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For my friends at Smallpax, the Catholic Illustrator’s Guild,

What Jesus does, is notice her. All the wealthy people that came before her pass by without a comment from the Lord. His words of warning about rich hypocrites who devour the houses of widows, still hang in the air.

A widow in Jesus’ day was truly a non-person. No one cared for her or protected her.

But as everyone else overlooks the widow, Jesus notices her. He notices her act of fidelity, kindness, and generosity. He notices this small nondescript person whose actions make a difference in the world, and he points her out to His followers.

And that ultimately is what we are to learn from the story of this nameless widow. It is a lesson that is still relevant two thousand years later. Jesus notices us. Even though we are not the celebrities of this world, even though we are not the “movers and shakers” or the rich and powerful, God notices us.

Our small deeds, however mean and humble they may be, are noticed and remembered and cherished by our God. Even a cup of water given in His name, is remembered, and the giver shall not lose his reward.

We count.

What we do counts.

And God notices.

Pax Vobiscum

The word “saint” means “holy.” When we refer to someone as a saint we are saying that they are holy, they have entered into heaven and are gathered around our King, enjoying the rewards of their earthly labors, enjoying victory. This is the Church Triumphant.

When the Church declares that someone is a saint it is saying that through a process of investigation and discernment, God has revealed to us that a soul has been united with Him in heaven. The Church is not creating a saint but recognizing that someone is in fact holy and at one with God.

As members of the Church Militant, we still fight the battle that the saints have won. And although the terms “Church Militant” and “Church Triumphant” have gone out of style, the teaching behind those terms is still very true. We continue in the struggle against the powers of darkness. This battle started with the very origins of our world and pervades the entire history of mankind. It continues until the last day, as Our Lord attested.

Sometimes we get tired of fighting. Sometimes we get worn out. But today we lift our eyes to heaven to be strengthened and fortified by the example of those who have gone before us.

Pax Vobiscum

In today’s Gospel, Bartimaeus calls to the “Son of David,” by doing so he recognizes Jesus as a prophet and wonderworker. Although others try to silence him, his plea becomes all the louder. Finally he gets Jesus’ attention and is brought before the Master. “What do you want me to do for you?” Our Lord asks. Bartimaeus’ request is simple he wants to see.

The blind man’s longing for vision, or for the light that will shatter the darkness he lives in, was a longing for something more basic, a longing for the right path, the path a blind person cannot see. It is the path to God that one must be able to see in all its’ stages and directions, before he can embark upon it. His longing for the light is part of the reason Jesus heals him and this healing in turn allows Bartimaeus to follow Jesus. Although the Lord tells him to go his way the beggar instead chooses to follow the Lord.

With the healing of the blind beggar, one who was cut off from the light can now see clearly enough to find his way home.

Bartimaeus speaks for us all. As long as we live in darkness and fear, we are unable to follow the Lord. Let us pray for the vision to see the truth in God’s teachings and the grace to follow where He leads. Let us pray that we may all find our way home.

Pax Vobiscum

Another page from my re-telling of this polish folktale.

Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant who gives up his life that many will be justified. This is what James and John have asked to share in, to suffer for the sake of others.

Theologians and philosophers have long debated why God allows suffering in the world. Perhaps this is the closest we will ever come to an answer.

In a miraculous and mysterious way, all suffering, sickness, torture, and martyrdom, endured for the sake of Christ and His Gospel is united to the suffering of Christ on the cross. And as we share in His suffering we also share in the fruits of that passion. Our sorrows united with those of Christ are offered for the redemption and atonement of the many.

We have been baptized into His passion and death. Our sufferings are our portion of the cup promised to those who believe in Him and follow Him, a cup that is also the source of our salvation. Let us confidently approach the throne of grace, and partake in that saving cup.

Pax Vobiscum

As illustrated in today’s Gospel it is an attachment to wealth that presents an obstacle to eternal life. This is the consistent teaching throughout scripture. It is love of money that is the root of all evil (1Timothy 6:10.) The Psalms tells us “Though wealth increase, do not set your heart upon it (Psalms 62:11.) And it is not enough to simply disdain riches. Jesus tells the young man to sell what he has but also then to go further and give to the poor, to give “for my sake and the sake of the Gospel.”

People may be wealthy without clinging to their goods, just as someone can be poor and refuse to give up what little they have. God can demand a great deal from us, sometimes He can demand everything.

Many of us are going through tough times these days. We are now aware of just how hard it is to trust in God and His salvific plan. Remember that He loves us and wants what is best for us. Can we accept His plan even if it is not the one we would have liked?

Pax Vobiscum

From a Polish folktale.