tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514529524983639875.post9101272033960253190..comments2024-02-12T09:56:09.053-05:00Comments on The Matador Word: May 6 Homily Prep - Easter VThe Matadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15691990950873810610noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514529524983639875.post-77237790610499653212012-05-05T12:36:47.896-04:002012-05-05T12:36:47.896-04:00I always appreciate this reminder that we are call...I always appreciate this reminder that we are called to something more than a "me and Jesus" way of living. It can be tempting to search only for that. And, for me, the helpful teaching for what I am called to is that which explores God as Trinity, as well as teaching on the Body of Christ. <br /><br />I find John's Gospel mind-boggling, but also compelling. Mind-boggling because it requires constant deep thinking to appreciate all that it contains. But I also find it compelling because I do believe that it is this type of love we really desire and for which we are made. I/we are most fulfilled when we give ourselves away to the point of living "in" one another - and yet that requires great sacrifice, regular self-emptying. That is a different way of living than what the rest of the world proclaims as "the good life," and it's through the Church that we find the encouragement, nourishment, and strength to devote ourselves to it.anon 1noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514529524983639875.post-39095312427697003692012-05-05T09:53:48.691-04:002012-05-05T09:53:48.691-04:00Read it over & over & over. I wanna get i...Read it over & over & over. I wanna get it, I think I understand, but your focus is all spiritual, I THINK I understand the spiritual, but I'm trying to understand the application to the stuff of everyday life. I think I understand this, but when it seems as if no one else around me gets it I feel like I'm in a desert, but I have to recall that so is/was Christ.<br /><br />My first thought was, most Catholics I know don't know this. And then, "Where do the circumstances of life fit in this picture?" Does it matter that life's difficulties are many and keep coming in waves? What is the place of feelings & emotions? Does it matter that my children have little regard for God & life in Him and that I think their lifestyle is not healthy? Does it matter that my husband says (somewhat negatively) my perspective is always focused on the Lord and nobody else does that? Does it matter that my parents are getting more & more dependent on me? Does it matter that our government is corrupt & that at every level, even city level there is dishonesty? Does it matter that our finances are sufficient but what will the future hold? Does it matter that many of my neighbors are sloshed and conversation with them is difficult at best? Where do all the concerns and situations of life fit it?<br /><br />I THINK that staying focused on Christ, His Presence and Love in me, and with me and working through each of these situations is what BELIEVING in Him is about. There will still be pain in the difficulties, there will be misunderstanding, lots of questions, but that doesn't compare to the vision of His Presence, here & now, yes??? <br /><br />Tough part...I believe but because I am not into the drama & emotions of these difficult situations, I seek the Peace & Presence of Christ, I am often accused & picked apart. And then self doubt comes in... is all this Life in Christ REAL ... maybe I AM screwed up and again I realize within my heart I'm not focused enough on Christ's Presence. Love, Joy & Peace can only come from staying in Christ, remaining in Him. Some days it's a lot of work and always worth it.<br /><br />Loved the commentaries in the Lector's workbook, especially 2nd reading.JoyFurallenoreply@blogger.com