Updates to the Blog for 2024

 

Dear Subscribers –

Beginning with the first Sunday of 2024, my blog, entitled “A Catholic Deacon’s Perspective,” will now look into the areas of Commentaries, Scripture and Theology.  Similar to the last three years in which Gospels and Readings from the New American Bible were used to offer a perspective on what their messages might mean to you personally, these blogs will offer an additional aspect in which you as the reader can comment on by offering your own take if you choose to do so.  In doing so, all of us will be able to see various insights based on where we are at in our life.

My theme is the same as in the past in that I am looking at God’s purpose for creating us.  We are tasked to discover what that reason is based on the gifts we are graced with by Him and then using that answer to serve all that God has created.  Though many responses will be similar, each and every one of us has a story to tell that is unique unto ourselves.  It is my hope that by sharing different perspectives, we will begin to understand our relationship with God and come to realize how oneness with our Lord is truly what makes life work no matter what the situation.

In these new blog presentations, there will be general and specific questions that pertain to the subject matter at hand.  Their purpose is to provide you with insights into yourself that may create additional ideas you would like to explore.  Based upon your need to receive a response from the blog or others is when you are asked to offer comments at the end of each blog.  You and responders can be completely anonymous with what you or they write.  My answers will include my name.  In all cases I ask that you remember this is a Christian blog and what you write needs to be approached in that manner as it regards verbiage used.

It is my hope that you will see this as something of value to help you grow closer to the Lord.  If not, I would appreciate your feedback to improve it or, if necessary, allow me to use a different format for furtherance of the relationship theme.

Thank you for you openness to this.  I look forward to your comments for all of us to grow into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

   

Deacon Jim Merle

Dear Subscribers

Please accept my apologies for not receiving the last two blogs of 2023 from “A Catholic Deacon’s Perspective” for the 33^rd Week in Ordinary Time and Jesus Christ, King of the Universe in a timely manner.  We have taken measures to rectify the system problems and hope future blogs will be uninterrupted and received on time.  Any prayer you want to insure that would be greatly appreciated.

Kingship or Kinship?

Father Greg Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention, rehab and re-entry program in the world, wrote a reflection in “Naked, and You Clothed Me: Homilies & Reflections for Cycle A” in which he refutes the title of Christ the King for a title he believes is more in keeping with what the feast day celebrates:

“What’s in Your Bag of Gifts”?

There was a time early in our marriage with four young children that I was out of work for nearly three years save a few odd jobs here and there, receiving unemployment income, welfare and miscellaneous gifts from friends to survive.  It was one of those gifts that changed my wife’s and my life due to the way in which it was given.

Procrastination! A Disastrous Decision!

Be honest!  We have at times in our life waited too long to take action on something that needed to be done and suffered a consequence for it.

For me it came early in my life.  I had decided to do something else with the thought I would still have enough time to get home to join other altar boys picked up by Father Michael Dempsey from my parish to see the Harlem Globetrotters play.  I missed them by just minutes and had to wait another 40 plus years before going to see the “show,” as it was called.

God Calls All He Created to Humbly Practice What They Preach About His Teachings!

Though the Gospel and first reading from the 31^st Sunday in Ordinary Time specifically address how badly the priesthood from the Old and New Testaments treated the chosen people of God, it also intentionally mentions how all of us are called to be models of the faith in which we believe.  This is especially true of us baptized into the Catholic faith as priest, prophet and king who promise to follow the ways of Christ. 

By Serving Others Through God’s Love We Are Saved

 

Since the onslaught of Covid-19 pandemic, we have become frightened, confused, impatient and sometimes angry with life or with whatever is or is not happening. Civility, kindness and a genuine effort to be helpful seems at times to have taken a hiatus waiting for the Coronavirus to come to an end.  What makes it even more difficult for us baptized Catholics is that we are called to rise above this because of our promise to love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength and all that God has created as Jesus loves us according to our Gospel from St. Matthew today.

Two Kingdoms, One God

 

It never ceases to amaze me to what lengths people will go to make a point.  St. Matthew’s Gospel today provides us with an example I believe verifies this belief.

According to biblical and historical scholars, the two Jewish sects of Pharisees and Herodians during Jesus’ times hated one another.  The Pharisees resented the demand of any tax payment to a foreign king because they believed that God was their only king.  The Herodians were supporters of Herod the Great, King of Galilee, who received his power from the Romans and, therefore, supported the collection of taxes to benefit their cause.  And yet, both were willing to put their differences aside to form an “unholy” alliance that rid them of Jesus, because they hated Him more.

Invitation to Choose Holiness

 

Having a free will can be difficult at times.  You get to choose, but the outcome may not be what you imagined.  Saint Matthew’s Gospel today presents us with a parable from Jesus to the Jewish chief priests and elders of His time, as have the last two prior Sundays, inviting them to seriously consider His message of becoming holy according to God’s ways rather than their own interpretation of what they believe God meant.  In there lies the problem.

God’s Vineyard Was Created For His Chosen People! We Are Called To Emulate It By Following In His Ways!

During formation as a deacon we were taught to balance our commitments by not taking on more than we can handle.  A handy hint we were given was to use one calendar to balance church and personal matters to avoid duplications and/or overbookings.  It works most of the time except for unexpected items such as injuries, illnesses and deaths which need immediate attention.

Say What You Will Do And Do What You Will Say! God Will Bless Us If We Follow His Ways With Humility And Obedience!

My parents taught me to be honest even if doing so could cause me a hardship.  They believed that one is responsible for his or her actions and must be held accountable, especially if it causes a negative result, whether it hurt someone or did not. 

Following God’s Ways Brings us to the Path of Everlasting Life! Asking God to Follow Ours May Lead to a Place Without Peace!

God, out of His love, created us for a purpose.  We are called throughout our life to discover what that is.  As disciples, God gives us multiple gifts to understand the ways of the Lord.  It is from this aspect that we practice our faith as true and faithful servants of the Blessed Trinity in thought, word and deed, as well as faith, hope and love.

Jesus’ Forgiveness Knows No Bounds! As Disciples, Let Us Also Offer Love, Mercy And Forgiveness!

Anger is common to all humans, whether we harbor it or someone else does against us.  What is important is how we define and handle anger.  Is it justifiable or not?  And, in a biblical sense, is it sinful?  It is this last aspect that will possibly cost us to lose our soul if we don’t address the cause!

As A Community Of Faith Together We Grow As Disciples In Love, Mercy And Forgiveness!

In conversations with people, I have discovered over the years that everyone has been involved in dysfunctional behavior in their family either directly or indirectly.  In an effort to solve this, a few are trying to talk it out between themselves, working to improve one’s behavior over time.  Others may attempt an intervention to eliminate the problems.  Some are more serious and require professional assistance.

Duped or Loved? A Disciple's decision for following God

 

Based upon numerous studies by sociologists and psychologists throughout the years, their results have told us for the most part that our perceptions about life are based on expectations we encounter whether based on what we are told, see, hear, experience or believe.  And, from that conclusion, many people decide what reality is in their lives.

If We Ask God Who Does He Think We Are, Hopefully His Answer Will Be One That Tells Us We Are A Good And Faithful Servant!

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

We know that St. Peter’s response to Jesus about who do you say that I am in St. Matthew’s Gospel, was revealed to him by God the Father.  If we asked Jesus the same question about us, what response do you believe you would receive from Him?  It is probably the most profound and intimate question any person can address to another.

Faith In God For All Our Needs Is The Ultimate Relationship That Leads To Our Salvation! Continue To Stay Close To God!

If we are honest with ourselves, life is about relationships: Acceptance and rejection.  We make decisions based upon our perception of a multitude of criteria that fall into our comfort zone.  If we believe it is good for us, we accept.  If not, we reject it and move on.

Focus On Faith Will Help Overcome Fear And Despair!

Despair and fear seem to be on the rise in our society.  If it is not about daily stories of hate crimes, people being killed by guns or knives, destruction from war or weather, it concerns political unrest or general negativity in every plausible scenario.  There is no escape because social media in all of its outlets believes it needs to notify everyone, whether you want to know or not.

Transfiguration! Turning point In the Life of Jesus Christ and Ours!

For those who have visited the amphitheater at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota at dusk, you might remember looking up at shadowed busts of four past presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.  All of a sudden, bright lights surrounding the sculpture are turned on, the shadows disappear and each face is detailed in a radiant aura.  In the background is a taped voice telling you a story about the sculpture.  You also can hear voices of other people expressing their awe about what is happening and as you listen, you don’t want the spectacular show to end.

Seek God’s Wisdom To Live A Better Christian Life For A Closer Relationship In God’s Kingdom

My blogs and homilies often focus on the purpose for why God created us out of His love, our need to understand what the purpose is and to share it with others.  Our Gospel and readings for this Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary time give us an insight as offered with the ideas of wisdom, predestination and the Christian life.

God’s Kingdoms On Earth And In Heaven Provide Us With A Life Of Fulfillment If We Follow His Ways Of Love And Repentance!

One of my favorite children’s movies is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  It’s about a candy maker who issues five gold tickets in various chocolate bars he sells so a child can become a partner in his business and help them to grow their business.  What makes it interesting is how the five children who found golden tickets react to all the choices with which they are presented at the plant and how they make their decisions.

Parable Of The Sower: A Green Thumb In God’s Garden!

How many of you have green thumbs and can grow almost everything?  How many of you have brown thumbs and wish you could grow anything?

Jesus Invites Us To Accept His Promise Of Relief From Burdens So We Can Be At Peace And Rest!

Almost everyone with whom I have talked, listened to or read about has a different perspective on what they define as a burden in their life and how they manage or mismanage it.  Reasons for such happenings are often blamed on others or circumstances as the cause.  Most solutions they sought were based on what worked for others in similar situations but still left them with corrections that didn’t quite solve their dilemma.

Hospitality To Those In Need Rewards Those Who Give Of Themselves!

In the 18 years I have been ordained a deacon, I probably have baptized a thousand or more children under the age of seven.  In the early years I immersed or “dunked” them.  As time goes on I now pour water over their heads so I don’t drop one by mistake, should my hands become too wet.

Fear Not! God Is Here!

If I could offer a survey to all my subscribers that asked the question: Have you ever been afraid as a child, teenager, or adult, most, if not all, would answer yes.  The range of responses might be about monsters living under one’s bed that will take you away, asking someone out and being rejected or losing a job if you made too many errors.

Fathers Blessed At Their Children’s Baptisms Are Called, Challenged And Commanded By God To Teach Their Children God’s Ways Of Being An Active Disciple Throughout Life!

At the end of the Rite of Baptism, prior to the dismissal, there are three blessings of which one is for fathers that reads: “May God bless the father of this child.  He and his wife will be the first teachers of their child in the way of the faith.  May they be also the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  It is a beautiful sentiment and provides a path for each father to take as it regards what he should do as a guiding light on behalf of his child’s journey of faith.

The Feast Of Corpus Christi Reminds Us We Are One With Jesus! Let Us Partake Of Eucharist As Often As Possible To Keep Us Strong In Our Faith!

It is interesting to watch people who approach the sanctuary to receive Eucharist at Communion time.  Most are respectful in the reverence they illustrate in bowing, receiving and blessing themselves.  They realize that in addition to what they normally do to partake, that the physical presence of the resurrected Jesus is “actually” in the consecrated bread in whatever form it takes. 

The Most Holy Trinity Is A Mystery To All Believers. And Yet, Without God In Our Lives, There Is No Hope. Accept Father, Son And Holy Spirit To Complete Our Lives.

Mysteries can be fascinating if you have a mind that enjoys being challenged.  Though finding a result of this may be what is sought, the real satisfaction seems to lie in the varying paths one is led down to receive a solution of what is meant by each twist and turn. The hope is one will have a clear picture of what is meant at the end of the journey.

Pentecost’s Invitation Of Involvement Brings The Holy Spirit Into Our Hearts And Our Sharing Of The Gospel Message

God’s perfect plan for our involvement might seem over the top with the original Pentecost filled with a “strong driving wind,” “tongues as of fire” and speaking in different tongues, but why shouldn’t it be?  We are created out of God’s love to build the Kingdom of God by bringing people to God.  Without God’s help, we would not be able to accomplish this.  We need to be of the same Spirit to spread His message of love through preaching, healing and forgiving.

Ascension Completes Jesus Earthly Work Of Redemption. For Us, It Is A Way To Rise Above Negativity And Hate To Help Us Follow God And His Ways Forever

In my earlier days, I travelled for work.  Sometimes I was gone for a few days and at other times for a week.  My wife, Candi, travelled extensively for years leaving on Sunday evening and returning Friday night.  For many years, she averaged 30 to 35 weeks annually.  Our standing joke is that it kept us together as a couple because we always have new stories to tell one another to keep our relationship fresh and alive.

Jesus’ Proclaims A New Advocate, The Holy Spirit, Will Be With Us Forever If We Follow God’s Ways

For those of us who have relatives and friends that are facing mental or physical problems that bring them closer to death, we often contemplate how we will conduct our lives after they pass.  Aside from our memories, will we be able to adjust to do some of the things we did when they were alive?  That is certainly the dilemma of the Apostles as Jesus tells Him of His leaving earth and returning to heaven to be with His Father at the Ascension.

Jesus Invites Us To Be Disciples Who Identify Ourselves With His Mission In Oneness With The Father And Us!

In the weeks after Easter, prior to Pentecost, the Sunday readings and Gospels introduce us to multiple ways of how best to be a disciple of Jesus. 

In the Second Sunday of Easter it involved believing without having physical proof to help one believe.  The Third Sunday was about overcoming the truth about scriptural references to Jesus’ resurrection.  The Fourth Sunday was listening to God’s call for us as a shepherd calls His sheep. 

Our Good Shepherd, Jesus, Calls Us To Follow Him! Let Us Respond To His Voice By Living Our Vocation!

In addition to celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Easter (known as Good Shepherd Sunday), it also is the 60^th anniversary of Vocations Sunday.  It is usually the day when we hear a homily on praying for future priests, deacons and religious life vocations.  Well, maybe, not so much for deacons.

The Road To Emmaus Can Be A Conversion Experience, If We Trust Sacred Scripture And Our Eucharistic Sacrament!

Life is filled with disappointments, but probably none was ever greater to Christian belief than between the death of Jesus and His resurrection.  St. Luke’s Gospel of two disciples of Jesus on the road to Emmaus brings to light the frustration that follows the failure of expectations or hopes causing confusion about the future.

Blessed Are Those Who Have Not Seen And Have Believed

Too often, the mantra we hear and sometimes say is: Seeing is believing!  In other words we need some physical proof as the Apostle Thomas in St. St. John’s Gospel today when he said: “Unless I see…I will not believe” in reference to Jesus being alive after His death.  What makes these words even harder to accept is that they are spoken by a believer who for three years lived with Jesus hearing His words and watching people being healed from all sorts of incurable ailments.  Is Thomas really a doubter, or is he a man of faith because if what he was told is true, why aren’t the other Apostles jumping for joy rather than still hiding behind locked doors?

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection has Given Us A Second Chance. Don’t Miss the Opportunity!

 

There is no greater celebration for a Christian than Easter Sunday.  It is the culmination and the purpose of God’s redemptive plan for man’s salvation.  Jesus has died for our sins and is risen from the dead so that, if we have followed Him as we ought, we will have an everlasting life after we pass from our earthly existence.

So, how do we celebrate Easter Sunday?  Hint: It is not with Easter Egg Hunts. 

Passion (Palm) Sunday Of Holy Week, An Awareness Of Who Jesus Is And Why He Did What He Did Out Of Love!

This week, beginning of Holy Week, end of Lent, celebration of the Triduum and introduction to the Easter Season, brings into perspective everything we ever want and need to know about Jesus and God’s love for us.

Jesus Said He Is The Resurrection And Life! Marth Believed And Lazarus Exited The Tomb! We Too Need To Believe That Jesus Is Our Savior Who Gifts Us With Everlasting Life!

In these days of instantaneous information about almost everything happening in the world, we need to discern what is important for us to maintain a level of truth that helps us understand what is best for us.  An area that often is treated more as an afterthought is faith decisions, even though they concern our eternal life after death.  The Bible and our readings and Gospel today address this very aspect to give us an insight to make it priority in our life.

Man Does Not See As Does God! Spiritual Eyesight Of Our Heart Overshadows The Appearance Of Sin

This Fourth  Sunday of Lent (Laetare which means Rejoice) marks the halfway point of this season in which we are to assess if we are living up to our promises of prayer, fasting and giving of alms to those in need.  It also is a reminder to us that we are called by God to change our lives and to embrace a Baptism of discipleship no matter what our state of life.  This is especially pertinent to the Elect and Candidates who will receive Sacraments at the Easter Vigil celebration on April 8th.

Impatient And Angry With God? We Might Want To Rethink That Because He Chooses To Love Us!

Each one of us has our own journey of faith.  Some have been given opportunities to practice it while others try to ferret out what they think will be a path that helps them stay ahead of what they believe to be life’s pitfalls.  Our first reading from the Book of Exodus and St. John’s Gospel today represents these two types.

“Rise, And Do Not Be Afraid”

In the three fourths of a century that I have lived, I have seen fear rob people of their life in so many different areas. 

The generation who lived during the Great Depression of the 1920s often became hoarders because they feared that if they didn’t save certain things they would run out of them and not be able to take care of a problem for which the items were made.  My parents had about 20 boxes of bandages that would no longer stick to anything when I went through their belongings after their deaths in the 1990s.

Jesus’ Temptation By Satan Illustrates How We Need To Respond When Faced With Difficulties That Lead Us Astray

Every human since the beginning of time has been tempted, whether in his or her faith or in something not related to a faith.  What is important about this rests on each individual’s response to the temptation.  Did he or she act upon it for self-gratification, or was it squashed for a better action that would improve the life of not only the one tempted but others who may have been affected.

Jesus’ Earthly Life Provides Us With A Road Map To Avoid Sin And Live A Holy Life So We Can Be More Selfless And Less Selfish

To be holy takes effort when you consider many people think about themselves first before concerning the wellbeing of others. Most mothers can be excluded who have shown throughout the ages to what extent they will go to protect their child(ren) from any harm. That being the case, why do people still strive to have the virtue of holiness?

God Gives Us Free Will To Choose His Wisdom So Out Of His Love We Can Inherit Eternal Life Rather Than A Path To Sin

It is no secret that men and women seek wisdom.  In the realm of earthly areas it could be as simple as learning how to properly use a vacuum cleaner or as difficult as rebuilding a car engine.  In faith it is using one’s free will to seek a life of holiness by placing one’s confidence and hope in God’s wisdom rather than choosing a path to sin.

Belief In God Allows Us To Center Our Lives On Jesus And Grow As Disciples Of The Lord In Faith And Action

In one of the two parishes I serve at, their mission statement is the following:

“We, the Catholic community of [Church Name and Location], under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, center our lives on Jesus Christ.  Together we grow as disciples of the Lord in faith and action.”

Jesus’ Beatitudes Provide Us With A Life Plan Allowing God To Work Through Us For Others

If we are seeking a plan for our life, the Beatitudes provide us with one blessed by God.  The catch to following it calls us to accept the virtue of humility which allows God to work through us for others.

God’s Call For Disciples To Follow Him Is About Shining His Light On Them So They Can Repent And Share The Gospel Message

Last weekend I attended a men’s retreat from one of the two parishes at which I serve.  The title of the retreat was: “Who is Jesus Christ?  Who am I?  Find the Divinity Within.”

One of the talks presented on the first day touched on how we discern our path in life’s journey.  Do we choose ambition or vocation? 

God Invites Us To A Life Of Service, Holiness And Honor, If We Practice Our Faith In Love To God And All His Creation

One of the things I enjoy doing is catching up with relatives and friends I have not talked with or seen for several years.  If for no other reason, it gives me hope that our dysfunctional family is no worse than theirs.  But the real purpose is to discover how they are coping with changes in life that happen for a multitude of reasons.

Epiphany: Hope Revealed

Today’s feast of the Epiphany of our Lord is one of those liturgical celebrations that use the same readings, psalm and Gospel for Cycles A, B and C.  Based on the revelation of the Savior, Jesus, who brings hope to the world, its theme is one of Hope Revealed in relation to what is happening in the world.  Since that time 2000 plus years ago, believers and non-believers have been trying to recognize what that means in their life.