Stewardship: A Way of Life

By Kathy Reilly | Published: February 6, 2012

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QUESTION: WHAT STORY ABOUT OR TEACHING OF JESUS IS YOUR FAVORITE? WHY?

How does this favorite story, event, teaching affect you? Or does it? Has this favorite Jesus moment changed your life? Should it? How often do you think about Jesus in this regard in your life?

Every time we go to a church service, especially the Mass, we hear over and over again the message of Jesus. We are encouraged to listen and make His teachings a part of our lives. We are told we should read the Bible. For if we don‘t know the Bible, we can‘t know Jesus, either through the Old Testament when the coming of the Messiah was foretold or in the New Testament when He, our Savior, the Messiah, the Son of the Father, arrives. We listen, we read, we pray, we try to establish a personal relationship with our Lord. Some feel frustrated. Some feel comforted. Some feel that they are learning more and more about Jesus‘ life. Some don‘t have time. Some are oblivious to the fact that they should make this a life-long passion to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him. Some try but just don‘t seem to get anywhere. Life gets in the way.

There was an important message in today‘s Gospel, if we were really paying attention. And it wasn‘t about the primary event. Jesus went to the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon‘s mother-in-law was ill and Jesus cured her. By evening, after sunset, the whole town was at the front door. Jesus cured many of various diseases and drove out many demons from those so affected. “Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed.”

If we are truly observant of Jesus‘ life, we will remember that Jesus often went away by Himself to a silent place to pray. He went into gardens; He went into deserted places; He prayed to His Father. He needed to be alone to restore Himself after He had done great deeds or in order to prepare Himself for what was to come. Maybe, at times, He too felt this world just getting in the way and had to reorient Himself. If Jesus needed to restore His soul, His body, His mind, don‘t you think that this message is one that we need to think about and adopt in our lives? The only way we can truly deepen our relationship with God is to stop, and by ourselves, talk with, pray to, and listen to our Father as did Jesus. As we roar though this life, hardly stopping to catch our breath, a quiet moment alone is restorative beyond measure and its worth known only by those who do it.

“What would Jesus do?” — a question asked by magazines, books, TV shows, etc. If we are at all paying attention, we know the answer by bearing witness to His teachings and by His actions, some unspoken. We, like Jesus, cannot let this life get in the way. We too need to withdraw, to pray, to think, to restore, to live. “Silence is golden”, it has been said. Let each one of us become rich as we follow Jesus‘ example. Let each of us find our alone place. Jesus says: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Go thou and do likewise.

Stewardship Questions: Kathy Reilly 781-444-0862 e-mail: kreilly15@yahoo.com
If anyone needs a ride to a church service or wishes a home visit or Communion, please contact me.

From Your Pastor

By Fr. McGaugh | Published: February 4, 2012

Reflection on Readings for 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time:  In today‘s Gospel we observe that many people were looking for Jesus. People look to Jesus to be healed. What are we looking to Jesus for and what do we do to help others? In today‘s readings we see three different people on their faith journey. We can each identify with one or all of these three people from time to time. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there suffering in the world? How do we bring these questions to our prayer life?  How do the readings in Sacred Scripture connect to our life and our prayer life? Are we resolved to do God‘s purpose in our lives? Each of these questions is of significant importance. In today‘s readings we see people who are driven to accomplish the mission God has entrusted to them.  Today we see people willing to make major sacrifices to do God‘s plan for them in working to save all of God‘s people. Their sacrifice offers us example and hope. There are days for them and for us when the obligations and things to do never seem to let up. They show us in so many instances that in ministering to the needs of others we are ministering to Jesus Christ. How does our prayer life each day help us to experience Jesus working in our lives? Jesus knew the importance of prayer and He set the example for us. Prayer is all about relationships and comfort with God and perspective on all of the important questions and events in life.

Stewardship: A Way of Life

By Kathy Reilly | Published: January 29, 2012

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“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT THE FUTURE IS THAT IT COMES ONE DAY AT A TIME”

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Ordinary Time is that time between special events, holy days, sacred seasons in our church calendar. We are now between Advent/Christmas and Lent. Ordinary time is when we live day by day and are not distracted by the other issues or events surrounding this special time which has its own important meaning, obligations, joy, etc. These sacred seasons are periods of prayerful renewal; periods that reinvigorate us spiritually; times that we need to stop and learn to reconnect with our Lord. But they are a limited time period.

Ordinary time for us should obviously be filled with the Lord in our lives; a relationship that we nurture on our own. But ordinary time is also our every day time when we get up, still tired or not, pain free or not, to do what we have to do in the course of the day to fulfill our obligations to our family, job, volunteerism, friends, and the list goes on. These are the days that make or break us. And these are the days when many feel alone in their struggles. And unfortunately, these are the days when many of us have forgotten that Jesus often told us that He wished much joy and happiness for us in this life. Oh yes. I forgot to put that on my today‘s “to do list” –joy and happiness today. By forgetting Jesus‘ wishes for us begs the question– Is this any way to live?

Too often if we take time to really look around us, we see faces worried, stressed, sad, overwhelmed, and these faces are our families as well as strangers. What are we waiting for? “THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE! BE IN IT NOW!” Living waiting for the future or living being held back by the past just doesn‘t work if one wants to be in love with life and thankful for all of the gifts that God has given us today. The future has arrived in this moment. Day by day the future arrives. Sometimes we are rewarded with what we hoped and prayed for and sometimes we receive something new and unexpected that we did not anticipate. We are taught that all our prayers are heard by the Lord and answered. But how often do we really listen or pay attention. And how many of us are convinced that we should always be in control of our lives and those around us and that WE know best.

Rumor has it that God‘s smile is at its brightest when we tell Him that we know best.Father Phil often reminds us to smile more often. It may be the only communication and positive support some people receive in the course of the day. “Smile and the world smiles with you.”

In closing, let not the cold and early dark, long nights hold us in its grip as we await the future–spring, warmth, summer. Today holds much joy and happiness if only we seek it and make it happen. Let the sun shine in and on you every day accepting God‘s blessing.

AN OLD IRISH BLESSING
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life‘s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.

Stewardship Questions: Kathy Reilly 781-444-0862 e-mail: kreilly15@yahoo.com
If anyone needs a ride to a church service or wishes a home visit or Communion visit, please contact me

From Your Pastor

By Fr. McGaugh | Published: January 28, 2012

Reflection on Readings for 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time:  Jesus introduced a new way, the kingdom of God. Jesus knew His people very well and greatly loved them. Please notice that even in dealing with a difficult crowd Jesus showed authority that was liberating. From the beginning of His ministry Jesus was dealing with difficult groups of people at different times. Anyone who listened to Jesus knew He was a special compassionate teacher who healed people. The Good News is that as a result of Baptism we are also God‘s kin and we are given the authority to teach Jesus‘ way and overcome evil. Please notice that Jesus tells us that it is by God‘s power that He is able to drive out demons.

Embracing the life that God offers us do we see the goodness of those closest to us? Do we see Jesus in our family members? Jesus taught by word and example. Do we see people as the beautiful creation of God just as Jesus did?

From Your Pastor

By Fr. McGaugh | Published: January 21, 2012

Reflection on Readings for 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time:  Each of us is called to witness to God by our lives. To follow the Lord means to stand up for the sacredness of all of life. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus began His public ministry with “Repent and believe”. God calls us for immediate response. This means each of us is called to be people of reconciliation and proclamation. Jesus’ first demand is to repent and believe. Following the call of Jesus enables us to make a difference in the lives of others.

Stewardship: A Way of Life

By Kathy Reilly | Published: January 15, 2012

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Jesus stressed our need to love one another and be there for each other so powerfully that He made it the second greatest Commandment–to love one another as He has love us. If we succeed in being all we can be with the help of our Lord, then our positive influence on all that we have encountered in our life’s journey will be exactly what is asked of us. And if others we encounter along our life’s path are all that they can be, our journey is that much more divine, influential, positive, peaceful, and easier with the help of others. No one usually grasps the power that he/she possesses in their daily actions as witnessed by another. We never know who is watching us and when. This is not meant to be a scary thought, but rather a compliment referring to the need another might have for guidance as witnessed in the actions of someone who is admired. We can strive to be what we ought to be with prayer and the help of God, but that success will never be complete without the assistance of others around us. We leave this world alone. But we are in this world together. And the more we support each other in our attempts to ‘be what we ought to be‘, the more likely the goal will be attained by all.

In today’s first reading, the youth, Samuel, was awakened from sleep three times, thinking it was Eli, the prophet, outside his room calling him. After saying “No” three times and explaining that it was not he calling, Eli said “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’.” The Lord came again and revealed His presence. Samuel awaken and spoke as Eli had instructed. “Samuel grew up and the Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.”*

As we jog along in our life’s journey, let no word we utter be without a positive effect in reinforcing each other as well as in praise of our Lord. “Your servant is listening.”*

Stewardship Questions: Kathy Reilly 781-444-0862 e-mail: kreilly15@yahoo.com
If anyone needs a ride to a church service or a home visit or Communion, please contact me.

* A reading from the first Book of Samuel

From Your Pastor

By Fr. McGaugh | Published: January 14, 2012

Reflection on Readings for 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time:  Each of us is called to witness to God by our lives. On Tuesday of this past week we entered back into ordinary time in the cycle of the church year. This is why the priest is wearing green vestments to celebrate Mass. The readings at Mass today invite us to look at the desires of our hearts and the causes that we devote our lives to each day. Why do many of us hesitate to share our faith experience with others? Have we invited people to pray with us in addition to pray for us? If we believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, why do we not share it with others? If we believe that Jesus is the greatest treasure the heart can have, why do we not share our faith in Jesus with others?

The disciples shared their faith with others. True discipleship is about relationship with Jesus. We serve God by serving others by the way we use our time, talents and treasures.  We share Jesus with others by word and example, by prayer and a generous spirit.  Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world but at a very great price. Ordinary Time highlights the call of God to each of us to look for the qualities that lead us closer to Him and the community of believers such as peace, joy, and fidelity. God is calling each of us into His service which others are observing.  The dignity and drama of our discipleship is not to settle for what we are but to look at what each of us can become in Jesus Christ.

Stewardship: A Way of Life

By Kathy Reilly | Published: January 11, 2012

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HEALING

No one needs Webster to define the meaning of the word healing. Each one of us can recognize the longing for it within ourselves. Some wish to heal physically, or morally, or mentally, spiritually, in a relationship, and so on. The need for healing is powerful if it is not present and equally powerful when it is. As soon as we are born, our physical need for a healing, while not understood, is communicated powerfully with a cry. As toddlers as soon as we have learned to communicate with another, even without language, we need a healing touch for our „boo boo‟ in order to make us better. Thousands have travelled miles and miles, spent a great deal of money, and prayed for healing at a sacred site, such as Lourdes. Often one goes to these sites for a physical healing but comes home with a spiritual healing never anticipated. Healing comes in many forms and in many ways. Sometimes we can receive healing from another and at others times to receive healing, one must initiate the healing process him/her self. A new year’s beginning is often the only time one takes time to reflect on this aspect of life.

“With God all things are possible.” How grateful and thankful we should be to be one of those chosen and given the gift of faith. We know that the ministry of Christ was a healing ministry. Jesus healed the sick and dying. He healed those whose spiritual need was weak. He healed with forgiveness. He taught us about His Father and our need to listen to Him and follow His way of life–to love Him above all else and to love one another as He loves us. And the Church continues this healing ministry in many ways. Our Catholic „professionals„ such as doctors, nurses, educators, priests, nuns, hospice, hospital workers, caregivers of all kinds, continue every day to minister to the poor or sick, be it physical, mental, moral, or spiritual. Before one can be declared a saint, there has to be proof of healing miracles.

Every sin has its consequences, no matter how small or serious. It disrupts our communication with God and often each other. It weakens our ability to deal with these consequences. Jesus knew this and preached constantly about the forgiveness of God. “We cannot speak about life in Christ or the moral life without acknowledging the reality of sin, our own sinfulness, and our need for God‟s mercy .”*

God in His creative genius recognizes our humanity, its strengths and weaknesses, our ability to endure, our need to cry out when we can take no more. He gave us pain as a warning. He gave us sleep to heal and rest. He gave us a moral compass which we may or may not follow. He gave us beauty and love to satisfy our needs emotionally. He taught us to forgive. He gave us reason to figure it all out. He gave us the Sacrament of reconciliation. He gave us His life of love and sacrifice. There is no pain or emotion that we feel that Jesus did not feel when He lived among us. He felt joy. He felt alone. He knew friendship. He felt betrayal. When Jesus needed help and healing, He prayed to the Father. Let this be the year that we too learn to take our needs to the Father, no matter their origin. “For nothing is impossible for God.” Let this be our year to heal. And as we go on this journey, remember to take along our Lord.

Stewardship Questions: Kathy Reilly 781-444-0862 e-mail: kreilly15@yahoo.com
If you need a ride to church services or a home visit or Communion, please contact me.
* The Catechism

From Your Pastor

By Fr. McGaugh | Published: January 7, 2012

Reflections on the Feast of the Epiphany:  What would each of us say is a special gift that we bring to God and to others? Just as the magi came back then to bring gifts to Jesus, today believers give homage to Jesus. The three wise men presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The primary gift to Jesus was not gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the homage of faith. They came to see a child who would become king. This feast is all about promises and hope.  How do we recognize God’s guidance in our lives? How do we use our time, talent and treasures to bring others to Jesus and offer homage to Jesus?

Stewardship: A Way of Life

By Kathy Reilly | Published: December 31, 2011

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THE ONLY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION WE NEED - “LISTEN TO HIM AND DO WHAT HE SAYS”.

These words spoken by Jesus’ mother, Mary, were delivered at the wedding in Cana when the hosts ran out of wine. Sensing the embarrassment of the wedding hosts, Mary turned to her Son. Jesus responded by turning jugs of water into the finest wine. This was His first public miracle.

Today is the feast of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The Mother of God, “hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you”. How can we not listen to her words, knowing of her special relationship with Jesus, her incarnate Son? Yet the fullness of her humanity as daughter, wife, mother, cousin, teacher, chosen one by God, offers us an intimate look at one who loved, lived, and suffered with her Son. God so loved her that He chose her to be the Queen of Heaven and earth. Her life was spent “listening to Him and doing what He said”. What better example could we have for how we are to live our lives? Very simply, Mary puts into perspective, the teachings of Jesus.

This New Year let us become better listeners. Let us become better followers of the teachings of Jesus. Let us try harder and with more joy to “do what He says”. Let us learn to pray to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so that we too might develop a very special relationship with our Lord.

“…………..All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart………….”

May you all have a very blessed and happy New Year all year long,
Your Stewardship friends