knew! If they only knew, and took not for granted their Christian roots!

All the above will one day pass away. Even the Church will pass away. But Christ’s Word, God’s Word, will never pass away. Every day we must renew our resolve to banish evil, not Christ, from the planet. The cute Protestant saying, “Once saved, always saved” does not make any sense to me. After all, we are not God. When God speaks, creation happens. When we speak, it may or may not get done! “Once saved, always saved” ignores human nature and seasons. Imagine the pilgrims saying to one another, “If we make it through this one winter, we will make it through all of them!” We all know that one mild winter could easily be followed by a severe one. We all know that one good day could quickly be followed by a horrible one! Our faith will always be tested until we cross the finish line!

We cannot sit back on our laurels or on our morals. Otherwise, we will find ourselves being bent to the breaking point! The Lord reminds his faithful (not the new comers) to “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Lk 21:20-28 Signs Of Things To Come

Lk 21:20-28 Signs Of Things To Come

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Jesus said to his disciples, “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

This morning I woke up to a beautiful fog! It is a sign of things to come.

By all accounts, the day will be pleasant. The Lord has blessed us with his fog!

The Lord distances our eyes from the future. He loves to keep us in suspense. All things are gradual with the Lord. Time is measured by the seasons. Time is measured by His reasons. Time is measured by His son. Time is measured by the sun.

This morning I woke up from a beautiful fog. It is a sign of things to come.

I give thanks to the living God, for saving me from the lion’s den! His kingdom and throne shall endure forever. His dominion shall be without end. He is a deliverer and savior, workings signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. (cf. Dan 6:27-28)

The Lord has blessed us with this holy fog. It is a sign of his son to come.

Give glory and eternal praise to Him. Praise and exalt the Lord above all forever. Nights and days, bless the Lord. Light and darkness, bless the Lord. Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. (cf. Dn 3)

The Lord has blessed us with his wonders. It is a sign of the end to come.

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. The Son of Man will come to save. The Son of Man will come to our aid. How I long to see the God made man; the Man who saved me from no end.

This morning I woke up from a beautiful fog. It is a sign of opened eyes.

Put on your sackcloth and gird your loins. The first born son has ransomed thee. He is the burnt offering upon the altar. He is the blood-stained lamb that will not falter. The Lord burns the fog with His light - like a child burns a candle in the middle of the night.

The Lord has blessed us with his wonders. It is a sign of thanks that will come.

Luke 21:5-11 Between Terror and Trust

Luke 21:5-11 Between Terror and Trust

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Jesus said to some people, “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end…Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom… There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”

Why is it that the most beautiful (and most important) moments of our life must be accompanied by terror? Think about when you got married. Wasn’t that day the most beautiful and most terrifying? Or think back to the moment when you gave birth to your first child and how your heart was filled with terror and joy, and all at the same time! Why is it? What is it about life that makes it not only so remarkable, but also so terrifying?

Why is it that we must experience terror while taking the first steps in our life?

I believe there is a sublime law that governs each and every single living creature on earth. It is a law that goes way beyond the instinct to survive. It is the Law of Trust.

In order to survive, we must trust. In order to thrive and to grow we must trust. Without this “trust”, we could never move – forward or back. Without “Trust”, we could never make a point, a dent, a plan or a decision.

Just like our flesh and bones live between earth and sky, our hearts and minds live between terror and trust. But as the body favors the earth more than the sky, so too our hearts and minds must favor trust over terror!

The Lord invites us today to trust in Him, to “not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying ‘I am he’, and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!”

How often do you hear a priest or nun or religious man or woman talk on a talk show regarding life and death, love and marriage, family and friends, right from wrong? Never! So, are we to assume that they know nothing about these issues? Are we to assume that for two thousand years, we have known nothing about anything human, personal and relational? Or maybe the reason why they never appear is because they are never invited! After all, how else will we keep our society secular?

Do we need to hear from priests? I think so! I simply have to laugh when I hear that we are better than ever in tune with ourselves today and that our godless freedoms have opened our hearts to “newer” and “better things”. Take a look for yourself. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that our global economy and savings are falling, divorce rates are climbing and suicides keep rising! You have to wonder if we have not placed our trust in the wrong experts and have been blindsided by our enlightened minds!

There is, within our soul, a deep and calming sense of not only mystery but of familiarity. We are not haunted by daily thoughts of being a speck or a dot in the Universe. Instead, we can admire our neighbors and look forward to enjoying a quiet walk around the neighborhood. I do not have to feel terror that the day will never end. It’s actually nice to know that the sun will set, the rain will come and sleep will occur.

“Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever! You heavens, bless the Lord. All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord! All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord!” (Dn 3)

What must I do then? Trust in the Lord! Trust in His Ways! Trust Him in life and in death. Trust Him in sickness and in health. Trust Him for better or for worse. Trust Him now and forever. Trust Him until death, and he “will give you the crown of life.” Alleluia! Alleluia!

Christ is with us. He is physically and spiritually present among us in the Eucharist. The Father decided long ago, that between heaven and earth (between trust and terror) He would bring His Peace down to earth! We have nothing to fear for Christ’s peace is forever here!

Lk 19:45-48 Little Gifts Of Love

Lk 19:45-48 Little Gifts Of Love

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When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

Some of us live life on high while others live it at half mast. There are some who reach out while others just stretch. Again, there are some who cave in while others carve out; some who dig deep while others dig their own graves.

In today’s Gospel passage we see the theological axiom that it is not works that make us holy, but love. Yes, love and only love is the reason why this woman’s offering does not go unnoticed.

Is the Law of Love the Law of my Life? Have I come to the conclusion that the purpose of life is to give rather than to preserve? That life is best served when it is surrendered? Or that life is not to be restrained but rather delivered? “Lord, make me a generous man!”

Our relationship with Christ should grow every single day. The Lord’s resurrection occurs every morning in my life. I rise to a new day; I should not take it for granted. The day offers me an opportunity to do something great and small, heroic and tiny, temporal and eternal. Yes, I can do something tiny that is great! I can place two small coins and it will not go unnoticed. I can make a difference in the Universe when I make a difference in one person’s life! Mother Theresa wrote, “I do not agree with the big way of doing things. Love needs to start with an individual.” (Simple Path)

What is truly shocking about Love is that it goes beyond our everyday reality. Love promises infinity, eternity – this is a reality that is far greater than our everyday existence.

This morning I passed by many of our school children. I went unnoticed. I didn’t even think about it. Just another Monday morning…just another morning…just another morning routine….But then someone called out to me from the drop-off line. A mom, still in her car, called out to me and gave me a little care package. It was food. It was just what I needed. I hadn’t had breakfast yet. And then a little girl heard my footsteps. She was already down the hallway when she turned around, saw me, ran back to me and gave me a hug. I told her, “Good morning my little gift from God.”

Love, in fact, means leaving yourself behind; giving yourself; not wanting to hold on to yourself, but becoming free from yourself. Love means not getting preoccupied with oneself, asking over and over again, “What will become of me?” It means looking ahead, toward another, toward God and to the people who He sends. It is this principle of love that defines man’s journey… (Pope Benedict XVI)

Give a little love, as the Father did when He gave us His child.

Mt 25:31-46 Christ Our King!

Mt 25:31-46 Christ Our King!

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Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him.”

Today we celebrate the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe! The Church, in her infinite wisdom, decided that once a year, we, the people of this world, needed a little reminder of who truly governs (rules) our world. And the reminder always seems to come at the right moment!

In the last century, with the rise in modern thought and modern technology came the tidal wave of human pride, modern chaos and total confusion! Mother Church wants us to remember that there exists a Universal Law - unchangeable fact - that will never go away regardless of what planet you come from or what era you live in. It is the fact that Christ is not only the King of the Jews but also the King of the Universe!

Yes, Christ Jesus is more powerful than we are. This is such a hard saying, especially for those who hide their individual pride in the human race! Yes, I know…we have the technology and the intelligence to destroy our planet. But we do not have the technology to raise it from nothingness! The Lord is still King of the Greens! Yes, I know…we can make an artificial heart. But it will never be as dear to us as the original! It will always remain an imitation until we are as intelligent as the original’s Creator. Yes, I know…we can create a virtual world and find a good time by going on-line. But it will never replace the real thing. Yes, I know…we are so connected today like never before! But it will never compare to how the sea connects to the earth and the earth connects to the sky; or how plants connect to the planet and how people connect to pets. Nothing compares to the King of Innovation, the King of the World, the King of Life and the King of Harmony! I know…we can extend our lives, make them longer, more fruitful and more productive. But nothing compares to eternity, nothing compares to everlasting life. Nothing!!! Again, the Lord is King of Life and Death.

Yes, I know…we can be so giving and forgiving. We can build monuments to those who have done our nation good, have knocked down walls and overcome obstacles. But we will never ever come close to the Lord of love, forgiveness and mercy. We will never be able to forgive as He forgives in the confessional; give as He gives in the Eucharistic feast, or love as He loves by laying it all down. We can come close, I guess, but He will always be the King of Love!

It is not fair you say. It is not fair that he has so much power, so much might, so much authority. But I say to you, what is the Lord’s greatest power? What makes him so mighty? What is the secret to his power? Yes, it is true. He can flick us off like a fly and crush us like an ant. Yes, it is true. His presence is crushing. But what is the secret to his power? It is His humility! It is crushing! He crushes His opponents – His enemies – with mercy and love.

I know it is true. Here is an example. Yesterday, I was late for a Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe. I was driving a little too fast and by accident I cut someone off. Immediately, he turned on his high-beams. The driver drove like that, behind me, for at least two minutes. When I had had enough, I changed lanes and slowed down. This upset driver drove right by me. Immediately, I returned to my former lane and drove behind him. Twenty years ago I would have turned my high-beams on him. I did nothing. I am sure I surprised him. I was so proud of myself!!! Then the driver took the same exit I took. We both ended up waiting at a red light, side by side. Last year out of pride I would have shown him my collar and sounded out at him the words, “I forgive you!” This time, I did nothing. I never even looked at him. I know I made a difference. So can you. You can show the world you are a better man and it will make all of us better men!

Could the King not have made this world a better world, a perfect world, where there would be no hunger, no thirst, no war, no poverty, and no illness? I sometimes wonder why it is the way it is. I sometimes wonder why our planet, made in such a way that it attracts life, protects life and nourishes life would also be so harsh to life! I know the answer. The King, out of humility, wished for us to finish it for Him. Out of humility he wants us to do our part. Why? Because we can! We are in His image and likeness.

“Whatever you did for the least brothers of mine, you did for me…I was hunger you gave me food, I was thirty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”

Today is the day to realize that the Lord is not only the King of the Universe but that He is also the King of my life!

Lk 20:27-40 Like Angels

Lk 20:27-40 Like Angels

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Jesus said, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

We can be like angels, but not in this world. In this world we can only be saints, and saints do not live like angels, they live like soldiers. They live heroically. They fight through life, one battle at a time, and sometimes multiple battles on multiple fronts. They never give in to despair and they never give up. They know what to do when they just can’t do it: they fall to the ground and look up. They know how to keep things in perspective.

The Old Testament is a well documented record of a people's history.  It is written through the eyes of believers. Hence, whatever happened happened for a reason. There is no chance, no luck, no bad luck. All is for good. All is from God. All is for a reason.

And so it was for Antiochus (cf. Macc 6:1-13). He died in bitter grief. He saw his entire life efforts, his evil empire, crumbling at the hands of the Jews who had had enough of his abominations. He had captured and pillaged their cities, stolen their gold and silver, taken their wives, killed their elders and butchered their sons. He had set up “the Abomination” upon the altar in Jerusalem. The end was arriving for poor Antiochus and his armies. He would live just long enough to see it all collapse.

What is remarkable about the Jewish people is that they see not only the abominations that were carried out upon them, but their own abominations. When evil falls upon them, it is because they caved in to pressure. When grace falls upon them, it is because they stood steadfast with God. How true. How simple. How obvious.

There are so many abominations that go on in our families, in our Church and in our nation. Of course! Are we surprised? If society collapses it is because the Church has collapsed. And if the Church collapses, then it is because families have collapsed!

Do we expect to find a savior among the non-believers? Do we expect to find an anointed one among the pagans? The Saints followed the Lord even if it meant traveling blind folded! The Saints rise up to harsh conditions. They lead their flock. Saints are those who have had enough! We need more saints. We need more leaders. We need more men and women of courage and determination.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. “I will rejoice in your salvation, O Lord (Psalm 9:16a).” I will rejoice!

I just finished speaking at an annual pro-life gathering here in Richardson. It was amazing to see so many men and women (and not too few children) willing to be saints. It has never been so easy to be a saint today. All you have to do is save a life and your life will be saved. All you have to do is convince someone not to kill their baby and you shall not be harmed! How easy! How amazingly easy it is.

A priest told me he received an e-mail from a mom whose child just completed his first reconciliation. The boy got in the car and told his mother, “Well, I guess Satan isn’t really happy with me today.” He’s right. Satan is not happy.

Let’s make sure to keep Satan unhappy in this world. 

Lk 19:45-48 Cleaning House

Lk 19:45-48 Cleaning House

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Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’”

The Lord drove out money exchangers and those who were selling things. He was cleaning His Father’s house. He did not destroy His Father’s house nor did He decide to abandon His Father’s house. What he did was to put His Father’s house back in order; to bring it back from the dead; to raise it up again and make it shine once again.

Over and over again, throughout its two thousand year history, the Lord has swept house and disinfected His home, The Church. He will not allow His Home, His Church to remain stained with sin. Purification is always required before renewal can take place. When bishops and priests began to live like kings and princes, St. Francis of Assisi came in and restored the glamour and beauty of Christ-like simplicity and poverty. He evangelized not by words but by action and the faithful listened and believed. When the bishops and priests began to live and act like politicians and merchants, St. Ignatius of Loyola came in and restored the glamour and beauty of discipline, the kind common to soldiers. He created an army of men dedicated to Christ and in pursuit of heavenly gold – souls. These Jesuits rejected all forms of comfort and their numbers quickly swelled to thousands. Today, millions of people credit their success to this band or society of brothers!

The Catholic Church is the “sacrament” of Christ’s body and the tabernacle is the “sacrament” of His divinity and soul. The Lord, in scourging his temple, was teaching us a lesson: we all need to clean our house - our interior castle - the temple of the Holy Spirit. Can I not say that the Church is a “sacrament” of my body and the tabernacle is a “sacrament” of my soul? Of course it is. It is not the “Church” that sins, it is I who sin and because of my sin I defile the Church! It is not an institution that sins; it is a group of individuals who sin and because of their collective sin, I cause scandal within the Church!

While the Lord was driving out those who were selling, the chief priests, the scribes and the leaders of the people were seeking to put him to death! Because of this unfortunate truth, all Jews have been labeled as the Lord’s murderers! Of course it is not true. It is not true not only because many Jews came to see The Way, The Truth and The Life in Christ Jesus, but because we are all guilty, by our sins, of Christ’s death.

When I sin I defile the body of Christ, the Church, and the Church is stained with filth. Only through Christ’s blood, his suffering, his pain and his death, is the Church cleansed. Only by the lives of the Saints, does Christ shine throughout the world.

Is atheism the way to go when Christians defy God? Is emptiness the solution to a lack of holiness? Hardly! How depressing would that be!

Is Occupy a proper response to the Tea Party? Is a left-wing a proper response to a right-wing? Yes, but only if the body governs both, for the one wing exists for the other only to help the body get home. The body is more than a wing and should never be reduced to one.

Saints are the proper response to sinners. Guards are not. Guards may be needed, but Saints are the necessary requirement to spin the world back to Paradise and away from Alcatraz!

Do I need to do some cleaning? Do I listen to his voice? Do I give glory to God in my words and actions? Am I living not as men live but as men of God live?