Reflections for the week

December 1-7

A time for waiting

We don’t do too well when it comes to waiting. We have to wait for public transportation, wait for news, wait for someone who is late… and we become impatience.  We are accustomed to living in a society where everything moves at a rapid pace and what we want to enjoy must arrive on time. And if it does not, we become frustrated and may even take it out on those who are the closest to us.

During these weeks of December we must wait, whether we want to or not. Perhaps we have a dream of a gift we want to receive for Christmas or a desire to see someone we have not seen in a very long time. But Christmas arrives on December 25, not a day before.  While we wait, maybe we will have the luck and gift of learning something about ourselves and others.  Perhaps we will realize that we are becoming more patient, appreciating more the little things because they don’t arrive so quickly. Perhaps we will realize that our motivations for waiting for something were the wrong ones.  While we wait, maybe we can ask ourselves some questions regarding the things we thirst for and want. Perhaps we will realize that our desires were not as noble, our generosity toward receiving others, or go out and seek others were not as willing as we thought.  Sometimes it can appear that our house is clean and when we decide to do a little light cleaning, which we think will not take too long, we discover things that could shine more, have less dust and could be more organized. In the long run, it is better for us and for our home to begin the process of cleaning. The same thing happens with waiting. While we wait, there are things we can get into order, clean or clear up.

To wait enriches us. It helps us to get to know ourselves better, to delve deeper inside ourselves and better prepare things.  The arrival of what we wait for becomes even sweeter and more joyous.  

What am I anxiously waiting for? Have I discovered something about myself as I waited?

November 24-30

A banquet within reach

There have always been people who believe that the end of the world was near. In these times, we are living with so many political problems, wars, economic crisis, and even natural disasters it may seem that the end of the world is closer than ever. Almost all the signs that Jesus announced are present: catastrophes, wars, great signs in the sky.

Some prefer to “save” themselves—whatever they believe this could be—on the highest part of a mountain or in a safe refuge where they believe the chosen ones will be protected by God or transported to glory without having to suffer. Others think that if the world is going to end you might as well have fun and spend as much as you can.

The problem with all of this is that there appears to be no hope. Jesus did not speak of an end without solution or hope. Instead he advised that we remain vigilant and alert, not so much for the end of the world, but to God’s presence among us; not so much for catastrophe but for love. Not so much for absence and scarcity, which seem to afflict us lately, but for the great banquet that awaits us in the end, where there are no more tears and where everything is abundance and joy. In a very real manner, this banquet is already within our reach through the Eucharist.

So what are we be vigilant for? For Christ who is among us. To the one who is hungry and must be fed, thirsty and must be given something to drink, who is hungry, or imprisoned, and sick. The arrival of God in our world happens on a daily basis. We just have to remain very watchful and awake.  

In what ways do you recognize Christ is near you each day? How do you respond? What scarceness, pain, sadness, and hopelessness exists near you, and to which you can bring the presence of Jesus’ love, joy and hope?

November 16-23

How many things do you have?

How many things would you like to acquire and possess? Human rights include the right to private property. And yet, over and over again we are told in the gospel that there is nothing we can really call our own. Everything has been given and it is all there to be shared, to make it grow, and to bear fruit.

And this is not just about material possessions. The talent, intelligence, good qualities, and virtues we have are not just for ourselves. It is often repeated that a follower of Christ cannot use these qualities for their own enrichment, exaltation or comfort.  It is not even about a call to generosity, but a call to recognize what is fair or just. What we have received is to be shared with others. It is not about giving half of what we have, like Zacchaeus, but about putting it all in the service of others. It is about singing to others, if you can sing; leading a group for the benefit of others if you are a leader; writing to obtain justice for others if you happen to be a persuasive writer; and cooking for others, if your talent lies in the kitchen. None of this is to achieve your own personal benefit, but to return what you have received to its legitimate owner, God.

What do you possess that can be put in the service of the community? Is there a need that you can respond to and give what you can? What is keeping you from doing so? Are you afraid of losing what you think belongs to you?

November 9-15

Be grateful

As we said last week, not allowing light to shine through us is the same thing as being an obstacle or making things go dark. It is very common nowadays to think we deserve everything and have a right to it all. Not so long ago in Chicago this silliness led to approving a regulation in which schools would pay students for getting good grades. This foolish act was disguised as an attempt to motivate children, but the problem is it teaches children to develop the mentality that they are owed everything.

Perhaps it is the same attitude shared by the servants in this week’s readings, who believed when they had done all that was asked of them, they were owe something. And Jesus said they had only done their duty. Or it could be similar to the attitude of the nine lepers who did not return to express their gratitude for being healed. Did they think they had the right to be healed by Jesus and to be returned to the community? Perhaps they thought it was an injustice for them to be sick in the first place and therefore they were owed a cure?

People who do not recognize all that has been freely given to them are unable to express thanks. However, gratitude brings with it more and more favors. To give thanks is simply to recognize that we have received something without merit. While it is true that as children of God we all have the dignity and right to be treated with respect, it is not by our own merit but through the kindness of God.  Nothing is owed to us, it is a gift.

Are you grateful? Do you remember to give thanks for the favors you receive, for the caring you get, for the qualities God has given you, and the talents  you must put in the service of others because they are not yours?

November 1-8

Light of saints

This week we celebrate the feast day of All Saints, which is a celebration of ourselves, of the entire Church, and the people of God. Not too many people think of themselves as saints and yet through our baptism we are all saints and called to sanctity. Sanctity is simply allowing the glory of God to be seen in us.

We probably have an idea that saints are perfect beings, unfazed by what happens, they never lose their patience and are never mistaken. And we are more than sure this does not describe us. Maybe it’s because we confuse saints with angels, who are pure beings… Saints are human beings, who live on this earth, suffer, struggle, and endure difficulties, sickness and death. Maybe the difference between saints and others who do not consider themselves so exemplary is that the saints are friends of God. They live their life looking at God and allowing God, as a child once said when talking about the stain glass windows in the church, to shine through them. To allow light to shine through us could mean not closing ourselves behind our own egoism; being sincere and always telling the truth, even when it is difficult; lending a hand to those who are near us; or it could mean maintaining a smile and hope even in the midst of difficult situations. There are many things that provide light and clarity in this world.

To allow light to shine through us is allowing God to shine in us, despite ourselves and the fact that we often want to stand in the way, allowing others only to see how great, intelligent or brilliant we are. But, if we do not let it be seen that behind all our greatness and kindness is God’s mercy and generosity, then all it does is dim God’s brilliance. In the long run, it only leads to frustration, pain and hopelessness. Our own brilliance will be extinguished but the light of God, which the saints saw and transmit, shines forever.

In what ways are you are saint, that is, you allow God's light shine in you? Can it be said that you are a person of hope and joy? Do you trust your own strength more than the grace God gives you every day?

October 27-31

Finding hope and peace

At any given moment we all feel that life escapes us and  sometimes our problems are insurmountable. Where can we find hope? Sometimes it seems as if things will remain this way, without a solution or a form of escape. We find ourselves turning to all types of remedies and are even willing to try whatever people recommend… But soon enough we realize that nothing works. This week we celebrate the Feast of St. Jude, patron saint of difficult cases. Many people entrust themselves to him knowing that they seek not so much a miracle, but the peace and hope to look at their reality with courage and the ability to fight for things they can change and accept those they cannot.

What is currently worrying you? Do you think there is no solution? What remedies are you seeking? Do they work? What can provide you with peace and serenity at this moment?

October 20-26

Inflamed with love

There are some people who are unable to communicate well in writing. It is hard for them to find the right words and link them correctly. Then there are others like St. Anthony Claret, who seem to have a river of words at their disposal and are convincing. Claret not only had the gift of speaking and could preach very well, he also wrote in a simple manner so people could understand his message. He had many followers and today the Congregation he founded (known as the Claretians) is extended throughout the world.  But Claret was convincing not so much for his words but for who he was and his works. People must see the coherence between his life and his message.

Claret knew his vocation and responded to it with energy, enthusiasm and passion. He said that his followers had to be men inflamed with the love of God. And if they have the words to communicate it, then even better, but it should be their life that speaks the loudest about who they are.

What would people say about you if they saw you? In what ways do your actions proclaim God’s love and salvation? What are you passionate about? How do you express it?

October 13-19

An ideal home

How would you like your house to be? Can you imagine the ideal situation, what the house looks like and who lives in it? How many rooms does it have? Who do you gather with? Is it true that friendship could be one of the greatest gifts or the best blessings we can have? When we are with a friend sometimes it is not necessary to say anything. We are just hanging out together, often in silence. But when we wish to speak, we know there is no fear of being judges or rejected.

Saint Teresa of Jesus, whose feast day is on October 15, said two very important things about prayer. The first, prayer is about friendship with the one we know loves us. The second, which is her most important work on prayer, is that the life of prayer is like an interior castle.  It deepens in the friendship and love of God as it passes through the many rooms, which she describes as seven chambers and are the different levels of prayer. In the most interior chamber, the deepest one, a total union with God is achieved in such a way that from this world one can almost share the vision of God. It is a long way to get there, but is a grace so big, it is worth spending a lifetime attaining it. On the part of the person, all that is required is perseverance. God give all the grace.

Do you persist in prayer or do you get tired because you don’t feel anything? Do you sometimes expect prayer to bring miracles or favors? What happened when it doesn’t?

October 6-12

Do everything out of love, with enthusiasm and energy

Have you ever had the feeling that so much work and activity to attain things makes little sense? Things end or after a while cease to be of any interest. Sometimes we're like children, excited over a gift that in a short time will be ignored or forgotten in a corner. In this world we probably have that same sensation. In the end, remains? Are all these effort worthwhile?

Another Francis, whose feast day we celebrate, Francis of Borgia, came to the conclusion that it was not worthwhile to serve people or things that could die. In a way, it seems he was deeply saddened by the death of the queen he had been serving. It was not that serving the queen was bad, but serving only the queen and giving her everything, was wrong. He also realized that giving his life so fully as he had done could only be for something eternal, like God. Since then Francis dedicated his life to serving God with all his soul, life and heart.

There are times when we become fond of things that seem satisfactory for some time, and may even be good, but if they turn into an obsession or become our life, in the end it only leaves a greater craving. While it is good to be fond of something and even serve for a good cause, in the end God is always beyond this. That is, if we do everything out of love, with enthusiasm and energy responding to what God wants from us, our passion is good and saintly. If not, and we do it for ourselves and to satisfy momentary desires, we will have to redirect it.

What concerns or entertainment are taking up all your energy and being? Are they from God and for God?

October 1-5

A simpler life

As we approach the general elections many of us are feeling a certain level of anguish over the future of this country and over many of the countries we are from. The economic situation is clearly in crisis, maybe our families are suffering or perhaps there are people we know who are living with great anxiety over the whole situation. On the 4th of October we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a young man who prior to his conversion was a politician and warrior and who upon his encounter with Christ turned his back on all material wealth and embraced a life of poverty. Our circumstances are probably very different than his, but we could learn a few lessons from St. Francis. Could we live a simpler life? Could we do without certain things so others may have a little more?  Living with less so others could have what they need to live.

In what ways can we make peace with ourselves and our families? Could we show a little more respect toward the environment, taking care not to waste so much water and electrical power? Could we offer a little more hope in the midst of so much despair through our generous, accessible and calm attitude?

September 21-30

When you have good news you rush to tell everyone.

You call your family and friends to spread the joy and the news is not kept quiet or just for us. Births in the family, promotions, engagements, and honors must be quickly shared with others. It should also be a normal thing for those who have had an encounter with Jesus and discovered truth and abundance in their life to have the desire to communicate it to others. However, sometimes it seems like too much of an effort to go out and give testimony of Christ. We fear the consequences of being rejected, mocked or of failing. However, to be a witness or a missionary is an essential part of being a Christian. That is, we cannot be a Christian without spreading the news of salvation and the love of Christ. St. Francis would tell his followers to always do this and if necessary to use words, meaning that in the majority of the times, it is not even necessary to speak, instead to articulate the message of what we believe in by the manner in which we live our life.

What do people see in you? Do they see  joy in your work, responsibilities toward your obligations, affection toward others, fight for justice, truth in relationships, generosity, and giving what you have? Or on the contrary, do they see pessimism, the desire to control, laziness in your obligations, antipathy, carelessness, and closing yourself off from others? Are your good news for others or do people instinctively avoid you?

September 14- 20

It all passes by

Sometimes we are enjoying a very special moment and we would like to hold on to it so it never ends. At other times, we are living times of difficulties or anguish and we feel as if they are never going to be resolved. This is when we wished time would just fly by so things would change. In the world we live in it all seems relative. Everything depends on something else and nothing seems to have absolute validity. But it does not leave us dissatisfied because we wish to know what is good and what is bad and to have certainty over what is true. During this week, in many ways the readings tell us there a real truth and an everlasting life, and it is worthwhile to give all we have and even to give up our life for it. And that life can only be a life with Christ, which never ends. All the pain and joy of this world passes by, but the joy of knowing the final triumph, the final salvation, can never end because it is our only truth.

What experiences are you currently living? Are they pleasant or difficult? Would you like things always to be this way or do you wish things would change? How do you seek the truth? What do you aspire to do in your life? Have you found your only truth in the living Christ? 

September 7 -13

What is happiness for you?

What are your aspirations? What is important? What things are you willing to fight for and give the best of yourself? Do you want money, fortune or prestige?  Not everything is always as society dictates. In this world it seems as if having money, prestige, and fame are what is really important.  Actors and actresses receive all the attention in the world, just as the Olympian athletes did last month in Beijing.  It seems as if they were the most important people in the world. But all this ends sooner or later and people quickly forget about the idols they created. However, today we speak of a very different kind of happiness. It is the kind of happiness experienced by those who have nothing and must completely entrust themselves to God. It is the happiness of those who know they are persecuted and burdened for trying to carry out God’s work, such as fighting for justice and peace. It is the joy felt by those who are truly a friend of God and live for Him. This is a somewhat strange form of happiness, don’t you think? Maybe it’s because this type of life, in addition to generating a lot of difficulties, can appear to generate serious economic problems for those who embrace it. And in the eyes of the world it may even seem that we are a failure. Is it even worthwhile to struggle for something that this world does not think is important or necessary? Why does Jesus say this is real happiness? Why would anyone choose to follow that road?

What does it mean to accept the challenge of a different and ever-lasting happiness? What would you have to change? What would you have to follow?