Gospel Reflections for February 25 2018
If you see something, say something
This famous phrase comes from the War on Terror, and invites you to report suspicious activity right away to the police. It is a brilliant program that encourages everyone to pay attention and respond to what is going on around you. If you see something suspicious or troubling, say something right away to those who can help.
This has been enormously effective and has actually stopped many terror events around the world.
There is a lot of attention now on the warning signs that were ignored about the school shooter in Florida, which led to a horrible tragedy. Once again, good hearted people struggle to find answers to these terrible mass shootings. How can they be stopped?
People are finding many ways to respond, by organizing marches, encouraging new gun laws, and examining new ways to protect schools. I hope these efforts help.
People who seek to do violence are usually not deterred by laws no matter what they are. After all, murder is already illegal. These shooters are often seriously mentally ill as well. They cannot think clearly and so they ignore laws, marches, demonstrations, or powerful speeches by politicians. However, there are people around them who just might notice what is going on with them, and notify the police in time. Maybe that is our answer.
A powerful force that can stop a school shooter besides new gun laws, marches, or speeches, is the people who knows the shooter, and speak out in time to stop him.
New laws, marches, and speeches can be helpful, but perhaps never as effective as the people who know that troubled person and step up to stop a future crime …and help him change.
In today’s Gospel, Peter, James, and John follow Jesus up a high mountain and see Him suddenly surrounded by a dazzling light that is amazing to behold. They are stunned by the sight and find it all wonderful. Jesus tells them when they can break the news of this event which is when it will have the biggest effect, after His resurrection.
We know when to report something important about a troubled and violent person in our community, and it is right away.
If you see something troubling about a potential violent person, say something. You will both be glad you did.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Hi Father Dave.
Loved your very relevant message this week. (Sorry no pun intended). Hope all is well. And thank you for your hard work.
Thank you for your comments! I am glad you liked them, and found them “relevant!”
When a friend came to see why I went back to the Catholic Church she mad a comment about Mary and said you don’t communicate with someone who has died. My comment was that Mary wasn’t dead. Then she said she meant not to talk to anyone who has gone before. My answer was that if that is the case then Jesus was a sinner cause he talked to those on the mount. She said she would have to go back and re4ad that scripture. Cute huh?
About the shootings. A young man from that school was interviewed by CNN , of course,, and they tried to make a political issue out of it and the young man said something to the effect that the parties in Washington are determined not to work together and if they would it would be a start in getting things back to normal. Thee is something about disunity that can filter down to others and it can filter down. This is the example they are giving to our kids. Our country needs a lot of prayer.
First of all, I think your responses to the person commenting about Mary were excellent! Very simple and straightforward, and effective. Well done!
I also agree with your comments about Washington as well, however, I do not believe the party antagonism for each other is malicious, just arising from two different political philosophies.
Dear Father Dave,
Great message and clearly, I completely agree.
Our political stage needs to change as well. The concept of “change” is as old as the hills, but true.
Jesus certainly brought that kind of thinking with him and carried it to his cross and resurrection.
Perhaps the world is spiraling toward its own cross once again. I say again because of all the continued conflict. The shootings in Florida are the latest example of evil and madness.
I hope and pray for a world resurrection.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
YEs, we need a “world resurrection” as you say. I like that idea!
I agree that the political stage needs to change. I recently heard a statement from a government servant that the current culture in Washington is that what matters most is about winning and having power rather than what is best for the common good of mankind then alone following our Lord’s will and Trusting in Jesus.If one is a Christian, and has been put in a position as a public servant I believe it is their Christian duty to follow their heart as the Holy Spirit guides them in making public policy.. So, yes the young man that was interviewed on CNN was correct in saying that the parties are determined not to work together. If winning and having power is the goal, then yes human nature would be not to work together. President Trump has conveyed that some view a political agenda as their religion. I would perceive that as Idolatry. He conveyed we need to put faith and family first. Our country needs to get back to “One Nation Under God”, ” In God we Trust”.
I thank God for the blessings of Relevant radio. Thank you Father Dave for the Rosary Across America!
Thanks for your comments. I tend to not think of politicians as malicious but just holding to very different philosophy of government, e.g. big Government vs. small, etc. I tend to like problems solved on the local level, by people who know each other well. Perhaps this problem will be solved one school district at a time, and in ways that make sense to them where they live. Fully agree with your comments about the need to be One Nation Under God. Thank you for your support for Relevant Radio!
Father Heney your writing made me think. They were wonderful words of wisdom. I want to thank you for the University series. Last Saturday St. Julie Billart hosted the annual choir concert performances. We had 4 choirs sing: St. Rose, St. Julie’s, Our Lady of Assumption and St. Paschal Baylon. Everyone sang so beautifully and the choir directors were awesome. All 4 choirs sang God Bless you and Keep you and God Be in my Head. I also enjoy taking the University classes and learning more about God. Have a wonderful week and God bless you.
You are very welcome!