Luke offers two road maps for life. One is blessed. We meet the Lord in the roadblocks and potholes of life. We feel the power of his presence and blessings. The “Woes” offer a dead end street or cul-de-sac. Self centeredness and self promotion at expense of others leads to doom. ~ Fr. Matt
Peter teaches us that even the greatest among the followers of Jesus need conversion. We realize who call us, cures us of our sinful deeds and commissions us to a life of service. ~ Fr. Matt
With the many responsibilities in our lives, we often forget that Jesus and his disciples took time to rest. To be good at whatever we do, including ministry, we cannot neglect times of rest and renewal. Work will always be there. Part of a life of sacrifice and praise includes taking regular moments to enjoy the peace of God and let the Good Shepherd care for us.
How many of us have felt like the man dwelling in the tomb? Feeling that God has abandoned us, left us alone in our suffering? Yet, in faith, we know that Christ holds us close, heals and strengthens us, and has pity on us. As Pope Francis has said, through the tears of suffering we an see clearer that God comforts and upholds those who suffer. God places caretakers around us. Let us remember that it is in the service of other people that God is able to heal us.
Jesus is a prophet not a politician. He was not pressing the flesh or schmoozing the crowd. Rejection and failure seemed the hallmark of his mission. As a prophet he came with healing hands, mercy in his heart, and salvation for all in his words. The same healing, mercy and saving words are channeled in the church today. ~ Fr. Matt
Luke infuses in us that salvation has come to all people’s, not just a few. The salvation of people continues in the human arena of history. Prayer is an elemental quality of our humanity, as essential as breathing. God’s preference is sinners, the poor, the outcasts, the needy. Can we see ourselves as people God prefers? ~ Fr. Matt
During the anointing at Baptism, the new Christian is told of their status as “a member of Christ who is Priest, Prophet, and King.” We have been anointed to bring the good news of salvation to all, but especially the poor. As you begin another week, consider the ways you may fulfill this Scripture passage. How can you bring sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed, and release to captives? Sealed with the Spirit, we have a mission to help others see the Lord in their life.
In Jesus, God offers a new way to salvation, a new teaching, a new order to humanity. In the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus doesn’t just replenish the wine for the married couple. The super abundance of wine represents the richness and satisfaction of Jesus’ word and deed. ~ Fr. Matt
Jesus turns water into wine as the first of the signs that reveal his glory in the Gospel according to John. The signs help us to see Jesus in the fulfillment of the restoration of Jerusalem. We know from the beginning of his ministry that the one who will call his disciples and us to follow him fulfills God’s covenant to Israel. On this initial Sunday in Ordinary Time, we begin to believe anew in him as the disciples began to believe for the first time.
On this last day of the Christmas season, we can receive in a new way the outpouring of the Spirit. Like Jesus, we must go to our Jordan and meet our St. John the Baptizer. There’s a person and a place that the Lord has chosen to be instrumental in lavishing His Spirit on us (Ti 3:6). Like Jesus, we will have to deny and humble ourselves to be at the right place at the right time (Mt 3:15). We will struggle interiorly to “let it be done” to us (Lk 1:38).
Let’s resist our resistance to the Spirit. The Lord wants to give the Spirit to us much more than we want to receive Him. If we would only want the Spirit more than we want our own way! Jesus, the Baptizer in the Spirit (Mk 1:8), is so quiet and gentle, “not crying out, not shouting, not making His voice heard in the street” (Is 42:2). It’s so easy to brush Him off, stifle the Christmas Spirit, and miss the opportunity of a lifetime. Yet, if we want to, we can hear Jesus breathing on us the words: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). The Spirit descends quietly as a dove (Mt 3:16), noticeable only to those who want to notice.
“My point is that you should live in accord with the Spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh” (Gal 5:16).