Sunday, October 31, 2010

ANOTHER TAX COLLECTOR

Zacchaeus, the tax collector in today's reading, wanted to see Jesus. His obstacle was his size. He was short in stature. However, Zacchaeus thought of a way to overcome this obstacle. He climbed a tree! What are the obstacles that you or I have that may prevent us from seeing or getting closer to Jesus? What can you or I do to overcome these obstacles?
There are many instances in scripture in which we read that Jesus called, chose, or defended the outcast. He knew there was goodness in Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus must have been so surprised and excited, and perhaps even a little humbled, when Jesus asked him to come down. In choosing to call Zacchaeus and allowing him to change his ways, Jesus brought about a unity between Zacchaeus and the other people, and between Zacchaeus and God. How do we call others to unity with each other and with God? Do we create dissension between one group of people and another group?
The refrain of one of my favorite hymns at mass goes like this, "Take O take me as I am. Summon up what I shall be..." Jesus accepted everyone including tax collectors and sinners. He took them as they were. Then, Jesus summoned or called forth from them to be what he knew they could be. Jesus continues today to take each of us as we are. I know that at various times in my life, through prayer or other people, Jesus has called me to be more of what he sees in me in spite of what I may think are my obstacles. I cannot climb a tree as Zacchaeus did, however, I can continue reaching toward Christ who summons me to the more.
This week I will be attending the National Religious Vocation Conference. I am looking forward to listening to the keynote speakers and connecting with other vocation directors. The SSJ directors will gather together on Friday evening for supper and to have a meeting. Please pray for all of us and especially pray for vocations.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

HUMILITY

The Gospel reading for today was about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The Pharisee was thanking God that he was not like others, especially like the tax collector. He was also letting God know about the wonderful things he did. The tax collector, however, simply said, "Have mercy on me, O' Lord, a sinner."
When we accomplish good deeds, when we achieve a certain status in life, we have been gifted by God who accomplishes these things in us. I think humility and gratitude go hand in hand. Expressing our praise and thankfulness to God for all that we have and all that we are able to do is one form of humility because we know that we cannot do these things alone. It seems the Pharisee had a big head about who he was and what he did rather than acknowledging that God was the source and giver of his gifts. He did not ask forgiveness for any of his failings. He only wanted to show God his perfection.
The tax collector knew who and what he truly was. He did not even try to express anything good about himself. He humbled himself before God, faced his failings, and asked forgiveness. God knows what is in the human heart. It is a good thing to pat ourselves on the back once in a while when we know we have done a good job. However, it is equally important to remember to give thanks to God who has graced us and blessed us abundantly.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

GUARDIAN ANGELS

Yesterday, October 2nd was the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Do you remember the prayer you said to your guardian angel when you were a child? Do you still pray that prayer today? I was telling my students how God truly loves us to assign a guardian angel to each of us. I have the children say the guardian angel prayer at the end of each school day.
Kathy Sherman, CSJ wrote a song entitled, "Have You Ever Thanked the Angels in your Life." The song is about all those who have touched our lives by praying for us, loving us, protecting us, etc. It tells us to be grateful for and remember them in our hearts.
God does send angels to us in many different ways and circumstances. Think of someone who just happened to be there to help you at a particular moment in your life. Remember the person or persons who shared your joys and sorrows. Recall those who have mentored or guided you. I am confident that you can come up with more angels than you ever thought of before.
I still pray to my guardian angel and I thank God for all the angels in my life.