In Mark 12:41-44, a widow gives all the money she has to the poor the widow gave to the money in the whole of the treasury such was her generosity.

 This made me think about how much am I willing to sacrifice in contrast to maintaining my own wealth? I believe what Jesus was stating that to be truly generous the contribution must take you out of your comfort zone. Hence, I must ask myself the following questions.

 Does it impact on my lifestyle and your relationship with others or just maintain the status quo? If it doesn’t require my significant input then I am not really being sincere in my giving.

 Are my actions directly beneficial to others? If they are then positive outcomes can be achieved by everyone. Furthermore those people in turn can extend these outcomes to reach even more people if they desire.

 Do I support others when they require assistance or just work towards meeting my own needs? I feel it is important to find a balance where your commitment to help others leads to fulfilling your own needs. There is nothing better than being recognised by others for your guidance, which assisted them in overcoming difficulties they might have experienced.

 Is my motive for offering to contribute derived from personal satisfaction or seeking something in return? I believe if I want selfish gain then I am not really providing anything because my purpose is to reward myself. On the other hand if my intent is personal satisfaction I sincerely hope my efforts will assist others in some way.

 I believe Jesus uses the example of the widow to emphasise that we give not be acknowledged or for an end result but through a yearning for others to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

 In Matthew 10:45,

Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. I believe Jesus laid the foundation for what a leader aspires to be.

Firstly, I believe a leader always tries to feel comfortable in their own skin. Not afraid to make mistakes but always confident about their strengths.

Secondly, I rate a leader who continually displays a great sense of humour. Furthermore not only laugh at themselves but be able to laugh along with others as it builds a positive environment.

Thirdly, a respected leader constantly shows compassion even under duress and their decision- making never considers a favourable outcome for themselves. Hence, their intention is that their actions will benefit others.

Finally, the most admired leaders are committed to their own beliefs even if it means that their standing with others will place them at risk. In some cases like Jesus they lose their life for them.

This I believe is what sets the greatest leaders apart.

Jesus says in Mark 9:41 “For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.”

 Sometimes you hear the phrase are you a glass half full person or a glass half empty person? Except what defines the criteria to place a person into either category.

 In the Gospel story the disciples were alarmed that someone was performing miracles in Jesus’ name yet wasn’t affiliated with their group. Occasionally such piety can affect our judgement in they way we perceive events regardless of positive or negative outcomes. For example, some people strongly adhere to (like the disciples) that certain incidents must follow a stringent procedure undertaken by the directions of the authority. (Jesus) However I believe this restricts them in achieving positive outcomes that can be supported by all and also from being opened to further possibilities. Hence the call for change to doing things in many ways (glass half full) not just one way. (glass half empty)

Consequently, a glass half full person is open to optimism and expects to succeed in everything they put their hand to. They take risks and will put themselves on the line to achieve their goals. In contrast a glass half empty person takes comfort in having to follow rules and regulations and points to them when they fail to flourish. Furthermore they make judgements on those people that don’t subscribe to the way they think and act. As Jesus said, Mark 9:40, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” A declaration for all glass full disciples.

Ever wanted to be first in the queue rather than wait in long line for what seems forever to get served? Sometimes I get agitated and annoyed and lose my patience all because I can’t be bothered waiting. However then I realise this is only a miniscule moment in my life there are more important things in my life to worry about.

 In Mark’s Gospel Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” My response to Jesus’ words is these if you want to be first you must accept the responsibility that goes with that. Furthermore you must use whatever it took to get you to that first position for example, your own gifts and talents to benefit others. Thus, not to be filled with your own self-importance or stroke a massive ego but ignite a desire to serve all.

Remember not everyone can finish first but we can all contribute to someone else finishing first even if it means we finish last. Surely that is living the Gospel.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says to his disciples, “Did I not choose you?”

 I often think it is wonderful to be chosen by somebody else. The reason why I believe is because the person who has chosen me respects me and thinks I have the skills and knowledge to undertake the task. All that remains is for me to accept the opportunity.

 Why did Jesus choose the apostles?

 I think Jesus made his choices founded on the apostle’s personalities and potential to carry on his mission. He saw the apostles as willing to listen and understand his teachings and miracles. Furthermore Jesus’ belief was that the apostles would feel motivated to carry on the teachings and build on the faith community. Hence they were chosen because they were people who had the courage and resilience to inspire others to live the Gospel today.

 Why did the apostles choose Jesus?

 I believe they were stirred by his teachings and acknowledged that by following them it would make not only a big difference to their own lives but also they could be a catalyst to change the lives of others. Thus the meaning and purpose provided by the Gospel to the apostles lives empowered them to encourage everyone they met to respect people from diverse cultures and all God’s creatures.

 God too chooses us. 

God doesn’t discriminate but invites everyone to continue Christ’s mission. Everybody has the ability to use his or her gifts and talents to build God’s kingdom on earth all you need is the desire to live the Gospel. Has Jesus said, “Many are called but few are chosen.” All we have to do is accept the invitation.

In Matthew ‘s Gospel 16.15-16, Jesus asks his apostles, “Who do you say I am?”

Peter replies, “ You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Then Jesus answers, “Blessed are you Simon, son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in Heaven.”

This got me to thinking whom do people say that I am and what do they base that opinion on? Do they base their opinion on my physical appearance, the way I dress and my occupation or what I say?

I believe that people’s opinions of others should be based on none of the above but through them actually building a relationship with others. Then they can form an opinion. However what will that opinion be based on?

Will it be on their view of life being similar to their own? They dress the same or share the have comparable interests? But what happens when relationships with others, family, friends or work colleagues contrast with your own? Can you overcome the challenge, refrain from judgement and see their point of view?

Furthermore the onus is on the individual to accept others interests, use language that is constructive and affirming and only challenge when it creates a positive outcome for themselves and others.

For me the model is Jesus whose teachings and miracles were always centered on everyone leading more productive lives. Lives that impact positively on everyone they encounter. I hope people can say that about me.

Next time someone asks you for your opinion of something or someone… ask yourself…. For what am I basing this opinion on?

After you’ve ask yourself this…. Then rethink your answer!!!!!

Sometimes I face a dilemma and I have absolutely no idea how I can find a solution. I am sure Jesus’s disciples felt the same way when they were asked by Jesus to feed five thousand people. Furthermore, Andrew one of Jesus’ disciples pointed out the futility that the only food they had was five barley loaves and two fish. Saying, “but what are they among so many people.”

Nevertheless Jesus responded, “Make the people sit down.”

I have always wondered probably like the disciples when faced with the enormity of the task why he didn’t send them home to eat and reflect on his words and he would continue the teaching tomorrow. However I would argue that the real teaching comes from Jesus’ actions.

Jesus doesn’t panic because he knows that he has the power to offer the solution. Additionally he doesn’t rebuke the disciples for their lack of faith but remains focused on solving the problem. Hence he is not only working on feeding the crowd but also not alienating the apostles with a few cross words.

I wonder how many times I get flustered when face with a difficult task. Moreover how easy is it to lash out at others because you’re frustrated at the problem that has no easy answers? So I need to be level headed and not become irritated and affect my relationships with others along the way.

Hence, Jesus doesn’t worry about the logistics of providing food for five thousand people he just gets on with the task putting his faith in God to give sustenance to the masses.

In this weeks Gospel, Mark 6:1-6 Jesus says, “Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown and among their own kin, and in their own house.”

I often reflect that many times in life things don’ t turn out the way we hoped. For Jesus I wonder if he would have returned to his hometown if he knew he was going to be ridiculed and his work ineffectual.

For me I have to do what I need to do in my life to achieve the things I want to achieve. Sometimes I may fail and sometimes I may never be successful in what I want to accomplish. However I never want to die wondering because ultimately I will regret not trying. Furthermore that despite the outcome I need to accept the end result without reservation.

So what motivates people to attempt different things?

I believe support from others drives people to take risks because they know the same people will be there when they fail. Furthermore they encourage you to take the same possibilities again.

Another motivating factor is a willingness to try and do something different. It may take you out of your comfort zone but it helps you acknowledge just where you stand in your relationships with other people.

Additionally, not being fearful of failure will assist in influencing the decisions we make in the future. Thus not being concerned about what other people think.

Finally, I must acknowledge without excuses or blame the end result. Like Jesus accepting the rejection of his hometown I must not want retribution or react with anger but dust the sand off my feet and move on to the next challenge no matter the disappointment. No third umpire because my conscience says for me to do God’s will not my will. So I must look forward never look back as this is the only way to be effective and able to face the next opportunity.

In Mark 4: 26-29, Jesus speaks about the “Kingdom of God like a farmer scattering seed and in the morning producing grain.”

Reflecting on the verse I think Jesus believes our words and actions affect others words and actions. Hence this can lead to either inspiring or disengaging people in further actions that benefit both others and themselves.

So how do we know if our words and actions have guided others? I believe this can be demonstrated in many ways. Firstly, you may receive positive feedback where a person may affirm you for your work. Thus you feel encouraged to continue what you are doing and this may empower others to follow your lead. In Jesus’s parable the idea to plant the field grow food for others.

Secondly, people imitate your words and actions in what they say and do. They become passionate about your beliefs and work and extending into their own lives. This is evident both in their work and relationships with others. Furthermore it engages them to influence others and build on the beliefs and actions. In Jesus ‘ parable that because of the model of the first field others feel inspired to plant their own fields and therefore more people are nourished.

Thirdly, our words and actions lead to outcomes. If the process along with the words and actions has been positive and coherent the opportunity for a successful outcome may be attained. Additionally how the words and actions are interpreted and the relationships formed will determine future outcomes. In Jesus’ Parable that would not only be people working in the fields but transporting the food to homes and businesses while others are cooking and eating the food. Food that provides the energy for everyone to continue his or her endeavours.

Finally it is important that we continue to plant the fields to sustain the food source and provide opportunities for everyone to reap from the harvest. How we ‘nourish others’ depends on the fields and crops we plant, maintain and grow. The more love, care and attention they get the more they flourish and the more they feed others.

What would Jesus have planted?

Last week the Church celebrated Trinity Sunday, which triggered my reflection on how the Trinity actually works here on Earth to continue God’s mission.

I believe that an earthly image of the Trinity is the Holy Family, of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The action that was lived by Jesus, Mary and Joseph was to do God’s will. Furthermore their mission to evangelize and proclaim the Christian faith that we all belong to God’s Family. I believe there is no more powerful witness than a family working together to do God’s will.

 Another image of the Trinity is that the Earth is a place of abundant and exuberant life. Furthermore creation evolves into relationships that are all interconnected with ecological systems. They are interdependent not only with each other but also the Earth’s atmosphere, seas, rivers, lakes and land.

Saint Bonaventure believes that the Theology of Creation is connected with the Theology of the Trinity. He argues that when God freely choses to create the fruitfulness of trinitarian life it finds wonderful expression in the diversity of creatures. Each creature is a self-expression of the Trinity.

Pierre Teilhard De Chardin identifies the Trinity as Christ operating at the heart of the universe and is the prime mover of evolution. He is the one who actuates the energies of the universe. God is present in our creativity and suffering. The Spirit will transform the earth by the power of love.

Denis Edwards uses the image of a sparrow to demonstrate the actions of the Trinity. God dwells in and loves every creature.

“Every sparrow is known and loved by God.”

“Every sparrow is inscribed in the eternal life of God through

the life giving Spirit.”

“Every sparrow participates in the redemption of Christ.”

When it dies it is released from oppression and born again.

Every sparrow can be thought of as eternally held

in the living memory of the Trinity.

Another image of the Trinity is celebrated at the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the Mass. God lifts the gifts of creation, the Spirit is invoked to transform the gifts of creation and the assembled community into Christ’s body. Hence the nourishment of the Faith Community comes from the actions of the Trinity.

Scott’s image of the Trinity states that The Eucharist is divine hospitality that is extended to all creatures encompassing all nations. In the Spirit the assembly is made one in Christ. We are in communion with God that has no borders but reaches out to embrace all of God’s creatures. Thus the desire to invite others into our lives displays a longing to include everyone.

Denis Edwards believes that Trinity reflects that all God’s creatures are made in the Image of God. The Spirit is God at work in the evolving process of Creation. That each of God’s creatures exhibits a diversity and unity that are not opposed but flourish in relation to each other. For it is Christ’s resurrection that is the promise and beginning of the transformation of all things in Christ. Hence it is the Trinity that continues to transform the changing face of God’s mission on Earth through God’s creation, Jesus’s powerful witness in the Gospel and the Spirit’s gifts and fruits, freely available for all of us to utilise.