How does someone pray? What are the practical tips that can help us grow closer to the Lord and one another?
This presentation was given at “Theology on Tap” at Dubh Lihn’s in Duluth, MN on November 11, 2013.
If you have 30 minutes and want some helpful pointers for better prayer, then this podcast is for you!
Are you looking for a quick and practical audio retreat? Perhaps this is for you…
The following three talks were given at a Catholic Men’s Retreat sponsored by the Knights of Columbus in Hayward, WI on September 13, 2014.
In these talks you will find a practical exploration of some ways that we can grow closer to the Lord through Study, Prayer, and Service; it should be no surprise to my readers! These “Three Great Things” are the very foundation of this site, and it seemed only fitting to spell out a few opportunities that we have to deepen our relationship with Christ.
All three talks are freestanding: you can listen to them alone or together as a set. It should become readily apparent, however, that these three are interrelated – prayer and service; service and study; study and prayer – they build, support, and give meaning and purpose to one another. Yet by engaging each one separately, it is my hope that we can tease out some everyday opportunities that foster our faith and offer ready made applications for life.
When you click on the underlined/bold text, you will be redirected to a site where you can hear the talks.
1st Talk – Study: Some intellectual ways we can learn and develop
2nd Talk – Prayer: Practical points that speak to different styles that help us cultivate our relationship with the Lord
3rd Talk – Service: A simple method and application to personal approaches that make a difference in the world
My prayer for 2015: that we all draw near to Jesus Christ (in any number of unique and practical ways) through our Study, Prayer, & Service!
I have begun to include podcasts of my homilies and talks. Forgive me if the formatting is a little awkward…I am learning!
This Advent reflection was one of the talks given at a retreat that was offered on December 6, 2014. Six categories are touched upon in this talk:
These areas are meant to help us do two things:
Click on this link below if you wish to hear this 40 minute presentation.
Advent Reflection – Seeking the Face of Christ
Study: When have I experienced a life-changing moment? How has this helped me to become a better person?
Pray: Ask God for guidance to face new challenges with courage and strength.
Serve: How can I help someone in the midst of great change? How can I support them?
There are moments in life which transform us forever. During these times we experience profound and lasting change, and from these moments we find that we are a different person with new insights and awareness.
Sometimes this process of change can take a protracted period of time – weeks or even months may pass while we are in a period of transition and renewal. Sometimes, however, the transformation takes a single moment; an event or encounter can completely alter the course of our lives.
The baptism of Jesus was just such a life changing experience. This event is the first step in the adult life of Christ. Here is a simplified review:
* Jesus (as an adult) is baptized by John
– the Father and Holy Spirit are present!
* Jesus goes immediately to the desert
– he spends 40 days in solitude
* Jesus is tempted by Satan
– he confronts 3 tests of faith
* Jesus begins his ministry
– he preaches, heals, and picks disciples
John’s baptism initiates a series of events that lead to the transformation of the adult Jesus. Outside of the birth narratives in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, nothing is really known about the Lord until this moment. Indeed, it is from this point on that Jesus must confront the revelation of his mission on earth.
Some scholars argue that after his baptism Jesus became fully aware of his ministry and ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. It was at this point that he began to understand the fullness of his Father’s plan. This is why he went to the wilderness immediately after his baptism – he needed to think things out! This is why the devil came to him there – in hope that Jesus could be tempted NOT to fulfill his mission.
It was his baptism – a public event – that allowed the Lord (and other people as well) to see the plan of salvation. In a single moment history changed as Jesus begins his earthly ministry.
Our own transformations can be equally vivid. May we see in the Lord’s baptism a sign that we too can change, growing closer to God, aware of how our lives can bring life and hope to others.
Study: When did you experience a moment of profound insight that led you to action?
Pray: Are there any major decisions or challenges in your life right now? Pray for the light to see your way, and the courage to carry it out!
Serve: Is there someone in your life in need of light? Can you help them understand or give them strength to support their actions?
Think for a moment about all the different ways we respond to light:
* Christmas lights
* Stop and Go lights
* Night lights
* Flashlights
* Candlelight
* Lantern light
* Key chain & Pocket lights
* Car lights
* and many, many, more!
All these lights surround us and help us navigate our everyday activities. They bring guidance, comfort, joy, understanding, and security to our lives. Indeed, light is a precious gift that brings meaning and purpose to our world.
Yet it is not enough for light to simply shine upon us; light is the beginning – but it evokes and calls forth a response from us.
Look at it this way. A stop-and-go traffic light cannot simply be seen; it must be followed and acted upon (or else you are likely to get rear-ended). Failure to respond to the light leads to difficulty, while those who are guided by the light and act accordingly find their way.
We hear about light in the Gospel today. The Magi observed the light, and they followed and searched until they understood what it meant. The light was the beginning; only through their journey and response did they discover the precious gift of Jesus – the Light of the World.
Many saw the light. It was there in the sky for all to see. Yet only a few responded and recognized that the starlight was a sign from God. Thus, it was not enough just to see; for indeed we celebrate those who both saw and acted upon the light.
It is our belief that God continues to shine upon us today. The Light of Christ burns brightly – in the Scriptures, the Sacraments, moral teachings, our conscience, our prayer, and the comfort and support of family and friends.
Yet even as God is revealed to our world the light alone is not enough. We, too, are invited to act as the Magi and respond to the light. May we open our eyes and our hearts this day, recognizing the Lord and responding to His Light.
Study: Is there anything in my life that is not ready for the coming of Christ? Do I have any unfinished or unresolved issues that I can address?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the help and strength to be truly present in the next few days. Gatherings can be challenging – what do we need from the Lord to help us live as followers of Jesus?
Serve: Is there someone who you can help who is not ready? Is there a way that you can support another who is perhaps struggling to prepare? What good work or kind word can you offer?
This weekend we make the final turn in our Advent season and prepare for Christmas this coming week. Here are some thoughts to consider as we make our final preparations.
1. What are my priorities this week?
– Is it things? (shopping, gifts, etc.)
– Is it safe travel?
– Is it people? (family and friends)
– Is it prayer? (or even the Lord?)
I mention this first because there are many things we WANT to be our top priorities, but we often find that situations and events can be forced upon us. We sometimes find ourselves reacting to expectations and lose our focus and perspective.
Perhaps a few moments in our own reflection (alone or with others) will help us remember why we are taking the time and effort to celebrate this coming week. The danger happens when we do not choose our values, but instead let someone else tell us what we are suppose to make important.
2. How will I spend my time this holiday?
– with people
– with the Lord in prayer
– at work (I fall in this category!)
Many of us must respond to events outside our control over the next few days: work, travel, and sometimes awkward situations with other people (a.k.a. – someone you desperately want to avoid). Time remains our most precious possession; how are we living the gift God gives to us?
3. What will be my attitude?
In then end there are very few things which remain entirely in our control. The weather can change in a matter of hours, roads and travel conditions can become treacherous, and situations can become tense, frustrating, and unhappy.
When we find ourselves less than jolly, how do we express it? Do we take our stress out on others, or do we take a deep breath and put our faith into practice (you know: patience, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, love, trust, etc…..)? Are we constantly reacting to life, or do we proactively choose how we will proclaim the Good News of Christ in our words and actions?
May this holiday be a time of rich blessings to us all!
Study: What parts of my life are not consistent with the Gospel? Do I say one thing and do another? Is there a part of my life that needs to be changed?
Prayer: Do I take the time to bring my fragile weaknesses to God? Do I honestly admit to the Lord that I need help and strength?
Serve: How can I be a living “mirror” to help others see more clearly? How can I do this with love and gentleness?
I once spent a day with a friend of mine who works on old homes. He upgrades the efficiency and safety of the building, while preserving the original materials and style. He showed me a home he was just starting so I could see how the process evolved.
He brought me to a beautiful home. It had an elegant garden, a well cared-for appearance, and a fresh coat of paint. I looked at him and said, “What’s wrong? The house looks great!”
He replied by taking out of his van an infrared camera, pointed it toward the house, and said, “Now look at the house through this. What do you see?” As I gazed through the camera I noticed that the house was one large orangish-red haze, with bright red spots everywhere.
He looked at me and said, “The red you see is from the escaping heat. The house is beautiful, but it is bleeding energy. Sometimes you have to look with a different lens if you want to see clearly.”
Looking at houses taught me that there is often more to something then first meets the eye. In the Gospel today, Luke shows two men who go to the temple area to pray. The first man, a Pharisee relates to God the many good things he is doing, speaking as an upright citizen who fasts and tithes.
The second man is a tax collector, a person often despised by the community for greedy and dishonest practices. The tax collector makes no boast of his good deeds – he has none. All he asks is for God’s mercy upon his sinful life.
Normally, people would point to the Pharisee and say he is a good person while the tax collector is wicked. Yet Jesus points out that only one man’s prayers were heard. The tax collector went home justified, not because of his actions, but because he recognized that without God’s help he was beyond mercy and hope.
The Pharisee’s actions were acceptable and correct, but because he trusted that the efforts were enough, he failed to realize that he too was a sinner in need of God’s grace. While his actions were right his trust was misplaced; he believed that by himself he could gain God’s favor.
Life teaches us that not everything is as it seems. May we open our eyes in our prayer to acknowledge those times when we have fallen short of God’s mercy, recognizing our need for the Lord in our lives. And may we do the same for those who – in their weakness – cross our path each day.
Study: How can I share the time, talents, and treasure that God has given me?
Pray: Where do I hear the Lord’s voice calling me today?
Serve: Who has the Lord put in my life? Who can I help today?
What does it mean to be a good servant? The Gospel parable offers a simple illustration for our reflection today. Each of us has work to do; our vocation (whatever it is) leads us to particular tasks and duties. Let’s break it down:
* What does it mean to be a good person?
* How am I called to live in the world?
* How does my faith direct me to live?
* Who are the people I care for in my life?
* What tasks are set before me to do?
The fact is, we all have a part to play in this life. We all have people to serve, work to do, and examples to offer to those around us. These tasks may vary with our age, gender, education, and resources – but they are all part of God’s call to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The point of the parable is that we should not think that the work we do has special merit. Just because the Lord blesses us with unique resources or gifts does not entitle us to privilege. We are called to do our work, mindful that it is our part in God’s plan.
This means that we do our work with care, attention, and purpose. We do this not because we seek special treatment, but because the Lord invites us to share our talents for the greater good of all. It is not enough to go through the motions; we offer the best of our lives that we might make a difference!
As servants of Jesus Christ we are commanded to follow the Lord throughout this life until we are called home. And when we stand before the Lord we will discover both what we did with our lives and what we failed to do. In all this we live that we might be good servants – willing to carry out the task at hand.
We turn to our faith in our moments of need. We pray that God will assist us in our times of trial, that we will offer the best we have in our service. We look to the Lord for guidance and strength. We trust that the Christ will never leave us.
It is this faith that sustains us when doubt and fear surface in our hearts. It is this faith that supports us when we feel alone. And it is this faith that becomes the bedrock for our service – that we might be good servants, following the Master’s call.
Study: Do I use my resources justly and prudently? Am I a good steward of what I have received?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance to use the things of this world wisely.
Serve: Is someone in need that you can help right now? Is there a way you can make a difference in the life of another today?
The readings this week all have some bearing on the relationship between the Church and society. This includes elements of social justice, politics, and wealth. Here is a quick overview:
First – condemns those who cheat the poor
Psalm – God cares for the poor and lowly
Second – pray for civic leaders
Gospel – the unjust steward; the use of wealth
In the first reading the prophet Amos preaches against those who would take advantage of the poor. Buying and selling are their concerns, even if it causes pain and suffering. Amos reminds the people that God will judge!
The psalm shows both the glory of the Lord and his care for the poor. God knows the needs of the oppressed, and the Lord will raise them up on the day of vindication.
The second reading exhorts the people to pray for all leaders, regardless of their beliefs. Christians are commanded to pray for the good of the world, that peace and tranquility may exist here on earth. We also pray that the world will come to know the Lord (and that begins with our hearts!).
Finally, in the Gospel we have two elements. First we hear about an unjust steward, who has cheated and betrayed his master. When told he will be dismissed, he takes matters into his own hands in order to insure that other people will welcome him.
Second, there follows a string of sayings on the right use of wealth. These sayings point out that faith, integrity, and common sense will quickly be apparent, especially for those who practice good stewardship in their lives.
The fact is, we cannot cut ourselves off from the world; indeed, we profess that much of life is filled with blessings and gifts that are precious, holy, and wonderful. HOW WE USE THIS WORLD is the challenge!
We are commanded to protect the poor and vulnerable. We are called to pray for our leaders and work for a world of justice and peace. We are challenged to be good stewards of all that we receive, mindful that the Lord gave it to us, and one day the Lord will take it back.
Study: Where do you find stillness in your life? Where is a calm spot where you can slow down and listen?
Pray: Consider making a commitment to praying in a peaceful place for a few days. How does your prayer change when you can be still and listen to Christ?
Serve: Can your service help another find peace and stillness? Can you help others in such a way that they have an opportunity to listen to the Lord?
One of the great gifts of summertime is the potential for quiet moments in nature:
* Watching a campfire
* Time in the garden
* The beauty of a sunrise or sunset
* The stillness of the water
* The quiet before (or after) a storm
Moments like these are filled with chances to listen – to our hearts, our bodies, our family and friends, and the world around us. In these quiet moments we slow down to experience the beauty and truth that God showers upon us.
What’s important to note is that these times are not filled with activity, but stillness. It is in these moments when we are quiet that we actually listen and see God at work in our life. These insights happen when we stop and pay attention to the wonder around us.
This is what we find in the Gospel today. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to his words with complete and utter concentration. When Martha (who was preparing the food and getting the house ready to welcome the Lord) complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus rebukes her – not because the work was unimportant, but because in life there is also a time and place to listen!
The need to listen is crucial, not only in life but in our life of faith. We know that we cannot work around the clock; we need time to rest and renew our hearts. We know that we cannot always be in constant motion (in action or in speech); indeed, there are times when we need to draw strength from the wisdom and beauty of others.
We find these moments in practical ways that are both accessible and powerful:
* Daily prayer (alone or with others)
* Reading the Scriptures
* Mass
* Quiet moments (inside or outside)
* Experiencing nature (see above!)
These are moments when we, like Mary, slow down and allow the Lord to teach and strengthen us. Today we can pause and allow the Lord to love us; right now we have the chance to listen – hearing the faith, hope, and love we share as we sit at the feet of Jesus.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 