Dear Friends,

In her blog post of 22 November 2010, Corinne Rodrigues wrote:

The class was asked, “What color are apples?” “Red. Yellow. Green,” they responded enthusiastically. One boy sat silent. “Yes, Johnny?” “I think they are white,” he told the teacher. Frustrated, she said, “Everyone knows apples are red or yellow or green.” “Not when you look on the inside,” he responded.

I suppose we do this so often—see things only in one way. We see only a part of the truth and are not open to the whole reality. If only we’d take the time and trouble to get the whole picture. This is particularly so, with a problem situation. By focusing on one thing – the problem; we end up missing the other – most often, the solution. …

The story can be viewed in another way too …We look at things on the surface and don’t delve deeper to see what’s ‘inside’. For example, most often, we end up judging people based on one incident or a few incidents. We don’t really take the trouble to understand why they’re behaving that way.

Our Lord’s words in today’s Gospel seem a bit harsh at first hearing, which might cause us to dismiss them and not pay attention. That reaction, however, is spiritually immature and could put our souls in danger.

Jesus said to His apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. …”

If we take some time to reflect on what Jesus is saying, we would have to take stock of our faith. Do I believe in God? Do I believe that He is the divine and eternal Creator of all that exists? Do I believe that He is love and that He loves me? Do I believe that His loving design orders all things and orients them to the fullness of life and love? Do I believe that He has my best interest always in mind? Do I believe that He knows more than I do?

The answers to these questions will shed light on the struggle or ease with which we hear the words of today’s Gospel. If we are aware of the inestimable and gracious gift that God has bestowed on us … His very Self; we would shudder in awe of the responsibility that His faith in us warrants. In my own experience, I have found that if I take the time and effort to look beyond the surface of the joyous and challenging situations in life; if I don’t react in knee-jerk fashion making myself a victim of injustice or inconvenience; I am pleasantly surprised how I can discover God’s Presence and His constant invitation to trust in Him alone.

The world’s perspective is to receive a gift and use it … God’s perspective as revealed in the life of Jesus demonstrates that the Gift is given to be shared and shared generously. The gift of God’s Word has been given to us; how much time and effort do we put in to read and reflect upon it? The gift of grace is offered to us in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion; how much time and effort do we put in to prepare ourselves properly to receive God’s divine life?

In these days of vacation, let us truly rest; re-create ourselves in the image and likeness of the God who calls us to love Him above all things; strive to trust Him alone and experience our lives from His perspective … realizing ourselves as Beloved and Blessed.

Be of good cheer and have a Happy Fourth of July and blessed week!

Msgr. Grous

We hold these Truths to be selfevident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness~ … And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.