It’s Just True

by Fr. Christian Mathis on June 7, 2013

A bit dated, but very wise words from Conan O’Brien. It always impresses me to see someone who can recognize their blessings, even when the world would rather see them succumb to self pity and anger.

(H/T Steve Robinson)

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Praying with Confidence & Humility

by Fr. Christian Mathis on June 6, 2013

The Book of Tobit contains one of most beautiful prayers in the Bible. When Tobiah took Sarah as his wife, he did something that her previous seven husbands presumably did not. He began by inviting his wife to join with him in prayer.

When the girl’s parents left the bedroom and closed the door behind them, Tobiah arose from the bed and said to his wife, “My love, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance.” She got up and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. He began with these words:

“Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended. You said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.’ Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age.”

They said together, “Amen, amen,” and went to bed for the night.

In whatever vocation God has called each of us, we do well when we humbly ask for his help and mercy, confident that each day he will strengthen the gifts that have already been given.

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The Lord Hears the Cry of Those in Despair

by Fr. Christian Mathis on June 5, 2013

“At that very time, the prayer of these two supplicants was heard in the glorious presence of Almighty God. So Raphael was sent to heal them both: to remove the cataracts from Tobit’s eyes, so that he might again see God’s sunlight; and to marry Raguel’s daughter Sarah to Tobit’s son Tobiah, and then drive the wicked demon Asmodeus from her.”  (Tobit 3: 16-17)

The book of Tobit begins with the story of two people who find themselves in such a state of despair that they pray for God to take their life. Tobit and Sarah were two just people who faced extreme situations. The first is blinded despite his performing good works, and the second marries seven men in turn, each of whom dies before their wedding night. Both are falsely accused and both, in their great sorrow, pray to God to let them die.

Most of us have ups and downs in our lives that are manageable. There are also times, however, when life can take a series of turns that lead to an overwhelming sense of despair. Reaching the point where there is no hope is a very dark place to be, but even when it seems that darkness has taken up permanent residence in our lives, God is there waiting. The story of Tobit and Sarah reminds us that God hears our cries of anguish and can heal us even the worst of situations. The message for us as Christians is that hope is never beyond our reach, that nothing is impossible with God.

Rather than granting their wish for death, God  sends the angel Raphael to heal Tobit and to lead Sarah to Tobiah, who will become her husband.  Again and again God proves his love not only by healing our brokenness, but by giving us more than what we have asked of Him. Sometimes the extreme situations of life can provide the opening for God to give us the things we didn’t even know we needed.

Whether it be in joy or despair, let us continue to cry out to God with an open spirit to receive the things he wishes to provide.

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Pope Francis on Good Pope John

June 3, 2013

Today in Rome, Pope Francis addressed a group of pilgrims from the Italian diocese of Bergamo in St Peter’s Basilica, where they had gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Blessed Pope John XXIII. Shared is Vatican Radio’s English translation of the Holy Father’s prepared remarks. Dear friends of the Diocese of [...]

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Sunday of the Paralytic

May 26, 2013

I am grievously paralyzed in a multitude of sins and wrongful deeds. As you raised up the paralytic of old, also raise up my soul by your divine guidance, that I may cry out, “Glory to your power O Compassionate Christ.” This morning I had the privilege of attending Divine Liturgy at Saints Kosmas and [...]

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The Man (& the Woman) in the Arena

May 25, 2013

How willing are we to summon the courage to be vulnerable? Brene Brown’s talk on the subject is excellent. I hope you will find the time to watch it and perhaps to even share your thoughts here.

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Surviving A Plane Crash

May 20, 2013

I recently finished reading Jon Acuff’s new book, Start. In one section of the book he mentions that he always wanted to be in a plane crash. Before you begin thinking he has lost his mind, he makes it clear that the kind of crash he was looking for is the kind where everyone walks away a [...]

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Open My Ears, Lord

May 18, 2013

During my last weekend at St. Thomas, a friend and parishioner handed me a book called Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman. He told me that it might have a message for me. This past week I have been reading it, reliving my own moments on the Appalachian Trail and remembering the lessons learned through the experience. I [...]

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The Dangers of Pilgrimage

May 15, 2013

” I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock.” Acts 20: 29 The recent movie, The Grey, tells the story of a group of men who survive a plane crash in Alaska and are left at the mercy of savage wolves. As they attempt to make [...]

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The Unknown God

May 8, 2013

At today’s mass we heard the account of Paul’s preaching to the people of Athens about the unknown God. Paul cleverly used the Athenians’ catch all shrine to enlighten them with words about Jesus and his resurrection. As I have reflected on this account it strikes me that there will always be much more that [...]

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Music for Friday

May 3, 2013

A hat tip to my friend Hope Feist for sharing this video of the Gundersen Family earlier today. Enjoy!

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You Are A Unique Individual

May 2, 2013

During the homily at my ordination to the priesthood, Archbishop Kurtz mentioned that he had recently seen a bumper sticker that caused him to think of me. The sticker read, “You are a unique individual, just like everyone else.” He then went on to remind me that God had indeed given me unique gifts that [...]

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Entrusting Ourselves to God

April 30, 2013

“We can safeguard the Church, we can cure the Church, no? We do so with our work, but what’s most important is what the Lord does: He is the only One who can look into the face of evil and overcome it. The prince of the world comes but can do nothing against me: if [...]

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