The Cost

July 30, 2014

Gospel MT 13:44-46

Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

​

Reflection

In college I had the opportunity to read Pensees (literally, thoughts) by Blaise Pascal. Part of the text involves what has famously been referred to as "Pascal's Wager". In it, St. Blaise offers a logical explanation for believing in God and living a Christian lifestyle. If heaven is for real, Pascal argues, then it is a "pearl of great price" and we should do all that we can to live accordingly. Conversely, if heaven is not real and Christ was nothing more than a hoax, living as a disciple of Christ on earth will still grant us a virtuous life free from the pitfalls and dangers of depravity. 

 

A third possibility exists, though. Imagine if you live as if Christ is not real and, as such, miss out on the immense joy of heaven. Given the 50/50 chance, the prospect of a virtuous life, and the payoff beyond anything we could ever hope or imagine, why would you wager that God does not exist and that Christ was nothing more than a magician?

Of course, hopefully our faith goes deeper than always calling "tails" (you'll be right at least 50% of the time, right?). In fact, considering the trappings and temptations of the world, the conviction required to count up the cost and still choose discipleship must be deeper and stronger than an understanding of statistics.

As followers of Christ, let us joyfully offer up all that we have and all that we are for the "pearl of great price". We already know the outcome of the coin toss. Let us wager correctly. 

​

Prayer

Dear Jesus, give us the courage to give You all that we have and all that we are. Despite the cost, let us follow Him. 

My Heart is Yours

July 29, 2014

Memorial of St. Martha​

Gospel JN 11:19-27

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary
to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died].
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,
she went to meet him;
but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus,
“Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,
God will give you.”
Jesus said to her,
“Your brother will rise.”
Martha said to him,
“I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day.”
Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord.
I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world.”

Or LK 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me.”
The Lord said to her in reply,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.”

​Reflection

If you read through the two Gospel choices for today's Celebration of the Eucharist, the Memorial of St. Martha, you can readily see Martha's passion for Christ. In the first, from John's account, Martha runs out to Jesus to implore his help and assistance over the passing of Lazarus. Luke's passage shows Martha actively performing service in the name of the Lord. Martha speaks of her commitment, "But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you" (John 11:22). Martha continues, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the One who is coming into the world" (John 11:27).

Martha serves as a powerful example of running to the Lord in our moments of need. Go to Him; He is ready to comfort us. She also serves as a model of faith in Christ. Similar to Peter's insight, Martha recognizes Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah sent to save the world. May we, too, have a passionate belief in Christ and faith that He makes all things work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). 

In both cases, though, it is poignant to note Mary's actions. Mary stays inside as Martha runs and converses with Jesus. Mary sits at Jesus's feet and listens to Him as Martha serves. In the first passage (from John), Mary is not mentioned again, but she serves as a contrast to Martha's movement and words. In Luke's telling, Mary's comparative inactivity receives accolades from Jesus. In response to Martha's plea asking for help from her sister, Jesus responds that Mary has chosen the better path. "There is need of only one thing," Jesus explains. "Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her" (Luke 10:42). 

Mary actions juxtapose Martha's. Mary's inactivity starkly contrasts with Martha's activity. Despite the positive qualities displayed by Martha, Mary provides an alternative and better approach. She stays inside, possibly because of her confident and convicted faith in the will of the Lord. She has already accepted His plan, even though she does not yet fully know what that is. Furthermore, instead of serving, Mary sits and listens to Jesus. No act of service can merit our salvation, no good deed can win Christ's favor, no amount of activity can earn fulfillment. 

Sit and trust in the Lord. Sit and be with the Lord. Have faith. Listen. This, the Lord tells us, is the preferable approach. Stop trying to impress Him and allow Him to impress Himself upon you. Recognize your dire need for Him and give your heart completely to Him. 

He is all that we need. Like Martha, let us run to Him. Like Martha, let us profess our faith in Him. Like both Martha and Mary, let us trust in Him and give Him all that we have and all that we are.

Passionately. Totally. Faithfully. 

His.

With One Foot Raised

Part of Ignatian (St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus / the Jesuits) spirituality cultivates the philosophy of indifference in order to confidently change and adapt to meet the needs of any situation. Called living with "one foot raised", this approach embodies a freedom from attachment to places, things, programs and even people in order to move, adapt, improve, shift and/or modify as needed. Some may consider this to be a cold and heartless way of living. It is necessary, however, so as to listen to God's call and truly follow His plan. While there is immense good that can come from ownership and collective buy-in, an "it's mine" attitude also fosters pride, selfishness, stubbornness and emotion that can impede progress.

St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits, image courtesy of Creative Commons.

Jesus charges His disciples, "'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:19)." He calls and they follow. The first disciples left behind the only life they ever knew and followed the call of Christ. They lived with "one foot raised" being willing to drop their nets and embrace a new way of life without hesitation, without remorse, without regret.

Jesus called; they followed. 

This indifference is essential to adhering to God's will and being a successful educator. Throughout my formation as a Catholic educator, two pieces of indifferent advice have consistently resonated with me. The first, from former Associate Superintendent and long-time educator within the Diocese of St. Petersburg Helen Martson, came to me during a session for those who were discerning a call to move into Catholic school administration. "You will have to solve countless problems as an administrator," Mrs. Marston told us. "But, so long as the problems aren't caused by you, distance yourself from the emotion when having to solve them." Solve the problem, don't own it (unless, once again, you have caused it).

The second came during my time in the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame from Fr. Ron Nuzzi. While telling a story about being an administrator and working within what is often a very emotional environment, Fr. Nuzzi exclaimed, "It's not about you!" It can't be. Teachers must heed this advice, too. It can't be about the adults in the educational process - administrators, teachers, parents - but must be about the kids. We must be indifferent when it comes to issues surrounding our students - instructional improvements, parenting advice, fielding negative comments, pointing fingers or placing blame - and the good of the children must remain a focus.

Becoming a parent myself, I have come to further understand "living with one foot raised". As my kids get older and as I come to love them more and more, I always try to remember that they are not mine. They are a gift from God. I understand this every time I realize that I can't control them, even at their ripe ages of 1 and 3. I know this more intimately as they continue to enhance their own independence, a trend that will only continue as they grow older and older. When anger swells and frustration mounts, recognizing that God has blessed me with an opportunity to be a parent helps to refocus my attention away from my pride or anger or need for control back to Catherine and Elizabeth.

As a parent, it's not about me. 

Finally, my own aging has also helped me to more fully understand that every good thing is from God  and that none of it is mine. It's His and He has graciously blessed me with it. Whether that's health or an amazing wife or wonderful kids or a worthwhile job or a house or car or clothing or food or outstanding parents or supportive siblings or a blog - none of it is mine. It's His and as such I must be willing to live with one foot raised, ready for the next step of His call for me and able to change, adapt and transform as He deems necessary.

St. John the Baptist, the greatest among those born of women according to Jesus, famously remarked, "He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30). John lived with one foot raised and one hand pointing toward Jesus. He graciously pointed his disciples toward Jesus. John understood that none of it was his, but rather all of it was God's.

It's not about you or me. May we have the strength, courage and humility to live with one foot raised so as to follow the One that it is about - God.

Fervently

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

Yesterday, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles. These two men, along with the rest of the first apostles, helped to spread the Church from Jerusalem to Rome, Greece and the rest of the surrounding area. While Jesus started Christianity, it was Peter, Paul, the rest of the first apostles and the grace of the Holy Spirit that took it to the rest of the world.

Their stories are AMAZING. Broken, fallen, sinful, average men, they were transformed almost immediately by their encounters with Jesus. Jesus changes Peter's first name upon their first meeting. He knocks Paul off of his horse, blinding him with light (Paul's name is changed, too!). Peter is given the keys to the kingdom; Paul becomes a soldier for Christ. Together, and along with the early Church, they carry out the first mission:

Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover (Mk. 16: 15 - 18). 

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

The Acts of the Apostles contains stories of incredible feats as the early Church fights to establish itself here on earth. People join the faith by the thousands. The disciples face persecution, get thrown in jail (multiple times), and in some cases killed; yet, the disciples continue to spread the Good News of the Gospel. The Church proclaimed one of these such stories at the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.

The first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, recounts the story of Peter getting arrested by King Herod. James, one of the sons of Zebedee and John's brother, has just been killed. After seeing that this pleases the people of the city, Herod calls for Peter as well and has him imprisoned under the care of four squads of guards (16 in total). Herod's intent: bring Peter before the crowds at Passover (similar to Jesus) and have hime put to death.

Peter is doubled chained. He sleeps between two soldiers, while 14 guards keep watch on the prison from the outside. Then, and angel of God comes to Peter and leads him, safely, past the guards, out of the prison and free from this persecution.

AMAZING.

Yet, the most AMAZING line from the passage (Acts: 12: 1- 11) is verse five:

Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf.

The Church, on Peter's behalf, was praying fervently. To do something fervently means to do it passionately. The word's origins detail the level of intensity required - boiling, hot, burning, glowing. The Church fervently prays to God on Peter's behalf and then an angel of the Lord comes to set him free.

Prayer is powerful but especially when it is done with our full hearts and when it is done in communion with others. Speak His name. Authentically and genuinely ask for His help. Allow Him into your life. Follow Him.

He will change your name. He will transform you from the inside out. He will break every chain. An army is rising up. He will answer your prayers. He will set you free.

Roots and Wings, Strength and Courage

JOSHUA 24:15 - "As for me and my HOME, we will serve the Lord."

The following address was inspired by speeches composed by the ICS Class of 2014. Many of the quotes and ideas are those expressed by 8th grade graduates in their speech on the topic: "How can my passion change the world?" 

Class of 2014, this past school year we used the theme from that passage - HOME - as a springboard for a deepening of our relationships with each other, with our school and with our God. Through our Household initiative and the inaugural Irish Cup Championship we intentionally forged ICS into a HOME this past year. Your leadership efforts, Class of 2014, contributed immensely to the success of Households. Without your commitment, dedication, and collective buy-in, the program would have flopped. Instead, thanks to you, it flourished.

So, I start by saying thank you. 

Secondly, I congratulate you. We've just had a chance to celebrate all of your many accomplishments and to honor your time spent here at ICS. I speak for all of your parents, family members and teachers by saying how incredibly proud of you we are. Congratulations. 

Thirdly, I offer to you an analogy. Prior to becoming a parent during your 5th grade year here at ICS, a friend of mine who had high school and college aged children gave me this piece of parenting advice: give your kids roots and wings. 

I would venture to say that ICS, a place you lovingly referred to as HOME, has given you both roots and wings. No matter if you've been here since Kindergarten or if you just arrived last year, I hope that ICS has helped to instill in you the strength to do what you believe and the courage to believe in what you do. I hope that your time at ICS has given you roots and wings. 

Roots. A sense of stability. An understanding that no matter what your passion - volleyball, music, scuba diving, film making, writing, technology, swimming, video gaming or animals - that you are obligated to make the world a better place. Roots of faith, family and knowledge. Roots that will allow you to stand firm in the face of adversity and no matter what types of storms may come your way. Roots that make you feel secure and grounded in an expectation and belief that because of your time spent here at ICS that you are forever a part of a family, a community of classmates, teachers and witnesses that will always refer to you as one of their own. Roots that run deep and wide, strong and thick. Roots that enable you to understand that you are a precious child of God. Roots that make you a champion - thanks to something deep inside of you, a dream planted in the depths of your heart, a desire initiated by Someone eternal, a vision of a better world (Muhammed Ali). Roots that encourage you to be yourself instead of becoming what other people want you to be. Roots that spring forth from the ground with life, driving you to become your best. Roots that let you know you have a voice - singing, writing, speaking - and that what you say matters "producing that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think" (Lord Byron). 

Wings. The courage to leave behind the comforts of HOME and to go and make the world a better place. Wings that help you to soar with the belief that people with passion can change the world for the better (Steve Jobs). Wings that daringly shout that while science can ascertain what is, it cannot dictate what should be - that value judgments of all kinds remain necessary (Albert Einstein) and that you may be the person called upon to make them. Wings to go out and share your testimony and belief in Christ, to interact with nonbelievers and to share your spirit (Pope Francis I). Wings to fly away from the same old story and turn the page of your life to something new and unknown (Eli Young Band). Wings to paint the world with color so that no corner is left blank. Wings to empower others to be as AMAZING as you are, recognizing that there is no passion to be found in playing mediocre, in settling for a life that is less than the one you or others are capable of living (Nelson Mandela). 

Roots and wings. Strength and courage. It's being a cantor at Mass, asking to DJ a school dance, teaching an adult a thing or two about sportsmanship - asking if every Priory could be declared a winner at the Irish Cup Championship, fighting for the Wounded Warriors Project, joining the Coast Guard, using your wealth, fame, prestige, influence or power to help other people. It's doing the one thing in this world that you were created to do, the thing that you need to do just as much as you need to breathe, and doing it so well that others are inspired by you. It's using your voice so that those without one can be heard. It's bringing humor, beauty and joy to a world so desperately in need of it. It's living out your Catholic faith and building God's kingdom with your lives. 

So, Class of 2014, to paraphrase Phillip Phillips, hold on to ICS as you go, as you roll down this unfamiliar road, know you're not alone, for this will always be your HOME. May God continue to bless you and keep you and wherever this life may take you, whatever you find yourself doing, however far away from HOME your wings may take you, may you always remember your ICS roots and may you always serve the Lord. Class of 2014, we congratulate you, we will miss you. Good luck. God bless and GO IRISH.  

*For access to the 8th grade speeches, visit the ICS Wiki Page:  http://icsmedialiteracy.wikispaces.com/Student+Journals+13-14 

Witness

Witness (n):

1. evidence; proof: the memorial service was witness to the wide circle of his interest.• used to refer to confirmation or evidence given by signature, under oath, or otherwise: in witness thereof, the parties sign this document.• open profession of one's religious faith through words or actions: faithful Christian witness.
At some point in middle school, I stumbled upon Christian music and hit upon the band dcTalk. One of their albums, Jesus Freak, had an interlude that said, "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the doors and deny Him by their lifestyles. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
I walked out of Mass on Easter Sunday and an event triggered immense anger in my heart. In a moment of weakness, I failed to live out my Christian call to love and forgive. Had my action been toward a person in search of Jesus, they would not have found Him in me. But, like anyone with anger, I felt vindicated, righteous, justified. I had a right to be angry. Like the burial cloth, though, I remained in the tomb this past Easter morning. 
Unbelievable. The holiest of days, the answer to sin, death and suffering, the reason that joy should be our North Star, the most important event in history and I walk out of the door of the Church and deny Him by my lifestyle. 
Perhaps it is why submarine Catholics only break the surface of the Church twice a year – people like me who fail, all the time, to live out our glorious call as Christians. It must be rather uninspiring.
But, God's not finished with me yet. I'd like to think that despite this slip, I didn't remain in the tomb long that morning. I'd like to think that instead of characters like Judas and Pilate who's stories, respectively, end with the Crucifixion, is continuing past Jesus's death. I left the tomb, realizing that Jesus doesn't deal with death (He conquers it), and went in search of Him. I'd like to think that my walk with Him is continuing. 
I'd like to think that even though I'm far from perfect, that I am a disciple and as such, a witness of the power, majesty, goodness, love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, peace, hope and joy found in Jesus. Life is difficult and messy and confusing and frustrating, but it is also good. Incredibly good. 
Our lives as Christians should resemble and reflect this goodness.

We should live as witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Consider the power of witnesses. The recommendation about a book or movie from a trusted friend who has read or seen the suggested content makes us more likely to partake in it as well. Courts depend on witnesses to argue cases. Weight loss success stories, effective workout regimes, organizational strategies all receive more credence when witnesses profess to their effectiveness.

The same is true of our faith. 

Witnesses have immense power.

Today we mark a historic day in the Church: two canonizations on the same day, two former popes, two modern day saints. Our current Pope who is courageously leading the Church in refreshing ways and a former Pope who humbly retired concelebrating. Four total witnesses to the power, majesty, might, mercy and goodness of Christ.

Our Sunday Mass readings also proclaim the clout of witnesses. The early Church was marked by community gatherings, moments of teaching, faith sharing, and witnessing to each other and those still yet to experience the goodness of the Lord:    

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved (Acts 2: 46 -47).

St. Peter writes about this same genuineness of faith:

In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Peter1: 6 – 9).

Our Gospel reading speaks the famous story of “doubting Thomas”. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet still believe. Blessed are those who have witnessed to others about the glory of God so that others, too, may believe.

Keep creating me and forming me, Lord. May I be deemed worthy to be called a witness.

I know you're not finished with me yet...

 
 

Yield

As a runner, I have encountered countless situations in which automobiles have not yielded to me. Unfortunately, the addition of a jogging stroller and even a double BOB (BOB is a type of jogging stroller - Baby On Board - and the double means that two kids can fit in it), did nothing to increase my yield inducing effect on drivers. Drivers do not yield to pedestrians.

Image from Creative Commons.

Now, I'm not trying to make myself a target or even say that I am never oblivious to a biker or walker because of their infrequency. I am also guilty of the arrogance that comes from operating a huge machine on four wheels - things that are smaller should watch out for me. But, because of being on the opposite end of the transportation food chain, I am always amazed by how few people yield to pedestrians; it has given me greater awareness of foot, bike and other smaller forms of traffic.

Yielding is counter-cultural. We are taught to believe in survival of the fittest. Capitalism promotes competition and encourages acquiring as much wealth as possible. Bigger houses. More cars. Lots of stuff. Instant gratification. Faster downloads. Immediate pleasure. Quick fixes. We are taught to win arguments and not to allow someone to get the upper hand. Assume control of power and give as little of it up as possible.

Yield? Me? Isn't that everyone else's job?

Since I am a principal of a school, it may sound hypocritical to hear me talk about yielding. How often does a leader have to yield? How many times do I have to submit to someone else's ideas, decisions, emotions, etc.? By default, those under my leadership yield to my direction.


So, yield? Really?

Let it be.

Yes, even leaders can yield. In fact, leaders should yield. This can be made manifest in their approach to others, in how decisions are made and in their overall leadership style. This does not make a leader weak. Using Christ as the model, He tells us,

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10: 43 - 45).

It is a message that, even outside of the realm of my role as a leader, I have received often over the past year. Let it be. Yield. Give in. Let go and let God. Not my will, but His be done. Obey.

I yield every time I walk into the front door of our home and Elizabeth asks me to be Elmo or Mr. Noodle or Sid the Science Kid or New Lady (who is supposed to be an old lady, but Elizabeth decided to call "new") or Mickey or Doc or just about anyone except Daddy. I yield every time I eat the small french fries or let Catherine wield a spoon all by herself (and in so doing, procuring heaps of ice cream that any adult would have trouble fitting in their mouths). I yield every time I make a concerted effort to leave work at a decent hour so as to assist and relieve my wife from the rigors of caring for our children and keeping our house and home.

We yield any time we put the welfare, desires, needs, wishes, and / or well-being of others before our own. We yield any time we allow our children to try things on their own, despite a knowledge that messes, accidents, sloppiness and extra cleaning (even if cleaning was the allowed exercise) will result. We yield every time we bite our tongues instead of lashing back at someone who has lashed at us. We yield every time we sleep on an email before pressing send. We yield every time we recognize that God's will for our lives is so much more AMAZING than even our heart's greatest desire. We yield when we deny ourselves some sort of pleasure during the season of Lent. We yield every time we acknowledge that God is the source of everything good and true in our lives and that He has blessed us abundantly. We yield every time we submit to His will during those times of tragedy, hardship, pain and loss.

In the words of Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw:

It helps now and then to step back and take a long view.
The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a fraction
of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of
saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession
brings perfection, no pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the Church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives include everything.
This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one
day will grow. We water the seeds already planted
knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects
far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of
liberation in realizing this.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning,
a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's
grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results, but that is the
difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not
messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.

This prayer, most commonly known as the Prayer of Archbishop Oscar Romero, proclaims the importance of yielding. Yielding to God's plan, to God's grace, to God's power, to God's love. Yielding to the help of others. Yielding to the fact that a beautiful prayer could be thought to have been written and spoken by someone else.

Let go. Let God. Yield.

Give in to a present that is truly a gift and a future that is not your own.

Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.

*in memory of Archbishop Oscar Romero, who died on March 24, 1980