The Crowds Will Be Amazed!

Today's Readings

"Faithfulness has disappeared; the word itself is banished from their speech." - Jeremiah 7:28

I promise not to go on and on about the evils of the world, and its inability to allow God to coexist with its "reasoned" thoughts, but I am very entertained by a connection made in today's readings. If you're new to the GregBlog, I have made it my goal to begin each day with Morning Prayer and some reflection on the day's Mass readings as outlined by the Lectionary of the Church.

Today's connection begins with the Prophet Jeremiah dealing with the very same reality that I believe is prevalent in our society today. We have relegated God to stay within the four walls of Churches, not allowing Him to be part of the collective dialogue of life. We're very uncomfortable when someone tries to sneak Him into a conversation. Many would prefer to have "the word itself banished from their speech" (Jer. 7:28) The Psalm celebrated today, is what some would call common for the season of Lent, "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (cf. Psalm 95: 8-9) This, of course, is built on the assumption that God is always speaking to us, and that when He does speak, we should try to listen.  Now for the fun part... Today's Gospel reading begins with the verse, "Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed." (Luke 11:14)  It's another one of Jesus' healings, and it offers us some motivation.  The best way to ensure that God is part of our world, is to talk about it!  The Prophet predicted the dilemma well, and God continues to be removed from the day to day discussion of life, but the Psalmist offers the no-brainer solution:  Allow God to be God, as He will speak when He darn well pleases.  Our task is to simply listen, and then share!

Yesterday, I offered four areas that relate to our role as disciples: Proclamation, Witness, Dialogue, and Liberation.  (These come from a DVD lecture entitled Discipleship from NowYouKnowMedia.com, presented by Fr. Anthony Gittins, C.S.Sp., M.A., Ph.D.)  Notice that three of the four could involve speaking, with the fourth (liberation) serving as a positive outcome to allowing the "speech" to be made.  I would like to offer that in light of today's readings, we commit ourselves (believers or not) to allowing God to BE, and be part of the discussion of life... That's all.  Just let Him be a part of the conversation.  If you're a believer in God's Mission, and in Jesus' ability to evangelize the Good News, then you know that all shall be well.  God's plan is one of patience and persistence.  When it is part of the dialogue, "the crowds [will be] amazed." (LK 11:14)  If God threatens your comfort zone, just by the mere presence of His name, try and relax... There's no hidden agenda; in fact, it's actually quite public!  

One final note:  At the risk of trying to sound like a mini-prophet, woe to you who use God, and His holy name to justify sin, or make people feel uncomfortable about their place in this world.  In your proclamation, witness and dialogue, give them peace, faith, hope, and love.  Allow God to do the liberating!

On or Off... Sharing God Right Here, Right Now!

It's been a while... Actually it's been just too long since I've taken a real opportunity to share and reflect on what it means to be "Greg" on this little planet of ours. That's what these Blogs are for, right? Share yourself with a world that pops in to see what's what about the people who offer a piece of themselves and their lives as a witness of what it is that makes them tick... I've been blessed today to participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) as a workshop presenter. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Anne Marie Cribbin, Parish Youth Minister in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.. She also serves the Church as a motivational speaker and story-teller... It was a joy serving today with her. Back to my opening thought... My purpose and the purpose I'd like to suggest for all those that do this digital stuff, is to use this opportunity to continue sharing all that is you, so as to further the Kingdom of God! We'll talk more later as to what that can mean, especially those "popping in" that aren't interested in God these days. We are called to be prophets of hope, and not doom. We need to be instruments of change, and peace, not evil. This is our challenge and this is our opportunity. This was the subject of our workshops today, and this was our privaledge. We shared the challenge to our young Church that, as disciples of Jesus Christ, every tool, every gadget, and every moment can be one of simply sharing the love of God. It's never been a complex principle to me, just a tough thing to start. Everything we do on blogs, or FB, or over on Twitter can simply be the continuation of the Word of God, and Truth of the Gospel. Anyway, thanks for the rumblings. Peace!

50 Ways to Get Through Easter... Body!

“Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20: 19-31)

Today’s word: Body!

It has been a week now, and Easter is in full bloom. Evidence of life is all around, and proof of something is in the air. Why do you still not believe?

Have no doubts today! Trust in the Lord! “Use the force!” Whatever it takes for you to understand that life is worth living, and WE are the miracle of God. WE are being revealed! WE are the BODY of Christ, that the world doubts this day, and because they need to see to believe, let us show them the hands, the feet and the side of Jesus in everything WE do, for “WE are one body, one body in Christ, and WE do not stand alone!” (from the song We Are One Body by Dana Scallon)

50 Ways to Get Through Easter... BLOOM!

Today's Readings

This GregBlog is part of a series called "50 Ways to Get Through Easter".  Originally posted in 2010, it follows the reading in Cycle C of the Church Lectionary, the same cycle we're on for this year... Pretty cool eh?  In the wisdom of the cycle, old becomes new again!  Kinda "Easter-ish" isn't it?  Enjoy!

“When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene... She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16: 9-15)

Today’s word: Bloom!

Its hard to deny a BLOOM. When a tree is in bloom, you can’t say it’s not recognizable, especially if its the first bloom of the season! When a flower appears, you can’t say that it is not noticeable , because the color just seems to jump out at you! You’d have to have your eyes closed not to notice!

Today’s Gospel has a few folks trying to tell the “Good News” of the risen Lord, and just like blooms on a tree, or the the first flowers in the garden, Mary Magdalene, and a couple of guys on the road to the country try to share the miracle they have seen, but no one believes. Why is it that the disciples can’t see the obvious? Why are these “blooms” of spring not evident? Their eyes are closed!

It was only at the table with the Lord, who by the way is rebuking them for not seeing, that the truth is revealed! He then invites the disciples, and ultimately us to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” How do we do this? As the saying goes, “Bloom where your planted!” Speak the message of life, and show your stuff just like the season’s first bloom... They’ll see ya’! So, BLOOM, and show off a little! You have good news for the world!