Pentecost 4, Proper 8
When Jesus came to the house where the young girl died, he denied her death and the people laughed at him. Sometimes it can be that way for us, too. Even in the face of the help that we need - when the offer is placed squarely before us - we laugh and turn away in scorn instead of welcoming the relief that is available.
Jesus asks the people, "Why do you make a commotion?" That question could just as easily be posed to any of us. Instead of being still to receive, and listening to learn, we make a commotion. We fill the situation with our own static and turmoil because we cannot imagine how any solution beyond our abilities is possible. How could anything happen that we haven't controlled, and understood?
Sometimes the commotion is just a cover-up for our anxiety. Anxiety can mean wringing our hands over things that cannot be changed, or worrying about things that haven't happened and may never happen. Anxiety can mean getting lost in the negative possibilities and worst-case scenarios. Anxiety can waste a lot of energy and time. It's not good for our spirit or our body. And it can be a great distraction from the work of ministry!
Fr. Gehlsen
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Storms in our lives
Have you ever been in a storm? It can be scary, especially if it blows up fast and you're outside in a vulnerable place. We tell our kids to avoid getting caught outside in a storm, but it can happen to any of us.
Some storms don't come with lightning and thunder. We can also encounter scary weather in our lives. Bad things in our work, our family, our friendships, or our parish may blow up suddenly and leave us wondering what comes next. We may feel vulnerable and unsafe in the middle of the storm, especially when we realize our own strength is no match for the threat we're facing. The storm is beyond our control, and we don't know what to do.
The fishermen in the boat with Jesus that evening were frightened and confused. The windstorm blew up, the waves beat into the boat, and it was being swamped. The evening probably didn't start out that way. A crowd had gathered around Jesus, and he set out to cross to the other side of the sea. Then he went to sleep. It seemed peaceful. But the disciples panicked when the windstorm arose, and you can hear their fear in the urgency of what they say to Jesus: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
Jesus pointed them away from fear to faith, and he does the same for us when we face the storms that have blown up in our own lives. We're not alone in the face of any threat. If the threats we face seem more powerful that any resistance we can offer, we can still trust in the power of our Lord, who is with us and available!
Some storms don't come with lightning and thunder. We can also encounter scary weather in our lives. Bad things in our work, our family, our friendships, or our parish may blow up suddenly and leave us wondering what comes next. We may feel vulnerable and unsafe in the middle of the storm, especially when we realize our own strength is no match for the threat we're facing. The storm is beyond our control, and we don't know what to do.
The fishermen in the boat with Jesus that evening were frightened and confused. The windstorm blew up, the waves beat into the boat, and it was being swamped. The evening probably didn't start out that way. A crowd had gathered around Jesus, and he set out to cross to the other side of the sea. Then he went to sleep. It seemed peaceful. But the disciples panicked when the windstorm arose, and you can hear their fear in the urgency of what they say to Jesus: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
Jesus pointed them away from fear to faith, and he does the same for us when we face the storms that have blown up in our own lives. We're not alone in the face of any threat. If the threats we face seem more powerful that any resistance we can offer, we can still trust in the power of our Lord, who is with us and available!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ordinary Time
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER GEHLSEN:
In the season after the feast of Pentecost I can't help but wonder how we set the workings of the Spirit aside. I don't believe we do it on purpose, but we get so caught up in the days of summer that sometimes religious commitment isn't on the top of our priority list.
The Pentecost event is so powerful and so dynamic that an indelible mark should be within us. The passion of the Spirit should be directing us to share our gifts and talents like the disciples and apostles. We probably won't be able to speak in different languages, but we can be attentive to those around us who manifest fear, worry, sickness, societal troubles, family issues, and personal hardships. It was the apostles who eventually brought the hope of resurrection and healing to all hardships in life.
We are called in the same manner as the apostles to be alert to the needs and spiritual concerns of others. Summer doesn't lighten our loads of Baptismal Covenant Ministry. We are to be vigilant and awake to respond to the needs of those around us.
Have a wonderful Summer!!
Fr. Tom
In the season after the feast of Pentecost I can't help but wonder how we set the workings of the Spirit aside. I don't believe we do it on purpose, but we get so caught up in the days of summer that sometimes religious commitment isn't on the top of our priority list.
The Pentecost event is so powerful and so dynamic that an indelible mark should be within us. The passion of the Spirit should be directing us to share our gifts and talents like the disciples and apostles. We probably won't be able to speak in different languages, but we can be attentive to those around us who manifest fear, worry, sickness, societal troubles, family issues, and personal hardships. It was the apostles who eventually brought the hope of resurrection and healing to all hardships in life.
We are called in the same manner as the apostles to be alert to the needs and spiritual concerns of others. Summer doesn't lighten our loads of Baptismal Covenant Ministry. We are to be vigilant and awake to respond to the needs of those around us.
Have a wonderful Summer!!
Fr. Tom
A Little Thing
Little things can really be big things! A small stream can eventually wear away a might rock. A small favor can sometimes reconcile an enemy, or make a friend. A small encouragement can brighten another person's day, or make a daunting task seem much less difficult. A small detail can sometimes be the difference that makes an outstanding performance. A simple expensive gift in significance. A life-changing event can happen in a moment.
Nothing is small or insignificant when it come to faith. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a small mustard seed. The seed may seem insignificant, but it can grow into the greatest of shrubs. The significance of the seed is not in its initial identity, but in its magnificent potential. If we see only the seed, and ignore what it can become, we seriously misunderstand. It can become much more than a small, individual seed.
Our imperfect love is the seed of faith. God perfects our imperfection, and will draw the seed of our faith into the fullness of glory.
Father Tom Gehlsen
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