The JOYS of Lent

Today's Readings

"Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people." Isaiah 65: 18-19

The Spirit of Laetare: We are in the fourth week of Lent, and passed the midway point of our Lenten journey, so there's room for rejoicing!  The week begins with Laetare Sunday, and the rejoicing of the Father upon the return of his wayward son (Luke 15: 11-32), and continues this week with Isaiah's joyful tone in Isaiah 65: 17-21 (quoted above), and the healing of a royal official's son in John 4: 43-54.  We celebrate Ezeiel's vision, and the water of life flowing from the Temple to fortify the land so as to bear much fruit (Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12), and the healing of yet another in John 5: 1-16 (but this time on the Sabbath to make things interesting).  And finally, we join the Psalmist as we acclaim that "the Lord is good to all!" (Psalm 145: 8-9)

While Lent is not meant to be a season of JOY, it does have its joyful tone, now and then, to remind us that all of this journeying is worth it!  We can all come home and "rejoice with our Father!  We are all healed in the loving presence of our Lord!  We can all be fortified by the living water of our God, so as to bear much fruit to a world that desperately needs its nourishment.  And we can all do our part, working for the good of others, so as to affirm that the Lord is kind and merciful!

PS: Another Reason to Rejoice... Laetare Sunday also marked the 18th birthday of my eldest kid Michelle.  Her sister, Megan decorated the house, and my wife broke out the family manicotti recipe made with my Mom's amazing sauce, and we  had a good 'ol family feast... It truly was a great day!

Santa Visits Lent

Today's Readings

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers [and sisters] of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

Have you ever been complimented for something, compelling you to respond, "Oh, It's nothing. It's the least I could do!"  What does that mean... "It's the least you could do"?  On face value, it means that you probably could have done more, but are grateful to the person for noticing your effort, and complimenting you on doing "the least" you could have done.  Today's Gospel has a similar theme, and a slight twist on the use of the word "least".  

God is always watching:  As a believer in the Source of everlasting life, I am confident that God is always aware of our coming and going, and I am equally confident that He is paying attention to the details.  Therefore, our actions are noticed, and their consequences are either celebrated as part of the solution, or recognized as part of the problem.  When confronted by hunger, you can either feed them, or not share your food with them.  The discussions that goes with "teaching someone to fish" can only help after someone is fed.

We should do "our most" to serve the least:  I know it seems like a Santa-like scare tactic to say that, "You'd better do good for goodness sake" because, "He's always watching!"  but if that's what it takes to care for the "least" among us, then maybe that's not a bad idea.  Santa is not God!  Actually, he's just someone who served God very well, sharing his gifts with those in need to the point where God, and many others recognized it enough to remember it forever.  St. Nicholas did the most he could, for the least around him!  What followed, of course, was teaching the world something about giving.

So do the most (like Santa) for the least, and all will be better for it... Amen!

Lent I: You Must Believe!

Todays Readings

Brothers and sisters: What does Scripture say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart —that is, the word of faith that we preach—, for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. For the Scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all,enriching all who call upon him.  Romans 10: 8-13

The Lord is Near You! This comforting concept is one that we hear often, "Don't worry, God is here!" But an equally popular concept is the age old reality that "seeing IS believing".  Where do we see the Lord, or from what loudspeaker, or pulpit do we hear Him?  I'd love to know the answer so as to write it here, but that would feed your need to have to see to believe.  Today, is it possible for us to let go and truly believe in our God without condition?  The answer is YES, but a few steps must be considered along the way.

Confess with Your Mouth, and Believe with Your Heart!  This is a simple truth, but a hard act to follow.  St. Paul is writing to the Roman people (but includes all, whether jew or greek), who need to change their ways.  They need to be honest with themselves, and consider that their way of living might be the reason why they feel so lost, or unfullfilled.  In my quasi-counselor chair, I would certainly agree that people who hurt should talk about it, and speak to their responsibility (for that hurt) before blaming the world around them.  Speaking about things encourages reflection, and reflection opens the heart, and strengthens one's spirit.  This opens the door to belief and salvation!

When our Lord Jesus is tempted in the desert, he reminds Satan, and the rest of us that:

• We Need the Lord, More Than Food!  So don't try to tempt me with lavish food, items or empty promises!

• When We Worship the Lord, We Are Saved!  So reclaim your purpose, and love the God who has always LOVED YOU!

• We Are Supported by the Lord, and We Do Not Walk Alone!  So let the angels come and greet you, and after a long and happy life, lead you to Paradise!

• Don't Test the Lord, Trust Him!  So relax!

St. Paul reassures the Romans, and us, that, "no one who believes in the Lord will be put to shame".  This whole Lenten concept, and the challenge for us to journey is truly worth the trouble.  May the Lord strengthen you in avoiding the temptations, and bless you in your efforts to speak and believe!

It's Time for Square Fish Again!

An Opening GregNote: Today's GregBlog is a growing train of thought on the nature of fasting during Lent. Check back often to see the Blog grow, and feel free to share a quick thought or two of your own. It's like one of those group written stories, where we pass the piece of paper around the group, each person adding their own new details... Have fun, and let's see what this fasting thing is all about!

Today's Readings

"This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own." Isaiah 58: 6-7

Why do we Catholics eat square fish on a bun on Fridays during Lent?

Some random thoughts during this First Friday of Lent, 2013.

• Disclaimer: The term "square fish on a bun" was inspired by the highly educated Deacon, and my friend, Dan who asked the question: "When does Lent officially begin?"  The answer: "At the imposition of ashes and your ordering your first McDonald's fish sandwich." The term "square" of course refers to the rare cod fish that migrates this way every February, and is caught, fried and served with great care! :)
• I got a Facebook post the other day from someone quoting a sign in our local Walmart: "Seafood for Lent!" 
• My Pastor always says this time of year that we kinda miss the point when we give up our double cheeseburgers on Friday, only to order Lobster instead. 
• If He can give me so much, the least I can do is avoid those things that get in the way of me giving back! 
• Let us consider that giving up vices might be more productive than giving up meat. (cf. St. Basil the Great's Homily on Fasting) 
• When you meet those who are in need of clothing, do not turn away from them, for they are your brothers. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your good deeds shall go before you. (From The Office Morning Prayer 2-15-13)
• I do, cause I like to eat the crunchy corners off first! However, THIS LENT, I will be eating just the fish. Gave up bread! (From Laurie on FB) 
• Because it fits! (From Alice on FB)
• Because you aren't supposed to eat meat… Cause it's good… Ewwwww… Because Catholics like squares. (?)… Par ce que les Catholiques ne mangent pas du viande les vendredi's pendant le careme. (from Karen’s class at Notre Dame Collegiate HS in Calgary, AB Canada)
• For the same reason that we Roll Up the Rim during Lent. A surprising number of fast food chains cater to Catholics. (Roll up the Rim is put on by Tim Horton's - it's irresistible, and likely intended to keep Catholics drinking coffee throughout Lent, rather than giving it up.) Note: Tim Horton's is Canada's most beloved cup of coffee, not that SB stuff! (From Ryan on FB)

A Closing GregNote: The original intent of the GregBlog today was to have a little fun.  But let's admit it, there's more to Lent than a square fish sandwich.  The Prophet Isaiah saw a day when people like you and me would reach out of our own selves to share love, or coats, or time, or even food like square fish on a bun with our neighbor.  Let's do this thing people; let's make this Lent about sharing the Good News, and all that people need to feel the love of God in their midst!  Thanks to all who participated in the GregBlog today!