Will You Lay Down Your Life?

Will You Lay Down Your Life?
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Tuesday, March 31, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

How many times in our lives have we bravely said we would do something, only to find that when it came time to put up or shut up, we backed down and shut up? We usually have the best of intentions; we are not lying when we say it. But when faced with imminent danger, our weakness wins out.

Peter truly meant what he said. Jesus knows. He also knows our weaknesses. Later, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, Peter will give his life for Jesus. Now He asks us, "Will you lay down your life for me?" Pray for the grace to say, "Yes".

The Poor Among Us

The Poor Among Us
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Sunday, March 29, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

What does Jesus mean when he says, "You always have the poor with you"?  Is it some sort of approval of their lot? No.

Jesus knows the hearts of men. He knows that our greed, our lust, our selfishness often controls us. When we see the poor, when we seek the poor, then we see Christ. The poor are a gift to us.

No Greater Love

No Greater Love
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Sunday, March 29, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

When we listen to the story of Jesus' Passion, we hear all of the events of a heroic love story:  promises made to loved ones, betrayal by someone close, and finally a sacrifice - death - in order to save the ones who are loved.  Today and this week, take time to read God's love story for us in each of the Gospels, starting with the one from Mark today, and picture yourself there as the ones whom Jesus loved - first, as each person at the dinner at Simon the leper's house, then as those who were to prepare for the Passover, and so on, through each scene of the story.  Imagine how it must feel to be Jesus, who knows what everyone is thinking and feeling, and how He still has such great love for them that He will play out the story to its bitter, painful end.  Are we willing to do the same for those whom we love? Are we willing to do the same for those who hate us, for the the love of God?

No Good Deed

No Good Deed
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Friday, March 27, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

There's a cynical saying that goes, "No good deed goes unpunished." So it seems with Jesus.  In today's Gospel, Jesus asks those present, “For which of these (good works) are you trying to stone me?”  Their reply shows that they are not interested in what Jesus has done for others, but only with the threat he poses to their current way of life.

How often have we been rejected for living our faith before others? For example, we risk "stoning" through popular opinion whenever we stand up for our faith, our belief in the sanctity of life, the sacrament of marriage, our compassion for those in need. What good works are YOU willing to be stoned for?

Do You Understand?

Do You Understand?
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Thursday, March 26, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

There is a commercial on TV where a man holding a frog calls an insurance company and asks, "Do you have FROG insurance?"  The agent responds, "Yes, we have FRAUD insurance." The man says again, "FROG insurance."  The agent responds, "FRAUD insurance." Then they both agree that they understand each other.

In today's Gospel there is a lack of understanding of the word, "DEATH".  The Jews think he is referring to the body; followers of Christ understand that Jesus refers to the death of the soul.  In the face of the passing of a loved one, do we really understand that the soul lives on? As we approach Easter, let us always remember that the pain we suffer in separating from a loved one will be replaced one day with the joy of reunion through the promise of the Resurrection.

An Angel in our Midst

An Angel in our Midst
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Wednesday, March 25, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Today we celebrate Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel, proclaiming great news - God is coming to us as one of us!  But few people recognized the Good News, Jesus, as he walked among them for over 30 years.  I'm afraid that we are just as unobservant today.

Every day we encounter angels proclaiming great news - usually without knowing it.  More than just celestial beings, the term "angel" is used whenever someone or something intercedes for us.  If angels are God's messengers, sent to proclaim the Good News, then we should be always watchful for signs of God's Presence.  For it is there that we will encounter our angels, both celestial and human.

What Happened to the Bronze Seraph?

What Happened to the Bronze Seraph?
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Tuesday, March 24, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Trivia Question:  What happened to the Bronze Seraph Serpent that Moses used to heal the Israelites in the desert?  

Jesus compares His being lifted up on the cross to the bronze seraph serpent that Moses lifted up before the Israelites so that they might be healed of the poisonous bites they sustained due to their rebellion against God. But it wasn't the bronze figure itself that healed them; it was God's Mercy that healed them as people gazed upon it in repentance, just as our gazing upon a crucifix today doesn't magically heal us but calls us to repent of our sins.

So where did the bronze seraph go?  Read about King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18:4 for the answer.

Sinners All

Sinners All
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Monday, March 23, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

If the woman was caught in the act of adultery today, it would probably be made into an episode for a reality TV show. But we are still just as judgmental when we see others who, through their actions or lifestyles, do not conform to the morals of our faith.  Before we rush to condemn them, are there among us any who are not without sin? Let us use the remaining time of Lent to ask for God's mercy and repent of our own failings.

The Journey's End

The Journey's End
Homily for Sunday, March 22, 2015
Fifth Sunday of Lent - B
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Have you ever gone somewhere that took a long time to get there? Maybe it seemed like a long time, but with travel today it doesn’t usually take too long to get somewhere – a few hours by plane, maybe a couple of days by car.  Not like in the days of Columbus, where it took two months to cross the Atlantic for the first time.  Even Lent is only 40 days. 

But maybe you went on a vacation, or maybe you had to make an important business trip. If it was somewhere you wanted to go and you had the time, you probably did a lot of planning beforehand - what to take, what NOT to take, how you were going to get there, where to stay once you arrived, what to say and do while you were there.  Planning and preparation probably took longer than the trip itself.

Or maybe you had to make a trip on short notice. Maybe it was to see someone who was seriously ill or because someone had died. It’s hard to plan for that kind of trip and you know there will be many unknowns once you arrive.

And as you came closer to your destination, you probably experienced a change in your emotions. If you were traveling for pleasure, you might have an increase in the sense of anticipation or excitement - maybe impatience? How many of us with children have had to deal with “Are we There Yet?”

For a business trip you might review what all you needed to do and what you wanted to accomplish once you arrived. You might even feel a little anxious, especially if it was important to your business.

And if the trip was to deal with a serious problem or a death in the family, you might even have a feeling of dread, or a desire to be anywhere else but there.

Well, in today's Gospel we see that Jesus and his disciples are coming to the end of a long journey. They are approaching the end of three years of Jesus' ministry, and during this journey He has tried to prepare his followers for what was coming next - His Hour, as He calls it. And it would not be what they expected.

In a way, today's Gospel sort of jumps the gun for us, as this passage actually comes AFTER Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem for Passover, which we will hear next week for Palm Sunday, the start of the Passion of Our Lord. The journey is over; the action is about to begin.

Throughout the past few weeks, we’ve heard Jesus say that His Hour has not come.  We heard it at Cana; we’ve heard it when the authorities have tried to arrest him or stone him.

Now, he talks about how His Hour has come, and how it troubles him. He KNOWS what is about to happen to him and what he will face. But although it troubles him, he knows that what he faces is the will of his Father and that it will bring glory to God. It is why he came.  Through his death, he will be eternal life back to us.

We, too, have been on the journey with Jesus for the last 32 days or so of Lent. We've been with Jesus as he began his ministry at the wedding at Cana; then as he revealed himself to us through his lessons and miraculous signs; and finally as the conflict between him and the Jewish authorities developed. Has it felt like a long time? Do you feel any different as we approach the end? You should. Throughout this time we should have been mentally preparing ourselves (well, hopefully) for the most sacred time of our Liturgical Year - Holy Week and the Passion of Our Lord. Of course we already know the outcome - Easter and the Resurrection of our Lord - but because of that we might forget about the importance of this portion of the journey. WE ARE NOT THERE YET.

And for some of you, your journey to Calvary is more than a religious exercise.  You may be feeling the rejection of those closest to you.  You may be persecuted or abandoned; you or someone near to you may be suffering from illness or economic distress.  You may want to scream out the same thing that Jesus will from the cross, “Why have you abandoned me?”

We may struggle to understand why we suffer the things we do, but as painful as they may be, God doesn't abandon us. And while we may not know how to deal with them, we can use them to give glory to God. For, after our own journeys, we too will experience our own resurrection and a share in Jesus' victory over death. 

So, as we continue forward to our own Jerusalem, let us remember that Jesus suffered as one of us and Easter is a promise to us, too.  Renew your efforts during this last week of Lent.  Listen closely next Sunday as the Passion is proclaimed.  Participate in the various Holy Week liturgies – if you can, go to the Chrism Mass on Tuesday; come experience the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday; come venerate the Cross on Good Friday.  Fast and abstain when you can, and ponder the sacrifice that Jesus willingly took upon himself for us.  And when Easter morning comes, embrace the victory of Jesus over death and the Cross.  For at the end of our own journey, that victory is for us.

The Lord is Close

The Lord is Close
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Friday, March 20, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Today's responsorial psalm comes from Psalm 34, which begins with: "I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth" and ends with: "The LORD is the redeemer of the souls of his servants; and none are condemned who take refuge in him."  In between is the psalmist's exhortation to trust in the Lord as He is close to those who trust in Him.  As we proceed towards the end of our Lenten journey, do we feel that the Lord is indeed close to us?

The Foster Father

The Foster Father
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Thursday, March 19, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

What does it mean to be a "foster father"? To "foster" someone is to encourage or promote the development of the person in a positive manner.  Today we celebrate the solemnity of St. Joseph the husband, and in the optional Gospel from Matthew for today we learn something about what it takes to be a good foster parent.  First, righteousness.  A willingness to face the unexpected and accept It.  And most importantly, a closeness to God in prayer to hear His commands, and the courage to obey them.

Like St. Joseph, we are all called to be foster parents to Jesus in those we encounter in our lives. Do we, like St. Joseph, have what it takes?

The Just Judge

The Just Judge
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Wednesday, March 18, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

We are faced with myriads of choices every day - almost every moment of our life is either making a choice or living with the consequences of that choice.  Therefore, we are, in a sense, judges. Jesus points out today that He doesn't do anything of His own accord, but only according to the Will of His Father, so every choice He makes He does out of love of His Father.  Because of this, He says that He is a "just judge".  Do we seek God's Will in ALL of our choices?

Recognizing Jesus

Recognizing Jesus
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Tuesday, March 17, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Do we recognize Jesus when He appears to us? It is difficult to recognize God if we don't take time to know Him.  Whereas yesterday the synagogue official, after hearing about Jesus, sought Him out, today we see a man who has been sick for so long that his sickness kept him from recognizing Jesus even with Jesus standing in front of him.

What about us? Are we so focused on the problems we face that we fail to recognize Jesus when He comes to us? Do we know who it is that heals us?

Hope, Faith, Belief

Hope, Faith, Belief
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Monday, March 16, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

In today's Gospel, the encounter between the royal official and Jesus progresses through a series of steps.  First, the official has hope because of what he has heard about Jesus; then, in encountering Him, the official believes what Jesus says and has faith that it will occur; and finally, when what Jesus says comes to pass, the official and his whole household come to believe in not only what Jesus says, but in who He is - the Christ.  Where are we the weakest in our relationship with Jesus - our hope for a sign, our belief in His words, or our acceptance of who He is?

Gifts from God

Gifts from God
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Sunday , March 15, 2015  

by Dcn Bob Bonomi

The readings we hear today are those from cycle B and reflect some of the gifts given by God to His children:  forgiveness and the return from exile; the gift of mercy and salvation; the gift of His only Son as the way to eternal life. These are gifts from a loving Father who understands the trials and uncertainty we face daily. Why do we sometimes think that God doesn't know how we feel?

What do YOU Bring to God?

What do YOU Bring to God?
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Saturday, March 14, 2015  

by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Today Jesus compares two men who both go to the Temple to pray. One goes to tell God all the good he does; the other offers the bad he does.  When you go to Mass, which one are you?

How do I Love Me?

How do I Love Me?
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Friday, March 13, 2015  

by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Jesus points out today that the two greatest commandments are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" and to "Love your neighbor as yourself".

In this mixed-up world we live in today it can be difficult to understand what is meant by "love".  Too often we equate it with the passing emotional state or physical desire that passes between two individuals, but love is much more than that.  True love desires only the best for another; to sacrifice for another; to put the well-being of another first, for all eternity.  TRUE LOVE is what God has for each of us.

So, if we reverse the order of these commandments, we see that we must first know how to love ourselves - not with a narcissistic affection which puts ourselves as the center of focus, but recognizing our own intrinsic value because we are a reflection of God and that God is in us.  When we accept that we are lovable because God made us and is in us, we can then understand that in order to love ourselves we need to recognize that our neighbor is also a reflection of God; that in looking into the face of our neighbor we should not only see God but see ourselves.  Finally, if we can understand that we - you and I - are reflections and images of God, then we can understand why the greatest command is to love God with all our heart, our soul, our mind, our strength.  For in truly loving God, we cannot help but love our neighbor - and ourselves.  

Do You Believe in Miracles?

Do You Believe in Miracles?
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Thursday, March 12, 2015  
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Do you believe in miracles? What would it take to convince you that God is alive and working in your life?  In today's Gospel, the crowds were amazed by Jesus' actions with the man who was mute, but despite the spectacular healing that took place, some were quick to assume that it was anything but God involved - even those who believed it was actually an evil power at work!

We, too, see many miracles that occur before our very eyes and yet fail to see the finger of God at work in them.  Especially in the light of the evil that surrounds us, it can be easy to think that we are on our own in facing it and that it is just "luck" or a "coincidence" when something good happens.  But we should never forget that God hasn't forsaken us, and that He is always with us.  If we must take sides in this battle, let us always stand united at the side of Jesus.  Otherwise, we will be scattered among those who are alone and despair.

A Nation of Wise People?

A Nation of Wise People?
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Wednesday, March 11, 2015 

by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Jesus says today that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.  But how different do the Ten Commandments look today:

1. Thou shall have no other gods before Me - except that you cannot acknowledge Me in your schools, your courts, or your speech.
2. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain - except when that prohibition interferes with your right to free speech.
3. Remember to keep the Sabbath holy - unless it interferes with sporting events or shopping.
4. Honor your mother and father - but if they are a burden, then put them away in a nursing home.
5. Thou shall not kill - unless it is an unwanted pregnancy, a convicted criminal, or someone who's illness will end their life anyway.
6. Thou shall not commit adultery - unless one obtains a no-fault divorce or is tired of their current relationship or just looking to have a fling.
7. Thou shall not steal - unless I'm desperate or you have way more than I and I don't think it's fair.
8. Thou shall not bear false witness - unless it can be done anonymously through social media.
9. Thou shall not covet your neighbor's wife - unless she is bored and available.
10. Thou shall not covet your neighbor's goods or anything else that is theirs - unless it is advertised on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" or similar TV program.

In the first reading from Deuteronomy, God said that those who observe His commandments would be known as a "great nation" of "wise and intelligent people".  Wonder what He thinks of us now?

Forgiveness of the Heart

Forgiveness of the Heart
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Tuesday, March 10, 2015 

by Dcn Bob Bonomi

In today's Gospel Jesus commands us to forgive as much as seventy-seven times - basically every time, no exceptions. In light of the evil in the world today, it can seem almost impossible - and yet, we hear almost every day about how someone who has suffered a tremendous wrong forgives their malefactor. 

Forgiveness is more than a word on the lips; it is an attitude of the heart. Or challenge is to find the way to help those being persecuted or injured without becoming violent ourselves. Action is called for but it must be the action of Jesus. Join with Him in praying for peace.

The Lack of a Sign

The Lack of a Sign
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Monday, March 9, 2015 

by Dcn Bob Bonomi

How often do we get angry with God when He refuses to respond to our prayers with some miraculous event, especially when we see something miraculous happen for someone else?  In today's Gospel, Jesus angers the "elect" in the synagogue who are expecting special treatment from him.  They forgot, as we often do, that God Is God to everyone, not just a select few, and His miraculous signs are just that: signs to aid us in our faith, to inspire us, on our journey to God and not our final destination.

Are we ready to accept God and believe through the signs He does for others? Or are we like those in the synagogue who are jealous when we don't get what we want?

The Temples of our Bodies

The Temples of our Bodies
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Sunday, March 8, 2015 

by Dcn Bob Bonomi

One of the reflections that I read today came from "The Word Among Us" and focused on the line from today's Gospel, "Zeal for Your house will consume me." (John 2:17).  It compared the Lord's passion for the Temple in Jerusalem with His passion for us, for our bodies are the temples of His Holy Spirit.  What a thought! I've often been reminded that when we receive the Eucharist, we become tabernacles for the Body of Christ, but I've never thought about how our bodies are also temples. This Gospel reminds us that our bodies are indeed temples for the Risen Lord, just as Jesus referred to His own body as the temple which would rise in three days after it's destruction.

And if we are temples of the Holy Spirit, then the Lord's zeal for God's house extends to each one of us.  He wants to purify us; drive out the sin, the earthly concerns that weigh us down and which consume the space which we need for the Holy Spirit.  We, too, should have that same sort of zeal for God's temples - both in us and in our fellow man.  As we continue through Lent, let us allow the Holy Spirit do some "spring cleaning" within us, and prepare our temples for the Body of Christ.  If you haven't already done so, make time to clean house by the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week.

Encounters With Jesus

Encounters With Jesus
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Saturday, March 7, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

When we hear the parable presented to us in today's Gospel, we usually focus on the wayward younger son, or the resentful older brother, or the loving and merciful father. But the passage begins with how the outcasts were drawing near to Jesus. Or rather, how Jesus drew near to them.

There are two things that we need to be aware of when we see Jesus interacting with sinners and tax collectors. First, Jesus was not afraid to associate with them. And second, He did not compromise His ideals but used the encounters with them to show them a better way to live.

When we deal with those family or friends that have fallen away from the truth, how do we respond? Do we turn our back on them like the Pharisees? Do we silently condone their waywardness and join them? Or, like Jesus, do we love them and show them the way back to God by our lives?

The Return of the King

The Return of the King
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Friday, March 6, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

In the 3rd installment of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Return of the King", the Ruling Steward of Gondor (Denethor) did not want to relinquish control of the kingdom to the rightful king, Aragorn.  Because of the long period of time that had passed since the last king, Denethor thought he should be king by virtue of his and his ancestors' being in control for so long.  He forgot the role of the steward, and he allowed his greed and the power entrusted to him to corrupt him, and it eventually drives him insane.

In today's parable, Jesus points out to the Pharisees and scribes that the power and authority entrusted to them belongs to God and He will hold them accountable for how they use it.  We too have been entrusted with many gifts from God; it's up to us on how to use them as good stewards.  May we use this time of Lent to recognize and use our gifts for His kingdom.

A Superior Attitude

A Superior Attitude
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Thursday, March 5, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

In today's parable on Lazarus and the rich man, I'm always struck with the rich man's attitude towards Lazarus, even while he's experiencing his hellish torment.  He doesn't address Lazarus directly, asking for his help to intercede for him; he knows who Lazarus is but is unapologetic in his previous treatment of him. He still considers Lazarus as little better than a servant and assumes that Abraham does too. He wants Abraham to send Lazarus to help ease his own misery; when that doesn't work he wants to Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers. He cannot accept Lazarus as his equal.

Are there those in our life that we encounter on a regular basis and who exist below our radar? Those who are outside of our "circle"?  Those we feel "superior" to?  We do well to remember that God will hold those who have not in this world closer to him in the next than those who think they have it all and don't need Him.

Be Careful What You Ask For

Be Careful What You Ask For
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Wednesday, March 4, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Today's Gospel might be titled, "Be Careful What You Ask For".  Jesus has just told His Apostles what's going to happen to Him shortly, and it's not going to be pretty. Yet, the only thought in their minds is jockeying for positions of honor. And it must have been in all of their minds. Maybe the other 10 were upset that they didn't think of it first?

How often do we jump into situations without understanding what will be asked of us? As Christians, Jesus makes it clear to us where the true honor lies: serving others without counting the cost.  This is what we should seek; do we really understand what we're asking?

Doing What We Say

Doing What We Say
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Tuesday, March 3, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Today if you call someone a Pharisee, you're probably insulting them.  But we tend to forget that the Pharisees and the scribes were the chosen religious leaders and authorities of their time.  Jesus alludes to this when he tells the people to "do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you." Unfortunately, in focusing on their own self-importance some of them forgot that they, too, were to be examples of what they taught. Being a Pharisee wasn't evil; the example of their life was the problem.

We as Christians are called to be the Pharisees and the scribes of our own time, proclaiming the Gospel teachings to all, especially our families.  But are we really teaching the Gospel by our own lives and actions, or are we examples of "Do as I say, not as I do"?

Intangible and Priceless Gifts

Intangible and Priceless Gifts
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Monday, March 2, 2015 
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Why do we always assume that, whenever we read in the Gospel that we will receive gifts from God, that they must necessarily be related to earthly riches?  If we look closely at the gifts promised by Jesus, we find not material wealth but those intangible and priceless gifts that cannot be purchased by earthly means. Gifts like  Joy (Jn 15:11; 16:24), Peace (Jn 14:27), Courage (Mt 14:27), Everlasting Life (John 11:25-26), Mercy (Lk 1:50; 1 Peter 1:3), Love (Jn 3:16), and Faith (Mk 9:23-24).  These are "gifts" that we cannot purchase because they have already been given to us by God; it is merely for us to "unlock" them through our actions and beliefs.  Through your prayers, fasting and almsgiving this Lent, what gifts are you trying to unlock?

Trusting in God

Trusting in God
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Sunday, March 1, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Those of us with children are probably horrified with the thought of sacrificing one of our children  at the command of anyone (well, there ARE days...), let alone He who we believe is a loving God, but St. Paul reminds us that God also sacrificed His only son for us in order that we could be saved from ourselves. And God had a purpose for Abraham that required Abraham to trust fully in God, since God was going to have him do things that would challenge what Abraham believed was possible, and to give up those things he thought most precious. We too are challenged by God to do things beyond our ability to understand, and to trust in His love and mercy. As we move into this second week of Lent, let us reflect on what we are called to offer to God for His people.