Be Like St. Mark

25 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Daily 100, Evangelization

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Evangelization, Mark 16:15-20, St. Mark, St. Mark the Evangelist

St. Mark the Evangelist, Frans Hals, 1625

Today is the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second Gospel. Mark tells us that Jesus told the eleven Apostles, “Go into the world and proclaim the gospel.” Tradition tells us Peter preached in Turkey and Italy, Thomas in India, Philip in Greece, Andrew in Ukraine and Russia. Mark evangelized Egypt. Others went elsewhere. Together, risking their lives, they spread the Good News.

But, they didn’t get everywhere. They saved the low risk people for you and me: our next door neighbors, brothers-in-law, hair dressers, and plumbers.

Be like St. Mark. Go and evangelize!

(Lord Jesus, I give you thanks for the grace of fortitude bestowed on me in the Sacrament of Confirmation that overcomes any fear I may have of evangelizing to those who may not know you. Help us all, Lord, to complete the work of the Apostles, St. Mark and the other Evangelists. Amen.)

(Be Like St. Mark was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

©2013-2022 Reflections of a Lay Catholic. Reposting and sharing of material in its full and original content is permitted, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author(s) and Reflections of a Lay Catholic.

Be Like Peter

22 Monday Feb 2021

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Daily 100

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1 Pt 5:1-4, Mt 16:13-19, Peter, The Rock

In today’s first reading (1 Pt 5:1-4) Peter exhorts the early Church leaders to be examples for their flocks, and Jesus will recognize their efforts. A few years early, Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah (Mt 16:13-19) and set the example for the other disciples. Jesus recognized him and established him as the rock upon which He would build His Church.

We don’t have to be bishops, priests or theologians to be good examples to our parish communities. By living our faith with virtue we, too, can set an example and help others grow closer to Christ. As with Peter, Jesus will reward us.

Be like Peter.

“Lord Jesus, I desire to live my life as an example for others. Today I offer up my work, prayer, joy and suffering in union with Your sacrifice in the Holy Mass, and cheerfully accept the things I don’t like, did not choose and cannot change for the conversion of souls. Amen.”

(Be Like Peter was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

©2013-2021 Reflections of a Lay Catholic. Reposting and sharing of material in its full and original content is permitted, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author(s) and Reflections of a Lay Catholic.

Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad!

15 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Bible Reflections, Daily 100

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Breaking bread, Holy Eucharist, Luke 24:13-35, Ps 118:24, Rejoice, Road to Emmaus

Today is a 2-fer day: two reflections from my prayer and meditation on today’s Scripture.

(A 100-word reflection on Luke 24:13-35 – Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus)

The two disciples with whom Jesus spent the day walking to Emmaus did not at first recognize Him. But, at day’s end, Jesus sat with them “at table, took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight.” (Lk24:30-31)

They thought Jesus had left them. But, He was still there….present in the bread that he’d just consecrated.

I can’t see Him, either. But, He’s still there in the Holy Eucharist which I will soon be able to receive again.

(A 100-word reflection on Ps 118:24)

Before my meditation this morning I looked out my window as the sun was rising in a cloudless bright blue sky over my frosted lawn. A red-breasted robin, perched on a branch of a blooming pink dogwood tree, was checking me out just inches from one window. A few feet outside another window were five goldfinches clinging to my bird feeder having their breakfast.

Then, I read the same verse from Psalms that’s been in the Liturgy every day this week: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!”

I can do that!

“Good and gracious Lord, thank You for the beauty that You bring to each and every day. Help me to always see the beauty of Your handiwork, even in the cloudy and dreary days. And, Lord, may I never fail to rejoice and be glad when I receive Your Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Most Holy Eucharist. Amen.”

(Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad! was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

©2013-2020 Reflections of a Lay Catholic. Reposting and sharing of material in its full and original content is permitted, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author(s) and Reflections of a Lay Catholic.

Recognizing Jesus

14 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Bible Reflections, Daily 100

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Jesus, Jn 20:11-18, Love, Mary of Magdela, Mercy

(A reflection on Jn 20:11-18)

As she wept at His tomb, Mary of Magdela encountered Jesus but didn’t recognize Him until He spoke to her compassionately, saying, “Mary, stop holding on to Me”. Then, obeying her teacher, Mary told the disciples with pure joy, “I have seen the Lord!”

I can’t see Jesus face to face in this life. But, I know He’s present every moment of my day. He sends His love to me through Holy Scripture and through my wife, children, friends and many of life’s circumstances. I need to better recognize Him and live such that others may recognize Him in me.

“Lord Jesus, today I resolve to recognize the kindness of others as Your love poured out through them. And, I resolve to be the instrument through whom your love and mercy may touch others. Amen.”

(Recognizing Jesus was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

What Shall I Do, Lord?

25 Saturday Jan 2020

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Daily 100

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Acts 22:10, Conversion of St. Paul, Meditation, Prayer, Resolution, St. Paul

(A reflection on Acts 22:10)

On this Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul we hear St. Paul ask, “What shall I do, Lord?”, after he is blinded on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians. His question is proof of his instant conversion to follow Christ.

It’s a good question for each of us to ask every day, as well, if we desire to follow Christ and grow in holiness. There’s no better way to begin one’s day than through meditation asking the Lord to reveal His will for us. It’s our job, then, to listen and make a resolution to go do it.

“Heavenly Father, through St. Paul and the other Apostles, the faith was spread throughout the world. As I celebrate his conversion today, I pray that I may follow his witness in at least my little part of the world. Amen.”

(What Shall I Do, Lord?, was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Reflect on Your Experience

26 Thursday Sep 2019

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Bible Reflections, Daily 100

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God first, Haggai, Hg 1:1-8, Prayer

Icon of the Prophet Haggai – Orthodox Church in America

(A meditation on Haggai 1:1-8)

In today’s scripture passage, the prophet admonishes the Israelites for being preoccupied about their personal lives and relegating God, and building His temple, to secondary importance. Their attitude was, “We’ll have time for that after taking care of our own problems.”

Haggai tells them, “Reflect on your experience”, suggesting that if they put God first their troubles may be lessened.

Ouch! Personal self-reflection tells me I’m often no different. How easy it is to get wrapped up in my own daily trials and push God to the side.

What’s keeping you from placing God first in your life today?

“Lord, each morning I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, for union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, for reparation for my sins, for the intentions of my family and friends, and for the intentions of the Holy Father. Help me Lord, to consistently live each moment of the day, recognizing and accepting the nearness of Your presence, and look to you with each test and trial. Amen.”

(Reflect on Your Experience was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

©2013-2019 Reflections of a Lay Catholic. Reposting and sharing of material in its full and original content is permitted, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author(s) and Reflections of a Lay Catholic.

Treasure Hunting

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Bible Reflections, Daily 100, Prayer

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Grace, Joy, Mental Prayer, Mt 13:44, Prayer, Treasure

Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Rembrandt, c. 1630

(A reflection on Mt 13:44-46)

Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure buried in a field which, when found, brings us joy.

God reveals Himself to us through golden nuggets which He scatters throughout our lives. If we close our hearts to these blessings we will never see them. Instead, opening our hearts to His grace allows us to find and appreciate His love.

But, by actively digging for them through daily mental prayer, searching the Word of God for His will for me, I uncover the mother lode of joy-filled grace.

Uncover your treasure through daily mental prayer!

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the treasure of Your grace, and thank You for the desire to mine for it daily. Lord, I pray for all those who need to find a nugget of Your grace in their lives and, when once found, will themselves become devoted treasure hunters. Amen.”

(Treasure Hunting was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Memorial Day

29 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Daily 100, Eucharist, Mass

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Cross, Crucifix, Eucharist, Mass, Memorial Day

Kneeling in prayer before mass on Monday morning, I remembered, honored, and gave thanks for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for the preservation of freedom and liberation from tyranny.

Opening my eyes, I gazed upon Jesus on the Crucifix, Who gave up His life for our sins. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross showed us the way to everlasting life and liberation from slavery to sin.

As He continues to give His life for us and to us in the Holy Eucharist in the Sacrifice of the Mass, every day is Memorial Day.

“Heavenly Father, may all those who have gone before us, who have offered their lives for the protection of our freedom and liberties, find their reward by Your side. May all of us whom they have served never forget their sacrifice. And, Lord, may I never cease to remember, honor, adore and glorify You and give You thanks for Your sacrifice to save me, a sinner. Amen.”

(Memorial Day was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Who Is Imploring You to Be Their Light?

25 Saturday May 2019

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Daily 100, Evangelization, Prayer

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Acts 16:1-10, Evangelizing, John 15:18-21, Light of Love

A mosaic from a mural near the Church of St. Nicholas in Kavala, Macedonia depicting St. Paul’s first step into Europe upon landing in Macedonia in 49 A.D.

(A reflection on today’s scripture from Acts 16:1-10 and John 15:18-21)

I feel certain that Paul’s fervor for spreading the Gospel led him to prayer asking the Holy Spirit to tell him where he should take his ministry. The Holy Spirit answered his prayer in a vision, prompting him to go and serve the people of Macedonia.

In John 15, Jesus tells us that, because He has chosen us, the world hates us.

As I reflect on these passages, I ask myself, “Who is imploring me to be their light that will guide them on their Way?”; and, “What worldly constraints are keeping me from doing God’s will to help them?”

“Holy Spirit, as I drive for the next five hours and as I meditate on this reflection, reveal to me, I pray, to whom You desire I shine the light of Your love; for the Wisdom to identify the worldly constraints that hinder me; and for the Fortitude to overcome them so that I may do Your will. Amen.”

(Who Is Imploring You To Be Their Light? was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Go to Galilee

22 Monday Apr 2019

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Daily 100

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Do Not Be Afraid, Galilee, Jesus, Mt 28:8-10, Risen Lord

(A reflection on Mt 28:8-10)

As the two Marys rushed fearfully and joyfully to tell the disciples what they had seen and heard, they met Jesus on the way. Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee and there they will see me.”

After the intensity of Holy Week – the exhausting emotion of reflecting on Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection – I need to meet Jesus again. And soon. I need to go to Galilee. My Galilee is that place of solitude and silence, where I can spend time with Him in meditative prayer.

Where’s your Galilee?

GO THERE.