Honoring others

A prophet is not without honor except in his native place. (Mark 6:4) 

In today’s Gospel, Mark tells us how the people of Jesus’ hometown struggled to accept him because they thought they knew him. Sadly, their inability to honor him, one of their fellow townspeople, limited the miracles that he could do among them.

Their experience can teach us two lessons about honoring one another, or treating one another with respect. First, it can be challenging to honor the people closest to us. Second, if dishonor can limit what the Lord is able to do, imagine how important honoring someone must be in opening the door for the Lord to work.

What does it mean to “honor” someone (Mark 6:4)? It can mean seeing them with God’s eyes, looking at their potential instead of their shortcomings, and their gifts instead of their flaws. It can mean recognizing that they are a gift to us and that they have dignity. Maybe a sibling thinks very differently from us, or a co-worker has some frustrating habits. What could happen if we chose to treat them well, to honor their gifts and talents instead of focusing on the ways we disagree with them?

When we say something encouraging instead of criticizing, when we try to build up instead of tearing down, God uses our words and our attitudes to remind people how deeply loved they are. He can use our words and actions to show that person that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. When we take the time to listen attentively instead of lecturing or nagging, it can soften both their hearts and ours. Most of all, when we try our best to love and accept others patiently, especially the ones who rub us the wrong way, we are creating an environment where the Lord can draw them closer to his heart.

Think about the people closest to you. Who bothers you the most or concerns you the most? Try to honor that person today. Offer them an encouraging word or an unexpected compliment. Think of one positive aspect of their personality, and thank God for it. Make it a point to do this every day for a week, and watch what happens—both in their life and in your own heart.

“Jesus, help me to honor the people around me.”

from wau.org

Plan A

He told his disciples to have a boat ready. (Mark 3:9) 

Crowds upon crowds followed Jesus, and the more he healed, the more people pressed in on him. So many people surged toward him, in fact, that he had to act to avoid being crushed. But he had a boat ready, not for a quick escape, but so that he could continue to teach and heal.

Just as he did back then, Jesus has a plan today—for your life! He is always ready to teach you, to build you up, to forgive you, or to guide your feet. Nothing takes him by surprise; he is always ready, always prepared for whatever challenges life throws at you. 

Jesus’ plan is no “Plan B” or “Plan C” or even “Plan Z.” It’s a perfect plan that will bring you peace, and it begins with you relaxing into God’s presence. Press in to be with Jesus just as the crowds did. He will never retreat beyond your ability to hear him. Maybe that means visiting the Tabernacle, sitting quietly in a comfortable chair, or just taking a deep breath in the middle of a rushed day. Read a psalm or listen to worshipful music to help you quiet your thoughts in his presence. Try to picture Jesus sitting next to you or calling to you from his boat.

Then give him time to speak to you. Pay attention to the thoughts in your mind and the feelings in your heart. Write down anything that occurs to you—pictures that form in your imagination; messages of guidance, assurance, or conviction; or Scripture passages that come to mind. If the message brings you joy or comfort or encouragement, it’s probably Jesus speaking to you. Remember, he has come to save, not to condemn.

Jesus wants to speak to every one of us. This is his Plan A. He wants to teach us about who he is and what it means to follow him. He wants to tell us about his mercy and his salvation. He wants to give us new insights into his love. Especially today, as we begin the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, he wants to tell us how we can be his ambassadors of reconciliation and healing.

“Jesus, I believe you want to speak to me today. Here I am. I’ve come to hear your voice.”

from wau.org

Faith & Action

Today the Lord shall deliver you into my hand. (1 Samuel 17:46) 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to throw a rock at your problems and watch them all disappear? This is what David did: he chucked a tiny stone at Goliath, and the dreaded giant collapsed.

But there was more to this story than David’s bravery. As his words to Goliath show, David also relied on the Lord to give him victory. How else could one small stone make such a big difference?

God wants us to learn the combination of faith and action that David showed, that balance between God’s grace and our work that can lead us into victory. David’s words, quoted above, show how much he placed his confidence in the Lord. But even as he spoke these words of defiant faith, he picked up a stone, took aim, and fired a deadly shot. Try to imagine what would have happened if David had merely boasted in the Lord but not done anything. It could have been tragic!

How often do we rely too much on God and neglect the work that he calls us to do, whether in evangelization or in our own growth in holiness? On the other hand, how often do we rely on our own strength, doing the “work of the Lord” but neglecting the “Lord of the work”? Both approaches are risky. The first one can leave us feeling fruitless and frustrated. The second one can leave us full of ourselves or worn out and dispirited. But the middle way—the way of cooperation between divine grace and human work—brings not only fruitfulness but refreshment and joy as well.

It’s an interesting combination, isn’t it? We need to humble ourselves and recognize that we are weak without the Lord. But we also need to believe that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We need to learn the art of being still and knowing that he is God, and we need to learn how to step out of the boat and onto the surging waters of life.

What Goliath are you facing right now? How can you step out in faith, trusting in God’s power as you fling your stone?

“Jesus, I embrace the victory you have given me on the cross. I place my confidence in your power and in the talents you have given me.”

from wau.org

A sacrifice of praise

He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me. (Psalm 50:23) 

“I am doing now what I will do for all eternity. I am blessing God, praising him, adoring him, and loving him with all my heart.”

These words, which echo today’s Responsorial Psalm, come from Brother Lawrence, a monk who lived in seventeenth-century Paris. As the cook for his community, Brother Lawrence held one of its more mundane jobs. But he made it a point to delight in the Lord even while doing mundane kitchen tasks. Instead of interrupting his conversation with God so that he could deal with “earthly issues,” Brother Lawrence invited God into every aspect of his life. By continually talking to him as he worked throughout the day, he found a wonderful way to offer “praise as a sacrifice” to God (Psalm 50:23). 

We all have obligations in our lives. Driving the kids to school or soccer practice, making dinner for the family, or staying late at the office to finish a project—all of these can seem monotonous and “unspiritual.” But God can give you a new perspective. You can approach your day intentionally, by deciding to praise the Lord in each of your activities.

This isn’t always easy. That’s why the psalmist called it a sacrifice. It’s not always easy to remember to turn to the Lord. Sometimes we may not want to because we fear he might ask something of us that we don’t want to give. But if we can get in the habit of inviting God into each task we do, our awareness of his presence will grow. We’ll also find that being in God’s presence isn’t as scary as we once thought. Just as Brother Lawrence did, we will gradually find ourselves delighting in the Lord and his love. 

Try it today. Take some time right now to tell God how much you love him and want to glorify him. Then try your best to welcome him into your situations. Talk with him about the traffic while you’re driving. Tell him about the meal you are preparing for your family. Even feel free enough to complain to him about a deadline at work and to ask him for his help. The more you do this, the more it will become second nature to you. You will find yourself praising God even without realizing it!

“Lord, teach me to welcome you into my activities today.”

from wau.org

"...with whom I am well pleased"

You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. (Mark 1:11) 

Unlike most people, who were baptized as infants, Ron remembers well the day he was baptized because he was an adult when it happened. For him, it was far more than a step his parents took for him so that he could become part of the Church. It was the day he received new life. He always tells people what happened to him when the priest poured the holy water over his head. It was like someone had “turned the lights on.” He felt a tangible sense of peace and joy. He knew at that moment that God was with him and that God loves him. 

We don’t know what Jesus felt at his baptism. Unlike us, he didn’t need to be purified from sin. But his baptism, like ours, was an anointing from the Father. And we know what the Father thought about him! There are few recorded instances in Scripture when God speaks on his own, without using a prophet, and this is one of them. Jesus was his only divine Son; he couldn’t help but voice his approval and delight in him. 

Baptism has many effects. It purifies us from sin, gives us power to live a holy life, and makes us part of Christ’s body. But these aren’t just theological facts that we need to memorize. They tell us about a reality that transforms our very existence. Baptism makes us adopted children of God. We may not hear an audible voice telling us that he is “well pleased” with us, but we can be sure that this is exactly what God says each time someone is baptized (Mark 1:11). 

How can we know that for sure? By taking a look at the cross. If God sent Jesus to offer his life for us, then his love for us must be beyond anything we can imagine. His delight in us must be strong, affirming, and joyful.

So when you read the Father’s words to Jesus, know that he speaks them to you too. Today try repeating this to yourself: “I am God’s beloved son or daughter, and he is well pleased with me.” Let that truth sink in deeper today—and thank your heavenly Father for all his love.

“Lord, help me to accept your love for me.”

from wau.org

No Place to Negativity

Nobody said following Christ would be easy. Thoughts of self-denial, of carrying the cross, even of martyrdom come to mind. Such grand sacrifices, though, begin with the commission John gives in today’s first reading: love one another. Love the people around you. Hold them dear, even when they push you away. Be devoted to their welfare, even if they seem indifferent to yours. Hope and pray for their healing, just as you do for your own. 

Not so easy, is it? Christian author C. S. Lewis likens it to beginning the study of mathematics with basic addition and not calculus. Start by forgiving your spouse, parents, or children for something they have said or done in the last week: for dishes left unwashed in the sink (again) perhaps or the car’s gas tank left on empty, for phone calls unmade or unreturned, or for being left having to walk the dog in the rain. 

Everyday life offers us many opportunities to love one another in small, concrete ways, “in deed and truth,” as John wrote (1 John 3:18). To love and not resent, to serve and not crave revenge—this kind of loving requires the death of something inside ourselves. “The feeling of resentment, the desire for payback, must be simply killed,” says Lewis. “It is hard work, but the attempt is not impossible.” 

Feelings can be stubborn, but God will help you. He will give you everything you need to love your family as he has loved you. When anger or bitterness rises up within you, stop and do your best to halt those thoughts. Ask Jesus for the grace to think thoughts of love for that person, and then take one small step to treat them with kindness. You may discover, over time, that you actually are becoming more loving. You may find yourself hoping for “good” and even praying for those thoughtless coworkers, rude drivers, and ungodly “others” whom you find insufferable. It doesn’t happen all at once, but it does happen. Gradually. Unnoticed. Deep down in your heart. Resolve today to give no place to negativity, and God’s grace will abound.

“Holy Spirit, give me the gift of fortitude today so that I can fight the good fight of faith. Give me grace to love other people as Jesus loved me.”

from wau.org

Remain in Him

Remain in him. (1 John 2:28) 

Well, we’ve made it through the Octave of Christmas. For most of us, Christmas can be joyful, but the preparations and parties can be hectic and exhausting. Now we can enjoy a change of pace.

John knows exactly what we need as we shift to a slower pace. He uses the word “remain” six times in this passage alone—a word that can also be translated as “abide.” Today, we might talk about “settling into” or “resting in” something solid and reliable. And that happens when we take the time simply to be with the Lord.

That might sound simple, but with so many things competing for our attention, quieting ourselves can be challenging. 

Here are some ideas for getting started:

• Make a firm decision to set aside time every day to pray. Think about your best time and place. Maybe it’s first thing in the morning, on the edge of your bed. Maybe it’s a midday visit to the Blessed Sacrament. It might be a prayer corner in your home. Try setting a timer for ten minutes. Sometimes the time may drag, but other days it will fly.

• Put aside your other concerns. This is not the time for a to-do list or a set of prayer intentions. Still your mind. Stray thoughts will probably rise up. Don’t let them upset you; just choose to ignore them.

• Try to focus on the presence of Jesus, the One who eagerly awaits this time with you. Maybe fix your attention on an icon or play quiet instrumental music. You could repeat a Scripture passage or prayer—“Jesus, I trust in you.” 

• Finally, the hardest part: just sit. Open your heart to the Lord. Tell him that you love him; then be quiet and listen. Stay there for the full ten minutes.

Don’t worry about the results. Just trust that this time will pay off. Sometimes you will feel God’s presence. Sometimes you won’t. Sometimes you will sense a direction or inspiration for later in the day. Sometimes you won’t. Hang onto the habit of quietness, however the encounter with Christ unfolds on a given day. In the end, you will find yourself refreshed and restored. 

“Jesus, I want to be with you.”

from wau.org

Learning from Mary

I will bless them. (Numbers 6:27) 

Happy New Year! It’s no coincidence that the Church celebrates Mary, the blessed Mother of God, on a day of new beginnings. It’s also no coincidence that our readings focus on how much God wants to bless us, even as he has blessed Mary.

Just look at today’s readings—they’re full of blessing! The first reading describes how Aaron prayed a blessing over the Israelites. The Responsorial Psalm asks God to “bless us in his mercy” (Psalm Response). The second reading tells us of the blessings of redemption that have come through Mary’s yes to God. And in today’s Gospel, Mary stands out as “blessed . . . among women” (Luke 1:42). Why? 

Mary’s blessedness wasn’t a mythical shield guarding her from every temptation. Yes, she was born without original sin. But she didn’t walk around in a bubble. The blessing Mary enjoyed deepened every day as she cultivated it: she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

When the shepherds told Mary about the angels’ message, she treasured it. At the annunciation, when Gabriel addressed her as “favored one,” she pondered his greeting (Luke 1:28). She did something similar when the twelve-year-old Jesus stayed behind in the Temple and likely did so many times during his adult ministry. It made her aware and grateful for all the ways God was at work in her life and in the world around her. By treasuring and pondering her blessings, Mary also learned to accept and understand what was to come. 

God wants to bless you this year. So make it your goal to imitate Mary. Ponder what God does in your life. Treasure the blessings he’s already given you. Let them show you how great God is and how much he loves you. And be on the lookout for all he has in store for you this year. 

“Thank you, Father, that you want to bless your people! Help me follow Mary’s example this year.”

from wau.org