For those who have access to social media, television or the written media, you know that many societies throughout the world are self-centered in their approach to life.  Wealth, Power and Fame are the main catalyst on one side and being downtrodden by multiple circumstances is another.  It almost seems hopeless that we will ever live in a society that not only offers equality, but practices it in all we think, say and do.  That being the case, how can we ever love one another as Jesus loves us?

Have you been called by God?  Have you responded?  If so, what are you doing about it?  If not, why not?

‘My Lord and my God!  Help me to be one with You in all that I am and do in thought, word and deed, and in faith, hope and love.  Help me, an unworthy servant, to be worthy.’

Easter, especially the Triduum, is a continuous historical and spiritual reminder to Christian believers of the greatest love story that ever happened in our reality nearly 2000 years ago.  Without it, a massive amount of those would have no connection with God except at creation and at the end of one’s life for judgment.  The years in between would be aimless based on one’s free-will decisions that may or may not lead to a relationship with God.  The Blessed Trinity in their infinite wisdom provides a plan for each of us that circumvent what could have been a tragedy for all: A world without a Christian God who created us out of and for love.     

Periodically, my wife accuses me of selective listening; especially when it concerns a point she is trying to make about something that I choose not to hear.  My usual excuse for not hearing her, if I am still asked to respond, is that my tinnitus is so loud I couldn’t quite make out what she said.  In my defense, that is often true, but it doesn’t excuse me from not responding in some fashion.

An adage I often use when people ask about me is: “What you see, is what you get.”  I say this not to be glib, cocky or without thought.  I want to honestly reflect the true me as much as possible with whatever positive and negative aspects I portray.  I know I am not perfect and have many faults.  With this attitude, I hope that people will see I mean well in all my relationships and I can continue to learn how I need to honor the other person’s self-worth. 

My main purpose for writing my weekly blog is to help all those who read it to find the purpose for which God created them and in turn to use the God-given gifts and talents they possess to fulfill that purpose.  Our Gospel and readings for this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time call us to do just that.

Last week I was invited by the principal of our parish school to be one of two speakers at an assembly on vocations.  A former teacher, Mr. M, and husband of the current eighth grade teacher gave a PowerPoint presentation about vocations focusing on life’s goals, purpose and the call from the perspective of God’s influence in our lives.  My part was an extemporaneous offering dedicated to my call from God on why I was called to become a deacon and accepted.

In my 16-1/2 years as a deacon at two Catholic churches in the Diocese of Orange, California, I have baptized nearly 1,000 children under the age of seven years old, including one granddaughter and one great granddaughter.  For me, it is the most joyous, communal Sacrament for three reasons:

Can you hear it: The happy sigh of 2021 being over and the beginning of 2022 just a few days ago?  It is the sound of Hope Revealed just like Epiphany is the revelation of the Savior, Jesus, who brings hope to the world.