April 23, 2024 - Tue. of 4th Week of Easter (Opt. Mem. of St. George or St. Adalbert)
May you continue to listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd as He calls you to follow Him and may you work for the GOoD of all the members of His flock, which includes all people whom GOD has created.
I have talked with individuals who are seeking to follow the Lord Jesus more fully in their lives. This has called them to stand up for what they know is the right thing to do, even if it is uncomfortable for other people whom they love. They have had to make decisions that are hard, decisions that are truly loving decisions, even if they don’t bring pleasant feelings, at least for a while. They have encountered other people who put them down because they are challenging wrong behavior and causing rifts between family and friends. The driving force in their actions is to be faithful to the Gospel values, even if their actions cause uncomfortable and hurt feelings to themselves and others about whom they care.
As I have talked with these individuals, we have come to the awareness that living as followers of the GOoD Shepherd demands we sometimes make hard decision that are uncomfortable for ourselves and others, yet those decisions are what is ultimately the GOoD thing to do, the loving thing to do, the Christian thing to do. We have to be willing to condemn the sinful, wrong actions of others, while loving the person who is acting wrong. It is much easier to ignore the wrong action and try to live peacefully with others. It is also easier to condemn the sinner along with their sinful actions, but that is not what GOD is always asking of us.
I pray for all who call upon the patronage of St. George or have a form of George as their name: George, Georgie, Jorge, Georgette, etc.
May you continue to listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd as He calls you to follow Him and may you work for the GOoD of all the members of His flock, which includes all people whom GOD has created.
I have talked with individuals who are seeking to follow the Lord Jesus more fully in their lives. This has called them to stand up for what they know is the right thing to do, even if it is uncomfortable for other people whom they love. They have had to make decisions that are hard, decisions that are truly loving decisions, even if they don’t bring pleasant feelings, at least for a while. They have encountered other people who put them down because they are challenging wrong behavior and causing rifts between family and friends. The driving force in their actions is to be faithful to the Gospel values, even if their actions cause uncomfortable and hurt feelings to themselves and others about whom they care.
As I have talked with these individuals, we have come to the awareness that living as followers of the GOoD Shepherd demands we sometimes make hard decision that are uncomfortable for ourselves and others, yet those decisions are what is ultimately the GOoD thing to do, the loving thing to do, the Christian thing to do. We have to be willing to condemn the sinful, wrong actions of others, while loving the person who is acting wrong. It is much easier to ignore the wrong action and try to live peacefully with others. It is also easier to condemn the sinner along with their sinful actions, but that is not what GOD is always asking of us.
I pray for all who call upon the patronage of St. George or have a form of George as their name: George, Georgie, Jorge, Georgette, etc.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042324.cfm
Saint George: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-george
Saint Adalbert of Prague: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-adalbert-of-prague
Readings: Acts 11: 19-26; Psalm 87: 1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 10: 22-30
GOD works in strange ways. It seems like there have often been difficult times for those who believe in GOD. Sometimes it is from non-believers, sometimes it is from other so-called believers who do not understand how GOD works and who try to control how GOD works. We see examples of these in our readings today.
In our First Reading we hear about the continued persecution of the earlier believers. Because of this, the GOoD News starts to be preached to non-Jews. Many Gentiles come to believe and the early leaders of the Church, like Barnabas, begin to see how GOD can work in the lives of non-Jews.
The psalm builds on this theme with the refrain: “All you nations, praise the LORD.” It is not just the Jewish people, but all who come to believe in GOD who are called to praise GOD.
In the Gospel today Jesus continues the theme of the GOoD Shepherd. He reassures us that those who hear the voice of Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, will follow Him and He will give them life – eternal life. And He reminds those who hear Him that no one can snatch them away from Himself and His Abba-Father.
As we face trying times in the world, we can be strengthened by knowing that GOD will see us through. This should motivate us to seek the Lord Jesus, especially as we have experienced trying times in the last few years with civil unrest, global tensions, earthquakes, droughts, flooding, the world-wide illnesses. Though we may not understand what GOoD can come from worldly strife and division, pain and suffering, we need to believe that GOD is in control, and GOD can make GOoD come out of the wrong doings of humans, both within and outside of the community of faith. Some people may blame world leaders for not acting quicker to prevent the worldwide spread of the Covid-19 virus or to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the conflict between Hamas rebels and Israel. Some leaders may have acted wrongly in handling the climate changes and dealing with foreign nations and local situations of shootings and other acts of violence. But that is not to say that our focus should be on the wrongdoings of some people, including those who have not fully heeded the directives issued for the well-being of fellow humans. That is not to say that we should condone wrongdoings, but we need to trust that GOD can give life and, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel, no one will snatch away the sheep who belong to the GOoD Shepherd.
As we look around, we need to realize that our community (whether the world or the Church or neighborhood) is simul justus et peccator – “at the same time, just and sinner.” The Church is made up of humans with human failings – sinners. Yet, through our connection with the GOoD Shepherd, we are made just and are given eternal life, or as it is said of Barnabas in today’s First Reading: “he rejoiced to see the evidence of GOD’s grace/favor.” GOD is still justifying (as only GOD can do) by pouring out the divine grace/favor on the holy (yet sinful) people of GOD.
We may ask the same question of Jesus that the people in today’s Gospel asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense?” We want to know why terrible, evil, and sinful things have been done by those who do harm to others, even by those who are called to lead and shepherd. We may want to know when all the negative happenings will end. We want to see how GOD is going to fix the messes all around and we want GOD to do it – and do it now. Yet, we must not lose faith, and we must not doubt that GOD can make GOoD come out of what is happening all around us. We also need to be honest and realize that the sins of some members of the Church and of the world are not what the Church or concerned individuals should have as their primary focus. What is important is that we listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd and follow Him. That is the only thing that can bring us life – eternal life.
Will something GOoD come of all this evil we see in the world? I believe it will. What will it be? I don’t know. Yet, my faith in GOD our Abba-Father and in the GOoD Shepherd, all under the direction of the Holy Spirit – that’s what keeps me going. Someone recently commented that Jesus chose twelve individuals to be His apostles. Out of those twelve, one betrayed Him; one denied Him three times; nine ran away and hid; only one was willing to stand beneath the cross as Jesus hung dying. Yet, after the coming of the Holy Spirit, eleven of those original twelve went out and were willing to lay down their lives for the flock of the GOoD Shepherd. What is important is not the messenger but the Message, not the “bringer” of Truth, but He Who is Truth.
Do we need to do anything? By all means. We need to pray. Pray for salus – healing, salvation, well-being. Healing for those who have been scared and hurt by the sins of the world. We need to pray for healing and reconciliation of those who have been sinful or lacked concern for other. We should lift our prayers for all who are sick and seek healing of their souls, as well as their bodies. We should also seek to pray and work for healing of our civil communities. We need to pray for those who are called to continue to shepherd the flock of the GOoD Shepherd and take care of all who live on this earth. We need to pray for an openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit in all parts of the Church, from those in authority all the way down to the least of all individuals. We need to work for the unity of the flock of the GOoD Shepherd. We also need to edify, comfort, and build each other up, reassuring each other of GOD’s love and our care and concern. We need to be the Body of Christ reaching out to other members of the Body and to all peoples. GOD has worked marvelous signs in the past. GOD will continue to work in strange and great ways in the future.
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever wise and all knowing. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son as the GOoD Shepherd of souls to bring all who listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd into the one flock. Through Your Son, You have promised eternal life, healing, and salvation to all who follow the GOoD Shepherd. We know that we are simul justus et peccator – at the same time, just and sinful. We as individuals and as a whole are sinners. We have strayed from the GOoD Shepherd and have even caused harm to other members of the flock. We have turned our backs to the wrongs done to the flock, pretending not to see. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, open our eyes so that we can see as Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, sees – not condemning the sinner, but condemning the sin. Help us to open our ears that we may clearly hear the voice of the GOoD Shepherd Who calls us to follow Him, through the dark valley to verdant pasture beside a restful stream. We give You praise and thanks for continuing to challenge us to grow into faithful members of the Body of Christ. We make the prayer in the name of Jesus, our GOoD Shepherd, Who calls us again and again to be His flock, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: The Lord Is My Hope by M. D. Ridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3TjrJqKSww
Video of the Day: St. George: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr9SkEmugyo
SAINT OF THE DAY | Saint Adalbert of Prague:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cva3rt_D7c8
© rjk, 11-29-22
Saint George: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-george
Saint Adalbert of Prague: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-adalbert-of-prague
Readings: Acts 11: 19-26; Psalm 87: 1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 10: 22-30
GOD works in strange ways. It seems like there have often been difficult times for those who believe in GOD. Sometimes it is from non-believers, sometimes it is from other so-called believers who do not understand how GOD works and who try to control how GOD works. We see examples of these in our readings today.
In our First Reading we hear about the continued persecution of the earlier believers. Because of this, the GOoD News starts to be preached to non-Jews. Many Gentiles come to believe and the early leaders of the Church, like Barnabas, begin to see how GOD can work in the lives of non-Jews.
The psalm builds on this theme with the refrain: “All you nations, praise the LORD.” It is not just the Jewish people, but all who come to believe in GOD who are called to praise GOD.
In the Gospel today Jesus continues the theme of the GOoD Shepherd. He reassures us that those who hear the voice of Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, will follow Him and He will give them life – eternal life. And He reminds those who hear Him that no one can snatch them away from Himself and His Abba-Father.
As we face trying times in the world, we can be strengthened by knowing that GOD will see us through. This should motivate us to seek the Lord Jesus, especially as we have experienced trying times in the last few years with civil unrest, global tensions, earthquakes, droughts, flooding, the world-wide illnesses. Though we may not understand what GOoD can come from worldly strife and division, pain and suffering, we need to believe that GOD is in control, and GOD can make GOoD come out of the wrong doings of humans, both within and outside of the community of faith. Some people may blame world leaders for not acting quicker to prevent the worldwide spread of the Covid-19 virus or to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the conflict between Hamas rebels and Israel. Some leaders may have acted wrongly in handling the climate changes and dealing with foreign nations and local situations of shootings and other acts of violence. But that is not to say that our focus should be on the wrongdoings of some people, including those who have not fully heeded the directives issued for the well-being of fellow humans. That is not to say that we should condone wrongdoings, but we need to trust that GOD can give life and, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel, no one will snatch away the sheep who belong to the GOoD Shepherd.
As we look around, we need to realize that our community (whether the world or the Church or neighborhood) is simul justus et peccator – “at the same time, just and sinner.” The Church is made up of humans with human failings – sinners. Yet, through our connection with the GOoD Shepherd, we are made just and are given eternal life, or as it is said of Barnabas in today’s First Reading: “he rejoiced to see the evidence of GOD’s grace/favor.” GOD is still justifying (as only GOD can do) by pouring out the divine grace/favor on the holy (yet sinful) people of GOD.
We may ask the same question of Jesus that the people in today’s Gospel asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense?” We want to know why terrible, evil, and sinful things have been done by those who do harm to others, even by those who are called to lead and shepherd. We may want to know when all the negative happenings will end. We want to see how GOD is going to fix the messes all around and we want GOD to do it – and do it now. Yet, we must not lose faith, and we must not doubt that GOD can make GOoD come out of what is happening all around us. We also need to be honest and realize that the sins of some members of the Church and of the world are not what the Church or concerned individuals should have as their primary focus. What is important is that we listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd and follow Him. That is the only thing that can bring us life – eternal life.
Will something GOoD come of all this evil we see in the world? I believe it will. What will it be? I don’t know. Yet, my faith in GOD our Abba-Father and in the GOoD Shepherd, all under the direction of the Holy Spirit – that’s what keeps me going. Someone recently commented that Jesus chose twelve individuals to be His apostles. Out of those twelve, one betrayed Him; one denied Him three times; nine ran away and hid; only one was willing to stand beneath the cross as Jesus hung dying. Yet, after the coming of the Holy Spirit, eleven of those original twelve went out and were willing to lay down their lives for the flock of the GOoD Shepherd. What is important is not the messenger but the Message, not the “bringer” of Truth, but He Who is Truth.
Do we need to do anything? By all means. We need to pray. Pray for salus – healing, salvation, well-being. Healing for those who have been scared and hurt by the sins of the world. We need to pray for healing and reconciliation of those who have been sinful or lacked concern for other. We should lift our prayers for all who are sick and seek healing of their souls, as well as their bodies. We should also seek to pray and work for healing of our civil communities. We need to pray for those who are called to continue to shepherd the flock of the GOoD Shepherd and take care of all who live on this earth. We need to pray for an openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit in all parts of the Church, from those in authority all the way down to the least of all individuals. We need to work for the unity of the flock of the GOoD Shepherd. We also need to edify, comfort, and build each other up, reassuring each other of GOD’s love and our care and concern. We need to be the Body of Christ reaching out to other members of the Body and to all peoples. GOD has worked marvelous signs in the past. GOD will continue to work in strange and great ways in the future.
- The personal question/action for today: How do I respond to the evil that is present in the world? Do I condemn the sin (the sinful action) and still show concern for the sinner, praying and working for the sinner’s reconciliation? How do I work for the GOoD of the flock of the Lord Jesus, which includes all people? Am I doing all I can to build up the Body of Christ and seek a working together of all the parts of His Body? Am I open to various ways GOD might be acting in my life and the lives of those around me?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever wise and all knowing. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son as the GOoD Shepherd of souls to bring all who listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd into the one flock. Through Your Son, You have promised eternal life, healing, and salvation to all who follow the GOoD Shepherd. We know that we are simul justus et peccator – at the same time, just and sinful. We as individuals and as a whole are sinners. We have strayed from the GOoD Shepherd and have even caused harm to other members of the flock. We have turned our backs to the wrongs done to the flock, pretending not to see. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, open our eyes so that we can see as Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, sees – not condemning the sinner, but condemning the sin. Help us to open our ears that we may clearly hear the voice of the GOoD Shepherd Who calls us to follow Him, through the dark valley to verdant pasture beside a restful stream. We give You praise and thanks for continuing to challenge us to grow into faithful members of the Body of Christ. We make the prayer in the name of Jesus, our GOoD Shepherd, Who calls us again and again to be His flock, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: The Lord Is My Hope by M. D. Ridge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3TjrJqKSww
Video of the Day: St. George: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr9SkEmugyo
SAINT OF THE DAY | Saint Adalbert of Prague:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cva3rt_D7c8
© rjk, 11-29-22