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“Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.”

Somedays it seems that I just go, go, go and get very little done. Then when I’m in a meloncoly mood such as today, it feels like it is all for naught. What am I really accomplishing here? We are living in a world that judges you more on the condition of your house, then on the condition of your soul. Feeling judged and found lacking, can be a pretty heavy burden on anyone’s shoulders. But then today’s reading reminds me what I’m working for. Approval of others is not it, or shouldn’t be…that is definitely food that perishes…no one can satisfy everyone all of the time. However when we strive to glorify God and live a life of obedience…He provides us with what is truly necessery in life.

“So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore
full of one hundred fifty-three large fish.
Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.”
via USCCB | NAB – April 29, 2011.

Here’s how it goes…we pray for a particular blessing…the Lord provides (and then some) and then at some point the ‘blessing’ starts to get heavy and feel like a burden. Here’s the good news…if it is indeed from the Lord (as all good things are) we may need to drag our net a bit, but it won’t break.

“The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way,
and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.”

via USCCB | NAB – April 28, 2011.

Office of Readings

“Who indeed can harm you if you are committed deeply to doing what is right? Even if you should have to suffer for justice’ sake, happy will you be. “Fear not and do not stand in awe of what this people fears.” Venerate the Lord, that is, Christ, in your hearts.”

It can be so difficult when the Lord allows ‘brokeness’…in the world around us, in our families, in our selves. But if we stay focused on the things that are really important. Caring for and protecting those things that the Lord has entrusted to us specifically. Then we gain some perspective. We come to recognize Him and His will for us in all the crazyness and broken pieces. It is now that we ourselves become ‘Eucharist’ and can help to feed others.

YouTube – Voice Of Truth – Casting Crowns

via YouTube – Voice Of Truth – Casting Crowns.

YouTube – Come to the table Michael Card

via YouTube – Come to the table Michael Card.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been to church…come! All are welcome!

YouTube – The basin and the towel.wmv

via YouTube – The basin and the towel.wmv.

“The Lord God has given me a well trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.”

In today’s society this has become synonimous with ‘sweet talking’. Words that just tickle the ear of the recipient, but have no real enduring power…in fact it may lead to deeper bondange…sort of like a drug.

Now let’s take a look at the Lord’s prophets, those that speak God’s truth in a timely manner regardless of how it may be received. Not a popular bunch by any means. Jesus Himself said that a prophet would not be accepted in his own country. Yet, we are in dire need of prophets. The Lord says that ‘my people are perishing for lack of knowledge’. Obviously it is not more cerebral stimulation that we need, but spiritual arousal. This generation no longer has knowledge of what sin is and what it does. Whenever anyone brings up a difficult issue, then the person is portrayed as ‘narrow minded’ or ‘old fashioned’…or even ‘unloving’. Like tickling someone’s ear as they rush off the cliff is the most loving thing that we can do.  And saying ‘STOP!’ you are going to die if you continue down this path…is hateful!

“Peter said to him,
“Master, why can I not follow you now?
I will lay down my life for you.”
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me?
Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow
before you deny me three times.””

Doesn’t this just cut right to our soul? We know how much Peter loved Jesus, how could this happen? Well…how does it happen in our own lives? We, who vow to live and die for Him. We too turn away from Him and deny Him on a regular basis. I know that I do. None more apparent then on this Lenten Season. How many vows have I made to Him, only to ‘fall asleep’ and not follow through. Why would He EVER choose a bunch of fools like us to serve Him in any capacity?Peter…the same one mentioned above…will become the First Pope! What?! Doesn’t make sense…does it? But maybe, just maybe that is THE requirement for a life of Holiness…not accomplishing everything perfectly…that is God’s job. But being willing to try (and to fail) and being fully dependent on God’s grace (which requires us to know our own limitations).

“A willing and humble heart, I pray that you will find in me.”

YouTube – I Will Choose Christ.

via YouTube – I Will Choose Christ..

“And I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord,
and my God is now my strength!”

Little moments throughout the day, given to Him…are returned to us in immeasurable ways. They are the moments that feed us and provide strength for our own particular jouney in life. I’ve heard it said (maybe Mother Teresa?) that if you are too busy to pray, then you are too busy! True, true, true.

“They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served,
while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil
made from genuine aromatic nard
and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair;
the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. ”

via USCCB | NAB – April 18, 2011.

This passage shows us the different strengths of each individual. Martha is the care giver and Mary is the contemplative who is happiest sitting by the feet of Jesus just loving on Him. Ideally we all should have a bit of each one within our own personalities or things can get out of balance. I’ve heard it said that where our greatest gift is, there also lies our greatest temptation. If we are the Martha type then we may get so busy doing that we forget to sometimes just sit and ‘be’ with Jesus. Or if we are like Mary, we may need to be prodded into looking around us a bit and seeing how we can best serve the Jesus in others today.