In today's Gospel Jesus challenges each us to take up the suffering of the cross and to follow him. Jesus calls us to a commitment of our entire selves to him. This fundamental and basic commitment then colors all subsequent choices that we make in life. The investment of our lives in following Christ will mean embracing the cross of suffering in order that we might come to eternal life. We are called to turn away from Individualism which says 'what's in it for me; from Hedonism which says 'if it feels good it's ok (the pleasure principle) and Minimalism which says 'what is the least that i can do just to get by?' Jesus' life was one of total service to others; one of self-denial and self-emptying, one of giving everything he had. Let us follow his example. Comments are most welcomed.
God Bless You
Fr Dennis
Friday, February 20, 2009
Emulating Jesus
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I agree.
It seems to me that with the state of the economy as it is and with people suffering all over the world, Christians should be called even more strongly to help their fellow men.
I encourage everyone to volunteer either at St Denis Church or somewhere else in the community.
Mike S
I agree, Father, but what Christian in his right mind wouldn't (at least say so)? The hard part, it seems to me, is when you really think about what that involves. "Total service to others; self denial; self-emptying; giving everything he had". I try to sacrifice because I know I should, yet I often wonder whether I do "enough." I do more than some, less than others. Is Jesus happy with me? Satisfied with my sacrifice? I hope so but I often fear not. Is this healthy? Am I over-analyzing?
Dear Father Dennis,
I recently had the chance to attend your mass at St. Denis while visiting a friend who lives in that area. I used to live in Simi Valley and attended Saint Peter Claver church when I was in middle school. My family only lived in Simi Valley for a year and a half during a time when my father was laid off from work. It wasn't an easy period for us. I just wanted to write and say thank you...something I never had a chance to do in person. It was because of you that for the first time in my life I found myself attending mass not because I should but because I wanted to. So many of your sermons touched me. I know that I always looked foreword to hearing what you had to say and I always left mass a little stronger and calmer, and ready to to face the challenges of the weeks to come. My faith became a lot stronger because of having known you. I'm getting married in a couple of months and hope to start a family soon. I hope that one day my children will have the opportunity to meet a priest like you that can touch their lives and help them grow in their faith.
It was so nice to be able to attend your mass at St. Denis. Its nice to know that you are touching so many more people in different parishes.
Sincerely,
Ula
Post a Comment