May 8, 2017
Tell the Good News
The other day, I was speaking with my son via Skype talking about the little things and enjoying seeing my grandson. All at once, his eyes get big and his voice changes and he begins to admonish me for posting on Facebook articles and proclomations regarding my Christian Faith. He’s like “WTF is all that crap you’re putting on about Jesus? That has to stop!” I’m like “What?” Then I told him that I am free to put what I want on when I believe in something so strong and he has no right to tell me what to do.
It bothered me a bit until I read this morning’s reflection in Focus Your Day. This little episode was brought to mind after reading. Here’s an excerpt:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my lambs.” –John 21:15
The reflection to this piece of scripture goes on stating that in declaring thier love for Jesus, the apostles were putting themselves at risk but since Jesus meant so much to them personally the apostles were unable to keep quiet about Him. While today, we may not have the same threat (crucifixion) as the apostles did, we are in a sense “crucified” by words and actions of others. Those of us who want to yell from the rooftops our Love for God and Jesus that we are pressured to keep quiet lest we become vulnerable, ridiculed and tagged as being a bigot.
Many of us do keep quiet, unfortunately, Why? The reflections goes on to state: “Why are we unwilling to share with others what God means to us? Without this kind of sharing, we miss something of God’s presence.” This is a shame. If we are vulnerable, we can better listen to the voice of God in our daily lives and bring Love into our lives and the lives of others. Why is Love considered to be bigotry?
We must be courageous in these times to shout from the mountaintops our Love of Jesus. If we love Jesus, then we love God and then we can show what real Love is to others.
So, no my son, I will continue to post on FB what I feel and to proclaim my love for Jesus. You do not have to read these posts but I hope you do. If you are ashamed of me, are you ashamed of Jesus? Reflect.
God Bless…
April 10, 2017
Gratitude
Jesus spoke up, “There were ten men who were healed; where are the other nine?” -Luke 17:17
In all the gifts that God gives us, are we really grateful? As we ourselves are gifts of God, we can add a profound dimension to the way we understand ourselves, other people, the world around us if we are grateful for all that we have.
My reflections from reading Focus Your Day by Kenneth E. Grabner, C.S.C.
In our everyday life, God usually reveals himself in ordinary ways. Dandelions are more prevalent than roses but are the bees first food in the spring. The sun rises and sets every day but if we really look at the colors that shine forth from such events, we can see and hear God, if we really listen and look. If we are always waiting for someone or something else, we will miss out on events that can change us or that can have us meet God.
Cards and Such 