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Have you ever smelled nard, from the spikenard plant? If you haven’t, I hope you get the chance someday. The first time I smelled it in the Holy Land, I couldn’t stop bringing the bottle up to my nose. Imagine what the house smelled like when Mary was anointing Jesus’ feet with the costly nard. The house would have smelled amazing—like mystery and deep love. What strikes me about Mary’s actions in our reading today from John 12 is that Mary can only think of Jesus and her devotion to Him. Her actions signify a desire to pour out every thing for Christ. Judas doesn’t see the pious action for what it’s worth. To him, it’s a waste and ridiculous. When we make a move to give our lives to Christ, Catholic Pilgrims, there will be people who don’t get it. Our devotion will look silly to them or even stupid. They will think we are missing out on something better, like worldly treasures. They may even be envious. At some point in your move to be closer to Christ, someone will try to talk you out of it. It’s “too much” or “a bit over the top.” Pour it all out anyway. Have a blessed Monday of Holy Week. *Picture is of the Spikenard plant
Continue ReadingWhile at my son's jujitsu practice the other day, I was talking with a lady who has a young teenage daughter. We talked about many things and at one point in the conversation, she mentioned that her daughter "believes there's a God, but she doesn't really know what she believes about Him." She continued, "She really has to figure that out for herself. I tell her as long as believing in Him helps her to be good and love people, then that's all the matters." I politely said, "Well, but actually, it's more than that. Jesus didn't come to just help us to be nice people, He came to save us from our sins and offer salvation." She cut me off and started talking about something else that I had to respond to, but I wish I had gotten in one more very important thing about Jesus. It is not enough to just believe that there's a God out there somewhere and that all He wants is for us to be good. In fact, if that is all you think about God, you will find that He completely fades from your mind and you will stop worrying about what is good and what isn't. Your only concern will be what is socially popular. Relationship. You must be in relationship with God. He wants a relationship with us, not just an acknowledgment. That relationship is built by worship at church, prayer, reading God's Word, seeking His will and receiving the Sacraments which give us sanctifying grace. Anyway, I wish I had gotten that in. Maybe I'll get another chance. There is no greater relationship to cultivate than your relationship with the One True God, Catholic Pilgrims. It is well worth the time and effort. Live the Faith boldly and travel well this Friday.
Continue ReadingA Catholic PSA: Social media does not always bring out the best in people. Social media can be used for a lot of positive things, but we must be prudent and choosey on who we allow to speak to our minds and hearts. What I want to caution against today is following any "influencer" that shames or belittles their spouse on social media. We shouldn't be belittling our spouses in private either, but it is especially egregious to trumpet out your criticisms to the wide world. When you married your spouse, you did not marry yourself. You married another unique individual with their own mind and own way of seeing the world. They do not have your brain or thought processes. They are flawed, just as you are and it's important to remember that. There is no perfect marriage out there and we shouldn't pretend that our marriage is perfect. Acknowledging that no marriage is perfect doesn't mean that we have permission to drag our grievances towards our spouse out into the public square, especially when they can't defend themselves. Remember with influencers that we often only hear one side of the story. It's good to talk about issues that may arise in marriage and how to work through them. But, be very wary of following someone that gripes and complains about their spouse for likes and views. And be even more wary of the person that views themselves as never in the wrong and thinks their spouse is the only one that needs to work on themselves. Your spouse is yours to love. Will they always do everything right? No. Will they sin? Yes. Will they hurt you at some point? It is certain. Will you do the same to them? Yes and I highly doubt you would want them creating videos criticizing you to everyone. One of your jobs as a spouse is to guard your spouses dignity and help them get to Heaven. This is not always an easy task, but it is what we are called to do in the Sacrament of Marriage. Follow people that seek to be edifying, Catholic Pilgrims, especially when it comes to living out the married life. Live the Faith boldly and travel well.
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