The Letter to the Hebrews may be read as a letter of encouragement to Christians wearied by demands. As I begin reading the first few chapters, I find a couple of very strong reminders that are important for us today.
First:
Near the end of Chapter 4, we are reminded that Jesus is not someone who is unable to understand our weaknesses. We can confidently turn to him for mercy and grace.
For us, then, we can see that if we are to be compassionate to others and tolerant of their weaknesses, we must know our own very well. It is only in light of our own faults and sinfulness that we can humbly accept others. If we do not do this, then we are in danger of being judgmental and intolerant.
Second:
At the beginning of Chapter 5, in reference to high priests, we are reminded that "No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called
by God . . . ."
Whatever YOU are doing in the service of God's name, you are doing it because He has called you. When you begin to waver in your confidence, reflect on these verses. ". . . . it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: 'You are my son; this day I have begotten you."
You did not put yourself in the position you are in; God called you to it. You are his child. Verse 8 reminds us that Jesus "learned obedience from what he suffered."
We, too, learn obedience through the challenges of life. When we stay faithful to God's word and obey his commands, it will lead us to the salvation he has promised for all.
God bless,
Janet
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
There's no substitute for Mass!
I was reading an article in my local paper about the Rosary Tapes. The story was highlighting this product where there are prayers set to music. In the article it shared the thoughts of a 25 year old Catholic. Her comment made me cringe.
Describing her use of the tapes, she said: "I don't make it to church every week, so it's just kind of my way of keeping in touch with my faith."
Is it possible, really, for someone to think that listening to prayers online is a substitute for going to Mass? Let's see, you've got the Eucharist on one hand and an audio prayer on the other . . .Yup, that's the same.
I hope you detect my sarcasm. And if you are a Catechist, I hope you never have a student who will grow into an adult who makes that kind of claim. I understand that maybe this is the best the 25 year old woman can give right now, so I applaud her efforts, but she is in serious need of some catechesis.
Sadly, she is not alone.
We must continue to pray hard for the lost generations.
God bless,
Janet
Describing her use of the tapes, she said: "I don't make it to church every week, so it's just kind of my way of keeping in touch with my faith."
Is it possible, really, for someone to think that listening to prayers online is a substitute for going to Mass? Let's see, you've got the Eucharist on one hand and an audio prayer on the other . . .Yup, that's the same.
I hope you detect my sarcasm. And if you are a Catechist, I hope you never have a student who will grow into an adult who makes that kind of claim. I understand that maybe this is the best the 25 year old woman can give right now, so I applaud her efforts, but she is in serious need of some catechesis.
Sadly, she is not alone.
We must continue to pray hard for the lost generations.
God bless,
Janet
Monday, July 7, 2008
Reflections on Paul in Acts
As I continue my reflection on Paul in the Acts of the Apostles, I come to Chapter 26, where two things have given me pause . . .
In Verse 20, Paul tells us in no uncertain terms what he has been doing:
" . . . I preached the need to repent and turn to God, and to do works giving evidence of repentance."
How many of us follow Paul's words today? Do we take seriously our need to repent (to be sorry), to turn to God, and then to make reparation through our actions?
When you have gossiped, hurt or otherwise been uncharitable, have you renounced it and asked God for forgiveness? Have you then tried to fix the damage done, even if it makes you embarrassed 0r uncomfortable?
Another way to look at this passage is a personal call to responsibility. Do you, like Paul, express the need for repentance when it is called for, or do you dismiss or laugh off others' inappropriate jokes, racist or disparaging remarks?
Secondly, I was struck by Verse 26:
Paul says, "The king knows about these matters and to him I speak boldly, for I cannot believe that [any] of this has escaped his notice; this was not done in a corner."
That last part, stood out as I was reading this passage where Paul goes before King Agrippa to testify on his own behalf about the charges brought against him.
I learned that this is a Greek proverb and may express the understanding that Christianity has not been hidden; it has been carried out in public where all can see it.
A good reminder to us that the Good News of Jesus cannot be "done in a corner!"
As always, I welcome your comments.
God bless,
Janet
In Verse 20, Paul tells us in no uncertain terms what he has been doing:
" . . . I preached the need to repent and turn to God, and to do works giving evidence of repentance."
How many of us follow Paul's words today? Do we take seriously our need to repent (to be sorry), to turn to God, and then to make reparation through our actions?
When you have gossiped, hurt or otherwise been uncharitable, have you renounced it and asked God for forgiveness? Have you then tried to fix the damage done, even if it makes you embarrassed 0r uncomfortable?
Another way to look at this passage is a personal call to responsibility. Do you, like Paul, express the need for repentance when it is called for, or do you dismiss or laugh off others' inappropriate jokes, racist or disparaging remarks?
Secondly, I was struck by Verse 26:
Paul says, "The king knows about these matters and to him I speak boldly, for I cannot believe that [any] of this has escaped his notice; this was not done in a corner."
That last part, stood out as I was reading this passage where Paul goes before King Agrippa to testify on his own behalf about the charges brought against him.
I learned that this is a Greek proverb and may express the understanding that Christianity has not been hidden; it has been carried out in public where all can see it.
A good reminder to us that the Good News of Jesus cannot be "done in a corner!"
As always, I welcome your comments.
God bless,
Janet
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