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?