-still working on last week's homily upload
-scriptures for this week are at USCCB.org
-I am preaching at the 8am Mass
Key word - "structure"
I am thinking that this week's homily is page two of last week's. Last week I said that Jesus is the encounter space, the opening into which we are called to dwell. Jesus is the place where we will intersect with the life of heaven, communion. To be alive in God is to live in Christ.
We as Catholics do nothing as individuals and so this week's encouragement is to dwell in Christ with others to form the full stature who is Jesus Christ. Our faith, our salvation is experienced fully in our communion with God, THROUGH Christ, in the Church.
To be a stone "in the structure" and to be "living" stone through our life in Christ. We are just a part. None of us is whole apart from Christ in the Church.
This theme is old and over used for me, but it is continuously "given" to me to reflect upon. How do I experience the Kingdom of God? Only through the opening which is Jesus Christ and the communion that is His body, the Church. Anything less is "dead".
7 comments:
These words from the Matador, and taking last week’s reflection into account as well, are encouraging me to reflect on the doxology, “through him, with him, and in him….” Last week commented on being alive in Christ, and this week’s reflection is focusing on communion with God through Christ. These words – “through, with, and in” – are all encompassing, reminding me that nothing of light and life can be done without him. My only way of being “acceptable to God” is through Christ – the only means of offering acceptable sacrifices. The question from Jesus is a good one, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” Do I take to heart that it is “through, with and in” him that life is meant to be lived? The Scripture and Matador’s reflection remind me that Christ is the Way, my only way, to make this life work – to find purpose and meaning – “doing the works” I am called to do, eventually leading me to the dwelling place where my heart ultimately longs to be.
I am continuously grateful God is merciful… I am sorry. ‘Shepherd’ written 100x = humility = good for the soul. You see, God really does take good care of me. It’s kinda like what happened my very first time I was a reader (lector) at Mass, at the end of the reading, I forgot to say “The Word of the Lord”… wow, I really punished myself all day until the Lord let me know that everybody at Mass that day kept remembering just that… that it was, “The Word of the Lord”… of course, I forgot to say it, but it wasn’t about me now, was it. Praise and Glory to God.
In this continuation and reflection of last week, I can’t help but think of the Roman Catholic Priest, that one, that truly taught me about Jesus - the Priest that taught me (how?) to love God. That Priest that preached Love… always preached love. He walked the path. He practiced what he preached. That Priest must have studied Jesus like no other… although that church is celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year, it was just in 1997 that we had to build a bigger church (next to it) because people just kept coming and coming and coming… the church kept growing... because he preached love. I think Jesus preached love.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart… Love your neighbor as yourself … Without Love, there is no structure, there is no community, there is no living, and there is no Jesus.
I truly believe that anything that is not Love, is a distraction from God… it helps me keep my eyes on Him.
Okay, Father, here goes . . . reaction . . . I understand and follow what you're saying, but I think you're speaking in mystical terms, what my husband says is "too esoteric". When I discuss this with my husband, he doesn't get it, it's too abstract, we're unable to discuss. Although we do connect and develop discussion from the last paragraph.
JoyFuralle...
Start reading mystical books! This is the easier solution for you. I hope Fr. doesn't change his mystical approach, it is just incredible beautiful and invites to meditation.
Peace, Anonymous . . . I guess I'm going at face value with what Father is requesting at the top of this blog . . . here is what he is asking . . .
"What I am hoping for is a reaction from people in the pews. Does my "focus" connect with your daily life, faith, and experience? Or not? Either affirm the direction I am going in (by giving me an example from your life) or challenge me..."
If you read my entry above I get it, I do, but my husband does not . . . so I'm thinking maybe half the church is not understanding either!!! Mystical theology and thinking is marvelous but so is faith and reason and facts. I don't think this is a Father Estok fan club or that he is looking for stroking. I think he is looking for constructive criticism and input to allow our Lord to penetrate all the different minds/hearts of this Parish.
I THINK that's what Father is looking for, but only he can confirm or direct...
please don't worry about it - I guess I just don’t get it - and I am not only confused about all of this now, but I am also concerned and I need to say that I think maybe I didn’t use or have the right words. With God’s love, I hope that Fr. knows there was no intention for comparison… as to each has been given his own gift - I like that.
Fr. asked us in his homily last week to remember the Priests that have ministered in our life. I wanted to share that I was thankful for the Priest that helped me to know about Jesus and that, that Priest always preached that Jesus was Love. Sometimes, well, most of the time, I just don’t know about how to put things without somebody being offended. I honestly just can’t see it... I think that’s why I am always seeking after God.
Please know I agree with you. Fr.’s internet discussion and homily are beautiful and do inspire meditation. (Sorry, it’s so rude to talk about you, Fr., like you’re not here.)
I have thought in the past and was just recently thinking to myself that his Spirit seems so high that sometimes it is difficult for me to understand. However, this does bring me to contemplate, and in this, I find Joy. The Lord knows I learn from Fr. – I have seen Jesus in him.
I have also learned from You, Anon1, Gitana, and others –God has taught me through all of you. Okay, I’m done now - No hard feelings - I hope these are the right words.
In Christ’s Peace and Love –
A little late...
This week reflections are excellent, each one in its own way trying to follow Jesus and our pastor words of wisdom.
Sometimes we express "lack of understanding", in reality we have the understanding but do not realize it. It is not necessary, in my opinion, to understand "everything" just see how the Lord is calling me through His Word.
Passing through the narrow gate ( couple of weeks ago homily) it is difficult, particularly with our world's environment)
I keep trying.. with the hope that I will go through with Jesus help, so the day we face each other it will be with a smile.
My spiritual goal in life is to help to build the Kingdom little by little, "making bricks" of Faith, Hope, Charity, Compassion and trying no to be in control of anything, allowing God...to BE.
For this I need humility and self knowledge... Ouch!
The Kingdom need SOLID STRUCTURE!
Keep your comments alive, we all learn from each other.
Gitana.
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