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Written by Chris Padgett
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Monday, 09 June 2008 |
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There is a common theme within the sports world: you play to win! Even if it is a middle school baseball game, the kids want to win. And of course any professional athlete is driven by the desire to be number one. They sacrifice family, friends, and their bodies in order to be the recipient of the trophy or bragging rights of being on top. This is no small matter. Sports play a big part in many young people's lives too, even if they aren't good enough to make the varsity or jv team. Wearing the teams colors, attending the games, and the constant sport's banter are in many places the difference between popularity and acceptance or alienation. Being a fan of a sport's team is no small matter either. I have seen the intensity in the eyes of those who are Cubs fans and certainly not White Sox fans. You don't cheer for the Jets if you are into the Giants. You get the point! St. Paul even mentions to us the need to put everything we have into the ultimate race. Greater than the prize that fades, is the gift of eternal life Christ gives to those who run the spiritual race. So while many are upset that the Redwings beat the Penguins this year, are facing discouragement at the Lakers being down two games in the NBA finals, the real question should probably be: how are we doing in the race that is before us? Are we running to win? Are we pursuing Christ as if he were the pearl of great price? Is He the one we cheer for, or are we ashamed of being identified with Him? It is a good day to live for Christ. We have a lot of opportunities to truly make a difference. Play to win! |
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Written by Chris Padgett
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Saturday, 26 April 2008 |
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Celebrating when we are going through difficult times is never easy. Can you imagine the struggles Mary faced on a regular basis? The looks and not so subtle comments could certainly get old, yet Mary exemplified the "joy of the Lord" which was her strength. We are told to give thanks in everything because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. Today, I just want to encourage you to be Eucharistic. We do have a lot to be thankful for, even if our feelings haven't caught up with the facts. You are breathing for starters! Let your life be like Our Lady's as you live gratitude even amidst turmoil. You are going to make it! |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 26 April 2008 )
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Written by Chris Padgett
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Friday, 25 April 2008 |
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We have one chance to live this life in a way that will have eternal ramifications. It is not always the most comforting feeling to weigh our progress thus far, especially since most of us are far too aware of our failures and insecurities. That God wants us to do great things with this time we have been given, is probably understandable to most, but putting it into practice is quite another thing. Really, we are unable to be heroic based on our merits, skills, talents, and good looks. The real living we are called to participate in, allows for our oddities and awkward moments. Jesus is okay with our humanity, but calls us to walk in His grace. This coupling of the mortal dancing with the immortal is certainly not easy to comprehend. Suffice it to say, that your discouragement with your inabilities is not a factor when it comes to Christ and His love for you. The blood and flesh you carry about so heavily is an opportunity to reflect in time, what is unfathomable. Somehow God allows us to catch a better glimpse of Him through our stumbling and bumbling. How odd?! So, life the life with a sense of joy. You are not given up on, nor are you too far from His love. Jesus is captivated with you! |
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From Adam, through David, to Today |
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Written by Chris Padgett
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Friday, 15 February 2008 |
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Mary is with you during this Lent. As you journey towards holiness this season, realize that your sacrifices matter. In last weeks Mass readings we were reminded that the sin of Adam and Eve, although changing everything, was not without hope. The ProtoEvangelium in Gen. 3:15 speaks of God's salvific love being triumphant in spite of the impact of the world, flesh, and devil. The Psalm of David crying out for forgiveness should be our cry during this time of sacrifice. We too, are sinners. The Garden's impact reaches us today, yet with all of our sin, there is still the hope of redemption. In the Gospels we were told that Jesus also battled the world, flesh, and devil, yet He was able to do what Adam failed to do: willingly lay down one's life in obedience to the Father's. Jesus loved and followed the Father's commands. We, like Adam, have failed to obey. We have been more like David in the Psalm; sinful and in need of renewal. The Good News is for all of us, from Adam, through David, up to today. Jesus offers all at the cross, and His resurrection invites us into the true Eden. Mary, is assisting us as we come and repent. For us, the question is: What will we do? Will we follow Jesus' witness and obey the Father in our lives? Will we look for our satisfaction in Christ, and not the things of this world? Let us cling to the Gospel, for it is the hope of salvation for all of us who believe! |
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