Don’t Fool Around
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. (Luke 8:15)
With a turn of the calendar page, a new month begins, and a quarter of the year is gone. Where did the time go and how did we use it? Still staying true to our resolutions. We even had an extra day this year, no fooling!! Yes, it is April 01st and in eight days, we will begin the Triduum, the high point of the Church Calendar. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Are we prepared to fully receive all that God is about to reveal to us in eight days?
Given what we have been currently living through, we may have found we have some extra time on our hands that we didn’t have before. Life may have slowed down somewhat, a new normal might be taking place. What are we doing with our time these days? Do we find we are fooling around more or are we being productive? If productive, is our Faith growing at the same time? The Lord wishes for us to first seek Him and hunger for His truth with an open and receptive heart that wants to listen, learn, and receive what He wishes to give us. Saint Augustine of Hippo said, "I believe, in order to understand - and I understand, the better to believe" (Sermon 43:7,9). It is how Daniel’s three companions were able to fend off worldly temptations in the first reading today. It is how we can avoid being like the religious authorities in today’s Gospel who refuse to believe in Jesus authority because they are under the influence and power of the “father” of worldly lies.
During this year’s Triduum, let us realize that a redeemed slave is not entirely free until all of his chains and weights have been broken and destroyed. The Lord Jesus alone has the power to release us from every chain and burden that would keep us in bondage to sinful habits and hurtful desires. Are there any chains - any sinful patterns, harmful attitudes, and addictive behavior - that you need to be released from? During the next eight days, allow the Lord Jesus to unbind you and bring you healing, pardon, and freedom to walk in his way of love and truth. The Lord Jesus sets us free from slavery to our own selfishness and sinful desires in order to set us free for a joy-filled life of love and service for His kingdom. St Paul reminds us that Christ has won freedom for each one of us, not to serve ourselves or do as we please, but rather to please the Lord and to serve our neighbors in love for their sake (Galatians 5:1,13). Do we accept and believe Christ's words of truth, love, and freedom for our life, or are we just fooling around?
"Lord Jesus, write your words of love and truth upon my heart and make me a diligent student and a worthy disciple of Your word."
May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!! Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!
Yours in Christ,
Deacon Bob
St. Clare of Assisi, Houston
P.S.
Father Vincent’s side note: You might wonder what happened to Father Vincent since the Deacons have been providing daily reflections recently. The truth is the chemo treatment has paralyzed my arms so I can not type :-(. “APRIL FOOL!!!” :-) Honestly, I’m doing “OK”. Thank you so very much for your love and prayers. During this difficult time I have invited our Deacons at St. Clare to join me in sharing their thoughts and prayers with you all. I hope their messages bring comfort and peace to your and your loved ones during this pandemic.
Stay put, stay health, and stay connected in Christ through prayers,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen