21st Century Priest
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Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Reform your ways and your deeds, so that I may remain with you in this place. Put not your trust in the deceitful words: “This is the temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!”
On the morning of July 23, I went to my Mary Mass. I dedicate my Saturday mornings to Our Blessed Mother by going to 6:30am Mass every Saturday at the Monastery of the Poor Clare’s. I call the Monastery my little piece of heaven. My day begins before light at 5am. I leave the house around 5:45am to make it in time for Mass. Today my little piece of heaven was all about heaven.
In the first reading (Jeremiah 7:1-11), the Lord told the prophet to stand at the gate of the temple and remind the people of the sacredness of this holy place. The people are to turn from their wicked ways and turn to God if they wish to dwell in this house with God.
The temple, the house of the Lord, is a representation of heaven.
And then there was the Responsorial Psalm. We responded, “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Might God” as one of the Sisters read Psalms of yearning for God and heaven, “My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” “Blessed they who dwell in your house!” “Continually they praise you.” “I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”
Sitting before the tabernacle of Our Lord in this little piece of heaven, I listened as Sister sweetly read to us about heaven. Yes! Yes! “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Mighty God!”
Next, Father Arbuckle read the gospel. It was the parable of the enemy who came during the night and sowed weeds among the wheat of the landowner. (Matthew 13: 24-30) Father told us that one of his chores growing up was to pull weeds in the garden. He wished his father was like the master in the story who let the weeds grow with the wheat. He wished his father let the weeds grow with the vegetables in the garden.
Why would Jesus tell this story? Jesus wants us to know that God gives all a chance to go to heaven. If God destroyed us when we commit serious sin then we would have no opportunity to repent. Instead God gives us a chance to repent and to grow. It’s all about heaven. God is always giving us a chance for heaven. More good news from Father Arbuckle: “This story is an example of the Mercy of God!”
When we pay attention, it’s easy to see these connections in the Mass readings. Think about this! Mass is always about heaven. Jesus doesn’t leave heaven to be with us in Holy Eucharist. Jesus brings heaven to us. How wonderful is this gift from God, a piece of heaven now in the Real Presence of Jesus and the promise of heaven for all eternity.
Years ago, I suffered from severe anxiety and had many worries. I suffered and was distant from God for almost two years. Finally, I accepted the grace God had been giving me. Jesus loves me unconditionally. I need to love Him unconditionally as well. Jesus and I made a covenant a few years ago when I accepted Him back into my life. I made a promise never lose sight of Jesus again, to keep Him in my life forever. Jesus to help me keep my promises by giving me reminders. Now I’m happy. I understand that every challenge God placed in my path has been for my benefit. There are no obstacles in my path to heaven, unless I choose to take what God gives me and turn it into an obstacle. And though I’m not completely where I need be in trusting Providence and in doing God’s will, this is my life goal. Everything makes sense with God. I desire to share the joy I have in knowing Jesus with others.
