Post Steubenville Blues: Faith and the Jesus High

I have been involved in ministry officially (with a role and a paycheck) for 3 years, and before that I have had a history of being in ministry as a youth, a leader, and the awkward college student who came home on breaks. Needless to say I’ve seen plenty of people who went on missions/conferences/trips/ retreats who’s “lives were changed” by the experience. I guess when they said life, I expected something more permanent than 36 hours, my mistake.

But I totally understand it guys. I was there, I’ve gone on retreats/missions and came back changed … for 36 hours. I’ve come back with a resolve to do better and love more that lasted 3 weeks, or 2 months. The question on so many young minds as they leave Steubenville conferences, Jesus camps, and mission trips this year is how can I keep feeling this way? 

Well, truth is, you can’t. I hate to break it to you, but if you will constantly look for the “feeling the Jesus high” and be crushed when it goes away – well, you will be crushed, every time, I guarantee.

That is because Jesus is not a feeling. Actually, NO relationship is a feeling. If that were the case no relationship would last, each one would be fleeting (which is not how I would like to live).

When we attend a conference or high intensity Jesus weekend or week, it’s not about the feeling, but it is an opportunity to encounter Christ. So, did you truly encounter Christ? Did you sit with him in prayer at Mass? Did you truly accept his forgiveness from the sacrament of Confession? Or was it more about the cross clap, getting a seat next to the new cute boy/girl who also went?

Well, there is good news. Since the faith isn’t about the “Jesus high,” you don’t need thousands of dollars of production, famous musicians and speakers, and a gym/conference center to keep the faith. But there are some things you DO need…

  

1. Support - You had it at the conference.. and you could see it because everyone wore matching t-shirts. But you have support even at home – find your youth minister and be extra involved. Take time to specifically talk with your friend who also went to the experience, and talk ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE. (hanging out at the mall and gossiping doesn’t quite count as “Jesus time” just because it’s youth group friends.) 

     Support others who are in their own journey, and ask for support and prayers from them too.  

    

     2. Silence/Prayer- At these conference is a lot of noise.. not bad noise, but still noise. Loud songs, the “we love Jesus” cheer, chatter, clapping, etc. Well hopefully there was one or two things you remember, wrote down, or took a picture of that you though were important. Take that quote, line of a song, image, or whatever it may be and sit with it in silence. Don’t listen to the song, write the lyric down and meditate on it. In the silence of prayer we can find God and allow him to draw us to him more closely.

3. Sacraments -  Again, Jesus is a person who established the Church that we may experience his presence through that Church and the sacraments. We must continue to be fed though the Eucharist, we need to continue to be forgiven in the sacrament of Confession.  Mass won’t end each Sunday with thunderous applause and an encore of the final song. But that doesn’t discount the miracle that took place, or the true presence of Christ now residing in you.

So, perhaps a weekend this summer, or last left you excited, ready to change the world be a light in the darkness! Only to realize “oh, it’s too dark!” Don’t be discouraged! As one of the speakers I heard this summer said “Don’t let this be a memory, let it be a momentum that changes your life forever.”

It will take time to change the world, but before you change the world, you must have firm resolve to constantly change yourself to become more like Christ each day. It’s hard work, and you will need constant prayer and support. But take courage, when it’s difficult, when you aren’t “feeling” the faith – remember, it’s more than the Jesus high, it’s a relationship, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fisher of Men

I'm reading a great book by Bob Rice called "Between the Savior and the Sea."  It is a fiction story that follows Peter and the other apostles as they begin to follow Jesus and it offers great reflection as to what they possibly were thinking or feeling as they were called to be fishers of men.

As a semi English nerd who loves to analyze literature and as a devout Catholic - this book is beautiful. Its well written, easy to understand, and puts a face on a very familiar character filling his head with emotions and thoughts. Its great for reflection and to just read.

I'm not too far into the book (about 100 pages into the 300) but the beginning portion focused on Jesus meeting his potential apostles, getting to know them and then the choosing of the 12. The scene of the choosing was a small climax, with characters full of anxiety, excitement, tears, and emotions. After hearing that Gospel hundreds of times, I never sat down and thought about how that story would have played out in real life.

But one inanimate character that I am particularly interested in is the sea. As a fisherman Peter and the Sea have a love hate relationship - Peter needs the sea, but also despises its temperament and inconsistency. 

As Peter walks to the hill where Jesus is about to choose his Apostles, he looks at the sea. The sea says two things to him that are very important it says, "Surely you have received enough, isn't it selfish to want more?" and the next line, "Jesus could tak you away from here, isn't it safer to stay?"

The sea metaphor of dropping everything we have, and following Jesus is beautiful. And in the book we see Peter struggle with complete self abandonment in following Jesus. We too all struggle with giving everything to Jesus. And the sea's words to Peter identify what specifically we struggle with - Shame, and fear.

Many times the devil brings us to shame - You are too selfish. Why do you think YOU would be an apostle?  Are you kidding me? You're just a fisherman, why would Jesus want you?
What Peter was struggling with is the same thing that we struggle with. We assume that Jesus follows human thought, but what we forget, and what Peter was learning was that Jesus is more than just human, he is also Divine. That his mercy covers our shame, and he sees the light inside of us when we fail to recognize it.

Other times the devil brings us to fear - This is what you know Peter. If you didn't have the sea, what would you do? How would you live? It isn't worth the risk. Just stay here.
We too are fearful and hesitant to trust in the Lord. What happens if I quit my job that is immoral - then what? I can't stand up for that value, what would everyone think? Its safer to be here then to go out on a limb. I'll just be here and coast. 

But just as Peter accepted Jesus' call, we must also cast aside our shame and fear to do the same. There are tons of objects, comforts, situations that call us to stay the same, to coast, that shame us into thinking we are not worthy of anything. 

So think, what is in in our lives that call out to us ... "Isn't it selfish of you? Isn't it safer to stay?" Identify the shame and the fear, and then, like Peter, humbly accept the call.

Jesus wants to do great things with you, he knows you can do it. 
Join him, become a fisher of men.
 

Mass Reflection: Service and Time

Mass Reflection: 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 21 
Readings for the Mass can be found here.

Read the readings first, it's important... I'll wait (focus on the first and the Gospel)

Ok, did you read them? Good... The two words we will be focusing on are service and time.

The first reading is an interesting story. From the book of Genesis it begins with Abraham seeing these three men, then insisting on them staying and on him serving them the choice cattle and fresh bread. His insistence to serve them dinner and persistence is comparable to the waiters and restaurant owners in the cobble paths of Rome begging you to dine at their tables. How could those three men (or men/angels of God as we learn) think of saying no?

The entire first reading is dedicated to how Abraham served them - and the reading goes into detail as if to say "look, look at ALL the things Abraham did for them! He went all out on hospitality." Abraham even dragged his wife, who I'm sure was busy with her own plans for the day, into baking fresh bread for the visitors. 

In the end of this passage Abraham's hospitality and Sarah's obedience granted them a blessing - the three men told Abraham that he was going to have a son by this time next year. (Which Sarah over hears and laughs at because she is old and barren... but read ahead- Chapter 21 - her son Isaac is born)

Now lets switch to the Gospel. We first learn that Jesus and company are "on a journey" when Martha and Mary welcome him. I don't think it is too much to assume that Jesus is being followed by more than the apostles; the 72 men he sent out earlier in the chapter, possibly the "scholar of the law" that just asked him "who is my neighbor" is with them too, not to mention people looking to be healed to wanting to hear the teacher.

Basically, they welcome Jesus, and get a huge gathering. Instead of helping her sister be a hostess and serve the many people (make bread, get water, etc.) Mary takes her time to be with Jesus. Sitting in the room (probably taboo since the room was full of men) Mary listens to him speak.

Martha asks Jesus about this (hey, I'd be mad too!) but Jesus responds that Mary has chosen the better part. The classic lesson from this familiar Gospel is that busy work is not as important as spending time with Jesus.

So let's recap:
Reading 1: serve and God will grant you blessings
Gospel: God is more interested in your time than service

Wait... what? It seems contradictory, but I believe the lesson from the Gospel is about balancing service to the Lord and time with the Lord.

In my own life, I know that when I short change my time with God in prayer or reflection my service suffers. I am not as effective, not as joyful when I try to serve others in the name of Christ and strive to recognize the presence of God in each person. 

In order to serve God to our best ability, we need to listen to him as Mary did. Think of Mass, once we gather in prayer, listen to his word, consume his message and presence in the Eucharist then we are able to "go in peace to love and serve the Lord." It is a first step that needs to be taken as individuals - we need to listen, to grow so that we are able to serve.

So let us spend time this week with the Lord in preparation for Mass so that we are able to listen more closely and be fed more deeply. This way we can be propelled into service in a more complete and perfect way once the Mass is ended.

 

'it is something very near to you'

Mass Reflection: 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 14

This week’s readings can be found here.

This week’s reflection will focus on the first reading from Genesis. The reading depicts Moses speaking to the people about the voice and commandments of God. Moses states “For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. … it is something very near to you.”

Keep that short passage in mind.

Tuesday and Wednesday I was able to take a trip and join my friend and her youth group (9-12^th) on a cultural immersion and service trip in North Carolina. Both mornings we started with Lectio Divina (a slow meditation on the scripture).  We read the readings as a group, talked about different words, images, and what the Lord’s message was for each of us individually. Through that short practice we were able to find the Lords command for our lives, share with others, and have a beautiful and simple reflection.

It was not too mysterious, it was not too remote.

 The word of God is sometimes intimidating, the teachings of the Church can be complicated, figuring out what is virtue and vice is harder in as our world turns from black and white to grey.

But is it really? Moses tells us that the command of God – morality, virtue, how to live with purpose and how to find happiness – is “something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.”

The Lord asks us to love, to see the whole person, to not be selfish, to evangelize, and to continue to deepen our relationship with him through prayer. We know these things, they are natural to us, they are written in our hearts. What God wants us to do isn’t mysterious. We don’t need to search high and low for answers, or for God’s will. We have it already in our hearts. Just as Moses said, we "have only to carry it out"

Blog schedule? Let's try it.

In an effort to keep me busy, my mind thinking, and my heart reflecting... I have self imposed a bogging schedule. My hope is to have 1-3 posts per week... I'm not making any promises, just setting goals that I can strive toward.

In order to have posts that are not random a 'topics schedule' will be put into place:

Monday: Sunday Reflections

     This will be my most consistent blogging day/topic (hopefully). Writing reflections on the upcoming week's readings helped me to focus my week on a singular message that the priest then broke open during that Sunday's Mass. I wrote them first for the Church bulletin, now I will be writing them for myself, and whoever else wants to read this blog (mostly my mom probably... but kudos to her, she's an awesome mom!)

Wednesday: Faith/Theology/Catholic topic or reflection

    It is an interesting concept to me - I have a collection of faith related thoughts that are neither here nor there, and they need a place to go. Finished thoughts, cool quotes with my reactions, interesting stories, or reflections on life and faith will all find a home here on Wednesdays. I will warn you - most of these posts will probably pertain to Theology of the Body, growing in your spiritual life, or what I happen to be reading.

Friday: Random Rants

     Here we are, the end of the week, how about something funny, positive, relaxing, etc. Well that's what I'll be trying to accomplish on the Friday posts. It could be song lyrics, a funny story from the week before, a movie review, or one of those crazy thoughts that come to you in the shower. Who knows - it's Friday!

So, that is what I'm hoping to accomplish - cheer me on, help me out, and don't get mad it if doesn't work. (Like I said, I make no promises.)

cheers! 


[Edit] So far, not so good with the schedule... like I said, all I can do is try. Thanks for reading anyway!

Sunday reflections - April and May

well, I've been horrible at keeping up with blog posts. (Consistency is not one of my strengths people... but I have others, like swing dancing, and eating pasta.) 

And well.. while my life is a bit upside down right now in many good ways, I have little to offer you in terms of reflection. So, what I did do was look back and see what thoughts I had shared in the last few weeks in my Church bulletin. I won't be writing them for much longer - more on that possibly later (but no promises...)

Bulletin Reflection based on Sunday April 28th's reading:

     We hear Jesus giving his Apostles the new commandment: “Love one another, this is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

     Do people know we are Christians? Do people know that we have given our lives to Christ based upon how we act? Teen, parents, kids, grandparents, does the cross around our neck change how we speak, act, or think?

      Sometimes we fail. You fail, I fail. We sin, we forget, we take the easy way as opposed to the right way.

     But in the moments we fail we have to look to the gospel once again. Jesus calls us to love, because He loves. We are able to love Him because He loves us. When we fail, let’s all run back to His love and forgiveness.

And another reflection from Mother's day Sunday - May 12th

 

     The other day a teen asked me “What do I say to my friends who think Catholics worship Mary?” It is a good question, and one that many Catholics are asked.

     What we do as Catholic is venerate and ask that Mary pray for us. And the most popular Marian prayer the Hail Mary, is mostly scripture.

    “Hail May full of Grace the Lord is with you”  These are the words that Gabriel said to Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus. (Lk 1:28)

    “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.” This is what Elizabeth exclaimed when Mary visited her. (Lk 1:42)

    Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.  Calling Mary the Mother of God was first done by Elizabeth in Lk 1:43 and the last phrase of the prayer simply is asking for her to pray for us.

     Mary was important because she said yes and trusted God. When we pray the Hail Mary we praise her example, and ask her to pray for us that we may also be an example. Talk to your mom today.

One last one from Pentecost Sunday May 19th 2013

 

     With 12 men, One Spirit and the message of Love the world was changed, the church began.

    In the psalm we sing “Lord send forth your spirit, and renew the face of the Earth.” But what does that mean? How does the Spirit renew the face of the earth?

     The world is full of faces—just look around! Each of us have a face, and we can use our face to look on others with kindness, to speak words of truth, and to listen to those in need.

     If we  each as individuals allow the Spirit to renew our hearts, the Spirit will shine through our faces!

    Today, right now at Mass, let’s pray for  the Spirit  to be renewed in us. We can all walk out of the Church with a face that shows love with each look.

     Imagine, each of  us walking away showing Christ to everyone. With the Spirit’s help, we can renew the face of the Earth. 

So those are my thoughts... at least a few of them. I'll hopefully be able to do more blogging as I move forward. We'll see if it pans out... if anyone even reads this. 

in any event - have a beautiful day.

 

Gospel reflections: Ordinary time/I have not rebelled

Part of my job is to write a section of the Church bulletin. So in between the "Don't forget to turn in permission slips," "Volunteers needed for..." and the typos, I try to share with others what the Holy Spirit has been up to in my thoughts and prayers that week.

And so, I give you, the September 9th and 16th bulletin reflections. 

September 9th: 

In our liturgical calendar, we are in the middle of ordinary time. But the readings continue to remind us of the extraordinary God that loves us and they also call us to respond with extraordinary love to others. The first reading from Isaiah  says “Be strong, Fear not! Here is your God, … He comes to save you.”  Sometimes we forget how wonderfully extraordinary our Lord is. That He comes down from heaven with his divine love to save us. That in ordinary moments of our lives, he comes with extraordinary love to take us up in his hands with his saving grace. In response to the love of God, we are called to act in extra-ordinary ways. The second reading tells us how important it is to act in these out of the ordinary ways. We are reminded to not judge based on material appearance, but to be extra-ordinary and look beyond physical riches to see the richness of faith. During this liturgical season of “ordinary time” let ‘s take the challenge to continue to live extraordinary lives of generosity, love, and forgiveness, so that our lives reflect the extraordinary love of God’s saving grace in today’s world. 

September 16th:

“The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled.”  - Isaiah 50:5. This first line from the reading is a hard one to hear, because for me, it is often untrue. “I have not rebelled.” How many times do we rebel when we hear the Lord God? But now, looking at the Gospel, we find some comfort in the person of Peter. In the Gospel Peter, the rock on which Christ build his church, first answers Christ’s question with flying colors; “Who do you say that I am?” “You are the Christ.” Peter’s ears were open, he heard what God was telling him and proclaimed it. But soon after, he went back to his human ways of thinking, and rebuked the Lord. He stopped allowing his ears to be opened.  We are all a lot like Peter. It is a constant effort to keep our ears open, and to not rebel against what God is revealing to us and calling us to do. Christ recognizes the struggle, and walks with us. He would not call us to deny yourselves, take up your cross, and follow him, unless he was willing to do the same thing for us. He followed through - Lord, help us to do the same. 

I'm still marinating a longer blog post on another line from the Eucharistic Prayer. It will come eventually.