Ordinary Time

On being resilient and persistent in cultivating an upward movement toward God, Saint Cyprian of Carthage says that we must endure toil and fatigue while we are attempting to climb hills and mountains. However, the toil and fatigue are less if we set our eyes on heaven and consider the promised reward. This reminds us to continue to keep our focus on Jesus and remain resilient in inviting God to take part in our life.
 
Readings at this Mass:  Jer 31:7–9 | Heb 5:1–6 | Mk 10:46–52

Real change requires radical honesty, and we could all do with a bit more honesty: in our public lives, our private lives, and in our prayer. Don’t be afraid of the truth when you pray. Don’t ignore what’s going on inside. Embrace who you are – and where you are. Tell it to God like it is. And then, let God go to work.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 53:10–11 | Heb 4:14–16 | Mk 10:35–45

Take a moment this week and ask yourself: "What is one thing standing between me and a deeper relationship with Jesus? What is one thing that I am lacking?" Then, take a leap of faith and surrender it. Whatever it is, place it at the feet of Jesus, and then be patient. Wait and watch as joy, like a hidden treasure, reveals itself to you in ways you never expected.
 
Readings at this Mass: Wis 7:7–11 | Heb 4:12–13 | Mk 10:17–30

We heard of the call to bring children from what Jesus commanded the disciples today, ‘Let the children come to me’. When married couples bear fruits in bringing children into this world, they are not only bringing God’s love into the world, but also displaying the inner life of God, the love, which is the Holy Spirit, shared between the Father and the Son.
 
Readings at this Mass: Gn 2:18–24 | Heb 2:9–11 | Mk 10:2–16

Fundamentally, holiness is not churchiness or being theologically literate. It's not having our act together morally, and certainly not about judging other people. Fundamentally, holiness is about having the courage to let Jesus into the center of your life - and then hanging on for the ride! That might not always look the way we think holiness should look, but it's powerful when we see it. In the end, it's all about Jesus.
 
Readings at this Mass: Nm 11:25–29 | Jas 5:1–6 | Mk 9:38–43, 45, 47–48

What is greatness in in the view of God? Jesus makes it clear: "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Greatness can be a good thing, as long as it has love of God and neighbor as its goal. So, this week, put on your calling of being a disciple of Jesus. Find a way to lift someone up. Whether it be at school, work, home, or just being about. Be a good winner or loser. Help a friend. Help a neighbor. Help someone in need.
 
Readings at this Mass: Wis 2:12, 17–20 | Jas 3:16—4:3 | Mk 9:30–37

Each of us experience some kind of suffering every day, big or small. If we only see our suffering as a punishment from God, we miss that our suffering is also redemptive. In the Cross, we experience the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord, and we are given a promise of eternal life. Part of the fulfillment of that promise is embracing the crosses in our own lives. When you are given a cross to bear, look at the crucifix and ask Him to help you to embrace it.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 50:4c–9a | Jas 2:14–19 | Mk 8:27–35

At the end of the day, it’s not our sinfulness that’s a problem for God. It’s the way we refuse to admit our sinfulness, or even to see it. The way we hide or minimize or rationalize it. That’s what makes us sick, unfree, and lonely. When we allow Jesus to open our hearts to truth, when we let him be our compass and measure, our lives change. This week, ask God for the grace and the humility to just be honest when you’re wrong and admit your fault - and see what happens.  
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 35:4–7a | Jas 2:1–5 | Mk 7:31–37