Gospel Reflections for March 3 2019
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
You see that message printed on every side view car mirror.
I am sure this has some helpful safety reason. However, what is even better is that the message is printed there, so that you know the image is not accurate. That can help you make better judgments about safety on the road.
A mirror is a remarkable thing. We like it when it helps us get ready in the morning, and resent it when it reveals features about our face that we may not like!
Wouldn’t it be great if our bathroom mirror had printed, “Objects in mirror are better than they appear!”
The Gospel today presents people who do not see themselves clearly …and in real life. These are people who always find faults in other people.
However, we often do not like in others what is actually present in our self. There is an old saying that when you point your finger at someone else, the other three fingers point back at you! (Try it and see) We see in others what we see in our self.
Once upon a time, there was a Wise Old Man sitting by the town gate. A traveler walked up and said, “I have heard this town is filled with bad people.” The Wise Old Man, said, “Yes, that is exactly who you will find here!” Later another traveler walked up and said, “I have heard that this town is filled with wonderful people.” The Wise Old Man said, “Yes, that is exactly who you will find here!” We see others not as they are …but as we are.
Today’s Gospel focuses on what kind of thoughts are in your heart. If they are good, then you will see goodness in those around you. If evil, then you will only see evil in people around you.
Lent will be here on Wednesday, and then the University Series will begin in Ventura and Whittier area parishes (theuniversityseries.org). The website lists over 150 sessions in 18 parishes that can help bring more goodness to your heart. I hope you will make the decision to attend every night!
Classes are $7 at the door but you can bring a friend for free!
Now is the time to get an accurate view of yourself. Knowing yourself well will make your journey in life safer and much more enjoyable, just as in your car with that helpful mirror.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave, your reflection brings to mind the poetic words of Robert Burns:
O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
It is hard to be introspective. We need teaching as in the University Series to help sharpen our ability to see ourselves as others see us.
No wonder Robert Burns was a great poet. You write in Scottish well!
Dear Fr Dave
May this be a good Lent ahead for us all.
For faith and growth ahead.
Thank you again on your University series!
You are welcome!
Thanks Fr Dave. Your reflection today is just what I (and most likely others) needed. We are looking forward to the University Series here in the 805
See you in the University Series!
Father Dave,
Dick and I have so loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed the University Series!! It is a time to grow in our Faith, to grow in loveeeeee, to grow in compassion and become the person our loving God created us to be!!! In that growth we must share ourselves with others with our precious Jesus’ love growing in us!! If we see love, goodness, compassion in others, we will reflect that beauty as your beautifully stated as in a mirror!!! Looking so forward to seeing you at your precious University of LOVE!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and DIck
Thank you!
Dear Father Dave,
Oh that darn old mirror! Or do we say, “Mirror mirror on the wall!” Reactions vary….
Regardless, it’s the blind man (so I’ve heard) who sees the clearest.
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, the truth evades us. Other times, we’re simply misguided. But the best moments are when we see that we’ll-defined breakthrough of truth and enlightenment. It’s beautiful and needs reinforcement. The University lectures do just that.
God inspired you to begin the University series and what an important event it has become.
Thank you so much. Thanks, too, for this weekend’s synopsis.
God bless….
Kathleen A.
You are very welcome!
Great reflection Fr. Dave!
In our conversations with others we learn who we are, and by listening to what
they have to say, we learn a lot about ourselves.
We need them to be our mirrors feeding back their insights and perspectives
on the hard-to-see parts of ourselves.
The University Series is the place where we can listen to those who have something
to say and find ourselves in those teaching moments.
Yes, other people can a kind of mirror where see ourselves reflected.
Fifteen years ago a most amazing Adoration Chapel finally opened which allowed the faithful to see themselves more “clearly”. Your “YES” to that a chapel and the hard work of Marcella, Jeff, a team of captains and hourly assigned adorers made that all possible. Now, fifteen years later, this is one of the very best and most visited Adoration Chapels in Southern California. We all continue to be very thankful and grateful for all you did with such amazing laypersons to make this happen! Joy!
Thank you! I also know that you had a lot to do with the success of the Adoration Chapel at St. Paschal Baylon!
Dear Fr. Dave
I really like the use of image of the mirror for us to reflect on. I always hope that I see in my reflection to be more grateful, compassionate, loving, and merciful. I do pray for God to help me grow with those qualities and values. At a women’s retreat once we we told to greet our image in the morning with “ Hello gorgeous”. That is how we are in Gods eye when he looks at us. And then he winks at us because he is even more delighted with us as his children!!
I guess it doesn’t get much better than that to have a Father in heaven that loves us go deeply.
Thank goodness for that!!
God Bless Jane
That is a really great concept! I love the “Hello Gorgeous!” idea.
Dear Fr Dave,
As usual you made me laugh out loud (bathroom mirror) while teaching an important lesson and bringing it home. I look forward to attending as many University classes as I can. You have taught me the richness of Lent. Now I look forward to it every year (not so much before I learned so much!) to draw closer to Christ and evaluate my behavior and sense of self. In addition to the education University gives me. Thank you for that! May we all enjoy a very meaningful Lenten Season!
Great message. See you in the University!