God's Grace in Repentance

Dear Friends -

As we come to the fourth Sunday in Lent, we continue our theme of Meeting God's Grace - in Repentance.

Repentance is relatively easy to understand, but oftentimes hard to do.  Repentance starts with a change of mind. But in what sense and with what other results? Some say that a mind change is all God’s grace requires for repentance, but others, including me, suggest that we are required to change our lives and to turn away from sin and turn towards God.

It seems to me that several things go along with true repentance, and it cannot do without them. God’s grace, in granting repentance, requires these things:

1  God's Grace Teaches Goodness

Goodness instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live in a self controlled, upright, and godly manner in the present world.  Clearly these concepts of goodness are easy to understand but may take a lifetime of practice to achieve.

2  Grace Imposes Responsibility

As God's children, we are challenged to live responsibly.  Some of that responsibility includes controlling our bad habits and lusts and really trying to be holy in all our conduct.  To know what God wants of us is only the first step to starting a life in conformity with that knowledge, that is, God's truth for us and the world.

3  Grace Inspires Action

As God's goodness leads us to repentance, the changes we make in our lives encourage and bless us to practice our faith fully - in good times and in bad.  The Scriptures are filled with stories that remind and even warn us that God will render to each one of us according to our deeds. There will be eternal life to those who are patient in doing good and there will be indignation and wrath to those who are self-­seeking and do not obey the truth.  The one led to repentance by God’s goodness is the one who works toward what is good.

4  Grace Insists on Change

God's grace gives us the power to make radical changes in our lives. It means, in so many ways, that we cease to live in disobedience and we start living in Christ and in obedience to all Christ asks of us.   The words that we started Lent with, as the ashes were imposed on our heads captures this entire message: "TURN FROM SIN AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL."

5  Grace Encourages Excellence

God encourages us to aspire to excellence and to work toward it sincerely and fruitfully under the grace of Christ.

What goes with repentance and what does grace require?

G oodness

R esponsibility

A ction

C hange

E xcellence

As the days of Lent quickly pass, meeting God's Grace in repentance challenges us to change.  Alone we can do nothing, but with God and God's Grace, all things are possible.

RSM

God's Grace in Hunger

Dear Friends:

The organization Bread for the World tells us that everyone feels hungry on a daily basis. Most people are able to satisfy this craving and need. Even if not immediately, they can count on having a meal or snack within hours.

Tragically, some of our brothers and sisters in the world who suffer chronic hunger don’t have the option of eating when they are hungry. They do not get enough calories, essential nutrients, or both. People who are hungry have an ongoing problem with getting food to eat. They have a primary need — how to feed themselves and their children today and tomorrow. They have little energy for anything else.

It is commonly known that the cause of hunger in the world is not a shortage of food but rather access to food.  Some people are hungry because food is in short supply in their area and for a specific reason. It may be because they can’t afford to buy enough food. It may be both.

Some countries have a “hunger season” every year. It's when the previous harvest is gone and the next harvest is not yet ready.

The United States doesn’t have that kind of a hunger season, but for many families, some weeks are hungrier than others. These usually come toward the end of the month, as families run short of food before they have money to buy more. People can’t simply decide to spend less on rent, but if necessary, they can spend less on food.

For many low-wage workers, retirees, people with disabilities, and their families, even careful planning cannot stretch the grocery budget throughout the month. Less expensive — and less nutritious — filler foods can keep children’s stomachs from growling, but they can’t provide what children need to grow and learn. Adults who are missing meals because they can’t afford to buy food can’t concentrate as well at work.

We know that hunger and thirst are natural expressions of the basic human desire and need for food and water. One of the clear indicators that something is wrong physically is when we lose our appetite. It is the same spiritually. To hunger and thirst for God is at the very root of our being. It’s the way God made us. When there is no hunger for the presence of God, it is an indicator that something is wrong spiritually. Because that hunger is so basic to human nature, it can often seek fulfillment in other areas rather than in seeking God. Much as eating unhealthy junk food can dull physical appetite, so that which is not of God can dull our spiritual appetite.

Our search for happiness and fulfillment in any area except in our relationship with God is a clear indication of our spiritual hunger. It may be in human relationships, quest for power or money, or escape to physical pleasure. Sometimes, when overwhelmed by temptation, we allow our appetite for God to be dulled by other things . . . even religious things. Some churches are filled with believers who are so satiated by activities, programs and projects that they no longer have a hunger for God.

So many today snack their way through the day on “junk-food” activities and then find they have no time to “feast” with God. We complain about our “busyness” and tiredness, but that is typically a spiritual problem more than a problem of schedule. Sometimes we desire everything except God. We take God in small doses throughout the day and week and somehow hope that on Sunday we can “catch up” on our time with the Lord.

As we continue our Lenten journey, we come to Meeting God's Grace in Hunger - physical hunger and spiritual hunger.  This Lent, let's commit to satisfying both - for ourselves and those around us!

Blessings!

RSM

With thanks to:

1. https://www.bread.org/

2. https://www.harvestprayer.com/resources/personal-2/hungering/

Stepping up in Times of Crisis

Our Christian faith tells us that we are capable of great things. We know that under the right circumstances we can go far and accomplish the incredible. But what about in challenging times?  What about today as we face the onset of the coronavirus?

We believe that we can do these great things together, even in the face of adversity because Jesus tells us "I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Having heard that the spread of COVID-19 has reached the pandemic stage, it's time for Christians and all people of good will to step up and put our best selves forward to care for one another.

Unfortunately, in times of crisis, we see both - people at their best and people at their worst.  Let's aim for the former, becoming the best version of ourselves. But how? I offer the following:

1. Focus

2. Calm

3. Motivation

4. Clarity

5. Energy

6. Connectedness

7. Service

Focus

There are lots of reports out there: newscasts, newspapers, TV talk shows, podcasts, radio talk and people's personal blogs.  At times like this, it's important to focus on the facts.  All reports are not equal in value and some words can actually cause more harm and anxiety than relieve it.  For the best information, follow the developments on the Center for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov.

Calm

In the technological age, we have grown accustomed to instant words, instant reactions, and instant answers.  We have already seen that there will be nothing instant about dealing with this virus, except that people are infected and affected rather quickly.  Our response needs to be measured, calm and careful.  It's better to remain calm, breathe and think through how to deal with the matters at hand as they arise rather than try to find the quick fix, which can actually do more damage.  Looking ahead and having a plan is also helpful.

Motivation

With all the talk about quarantine and self-isolation, we may be persuaded to remove ourselves and let someone else deal with the issues caused by the virus.  Depending on our health status, and our state in life, everyone can do something - even just call an elderly friend or relative to check in.  Imagine how things would be so much better if each of us was motivated every day even to do just one thing for someone else.

Clarity

Pandemics can cause a great amount of need quickly, with what seems to be little or no relief in sight.  We are called to first manage expectations - our own and those of others - as to what each of us can realistically do.  Clarity in our role will help each member of our community to do what one can, without overextending.

Energy

As the days become weeks and the weeks become months, response fatigue will surely kick in, especially for those who have jumped in fully.  For people of faith, our strength is in the Lord. Take time each day to pray, to read God's word, to receive the Eucharist, and to connect to God, the ultimate source of our energy.

Connectedness

Christians, by nature, are community people.  The rapid spread of this virus throughout the world has clearly demonstrated that we are connected to our brothers and sisters in countries near and far.  It also underlines that our faith will have no boundaries, geographic or otherwise. As we connect with one another in these days, we can also be connected to those who may not have the same opportunity or resources.

Service

No doubt we have heroes among us - from the health care provider, to the first responder, to the scientists working on discovering the vaccine, to the family member caring for a sick relative or friend.  All of us are called to greatness in these days, and that greatness will manifest itself in service.  Everyone cannot do everything, but all of us can do something.

Finally,  the Scriptures remind us to be strong and courageous. God's word tells us clearly to not be afraid or terrified because the LORD our God goes with us; he will never leave us nor forsake us.

Let's trust in those words and do the best we can, for one another, with God's help.

RSM