So much time has passed since we tried to get our column up and running! We hope that in our absence, you, dear reader, were close to the Lord, knowing that you are never alone. Why? Because He is RISEN! Nothing, not even sickness, failure, defeat or death can separate us from the love He pours out upon us. This is so easy to believe on days of joy and so much a challenge to embrace on days of sorrow.
Pope Francis has guided us these months since his election to the papacy. There is no one in this world, no matter what faith or lack thereof, who does not know who he is and the simple, yet so very important difference he continues to make in our lives. Our attitudes are challenged through his words and actions. He invites us to authentic GOSPEL LIVING.
What is this GOSPEL LIVING, if not living the PASCHAL MYSTERY of dying and rising in our lives; dying to our own needs and wants, dying to our selfishness, dying to our excuses to love as Jesus asks us to love? And rising? Rising is what happens when we choose to take the higher road of others before self, of letting Christ live in us so that as St. Paul said so eloquently, "I live now, no longer I, but Christ lives in me." Pope Francis asks us to be the voice and presence of Christ today.
I will be going on my annual retreat this evening. I couldn't think of a better time to "resurrect" these reflections! I promise prayer for those who may read them. Over the next seven days, perhaps we can all ponder the following questions:
1. Have I let sickness, failure, defeat or any other reality separate me from the love which Christ holds out to me?
2. How has Pope Francis' words or actions been an example and a challenge to me?
3. Do I recognize my own selfishness?
4. How is God asking me to "take the higher road" in my life?
5. Would those I know say that I am "the voice and presence of Christ" for them? For others?
Let us pray for each other this week and ask God to help us answer these questions. Jesus, my Resurrection and my Life, grant that I may rise with you!
Pope Francis has guided us these months since his election to the papacy. There is no one in this world, no matter what faith or lack thereof, who does not know who he is and the simple, yet so very important difference he continues to make in our lives. Our attitudes are challenged through his words and actions. He invites us to authentic GOSPEL LIVING.
What is this GOSPEL LIVING, if not living the PASCHAL MYSTERY of dying and rising in our lives; dying to our own needs and wants, dying to our selfishness, dying to our excuses to love as Jesus asks us to love? And rising? Rising is what happens when we choose to take the higher road of others before self, of letting Christ live in us so that as St. Paul said so eloquently, "I live now, no longer I, but Christ lives in me." Pope Francis asks us to be the voice and presence of Christ today.
I will be going on my annual retreat this evening. I couldn't think of a better time to "resurrect" these reflections! I promise prayer for those who may read them. Over the next seven days, perhaps we can all ponder the following questions:
1. Have I let sickness, failure, defeat or any other reality separate me from the love which Christ holds out to me?
2. How has Pope Francis' words or actions been an example and a challenge to me?
3. Do I recognize my own selfishness?
4. How is God asking me to "take the higher road" in my life?
5. Would those I know say that I am "the voice and presence of Christ" for them? For others?
Let us pray for each other this week and ask God to help us answer these questions. Jesus, my Resurrection and my Life, grant that I may rise with you!
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