Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 26, 2017)

Today’s Scriptures encourage us to see our daily life with the eyes of our loving God. Isaiah sets the tone: “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” Our God has a tender, mother-like love for each of us, for we are his children.

When we learn to take these words to heart, then we are better able to understand what we heard Jesus tell us in today’s Gospel: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. . . Your heavenly father knows that you need them all.” Because our God loves us so much, we can trust that he will take care of all our needs.

Our trust is not that of a fool; we must use our talents and abilities to do what we can to provide for our needs. Our trust does not leave room for worry; worrying has never accomplished anything, but can distract us and ruin our peace of mind.

Jesus wants us to learn something important from the birds of the sky and the wildflowers of the fields. So we must listen carefully and then apply what we learn to our daily living. What we hear will help us to “seek first the kingdom of God” and his attitude toward living.

This should help us to live each present moment well, so that we give glory to the Master who made us.

St. Francis de Sales echoes Jesus’ words so well: “Do not worry about tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day.”

Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS, is the Executive Director of the De Sales Spirituality Center.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 19, 2017)

Early in the history of His people, God summoned them to pattern their lives on His: “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Jesus repeats that summons to us in the Gospel: “You must be perfected as your heavenly Father is perfect.” In order to make that seemingly impossible summons possible, the Spirit of God dwells in us.

Today’s Scriptures focus on how we become perfected through the way we act toward one another. The pattern that Jesus offers us is truthfulness, compassion and non-violence. When we recognize and honor ourselves as temples of God and respect others as His temple, then our words and actions will mirror our belief. The wisdom behind the way we choose to act comes from the Spirit dwelling in us. He will lead us to act in ways that the world around us may consider foolish.

Acting as Jesus would act calls us to greatness of heart. If loving as God loves is our model, then we must be willing to risk not returning violence for violence done to us. When we choose to love as God loves, we risk being taken advantage of and even getting hurt. The alternative - to be suspicious, stingy or cynical - is not worthy of anyone who possesses the Spirit of God.

Jesus summons us to the perfection of love: “Love your enemies, pray for your persecutors.” There’s no great challenge in loving those who love us. The real proof that we understand that we are children of God comes when we are willing to love those who do not love us in return, especially those who harm us. There is heroism involved in choosing to love each and every person who crosses our path.

The challenge that Jesus offers us is accompanied by the gift of His presence in us through the Spirit, making it possible for us to live out his challenge. Allowing Jesus to live in us and love through us more and more each day makes the seemingly impossible possible.

You and I can be perfected, as our heavenly Father is perfect.

Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS, is the Executive Director of the De Sales Spirituality Center.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 12, 2017)

Today’s Scripture readings elaborate on the wonderful reminder that we have heard from the book of Sirach: God has created us out of love, and the surest sign of his love is the blessing of free will. Sirach encourages us to exercise our freedom to choose wisely.

St. Paul reminds us that God has revealed his wisdom to us through his Spirit who dwells in us. The gift of faith gives us a broader view of life than mere human wisdom can give. Allowing the Spirit to lead us will enable us to see beyond our own selfish needs and desires and choose to act in ways that manifest God’s goodness and love.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about one way to do this. He encourages us to look beyond the mere letter of the law and strive to act in ways that move us toward the ideal living of the kingdom of God. Minimal obedience is far beneath the dignity of anyone who genuinely loves God and neighbor.

Jesus’ words in the gospel are not to be taken too literally. He is using the customary Middle Eastern love of exaggeration to make his point. What he is saying is that reaching the ideal implies avoiding whatever will compromise the ideal.

For example, the letter of the law says: “You shall not commit murder.” Living by the spirit of the law will mean: Do nothing which can injury another person (anger, abuse, hatred). And if you have injured anyone, go and seek reconciliation immediately. Then the two of you can worship God in mutual love and respect.

Jesus is encouraging us to listen to the wisdom of God present in us in the Spirit, and use our freedom to choose wisely as we go about our daily living.

In this way, we respond to the love that God has shown us in the gifts he has given us. Our choice to use our gifts wisely becomes an act of love. And in choosing to love, we are building up the kingdom.

May we learn to be faithful in following the lead of his grace.

Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS, is the Executive Director of the De Sales Spirituality Center.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 5, 2017)

St. Paul reminds us that our faith rests on the Cross of Christ and the convincing power of the Spirit, not on the wise argumentation of the world that so often leads to conflict and division. The crucified Jesus is the powerful manifestation of God’s love that unifies.

In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to be what we are because of the power of the Spirit. You and I are “the salt of the earth.” We flavor the world with the presence of God’s loving concern. Jesus encourages us to look at the flavoring we are at present. If we are not flavoring the world around us with the presence of God’s loving concern by the way we live each day, then we must be careful. Then we are good for nothing except to be thrown out and trampled.

You and I are “the light of the world.” We are a “city set on a hill,” “a lamp set on a stand to give light to all in the house.” Everyone sees us. Are we light in the darkness? The power of the Spirit working in us and through us is meant to touch others’ lives with God’s loving concern and mercy.

The theme of “light” appears again and again during this time before Lent. As Jesus manifested the light of God’s great concern for the poor of this world, you and I are to be continuing manifestations of that care and concern.

When we are aware of God’s presence in our own lives, then we are capable of illuminating the lives of others. When we do this is a way that makes it clear that we are reflecting the “true” light, then those around us will recognize the “light” we manifest and give thanks to the Father for it.

Francis de Sales must have had this in mind when he wrote: “Let us be what we are, and let us be it well, to do honor to the Master whose work we are.”

May today’s Word be good news once again and may we rededicate ourselves to being flavorful “salt” and transparent “light” for our little corners of the world.

Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS, is the Executive Director of the De Sales Spirituality Center.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 29, 2017)

We have just heard very familiar words from the mouth of Jesus.

We know that his words are instructive, they are also filled with joyful encouragement. Our God rewards those who struggle to be poor in spirit and humble, those who hunger and thirst to be holy, those who show mercy and work for peace, and especially those who suffer for their efforts to be holy.

When we make an effort to follow the lead of grace and be like Jesus, we are blessed and have reason to be glad. We are promised the reward of heaven.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians remind us of the great paradox of our existence. The lowly of the world are called by God to be his friends, brothers and sisters of His Son - not the wise and influential whom people of the world seek. Only the weak, the low-born, those who count for nothing are able to recognize the deeper realities of creation and give thanks for the wonderful mercy and love of God. They are overjoyed to let God be God. They are open to all that grace can do in their lives. They can take refuge in the Lord.

The prophet Zephaniah encourages us to continue to seek the Lord, observe his law, and seek justice and humility. When we live in this manner, then we are part of the faithful remnant whom God leaves in the midst of the world as a leaven.

As followers of de Sales, we have often heard the words of the beatitudes. They are the foundation for “Live, Jesus!” May we find joy in hearing them again, and may they urge us on in our efforts to be humble and gentle as Jesus was.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 22, 2017)

Today’s reading from Isaiah announces once again that Jesus’ coming among us has brought light to the darkness and gloom of our world.

Jesus has smashed the yoke of sin; he brings us joy and reason for great rejoicing. You and I have been brought into the Light through our baptism, and we are grateful for this gift.

We look around us, and it’s easy to see the gloom and darkness that cover so many peoples’ lives. Since our baptism gives us a share in Jesus’ mission to bring Light to the world, it’s important that His Light be with us as we go about our daily living.

The way we reach out to the people we live with and work with offers us an opportunity to share His Light. Our caring, our honesty, our compassion, our willingness to forgive - each can bring Light into the darkness

which envelops many of our brothers and sisters.

Like Andrew and Peter, James and John, Jesus calls us to follow him into our world. We need to be clear about our mission as followers. We are called to share the Light of Christ, not our own light. If we are sharing the only true light – Jesus, then there can be no factions, no special groups. We are called to be one in the Body of Christ; otherwise we risk rendering the cross of Christ void of its meaning,

as we heard St. Paul tell us.

Today we are invited to spend some time renewing our commitment to live in the Light of Christ. In prayer and Eucharist, we can gain some new insights into how we can do this more completely. And now the Lord will come to nourish us for our continuing journey with him.

May we let Jesus live in us more and more each day, and may His Light shine through us in all we do.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 15, 2017)

Today we begin the cycle of ordinary Sundays of the year - a time when the Church once again focuses our attention on the reality of God’s kingdom present among us in the life and ministry of Jesus.

In the Gospel passage we just heard, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as “God’s Chosen One,” the servant spoken about by the prophet Isaiah. He is the One who is “a light to the nations” so that the salvation planned by our God may reach the ends of the earth.

Through our baptism, you and I have been incorporated into God’s saving plan. As St. Paul tells us, we are “called to be a holy people, consecrated in Christ Jesus.”

We are members of his Church and therefore part of Jesus’ continuing presence in the world. We share in his prophetic mission to be “a light to the nations,” announcing the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth.

It’s very easy to forget that you and I have an obligation to be light to the nations, even though most of us have little contact with “the ends of the earth.” We have to remind ourselves frequently that we are essential parts of the body of Christ.

While we may not be able to reach very far physically, we can give strength to those who do. The power of our prayer for those who minister the good news and for their people is invaluable. How often have Oblates who minister in Africa

or South America or India or Haiti have thanked us for our prayers which give them the strength they need to carry on their efforts for the Church?

Today might be a good time to renew our efforts of prayer on their behalf. We might even take a few minutes this week to write to one of them, reminding him (and ourselves) of our prayer for him and his people. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Francis de Sales next week, we might offer a day of fidelity in our practice of the Directory for our brother Oblates who serve the Church far from home. In this way, we can stir up in our own hearts a sense of connection with the mission of the Church and, in the process, assist others in coming to know Jesus as God’s Chosen One.

Baptism of the Lord (January 9, 2017)

Today we complete the Church’s celebration of the unbelievable good news that God has fulfilled his promise to be Emmanuel - God with his people.

As we hear Matthew recount the baptism of Jesus, heaven and earth are joined together as the Spirit descends on Jesus and we hear the Father’s voice announce Jesus’ true identity: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

To help us understand the full meaning of the Father’s words, we have also heard the words of the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of his prophecy. Jesus is the Servant, the Chosen One, on whom the Father’s favor rests. The Spirit of the Lord is upon him, and he will bring forth God’s justice to all the world.

The wonder of this revelation is that he will bring about this justice with meekness and gentleness, especially toward the downtrodden. Jesus will announce this good news of peace as he goes about going good and healing sinners. He will be light to the blind and freedom for those locked away in darkness. Anyone who reveres God and is willing to live as Jesus teaches can share in God’s gift of peace.

That’s the message we have received and the challenge we are offered by our baptism. Because Jesus wants us to share his very life, the Spirit of God has descended on us and dwells in us, and the Father speaks the same wonderful words to us that he spoke to Jesus: “You are my beloved son or daughter, with whom I am well pleased.”

Our Father has grasped us by the hand and he wants us to be the living signs of his continuing care for all his people, especially the downtrodden. We are to work each day for the victory of justice with great gentleness. In our own way, we are to bring light to anyone who is living in darkness.

Our Father wants to remind us at the beginning of each day: “You are my beloved son or daughter, with whom I am well pleased.” If we take the time to listen to his words each morning, they offer us direction for our day. As we listen, we can ask ourselves: how will I live today as the beloved son or daughter of God? How will I make it evident today that I am thankful that God is pleased with me?

God’s loving word to us has to be an uplifting start to our day! Let us take the time to listen.

Epiphany (January 8, 2017)

Have you ever thought what could possibly have possessed very wise men to leave their homes and undertake a long, hard desert journey?

What was so special about this new “king of the Jews”? Everyone knew that Israel was under Roman occupation. Any Jewish king would be a mere puppet of the emperor. Why would news of a powerless king in a faraway land be so attractive? Perhaps the Holy Spirit was moving them, touching a sense of longing and hope and compelling them to investigate. These wise men, astrologers and interpreters of dreams, clearly believed that they were being led to someone extraordinary.

What must have happened when they arrived where Joseph, Mary and the child were staying? Did they simply present their gifts and then hurry back to the East? I would imagine they stayed for a little while asking Joseph and Mary lots of questions, trying to find out what all these signs were about.

And Mary and Joseph had plenty of extraordinary happenings to tell them about – angels visiting, dreams, Scriptures foretelling their arrival. Even their gifts had been foretold. These men must have been thrilled to know that the longing in their hearts could be fulfilled in this little child! Mary and Joseph evangelized these wise men from the East.

Every one of us longs for a sense of meaning and purpose. All around us people are starving for answers, and the Holy Spirit may want to direct them to us, just as he directed the wise men to Mary and Joseph and the child. Like Joseph and Mary, all we have to do is share with them the ways that God has moved in us, the ways that God has shown us divine love. The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

As we begin a new year and celebrate the coming of the wise men to the home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, let us reflect on the gifts we have received from our loving God - gifts far more valuable than gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then we will be well prepared for whoever may show up at our door this year.

Mary, Mother of God (January 1, 2017)

Today the Church celebrates Mary, the Mother of the Word made flesh.

In greeting Mary, the Mother of God, we are reminded that she is also our Mother,

the Mother of all of us who form the Body of Christ.

As we just heard, the shepherds hurried to find Jesus with Mary and Joseph. Mary and the shepherds encourage us to join them in making known the message we have heard this Christmas: Jesus is God’s gift of peace; he shares with us the love of our heavenly Father.

As we begin a new year, our Mother Mary offers us a way to keep alive the peace and love we have been given in Jesus. As Luke told us, Mary kept all the things she experienced in her heart and reflected on them in prayer. She invites us to do the same.

The more we remain aware of the presence of God during the day, the more we will be able to see that all that happens each day is part of God’s loving plan for our holiness and salvation. God is with us, giving us the strength we need for whatever we have to do.

May 2017 be a year in which each of us grows in wisdom and knowledge. Like our Mother Mary, may the gift of God’s loving peace take root in our hearts so that we can bring God’s peace to others.