For What to be Thankful?

“Blessed are those who have been called

to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”

Revelation 19:9a

The year 2020 has been one filled with frustration, tension, hate, violence, quarantine, restriction, and the list goes one. For what are we to be thankful?

Yes, this year may have been filled with difficulties, yet we are still here. For this very fact we ought to be thankful. Despite the long list of difficulties, there are also many good things. We have come to learn how to live through and not merely survive a pandemic. We have been challenged to remain connected with family and friends virtually.  Perhaps we have been afforded the opportunity to reconcile with an estranged friend or family member. For some or for many maybe we have learned to be more grateful for the things or people we have taken for granted in the past. I know I have.

First, the freedom to go where I want when I want is something that I have never thought about much, let alone be thankful for. There have been times when the city was under curfew, but I have never lived through a time when I could only go to certain places and within a certain block of time.

Second, the freedom to meet up with friends and family especially over a warm drink or delicious meal. It was very common for me and my friends to decide to meet up for a drink or dinner last minute, and we’d be able to catch up at our favorite place. But that was not possible this past year.

Third, and perhaps the most important of all (or should be), the gift of the Mass. This past year was the first time in my entire life where the public celebration of mass was suspended. I’ve never thought a day would come when church doors will be locked – or, ordered to be closed – and the faithful would be unable to partake in the celebration of the Mass, to receive the sacraments, or even to sit in the silence and presence of God. This period of time hopefully increased our desire for Our Lord.    

Yes, this past year was one of great difficulty, but also one of tremendous grace. This Thanksgiving may we be thankful to God for our family and friends, the gift of life, the gift to come to appreciate more those things we take for granted, and the great gift of the Eucharist, to be called and to welcomed at the wedding feast of the Lamb. Let us be thankful for the struggles and difficulties that have enabled us to a greater appreciation and gratitude for the gift of each day. I am thankful for you.  

Happy Thanksgiving.

Living Amidst Rebellion

“Son of man, you live in the midst of a rebellious house; they have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.”

Ezekiel 12:2

Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

There have been news of more riots and looting in recent days. One news outlet interviewed a leader of the movement and they justified those actions saying, whatever they took, they deserved it and that it was reparation. He said whatever clothes the people stole they did so because they needed it and now they have clothes, and so it is fine and justified. That’s just downright bizarre. Just because we need something it does not give us the right to do damage and steal. We all have needs, all different and of varying magnitudes, and we all have needs to be met, but it must be met in the right way.

People may feel that the only way for them to live and survive is to steal and loot.  But we should ask them “how may we help you?” instead of justifying and helping them rationalize their unlawful, immoral, and unethical actions. When we enable the people, we are doing them more damage. These are rebellious times we live in. Rebel not for personal greed or desire, but for something worth fighting for, for love, for truth, and for one another. Let us today see the suffering Christ in our neighbors and in those who are less fortunate and hear the cries and pleas of those calling out to us from the depths of their sorrowful hearts, and together may we walk through these rebellious times, steadfast in commitment to love and truth and unwavering in faith, confident in the providential care of our Father in heaven.

Conflict Resolution

“If your brother sins against you,

go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”

Matthew 18:15

Memorial of St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Oftentimes I find that when people have a problem with another person, they would go and tell everyone about the problem except that person. Yes, it may have some therapeutic effects by venting and unloading with a trusted friend or mentor, but it doesn’t solve the problem. Jesus told His disciples that if we have a problem with another person, we ought to go to that individual in person and not everyone else first. To resolve any conflict, we must face it head on and we must encounter the other. If that doesn’t work then we bring other people in.

There is something special about the 1 on 1 encounter. There is a vulnerability there as well as trust and humility. These enable us to reveal ourselves to the other in a way that touches the heart. It is only when the heart is reached will there be forgiveness, reconciliation, and resolution. When you go to confession, you go before the Lord. At Eucharistic Adoration, it’s just you and Jesus. And when we go to our brother or sister with whom we are having difficulty or trouble, Jesus will be there with you. Only when we bring Christ into the picture will that vulnerability and trust be possible and forgiveness, reconciliation, and resolution will come. So, when problems arise, go to the person, but first to Jesus and ask Him to go with you.