D.R.R.
January 5th 2004, 11:37 AM
The Passionate Apostle
Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 5, 2004
Saint John Neumann
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want my love for you to be real, very real. You know my sinfulness and selfishness, how often I fall back on myself as the measure of all things. But I believe in your love for me, a love always eager to pull me closer to you. I love you for all you have done for me, especially for creating me to live this life of adventure for you, and for redeeming me on the cross.
Petition:Lord, help me to imitate the perfection of your love by my self-giving and witness to you as a result of my prayer.
1. The Big City. Today’s liturgy follows Epiphany’s theme perfectly: Christ reveals himself to the world by leaving behind the small town of Nazareth and traveling through Galilee of ancient Israel and her northernmost district. Since Galilee had very fertile soil it was well populated, the historian Josephus calculated some 3 million people in an area 50 miles long by 25 miles wide. Jesus was going to begin his ministry amongst the crowds. He seems in a rush to get his message out, to reach as many as possible and be as effective as he could in the three years he had to work. “Every second I used well would bring me closer to my goal. Every second wasted would keep me back” (Letter of Fr Maciel, Time and Eternity, p. 8)
2. Man with a plan. Jesus’ action was not haphazard, he had a plan and pattern to his work. He moved to the bustling Capernaum, he worked miracles, cured, preached. His activity is non-stop. He took advantage of every circumstance to teach a lesson and do good. Should we be different, letting life slip by without goals and clear steps we want to take? We are easily satisfied with small things, but God calls us to seek to be reach more and bring our message to the world in which we live. So many examples abound of people who do not let life slip by – some begin great things and others give them continuity….
3. Spellbound. Jesus’ preaching and miracles struck people with sudden force. The miracles were impressive and gave Jesus instant credibility, but no less spectacular was his preaching. He spoke with authority, self-assurance, the power of one who always preached the truth. People were spellbound by his words, by the obvious power which he possessed. Today we have to believe that Jesus still exerts this same fascination over people, but now it is us who have to give him to them through our testimony and example. I must believe Christ is the answer for every person, the only one who can give them happiness and fill that special longing in their heart for love.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, I want to be serious about loving you and giving you my very best. Help me to see you in others and give of myself to them in service, even at the cost of self-sacrifice. I want to build your Kingdom with the power of your grace, spread your word, experience the joy of having you as Lord, Friend, Savior.
Resolution: Examine the circumstances of my life, and see if there is one more person I can speak to about Christ.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
Want to help us maintain this free service? Make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking here.This link will take you to the online donation page of the Legion of Christ, but accessing it by this specific link will create a report letting us know your donation is for the daily meditation service from RegnumChristi.org.Thank you and God bless you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter the fray
Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 6, 2004
Mark 6:34-44
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat." He said to them in reply, "Give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?" He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they had found out they said, "Five loaves and two fish." So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to (his) disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate (of the loaves) were five thousand men.
Introductory Prayer:Lord Jesus, you poured yourself out for me to show me your love; make me experience that love. I know I am nothing without you, that I fall away from you so easily and frequently, so show me your love. Empty me of myself so you can fully occupy my heart.
Petition:Lord, fill me with a love that impels me to be your apostle in the world, fighting against my selfishness in order to allow you to possess my mind and actions.
1. 1. Basic training. Jesus is usually the one to notice what other people need. Here it is the disciples who feel the need to point out to Jesus that it is late and the crowds are hungry. Perhaps Jesus didn’t notice? No, Jesus wanted his disciples to realize the needs, he wanted them to learn from him and put that learning into practice, not only by noticing the need, but also by trying to remedy the problem. Jesus does not want them to be passive disciples—that would be a contradiction in terms. Jesus taught his disciples a second lesson just by the fact that he was so centered on his preaching and the people were so attentive —the spiritual hunger of men is often greater than their physical needs.
2. 2. Pro-active! “You yourselves give them something to eat.” Jesus seems to ask of them something they cannot deliver, as when General Lee in the devastation of Gettysburg ordered General Stonewall Jackson, “regroup your division and get back on the battlefield.” “General, I have no division.” When Jesus asks us to enter the battle of saving souls for him, he makes sure we have the means to complete the task: we have our love for him and grace, which equip us to leave our fears of getting involved and leaving our comfort zone in order to work for him. We should know that he may ask us to do what is impossible for man, but not what is impossible for God to work in us – as he mentioned to Peter as regards living a proper marriage.
3. 3. God needs coworkers. Christ wants you to be a person of action, for it is through your action that he will act, and others will learn about God and come to know him. “A great number of graces God has prepared for people remain stored in his divine heart because he cannot find apostles, workers to labor for him…. They are content to cross their arms, lament and sigh, waiting for the miracle that will put the world at Christ’s feet. But Christ needs arms! Christ needs tongues! (Letter of Fr Maciel, 1 December 1948).” Your arms, your tongue. Sighing and lamenting accomplish nothing, that is why God gives us our intellect and will to accomplish real works in the real world.
Dialogue with Christ: Set me on fire with your own passion, your own zeal for souls. Work the miracle of transforming me so I will think more with your heart and less with my own comfort in mind. I want to love you but I need strength to leave the rut my habits and personality have created, which make conversion difficult.
Resolution: Resolve to be Christ’s hands and arms today.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
Want to help us maintain this free service? Make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking here.This link will take you to the online donation page of the Legion of Christ, but accessing it by this specific link will create a report letting us know your donation is for the daily meditation service from RegnumChristi.org.Thank you and God bless you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shout it out
Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 7, 2004
Mark 6:45-52
Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
Introductory Prayer:Lord, to progress in my relationship with you I must know you better. Grant me the grace of knowing and appreciating you so as to love you more intensely, and be moved by that love to “incarnate” you in my behavior, to become your presence, another You. That is why you called me to be a Christian, it is my life’s calling.
Petition:Lord Jesus, I beg your aid in helping me be constant in pursuing you through my prayer, when I speak with you and ponder who you are and what you have done for me and give me the grace to respond as I should.
1. Prayer is power. After the stunning multiplication of the loaves, Jesus has a sublime lesson to teach: all apostolic work is built upon and sustained by that great weapon in reach of every Christian’s hands and heart: prayer. Had we been Jesus, we might have charged across the lake to catch up to the disciples, calmed the waves, and settled in for a good night’s rest after an exhausting week of long days and short nights. But Jesus does the opposite: he stays awake, and pours his heart into his prayer with the Father for many hours, perhaps six or more—he had dismissed the crowds by dusk it would seem, then walked on water somewhere between 3 and 6 am. So why does Jesus pray late and long? Because he love for his Father and his mission were one and the same; his father was his source of strength, his Father’s will his roadmap, and the outside pressures were increasing: disbelief, rejection, anger, envy.
2. Imperfect prayer. Jesus is so responsive to prayer, no matter how imperfect! The disciples cried out in fear, thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus responds even to their fear, and reassures them of his presence and protection. Mark carefully adds that “the wind died down” when Jesus reached the boat.” The presence of the Master in our lives calms our fears but we need to call out to be heard, not so much to get his attention as to recognize our need since he will not force himself on us. Do I expect him to bless what I do without me “crying out” to him in my actions – trying to do his work, saying a kind word, restraining my impatience and pride, etc…?
3. Clueless. What was it about the multiplication of the loaves the disciples did not understand? They failed to see that Jesus was speaking with his miracles, proclaiming himself to be the Son of God, the Messiah. They saw but could not comprehend the dimensions of Jesus’ person and work. No wonder the crucifixion was completely unexpected.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, grant me the humility to cry out to you in my need, and the love to seek you always as you sought the company of your Father in prayer. I need to keep my life in order.
Resolution: Be courageous: speak up for Christ or the Church today.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
Want to help us maintain this free service? Make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking here.This link will take you to the online donation page of the Legion of Christ, but accessing it by this specific link will create a report letting us know your donation is for the daily meditation service from RegnumChristi.org.Thank you and God bless you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Real Power
Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 8, 2004
Luke 4:14-22
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn’t this the son of Joseph?"
Introductory Prayer:I place myself in your presence, Lord, believing you are here in my soul through grace now as I pray to you. Who am I that you listen to me, that you want to hear my pleas and my complaints? Pardon my sins, Lord, and teach me to love you, for I believe that you are indeed God, the God who loves me and wants to save me. Help me direct only to you the intensity and passion of my heart in this prayer.
Petition:Lord, help me fall in love with you and be open to your inspirations. May my actions be a sign that you live in me, a sign for others and a sign for myself: you acting in me will be my experience of you.
1. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. After Jesus obeyed the Father’s will by going into the desert to be tested by the Devil, he returns to Galilee burning with zeal for the Father and for man. Since Jesus is sent by the Father, he as preacher has all the qualities of a herald sent by a king: he is certain of his message, and his message itself is clear and compelling. Jesus does not speak in terms of “good suggestions” or “helpful hints” or “I think it would be good if.” Jesus Christ knows who he is, and this gives him authority to preach belief in himself as the sole path to salvation. Marvel at the beauty and audacity of God’s plan of salvation! Men no longer need to rely on divinely inspired messengers, for Jesus himself IS the divine message.
2. Shock and awe. Take a seat in Nazareth’s synagogue and engage your imagination. The not so young man you know as the handyman and have used on occasion because he does good work stands up from the congregation and goes to read from the scroll. He is dignified, no hurry, no nervousness. As he unrolls the scroll and begins to read in a strong and firm voice, you are struck especially by his self-possession—it strikes you that you had barely noticed this man before, who now attracts your attention so completely. Isaiah’s words never sounded so pregnant with meaning before, so mysterious. After reading, his actions are deliberate, somehow compelling your attention. When he says, “In your hearing this Scripture is fulfilled today” you catch your breath, he can’t possibly mean what he said, can he? It seems too much, but in your heart as yet unprejudiced with events as they would later unfold and the slanders of his enemies still to come you listen, you are amazed at the wisdom and beauty of his words, you know you are witnessing God speaking through this man, Jesus of Nazareth, and you shake your head, “but I know he is only Joseph’s son”.
3. Christ in your today. The same Jesus who preached in person 2000 years ago still speaks today from his Gospel; you hear him now through the Church, with her sacraments, ministers, and faithful. Our faith is challenged in the same way as his neighbors were, the veil of “everydayness” – the Church cannot possibly mean it is the One, True Church, can it? Christ is truly God, he is present in the Eucharist, he forgives our sins in Reconciliation. He is the only Way, the sole Truth and the one Life. And we can serve him by serving others.
There are many, even among those who think they know him, who think these claims are too much.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, I want to believe in you with a firm and clear faith. I want to be open to you, and I thank you for the faith you gave me in Baptism and which is nurtured in your Church.
Resolution: To renew my faith in Christ’s presence, his power and his divinity.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
Want to help us maintain this free service? Make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking here.This link will take you to the online donation page of the Legion of Christ, but accessing it by this specific link will create a report letting us know your donation is for the daily meditation service from RegnumChristi.org.Thank you and God bless you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 5, 2004
Saint John Neumann
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want my love for you to be real, very real. You know my sinfulness and selfishness, how often I fall back on myself as the measure of all things. But I believe in your love for me, a love always eager to pull me closer to you. I love you for all you have done for me, especially for creating me to live this life of adventure for you, and for redeeming me on the cross.
Petition:Lord, help me to imitate the perfection of your love by my self-giving and witness to you as a result of my prayer.
1. The Big City. Today’s liturgy follows Epiphany’s theme perfectly: Christ reveals himself to the world by leaving behind the small town of Nazareth and traveling through Galilee of ancient Israel and her northernmost district. Since Galilee had very fertile soil it was well populated, the historian Josephus calculated some 3 million people in an area 50 miles long by 25 miles wide. Jesus was going to begin his ministry amongst the crowds. He seems in a rush to get his message out, to reach as many as possible and be as effective as he could in the three years he had to work. “Every second I used well would bring me closer to my goal. Every second wasted would keep me back” (Letter of Fr Maciel, Time and Eternity, p. 8)
2. Man with a plan. Jesus’ action was not haphazard, he had a plan and pattern to his work. He moved to the bustling Capernaum, he worked miracles, cured, preached. His activity is non-stop. He took advantage of every circumstance to teach a lesson and do good. Should we be different, letting life slip by without goals and clear steps we want to take? We are easily satisfied with small things, but God calls us to seek to be reach more and bring our message to the world in which we live. So many examples abound of people who do not let life slip by – some begin great things and others give them continuity….
3. Spellbound. Jesus’ preaching and miracles struck people with sudden force. The miracles were impressive and gave Jesus instant credibility, but no less spectacular was his preaching. He spoke with authority, self-assurance, the power of one who always preached the truth. People were spellbound by his words, by the obvious power which he possessed. Today we have to believe that Jesus still exerts this same fascination over people, but now it is us who have to give him to them through our testimony and example. I must believe Christ is the answer for every person, the only one who can give them happiness and fill that special longing in their heart for love.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, I want to be serious about loving you and giving you my very best. Help me to see you in others and give of myself to them in service, even at the cost of self-sacrifice. I want to build your Kingdom with the power of your grace, spread your word, experience the joy of having you as Lord, Friend, Savior.
Resolution: Examine the circumstances of my life, and see if there is one more person I can speak to about Christ.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
Want to help us maintain this free service? Make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking here.This link will take you to the online donation page of the Legion of Christ, but accessing it by this specific link will create a report letting us know your donation is for the daily meditation service from RegnumChristi.org.Thank you and God bless you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter the fray
Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 6, 2004
Mark 6:34-44
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat." He said to them in reply, "Give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?" He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they had found out they said, "Five loaves and two fish." So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to (his) disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate (of the loaves) were five thousand men.
Introductory Prayer:Lord Jesus, you poured yourself out for me to show me your love; make me experience that love. I know I am nothing without you, that I fall away from you so easily and frequently, so show me your love. Empty me of myself so you can fully occupy my heart.
Petition:Lord, fill me with a love that impels me to be your apostle in the world, fighting against my selfishness in order to allow you to possess my mind and actions.
1. 1. Basic training. Jesus is usually the one to notice what other people need. Here it is the disciples who feel the need to point out to Jesus that it is late and the crowds are hungry. Perhaps Jesus didn’t notice? No, Jesus wanted his disciples to realize the needs, he wanted them to learn from him and put that learning into practice, not only by noticing the need, but also by trying to remedy the problem. Jesus does not want them to be passive disciples—that would be a contradiction in terms. Jesus taught his disciples a second lesson just by the fact that he was so centered on his preaching and the people were so attentive —the spiritual hunger of men is often greater than their physical needs.
2. 2. Pro-active! “You yourselves give them something to eat.” Jesus seems to ask of them something they cannot deliver, as when General Lee in the devastation of Gettysburg ordered General Stonewall Jackson, “regroup your division and get back on the battlefield.” “General, I have no division.” When Jesus asks us to enter the battle of saving souls for him, he makes sure we have the means to complete the task: we have our love for him and grace, which equip us to leave our fears of getting involved and leaving our comfort zone in order to work for him. We should know that he may ask us to do what is impossible for man, but not what is impossible for God to work in us – as he mentioned to Peter as regards living a proper marriage.
3. 3. God needs coworkers. Christ wants you to be a person of action, for it is through your action that he will act, and others will learn about God and come to know him. “A great number of graces God has prepared for people remain stored in his divine heart because he cannot find apostles, workers to labor for him…. They are content to cross their arms, lament and sigh, waiting for the miracle that will put the world at Christ’s feet. But Christ needs arms! Christ needs tongues! (Letter of Fr Maciel, 1 December 1948).” Your arms, your tongue. Sighing and lamenting accomplish nothing, that is why God gives us our intellect and will to accomplish real works in the real world.
Dialogue with Christ: Set me on fire with your own passion, your own zeal for souls. Work the miracle of transforming me so I will think more with your heart and less with my own comfort in mind. I want to love you but I need strength to leave the rut my habits and personality have created, which make conversion difficult.
Resolution: Resolve to be Christ’s hands and arms today.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
Want to help us maintain this free service? Make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking here.This link will take you to the online donation page of the Legion of Christ, but accessing it by this specific link will create a report letting us know your donation is for the daily meditation service from RegnumChristi.org.Thank you and God bless you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shout it out
Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 7, 2004
Mark 6:45-52
Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
Introductory Prayer:Lord, to progress in my relationship with you I must know you better. Grant me the grace of knowing and appreciating you so as to love you more intensely, and be moved by that love to “incarnate” you in my behavior, to become your presence, another You. That is why you called me to be a Christian, it is my life’s calling.
Petition:Lord Jesus, I beg your aid in helping me be constant in pursuing you through my prayer, when I speak with you and ponder who you are and what you have done for me and give me the grace to respond as I should.
1. Prayer is power. After the stunning multiplication of the loaves, Jesus has a sublime lesson to teach: all apostolic work is built upon and sustained by that great weapon in reach of every Christian’s hands and heart: prayer. Had we been Jesus, we might have charged across the lake to catch up to the disciples, calmed the waves, and settled in for a good night’s rest after an exhausting week of long days and short nights. But Jesus does the opposite: he stays awake, and pours his heart into his prayer with the Father for many hours, perhaps six or more—he had dismissed the crowds by dusk it would seem, then walked on water somewhere between 3 and 6 am. So why does Jesus pray late and long? Because he love for his Father and his mission were one and the same; his father was his source of strength, his Father’s will his roadmap, and the outside pressures were increasing: disbelief, rejection, anger, envy.
2. Imperfect prayer. Jesus is so responsive to prayer, no matter how imperfect! The disciples cried out in fear, thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus responds even to their fear, and reassures them of his presence and protection. Mark carefully adds that “the wind died down” when Jesus reached the boat.” The presence of the Master in our lives calms our fears but we need to call out to be heard, not so much to get his attention as to recognize our need since he will not force himself on us. Do I expect him to bless what I do without me “crying out” to him in my actions – trying to do his work, saying a kind word, restraining my impatience and pride, etc…?
3. Clueless. What was it about the multiplication of the loaves the disciples did not understand? They failed to see that Jesus was speaking with his miracles, proclaiming himself to be the Son of God, the Messiah. They saw but could not comprehend the dimensions of Jesus’ person and work. No wonder the crucifixion was completely unexpected.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, grant me the humility to cry out to you in my need, and the love to seek you always as you sought the company of your Father in prayer. I need to keep my life in order.
Resolution: Be courageous: speak up for Christ or the Church today.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
Want to help us maintain this free service? Make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking here.This link will take you to the online donation page of the Legion of Christ, but accessing it by this specific link will create a report letting us know your donation is for the daily meditation service from RegnumChristi.org.Thank you and God bless you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Real Power
Author: Father Andre LaSana, LC
January 8, 2004
Luke 4:14-22
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn’t this the son of Joseph?"
Introductory Prayer:I place myself in your presence, Lord, believing you are here in my soul through grace now as I pray to you. Who am I that you listen to me, that you want to hear my pleas and my complaints? Pardon my sins, Lord, and teach me to love you, for I believe that you are indeed God, the God who loves me and wants to save me. Help me direct only to you the intensity and passion of my heart in this prayer.
Petition:Lord, help me fall in love with you and be open to your inspirations. May my actions be a sign that you live in me, a sign for others and a sign for myself: you acting in me will be my experience of you.
1. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. After Jesus obeyed the Father’s will by going into the desert to be tested by the Devil, he returns to Galilee burning with zeal for the Father and for man. Since Jesus is sent by the Father, he as preacher has all the qualities of a herald sent by a king: he is certain of his message, and his message itself is clear and compelling. Jesus does not speak in terms of “good suggestions” or “helpful hints” or “I think it would be good if.” Jesus Christ knows who he is, and this gives him authority to preach belief in himself as the sole path to salvation. Marvel at the beauty and audacity of God’s plan of salvation! Men no longer need to rely on divinely inspired messengers, for Jesus himself IS the divine message.
2. Shock and awe. Take a seat in Nazareth’s synagogue and engage your imagination. The not so young man you know as the handyman and have used on occasion because he does good work stands up from the congregation and goes to read from the scroll. He is dignified, no hurry, no nervousness. As he unrolls the scroll and begins to read in a strong and firm voice, you are struck especially by his self-possession—it strikes you that you had barely noticed this man before, who now attracts your attention so completely. Isaiah’s words never sounded so pregnant with meaning before, so mysterious. After reading, his actions are deliberate, somehow compelling your attention. When he says, “In your hearing this Scripture is fulfilled today” you catch your breath, he can’t possibly mean what he said, can he? It seems too much, but in your heart as yet unprejudiced with events as they would later unfold and the slanders of his enemies still to come you listen, you are amazed at the wisdom and beauty of his words, you know you are witnessing God speaking through this man, Jesus of Nazareth, and you shake your head, “but I know he is only Joseph’s son”.
3. Christ in your today. The same Jesus who preached in person 2000 years ago still speaks today from his Gospel; you hear him now through the Church, with her sacraments, ministers, and faithful. Our faith is challenged in the same way as his neighbors were, the veil of “everydayness” – the Church cannot possibly mean it is the One, True Church, can it? Christ is truly God, he is present in the Eucharist, he forgives our sins in Reconciliation. He is the only Way, the sole Truth and the one Life. And we can serve him by serving others.
There are many, even among those who think they know him, who think these claims are too much.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, I want to believe in you with a firm and clear faith. I want to be open to you, and I thank you for the faith you gave me in Baptism and which is nurtured in your Church.
Resolution: To renew my faith in Christ’s presence, his power and his divinity.
By Father Andre LaSana, LC
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