Mk 12:28-34 You Are Not Far

Mk 12:28-34  You Are Not Far

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“One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?”  Jesus replied, “The first is this:  Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is Lord alone!  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  The second is this:  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher.  You are right…”  …When Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

Jesus said to the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of heaven.”  Indeed, he is very close to the kingdom of heaven.  In fact, it is standing right in front of him.   

Jesus is the kingdom of heaven.  Where God is, there is heaven.  Where God is not, there is hell.

Is it possible to love God and hurt Him at the same time?  Yes.  Absolutely.  I experience it all the time and I see it all around me.  A few days ago, a couple asked me to bless their home.  It turned out that the husband and wife were not husband and wife; they were actually boyfriend and girlfriend.  Now, I know they love God.  I saw plenty of crucifixes in their home and images of our Lady of Guadalupe.  But their love for God and for each other is killing Him.  Our sins crucified the Lord.  Remember?

I know a lot of people who love me.  They bake cakes and cookies for me all the time. So they would never imagine in a million years that think their love was actually killing me.  [Just kidding, but you know what I mean.]

The scribe could not have agreed more with Jesus’ response.  He even said to him,  “Well said, teacher.  You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’  And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 

It’s so nice to see that they both agreed!  But did you notice how the scribe called Jesus, “teacher”?

The scribe knew the law.  He knew it like the back of his hand.  But he did not apply it well.  For standing in front of him was God, pure love.  Yes, standing in front of Him was the One and only One:  God; standing in front of Him was the best neighbor in the world:  the Messiah, the Savior of the World.  Again, for this reason, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” 

Love God above all things.  How can you love someone you do not know?  Answer:  You don’t.  Instead, what ends up happening, is that you love someone you think you know.  And chances are that someone ends up being you.  The person you say you love but do not know will always be you or the “you” you would like that person to be.  Get it?

“Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him.”  Let’s never forget the mind boggling journey the Lord made from heaven to earth to stand in front of this man. Now, all he needed to do was to reach out and follow Him.   Would he?  Did he?  I fear he never did since St. Mark never mentions his name. 

How is it possible that someone, so familiar with the law, could not recognize the Lord?  Is this a rare incident?  Hardly.  Unfortunately, this scribe reminds me of a home schooler.  How is it possible that a child who knows his faith inside out doesn’t know God?  [That is, has never experienced God?]

It takes more than just knowing the Lord to love Him.  We start with the Book.  But we can’t end there.  If we do, we will never get near Him. 

Love God above all things, especially your fears.  I have never met an evil person in my life.  Never.  Not yet, at least.  On the other hand, I have met plenty of people, almost all of them Christians, who know the Lord, say they love Him, but live in sin.  Why this internal confusion?  Is it a lack of knowledge or a lack of understanding?  No.  The problem is fear. 

We sin because we are afraid.  We’re afraid of never being loved, and so we settle for less.  We’re afraid of people seeing our mistakes and so we lie.  We’re afraid of getting hurt and so we strike first.  We’re afraid of confronting the brutal truth and so we drink. 

Fear is that one thing we place above God (nearly) all the time.  

Yes, to love God means I must know Him.  But in order to know Him, I must throw myself at Him.  I must set aside my fears and place my life in Him.  How?  By following His commandments!  It takes a leap of faith to follow the Lord’s commandments, especially the two great commandments.  But only then will I experience Him as He truly is:  my Lord and my God, and as an image and likeness of me and my neighbor.   

Then, and only then, will I not be far from Him.

Mk 10:35-45 Pride and Decline

Mk 10:35-45  Pride and Decline

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James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”  He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?”  They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”  Jesus aid to them, “You do not know what you are asking…to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to you but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Most people love the underdog because most people hate their boss. 

It is truly a blessing to work for a boss who is both humble and effective.  Unfortunately, it is a rare thing.  Instead, most people work for someone who is either one or the other, or neither.  If your boss is neither, then chances are he/she is prideful and easily gets jealous. 

Pride is a horrible thing.  It’s debilitating.  It prevents growth.  It prohibits a person from being truly human, for if you have to be “perfect” all the time, then you can’t be human most of the time.  Pride is the source of many headaches.  It is the source of so much stress, of sleepless nights.  After all, if you have to be “right” all the time then it can keep you up all night long.

Jealousy is a horrible thing in the work force too.  It stunts individual growth.  It suffocates creativity in the work force.  It stifles growth for the company. If you do a better job than your boss then chances are you will suffer, and suffer greatly. 

Instead of receiving a pat on the back, you can expect a stab in the back. 

While I was a member of a religious community here in Dallas and worked for one of our schools, I would often seek permission to celebrate Mass at various parishes.  But I was often told that it wasn’t our “charism” to help parishes with Sunday masses.  I knew better.  I knew it would help build better relations with other (diocesan) priests.  I also knew I would meet a lot of wonderful families that might consider sending their kids to our fledgling school.  I was right.  It all came together and our school actually grew in numbers.

When Parkland Hospital asked me to be their chaplain, my religious superior recommended that I use my time in better ways.  I knew better.  I knew that I would meet highly motivated people (volunteers) in the most obvious but unlikeliest of places:  among the poor.  Again, it all worked out.  I met some incredible people and highly successful business men who were willing to help our school grow.  But in the end, jealousies got in the way of it all. In the end it all came to an end. 

The fact that man can be so intelligent, and yet so jealous and prideful, makes God ever more remarkable.  God is remarkable because He is so humble and efficient.  He gets the job done and he gives us all the benefits! 

I have never heard or seen a boss (or an atheist) say or do what God said and did:  “I did not come to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many.”  I have only read these words from Jesus Christ and witnessed it lived out by those who followed Him. 

You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them.  Does the Lord “lord” over his people?  Does the Lord demand He be called “Master”?  He should…but he doesn’t.

I fear that most of us deep down believe that Christ was simply a dreamer; that His way of life is as beautiful as poetry and as impractical as living like a poet; that His way of thinking is great for classroom discussion but totally irrelevant on Wall Street.

 

I have been observing something for a while now.  Correct me if I am wrong.  I don’t want to sound racist, but I need to say something that I have observed for some time now.  I have noticed how Asian immigrants as a group tend to be more respectful towards others than others.  I have also noticed how African immigrants tend to be more cordial and joyful than others.  Finally, I have also noticed how many South Americans tend to work in harder places and in the most humble of places than others.  Now what do all three of these groups have in common?  They all tend to be more humble and capable than others; and as a result, they tend to be more religious than others.

I have noticed how pious Asians are, and it is beautiful.  I have noticed how Africans pray and sing, and it is beautiful.  I have also noticed how South Americans love their saints, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the crucifix. 

What I have also noticed is the opposite when it comes to Europeans and North Americans.  They tend to be less humble and much bossier.  I think it is because they are less faith-filled than others.  Do you see the connection? 

Our jealousy and pride is directly related to our faith life.  Our faith life is not dependent on God and what He does for us.  Rather, it is totally dependent on how we respond to God in our lives.  Faith is our humble response to God’s enormous gift of life, of redemption and of providence.  A strong prayer life is only possible (and logical) if we are not full of ourselves and can easily give credit where credit is due (share our successes with others).  If we have a hard time doing one or the other, then chances are we will not be able to be believers in Jesus Christ or even followers of His most humble teachings. 

History has shown that the mighty and powerful crumble and fall.  What historians typically write is that poor decisions led to their demise.  What they don’t write is that it was their pride that killed them and their empires. 

Pride in ourselves will be the cause of our decline.  Faith in Jesus Christ will be the cause of our resurrection. 

Luke 11:42-46 Do Not Overlook The Obvious

Luke 11:42-46  Do Not Overlook The Obvious

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The Lord said:  “Woe to you Pharisees!  You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and love for God.  These you should have done, without overlooking the others.”

I finally had the chance to see a presidential debate.  What makes debates interesting, even exciting, is the fact that the American people demand that two individuals, rivals, who do not necessarily want to speak to each other or even be in the same room with each other, have to confront each other.  That’s a good thing. 

I think the build up and anticipation prior to the debate was very exciting.  Everyone was hoping that the President would come out swinging and the Governor would be more charming.   Personally, I was hoping that there would be a fight (verbal punches and knockouts), and there were times when it seemed like it would actually happen, but as soon as tempers flared and politicians became more human, the moderator quickly threw ice upon them and forced them back to their corner, instructing the next zombie to ask his/her question.  I have to tell you that I was disgusted with the “rules” and the “audience”.  No reactions were allowed.  No emotions were to be displayed.  Everyone was supposed to appear as if they had been neutered.  No wonder the audience seemed more interested in how they asked their question rather than in the answer they got. 

Although I was pleased with my candidate's performance, the Presidential debates are nothing compared to the debates that Christ went through.  If you think last night was a “boxing match”, then imagine for a moment the on-going debates that Jesus had with the Pharisees.  Wow!  What a match up!  “Woe to you Pharisees! ...You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”

Whereas most people do not like to be in the same room with those they do not like, the Lord continually sought out the sinner and confronted him.  He would actually go out of his way and search for him.  That is remarkable! 

But what makes the Lord even more remarkable is how well he knows us…and still loves us. 

We (and not just politicians) fear being “known” because we fear not being loved.  We fear exposing our defects and sins to others and covering ourselves is a result of it.  When man first sinned, his first reaction was to cover himself up and hide.  Since then, we hide our true selves from people:  our faults, failures and weaknesses from others.  If you only knew me, you would never love me.  So, I must hide who I really am.  I must cover up my scars and wrinkles.  If I do not, then no one will ever love me. 

What makes the Lord truly remarkable, what makes Him so unique, is His ability to know us and still love us.  We know Jesus loved his enemies because He continued to confront them.  He did not run from them nor did He attempt to avoid them. 

The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves.  And yet, He still loves us and loves us enough to want to help us.  Did the Pharisees hate Jesus?  They did, because they never knew Him.  Did the Lord hate the Pharisees? He did not, because He knew them.  And the fact that He knew them and never condemned them is remarkable!  He prayed that by knowing their heart, they would get to know His Heart.  Did the Lord love them just the way they were?  Of course, but even more…since He never gave up on them!

Politicians do not try to change their opponent’s mind.  They try to change the crowd’s mind.  They are not interested in converting their opponent.  They are interested in beating their opponent.  And because of it, they don’t expose themselves to risk.  They are instructed to be political; that is, deceivingly tolerant and decisively wimpy.  They take more time thinking about how to say something rather than what to say.  They examine poll numbers more than they examine their conscience.  Woe to you Politicians! …You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.      

Was Jesus intolerant or was He tolerant?  He was both.  He was a walking contradiction, Son of God and Son of Man.  He was very intolerant when it came to sin and very tolerant when it came to the sinner.  Although He appeared to be intolerant with the righteous and tolerant with the sinners He was not.  He loved both.  He was a walking contradiction because he loved us enough follow us and loved us enough to invite us to follow Him. 

Let’s never overlook the obvious.

Luke 11:37-41 The Things That Matter Most

Luke 11:37-41  The Things That Matter Most

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After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.  He entered and reclined at table to eat.  The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.  The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees!  Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil….Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?”

God loves us just the way we are.  Although I may disagree with most people who love to say this, I have to admit I disagree with them not because of what they say but because they “know not what they are saying.”  Yes, the Lord loves us “just the way we are”.  But if this is true, then why did the Lord admonish his host?  Why not just ignore him?  If I can’t say a kind word, then I shouldn’t say anything, correct?  And besides, the poor Pharisee didn’t even express his astonishment to Jesus.  Why all the fuss? 

Yes, I agree, the Lord loves us “just the way we are”.  In fact, He loves us enough to die for us.  But that does not mean He doesn’t expect much more from us, especially after He died for us. 

Jesus loves the Pharisee enough not only to die for Him but to correct him as well.  Love is not blind to error or sin.  It does not ignore one’s faults or even one’s sins.  The Lover is allowed to correct the beloved, and leaves room to be corrected himself.    

It is not wrong for a mother and father to say to their child, “I will always love you no matter what you do.”  But it would be seriously wrong for a mom and dad to never teach their child right from wrong.

Today, applauses, ribbons, certificates and trophies are given out like assorted candy.  Everyone gets one, regardless of how well they did or how much effort they put in.  Every time we congratulate a student on their poor performance we’re not only lying to them but teaching them how to lie. 

Yes, parents and teachers should love their children and students just the way they are, but that doesn’t mean they have to lie to them.  It takes faith, not lies, to love someone.  “Faith working through love” is what matters most (cf. Gal. 5:6).

My country right or wrong.  Americans were not the first to use this slogan during the Vietnam War.  The British were, sometime in the 19^th century, and during a war.  It is not an easily understood slogan.  It can easily turn the patriot into a real traitor.  After all, if someone loves their country enough to allow it to go down the wrong path, then (sorry) he is not a patriot, he is a traitor.  I love my country very much, enough to warn it or stop it from going down the wrong path!

Not too long ago, I got into an argument with a very holy woman who happens to be a Democrat and a very good friend (at least I think so).  She was trying to convince me that the Republicans were politicizing the tragic death of our Ambassador and three other Americans in Libya.  For her, this tragic incident was becoming a political issue, and the main reason for all the conservative media’s attention. 

My perspective is very different.  I told her that this tragedy will not go away not because Republicans keep bringing it up but because terrorists keep bringing it on, especially every 9/11.  Aren’t the terrorists constantly reminding us where there is a lack of security?  Aren’t they reminding us that the war on terrorism is far from over?  The Islamic world, especially in the Middle East, does not join us in mourning the loss of life on 9/11.  Instead, they continue to pick at our wound or open up a new one every 9/11.  The war on terrorism is far from being over.  And there is fear in admitting this.  It will take at least a century for this war to end because we refuse to attack the source of the problem:  Radical Islamic preaching.

I love my country, right or wrong, but love doesn't hide the issues, it brings them out, into the light. 

Everyone who loves life, their country, their family and their neighbor must speak up about what matters most.  It takes a lot of courage to love everyone just the way they are.  It takes a great deal of faith to love them even more. 

Mk 10:17-30 Sell What You Have, Come Follow Me

Mk 10:17-30  Sell What You Have, Come Follow Me

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As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  …Jesus answered him, “You know the commandments…”  He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”  Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing.  Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”  At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Not too long ago, I was speaking to someone at Toys R’ Us.  They were telling me that board games are becoming a thing of the past.  Very few kids buy them or even ask for them these days.  Instead, electronic counsels and games are hot sellers and cool items. 

But afterwards I asked myself if kids really thought electronic games were better than board games, or if they thought they were a better substitute to an unfortunate reality:  that they only play by themselves; that they never get a chance (or have the time) to play - just play - with their friends or family.       

Today, I spent a lot of time at our Autumn Fair.  I didn’t see a single electronic game or a single sad face among the children.  Why?  Because they were having a ton of fun!

I admit, there was a truck that had every single conceivable electronic game available in it for them.  But I am glad to report to you that while there was light, there was hardly anyone playing.  And I am so glad!   Because our kids, young and old, were having a great time being with their friends and family. 

The activities and food that were at the Fair were pretty much the same games and food I had when I was a child.  A Fair is a Fair and kids are kids who love to be kids as long as they are allowed to be with other kids.  It’s not "what-you-have" that matters, but "who-you-are-with" that counts.

I suspect the rich young man had everything he ever wanted, except for the things that money could never buy.  I wonder if over the years, he had allowed himself to substitute healthy and holy relationships for hard work and possessions.  Maybe he had allowed himself to be defined by others for what he had and what he did, and never for who he was.  And as the rich young man could never imagine for a moment gaining heaven (happy) by having less, neither could he imagine following the Lord by giving up his very own priorities, paradigms, thoughts, work, dreams and aspirations. 

From today’s Gospel passage, it’s clear to see that our possessions have a tendency to keep us away from a real relationship with the Lord, as well as with others. 

The Lord asked this “poor” man a conscience building or conscience busting question:  Do you want your possessions to define your relationship with me?  Do you want your thoughts, dreams and aspirations to define your will over me?  Or do you prefer to have a real relationship with me, based strictly on who I am and who you are?

We all need fellowship.  We were made for it as well as for the Lord.  A few nights ago, I watched a movie with a family.  It was called, “Pirates:  A Band of Misfits”.  I loved the movie for just one scene.  It was the scene in which Charles Darwin was describing his latest scientific discovery and writing it in his journal.  Suddenly, he stopped writing.  He looked up, looked sad, and proceeded to write, “I will never kiss a woman.”  I laughed!!!  Finally!  A movie screen writer wrote honestly about the very human Charles Darwin.

Man was created for fellowship.  He was not created to hold on to things or to study many things.  He was created to love and be loved.  And although the rich young man knew that something was missing in his life; unfortunately, he couldn’t remember exactly what it was.  He knew his possessions were not enough for eternal life (for God), but he was too afraid to lose them in order to find himself and God. 

Sell what you have, and come follow me.  Why must I sell what I have to follow the Lord?  What’s the connection?  It’s our fellowship in Christ’s life.

The Lord did not want this young man to follow Him and then be “known” or “defined” for his great wealth and possessions.  After all, that's not how the Lord is remembered at all.  Instead, the Lord wanted this young man to be known and defined for his great generosity towards the Father…just like Him; and for tremendous sacrifice for the Father…just like Him; and for giving everything away for heaven’s sake…just like Him. 

The Lord wanted the rich young man to become poor so as to become rich…just like Him.  He wanted him to be defined not by what he had or by what he did, but by how he loved.

So do not allow your possessions to define who you are! 

Summary:  May I never allow my possessions - whether material, psychological or sinful - to define who I am.  I will not allow my possessions to possess me!  I refuse to sell myself to follow others.  Instead, I will sell what I have to follow the Lord and love others. 

Luke 10:25-27 People Pleasers

Luke 10:25-27  People Pleasers

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There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

If I were to ask a group of Catholic High School students what we must do to have eternal life, I guarantee that most of them (if not all of them) would say, “Do good things to others.”  And of course that would be incorrect. 

Now in our politically-correct charged atmosphere, that is rapidly decaying Christian values and  common sense, my response to such a global-fuzzy-warm-feelings sentiment would not sit very well with most so-called “social justice” advocates of the first-world-in-high-tech (but third-world-in-family-life) nation of America. 

The Lord answered this question, regarding salvation, long ago by posing a simple question to a scholar: “What do you read in the Law [Scripture]?”  The man answered by saying, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  Christ said, "You are correct."   

Now, in order not to fall into the trap of loving others as we love ourselves, the Lord gave us a criteria.  He said, "Love one another as I have loved you." 

The Lord feared that we would love others not as we should, but to make us feel good.  In other words, the Lord feared that we could easily end up wanting our neighbor to worship us…just as we worship ourselves. And maybe that's the reason why we rarely ever mention God in any of our "social justice" projects. 

But if we can rise above ourselves, then we can rise above the fray just like the Lord rose from the dead and above all human conditions. 

Christ invites us to rise above human divisions and cultural barriers and promote a movement that places God above all things: all ideas, all customs, all people and all powers!  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing more than the Gospel of Truth and Life in a Culture of death and lies.  

I know I have more in common with some of my Baptist friends than I do with some of my Catholic parishioners.  I know that I have more in common with some public school students than I do with some Catholic school students.  We are related not by titles but by mission.    

A few days ago I walked past a high school student waiting for the bus to take him to a Catholic High School.  He saw me.  I saw him.  I smiled at him.  I waited to see if he would say something.  He said nothing.  In fact, he put his head down. I thought to myself, “There goes another Catholic student who is sick and tired of God and the faith.”  Then, on the same day, I read in the newspaper how a bunch of public school cheerleaders were fighting in court to keep their tradition of writing bible quotes on their banners!  That’s amazing!  But what is even more amazing is that the judge ruled in their favor (at least temporarily). 

How many Catholic schools do you know put bible quotes on their banners, marquees, newsletters, etc…? 

Again, it’s all about what we want to promote:  an unknown God or a well known school; an unnamed God or a name for our school?  Do we have to sacrifice one for the other?

Well, this morning I saw him again.  He stood like a statue in the freezing cold air.  I walked up to him, with my head down and stood in front of him.   I made the sign of the Cross and looked up at my living “statue”.  I pretended to be startled and I told him, “Oh my goodness!  I thought you were a statue of St. Augustine!”  He was shocked.  He smiled and laughed…a little.  He didn’t know what to say.  That’s the unfortunate part.

Sometimes I think our schools, in their drive for academic excellence, cause our students “shell-shock” and confusion with regards to common sense and religious fervor.

The Lord helped a “scholar” to better understand the word “neighbor”.  You would think it would be obvious to such a brilliant man.  But as the war on religion (on what is right, holy, decent and good) continues to ravage America, our youth and our families, you would think that we would be fighting back.  Instead, we have become “people pleasers”.  Worst of all, we think this is pleasing to God.    

St. Paul asks the Galatians:  “Am I seeking to please people?  If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ” (Gal 1:6-12). 

You gotta love St. Paul, since nobody else did. 

We tend to place “freedom” above the Gospel.  But we can see what happens to our youth, our families, our culture and our neighbors when this happens.  What the Gospel tells us and what experience has demonstrated is that freedom without responsibility is a disaster!        

Christians have been given the tremendous responsibility to save America and Americans.  How?  By serving God and help our neighbor.  Let’s not blow it by being people pleasers.

Luke 10:17-24 Lighting and Shining

Luke 10:17-24  Lighting and Shining

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The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”  Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.  Behold, I have given you the power…

You can’t solve a problem by making it bigger.  You can’t solve the national debt by making it bigger.  You can’t solve unemployment by working hard to keep it steady.  You can’t solve the priest shortage by making it easier to be a priest. 

Job was not about to make a serious problem even bigger.  He was not about to turn his back on God when God turned his back on him.  Job was struggling, but he was not stupid.  He was not about to lose everything including God.  What he was about to do was to take him to court!  And he did (sort of) and won!  He got back what he lost (cf. Job 42:1-17).  Actually, he received more than what he had lost. 

But he only got it after he went through hell. 

So, how did Job get through hell?  Simple.  He remained faithful to God in all things and till the end. 

This is how satan falls from the sky.  This is how we send him packing and with his tail between his legs. 

Lord, let your face shine upon me!  The devil is like lightning; just a flash of light.  Pride is like lightning; just a narrow beam of light upon me.  Fame is like lightning; just a flashlight with a short battery life. 

Sin is spiritual “lightning”, my Andy Warhol moment of fame; my “fifteen minutes” of lights, camera and action.  Yes, lightning produces light, if only for an instant, and wildfires, that last for days if not weeks.  And then, it is back to darkness and devastation.

If the devil is like lightning, then God is like the sun.  He is the light that breaks the spell of darkness.  He is the light that illuminates all life, continually.  His light is not for an instant.  His life is not for a moment.  His light and life are eternal.  Of course, we take him for granted like we take the sun for granted.  But we can learn from our losses how losses can be gain, and devastation can lead to renewal. 

Lord, let you face shine upon me.  Help me to remain faithful to you even in the little things.

Let’s make the pledge together.  I, [your name], take you, Jesus, for better and for worse, regardless of my sicknesses and health.  I will love you and honor you till we are finally united forever and ever. 

Only after the Lord sent his disciples to nearby towns and villages did He see satan fall like lightning from the sky.  Yes, there’s a lot of punch in lightning, but it does not even begin to compare to the sun.  As powerful as satan is, and as much as he strikes fear in us, he does not have the staying power of the Son. 

Lightning can only strike when there are clouds.  Evil can only achieve a foothold when I am tired and weak.  But good can exist in any conditions, at every moment, even the most difficult moments of my life, for “when I am weak, then I am strong.”      

Good triumphs over evil.  The only way it fails is if good turns bad; that is, if good people turn into bad people.  But satan cannot compete with God, except in the movies.  Evil cannot compete with Holiness, except on the news.  Evil makes the news because it is rare and ever-so-noticeable.  Holiness never makes the news because it is often and easily recognizable.  Weird people make the talk shows all the time because they are a novelty.  God never makes the talk shows because he is my neighbor; he is all that I am most familiar with.

When the disciples cured the sick and healed the sinners, satan went out with a little bang.  Satan has only one skill:  he knows how to destroy.  God has multiple skills.  He not only knows how to create, he knows how to re-create.  God created the Big Bang.  Satan creates little bangs here and there.  The devil only knows how to kill.  God knows how to build and resurrect.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of your heart and love.