Dear friends,<\/p>\n
I often say that every human reaction to the conditions of this world is present in the Bible. The Bible gives us the tools to respond in a manner that is God-like, instead of worldly. Last week, Jesus told Peter, \u201cyou are thinking not as God does but as human beings do.\u201d The recognition and acceptance that we are not God and that our thinking is less than that of God\u2019s, is one of the first steps to spiritual wisdom. The truth of the Bible and of Church teaching is to inform our current knowledge that our thinking is ever becoming more Christ-like.<\/p>\n
There are so many great lines in the Bible that are worth memorizing. This Sunday, the Letter of St. James offers us one of these memorable lines. \u201cWhere jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.\u201d This is true within each and every organization, government, group, church or family. The Church is adamant that any sin is an offense against God and humanity. There really is no \u201cprivate\u201d sin. When one lives in sin, and the sin is perceived as \u201cprivate\u201d it still effects the mind of the person, which then effects that relationships in his\/her life with all the accompanying communication. Sin creates division and where there is human division, some sin is present. Sin ultimately can consume one\u2019s mind with evil thoughts.<\/p>\n
The sin of jealousy and selfish ambition are extensions of the sin of pride. When one puts oneself first, one lives in a state of sin. Jealousy is being consumed with thoughts of something that is incomplete in one\u2019s life. Essentially, jealousy is the result of a lack of gratitude and contentment. Selfish ambition puts one\u2019s own achievement in highest importance. The key is to pray about when the temptation for sin occurs. The Bible is adamant that we are called to use our gifts and talents to serve God. The Bible talks about investing money, investing in oneself and growing toward a positive future. Jesus told parables about positive aspects of human success, but it has to be other directed. We live in a culture that requires we operate within an economy. Our role in the economy should be using one\u2019s gifts and talents best to serve God, family and the world. When one is consumed with jealousy and\/or selfish ambition, there certainly is disorder. The foul practices that surround this disorder flow from human thoughts that are not God\u2019s thoughts. Every thought matters. Prayer helps us identify which thoughts lead to God and which are disordered. The Mass, the Sacraments, the Bible, and Church teaching each exist to guide our thinking toward the good and service of God and neighbor.<\/p>\n
We had a great time at the Chicago Bears game last week! Thanks for the prayers for safe travel. Always important for us all. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and nice to be away for a bit. Tailgating with the family is often as enjoyable as the game. Although they had an exceptional game last Monday!<\/p>\n
God bless,<\/p>\n
Fr. David<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"