theROCK

Humility

On Labor Day, we honor the dignity of work and those whose labor sustains our families, communities, and nation. Work is a daily opportunity to practice humility: respecting coworkers, being willing to listen, and serving without demanding recognition. True humility acknowledges that all talents and opportunities—all we have comes from God, and is a sacred gift. Our labor is meant to serve not just ourselves, but the good of others. 

In ordinary life, humility can be lived in small, almost hidden ways. It can be as simple as apologizing when we are wrong, letting others speak first, or showing gratitude for even the
smallest kindnesses. It can be quietly helping a neighbor, or working diligently without needing public praise. Even letting someone go ahead of us in line, or yielding to another car in traffic, is a small act of humility. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less.

Prayer is central to cultivating humility. As our parish focuses on the 10 Habits of a Disciple, we begin with the importance of daily prayer. Prayer allows us to bring our problems, concerns, and hopes to God who desires to be in relationship with us, and then to listen. Sometimes prayer is simply sitting in silence, giving God the space to speak.

But humility is essential in prayer. We must be willing to accept that God’s response may not be what we want to hear. Being humble means acknowledging that God sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us, even when His answer is difficult. In this way, prayer becomes an act of surrender—a way of saying, “Lord, your will, not mine, be done.”

Let us strive to live with the humility of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities. May we choose the lowest place with confidence that God Himself will lift us up. And above all, let us remember the importance of daily prayer. For in praying, we not only deepen our relationship with God, but we also allow Him to shape us into better disciples of Jesus—disciples who live humility not just in word, but in action.

Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself to become one of us and taught us to take the lowest place. Teach us to live each day with humility—at home, at work, and in our communities. Help us to turn to You in daily prayer, sharing our joys and struggles, and listening for Your voice. May we accept Your will with trust, and may our lives reflect the love and humility
of Your Incarnation.

Daily Inner Renewal

It has been said that Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. For those of us who live in Wisconsin, that could either be true, or simply wishful thinking. Many of us spend a greater part of the colder months considering what we might plan to do in summer; a vacation with the kids, a summer DIY home project, or simply the resolve to enjoy the warmer months in a simple way. We all seem to want to pack as much activity into the warmer months as possible—getting out there and enjoying life.

As we get older, many develop difficulty doing many of the things they loved when younger. The sad truth is that we age! Doctors and health professionals tell us that our bodies peak in our 20s and 30s, and those of us older than that can attest to the validity of their opinion.

Fortunately, as St. Paul tells us, that although this happens, our inner self is renewing. Although our physical self may be challenged, we must never allow our spiritual self to become weakened. How do we help with that daily renewal of which St. Paul speaks? We do so through a intentional connection with God.  Through prayer. Through the Sacraments. Through Sacred Scripture. He is present in all these things—there for us—assisting us in renewing our inner self, our spirits, day by day.

So, just as we may work out physically, we need to exercise spiritually. And though our bodies may be diminished over time, our spirit, which makes us who we are, which indeed is the dwelling place of God, is renewed unto the end of the age. 

Room for Jesus

May 6, 2023 was a significant life marker for me. it was the 50th anniversary of my First Holy Communion. (And yes, that makes makes me feel old!) I remember the solemnity of the long procession from our classrooms where we gathered before Mass to the church. It seemed we would never get in. It took forever in the mind of this second grader. I don't remember much about the Mass, what music we sang, or even remember where my parents were sitting. (We were seated in front as a class.) I remember receiving my First Communion from the pastor, which was by intinction back in those times. I do remember part of the homily given, probably because the priest said it repeatedly. I paraphrase, "Did you prepare a room for Jesus?" Back then, I didn't know what those words could mean other than knowing that as I received communion that Jesus would dwell in me. As years passed that questions became clearer. Now I ask myself, do I make room for Jesus? Do I make room for him in my day, my life? 

Let us all ask ourselves, "Did I prepare a room for Jesus?" And, if Jesus has that dwelling place in my heart, how am I doing at letting him change that heart? The Eucharist gives us the ability to change and the strength to fulfill the mission of Christ.  Let us ask ourselves, "Do I recognize the strength  I receive from the Eucharist?"