God’s Word and Do I Hear It?

Reading 1 Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a

There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites,

whose name was Manoah. 

His wife was barren and had borne no children. 

An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her,

"Though you are barren and have had no children,

yet you will conceive and bear a son. 

Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink

and to eat nothing unclean.

As for the son you will conceive and bear,

no razor shall touch his head,

for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. 

It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel

from the power of the Philistines."

The woman went and told her husband,

"A man of God came to me;

he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. 

I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. 

But he said to me,

'You will be with child and will bear a son. 

So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. 

For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb,

until the day of his death.'"

The woman bore a son and named him Samson. 

The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him;

the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.

I find it interesting that in reading my Bible, how often I find God giving sons to women with barren wombs. Not just children but specifically sons, and that they usually have great futures to behold. God again and again gives to women who feel that they have missed out and most would consider hopeless. God gives sons to women who are probably mocked or pitied for their situation. Yet our God is a God of mercy and love. He is a God of abundance gifts. I know that some do not see this, many feel God is harsh and is a ruler that is fond of saying no to fun and pleasure. True God has rules, but I see them as caring rules for safety health and long life much like I have rules in my house that ban running indoors so that my children do not incur serious injury. Another thing that is noteworthy for me here is the fact that God brings Samson into being knowing how he will live his life, how he will fall from grace, but yet will still fulfill is duty in bringing down the Philistines. I think of Anikan Skywalker in the Star Wars films who is seen to bring balance to the “force”, which he does after becoming his evil alter-ego Darth Vader. It makes me wonder about my own path and if my short comings are a part of my journey that God has already accounted for or if they are mistakes that he will help me walk back from if I only accept his grace.

Gospel Lk 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea,

there was a priest named Zechariah

of the priestly division of Abijah;

his wife was from the daughters of Aaron,

and her name was Elizabeth. 

Both were righteous in the eyes of God,

observing all the commandments

and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren

and both were advanced in years. 

Once when he was serving as priest

in his division's turn before God,

according to the practice of the priestly service,

he was chosen by lot

to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 

Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside

at the hour of the incense offering,

the angel of the Lord appeared to him,

standing at the right of the altar of incense. 

Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 

But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah,

because your prayer has been heard. 

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,

and you shall name him John. 

And you will have joy and gladness,

and many will rejoice at his birth,

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. 

He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. 

He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb,

and he will turn many of the children of Israel

to the Lord their God. 

He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah

to turn the hearts of fathers toward children

and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous,

to prepare a people fit for the Lord." 

Then Zechariah said to the angel,

"How shall I know this? 

For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 

And the angel said to him in reply,

"I am Gabriel, who stand before God.

I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 

But now you will be speechless and unable to talk

until the day these things take place,

because you did not believe my words,

which will be fulfilled at their proper time."

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah

and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 

But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them,

and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. 

He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived,

and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,

"So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit

to take away my disgrace before others."

It’s amazing what God’s word can do. Here a message comes to Zechariah and reacts probably the same way many men would, in disbelief. I find it interesting thought that God takes his voice and only returns it at the paramount moment in which Zechariah verifies his son’s name as John. In these two readings not only does God’s word and message ring so powerful, but also I find it interesting how he will use women of unfortunate circumstance and men of weak faith or character to fulfill great tasks. As I have heard many times before God doesn’t use the greatest but the willing and faithful no matter how broken they are.  

So here’s a poem that maybe I will one day turn into a song. It’s about reflecting on the power of God’s word, how it misunderstood and the love behind it if we/I choose to accept it. 

“Your Word”

You made the mountains

You made the seas

Your words condemn a man

Or set another free

The world keeps spinning

For you tell it to

The fire keeps on burning 

You’re the flame from above

Some don’t believe

For others it’s so hard

For the world says you don’t exist

The world has many scarred

Some are blinded by the lies

All are broken to their core

All need you to be whole

Your love is antidote to all

Your word is truth and true

Your word is law and land

Your word is everything in this world

Your word is my command

If I ever doubt you

Please don’t condemn my soul

Have patience with your feeble servant

As I walk your lands

Help me to accept

Help me now to see

Help me, send me send your grace

So your word is received

Help me now to live

Help me live your word

Help me live to your will

Help me to evolve

Backstabbers and Christians

October 18, 2018

|

Michael Smith

Lord,

I'll be honest, they are some days I feel like not even getting out of bed. The way to the world seems to be on my shoulders and I can't bear to pick it up. It feels like everyone who should be with me is against me. It is especially in these times that I need your grace. Sometimes it is easy to think that I am all alone, but I am not for you are always with me. Help me in this day, and in all my days to come, to turn to you for my strength. May your love and grace penetrate my soul so that it may radiate from my heart to others in need. 

In Jesus Christ name I pray,

Amen. 

2 Timothy 4:10-17b

Beloved:
Demas, enamored of the present world,
deserted me and went to Thessalonica,
Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Luke is the only one with me.
Get Mark and bring him with you,
for he is helpful to me in the ministry.
I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas,
the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.

Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm;
the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
You too be on guard against him,
for he has strongly resisted our preaching.

At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.

Oddly, I can identify with what Paul is writing here. Sometimes the path the Christian is extremely difficult. Sometimes it so difficult that may one may wish to give up. Those who we thought had are back, turn out to be the same people who would choose to put a knife in it. But I've come to realize this, but the devil can work through those closest to us. There have been several times in my life where I have been close to giving up on my faith, or at least practicing it boldly. It's at times like these where I remember a line from a TV show that I used to watch. It goes something like this, "son know that if they're shooting at you, you're probably doing something right..." The devil wants nothing more than for good to Christians, so that they do not become better Christians and bring others into the faith. As Christians it's obvious that it's easy for us to disagree. Make no doubts that our division often comes as a temptation from the devil. We must be strong and we must love each other. Where the devil tries to divide us and persecute us, we must come together, and love and share that love which comes from God, with each other. 

 

Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, 'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'"

I have read this passage several times, and thing that strikes me today, is that Jesus sent them out with no money. In this day and age it would seem completely ridiculous to go out on a journey without any money. But when I sit and ponder this point it comes clear to me that as a Christian I should rely completely on God. So often we go out into the world and we trying to be self-sufficient. I heard a sermon recently on how we should take the self, out of self sufficient. If I have learned anything as a Christian, I have learned that I should rely on God, for good things come from him. Not that I can't do good things, but I am easily swayed to do evil. When I do good it is because of God's influence, so I should rely on him 24/7. When I try to rely on myself not only do I separate myself from God and his love, but I am also working alone outside my true source of love. In this state I am weak and vulnerable, I am easily tempted info pray to sin. I should rely on God always because he will always give me what I need. I laugh to myself, because often I am frustrated because they do not have what I want, and often what I want is not what I truly need. I tried to remind myself daily bed everything That happens in my life is a gift from God. That yes, even tragedy, is a gift from God. All things that God allows a light in my path is to help me to become the Saint I am made to be. So as I go out into this day, I will look to God for strength and I will look towards my fellow Christians for community. For I am not made to live in this life alone. I am made to love God and all I meet, with all my mind, heart, soul and strength and to share the good news of the gospel so those that are lost may find the way home to heaven. 

And that's all I got to say about that. 

Reflections: 10/16/2018

Refections of the Day 10/13/2018

How to Believe?

Jesus,

I love you so very much. I remember what my life was like when you were not in it. I remember how I held you at arms length. I remember how I felt cold and alone. Remember how I tried to consumes things of this world, but nothing satisfied. Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for not giving up on me. There are so many I'm my brothers and sisters in the world who are lost, Cold, and alone. I offer up on my works ,joys, sufferings and happiness of this day to those who do not have you in their lives. May you shine brightly for them and may they come to you, meet you and experience your love. I asked that you this Still on them the grace to have great faith, so that they may find their place in this world and live with you in eternity in heaven forever more.

 

In Jesus Christ name I pray,

Amen. 

 

Galatians 3:7-14

Brothers and sisters:
Realize that it is those who have faith
who are children of Abraham.
Scripture, which saw in advance that God
would justify the Gentiles by faith,
foretold the good news to Abraham, saying,
Through you shall all the nations be blessed.
Consequently, those who have faith are blessed
along with Abraham who had faith.
For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse;
for it is written, Cursed be everyone
who does not persevere in doing all the things
written in the book of the law.
And that no one is justified before God by the law is clear,
for the one who is righteous by faith will live.
But the law does not depend on faith;
rather, the one who does these things will live by them.
Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,
for it is written, Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree,
that the blessing of Abraham might be extended
to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,
so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

How to believe? As I ponder the question it seems so daunting, but on some lows it seems so simple. It's simple now because I have faith, I do believe. But I can also recall the days, when I did not have Jesus in my life. At the time I thought life was okay. I had a good job, I had friends and I had the comforts of a modern, worldly lifestyle. Truth was though, I was hollow and I was broken. I was not satisfied. I was overweight (and I still am) and I ate for pleasure hoping that I might just eat enough to be happy. I drink way too much alcohol. Part of me thought that alcohol made me feel free. When I was, "under the influence" I was numb to all my worries of the world. I was blind to the fact though that I was slave and that I was burying my head in the sand. I had friends who I cared for, and I think they cared for me, but I'll be honest I use people. I used people to make me feel good about myself by being in their company. I had no true compassion for them. Worst of all I use the beautiful woman that I met as things instead of seeing them as the beautiful daughters of our Lord that they are. In these days something kept stirring inside of me. Deep down I knew something wasn't right, and when I allowed myself to be honest with myself, I acknowledged I was truly not happy. I had tried it all, what else was there to do.  I will never forget that night, sitting in my living room, all alone. I had nowhere else to go so I prayed to that Jesus guy that I'd heard of so much. I suppose I was lucky, drying up my grandmother and my mother made sure that I made it to church nearly every Sunday. At any rate, it was probably the most bumbling yet honest prayer I ever made. True that prayer I opened my heart, mind, eyes and years the word and love of God. It was a long road, and really I'm still on it. I am better than I once was, but I am still a sinner.  Each day I go out and I do my best to do God's will. When I fall I get up, I repent and I do penance. Most importantly I go through my days looking to love others and constantly opening my heart to God through prayer in all that I do. 

 

Luke 11:15-26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said:
"By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons,
he drives out demons."
Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven.
But he knew their thoughts and said to them,
"Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste
and house will fall against house.
And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?
For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons.
If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul,
by whom do your own people drive them out?
Therefore they will be your judges.
But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons,
then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
When a strong man fully armed guards his palace,
his possessions are safe.
But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him,
he takes away the armor on which he relied
and distributes the spoils.
Whoever is not with me is against me,
and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

"When an unclean spirit goes out of someone,
it roams through arid regions searching for rest
but, finding none, it says,
'I shall return to my home from which I came.'
But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order.
Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits
more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there,
and the last condition of that man is worse than the first."

I read these lines and I can't help but think of the division amongst the people surrounding Jesus. Some saw him as the Christ and excepted him as such. For others who thought that they were already on a good path we're challenged, and I'm sure to agree, scared. I don't know what I would do if I met Jesus. I'm sure once I realized I was literally standing in front of the man it was the son of Christ, I would fall to my knees, kiss his feet and begging for mercy. But I have to be honest, upon first meeting Jesus Christ and the flesh I would probably be skeptical. I don't know that I would ask for a sign if I had been standing there and witnessed Jesus expel a demon from someone. However, I would probably listen to his words intently, to try and decipher for myself if this indeed was the son of God, and if so what does that mean. All that said and done what does the scripture mean to me today?  First, it says to me that we are too easily divided as a people and God wishes to unite us in love. Secondly, the devil and his minions are constantly on the prowl to divide us. We are week when we are alone. The Devil knows this and that is why he wants to divide us from each other so that he can easily pick us off one by one and damn us each to hell. Third, we will become or rather consumed by what we open our hearts to. If we open our hearts to the world, the devil and his lies, that is what we will become. If we open our hearts to God and to love that is what we will become. Lastly, God is not going to give us "proof". Probably because he realizes that even if he gave us the most undeniable proof on the face of planet there would still be people who would doubt. The greatest gift God has given us is our free will. God lets us choose. We are not animals that live by instinct. And we are not slaves forced to love. God opens his heart to us and is willing to freely give us the gift of grace and faith so that we may become stronger in his ways, live a life on this earth filled with happiness peace and love, and if we choose Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and are baptized in the water and of the Spirit we'll get to live with God forever and ever in heaven. So how do we believe? It starts simply by opening our hearts, allowing God to come in and finally by trusting him and following his ways. 

And that's all I got to say about that. 

Scripture Reflection 9/9/2018

Faith is Not Something You Can Lose

Bishop Barron on Religion and Happiness

Bishop Barron’s Missionary Journey to Ireland

I Can't Believe Lyric Video

The Pennsylvania Sex Abuse Scandal

This was a tough video to watch but very enlightening. I highly recommend watching it sheds light to so much.

Look Not With Eyes, but Faith

Jesus, 

Sometimes this life is hard. I know you and believe in you but things happen and I get distracted. I lose faith that. You can work through me. I loose faith that I can do wondrous things with your help, grace and power. Help me to stay focused on you, your righteousness and your love. Help me of little faith do your will and glorify your name in this world so that others may see your love and come home to you. In Jesus Christ's name I pray amen.

Habakkuk 1:12—2:4

Are you not from eternity, O LORD,
my holy God, immortal?
O LORD, you have marked him for judgment,
O Rock, you have readied him punishment!
Too pure are your eyes to look upon evil,
and the sight of misery you cannot endure.
Why, then, do you gaze on the faithless in silence
while the wicked man devours
one more just than himself?
You have made man like the fish of the sea,
like creeping things without a ruler.
He brings them all up with his hook,
he hauls them away with his net,
He gathers them in his seine;
and so he rejoices and exults.
Therefore he sacrifices to his net,
and burns incense to his seine;
for thanks to them his portion is generous,
and his repast sumptuous.
Shall he, then, keep on brandishing his sword
to slay peoples without mercy?

I will stand at my guard post,
and station myself upon the rampart,
And keep watch to see what he will say to me,
and what answer he will give to my complaint.

Then the LORD answered me and said:
Write down the vision
Clearly upon the tablets,
so that one can read it readily.
For the vision still has its time,
presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late.
The rash man has no integrity;
but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.

It doesn't always make sense to me why people who don't believe in God succeed. Sometimes it's so daunting that I doubt my abilities and that I can work with God and be successful, but I read these lines and I find solace. I realize that God has a way that me as a small man cannot understand. My job is to sit at his feet, learn, love and do his will. It's that simple. I should trust in God, because he loves me and takes care of me always.

Matthew 17:14-20

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said,
"Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely;
often he falls into fire, and often into water.
I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him."
Jesus said in reply,
"O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you?
How long will I endure you?
Bring the boy here to me."
Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him,
and from that hour the boy was cured.
Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said,
"Why could we not drive it out?"
He said to them, "Because of your little faith.
Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain,
'Move from here to there,' and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you."

As I read these lines things become even clearer. I have to work with God and through God by a strong faith in God. The devil is deceitful and wants to take away our faith so that we feel lost and come to his ways, but God is always there and always provides. I must have faith. I must constantly work to build my faith and make it strong by working with God's grace. I need to pray and to fast. I need to say, "NO" to things in my life so that I will be strong to say, "NO" to doubting in times when it really matters. It's all about training my mind, body and soul. Jesus believes in me and knows what we can do with his help, but we have to open our hearts and minds to it.

And that's al I got to say about that.

What Do I Say vs. What Do I Do

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

Moses spoke to the people and said:
"Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees
which I am teaching you to observe,
that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land
which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.
Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees
as the LORD, my God, has commanded me,
that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy.
Observe them carefully,
for thus will you give evidence
of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,
who will hear of all these statutes and say,
'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.'
For what great nation is there
that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us
whenever we call upon him?
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees
that are as just as this whole law
which I am setting before you today?

"However, take care and be earnestly on your guard
not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen,
nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live,
but teach them to your children and to your children's children."

This is another one of those readings where I have to look at myself in the mirror hard and long. Do I teach the word of God to my children? Do I share what I know and love about God with those that I meet? Am I truly mindful as I go about my days and remember the lessons and decrees of God and then follow them? Hmm, I'll be honest some of the answers need work, others I am okay with, but none of them leave me feeling accomplished. I can't tell you how many times I have been out playing live or else wise seen an opportunity to share the love of Jesus and didn't because I didn't want to be thought of as a "weirdo-Jesus-freak". 

Holy Spirit,

I love you. You have done so much for me when I don't even deserve it. Please come down upon me today and everyday and give me wisdom and courage. Help me to share Jesus with those that I meet. Help me to not worry about what other people think. Give me the understanding and knowledge so that I may say the right thing at the right time. Actually, I really just want to get out the picture altogether. Please Holy Spirit possess me. Let not my will be done, of Yours, the Father and the Son. I am afraid that if I am involved I will just mess it up. Thank you.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen