Be Amazing!

28 Sunday Jun 2026

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Baptism, Charity, Confirmation, Eucharist, Evangelization, Faith, Grace, Gratitude, Holy Communion, Jesus, Love, Matrimony, Mercy, Mt 8:5-17, Prayer, Reconciliation, Roman centurion, Sacraments, Trust

A reflection on Matthew 8:5-17

I retired from my parish staff position back in April for a variety of reasons, two of which were to take care of things around our house and property that haven’t got done over the last three years, and to regain a satisfactory prayer life that suffered due to the hours I worked. Now, I’m able to spend sufficient time in prayer each morning before donning work clothes and heading outside. The long hours of daylight are allowing me to get much done, but by the time I wrap things up, it’s too late to write any reflections on what might have inspired me during my morning prayer. Such was the case yesterday. But, I feel like it is blog worthy so I’m going to post it a day late anyway.

Saturday’s Gospel was from Mt 8:5-17, the instance when the Roman centurion appealed to Jesus to cure his paralyzed and suffering servant. When Jesus responded that He would come and cure him, the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” The centurion must have witnessed some miracles performed by Jesus and knew in his heart that all Jesus needed to do was ‘say the word’ and his servant would be healed. There was no need for Jesus to go to his house. The centurion’s faith so amazed Jesus that he proclaimed, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith!”

The centurion’s reply to Jesus should sound familiar to us. At every Mass during the Liturgy of the Eucharist we nearly mimic his words when we respond to the priest’s invitation to Communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” As I read those words I had to ask myself, “Does my faith amaze Jesus?”, and, perhaps more importantly, “If not, what can I do so that it will amaze Him?”

First of all, do I say the centurion’s words with faith, trusting that my prayer will be answered? Sometimes, but sometimes I just rotely repeat them while my mind wanders. And what does it mean for my soul to be healed? Well, I think it means many things, two of which are to be healed from doubt and other mental intrusions, like anxiety and busyness, that sneak in and supplant strong faith, and to be healed from succumbing to the variety of bad habits and temptations for venial sins and the occasional mortal sin. I know I can’t overcome these hurdles by myself, but do I truly believe that I can with Jesus’ help?

Spending quality time with Jesus in daily meditation will surely make my faith stronger. Conversing with Him, letting him know what’s going on in my life, my struggles and my joys, and listening to His response and direction will help me uncover my vices and replace them with virtues.

How much time do I spend being thankful for all the blessings He bestows on me. Although I give thanks every day, it’s probably not enough. Jesus asks us to pick up our crosses and follow him. How often do I complain about my predicaments and undesired situations? Too often. And do I thank Him even for the things I didn’t choose, don’t like, and can’t change, knowing that He’s allowing them to make me more dependent on Him? Not nearly enough.

Do I stop to reflect on the many graces I’ve received through the Sacraments? Through Baptism, Christ infused the grace of charity into my soul. How often do I utilize that grace and pay it forward by practicing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy? I can do better. I know that the Sacrament of Holy Communion gives me the strength to live a morally right and just life, but do I call that to mind at the moment of decision before committing an improper action or failing to do a proper one? Again, I can do better. Have I let fear override the grace I received from my Confirmation that gives me the fortitude to proclaim the gospel to others and evangelize? (Ah, finally one with which I think I do well!) Do I walk out of the confessional after receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation feeling renewed because I’ve been absolved from my sins and given the grace to resist repeating them again? (Yes!, another one with which I can happily say, “I’m all in!”) Do I believe that I’ve been given all the graces necessary in the Sacrament of Matrimony to love unselfishly for the greater good and joy of my spouse? I believe it but, unfortunately, I sometimes forget it.

It’s obvious that, although I’d like to be, I’m not an amazing person. I have work to do.

How about you? Does your faith amaze our Lord? If not, what can you do to be more amazing?

(“Dear Lord, thank you for the time I spend with you in prayer. I am grateful for this exercise of growing in self-knowledge, the starting place for growing in holiness. Please help me turn to You more often and to say with faith as great as that of the centurion, ‘…only say the Word and my soul shall be healed.’ Amen.”)

(Be Amazing! was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

©2013-2026 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.

Is Your Heart Filled with Joy?

24 Sunday May 2026

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Blessed Sacrament, Communion, Eucharist

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Blessed Sacrament, Communion, Eucharist, Faith, Grace, Gratitude, Happiness, Holy Communion, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Joy, Love, Pentecost, Reverence, The Living God

I hope you’re enjoying and having a safe Memorial Day holiday weekend! I’m visiting my mother in my small home town in Missouri and, although it’s Sunday and Memorial Day is officially not until tomorrow, I visited my father’s gravesite at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery this afternoon.

Today is Pentecost Sunday, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles 50 days after Christ’s resurrection. My wife and I attended Mass this morning at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with about 50 other faithful (there simply aren’t many Catholics in southeast Missouri). This small parish doesn’t have the numbers to have an actual choir but they do have two women with beautiful, harmonizing voices who led the congregation in singing the hymns a cappella. We actually sounded fairly good.

The Communion hymn sung this morning was I Received the Living God, and my attention was captured by the opening refrain:

“I received the living God, and my heart is filled with joy, I received the living God, and my heart is filled with joy.”

I looked up from the hymnal and gazed at the faces of those who had just received Communion and were walking back to their pews. I didn’t see a lot of joy on their faces. But, I didn’t expect to. Even in my home parish I seldom see any inkling of joy on the faces of those who have just received Communion. Instead, I see something akin to solemn sadness – heads down, sad eyes, no smiles, slow-walking – like their best friend just died. I’ve always thought there was something wrong with that picture.

For sure, there must be reverence when receiving the Eucharist, but I’ve never thought this was a time for sadness. This ought to be the highlight of one’s day! Yes, Jesus died a terrible death on a cross, an event that should never be forgotten or minimized, but he did it out of true love for each of us, a love that should be received with gratitude. His sacrifice saved us from eternal death and, instead, gives us hope for eternal salvation. He knew we would need His grace to combat the evil one so He gifts Himself to us supernaturally in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist, an amazing gift that should arouse us and fill our hearts with joy.

In my home church, we have a figure of the risen Jesus on a cross above the entrance doors to the sanctuary. Jesus has his arms extended forwards in a gesture suggesting His immense love for us. When I receive Communion there, I look up with reverence to Jesus on the Crucifix hanging above the altar and I say “Thank You! for Your sacrifice”. Then, as I’m returning to my pew, it feels natural to look upon the cross with Jesus’ arms outstretched and say another reverent “Thank You for Your love and for the gift of Yourself in the Sacrament I just received!” There is always a smile on my face that reflects the gratitude and joy in my heart for having just received the living God.

When you receive the living God, will you let your heart be filled with joy?

“Lord Jesus, thank You for the sacrifice You made of Yourself for my sins, and thank You for giving Yourself to me in the Eucharist for the grace I need to be the disciple, husband, father, son, brother, and friend that You would have me be. Just knowing how much I am loved by You when I receive Your Precious Body and Blood fills my heart with joy! Thank You! Amen.”

(Is Your Heart Filled with Joy? was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

My “Re-Birthday”

30 Monday Mar 2026

Posted by Jerry Robinson in OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, Sacraments

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Baptism, Birthday, Confirmation, Easter, Eucharist, Evangelization, Faith, Grace, Great Easter Vigil Mass, Holy Communion, Holy Week, Jesus, Love, Mercy, OCIA, Order of Christian Initiatio of Adults

Today is Monday of Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian calendar. As Director of Evangelization and responsible for our parish family’s Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) it is not only a holy week, but a busy and stressful one, as well. Our parish family is blessed to have 45 new adults and youths who will be receiving one or all of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist at the Great Easter Vigil Mass this Saturday night. The 28 weeks we’ve been preparing them has been a true joy. Now their preparation is over, and the preparation for orchestrating a beautiful, memorable, and flawless celebration is front and center.

As I began planning seating arrangements for Saturday night, I realized that today, March 30th, is the anniversary of my entrance into the Church. Thirteen years ago this date, Saturday, March 30th, I was sitting right where these Elect and Candidates will be sitting this Saturday night. My wife, children, parents, and many new friends were present to see me officially put an end to 56 years of secularism. I was filled with anticipation, but not sure what to expect.

During those years, I had not exactly been a golden boy. There were many actions on my part about which I was none too proud. As the priest poured the water over my head three times in the name of Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I truly felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. The heavy burden of past sins I had come to regret were washed away by a stream of love. This, I thought, is what they mean by “mercy”.

Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation didn’t quite have the emotional impact as did my baptism. I understood the anointing was an invisible sign of the graces being received which I would need to fully live and proclaim my faith, but I didn’t yet know what that would look like or how it would manifest itself in me. Looking back, I hope I’ve done it justice by helping others draw closer to and follow Christ.

And then there was the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. I still don’t know how to adequately describe the feeling of receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord that first time. The best expression would be to simply say that I felt totally loved. To know that two millennia ago, Jesus underwent His passion, death and resurrection out of love for my sake elicited a tremendous sense of gratitude; but the sudden realization that He had just sacrificed Himself again, and offered Himself to me so that I would have every grace I needed to live the life He would have me live, overwhelmed me with so much joy that I was brought to the point of tears. I still feel that way at every Mass.

Today, as I celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of my “Re-Birthday”, I have two desires: to do God’s will such that these 45 soon-to-be new or fully sacramentalized Catholics will also feel the love, joy, and peace that I felt when I was in their shoes just a few years ago; and that they will develop a loving relationship with Jesus such that they will want to share it with other people who need Him.

“My loving Jesus, thank You for the mercy and love You have shown me these 13 years since I came to know You. Thank You for the grace to do Your will in helping others come to know You, too. I pray for each of the adults and youths who will be entering the Church that they will stay true to their new faith, take seriously their obligation to live sacramentally, and to live Your commission to evangelize. Amen.”

(My “Re-Birthday” was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Jesus and the Woman at the Well

08 Sunday Mar 2026

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Evangelization

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Discipleship, Evangelization, Faith, Friendship, Grace, Jesus, Jn 4:16, Jn 4:4, Jn 4:5-42, Living Water, Love, Mercy, Missionary Discipleship, OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, Spiritual Thirst

Christ and the Woman of Samaria, by Benedetto Luti, via Wikimedia Commons

It is Sunday, March 8th, the third Sunday of Lent and, for us catechists and Elect in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) process, it marks the First Scrutiny leading up to the Elect’s baptism at the Great Easter Vigil. The Scrutinies (over three consecutive Sundays) consist of Scripture passages which help us to look inside and see the truth about ourselves, our predominant faults and habitual sins; and the divine love and mercy that God bestows on us when we repent and learn to trust in Him.

Today’s Gospel was Jn 4:5-42, Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well. In this passage there are numerous messages that help us see our brokenness, our need for spiritual fulfillment, and our futile efforts for finding happiness outside of a relationship with our Lord. But, thankfully, it shows us the joy we will find when we accept the “Living Water” that Christ offers to quench our spiritual thirst, replacing all the other things we’ve tried which failed to satiate us.

As I prepared to facilitate a discussion on this gospel, focusing on our sinfulness and the grace and mercy we receive from God in spite of that sinfulness, I couldn’t help but see a message about evangelization, as well.

In verse 4, the line before the selected passage, we read that Jesus, “had to pass through Samaria” on his way from Judea to Galilee. Jesus didn’t have to pass through Samaria, He could have crossed the Jordan and gone around Samaria like any other cautious Jew. Passing through Samaria was risky business since Jews and Samaritans hated each other. Thus, Jesus must have had a purpose in mind that was worth risking His and His disciples lives. That purpose must have been to encounter the woman at the well.

Jesus set an example for us – even in the face of fear, we should still evangelize and be intentional about it. It’s unlikely any of us are at risk of losing our life by proclaiming the gospel and bringing Jesus to those who don’t know Him. In Jesus’ case, He already knew the woman’s history, that she had failed to find happiness in her relationships, and that she was a pariah in her village. In spite of her sinfulness, Jesus met her where she was and spoke to her heart. We, unfortunately, don’t have that supernatural luxury. Instead, we have to explore and learn more about the people we encounter through intentional friendship so we can meet them where they are when we do present the gospel message to them. It can feel awkward at first, but, with practice, you get the hang of it. The perceived risk lies in our expectations of whether we will succeed or fail. But what matters is simply that we try.

Another verse in this passage, verse 16, plays to evangelization where Jesus tells the woman, “Go call your husband and come back”. When she responds that she does not have a husband, Jesus reveals that He knows she has been married five times and that the man she is presently living with is not her husband. The absence of judgment and condemnation from Jesus is seen by the woman as mercy, a loving acceptance of who she is, and the essence of an immediate conversion. The woman ran home and told her whole village about Jesus, instantly becoming a missionary disciple. When we encounter others, it is our hope that, by accepting and loving them for who they are, and sharing the gospel message that God is infinitely more gracious than our efforts could ever be, they will also become missionary disciples who will then lead others to Christ.

Tradition tells us that the name of the woman at the well is St. Photina. She and her sons were martyred for their faith during the persecutions of Nero. Her feast day is Friday, March 20th. St. Photina, pray for us as we evangelize!

“My loving Jesus, may I always come to You seeking spiritual fulfillment from the Living Water that You give, and that it will be a spring that wells up within me for eternal life. I pray for the grace to love and accept those I meet as true spiritual brothers and sisters and lead them to You so that their spiritual thirst may also be quenched. Amen.”

(Jesus and the Woman at the Wellwas first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Take a Walk

13 Friday Feb 2026

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Evangelization

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Charity, Evangelization, Faith, Fear, Friendship, Grace, Jesus, Love, Mark 7:31-37, Meeting others, Mercy, Proclaim the gospel, Relationships, Restraints, Walking

As Christians, we know we are supposed to follow and imitate Jesus by proclaiming the gospel message of salvation as He did. Yet, for so many of us, that is difficult to do. Why is that? It’s certainly not because someone else is restraining us. We don’t live in a country where it is illegal to live and talk about our faith. We’re not threatened with 20 years in prison because we’re Christian. We don’t live with the threat of having our village burned down because of what we believe. No, the difficulty lies completely within ourselves. Maybe it’s laziness, the busy-ness of life, letting other things become more important than God, fear, or simply a lukewarm faith. Whatever it is, it’s so familiar to us that we don’t even give it a second thought.

Today’s Gospel from Mark 7:31-37 is the story of Jesus healing a deaf man. What struck me about this passage was not the act of healing the man, nor that the witnesses defied Jesus and told others about it. Rather, it was the opening sentence, “Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis.” Since I have a love for geography and maps, I checked to see how far it was that Jesus actually walked. It’s about 30 miles north from Tyre to Sidon, and then another 60 miles south to the district of the Decapolis on the south side of the Sea of Galilee. That’s 90 miles on foot through rough and rocky territory. Why did He make such an effort?

Jesus wasn’t just out for a stroll. He had a purpose to bring the message of salvation to not only the Jews but to the gentiles, as well. His method was to go out and build relationships with people, meeting them where they were in whatever physical, mental, emotional, or social state they were in. Let’s contrast His effort with how much effort we’re willing to expend. Most of us today live in some form of self-imposed isolation. It’s easier to not tidy up our home and stay hidden there than to invite another over for hospitality. Rather than get out of our vehicle to meet other parents while waiting in the school pickup line, it’s easier to stare at our screens. Rather than recognize the poor and needy, it’s easier to keep our heads down and walk fast around them. The list of lame reasons can go on forever.

God made us for each other. He comes to us through other people, our families, friends, and the strangers around us. Conversely, God reaches them through us, too. Behind our fast-paced and technological culture, our souls are screaming for the peace we get from a little silence and solitude, yet they still need to be nourished by healthy, interdependent relationships, both old and new.

We need to get off the couch or away from our desks, get off our screens, take a walk, and meet others who might just need to meet us. While we’re at it, we should think about the restraints we’re imposing on ourselves that keep us from following in the footsteps of our Lord. And then think about how we will explain this when it’s time for our particular judgment.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the many gifts you bestow on me, especially the gift of faith. Thank You for my family and friends who sustain me and through whom I find joy. Help me, Lord, to grow that circle and be the friend who sustains someone else in need. Amen.”

(Take a Walk was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Are You Ready to Proclaim the Gospel?

24 Wednesday Sep 2025

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Uncategorized

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Believe in the Gospel, Charlie Kirk, Evangelization, Gospel, Grace, Kerygma, Mk 1:15, OCIA, Proclamation, Salvation of souls, Truth

There is a movement going on. In the wake of the assassination of Christian influencer and “almost, but not yet, Catholic”, Charlie Kirk, many folks in the U.S. have jumped off the fence into the greener pasture of Christianity, and many have gravitated to the Catholic Church. Yet, while Kirk’s death might be a catalyst for the conversion of many, this movement to return to morality and a spiritual life – or, in other words, a relationship with Jesus that satisfies more than relative worldly pleasures – has been developing for a while. For three consecutive years our little parish has experienced a record number of adults and youths entering our OCIA process and desiring to become Catholic. This year we have 56 catechumens and candidates enrolled, more than the last two years combined.

As always, we have some who are choosing to become Catholic because their spouse or fiancee’ is Catholic. Some have been influenced by friends, and some have decided their Protestant services are not fulfilling them. But the majority are making the decision because they know there is something more to life, and specifically to a life of faith, than they’ve been experiencing. They are searching for truth….and they are in the right place!

Just as we would react to a change in the weather forecast, we should prepare ourselves for this spiritual shift in our culture because the likelihood of being asked about our faith is increasing. Instead of asking, “What will I wear for tomorrow’s weather?”, we should be asking, “What will I say when someone asks me why I am a Christian or, more specifically, Catholic?”, and, “Will I be convincing?”. Another’s conversion may depend totally on our response.

In today’s Scripture passage, the verse before the Gospel is from Mark 1:15. They are the very first words Jesus says when he begins His Galilean ministry: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” ….Believe in the gospel! If one of these people seeking to know more about your faith asks you, “What does it mean to believe in the gospel?”, would you be able to answer them? If not, don’t feel alone. I suspect eight out of ten Catholic Christians may also be stumped. But, don’t you think you should be able to provide a satisfactory explanation?

In his homily on Sunday, September 21st, Fr. Mike Schmitz gave us a four-part recipe to answer these questions. “This is the Gospel”, he says:

That God is good and made the world good, and made us in His image and likeness;

We freely chose to break the world with our sin, but God did not abandon us;

He sent His only begotten Son so that we could have eternal life;

And, we respond to that in faith and put our trust in Him, the One who has entrusted us with all of His grace so that we could have new life.

This is the truth, the reason for our faith. It’s what it’s all about. This is the kerygma, the essence of the proclamation of the Gospel. To effectively evangelize, we should commit these four points to memory. Will you do that? Write it on a sticky note. Repeat it daily until it becomes rote. Then look for opportunities to share it with others. You may just save a soul.

“Generous God, if I learn and remember nothing else from today, help me to commit the kerygma to memory, to live in accordance with it, and proclaim it at every opportunity. Your words are infinitely and eternally more important than any news headline, any sports team’s statistics, or the intriguing messiness of a celebrities life. If proclaimed, they may effect the salvation of someone’s soul. May I have the grace to deliver them. Amen.”

(Are You Ready to Proclaim the Gospel? was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

©2013-2025 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 and Reflections of a Lay Catholic.

A Prayer for Continued Progress

04 Thursday Sep 2025

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Prayer

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Body of Christ, church, Colossians 1:9-14, Faith, Grace, Holiness, Meditation, Prayer, Resolution, Scripture

A reflection on Colossians 1:9-14

The first Scripture reading for today is from Colossians and, in my New American Bible, it’s labeled, “Prayer for Continued Progress”. In it, St. Paul affirms that he and Timothy continue to pray for the Church in Colossae for growth in holiness. My first thought as I read this was that it is a great prayer to say for the men to whom I serve as their Spiritual Mentor. And then I thought why limit it to just those ten men, why not pray it for all my friends and all the faithful in my parish? Then, why stop there, why not pray it for the entire body of Christ?

Thinking I had just determined what my resolution would be for today to do God’s will, I began to wrap up my prayer time. But then the thought came to me, what if someone else is praying this same prayer and it is me who is the object of their prayer? Am I doing all that they are desiring of me for growth in holiness? With that, I had to reopen my Bible and read the passage again from a personal point of view.

“Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” (v.9).

Do I know His will for me? Can I articulate it? Do I spend time daily in prayer discerning His will and resolving to do it that day?

“…to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing [to Him]…” (v.10a)

Do I live my life in a manner that is worthy of Jesus and in a way that pleases Him?

“…in every good work bearing fruit…” (v.10b)

Do my actions and the way I live my faith bear fruit for the Kingdom? Am I doing what I need to do to bring Jesus to others or bring others to Jesus?

“…and growing in the knowledge of God…” (v.10b)

Do I consistently make the effort to grow in understanding my faith and grow in my relationship with the Lord? Do I have a good grasp of our Catechism and knowledge of the saints?

“…strengthened with every power, in accord with His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy…” (v.11)

Do I receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist regularly so as to be strengthened to face the trials of day to day life, to be patient and humble when things don’t go my way, and yet find joy in not only the process but the outcome?

“…giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” - (v.12)

Am I grateful for all that God has given me, even those things which I did not choose, didn’t like, and couldn’t change because He knew them to be in my best interest?

“He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” - (vv. 13-14)

Do I believe and accept that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was for my redemption, that He has forgiven my sins, and do I attempt to lead a sinless life but repent when I fall short?

Wow! That was an exercise I hadn’t planned on today! A line from a Jerry Jeff Walker song, “The hardest thing for a man to do is look inside and see the truth about himself” easily came to mind. Yeah, there are some things I do better than others, but I really need to work on a couple of these.

In reading this passage, what is God putting on your heart to ask yourself? What can you work on today to grow in holiness?

“Generous and loving God, thank You for letting me see how I can use Your Word in today’s Scripture for not only the benefit of others but my own as well. I pray for the grace to work and improve on the one or two that need prompt attention. Amen.”

(A Prayer for Continued Progress was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Curious Like Nicodemus

29 Tuesday Apr 2025

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Evangelization

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christianity, Evangelization, Faith, Fear, Friendship, Grace, Jesus, Jn 3:1-15, Nicodemus, Prayer

Jesus and Nicodemus, Crijn Hendricksz Volmarijn, c. early 1600s

The Gospels for yesterday and today (Jn 3:1-15), put us in the scene with Jesus and the renowned Pharisee, Nicodemus, who came to Jesus under the cover of darkness to ask questions about his ministry. We are led to believe that Nicodemus must have seen or heard of Jesus’ healing miracles and wanted to learn more about him. We know that Nicodemus eventually converted to be a secret follower of Jesus, so we can surmise that his curiosity was genuine and not a ploy to trap Jesus.

The fact that he came to meet Jesus at night may also give us a clue about his intentions. A nighttime rendezvous would be less conspicuous. If he was genuinely interested about Jesus, he may have feared being observed by other Pharisees that could result in his condemnation and rejection. In his position, he would have accumulated wealth that supported a luxurious lifestyle, which would have been jeopardized if his clandestine meeting had been discovered.

When I placed myself in this scene, I pondered Nicodemus’ motive and his dilemma. He had to satisfy his curiosity for truth, but the answer could result in his ruin. His fear of the environment and exterior influences would ultimately cause him to lead a secret and unfulfilled life.

There are millions of Nicodemuses in our world today – men, women, and teens, who are searching for truth, who are curious about Christianity, and who would like to know more but, because of negative social influences, balk at publicly asking questions for fear of what others will think or what they might lose. They are hiding out there in our workplaces, our schools, and our neighborhoods. We should be looking and waiting for them with intentionality, ready to answer their questions and allay their fears.

When a modern day Nicodemus does muster the courage to step out and seek answers, he may simply want to learn more about Jesus, or he’s aware that there’s possibly a different set of beliefs and a better way to live than he’s ever experienced. His curiosity may manifest itself by privately asking questions to a Christian friend or acquaintance. When he does, he is giving us an opportunity to evangelize, and we need to respond utilizing good listening skills. His questions may be phrased in ways that hide their real intent, and we may have to look behind the words. We should not make stuff up, nor answer questions with excess theology. He needs simple answers, and if we don’t know an answer, we should say so and endeavor to find the answer for him. We should try to avoid vocabulary that is foreign to non-Catholics.

Like Nicodemus, his questions may appear antagonistic but probably aren’t meant to be so. Instead, they are likely due to his personal cynicism and relativism that has developed over years. He’s not ready to reveal that he’s on any kind of spiritual quest. He is curious but cautious, and still needs to feel safe and unthreatened when asking questions. We should respond in a friendly manner to increase the trust that has allowed him to ask questions in the first place.

Our gentle evangelizing should have an eye towards bringing this person from a a place of curiosity to being open to exploring the idea that God is a personal God rather than a concept, and that we can have a relationship with Him. We can introduce him to Jesus and the story of His passion, death, and resurrection in atonement for our sins. And we should be patient and pray for him, being grateful that, while he may not yet be making a commitment to spiritual or personal change, he no longer rejects the idea.

“Heavenly Father, I thank You for the virtue of fortitude given to me with my Confirmation that has prepared me to proclaim the saving message of salvation of Your Son, Jesus. May I ever be vigilant and prepared to welcome anyone who is curious about our Christian faith. I pray that Your Spirit affords me the grace to respond to them lovingly with humility and gentleness. Amen.”

(Curious Like Nicodemuswas first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

Ephphatha!

27 Wednesday Mar 2024

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Evangelization

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Catholic, Curing of the Deaf/Mute, Ephphatha, Evangelization, Faith, Grace, Holy Saturday, Holy Spirit, Is 50:4-5, Mk 7:31-37, Prayer, RCIA

This Saturday morning, Easter Saturday, I will have the pleasure of leading eighteen adults and youths in the final rites before they are baptized and enter into full communion with the Church that evening at the Easter Vigil Mass. One of those rites is the Ephphatha Rite, the opening of the ears and mouth of the Elect to help them more clearly hear and proclaim the Word of God. The Rite is based on the curing of the deaf and mute man in Mark’s Gospel (Mk 7:31-37).

Saturday will be exactly eleven years to the day since I received this rite, the day I was baptized and became a Catholic Christian. A remembrance of this came back to me this morning as I read today’s first reading:

The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to answer the weary a word that will awaken them. Morning after morning he wakens my ear to hear as disciples do; the Lord God opened my ear, I did not refuse, did not turn away. – Is 50:4-5

More happened that day than my conversion becoming official. God truly opened my ears and my tongue as well as allowing the words to flow from my brain through my hand to pen or computer keys. I was never one to journal or record my thoughts on paper, in fact, I abhorred writing, was terrible with grammar and punctuation, and, most of all, didn’t dare say anything about a belief with which someone else might contend. Yet, within two weeks, I began writing articles on this blog as a means to evangelize and lead others to a better understanding of their faith in hopes that they would grow closer to Jesus. Now, eleven years and 300 blog posts later, I still feel the call.

On March 30, 2013, I would have said you were crazy if you’d prophesied the future and said I would retire, go back to school to become a certified Catholic Spiritual Mentor mentoring dozens of men, and eventually be re-employed as Director of Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation within our parish. Miracles happen, and, with God, all things are possible.

“Good and gracious God, by Your grace, You joined me with holy people who accompanied me on this journey ever since I chose to follow You. Through them, You taught me how to pray, how to converse with You, how to tell You what is on my heart, how to listen to Your promptings, and, especially, how to help others do the same so that their interior lives can flourish. You opened my ears and loosened my tongue so that others may hear Your Word. I give You thanks every day that when I heard Your calling, ‘I did not refuse, did not turn away.’ Amen.”

(Ephphatha! was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

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Road Trip Reflections: Once in a Lifetime Grace

19 Tuesday Mar 2024

Posted by Jerry Robinson in Grace

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Dad, Death, Faith, Family, Father, Grace, Grief, Hope, Love, Road Trips, Trust

I returned home Monday night from what seemed like a twelve day road trip. Actually, it was two 16 hour roundtrips nearly back to back. Neither was one I looked forward to taking. The first was to be with my mother and siblings at my father’s bedside as he lay dying, and the second was to return for his funeral.

Dad was 91 going on 19. His physical body was ravaged from too many years of dialysis after kidney failure, but his mind was still sharp as ever, and his sense of humor intact in spite of his suffering. After being in a coma for most of a week, he awoke long enough to respond to a nurse when asked how he was feeling that morning, “Okay, I guess, but I’m not ready to go dancing yet.” I think those were the last words he said before passing two days later.

I had an eight hour return trip home after he passed, and on the way it occurred to me that, amidst the sadness of dad passing, we also received many graces that come only once in a lifetime.

It’s a rare occurrence that my brother, two sisters and I get together. We were all able to make it there and hold vigil before dad died. We stayed with mom at the hospital, told stories and relived old memories of good times with dad. There was a love present in that room that we probably hadn’t experienced in quite some time.

I sensed an unsettling grace in my silent gratitude for all that dad did for his family, especially the sacrifices he made which were not always convenient or understood by us kids – gratitude that should have been expressed many times but never was.

Between us all, there were dozens and dozens of friends and a few remaining relatives praying for us and for dad. Speaking for myself, I felt the outpouring of overwhelming love from each of them.

There was grace in the realization that God is in control, not us, and that one day we, too, will pass away. This grace is a gift from God that gives me power and strengthens my desire to live a faith-filled virtuous life so that I will be ready for that day.

I found grace in knowing that my grieving was a result of the love I have for my dad, and that, with God, nothing is wasted – my grief, offered up with trust, is being put to good use.

And, there was comfort and grace in the hope that dad is now with the only One in the universe Who loves him more than we do.

Returning to my home town for the funeral also brought more graces. I saw a few relatives I hadn’t seen in decades who came to comfort mom, and old classmates of my sib’s and I, who stopped by to offer their condolences.

Dad was a U.S. Air Force veteran from the early fifties, and he chose to be buried in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. He received an honor guard farewell complete with rifles fired, and taps played beautifully by a disabled vet. Two Air Force airmen removed the flag covering dad’s casket and, after folding it perfectly, presented it to my mother with the words, “On behalf of the President of the United States….”. There was a flash of humorous irony in this as dad was a life-long, die-hard Republican and was probably rolling over in his coffin at that moment thinking about the current President. But, in the next moment I found some grace in the thought that he might be, at that very moment, being saluted by President Dwight Eisenhower under whom he served as a United States Air Force Technical Sergeant.

Off you go into the wild blue yonder…Rest in peace, Dad. I will love you always. Save me a place up there!

“Good and gracious, God, thank You for the gift of a loving father and for the virtuous example he demonstrated to his family. Thank You for the graces that came from being with him in his final days, graces that came through family and friends, and from remembrances of loving moments shared together with him. Amen.”

(Road Trip Reflections: Once in a Lifetime Grace was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)