Rediscover your faith with Bishop John Noonan as he gives spiritual reflections to deepen your understanding and love for Catholicism. His letters to the faithful are a call to teach and live the Light of Christ toward Goodness, Righteousness and Truth.
#17: PrayersI begin these thoughts with the prayer from Scripture; that of Ephesians, Chapter 1. The prayer of St. Paul moves from God and Christ to the Ephesians and the church. St. Paul asks that the blessing imparted by God the Father be strengthened in the Ephesians through the message of the Gospel, for the Ephesians were somewhat fickle in following Jesus and thus, losing hope.
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#16: ForgivenessOn Wednesday, August 26, during his catechesis for the General Audience, Pope Francis said, “In the face of the pandemic and its social consequences, many risk losing hope. In this time of uncertainty and anguish, I invite everyone to welcome the gift of hope that comes from Christ. It is He who helps us navigate the tumultuous waters of sickness, death and injustice, which do not have the last word over our final destination.” If it is true that no one can save him/herself on his/her own, then our need, our longing for hope must give way to prayer.
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#15: Follow JesusWith the pandemic still at large, I pray that you can better understand Jesus’s words from St. Matthew Chapter 16. Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for His coming death. Jesus wants them to know about what following Him involves, what true discipleship means for their daily living…
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#14: House of PrayerWhat is the line of divide among us? Is it wearing a mask vs. not? Is it having food vs. not? Or living in one section of a town vs. another? Is it the color of one’s skin? Is it one denomination vs. another? Is it the nationality of one vs. another? Is it the political party to which we profess? Is it old vs. young? From the beginning of time and throughout the ages, God has called us to Him and declared us sacred…
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- #13: Compassion
Name one person whom you love. Name two people. Name five people whom you love. Think now of all the worries you have, all the confusion, all the discomfort in living in this world today. The most important part of your daily living is the people whom you love.
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- #12: Carriers Of Good News
Who carries the Good News this day? The local media? Social media? National news? My sisters and brothers, the carrier of the Good News is each one of you! We cannot rely on others to tell our stories of faith. We must individually and collectively speak the richness of God’s goodness and live so that God’s goodness flourishes upon this earth.
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- #11: The Bread Of Life
What is a desert experience? When I think of a desert, I think of dry land with sand all around. I think of earth scorching my bare feet. I think of a blistering sun upon my skin. I think of profound loneliness. I think of an extraordinary thirst for water, for life.
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#10: Bread AloneBread. It is one of the four major food groups. It was sustenance for the Israelites throughout their journey in the desert. It was an essential part of the meal in which Jesus and his disciples shared. It was the source of revelation to the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. For us as Catholics, when consecrated the bread becomes the Real Presence of Christ among us.
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#9: Be HolyWe may think that holiness is reserved for a priest or religious sister or for someone who is often seen at the church praying. When you arise in the morning and make ready for the day, look in the mirror. I hope that you see a model for holiness!
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#8: GraspWhat strong and beautiful words we hear proclaimed in Scripture on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Think of the imagery from the words of the Prophet Isaiah: I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people. To grasp someone’s hand effects a sense of urgency, a desire for the person. God chooses us and forms us. We fulfill His covenant; that is, we carry forth His light for all the nations.
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