Just Here?

HINENI; A Jewish term meaning, "I'm here and ready to do your bidding".

PO; Jewish term meaning, "Here".

A not so old Jewish professor I once had described the world as having two mind sets. There are those who are passionate about their lives and beliefs, on fire; HINENI. Then there are those who are just...here; PO. With the beginning of each new class role was taken. Your response, in Jewish, stated your enthusiasm for that evening's session. Many of us may have been hesitant to respond to with a "HENENI" for fear of some kind of repercussion for publicly stating our willingness as Catholics to do the bidding of a Jewish instructor. By the end of the intensive Old Testament study there were few who didn't realize our calling as Christians is to do just that, to be here and ready to do His bidding. Has it not been our mission to be at the ready for The Jewish instructor?

We didn't always find ourselves on the same page as him, however, Rabbi Reverence sparked the fire of passion within all our hearts; a passion to be either hot or cold to his teachings. He, whether he was willing to admit it or not, was being Christ-like to his students with each class meeting.

"I know your works: You are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. " (Revelation 3:15-16)

With each new morning how do you decide to respond? HENENI or PO?

Blessings,
Michael

Peace Be With You

This past Pentecost Sunday our priest gave a wonderful sermon that was simple but not easy. I'll explain in further detail.

We all know the story. Fr. Faithful spoke of the Apostles in the upper room waiting for the individual who was to lead them now that Jesus had gone to prepare them a place in Heaven. After all, Christ himself told them he would not leave them orphans. The Apostles expected the being who was to guide them to be another individual like Jesus. They weren't completely off track. The Holy Spirit that was breathed on them is in fact Christ as well as the Heavenly Father, just not the way they originally pictured. With a new found zeal for God and the gift of tongues they were now to be Christ to the world.

What we may not realize is that the time spent before Christ bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit onto the Apostles, the fifty days after Easter must have been filled with prayer upon prayer. These wise men were now left without there leader. They must have been praying for Christ's coming, (much as we do today). Their prayers must have been filled with heartfelt worry. "Have mercy on us, Free us from this misfortune, Save us Lord, etc.". What was Christ's response? He granted them peace, His Peace. He did this through the Holy Spirit.

This lead me to an 'Aha' moment. As difficult as it may be in the moment; during our times of trouble and suffering, during times of temptation, rather than praying for a particular outcome, should we not be praying for peace? Peace in our lives, in the lives of all those who are suffering. Should we not be praying that God's Will be done in our lives, not only in that moment of trial but always? This is simple, but not easily done. However, regardless of its difficulty, should it not be the goal in our prayers?

Know this, I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach. It looks like I have some work to do.

Blessings,
Michael

Feel Forgiven?

I am a constant "Utilizer" of the Sacrament of Penance. In all honesty I try to go to confession at least every two weeks. On several occasions I've found myself there every week for several months straight (stories for perhaps another day). It wasn't until about five years ago that I became a usual in the confessional. Before then I would go on very rare occasions. Reason being, I never uses to get any sense of change or washed-clean feeling after confession my sins.

What's different now? Truthfully, nothing. Well, that's not all true. I've changed. My way of perceiving the Sacrament has changed. I now see confessing my sins, to a priest who has come to know my darkest secrets, as a way of life. I still feel the same way leaving the church after a good confession as I did before arriving, but now I KNOW something has changed. I have been forgiven. I walk away with the same vices, same temptations as when I walked into the church, however, now I have yet another opportunity to grow from my weaknesses. I realize that only by the Grace of God will I ever be given the gift of heaven. On many mornings I pray for a double helping of the Holy Spirit. Knowing quite well that one helping is more than enough. I still ask for two, selfish? I don't thing so. It's like your child asking you for more clean air to breath. Can he/she ever get too much?

Blessings,
Michael

The Beginning

My hopes for this blog is to have it be a place of shared spirituality. I am a Catholic man who aspires to grow in faith with each passing day. Any good that comes out of me and/or this media will truly be the work of the Holy Spirit. I realize that, alone, I can accomplish nothing. I am not saying I'm nothing, worthless, or dispensable. This is simply my attempt at practising true humility, which is to recognize that all good comes from God.

In time I will come to share more about myself, and perhaps learn more about my readers. Baby steps to begin with, however.

Blessings,
Michael