Gospel Reflections for December 10 2017
Many countries have joined the fight against Radical Islamic terrorism and have now finally been victorious. I am sure that some terrorists will attempt further attacks, but their days are numbered. We can be thankful that more and more Muslim countries oppose them. The world also faces a threat from North Korea. Fortunately, all the surrounding countries are united in resisting that threat.
Similar coalitions have courageously fought evil forces before like Nazism and Soviet Communism and won. That we still must fight new evils today is disappointing. As always, clear and accurate knowledge is important.
However, there is a different battle going on today in our country. People now complain that they have been sexually harassed at work and want it to stop. Many women in Hollywood and politics have courageously come forth to express outrage at how they have been treated. They wonder how they can find justice. They can find their example in John the Baptist in today’s Gospel.
John fearlessly confronts this evil world to make it ready for Jesus. He feels deeply for people and how the leaders of his day oppress their people. He courageously faces the evil Roman Empire and its corrupt local leaders with no thought for his personal safety. He would never compromise his dignity to advance his career. He encounters “steep mountains and deep valleys” and works to make them level for the Lord.
John reveals that our faith is based on compassion and courage. Jesus had compassion for our suffering and then courageously came to earth for our salvation. He certainly never thought of earth as a safe place …but came anyway!
We must show that same courage and compassion too. The world has many bad people in the Middle East, in North Korea and in our own nation as well. It will take the courageous and compassionate action of ourselves to step up and face them. In your world at work, home, or school, never let another person’s lack of love affect your love, your compassion, or your courage.
The Gospel indicates that many came to John for Baptism. They wanted to join the team that follows the way of the Lord. The example of compassion and courage is attractive! Live that way yourself and you will find people looking to you as an example as well. We will change the world …one person at a time.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Father Dave, As always your words soooo beautifully said!! Have courage and compassion, change the world one person at a time and we can and we will for our loving God is on our side, our precious Jesus lives within us, our Divine Holy Spirit is filling us with love and our beautiful Blessed Mother is embracing us in her arms!! No ome can take our love of Faiith,away and we will change the world in LOVE!! A most beautiful Advent, and Christmas of lovee to you for Dick and I loveeeee precious You!! You inspire us to live Jesus’ love!!!
Loveeeeeeee, franca and Dick
I wish for you and Dick a very blessed Advent Season!
Fr. Dave
We have heard you many times say “Don’t let someone else’s lack of love, compassion, and courage affect your love , compassion, or courage”.
I wish that was on billboards on the highways!!
But I would also like to add… Mercy to that billboard.
John the Bapist said;
“ I have baptized you with water;
He will baptize you with the Holy
Spirt. “
No wonder he leaped for joy in his
Mothers womb. He knew what that meant.
God Bless!!
Jane
Well said!
I like your thought on “One person at a time!” Fr. Dave.
The idea of changing the world can be daunting! It’s not easy, but understandable, I think.
I’m only one person, what can I do? If every person thinks that, nothing will get done,
but if every person just did one thing to make the world a better place today,
billions acts of kindness, social responsibility, generosity or even a smile would take place,
wouldn’t that alone change the face of this planet?
Yes, one person at a time. I truly believe that is the way peace will come.
Dear Father Dave,
Words of beautiful truth…. Thank you so much.
God bless you.
Kathleen
You are very welcome!
So inspirational Father! “Don’t let others lack of love affect your love, courage and compassion.” It’s an important reminder. I find it difficult to deal with people who lack love. I try to remember the things you’ve taught me. Like this lesson and the example I can set for my family and others around me. I tell myself “let the Lord’s light shine through you, His thoughts and kindness, not my thoughts”. It becomes easier when I keep the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist. To be His presence here in Earth. What a beautiful peaceful world it would be if everyone discovered the richness of our Faith.
Well said!
Father Dave, it was nice meeting you after Mass today. I have glanced through some of your writings, they are very educating and inspiring. You are great!
With God’s blessing upon you.
Thank you so much for your kind comments! I enjoyed our meeting as well.
i understand as a mental patient and poor family son i am with a history of straying from religious law i hope the playing field will be leveled for me and so to communion and project rachel and college and love of service to the thirsty
thank you and God bless
alex
You can be sure that Our Lord will watch over you with tender care.
I tend to have a black and white personality where there is no grey in the middle. However, there are places where I do draw the line.
I went to a funeral of a friends son from St. Paschals. The boy committed suicide. He was Bi-polar. When talking to some friends some would make a comment about where he might be. My answer to that is, what happened to God’s mercy and grace? It is time to think, What if I had to walk in his footsteps and see the torture he went through. I son’r know why but your talk reminded me of this.
This Gospel reminds me that we need to be Evangelists. It’s not to run out and push someone but to ask God with each person how to touch the heart of that person. We never know when our time here is up. We only know when it is time, will we be ready?
Suicide is so counter to our natural instinct for self-preservation that the Church correctly assumes it is not a rational decision, but one made under severe duress. That is why the Church welcomes a family to a funeral mass for a family member who takes thier own life, and wishes that the service can provide some peace for all those who mourn such a tragic loss.
Having read so many years of your inspiring commentaries applying gospel messages to current events, we are struck by what could be described as one of your most powerful: your comparison of John’s words of compassion and courage in describing Christ’s coming to the world: “courageously facing the evil Roman Empire and its corrupt leaders with no thought of his personal safety”.
Compassion and Courage. We are profoundly grateful for your dedication in sharing these words of
encouragement.
God bless you and your continuing efforts in sharing these powerful words.
How we miss you at St. Paschal’s!
Bob and Rose Mary
Thank you for your kind words. I am honored you especially like this article. Compassion and Courage together are a very concise summary of our Catholic faith, and I use them often. Please give my greetings to all at St. Paschal’s.
We will indeed share your greetings with our friends at St. Paschal’s.
Your words of wisdom are often quoted from your many commentaries
Thank you!