Posts

Our Father Waits

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

In reflecting on the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), Pope Francis has said about God, “He waits. Always.  And it is never too late.  That’s what he is like, that’s how he is…he’s a father.  A father waiting at the doorway, who sees us when we are still far off, who is moved, and who comes running toward us, embraces us and kisses us tenderly.” (The Name of God is Mercy, Pope Francis, pages 51-52)

Get Up

Five-point American Bull Elk in velvet laying down and taking it easy on a warm afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Five-point American Bull Elk in velvet laying down and taking it easy on a warm afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Loving Kiss

Whitetail deer fawns, Spring Branch, TX

Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is of God;
everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us:
God sent his only Son into the world
so that we might have life through him. 

1 John 4:7-9

Always New

An unexpected fall storm, Grand Lake, Colorado

An unexpected fall storm, Grand Lake, Colorado

How can God be unchanging, yet always new?  Have you ever met an elderly couple that have been married for many, many years but their love is still fresh, still alive, still new.  So it is with God, for God is a relationship of pure love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  God, the source of all true love, is always new. 

Love and Mercy

Ratibida columnifera wildflower also know as Mexican hat, Red-spike Mexican hat, Upright prairie coneflower, Prairie coneflower, Long-headed coneflower, Thimbleflower, Spring Branch, TX

Ratibida columnifera wildflower also know as Mexican hat, Red-spike Mexican hat, Upright prairie coneflower, Prairie coneflower, Long-headed coneflower, Thimbleflower, Spring Branch, TX

Be a Water Walker

American Coot, Inks Lake State Park, Texas

American Coot, Inks Lake State Park, Texas

During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 
But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Matthew 14: 25-32

When we reflect on Peter’s walking on the water we often focus on his sinking.  We should remember that it was Peter that had the courage to leave the safety of the boat.  Peter’s friend, his God and his Lord, was there when Peter needed him as he began to sink into the rough sea.  Jesus is there for us also, no matter how rough the water might be.  So let us get out of our boats, out of our comfort zones, and follow the Lord.

Where does the Lord want you to take that first step of faith out of your comfort zone?  Could it be ….

Forgiving a brother or sister that has wronged you?

Listening to a person with a different perspective or different faith?

Choosing not to join the gossip being said of another?

Thanking God before eating a meal?

Becoming a foster parent?

Feeding the poor?

Assisting the elderly?

Cleaning-up the debris at your local park?

Be-friending a refuge family?

Attending mass daily?

Going to a bible study class?

Praying for mothers, dads, babies and health care workers in-front of an abortion clinic?

Whatever the Lord wants you to do… be a water walker… do not be afraid… follow the Lord.