ACTION HEROES

Action heroes have an empowering ripple effect across an organization and faith community. With a clear vision and the right motivation for the good of truth and justice, action heroes can bring about a change in culture. But being an action hero who leads from the front, requires the balancing of four key elements: prayer, self-reflection & knowledge, forming disciples, and engaging the whole community.[1]

Sirach is praising the action heroes of the past, the fathers in faith and the prophets, men who would be remembered throughout time. Then we have Jesus, returning from the temple in Jerusalem, we see his action in the withering barren fig tree, right down to its roots, even though he knows it’s not harvesting time. Knowing Jesus never worked a miracle for himself, we can deduce, it was not a punishment for not satisfying his hunger. This event immediately precedes his entering the Temple at Jerusalem where he expects to find people “busy about his Father’s affairs.” Instead, he finds them occupied in worldly activity, often fraudulent and unjust activity. The fruits of honesty and uprightness, Jesus expects to find, are simply not there.[2] So, in a sense the fig tree symbolizes Jerusalem. We can sense that, in his heart, Jesus was feeling the temple had become a place of rejection of the law’s spirit. Jesus was overturning the Jews’ rejection of his Father’s love and mercy for the poor.

Mark’s gospel so often embodies Jesus in action (and when necessary, use words) in accomplishing his Father’s will. Today’s “action hero,” Jesus, is not the laughing Jesus of so many workplace walls, nor the triumphant Risen Christ of so many church sanctuaries. This is the hungry Jesus who can’t be satiated. This is the angry Jesus who attacked the political economy of the Temple, likely contributing to his ultimate fate on the Cross. This is the restless Jesus who reminds us of the "cost of discipleship," to echo Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s famous words. We need this Jesus to push us out of our comfort zones, especially those of us who are not suffering for our faith.[3]

Jesus is comparing the fruitless tree to the heartless Jewish leaders. It’s so easy to lose sight of the takeaways in today’s gospel. Are we honest in our everyday dealings with others? At work, school, play, even at home. Do we realize the Lord’s expectation for us to bear fruit? Do we invest our time well, both in prayer and action?

We are called to be today’s “action heroes” as Jesus’ faithful followers. We’re not called to do it ourselves but trusting in God’s providence. We are called to be faithful to Jesus’ vision of inclusion: the sinners, the widow & orphan, the sick as well as the dying. It’s not just about keeping the rules but rather about compassion. Jesus asks us to overturn any unforgiveness in our lives, thus producing fruit that lasts.

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[1] Digital Leaders. Mission possible: how to lead like an action hero, by Wendy Merry, May 29, 2018.

[2] ePriest. Jesus and the Fig Tree, by Fr. John Doyle, LC. June 1, 2018.

[3] Onlineministries.creighton.edu. Daily Reflection by Jay Carney, June 1, 2018.

FEED MY LAMBS, TEND MY SHEEP, FEED MY SHEEP

Pope Benedict XVI, in his 2010 Lenten message drew prominent attention to the theme of justice. He notes, justice is not simply providing each person that which is demanded by law, or merely the provision of material assistance, as crucial as this is, but also providing for the spiritual needs of men, women, and children. The Holy Father noted the root of injustice cannot be reduced simply to external factors, much like Paul’s situation in the first reading, where the religious leaders are using worldly justice to solve matters of the spirit, but justice is found in the human heart, which must be opened and liberated to love God and our neighbor. Justice, which responds to material and spiritual hunger, then, is always linked to and motivated by love.

We see this connection between love and justice in today’s Gospel story, showing Christ’s pastoral love toward Peter, who undoubtedly suffers inwardly every time he remembers his denials of Good Friday. Peter’s three-fold affirmation of love for Jesus certainly is seen as a response to these denials. But Jesus is saying something to us, too.[1]

Jesus is emphasizing the primacy of love: love for Jesus, of course, but also love of neighbor. Who is my neighbor? This love, Jesus tells us, is connected to action. As I walked last night, contemplating the mantra, “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep,” the Holy Spirit grabbed my heart sharing expectations for his disciples, us.

“Feed my lambs.” What are lambs, but young sheep. Parents who are the first teachers of the faith are to pass on the Word of God, prayers, and catechesis, but more powerfully, they are the first models of self-giving love. Children learn how to behave and respond in community by watching, absorbing, and mimicking the adults around them. Think about this. How do we respond to sensitive topics of our time: abortion, death penalty, immigration, political rivals, I-4 traffic, conflict within the family or our neighbor?

“Tend my sheep.” Back to the question of “who is my neighbor?” All people are God’s sheep. “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (Jn 10:16) All are sinners in some way, so what is the just and loving response we are called to exercise? Mercy is the voice of Jesus. The Shepherd who left the 99 for the 1 lost sheep.

“Feed my sheep.” We are to tend, care for, and provide spiritual food for all God’s people, from the youngest lambs to the full-grown sheep, in continual action to nourish and care for their souls, bringing them into the fullness of spiritual maturity. So many have fallen away from the fold, seeking the truth elsewhere. So many are among our fold, sitting on the fringe, in the disguise of all is well, and too often we miss recognizing their pain, suffering, their presence yet disconnectedness. They are growing more and more distant because they’re not being fed, because they feel like they don’t fit in the fold. This is the re-evangelization opportunity that St. Pope John Paul II called us to recognize.

Do you love Jesus? Then then “follow me” recognizing and accepting the cost to “feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep.”

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[1] Catholic Star Herald. “Feed My Lambs, Tend My Sheep” by Bishop of Camden, Most Rev. Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D., February 18, 2010.

GAVE IT ALL

Playing sports growing up I remember coaches tell us “leave it all on the field.” Meaning we were to give our all, to hold nothing in reserve, come back to the bench completely spent. He’d tell us, if we did, then we can walk away from any game, win or lose, with our heads held high, knowing we gave it all, individually and as a team.

The poet Merritt Malloy writes, “When I die, give what’s left of me away … when all that’s left of me, is love, give me away.” As death approaches, people often hope they’ve spent themselves completely, gave it all, in a productive and fulfilling life. Nobody wants to see their life as a series of missed opportunities for loving and giving. Today’s Scriptures offer us models for fulfilling our missions as Christians.

Consider these evocative phrases from Paul: “I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit; (Acts 20:20) earnestly bearing witness to God’s plan, and considering life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 20:24) It’s obvious Paul gave it all in his fervor and commitment to preaching God’s word to the leaders of the Church of Ephesus, and now they will be answerable to God for the same.

Jesus himself certainly demonstrated the same zeal as He prays: “The hour has come (Jn 17:1) Father, I have made your name known to those you gave me.” (Jn 17:6) and I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me (Jn 17:8). It was through the cross; that Jesus glorified the Father and completed the plan of salvation in place since before the foundation of the world. Jesus shows his total obedience to the Father, having completed everything the Father has sent him to accomplish. Indeed, this will be his final words on the cross, “it is finish.” (Jn 19:30) Ultimately, Jesus gave it all for us in his life, death, and resurrection—and in the gift of his Spirit.

St. Eugene de Mazenod taught “we should leave nothing undared that the kingdom of Christ might be advanced.” On our deathbeds, will we be able to say we held nothing back? Did we grasp every opportunity for announcing and living the Good News of God’s love? When we have spent every ounce of our being on this mission, we will know that by giving our all, we have indeed received the Promised One, who has walked this path ahead of us and gave it all Himself.[1]

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[1] Weekday HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Cecilia Felix, PhD

THE WINDOW THROUGH WHICH WE LOOK

[1]A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. “That laundry is not very clean,” she said.  “She doesn’t know how to wash correctly.  Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.” Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: “Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.  I wonder who taught her this.” The husband said, “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”

The people who came into contact with Jesus never quite understood what he was really all about. During his public life the crowds hardly had a clue, and even his closest followers were constantly misreading him and viewing him through a worldly, distorted, unclean window.  Here he was, forty days after his resurrection, returned to life, triumphant, and ready to return to his Father, yet, they still didn’t get it. Just before he ascends into heaven, his disciples ask him, “Are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) They couldn’t grasp when Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven. He was speaking of a grander vision God had in mind for his people.

The truth is, the people of Jesus’ time are not the only ones who are having trouble seeing clearly what Jesus means by the kingdom. Many people today, understand the kingdom only as another world far beyond this one, to be enjoyed when this life is over. But Jesus was talking of a world where God would reign, where men and women would do his will—where hatred, greed, and violence would give way to justice, peace, and love. This is not an impossible dream! It is something that happens little by little, every time you and I break out of the prison of mediocrity and self-centeredness, when we reach out to one another in generosity and love, we share in Christ’s victory over sin and death.[2]

The mystery of the Ascension is all about what happens to Jesus as a result of the Resurrection, what it all means for us, and how can we access the meaning and truth of the Ascension. I’d suggest we do so by entering the last frontier, the interior depts of ourselves in silence. By putting aside, the many worldly distractions, which may entail “getting up early and cleaning the windows.” The windows in which we view ourself, how we view our neighbor, our country and the world, even the way we view our God. The window view that influences all our relationships.

There is a potent theological idea that realizes, we become our truest selves in our relationship with the “other.” To become who we really are, we must be transformed in and through our relationships with others. For example, parents become their deepest, truest selves in their children. Teachers become their true selves in their students. Karl Rahner articulates a theological vision of the mystery of God becoming God’s real self in Jesus, His Son. Jesus becomes Jesus’ real self in the church, His bride. The church becomes most real and true in the Sacraments, and when we celebrate the Sacraments (which are community celebrations), we see the chain relate in the other direction: Sacraments to church, church to Jesus, Jesus to God, who is always greater. The Ascension shows us Jesus becoming, ascending into, the truest, deepest reality.[3]

It is in this experience of purifying our interior life, of cleansing the window, from which we view the world, and the experience of living lives as faithful disciples of Jesus we come to understand how the events of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension informs our being and mission as Church.

What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.

When you and I, not only preach the gospel, but also try to live it, we are a sacramental sign of hope to all around us that a better world is indeed possible. So, don’t just stand there looking at the sky, let’s go and be Jesus’ witnesses in our everyday lives, because the kingdom of God is among us, right here, right now.

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[1] New American Bible Revised. Acts 1:11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Mark 16:15-20 

[2] Sundays with Jesus by James DiGiacomo, SJ © 2008.

[3] The Word on the Street, by John W. Martins © 2017.

CHOSEN TO WORK, LOVE, & FRIENDSHIP

Pope Francis in Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home) says, Work should be the setting for rich personal growth, where many aspects of life enter into play: creativity, planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God. It follows that, in the reality of today's global society, it is essential that “we continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady employment for everyone,” no matter the limited interests of business and dubious economic reasoning. We were created with a vocation to work. Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development, and personal fulfillment. Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work. (nos. 127-28)

Human labor is an integral part of the fulfillment of creation (Gen 2:5). While work has often become corrupted, the redemption of work is an integral part of the Messiah’s redemption of the world. During his earthly ministry, we will see that the work Jesus does for the Father is an integral aspect of Father and Son’s love for each other. “The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works” (John 14:10). This provides the model for redeemed human labor, which is likewise meant to nurture our love for one another as we work together in God’s vineyard. In addition to modeling good work, Jesus teaches about workplace topics such as calling, relationships, creativity and productivity, ethics, truth and deception, leadership, service, sacrifice and suffering, and the dignity of labor.

One of the chief interests of John’s Gospel is to remind people that a casual glance at Jesus will never do. Those who “keep my commandments, … will remain in my love” (Jn 15:10) and find his simple images opening up to a new way of looking at the world.[1]

Even as St. Matthias remains an obscure figure in scripture and the lives of the saints. After the 11 apostles’ prayers and casting of lots, Matthias is chosen, and never again is mentioned in the New Testament. Yet, Matthias embodies how God choses us in the scriptures to work, to love, and to his friendship. Moses, a friend of God, speaks with the Lord face-to-face (Ex 33:11). Old Testament wisdom reminds us, broken friendships can be repaired (Sir 22:21-22), and John praises “friend” as a sharing (Jn 15:15) and loyalty even to the point of death (Jn 10:11, 15, 17-18; 15:13).

Being chosen undergirds all genuine friendship. The Lord chose Israel out of love (Dt 7:8); Jesus chose his followers first (Jn 15:16) though they were not exactly perfect, because being chosen is always a gift.[2]

Let us rejoice that the Lord choses us to work in his vineyard, to love of our neighbor, and to friendship with Him, who is our Lord and Savior.

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[1] TheologyofWork.org. The Gospel of John and Work, produced by TOW Project.

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis & Homily Suggestion by Edward Owens, OSST

A “SEE”

The pandemic has been a catalyst for unprecedented transformation, prompting leaders to change their views on their values and value systems—and redefining what it means to be a leader. Noted American educator and sociologist Dr. Morris Massey may not have delivered a keynote address or taught a class since 1995, when he effectively retired, but his ideas are more relevant than ever as we struggle through the age of COVID-19.

In his exhaustive examination of human values and their intersection with marketing and business management, Dr. Massey established the concept of a Significant Emotional Event (SEE). In his own words, he defines a “SEE” as “an experience that is so mentally arresting that it becomes a catalyst for you to consider, examine, and possibly change your initial values or value system.”[1]

Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles recounts Paul and companions being beaten and confined without due process. In their confinement they pray and sing hymns rather than complain. When freed by an earthquake, they don’t flee, but show concern for the guard. Their guard, thinking they’ve escaped, intends to take his own life, knowing the harsh punishment he would face for allowing them to escape.[2] Instead, the occasion becomes a Significant Emotion Event for the guard, an opportunity for his conversion and that of his entire household.

It would be an understatement to suggest we are experiencing one of those right now. After decades of relative peace and some of the most prolonged periods of economic growth in history, we have seen the global economy brought to a near standstill as countries imposed severe restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. Dr. Massey may not have been able to foresee a challenge like this, but it’s clear COVID-19 meets all the conditions to be considered the most significant SEE in generations.

Noted British author Charles Handy characterized moments of significant organizational change like the pandemic as “a work world of seemingly endless whitewater”—challenges that require special leadership competency that can help replace confusion with order and hopelessness with confidence.

As the Church nears Pentecost, remembering the place of salvation in our life and service deserves reflection. Our world often focuses on what seems wrong, John chapter 16 fittingly ends with “But take courage; I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33).

Surrendering completely to this mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, and ascension can help us “SEE” anew to transform our lives and those around us.

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[1] LHH.com, Leadership—Pandemic Style, by Steve Harrison, Chairman, LHH.

[2]Weekday HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Edward Owens, OSST.

DIALOGUE

According to Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Letter, “Fratelli Tutti” on Fraternity and Social Friendship, it takes “approaching, speaking, listening, looking at, coming to know and understand one another, and to find common ground: all these things are summed up in the one word ‘dialogue.’” He continues, “I have only to think of what our would be like without the patient dialogue of the many generous people who keep families and communities together. Their persistent and courageous dialogue does not make headlines, but quietly helps the world to live much better than we imagine. Authentic social dialogue involves the ability to respect the other’s point of view and to admit it may include legitimate convictions and concerns.” This is a form fraternal of love in action.

Today’s Gospel begins and ends with the same dialogue: “love one another” (Jn 15:12, 17). As friends of Jesus, conformed to “the paschal mysteries”, we are to love each other as he has loved us. This fraternal love in action is most evident in the eucharistic action of washing his disciples’ feet (Jn 13). Jesus showed us just how we are to love each other.

In his book on the Eucharist, Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, has a chapter in which he describes Jesus’ washing of the apostles’ feet as the “ultimate invitation to mature discipleship.” In other words, only when we move from worship to service, particularly with the marginalized among us, will we love in the way Jesus loves. When we are able to lay pride and self-glorification aside, pick up the basin and towel, and wash away all the things that divide us one from the other.

Our status as Jesus’ friends does not mean we limit our service. With the psalmist we instead cry, “My heart is ready, O Lord, my heart is ready,” (Ps 57:8) even eager, to go and bear the fruit of the kingdom, just as Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and Judas did when they were sent out by the Church in Jerusalem.

Jesus has shared his life, he has shared his Father’s life, with his disciples. He continues to share his life with us each time we come before this table, and thus they and we are called Jesus’ friends. This Easter commandment to imitate the risen Lord’s love must be a total self-giving. Recall the words of St. Oscar Romero, on the day he was assassinated, “If they kill me, I will rise again in the Salvadoran people. ... I am obliged by divine law to give my life for those I love.”

We are obliged the same divine law to love in the extreme; to love until we are spent and have emptied ourselves of self for love. To use a sports analogy, to leave it all on the playing field. And it all starts with patient, persistent, courageous, and authentic dialogue with each other as friends.

I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN

Do you live in a state of fear and anxiety? You’re not alone! But there is a peace in the midst of life's troubles. Like being in the eye of a hurricane, the disciples were enjoying the peace of being in the presence of Jesus. As they enjoyed fellowship in the upper room, Jesus announced He was leaving them to return to the Father. This news shared in the midst of their peace, turned their hearts to being troubled, fearful, and anxious.[1] There’s a country western song that proclaims, “I never promised you a rose garden.” Neither did Jesus. Empowered by his resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the apostles encountered, throughout the Roman Empire, a world unreceptive to the Good News they shared. Yet, the disciples lived at peace in the midst of this chaotic and cruel world.

The possession and experience of peace is a central fruit of the Christian faith. I wonder how many Christians have really come to understand the great fact that peace is our inheritance. Peace is what Jesus has left us. It is fundamental and cannot be taken away from us by any circumstance. That is what He means by, “Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (Jn 14:27)

How does the world give peace? If you were troubled and went to a doctor asking: What can I do to gain peace?  They might tell you to take a trip. Go to Hawaii. Get away from it all. In other words, change your circumstances. Go to a place where nothing bothers you, where everything is peaceful around you. Then you can be at peace.

But Jesus says, I give peace right in the midst of trouble, right in the midst of distress and turmoil, in the midst of heartaches and pressures. Jesus imparts peace to our hearts right there, and not as the world gives. Why? Because we can return to the basic relationship we have with Jesus—"You in Me, and I in you.” Out of this comes the guarantee that He is working out His purposes. He will bring us through the trouble. He will bring us through the storms. We can rest in the boat, content, knowing, no water can swallow the ship, where lies the Master of ocean, earth, and sky.[2]

This is the peace Jesus gives, so, “do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (Jn 14:27) That’s addressed to us! It means we do not have to be upset and anxious, weary and worried. As we sojourn in the world, which can seem so chaotic and cruel, we need to remember, Jesus never promised us a rose garden. He promised us peace. A peace that enables us to deal with everything—separation from loved ones, loneliness, grave illness, and even death—with a deep sense of joy in Christ’s presence through it all.[3]

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[1] MLJ Trust. “My Peace I Give to You” by Dr. Lloyd-Jones.

[2] Ray Stedman Authentic Christianity. “The Inheritance of Peace” © 2006.

[3] Weekday HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Leota Roesch.

TIME TO WORRY, TIME TO PRAY

I saw a Facebook post yesterday evening that said, “If you have time to worry, you have time to pray.” It caught my attention because Judy and I have been having regular conversations about her worry and anxiety.  She’s not alone, I saw a report yesterday stating that 25 to 50% of Americans are suffering from some form of depression and anxiety, rooted in “worry”. I always ask Judy, “What are you worried about, can you name the anxiety trigger?” She would usually say something to the effect, “the state of our nation” or “the world just seems to be going down the wrong path” and “I just feel like I don’t belong in the world.” These are big things, but really have no control over.

The good news is Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (Jn 14:6) Today’s reading completes Paul’s first missionary discourse with the second half of the sermon focused on the death and resurrection of Christ. This was an especially difficult topic for the earliest Christians. The one they believed to be the Messiah, the heir of David, was, in fact, put to death by legitimate religious and civil authorities. A death in which the faithful played a part. Yet, one of the earliest affirmations is this, all this had to happen in accordance with the oracles of the prophets. It was God’s plan. “If you have time to worry, you have time to pray.”

Our Bishop often asks the groups he speaks with, “Where do you desire to go?” He waits finally, someone proclaims “Heaven”. Heaven is our true home, united with God; Father, Son and Spirit, and all the faithful. The things of this world are temporary, often full of pain, suffering, and sorrow. Worrying about the things of this world is useless. Do you trust God? Let God be God and let’s follow Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Jesus is the way, the perfect Son of the Father, obedient, surrendering completely to the Father’s will and trusting in the Father’s call and path for Him. In this Jesus shows us the way to live. Even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Jesus is the truth. Every word Jesus spoke was truth. Everything he did was an expression of the love of our heavenly Father. Everything Jesus does now, as he works in and through the Church, is a proclamation of the Father’s love.

Jesus is the life. To know Jesus is to be fully alive! He shares his own divine life every time we receive Communion. Jesus has chosen to live in us, to satisfy our deepest needs and to rejoice with us at every good gift.

Jesus is reminding us that honoring the fulfillment of God’s promises also requires accompanying responsibilities associated with discipleship. To love our neighbors and even our enemies. Mother Teresa says, “We are commanded to love God and our neighbor equally, without difference. We don’t have to look for opportunities to fill this command, they’re all around us, twenty-four hours a day. You must open your eyes wide so that you can see the opportunities to give free service, wholehearted, right where you are, in your family. If you don’t give such service to your family, you will not be able to give it to those outside your home.” We are called to be like Jesus, to love like God, because if we have time to worry, we have time to pray.