Lent Cometh

February 1, 2016

It seems we just packed up the Christmas decorations, but Lent is around the corner! Next Wednesday, Feb. 10, is Ash Wednesday. As you kick off your 40 day fast, remember the “gift of limits.” You have a chance to do something special here, something you may not be able to commit to or sustain for years, but that you can commit to for 40 days.

I know giving up something like sweets, alcohol, snacks or t.v. is no longer in vogue, but there is a reason “giving up” has been part of our tradition for so long. While no one thinks that giving up chocolate is more important than giving up gossip, making some kind of physical sacrifice helps both your mind and body be aware that this is a special time devoted to something (Someone) much greater than our physical (or entertainment) desires. Every time you think of that thing that you want and then make that small sacrifice, you acknowledge the goodness of that thing but recognize the greater goodness of God. It’s old-fashioned, yeah, I know, but it works like a charm! Plus it is a concrete way we tell God, “I’m willing to give up something for you, like you gave up something for me.” When you think about it that way, giving up sweets or lattes seems remarkably easy.

If there is something you want to do such as give up gossip, or visit the sick, or attend an extra Mass per week, then by all means do those good things. We should all adopt such a spiritual practice, which offers a true fast, so very pleasing to God (Isa. 58:6-7). But find some small material sacrifice as well, something that keeps reminding you – body and soul – that you are setting your mind and heart on something even higher than the very good things of this wonderful world.

As a child once told me, “We give something up because he gave up everything for us.”

How to Pray (for wine at a party)

January 12, 2016

The following is reprinted from my column in Catechist Magazine, with permission from Catechist. It is a reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel reading.

Sun., Jan. 17, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 2:1-11

The story of the miracle at the wedding at Cana continues the theme of revealing Jesus that began on the Epiphany and continued at Jesus’ baptism, where he was revealed as God’s beloved and anointed son. In this story, Jesus will be revealed to his disciples and others as one who works great signs.

This story from John’s Gospel also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the faith of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She impresses us with her concern for others, her attention to detail, and her unflinching faith. She is an example we can follow. In fact, she teaches us how to pray.

As we know, the hosts of the wedding celebration were running low on wine. Mary noticed this and wanted to help. So what did Mary do? She did not walk around wringing her hands and worrying. She did not grab her wallet and run to the market to “fix it” herself. Instead she immediately went to Jesus.

We may be surprised or even amused by Jesus’ response. He doesn’t seem very interested. He even seems to rebuff Mary a bit. But what does Mary do? She doesn’t give up and assume he will not help. She does not lose faith in Jesus. Instead she trusts that he heard her and will respond. She tells the servants to be ready: “Do whatever he tells you.”

What is the result of Mary’s petition? Jesus responds with a miracle, of course. Jugs of water are turned into lots and lots of wine—really good wine!

Like Mary, we should also walk right up to Jesus and tell him about our needs and concerns. They don’t have to be big things. After all, this whole story is about wine at a party! If Jesus does not seem to respond right away, we can be assured that it is not because he isn’t interested or doesn’t care. We can be patient and hopeful and trust in him like Mary did. And just as he did at Cana, when he does respond, he will respond with power. He will do lots and lots of really good things in our lives.

Reprinted with permission from Catechist Magazine. For subscription information visit catechist.com.

God's Native Language

January 7, 2016

“Silence is God’s first language.”

-- St. John of the Cross

How Nicholas Really Became Santa

January 1, 2016

In an effort to keep my 5 year old son informed about who Santa Claus really is, I asked him to watch a video my daughters enjoyed when they were his age: Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa. Of course, this was his last choice behind Ninjago, Miles from Tomorrowland, and Peppa Pig. But he did watch the video. When he wandered into the kitchen after it ended, I asked, “So how did Nicholas become Santa?” With a little shrug, Julian said, “He grew a beard.”

One might say that Julian had missed the entire point. Or perhaps he summed it all up with a keen observation. To grow a beard is to grow up. Nicholas grew up. He grew a beard. He grew older. It turned white. And indeed, somewhere in this living, growing, and aging process, he became “Santa” – holy, a saint.

So how did Nicholas become Santa? He grew up. Too simplistic? Maybe.

Whether you grow a beard this year, or maybe just a few new wrinkles, I’m sure you will all grow wiser and hopefully a little more “santa.” I’m happy to be journeying and growing and, yes, aging with all of you. Happy, joyous, prosperous and transformative New Year, friends!