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.

Praying Against Hate

Praying Against Hate
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Saturday, Feb. 28th, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

Jesus gives us a tough command in today Gospel - love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  In light of all that is happening in the world today, it seems like an impossible command. But love is a choice more than an emotion, and prayer is stronger than any earthly weapon. Let us turn to God in our tears and pray that others turn to him too.

High Standards of Virtue

High Standards of Virtue
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Friday, Feb. 27th, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

How often do we think that there are evils done by others so great that even God cannot possibly forgive them, or that He won't forgive us for the evils we have done?  We'd be wrong in both cases.  As Ezekiel points out, as long as we still breathe it is never too late for anyone to do the right thing. If we repent - change our ways - and follow the path laid out for us by Jesus, then we will preserve our eternal life.  No matter the evils in our past.

The challenge for us, if we are trying to live a virtuous life, is to not slip up and return evil for evil.  We must always believe in the infinite mercy of God toward others - and to us.  If we fail to accept that God forgives others, then we risk judging and condemning them - a sense of self-righteousness where we reject God and make ourselves into gods.  Or, if we fail to accept that God forgives us, then we reject God's grace which we need in order to overcome our own failings.

Jesus sets high standards for us to follow.  But if we accept God's grace and mercy and let ourselves be guided by His Holy Spirit, then we'll find that living that virtuous life isn't as difficult as it seems.  Lent is the perfect time for us to embrace that grace.

Praying Carefully

Praying Carefully
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Thursday, Feb. 26th, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

In today's first reading, Queen Esther prays that God would turn King Ahasuerus's "heart to hatred" toward Haman and his followers, because of the evil that they intended for the Jews.  With the evil in today's world, especially toward Christians, we, too, may be easily tempted to pray for the destruction of those who persecute us.  But we must be careful for what we pray for, for God hears our prayers.

God seeks lost souls.  Our prayers, then, must be those of Jesus - for the conversion of hearts.  For it is only through the action of the Holy Spirit in converting the hearts of those who hate that we will be able to find peace.  The early Christians died with forgiveness on their lips and love in their hearts. And if there is love in the heart, then there will be no room for hate.  So, when we knock, when we seek, when we pray, it must be without ceasing for that love.  Only God's love will heal our broken world.

Signposts Ahead

Signposts Ahead
A Lenten Minute Reflection for Wednesday, Feb. 25th, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi

"Jesus said to them, 'This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.' " (Luke 11:29)

How often in our lives do we demand a sign from God to prove that He exists and that He hears us?  We challenge Him with, "If you loved me you would ... " - well, you can fill in the blank.  In reality, we aren't looking for proof for His existence; we are trying to manipulate Him to conform to our will.  

Signs from God aren't meant to satisfy our short-term needs, but rather to call us to conversion for our long-term salvation.  Are we open to the signs of Jonah in today's world as they call us to repentance?