Come as you are

I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. (Matthew 8:8)

The centurion in today’s Gospel was accustomed to exerting the might of Rome over the local Jewish population. Men in his position could confiscate property and force the locals into labor. As officers of a Roman military unit, they gave orders, not requests. So, considering the centurion’s power, it’s a bit strange that he doesn’t just summon Jesus to his home and command him to heal his servant.

No—instead, the centurion shows unusual respect for Jewish religious boundaries. He knows that according to Jewish law, entering the home of a Gentile would bring about ritual uncleanness. So in a spirit of vulnerability and humble faith, the centurion appeals to Jesus for help from afar. “Only say the word and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8).

What an inspiration! No matter where we think we stand in relation to God, we can approach him. Even when we consider ourselves unworthy, we can come to Jesus and ask him to look on us with mercy. The centurion’s encounter with Jesus shows us how graciously God receives people of humble heart. Far from responding with anger or impatience, he praises this pagan’s faith. He goes so far as to elevate the centurion’s faith above that of many of his fellow Jews!

The next time you approach God in prayer, try to adopt the humble attitude of the centurion—but don’t let your humility keep you away. You may not understand everything; you may not be in the best position spiritually, but you can still go to him. Jesus is there to respond with love. Even though he is almighty God, he will meet you at your level. If he is willing to enter a Gentile’s home and cure his servant in person, he surely won’t turn you away! 

This is what merciful love looks like. It’s a love that involves mutual humility: ours, in acknowledging our weakness before God, and his, in extending his saving mercy! Every time you repeat the centurion’s words at Mass, make it a point to reinforce this message. Jesus will take care of your needs. He will forgive your sins. He will respond to your humility with his own humility and kindness.

“Jesus, meet me in my weakness. I need your help today, and I trust you to deliver!”

from wau.org

Internal False Prophets

By their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:20)

It makes sense. If you’re looking for apples, you wouldn’t search on a cherry tree. Or if you’re looking for blueberries, you wouldn’t go to a vineyard. But what does fruit have to do with the “false prophets” Jesus cautions against here?

A lot. When something is false, it is pretending to be something it’s not. Like a wolf trying to look like a sheep, false prophets may seem harmless, but their messages are dangerous. Like a wolf, they separate the sheep from the guidance and protection of the shepherd.

We typically think of false prophets as people who preach something different from the gospel—and that is accurate. But what if we were to look at our own inner voices as well? Probably more than anything else, these interior false prophets give us wrong messages about God. They contradict what we know of how deeply God loves us by condemning us, burdening us, or robbing us of our peace. Whenever we believe them, we end up confused about who we are in Christ. And that makes us confused about the way we relate to the people around us.

So what can you do? Look at the fruit! Take note of what’s going through your mind. If you find yourself feeling burdened, chase down that thought, and see where it’s coming from. Maybe you’ve taken on too many responsibilities because you feel that God won’t be satisfied with you. Remember that Jesus has made you a child of God, and you are precious to him. If you find yourself anxious, ask the Holy Spirit to help you get to the bottom of it. Maybe you’re afraid that God won’t take good enough care of you. Take a minute, and remind yourself of all the ways God has been close to you in the past. 

There’s a good chance that if you experience peace, it’s coming from the Holy Spirit. And there’s an even better chance that if you’re feeling discouraged or beaten down, it’s not coming from the Spirit. With practice, you’ll get better at discerning these voices and dealing with any false prophet that comes to you in sheep’s clothing. 

“Holy Spirit, help me to recognize the fruit of my thoughts and plans. I trust you to help me discern when I’m close to you and when I need to adjust my focus.”

from wau.org

A journey

Follow me. (Luke 9:23)

Did you ever go off on adventures when you were a child? Perhaps you journeyed into the woods behind your home or explored an old abandoned building, wondering where all the rooms and staircases would take you. Adventures like these can be fun, even for grown-ups!

Another thrilling adventure is the one that unfolds as we follow Jesus. You never know where he will take you!

We see this in today’s Gospel, when Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” “The Christ of God,” Peter replies (Luke 9:20). Then Jesus goes on to predict his passion and tell the disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. A whole new chapter in Peter’s adventure has begun: the way of the cross. Surely he wondered what else lay ahead for him.

We know that following Jesus led Peter to a life that he could not have imagined: from being a humble fisherman to becoming the rock on which Jesus built his Church. But Peter didn’t know all of this when he began. And it certainly didn’t happen overnight. Still, Peter put his faith in Jesus, and while this meant letting go of some of his own plans along the way, he continued to take each new step because he trusted Jesus. 

Jesus won’t necessarily ask you to leave your family or your job as he asked Peter to. But he does want to be your Savior and Lord. Like Peter’s, your adventure is sure to be filled with twists and turns. You’ve probably encountered some already, in fact, and learned that you don’t have to be afraid. Keep that lesson in your mind the next time you face a new twist. Jesus is always by your side. He is always inviting you to trust him and follow him. He will never let you down!

“Jesus, thank you for calling me to follow you. Help me to hear and do all that you ask, today and always.” 

from wau.org

No need to impress

Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah? (2 Kings 2:14)

Watch a major football game, and you’ll notice that the fans make more noise when the opposing team is in possession of the ball than when their team has it. They want to distract the players so that they will misstep and lose the ball. In a similar way, we are often surrounded by a myriad of voices that are trying to distract us from our goal. And in the midst of all the chaos, our heavenly Father is there, inviting us to a quiet place where we can hear his voice.

We see a similar story unfold in today’s first reading. Elijah was headed to the Jordan, and his protégé, Elisha, refused to leave his side. Scripture tells us that fifty other prophets followed them on the way, but when they reached the river, only Elijah and Elisha remained. It was there, in that place of quiet, that Elisha found the boldness to ask Elijah for a double portion of his prophetic spirit. It was there also that God sent a flaming chariot for Elijah. And it was there that Elisha found the power to divide the water.

Jesus is well aware of the voices that surround us. That’s why he tells us to go to our “inner room” when we pray (Matthew 6:6). He wants us to leave all the other voices behind so that we can focus on him. He also wants us to be free from the desire to impress other people, so that he can get on with the work of impressing us and teaching us how to love and serve him above all else.

Do you have a quiet place set aside for prayer? A quiet time? Try your best to get away from distracting voices. Put aside the concerns about what other people might think of you. Just focus on the Lord. Expect wondrous things to happen, just as they happened for Elisha. Boldly ask God to fill you with his presence and to speak to your heart. Here is where you’ll find wisdom for your life. Here is where you’ll find healing for your heart. And here is where you’ll find the joy and peace that only God can give.

“Here I am, Lord. For just these few minutes, help me silence all the other voices around me. Jesus, I want to hear your voice!”

from wau.org

Five lessons from the battle

1 Kings 18: 16-39

This week we have heard a lot about the many fights that Mohammed Ali had participated in and more often than not, the drama and showmanship that surrounded those duels. Today in our text we read about a different sought of confrontation but also one with very interesting happenings; that between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

This occurred during the reign of King Ahab who was described as “having done more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him” [1 Kings 16:30]. He had managed to revive the worship of idols as well as turned the people of Israel away from following the true God. However, Elijah was one of the few who decided to remain steadfast in faith. Our faith is constantly being challenged especially during these times. We are consistently seeing the rise of atheism from our institutions of learning to our body politic. We are seeing a rise of radical atheists, championed by people like Richard Dawkins, who will aggressively attack our belief in God. We are seeing the rise of new age religions; incorporating different theologies and concepts from the east. As well as a rise in the teaching of “you can believe anything you want” being advocated by celebrities and other people in positions of influence. But the truth is one. Elijah decided to stand for the truth. He could have chosen to give in when Jezeebel, the queen, started to kill all the other prophets, or when a majority of the people decided to forsake the Lord. I am guessing that based on his popularity, he could have even be made the head priests of the prophets of Baal with all its accorded incentives at that time. But he chose to remain firm. We learn from Elijah that just because something is popular does not mean it is right. We need to stand firm by our faith.

Secondly, holding onto the truth does not always come easy. We are told in 1 Kings 18:10, of how Ahab had sent men to go through out all the kingdoms and nations to look for Elijah. He even used his influence and power to make the leaders of those nations swear to him that they truly could not find Elijah. Later on, we read about Jezeebel hunting him down to the extent that Elijah had to flee Horeb [1 Kings 19: 1]. Elijah was a wanted man. Throughout scripture and even in history we read of the difficulties encountered by those who decided to stand for the truth. The same applies to us. Even as we are admonished to hold onto the truth we are also reminded that it will be difficult. We may be ostracized, we may be looked down upon, we may even lose close friends or sometimes family, but the Lord encourages us today to keep on holding on even in the turbulent times.

Our third lesson from the battle is, knowing your identity in Christ. If someone was to meet you on the sidewalk and ask : “ who are you?” what would be your response? Will you define yourself first by what you do?; I am a scientist, an accountant, a doctor. Or will you describe yourself first by where you are from?; I am a Ghanaian, an American, an Indian. Or will you describe yourself by what you own?; I am the owner of the white Mercedes parked there, or that mansion by the corner. What defines your identity? Understanding who we are shapes the way we think, the way we approach issues and even the manner by which we relate to others.  

In our text, we observe that before Elijah prayed for fire he sought to remind the people first and foremost of who they are in the Lord. Starting from verse 31, he reconstructed the altar of the Lord by purposely using twelve stones each symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and went further to remind them of the name they had – Israel, meaning, MAY GOD PREVAIL. Again, he emphasized their identity and origin by making them soak the sacrifice with 12 jars of water, symbolic of the twelve tribes.  In verse 36, we are told that Elijah stepped out at the time of sacrifice. This was no mean coincidence. He waited till the appointed time for the evening sacrifice in order that his action will be in accord with what was prescribed in the Law, which the people had forsaken, so that their minds would be brought back to their original way of worship. He further referenced the forefathers of the people of Israel in his prayer, indicating to them the long lasting relationship they had with the Lord. All this I believe, was done to remind the people of who they were in the Lord; they were God’s own chosen people, called by God Himself who had provided them with His laws. They needed to be reminded first of who they were and for which reason they had to return to the Lord.  Our daily activities and the happenings of life can sometimes take a toll on us but we have to constantly remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, through our study of scripture, daily prayer and Christian fellowship in order that we remain focused.

The Fourth lesson is that we serve the all powerful God and there is nothing that He cannot do. Thinking about this point, I initially figured that of course, this point was a no-brainer. But I believe that we have to remind ourselves of this fact on a daily basis. Personally I have experienced moments when I have questioned the ability of God to act and I believe you might have experienced those times as well. The truth is some of us listening to the sound of my voice may even be going through such difficult periods now. Today I would like to encourage you that our God is the God who answers with fire, He is all powerful and there is nothing He cannot do. Let us be convinced by this, let us repeat this to ourselves everyday such that this fact becomes part and parcel of our lives.

In verse 21 Elijah asked the people; “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is god, follow him” But the people said nothing. The fifth point is that we all have a choice to make. Even as we move through our daily lives we will always be presented with these two options. Baal could be anything that prevents us from dedicating ourselves to the Lord. This could be our jobs, friends, fame, money, among others. Today we are reminded that we have a choice at each instance. I pray that we will always choose the side of the Lord.

Amen     

...during the storm

Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord. (1 Kings 19:11)

Elijah’s life was in danger. After defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, he fled from Jezebel’s wrath, which thundered on the horizon like a threatening storm. Weary and discouraged, yet poised at a new chapter in his prophetic ministry, Elijah needed to hear God’s voice—and God’s messenger promised that he would. 

But it was only after Elijah had passed through the storm that he was able to hear God’s voice in a “tiny whispering sound” (1 Kings 19:12). 

Elijah’s story offers some encouraging insight into how we can hear God speak to us. In our natural desire to avoid stressful or challenging situations, we may think that the only way to hear God’s voice is in picturesque, quiet moments, when we are secluded and free to spend time with him in prayer or meditate on his word. Of course, those times are essential, but they are not the only way God speaks. And neither are they always the most effective way. 

In fact, God often uses the storms of life to help us find his presence and his wisdom. Life is not picture-perfect. We know what it’s like to feel buffeted by forces beyond our control and by situations that affect our work or health or our children and their future. Our foundation gets shaken by problems we can’t fix, and that can unnerve us.

But there’s always a hidden blessing in these tough situations: they can bring us to our knees. It’s when we find ourselves nearing the end of our strength, as Elijah did, that we are more likely to listen for Jesus’ still small voice. We sense that we need him in the midst of whatever storm is swirling around us.

The surprising thing about making it through storms is that we can look back and realize Jesus has been with us all along. He promised, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age,” and he is true to his word (Matthew 28:20). So whenever you are facing a storm, try your best to cling to Jesus. Believe that even in the midst of the turmoil, you can still hear his voice and know his presence.

“Jesus, help me to cling to you through the storms so that I can learn to hear you.” 

from wau.org

Shine Forth

You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14)

Isn’t it funny how a statement like this can make us feel anxious? “Me? A light to the world? I’ve got a lot of work to do in order to live up to this! I’m sure I don’t shine half as brightly as God wants me to. How can I possibly measure up to this?”

Relax! Jesus said you are the light, not you should be the light or you might be the light if you try hard enough. He said you are like a city on a hill; you can’t help but be seen. Even if your light is under some kind of a basket, it still shines out through the cracks.

Jesus can say these things because the light in you comes from God, not from yourself. It’s already there, even if you don’t see it. This means that you don’t have to try extra hard to shine. Jesus’ light will shine out from you; it’s what light does!

St. Philip Neri was like that. His friends called him “the electric eel” because he just seemed to draw people to himself—and even more so to God—naturally. You probably know someone like that yourself: a member of your parish perhaps or a friend from school or work. People are drawn to them because they seem to shine.

The good news is that you received that same light when you were baptized; you just need to let it shine out. If there are any “bushel baskets” blocking your light, let the Holy Spirit show them to you and help you remove them.

What does this light look like? Maybe it will shine as you smile at the cashier in the grocery store or as you get coffee for your co-worker or spouse. Maybe it will shine when you take the time to give your full attention to someone, even if you’re in a hurry.

Little acts of love like these can bring light and warmth to the people around you. Not only will they enjoy being with you, but they will also get a glimpse of the life of God that is in you. And that heavenly light can draw them to Christ.

“Jesus, I believe that nothing can extinguish your light! Teach me how to let that light shine more and more brightly.”

from wau.org

Revelation

It came through a revelation. (Galatians 1:12)

One of the great joys in life is receiving what St. Paul called “revelation” from God—that experience of sensing his presence and feeling led or taught by his Holy Spirit. Here are a few insights into what this revelation is and how we can experience it ourselves. 

First, at the Last Supper, Jesus told his apostles, “I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father” (John 15:15). If you want to be a friend of Jesus, make time for him; listen to him, just as you would listen to a friend.

Second, religious cults tell us to “empty our minds” if we want to meditate. But Scripture tells us to fill our minds with God’s word and to mediate on his unfailing love (Psalm 48:9), his mighty deeds (77:12), his precepts (119:15), and his promises (119:148). So make time to read God’s word each day, and ask the Spirit to write that word on your heart.

Third, having the right disposition also counts. Jesus once thanked his Father for having “hidden these things from the wise and the learned” and having “revealed them to the childlike” (Matthew 11:25). Children are trusting, uncomplicated, teachable, and content with little things. So try to be childlike in your prayer, eager to be with your heavenly Father.

God wants to reveal himself to us. He wants to show us how much he loves us. He also wants to speak to us in the quiet of our hearts—perhaps to ask us to be more kind and generous or to speak to that lonely person we just walked past or to have a heart for the poor. The more we come to God, the more we will hear his voice. 

It’s interesting how we can detect temptation more easily than we can detect God’s voice. Maybe it’s because of a lack of practice. So seek the Lord; ask him for revelation. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be surprised by what comes into your mind by the power of the Spirit.

“Jesus, imprint your word on my heart. I want to know your will.”

from wau.org

Called to Holiness

He saved us and called us to a holy life. (2 Timothy 1:9)

In this one sentence, St. Paul maps out the entire Christian life. Yes, Jesus has redeemed us, but he didn’t save us and then leave us to our own devices. He has also destined us to become holy—to become saints.

“Who? Me? I can’t do that! I have a hard enough time just staying out of trouble. I can’t become holy.” 

Yes, you can. Jesus was so convinced of your potential that he gave himself up for you. He looked into your heart and saw your desires for purity and innocence. He saw your desire to do great things for him and to build his kingdom. He saw the love and humility that lie deep in your heart. He saw it all and decided you were worth saving. He decided that the “holy” version of you was worth dying for.

What does this “holy” you look like? In a 2014 audience, Pope Francis described it as “a visible sign of God’s love and his presence.” He went on to describe the way to holiness: “Are you consecrated? Be holy, living your gift and your ministry with joy. Are you married? Be holy, loving and taking care of your husband or wife, as Christ did with the Church. Are you a baptized person who is not married? Be holy, performing your work with honesty and competence and giving time to the service of others.” That doesn’t sound too hard!

“Where you work you can become a saint,” Francis said. “At home, on the streets, at work, at church, in the moment and with the state of life that you have, a door is opened on the road to sainthood.”

Today, believe that as you travel the road God has put you on, you can become holy—simply by being more fully the person God has intended you to be, the person that, deep down in your heart, you want to be. 

“Jesus, I embrace your call to holiness. Shield me today from discouragement so that I can be a visible sign of your love and presence.”

from wau.org