Family Life – Page 4 – Joy of the Family

It’s Hard to be Humble

*Author: Beth Zanotelli Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach*

In 1974 country singer Mac Davis wrote a song called “It’s Hard to be Humble”. The chorus repeats, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way. I can’t wait to look in the mirror, ‘cause I get better looking each day.” The song is humorous because of its sarcasm, and Mac plays on the loneliness that occurs when you seek to achieve fame. What is this humility that we are supposed to live as a virtue? How can we avoid the sin of pride and live a life of humility? Where is the balance between healthy self-esteem and pridefulness? Why does God want us to be humble enough to see less of ourselves and more of others? It’s a rough road and a fine line…it’s a narrow gate!

There are many ways we can be more humble, and these days the world could use more humility. It’s not always about you and me. If you are sad, lonely and maybe a bit depressed, spend some time thinking about someone else, pray for them, listen to them, help them. A sacrifice of time and energy will help you find humility. As Lent approaches, look for one way you can convert your heart to a humble heart.

The Litany of Humility was written by Cardinal Merry del Val, who was the Secretary of State to Pope St. Pius X (1903 – 1914). In this prayer, it is courageous to focus on even just one line. Pray to Jesus that you might be delivered from the prideful desires of your heart.

Litany of Humility

O Jesus! Meek and humble of heart, hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being honored, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being despised, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being calumniated (talked or gossiped about), deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being suspected, deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more that I, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,

Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen, and I set aside, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred to me in everything,

Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may become holier that I, provided that I may become as holy as I

should, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it. Amen.

Here’s what the scriptures have to say...

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Micah 6:8 – You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Comfort and Grace

As we say goodbye to 2021 and warmly welcome 2022, it is easy to dwell on all the negative things that happened last year. Most years, especially the last two, we can’t wait to close the door on the past. We say, “I can’t wait for this year to be over!”, or “I’m looking forward to the new year”. Really though, it is the past that has formed us. Take comfort in the positive adjustments you made in your life in 2021. Did you simplify your life? Did you create a new habit? Did you start a new hobby? Did you better appreciate others? As we opened our doors and stepped back outside, did you take more time to greet people? Reflect on the ways you changed last year, ways that you changed for the better that you can bring with you in 2022.

Consider what the great Saint, Sister Faustina, reflected on at the beginning of her New Year’s “blog”, otherwise known as her Diary entry on January 1, 1938 (#1449)

Welcome to you, New Year, in the course of which my perfection will be accomplished. Thank You in advance, O Lord, for everything Your goodness will send me. Thank You for the cup of suffering from which I shall daily drink. Do not diminish its bitterness, O Lord, but strengthen my lips that, while drinking of this bitterness, they may know how to smile for love of You, my Master. I thank you for Your countless comforts and graces that flow down upon me each day like the morning dew, silently, imperceptibly which no curious eye may notice, and which are known only to You as of today because, at the moment when You hand me the cup, my heart may not be capable of giving thanks.
St. Faustina’s Diary Divine Mercy in My Soul

As we enter this new year of 2022, it’s a great time to be present in the moment, the moment you are in right now. Take time to reflect on what “comforts and graces” you can give others this year. In 2022, when you see someone, give them the gift of your smile. Remember that they are a Child of God, just like you. When having a conversation, look at the person as they talk and really listen to what they are saying. Jesus spent time with people. He stopped and gave them time when others wanted to rush past. When Jesus looks at a person, he sees them. Jesus is the perfect example of intentionality. How can you be Jesus to others in this new year?

What is Truth?

*Adapted from a Homily by Deacon David Zanotelli*

“…What is truth?” John 18:38. In the world today that question is something with which we are all challenged. This year, on the Solemnity of Christ, the King at the end of the Church year, the Gospel reading was a dialog between Pilate and Jesus; Pilate was seeking the truth. In John 18:37, Jesus says, “you say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” This is not the first time Jesus speaks of truth. In John 14: 5-6, Thomas asks, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus says he came to testify to the truth. An example of that truth that Jesus proclaims with his own life…life begins at conception. How did Jesus “testify” to this truth? Well, it’s quite simple and profound. In fact, it is such a fundamental truth in our faith that our Apostles Creed allows you and I to testify to this truth ourselves! As we profess the truths of our faith, we say… “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, who was CONCEIVED by the Holy Spirit…” Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, “Christ the King”, became a precious child, at the moment He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb!

There is another truth that Jesus came to proclaim. Through our Baptism, we are all adopted children of the King of Kings. If you were born female in the likeness and image of God, you are truly a daughter of the King of Kings. If you were born male in the likeness and image of God, you are truly a son of the King of Kings. Not only are each of us a son or daughter of the King of Kings but each and everyone of us is an irreplaceable, indispensable, unrepeatable gift! Yes, YOU are indispensable to God’s plan for the universe. You cannot be replaced! You cannot be repeated. You reveal a beam of God’s glory that no one else who ever lived or ever will live reveals in this world!

Become what you are – an irreplaceable, indispensable, unrepeatable gift from Christ the King!

Here’s what the Scriptures and our faith have to say:

John 18: 37-38 – So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

Ephesians 6:13-14 – Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and having done everything, to hold our ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truthy, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate.”

YouCat (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church) – Based on CCC 781-786 What is unique about the People of God? The founder of this people is God the Father. Its leader is Jesus Christ. Its source of strength is the Holy Spirit. The entryway to the People of God is Baptism. Its dignity is the freedom of the children of God. Its law is love. If this people remains faithful to God and seeks first the kingdom of God, it changes the world.

Dare to be Different

*Author: Beth Zanotelli, Diocese of Palm Beach Coordinator of Family Life*

“Freedom’s goal is to lead us to flourish not to fail. Freedom’s goal is Truth, Beauty and Goodness.” These words from the September Joy of the Family Blog, are still ringing the bells of conscience and still ringing the bells in the pursuit of excellence. God has given us the gift of Free Will! Essentially, God is Pro-Choice! That’s right God is Pro-Choice! The difference is that God desires us to choose what is good and true so we can truly flourish as human beings. God gives us the ability to choose, however, He also gives us the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes for us to form and live in good conscience. It is the good choices we make that set us apart and give us strength to love one another and serve one another. When we make worldly choices, we are only thinking about ourselves and most often we fall into sinful choices. G. K. Chesterton said, “A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.” Dare to be different and make Good Choices! Dare to swim against the stream of our culture.

So how do we choose what is Good? How do we pursue excellence, that is, Truth, Beauty, and Goodness? In today’s world how do we make choices and act in ways that are faithful and honor God? Again, remembering the Beatitudes and the 10 Commandments, the Catechism gives us the wisdom we need for good choices. First, we must be sure that the action of our choice is Good. Even if the intention is for the best…the action itself must be Good. Second, our actions must be with good intention. We should always have in our thoughts helping and serving others, not our own selfish intentions, or the intention to hurt or wrong someone. An example would be to befriend someone only to get ahead or to benefit in some way. The third way to make sure our choice is good is to be sure that no matter what the circumstances of your action, if it is a sinful action, it is not good, period. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Truth is not determined by a majority vote.” How can you dare to be different? How can you show that Christian freedom is different than how our culture views “freedom” today?

Here’s what the Scriptures and our Catholic faith have to say…

Galatians 5: 1 – For Freedom Christ set us free; so, stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

1 John 3:19-20 – We will know by this that we are of the truth and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.

Galatians 5: 13– For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.

CCC 1742 – Freedom and Grace. The grace of Christ is not in the slightest way a rival of our freedom when this freedom accords with the sense of the true and the good that God has put in the human heart. On the contrary, as Christian experience attests especially in prayer, the more docile we are to the promptings of grace, the more we grow in inner freedom and confidence during trials, such as those we face in the pressures and constraints of the outer world. By the working of grace, the Holy Spirit educates us in spiritual freedom to make us free collaborators in his work in the Church and in the world.

Proverbs 16:9 – The mind of the man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Back to the Beginning

*Author: Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito,*
*Bishop of Palm Beach*

There are matters of faith in the beginning of Genesis which are essential to our faith and always important to reflect upon. As we face so many opportunities and challenges within our lives, it is always good to put them in perspective especially about to how God envisioned life and the world from the beginning. This may be especially important for us today as we recently commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the horrific event of 9/11 and as we face so many tragic situations in our world today.

In the beginning we see that God created the world. It did not come into existence by an accident but from the very being of God Himself. The account of creation in the book of Genesis makes very clear that God created the world out of nothing but with a purpose and order. We read of the creation of light, water and all those elements which give and sustain life from God. All of these follow a natural rhythm as we experience from the movement of the day into night and from one season into another. Genesis then tells us that God created both plant and animal life which are sustained by these elements and natural rhythm.

The Book of Genesis helps us to appreciate better that the world is indeed God’s. His purpose and laws are at the basis of all others. There is a natural law which comes from God Himself. All other laws must be in conformity to His. Genesis also helps us to appreciate better the beauty of creation which so many times we can take for granted. Each day, God reveals Himself to us in nature as the earth moves around the sun reflecting the very grandeur of God. Too many daily preoccupations and concerns can interfere with the joy that comes from appreciating this basic beauty.

When the creation of the world is complete, the Book of Genesis makes clear that God then created the pinnacle of His creation which is the human person. Everything else which God has created is given to and meant to sustain the human person. It is here that Genesis reveals to us one of the most basic truths, which is that the human person is created in the very image and likeness of God. Unlike the rest of creation, to be human means to share in the very depth of the life of God Himself and to reflect that life in the fullest way. This means that every person is given a dignity which comes from God and can never be taken away.

When God created the human person in His image and likeness, another basic truth of life is revealed to us. The Book of Genesis tells us that God created the person as male and female, “God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them,” (Gen 1:27). It is here that the nature of marriage and family life is understood as a participation in the life of God Himself. For as Genesis also tells us, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them shall become one body,” (Gen 2:24). God lives for all eternity as a communion of love in the Persons of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Marriage is a reflection of that communion through which life comes into existence. Every single life, from the moment of conception, has an inherent dignity which comes from God. In the family, that dignity and purpose are brought to fruition as a participation in God’s life. Marriage and family life are not a creation of society but a reflection of God’s very life. How much this basic truth needs to be better understood and appreciated in our society today.

The beginning of the Book of Genesis also makes clear another basic truth. God created us to be happy. He placed the human person in the Garden of Eden in a natural state of happiness. God wants us to be happy and to know the joy that is His. It is only by living as He created us that we find this happiness. Living life in a manner that is forgetful of God and the natural order and beauty of His creation is what leads to unhappiness and frustration.

In this context the Book of Genesis places before us another fundamental truth. The first man and woman decided not to live in the manner for which God had created them but attempted to find happiness in another way and disobeyed God’s natural law. Once they did this, they put themselves in an unhappy state and caused a disruption in the order and plan of God’s creation. Original sin entered the world and with original sin came an accompanying disorder.

The Book of Genesis also makes clear another reality of our faith and that is the existence of the evil one – Satan. Man and woman were tempted to go against God’s plan by Satan who fooled them by making evil look good. They chose evil, and its accompanying unhappiness, because they thought it would make them happy. The devil works in subtle ways, and we must always be cautious in this regard. God has given us, as He gave the original man and woman, freedom. Freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want but the ability to choose the good. It is Satan who works against this and is most effective when his existence is denied. That is why the first baptismal promise, as well as the one made by a young person to be confirmed, is “Do you reject Satan, and all his works and all his empty promises?”

As we reflect upon these basic truths given to us in the very beginning in the Book of Genesis, it is also essential for us to reflect upon the basic truths given to us in the Person of Jesus Christ who took our human nature to Himself in order that He might free us from ourselves. The Gospel of St. John begins with the words reflecting the opening Book of Genesis, “in the beginning.” The Son of God became one of us to bring us back to the beginning which God had planned for us in creation. Not even sin can hinder God’s plan and prevent us from experiencing His love in the original way for which He had created us. God had a plan for us from the very beginning and it is Christ who restores us to that plan.

The Book of Genesis reminds us of fundamental truths. It is Christ who sheds light upon those truths and brings us back to them in order that we might have the joy for which God created us.

It is always good to go back to the beginning.

Here’s what Scripture and Tradition have to say…

Genesis 1:27 – God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 2:24 – That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.

Colossians 1:15-20 – He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross whether those on earth or those in heaven.

Catechism of the Catholic Church: 289 – Among all the Scriptural texts about creation, the first three chapters of Genesis occupy a unique place. From a literary standpoint these texts may have had diverse sources. The inspired authors have placed them at the beginning of Scripture to express in their solemn language the truths of creation – its origin and its end in God, its order and goodness, the vocation of man, and finally the drama of sin and the hope of salvation. Read in the light of Christ, within the unity of Sacred Scripture and in the living Tradition of the Church, these texts remain the principal source for catechesis on the mysteries of the “beginning”: creation, fall, and promise of salvation.

Freedom For Excellence

In the Baltimore Catechism, we learn in the very first lesson that “God made us to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven”. Our Heavenly Father desires the very best for us, that is to be with Him forever. Ultimately, that is our hearts desire as well, we desire good, we desire God. We are meant to return to Him! Freedom is the catalyst that prepares us for heaven.

God is the giver of the gift of freedom. In the Catechism, it says, “Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains it’s perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude.” (CCC 1731 emphasis added) But why does He give us this gift? What is it that God wants for us? Our Father in Heaven gives us this freedom to allow us to pursue or NOT pursue His will for our lives. He gives us the choice and responsibility to pursue excellence. He gives us the Freedom for Excellence.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…and blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God”. (Matthew 5: 3, 8). Jesus is giving us the keys to “happiness” in the Beatitudes. He is showing us how to achieve Freedom for Excellence. He is teaching us how to be saints. When we reflect on what is good and true, we change! We become something more. Freedom is the choices we make that lead us to what is good and true.

Freedom’s goal is to lead us to flourish not to fail. Freedom’s goal is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. Freedom, like love is not a feeling, it is a choice or better, a decision. With freedom comes great responsibility. The choices we make should be virtuous to lead us to heaven, not sinful choices that lead us to anger and shame. The Catechism teaches, “A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.” (CCC 1803 emphasis added)

We are blessed by the saints in heaven who show us freedom’s goal. The saints were able to overcome the evils of the world and choose excellence. They used God’s gift of freedom so they could “be happy with Him forever in heaven”. Take time to learn about saints who overcame the evils of the world and discerned God’s will for their lives. How can you use the freedom for excellence to pursue the good and choose it in your concrete actions?

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say…

Isaiah 61: 1-3 – The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn; to place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes, to give them oil of gladness in place of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit. They will be called oaks of justice, planted by the Lord to show his glory.

John 8: 31-36 – Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So, if a son frees you, then you will truly be free.

Galatians 5:13 – For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely “You shall love you neighbor as yourself.”

What’s the One Thing?

Author: Cathy Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage,
Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

As the long, hot summer days speed by, we are once again quickly approaching the start of another school year. Ah, new beginnings, new hopes, new challenges, a time to start anew. Yes, God has provided us with many occasions for a fresh start…. a new calendar year, a new liturgical year, a new school year, indeed, each new day when God’s mercies are made new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Our Christian faith encourages us to not let these opportunities go to waste. We must be intentional about making the most of them. Some of us may just overlook these opportunities for a fresh start, while others may set lofty goals. However, experts tell us that the greatest chance for success in starting over and creating lasting change is to focus and decide what is the one thing we can do to affect meaningful and positive change in our lives.

Where to start? Jesus teaches us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second greatest is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). What is the one thing that we can do today to better love God? We could spend some time with Him in prayer, even if just for a few minutes; it’s a place to start. Perhaps stop by Church for a daily Mass or just to sit with Him. Or we can stop in an Adoration Chapel. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, the consecrated bread, and He waits patiently for us to visit with Him, ready to bestow those mercies that are made new each morning. We could spend a few minutes reading His love letter to us, the Bible, where He tells us about His plans for us. We could seek Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation where He forgives our sins and restores our relationship with Him. After all, Jesus tells us that the way to love God is to keep His commandments, and they are not burdensome (1 John 5:3). Well, that may require some divine assistance, so we can just ask for help and be assured that when we ask according to His will, He hears and answers us (1 John 5:14-15). So now we are back to prayer again. Have you ever tried to pray the Rosary? What about one decade? What’s the one thing you could do today to grow closer to Jesus, to love Him more?

What about loving our neighbor, who might just be a family member rather than the person next door? Or it could be someone we know or are related to who lives miles away. What’s the one thing we can do to love that person more? Maybe it’s as simple as a smile or forgiving the person who offended or annoyed us. Perhaps it’s offering up a prayer or making a phone call to say, “I’m thinking of you.” Maybe it’s something slightly more involved like making a meal or a visit or running an errand for them.

We all lead very busy lives, so we need to be intentional about making changes in those lives. How can we grow in love of God and neighbor? Take advantage of the opportunities to start fresh. Tomorrow is a new day, and God’s mercies will be there for you. Take some time, be intentional, and decide what is the one thing you can do, no matter how small, to better love God and neighbor.

Here’s what Scripture has to say…

Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.

Matthew 22:36-39 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

Here’s what the Saints have to say…

St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

St. Therese of Lisieux Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.

Labels

Do you ever label yourself in your thoughts? A label is a name you call yourself in your head. It is part of your self-talk. Whether it is a name you were called, or words you have “tagged” yourself with, you use labels to describe yourself. They can be positive or negative. These labels arise when you accuse or maybe repeatedly accuse yourself of a misdeed or pat yourself on your back for a success. Really, it is your pride and your humanness that keep you stuck in these thoughts.

Pope John Paul II said, “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus.” If you want to know who you are, it is misguided to look to a wounded humanity for answers. When labeling yourself, you should look to God and remember His words to Jeremiah (1:5), “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” God gives you every label that you need. God helps you to realize that there is more to your life than the labels you hold on to.

As you were created in His image and likeness, you reflect God’s truth, beauty, and goodness. Do not allow your self-talk to direct who you are, rather, be satisfied with the way the Lord sees you, hears you, and loves you. St. John Paul II’s words render so much wisdom, it makes sense to share them now, to help you to see God’s truth, beauty, and goodness:

“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.

It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.” JPII – WYD 2011

Challenge yourself to do as St. John Paul II says and “shed your masks of a false life”. Do not settle on the “compromise” of the labels you give yourself. Fully rely on God!

Here is what the scriptures say…

Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

Psalm 139:16 – Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to me.

Romans 8: 28-30 – We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

You Belong!

What is it that makes you feel like you belong? When you walk into a store, is there a sense that you belong? Probably not. At your home when you walk through the door, do you experience belonging there? What about belonging at school or at work? Each of us has an innate desire to belong. We long to be wanted; we long to be loved.

While this topic could go in many directions, this blog is meant to focus on belonging in a church family. When we stop by on Sunday to worship God in our community called “Church”, what makes us feel like we belong? Surely the presence of our loving God, and the open doors of our church, but what calls us? We have a deep longing to be recognized and feel we belong to the “Body of Christ”. We long to have someone make eye contact and give a genuine “hello” or even a “how are you today?”. It goes even deeper than that. Belonging happens when we are invited to sit near someone. Belonging happens when someone asks for our opinion or advice. Belonging happens when someone invites us to join a group (even if we choose not to join). Belonging happens when someone compliments us or takes an interest in our life. These gestures of love hint at a relationship. What causes us to belong is when we are recognized, when our presence is acknowledged, when we are included just as we are, and when we are accompanied on our journey. These gestures let us know we are appreciated and not judged.

We are experiencing a tough time in our world. Remember to see each other and help each other feel the love of the Body of Christ. Take time today, this week and going forward to authentically see someone! Maybe a smile will help them feel they belong. Perhaps kindness will help them in their personal struggle of the day. “So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us…” (Ephesians 5:1)

Here is what the scriptures have to say…

Ephesians 5:1-3 – So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

1 Peter 2: 9-10 – But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were “no people” but now you are God’s people; you “had not received mercy” but now you have received mercy.

Acts 10: 34-35 – Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.

Colossians 3:14 -And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.

Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit

There are countless scriptures telling us that our body is good, that God created us, male and female. God proclaims we are very good, and that we are a temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians, Paul teaches each of us to avoid sin against our body. In verses 19 – 20 he says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.” God tells us through His Word how much He loves us. He knew us before we were born. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you…” (Jeremiah 1:5). We are not a mistake and God created each of us out of love, for love! God does not make mistakes, and He certainly doesn’t make junk. When we alter, or harm our bodies, we reject the gift God has given us. Even when we reject the gift God has given us, He still loves us.

It is vital that we each reflect on God’s abundant love for us. Our body is to be respected in all ways. We should be cautious about what we put in our body, what we put on our body, and how we change our body. Anything we do to and with our body should honor God! In Romans 12:1, we learn in fact, our body is made to worship God.

When you are having a bad day, you may look in the mirror and see a distorted view of yourself, but in God’s eyes you are always beautiful, perfect, and good. Your view is distorted if you think that God somehow made a mistake. Always remember, “He formed you in your mother’s womb” (Psalm 139: 13). If you are seeking perpetual youth, has this become an idol in your life? If you are unhappy with certain parts of your body or unhappy you are made male or female, remember God created you perfect, without flaw. If you wake up in the morning and think God made a mistake…think again, He did not! He made you to reflect His glory in your own special way. Glorify God with your body because you are unique and beautiful! You are indispensable, irreplaceable, and unrepeatable! There is only one YOU.

Here is what the scriptures and our catholic faith have to say…

Psalm 139: 14-15 – I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret…

1 Corinthians 10:31 – So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2288) Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.

CCC 2293 – Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man’s dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. By themselves however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits.

Theology of the Body 19:4 – The central thesis of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, is that “the body, and it alone, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine.