Articles published in My Daily Visitor
February 22nd, 2008 Friday Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
A Part to Play
Today we honor the choosing of St. Peter as the head of the Church – here on Earth. Even when present in their midst, the apostles, disciples, and followers, were confused of our Savior’s true identity, except for Peter. Gruff, denying and finally redeemed, Peter, like Paul and the many Saints who follow seem to be unwise choices. They do not fit into the human conception of one who can change the world.
One can be trained for various leadership skills, but only God opens those unlikeliest souls. We all are asked to lead in some way or another, to shoulder responsibility, as a Christian should. We may not lead anything as Holy or magnificent as the Church, but we all have some part to play starting with our family and the church family.
Lord, help me to carry the responsibility and burdens of being a Christian.
February 23rd, 2008 Saturday St. Polycarp, Bishop & Martyr
A Saint and Being Human
Of the Second Century, St Polycarp was a disciple St. John the Apostle. Only one of his letters survives, but does that really make a difference? Actions and faith kept his love and reputation alive, proving deeds can be greater than anything written. Another early pillar of our church, his courage and persistence withheld the forces of paganism and brutality, finally dying at the remarkable age of 86 by martyrdom.
At some time or other in our life we can place ourselves as either of the two sons. My life experiences have placed me in both situations: as lost son and the unappreciative son. Have we become gluttonous over certain desires and objects? Have we not squandered opportunities? Have we not taken so much for granted such as our faith, health, friends, and conveniences?
Lord, have patience. Guide me through days and thoughts of unfaithfulness and failure of appreciation.
February 24th, 2008 Sunday
The Samaritans were outcast. They did not belong to the Jewish world. Conversing with them was an outrageous act. But Jesus seeks the outcasts. He seeks us. We are all outsides, alone in some way. The Church draws us all to her. We are welcomed, me with my mental handicap, others with physical, emotional, and spiritual weaknesses.
As I once had pointed out, the words of Jesus did not speak to the woman were as heavy and important as those spoken. As unmarried and living with a man, she was in sin, but our Lord understood, that to leave this man’s house, death through poverty and illness would soon follow. This Samaritan’s acceptance and understanding of the faith, the Word, brought her to the light. She understood more than others and Jesus understood her circumstances.
Let not what holds me back from society, Lord, keep me from you.
February 25th, 2008 Monday
A Reason for the Way
In Kings, the General Naaman, doubts why he must go through a cleansing ritual to be heeled. I too wonder why certain actions must be undergone to reach certain conclusion. Theologians come up with explanations but I still wonder why.
Through life, we must follow procedures. For homes repairs, I did not understand why my father always followed a certain order. When I started to bake, I didn’t comprehend why one mixes certain ingredients in a certain order. I still don’t. Of course, we all hopefully learn by mistakes and the extra mess. Follow the written directions, be neat; at the end we will find the reasons – with no parts left over. There are rules we must follow. We somehow create a mess of things, but Jesus sets the guidelines & redeems us.
Life is full of clutter, messiness, Lord; help me keep my priorities straight.
February 26th, 2008 Tuesday
The Power of One Act.
Forgiveness, probably the toughest thing one must do. The greater the offence, the more difficult the forgiveness. Forgiveness frees us from the ties of Satan – anger, retribution, hate. It enables the soul to continue on this journey; forgiveness opens the soul to wonderful possibilities. It confirms our humanity, our Christianity, the endless boundaries of love.
To be a disciple is to love, to let go of offenses and the past. Ask those who forgave great trespasses upon themselves and their families, they will tell you of how they moved forward and grew. Ask NYC Police Officer Steven McDonald paralyzed from the neck down by a teenager’s bullet. For twenty years he has been preaching forgiveness, love and faith. That’s a true disciple, freedom through faith. The greatest act of courage in my lifetime.
Instill in me, Lord, the strength, courage to forgive others, to be a true Christian.
February 27th, 2008 Wednesday
Rabbi, Teacher
Teaching is a tremendous skill, a respected position in many societies. It is to influence, enlighten the mind and soul of another. The wisdom and knowledge imparted affects not just the student, but also their circle of family and friends. To imprison the mind, imprison the teachers. See Europe of the 1930’s. To teach the commandments is to teach love and respect.
To remember those who taught, who passed on wisdom and knowledge is a great homage. We may think of our formal education when discussing teaching, but I remember my uncles, aunts, grandparents, who taught us how to fish, cook, and family traditions. May I never forget the great responsibility that must be undertaken for those to follow. May I remember how easy it is to pass on false beliefs as well.
Lord, let me know what to teach, what not, and how to teach.
February 28th, 2008 Thursday
Ignorance is Death
The last line stands out. It is harsh and uncomfortable. One cannot be neutral, Jesus tells us in Luke. We are human with our frailties and doubts; however, we cannot go through the gift of life without comprehending the spiritual. The power of the physical world is overwhelming, but we must look beyond ourselves. We belong to the community, and to the spiritual world.
With the disability I carry, the phrase “get out of yourself” is usually applied to me. The issue is not me or my cross. Inner reflection does not begin and end with the self. Our crosses must lead us by helping others to Him. Acceptance is key. Acceptance is belonging. We are not just passing through life. Obligation, duty, love and respect cannot be ignored. The Commandments apply to all.
Lord, I am week in mind and spirit, Strengthen my path to the Blessed Trinity.
February 29th, 2008 Friday
I wonder whatever happened to the scribe. Did he become a disciple? Was he with the crowd on Palm Sunday or part of the group calling for Our Lord’ execution on Good Friday? I hope, like the rest of us, he found the light, that acceptance was on his lips as he lay dying.
The word ‘love’ has lost its power in this culture. It is overused and misused. We use this word for things, places, events. The power is gone. Love is something grand. A word that should be spoken wisely, sparingly. As an emotion it must travel with the wind, as the highest act of human behavior. The greatest one can do is to love, as Mother Theresa has loved. I can never love you Lord, as much as You love us.
Help me to love my cross, Lord and others for it leads to You.
End
Glenn Slaby Blog