Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
God's Desire
Song of Songs 2:8-14
Luke 1:39-25
St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote many sermons on the Song of Songs. He was intrigued with the concept that God desires the human person in such an intense way. This desire explains why he persisted in calling Israel back to him after they strayed. It is why Jesus took on human flesh and why we are continually forgiven for our sins. God is hopelessly in love with us.
Mary gives us an example of how love can motivate us and keep us focused. It is because of love for her sister that she goes to Elizabeth. This would not have been an easy trip, particularly for someone so young as Mary and in her condition. Yet, she persists because of love. Don't we overcome obstacles in our love for others? Don't we persevere through the stresses and chaotic moments because of the love we have for another?
The readings challenge us to perhaps rethink Christmas. They challenge us to reflect on what God has done for us out of a deep desire and love for us and challenge us to respond with the same desire and love.
Luke 1:39-25
St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote many sermons on the Song of Songs. He was intrigued with the concept that God desires the human person in such an intense way. This desire explains why he persisted in calling Israel back to him after they strayed. It is why Jesus took on human flesh and why we are continually forgiven for our sins. God is hopelessly in love with us.
Mary gives us an example of how love can motivate us and keep us focused. It is because of love for her sister that she goes to Elizabeth. This would not have been an easy trip, particularly for someone so young as Mary and in her condition. Yet, she persists because of love. Don't we overcome obstacles in our love for others? Don't we persevere through the stresses and chaotic moments because of the love we have for another?
The readings challenge us to perhaps rethink Christmas. They challenge us to reflect on what God has done for us out of a deep desire and love for us and challenge us to respond with the same desire and love.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Faith GPS Follow Up
There were some questions that came in last night about science and faith and scientific proofs for the existence of God. I mentioned a priest from the West Coast who had a website that dealt with God from the subject of Physics. His name is Fr. Larry Spitzer. Here is one of his videos:
His website is http://www.magisreasonfaith.org
Another video presentation is not from a Catholic, but rather a Christian minister. He is from a classification of christianity called "Emerging Church". His name is Rob Bell and the video below is from a presentation titled "Everything is Spiritual". Now there are things that Rob Bell preaches that I disagree with, but this video is pretty good and approaches the Book of Genesis from a scientific leaning.
I will look up some other Catholic sources and post them as well.
His website is http://www.magisreasonfaith.org
Another video presentation is not from a Catholic, but rather a Christian minister. He is from a classification of christianity called "Emerging Church". His name is Rob Bell and the video below is from a presentation titled "Everything is Spiritual". Now there are things that Rob Bell preaches that I disagree with, but this video is pretty good and approaches the Book of Genesis from a scientific leaning.
I will look up some other Catholic sources and post them as well.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
How do you know?
We have probably heard or even asked the question "how do you know?" Often when we have heard a statement that surprises us or that seems unbelievable. It is a question that is often applied when it comes to believing in God. "How do you know?"
How do you know that God exists? That he is active and present in the world? That he is active and present today? How do you know he is all powerful, merciful, loving, etc.?
Well, I can't necessarily provide you with an air tight scientific proof, he is ultimately beyond our comprehension. I should note though there are very compelling scientific and rational arguments that can lead to that conclusion. What I can show is the fruits of his presence, action, mercy, love, etc.
I can say Tom Brady is a great Quarterback, not after applying a scientific formula, but by reflecting on what he has accomplished. I can say Robert Frost was a great poet by looking at what he wrote.
Jesus says: How do you know 'I am the Lord and there is not other?' What have you seen? What have you heard? Even in times of tragedy and sadness, have you experienced love, hope or consolation? Look at what I've accomplished in your life.
In our human relationships, those of great love, we don't keep an open phone line with us all day constantly telling the other person: "I'm still here, I love you". We make time to be with the other person, we may touch base throughout the day or week via Facebook, email or phone. Based on our experience of these interactions, we know that we are loved and cared for.
At minimum, we need to do the same with Christ. We need to spend quality time with him, we need to periodically check in with Him; not because he has a big ego, but because we need to know that He is present, merciful and loving.
How do you know that God exists? That he is active and present in the world? That he is active and present today? How do you know he is all powerful, merciful, loving, etc.?
Well, I can't necessarily provide you with an air tight scientific proof, he is ultimately beyond our comprehension. I should note though there are very compelling scientific and rational arguments that can lead to that conclusion. What I can show is the fruits of his presence, action, mercy, love, etc.
I can say Tom Brady is a great Quarterback, not after applying a scientific formula, but by reflecting on what he has accomplished. I can say Robert Frost was a great poet by looking at what he wrote.
Jesus says: How do you know 'I am the Lord and there is not other?' What have you seen? What have you heard? Even in times of tragedy and sadness, have you experienced love, hope or consolation? Look at what I've accomplished in your life.
In our human relationships, those of great love, we don't keep an open phone line with us all day constantly telling the other person: "I'm still here, I love you". We make time to be with the other person, we may touch base throughout the day or week via Facebook, email or phone. Based on our experience of these interactions, we know that we are loved and cared for.
At minimum, we need to do the same with Christ. We need to spend quality time with him, we need to periodically check in with Him; not because he has a big ego, but because we need to know that He is present, merciful and loving.
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