Wholly Love

I struggle to love God as much as I should. Even at points of my life when my prayer life is thriving, I’m going to mass, and I’m loving others, I still sense there is something more. I still lack loving Him completely, with my whole self. There are days that all those actions I just mentioned are extremely easy to do, and there are days when I fail to do any of them because it simply seems more difficult. But then there are days when it seems difficult and I still do one or two of those things, and those are the days in which I love the most. Those are the days that I’m reminded of what loving God truly means.

The Bible tells us the greatest way in which we can show love, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” –John 15:13. Before, I read this passage and I understood that Jesus’s love for us is the greatest because He laid down His life for us; which is completely true. Jesus did show the greatest love for us by dying on the cross. But today, I read this passage and God spoke to my heart by putting my name in place of where I typically place Jesus’. The greatest love I can show God is by laying down MY life for him. That’s big.

What does that mean to lay down my life for Jesus? It means total self-sacrifice and surrender. It means letting go of my plans, my comforts, and my selfishness. It means totally emptying myself. Which sounds pretty painful and difficult, right? I think so. But that’s what makes the process so beautiful. In our efforts to totally empty ourselves, God watches lovingly while we show Him how much we truly do love Him by doing things that are not easy for us to do. And then even more beautiful, is what happens as a result of our self-emptying, we become filled with Him. In emptying ourselves of the things that fill us up and chain us down, we become free to love God and others with our whole heart. At this point “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” –Galatians 2:20. Which is amazing! This is our goal of discipleship! To do what Christ does and become more and more like Him. This is where discipleship begins; we must first lay down our lives to follow and love Him.

In Mass, about a week ago we read in the Gospel about the “would-be followers of Jesus.” These men could not follow Jesus or love him fully. Why? They could not lay down their lives and give everything away. One of the men had an obligation to burry his dead father. Burial was a sacred duty in ancient Judaism, and is still today, very important! But Jesus uses this importance of burial to display an even greater importance on following Him. He tells the man, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” –Matthew 8:22.

Following Jesus is the most important thing. Even more important than our family and friends! The “would-be follower” couldn’t do it, but Jesus’s apostles could. Were these men any greater than the would be follower? It’s doubtful. The apostles were typical fisherman, nothing special or holy about them. But because of their immediate “yes’” to Jesus and emptying of themselves, they became filled with Him, special and holy. These are the men that gave everything to Jesus, their families, plans, and jobs. And because of this gift of self, they were able to love Jesus completely with their whole selves. These are the people who I look up to and strive to be like. I can’t wholly love God until I fully give Him my whole self. Will it be hard? Extremely. But that’s why it’s so beautiful. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.

“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and all my will—all that I have and possess. You, Lord, have given that all to me. I now give it back to you, O Lord. All of it is yours. Dispose of it according to your will. Give me love of yourself along with your grace, for that is enough for me. “

–St. Ignatius of Loyola

Taking the Entrance Exam to be a Disciple

Jesus doesn't want leaders or more involvement and activities. He wants disciples. He never said "Go into the world and make committees..." He said "make disciples." Perhaps part of the heresy of activism or involvement is to misunderstand this key aspect of Christianity. Doing things at church does not make you automatically holy or good. Being involved can be a great way to get to know other Christians, but it won't necessarily lead you to a better faith life and connection to Christ. Sometimes we get so caught up in making sure people are involved that we never ask if their personal relationship with Jesus is growing. We, especially Catholics, just assume that our faith in Him must be growing if we are spending more time doing things at church. But not necessarily. 

What Jesus needs is disciples. People who are completely surrendered to Him. Those who really get to know him, love him, and serve him. In that order. Don't give me more leaders. I want disciples. 

Reading through the Gospel of today (Luke 51-68) we get a depiction of some would-be followers of Jesus. Some are not ready to follow him right now. Some have other pretexts and are tied down by family obligations. Others are attached to money, jobs, commitments, worldly honors, or even church honors. Some are not ready to be surrendered to letting Jesus take over their whole life. And these are not fit yet for the kingdom. 

I've translated a copy of the Entrance Exam to be accepted into the School of the Disciples of Jesus. It's originally from José Prado Flores, a great New Evangelist from Guadalajara, México. The Prezi program in Spanish is an excellent rendition of his 4 points of what it takes to be a disciple as well. You can see it here: Exam de Admisión

And remember, this is not the course of discipleship. This is merely the entrance exam. The life and teachings of Jesus come after we are admitted...

School of the Disciples of Jesus

______________________________________________________________________

ADMISSION EXAM

Circle your response

1. Have I decided to accept Jesus as my only Master, 

renouncing the advantages and any other thing 

against his teachings? 

YES     NO

1. Am I ready to follow Him immediately and for my whole life? 

YES     NO

1. Do I renounce every thing structure, privilege, 

or person that separates me from Him?

YES     NO

1. Have I taken up my cross of service as a plan for life? 

YES     NO

_______________     _____________________________

        Date          Signature

______________________________________________________________________

SELF-CHECK:

0 YES and 4 NO:    You are not accepted into the School of Discipleship

1 YES and 3 NO:    You are not accepted into the School of Discipleship

2 YES and 2 NO:    You are not accepted into the School of Discipleship

3 YES and 1 NO:   You are not accepted into the School of Discipleship

4 YES and 0 NO:    The only way to be admitted to the School of Discipleship

Y por supesto, en español tambien:

ESCUELA 

DISCIPULOS DE JESUS

______________________________________________________________________

EXAMEN DE ADMISION

Encierra en un círculo tu respuesta:

1. ¿Decido a aceptar a Jesús como mi único Mastero, 

renunciado a las ventajas de cualquier otro 

que contradiga sus enseñanzas?      

SI     NO

1. ¿Estoy dispuesto a seguirlo inmediatamente y para toda la vida?

SI     NO

1. ¿Renuncio a cualquier cosa, estructura, privilegio 

o persona que me aparte de él?

SI     NO

1. ¿Tomo la cruz de servicio como plan de vida? SI     NO

_______________     _____________________________

        Fecha          Firma

______________________________________________________________________

Autoevaluación:

0 SI y 4 NO:   No aceptado en la Escuela del Discipulado

1 SI y 3 NO:   No aceptado en la Escuela del Discipulado

2 SI y 2 NO:   No aceptado en la Escuela del Discipulado

3 SI y 1 NO:   No aceptado en la Escuela del Discipulado

4 SI y 0 NO:   Unica manera de ser admitido a la Escuela del Discipulado

A True Friend

We all have a friend, a special someone to whom we trust and expect the same out of them. Maybe you have a best friend. What makes a best friend? Trustworthy, honest, loyal...the list is endless. We also have had people in our lives that were once considered a friend, but something happened that caused disappointment and the friendship ended. Yes! we all have to admit that we have been hurt some how by someone in our past or maybe till this day you feel the need of a true friend. Where am I getting here? First of all, Everyone needs a friend. After all, friends are what makes our lives more meaningful and interesting.The truth is, friendships come and go, but Jesus never fails. He is waiting for you to recognize him as your friend. Open up your heart for Jesus; he is knocking the door of your heart. He desires to have a personal relationship with you.

I used to think I had a close relationship with Jesus just because I go to church, volunteer at church, and try to be a "good girl." Sadly, that was my case, until I decided to open up my heart to him and trust in him. I noticed that even before I received him in my heart, he was already there.

Every time I needed him, he was there. 

When I had doubts, he helped me...

When I felt lonely, he was by my side...

When my plans and hopes failed, he had other things prepared for me...

When I felt desperate, and my cross was becoming heavier, he gave me strength...

Despite who I was before, he never stopped calling me. To be honest, I still struggle, but I have faith and a great friend that never fails. Get to know Jesus; he's the only true friend you could ever have. There is no greater love than Jesus dying on the cross for you and me.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to join millions of youth with the same faith, meeting new friends, and be part of this great celebration, especially participating in the holy mass with Pope Francis. Jesus makes everything possible. Please keep the group in your prayers.

 John 15: 13-15

Plans

Just recently I had to dig through the grit and grime of my home to repair water damage and remove potentially deadly mold from the walls, all the while talking about growing up with my fellow handywoman, my aunt. Before that was an Evangelical Catholic Training Camp(/retreat). Before that not one year ago I was informed of World Youth Day by Father James and signed up without deliberation. Before that was a spiritually tumultuous freshmen year of college. And before all this was an eighteen year old boy pondering/panicking over whether to enter the seminary or go to college. Thankfully, God said to give a year of college a try. (Look where that suggestion landed me.)

No doubt God guides me everyday, just as He guides us everyday even without us being aware. All our lives are a marvelous progression. To where and what, God gives us a choice, though He does have an ideal, given to us when we are ready. I've never had a clue where I am going--what? Me, a guy who has never traveled no farther than Memphis, Tennessee and not even west or south of Little Rock is going to a whole  new country? To meet the Pope and the global Catholic youth with ten Southern belles, a priest, and another dude who has his head on his shoulders? All planned!
The recent riots, ten-inch spiders, and alien 'n' exotic wildlife? All accounted for!

I don't know why people bother planning, God's ideas are far more surprising and always interesting!

Need I say more? Yes.
We--the million Catholic youth--will all come out changed and irrevocably different, from our inmost being to perhaps our outermost appearance.
Whether we bring along "baggage" or not God will give us something different to take home to our daily lives, homes, offices, and duties.

Still, while this all sounds very serious I have a gut feeling that God will prove yet again He has a sense of humor--and His jokes are hilariously life-chaning.

WYD '13RAZIL

Opportunities He gives me

    I don't know what to expect of this trip but i'm verryyyy excited! God is giving me and a group of 12 other college students the opportunity to attend a trip to Rio de Janiero in Brazil! Time is passing by very quickly and we are now under a month away from leaving for our trip to WYD Brazil 2k13! I never knew I would have the opportunity to attend the world's largest gathering where all the youth of the world meet for one special purpose, God. We will do mission work our first week in Sao Paulo and continue the next week doing several activities that include catechesis, stations of the cross, and of course, the closing mass given by Pope Francis in Rio de Janiero!
    Although the trip is set and all we are waiting for is the day of our flight, it hasn't been easy these couple of months. There has been deadlines the group had to stress about, worries about what to take and use in our trip, and other personal problems that have made the road a little bumpy for us all. But in the end, all these obstacles are sacrifices for Him like He did for us. Personally, I'm glad we had to go through all this. If it wasn't for all these sacrifices we face, I would have never met all the friendships God is blessing my life with. All the time spent together has made these new friendships like family.
    I feel so blessed for the opportunity God is giving me to attend such an important event like this. The desire for me to deepen my faith and fall in love with the church is being fulfilled. It's almost overwhelming all God is doing for me! I thank him everyday for all he is doing in my life! 
    But, He had it all planned for me and I had no idea. Turns out He is giving me a trip with a group full great people in "The Year of Faith".  

The Holy Spirit: Best Actor in Our Life

The more I read the homilies and talks from Pope Francis, the more I am aware of how much he relies on the Holy Spirit. Just today in his weekly Wednesday Audience, he told the crowd at St. Peter's Basilica: 

"The Holy Spirit, in the variety of his gifts, unites us and enables us to contribute to the building up of the Church in holiness."


Many times I find it hard to define holiness. And most of the time I think there is a misunderstanding of the term. Holiness does not mean outward compliance with laws, or commandments. It is not just an outward display of perfection. That might be gracefulness. But holiness is first and last an inner disposition, a fidelity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In the end, holiness is not so much what I do, but what God does in me. 

Throughout the day, the Holy Spirit is giving me inspirations and graces. The more I can acknowledge, accept, respond (git r done) and thank God for these inspirations, the more he will send me. And by committing myself to these impulses, and less of my own, I hope the Holy Spirit will be seen as the main actor in my life's story. I let go of my leading role and cast him. Perhaps He will be awarded Best Actor, Best Director in my life's movie. After all, it's his movie anyway. I'll let him have it all. 

This Could Sting a Little

Have you ever been called by someone who had the wrong number? For most of us this is a regular occurrence and we do not think too much of it. What if you were busy caring for a loved one, say a son or daughter, or a mom or dad, and someone kept calling you away? Sounds like a frustrating situation right? Now let's say that it is someone you know calling you and then not saying anything. They know you are busy taking care of your family or loved one, but still they call you over and over never uttering a word. I know this doesn't seem like a real situation. You are wrong!

But wait who would do something like this? It seems so childish and even cruel.

WE are the ones on the cell phone not saying anything! Every single time you utter the Almighty's name He comes rushing to your aid.

We talked about how we serve a Jealous God. He would DIE for a relationship with us, to talk to us! How do we repay Him for this yearning for our presence in His Kingdom? We call Him up and then never say a word to Him. He loves us so much and is jealous for us because He knows that in order to spend eternity with Him we must first come to know Him through our personal relationship with Jesus. What kind of relationship will we have if we prank call him and never say anything?

"Oh My God! I love this song!
First of all, no you do not "love" this song, and second of all, before Jesus came and forgave us, this statement was a one way ticket straight to the fiery pit for all ETERNITY! In the third commandment God tells us through Moses to not ever take the Lord's name in vain. Let's not forget that God knows all things. You do not have to tell Him if you like something or if you are uncomfortable. And because he is all-knowing do you think we can fool Him by saying, "Oh My Gosh!"? He knows that we almost called Him into our lives, if for only an instant. But instead tainted His Holy Name with a cheap substitute. Before you said, "Oh My,"he was rushing to the phone to listen to what you had to tell Him.

How do we fix this?
I have been blessed greatly, in that I have a companion who is trying to stop using our Lord's name in vain as well. It has worked well for us, so partner up and pray for one another that you will both remain  vigilant over the most powerful muscle in our body. The muscle that can call down the heavenly host and even the King of the universe. (your tongue)

He Loves you. YAHWEH is caring for you and leaving only one set of footprints in the sand. So next time you think you need to call out His name let it end in a prayer. A short conversation. Or even just a, "Oh My God....I Love You!"