​Lets Catholics not be like the Pharisees or Scholars!: Tuesday, February 11th, 2020

​The growth of Covenants of the Old Testament until the Eucharist of Jesus: Monday, February 10th, 2020

Martyrs and Witnesses: Thursday, February 6th, 2020: School Mass

5thSunday in Ordinary Time

Light and Darkness…AGAIN!

• I’m not sure if that came to Mass today as the connection of the readings in similar situations, a reminder from God to try it with a better homily, or offer us a new perspective of His Word Light, light, light!
• And this weekend, I think that this light is shown to the world with our service:

1.  “You are the light”
2. “You are the light of the world.”
3. “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;

it is set on a lampstand,where it gives light to all in the house.  Just so, your light must shine before others,that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

1. Imagine the culture of Jesus’ time that needed lamps without electricity

• §  I mean, Buddy Heater ice fishing, tall stands that turns off
• §  If you put the lamp back then is under a basket, or under a bed, isn’t that changing a needed light into a fire or destruction?
• §  And is that what we actually do when we are not giving your good needs?
• In Isaiah

• “Share your bread with the hungry,shelter the oppressed and the homeless;

clothe the naked when you see them,and do not turn your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn…”
“The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.”

• “…he is gracious and merciful and just.  Well for the man who is gracious and lends,who conducts his affairs with justice.”
• Be the light of the world!  Be the light of Koochiching County! 
• And, do you know how much our parishioners have done them for many decades and can support your new or continued service?  Like Ruby’s Pantry, Clothing Closet, Servants of the Shelter, Friends against Abuse and beyond.
• Show your light!

​
 https://bhadrich.podbean.com/e/light-light-light-5th-sunday-in-ordinary-time/​

In the second book of Samuel (chapters 15 and 16), David was experiencing some crazy situations.  As the king, he was being kicked off his throne, and who was kicking him off?  His son, Absalom!  
Have you ever experienced your child that is leaving you, your faith, or your love?
I imagine David getting out of Jerusalem to be protected from his child! And then, here comes another man, an annoyance, or a beat down with words from a coward bully.  Read what he was cursing toward his king:

"As David was approaching Bahurim, a man named Shimei…was coming out of the place, cursing as he came.  He threw stones at David and at all the king's officers, even though all the soldiers, including the royal guard, were on David's right and on his left.  Shimei was saying as he cursed: 'Away, away, you murderous and wicked man!'"

Have you ever had a time when you were having a tough day, and the last thing you needed comes from left field, only to receive more hurtfulness?  I certainly have.

In this narrative, let's continue to read how David was protected:
"Abishai, son of Zeruiah, said to the king: 'Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?  Let me go over, please, and lop off his head.'"

Now, this is undoubtedly a bit intense response as David's protector calling Shimei as a "dead dog" and wanting to "lop off his head"!

But don't we sometimes want to respond to someone who just ticked us off immediately? Don't we react on Facebook, gossip with our friends, our "tribe" to lop off another persons' name or fight with words?
What really inspires me from David is how he responded, not with violence, not with reaction, but thinking about what God may be leading him.  

Again, read King David:
"Then the king said to Abishai and to all his servants: 'If my own son, who came forth from my loins, is seeking my life, how much more might this Benjaminite do so?  Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering this day."
Wow.

What I took from this narrative was to seek true love for my family, even when they may frustrate me.  And let's be honest, sometimes the people we love the most (like our family and friends) may offer the most challenges in our lives.  We are also to pray for our enemies as Jesus taught us in the Scriptures many times.  Lastly, how important it is to settle down, breathe, and discern how we, who may be ready to fight, actually need to open the door of a conversation and love as God's mission may be the opposite of our desires?