Inbox Inspiration: April 26, 2020: Special - 12 Third Sunday of Easter

Special – 12
Third Sunday of Easter 
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35   

The two disciples who are at the center of today’s gospel end up telling the other disciples about their experience with the risen Jesus.
They say: “The Lord has truly been raised.”
Sometimes it strikes me as strange that these two disciples express it in this way: “The Lord has truly been raised.”
Usually I speak of Jesus as “rising from the dead” – the active voice.
This way of describing the resurrection shows Jesus as in control of the situation and rising by his own power.
After all, we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and so he could rise by his own power.
So, why the expression: “The Lord has truly been raised.”
One of our Catholic commentators offers this insight.
If we speak of Jesus as “rising from the dead,” we in effect set Jesus’ suffering and passion apart from our own pain, suffering, and death.
We posit Jesus as completely in control.
Whereas, in our pain, suffering, and death, we are powerless and not in control.
So, when the Scriptures carefully speak of Jesus being “raised” by the Father, they are not denying Jesus’ divinity or his real power.
Instead, they are conveying that Jesus assumed our humanity so completely that even he felt powerless and afraid when he was confronting pain and suffering.
Even Jesus, instead of relying on his own inner resources, trusted in the power of the Father to be with him through it all and to raise him up.
So, this expression – “The Lord has truly been raised” – conveys Jesus’ invitation to us to do what he did:
to entrust ourselves to the power of God to sustain us and raise us up to life eternal.

Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful. 

Inbox Inspiration: April 24, 2020: Special - 11 A Prayer in Honor of Mary

Special – 11
A Prayer in Honor of Mary 

There is a prayer in honor of Mary in our Catholic tradition that is special for the Easter Season.
Its title consists of the first words – Regina Coeli, the Latin words for Queen of Heaven.
The prayer is in praise of Christ’s resurrection and of the Blessed Mother.
It dates back to the thirteenth century and is prayed as part of Compline, the official Night Prayer of the Church, during the entire Easter Season.
It is also good to pray the Regina Coeli by itself and at any time of the day.
It is part of our rich spiritual treasury.
I recommend it to you. 

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia!
For He, whom you did merit to bear, Alleluia!
Has risen as he said, Alleluia!
Pray to God for us, Alleluia!
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia!
For the Lord has truly risen, Alleluia!
Let us pray:
O God, who gave joy to the world by the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we beseech you, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, his Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life.  Through the same Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

O Risen Christ, steady and strengthen us in this trying time. Amen.
Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Covid-19 Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful. 

Inbox Inspiration: April 22, 2020: Living Through This - 5

Living Through This - 5 

Dear Friends,
Last Wednesday, I shared some thoughts from Pope Francis.
On March 27, the Holy Father delivered an address directed to the entire world about the coronavirus crisis.
The context of the Pope’s reflections is the Gospel of Mark 4:35-41 – Jesus in a boat with the disciples when the water becomes very rough and frightening.
Here are some more of Francis’ reflections.

“The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities…The tempest lays bare all our prepackaged ideas and forgetfulness of what nourishes our people’s souls…We deprive ourselves of the antibodies we need to confront adversity.
“Like the disciples, we will experience that with him on board there will be no shipwreck. Because this is God’s strength: turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things. He brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies.
“‘Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?’ Lord, you are calling to us, calling us to faith. Which is not so much believing that you exist, but coming to you and trusting in you…You are calling on us to seize this time of trial as a time of choosing. It is not the time of your judgement, but of our judgement: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”

So, we are in a storm – on a stormy sea.
We now realize our vulnerability.
We turn to the risen Christ.
We resolve to identify a way we will continue to do this every day.
We resolve to discern what is important from what is not important.
We resolve to discern what is a necessity from what is not a necessity.
And with this, we are back on track and allowing the risen Christ to provide us with the antibodies we need especially for the adversities of life.

May the peace and healing action of Jesus Christ come upon us! Amen.
Father Michael Schleupner

Inbox Inspiration: April 19, 2020: Special - 10 Second Sunday of Easter

Special – 10
Second Sunday of Easter 
Gospel: John 20:19-31   
 

Some time ago, I read a report asserting that almost 80% of what we know comes from believing.
It does not come from direct experience or logical reasoning.
For example, most of us have never visited the Great Wall of China, but we believe what historians or travel guides tell us about it.
There are two conclusions I want to draw from this.
First, on these Sundays after Easter, the Scriptures call us to believe in the risen Christ. In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who do not see but still believe.”
So, just as we accept so many other things by trusting and believing, we are also to accept the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own resurrection in this way. This is the first invitation of the Easter Season.
And second, we are to act on what we know through faith. If someone tells us that the woman who lives a few houses away is feeling lonely and down and we believe that, we will probably connect with her in some way and let her know we are there for her.
In a similar way, we are to act on what we know from our faith in the dying and rising of Jesus. So, we may die to our desire to verbally strike back at someone who has offended us, because we believe that if we do that, we can come to a greater personal fullness and maybe even to a better relationship with that person.
So, some lessons on faith on this Sunday after Easter!

Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful.

Inbox Inspiration: April 17, 2020: Special - 9 A Prayer/Litany for Now

Special – 9
A Prayer/Litany for Now  
 

At the end of each intercession, we pray: Deepen our trust in you, O Risen Christ.
 
For all persons infected with the coronavirus…
For children, seniors, and others who are very vulnerable…
For those who have died in this pandemic…
For those grieving the death of a loved one…
For those suffering separation from loved ones…
For parents who are providing for their families…
For all health care professionals…
For all first responders, police, and fire fighters…
For those in financial crisis…
For government officials…
For scientists and medical researchers…
For faith in the mystery of dying and rising…
For hope in God who is always with us…
For love of God and of others as of self…
For inner peace amidst anxiety…
For acceptance of our vulnerability…
For patience with ourselves and with others...
For awareness of our connectedness with all…
For freedom from competition and hoarding…
For a commitment to the common good…
For medications that will help and heal…
For a vaccine for this coronavirus… 

Conclusion:

O Risen Christ, steady and strengthen us with your life in this trying time. Amen. Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful. 

Inbox Inspiration: April 15, 2020: Living Through This - 4

Living Through This – 4
 

Dear Friends,
On March 27, Pope Francis spoke in Saint Peter’s Square in Rome.
He stood there – alone.
No one else was present; there was a strict stay-at-home order in Italy.
Francis gave what is called an Urbi et Orbi message – the Latin words for To the City and the World.
Usually, the Pope gives such a message only at Christmas and Easter.
However, the Holy Father judged that the present crisis demanded that he speak now.
He began with the passage from the Gospel of Saint Mark 4:35-41.
Jesus is in a boat with the disciples and the water becomes very rough and frightening.
Here is an excerpt of what the Pope said.
“‘When evening had come.’ (Mk 4:35). The Gospel passage we have just heard begins like this. For weeks now, it has been evening. Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void, that stops everything as it passes by; we feel it in the air, we notice it in people’s gestures, their glances give them away. We find ourselves afraid and lost. Like the disciples in the Gospel we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. On this boat… are all of us. Just like those disciples, who spoke anxiously with one voice, saying ‘We are perishing’ (v. 38), so we too have realized that we cannot go on thinking of ourselves, but only together can we do this.”
The Pope expresses well where we are and how we are feeling right now in the midst of this coronavirus pandemic.
He reminds us that, like the disciples in that boat, we are all in this together.
And now, the “we” is all of humanity – everyone on this earth.
That is the perspective that Jesus calls us to have in this turbulence.
More from Pope Francis next week! 

May the peace and hope of the risen Christ be with us!
Father Michael Schleupner

Inbox Inspiration: April 12, 2020: Special - 8 Easter Sunday

Special – 8
Easter Sunday 
Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10   
 

In many of the gospel passages about Jesus’ resurrection or resurrection appearances, we are told that the disciples are afraid.
And repeatedly, an angel or Jesus himself says: “Do not be afraid.”
On this Easter Sunday, we, like those first disciples, might be attentive to these words.
First, do not be afraid to believe.
Believe that the continual yearning deep within us for something more doesn’t just relate to more stuff – like a new iPhone or more money or whatever.
Instead, believe that this yearning has been planted within us by our Creator and leads us to God who will really satisfy this desire for something more.
And then, do not be afraid to hope.
Dare to hope in the mystery of dying to self – as when I apologize to someone – a dying that leads to new life for me and the relationship.
Dare to hope that life in the end wins out over death.
And finally, do not be afraid to love.
Be willing to love by giving of time and self to family and friends.
Be willing to love by letting go of some preferences or comforts to help someone who is in need, even if I don’t know them.
So, “Do not be afraid” is a core Easter message.
Do not be afraid to believe, to hope, and to love.
If we heed this, we may still have fears and anxieties, but they will not consume us.
Instead, we will experience a different quality of life – a fullness that will make resurrection feel very real and almost natural.
Maybe, this Easter, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis, we need this message more than ever: “Do not be afraid.”   

Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful. 

Inbox Inspiration: April 10, 2020: Special - 7 A Prayer for Those Who Have Died

Special – 7
A Prayer for Those Who Have Died  
 

Lord Jesus,
today we celebrate Good Friday.
Maybe that sounds strange – that we “celebrate” your death.
But, Lord Jesus, we do “celebrate” your dying for two reasons:
it was such a complete giving of yourself out of love for us, and
it led to new life, your resurrection, and the promise of ours.
So, we call the day of your dying “Good” Friday, and we celebrate it.
This year, we also remember the 90,000+ persons in our world,
including 15,000+ Americans who have died from the coronavirus.
We lift them up to you, O God of life.
We are grateful for their presence among us and all the good they did,
for their giftedness and their gifts to their families and our human community.
I especially remember (name someone you know who has died of the virus).
I feel sadness, loss and grief,
but I also place my trust in you, O God of love.
To all who have lost their lives in this pandemic,
bring your divine healing, and grant whatever is needed for them
to enter your eternal friendship and life.
May they be fully in peace with you.
May they experience joy in the resurrection that you have opened to us.
“Saints of God, come to their aid!
Hasten to meet them, angels of the Lord.
May Christ, who called them, take them to himself;
may angels lead them to the bosom of Abraham.
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.”
(From the Order of Christian Funerals) 

Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful. 

Inbox Inspiration: April 8, 2020: Living Through This - 3

Living Through This – 3
 

Dear Friends,
The Book of Job in the Old Testament is a classic story about the problem of human suffering.
A good man, Job, loses virtually everything: family, health, business, livelihood.
Some of his friends think this is an act of God.
God must be punishing Job for some sin, something bad that he did.
But Job rightfully protests and refuses to accept that answer.
He knows he has been trying to live a good life.
So, Job cries out to God and eventually, in a stirring dialogue, Job humbly bows to God’s greatness and accepts the mystery of life, including suffering.
I recall this book as we live through the coronavirus crisis.
I do not believe that God wills this pandemic.
I do not believe that God wants this suffering for us.
I do not believe that God is punishing anyone with this.
However, I do believe that we can learn from this – learn something of what God wants from us in this life.
Maybe that we become more humble, more aware that we are not in control of everything.
Maybe that we become more unitive in spirit, more aware that we are one with others in our community, our country, and yes, our entire world.
Maybe that we slow down a bit and really make time for the people in our life.
Maybe that we look for what we can generously give to assist and help others.
Maybe that we live more simply, more according to real needs and necessities. 
So, God is not punishing us with this coronavirus.
But, God does expect us to learn and grow from this.

May the peace and healing action of Jesus Christ come upon us! Amen.
Father Michael Schleupner

Inbox Inspiration: April 5, 2020: Special - 6 Palm/Passion Sunday

Special – 6
Palm/Passion Sunday 
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66   
  

As you know, there are four gospels.
Each gospel writer – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – each of them tells the story of the Passion, Jesus’ suffering and death.
However, each of them tells it a bit differently – each giving us a detail that the others may not, or each writing from a slightly different perspective.
On this Palm/Passion Sunday, the Passion according to Matthew is read.
One of the unique aspects of Matthew’s account is that he is the only one of the four gospel writers who tells about Judas committing suicide.
The question is: why does he mention this?
Judas has sold out Jesus for some money but then realizes that what he has done is terribly wrong.
He realizes that he has betrayed a good and holy man.
Tragically, Judas does not realize that Jesus is so good that he will forgive and accept him back.
Judas fails to see or trust this.
So implicitly, by recalling Judas’ suicide, Matthew wants us to be clear that nothing we do is too bad to be forgiven by God.
God’s love for us is unconditional, and there is nothing about us as persons or about our behavior that is beyond God’s forgiveness.
Let’s recall this if we at some time feel very guilty, even ashamed and down on ourselves.
And, by all means, let’ share this with someone else who is feeling that way.

Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful. 

Inbox Inspiration: April 3, 2020: Special - 5 A Prayer for Health Caregivers

Special – 5
A Prayer for Health Caregivers  
 

Lord Jesus Christ,
today I pray for all health caregivers
and especially for those caring for persons sick with the coronavirus.
For doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants,
for emergency room and urgent care personnel,
for first responders and all emergency medical service providers,
for those who assist with vital life-support and technology systems,
for those who provide personal protective equipment and custodial services,
for those who supply nutrition and hydration,
for social workers and chaplains,
for administrative staff and clinic receptionists,
and also, by all means,
for family and friends caring for loved ones who are sick at home –
Lord Jesus, I place all of these women and men in your caring hands.
May they be personal instruments of your healing power.
May they be the presence and expression of your warm love.
Protect them.
Keep them well.
Heal them of any sickness.
Keep them spiritually strong as day after day they fulfill their calling
under great stress and significant risk.
I thank you, Lord, for each of these health caregivers –
whoever and wherever they are in my community, our country, and our world.
And I ask you, Lord Jesus Christ, to bless them
and wrap them in your love, today and always.
Amen.

Father Michael Schleupner

Inbox Inspiration: April 1, 2020: Living Through This - 2

Living Through This - 2

Dear Friends,
In last week’s Inbox, I recommended five things to help us live through this coronavirus crisis.
The first of these five actions is to pray.
Today I am listing some ways to pray and some sources to help us with that.

• Read a passage from the gospel each day. This week, I recommend Matthew 26:14-27:66. This is the account of Jesus’ Passion that is scheduled to be read at Mass this coming Sunday, Palm/Passion Sunday. Slowly read a section of this long passage each day. Ask yourself: what is this telling me about Jesus? What is this saying to me personally? This can be a great prayer experience! 
• Check out your parish website. Many parishes are livestreaming Sunday Mass or making a previously recorded Mass available. 
• Check out this website of the Archdiocese of Baltimore: www.archbalt.org/online-mass. This gives a list of links to Masses being broadcast from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen and from parishes and other locations.  
• I recommend the monthly missal Give Us This Day. This is available as a print publication from Liturgical Press or as a digital subscription that you access as an App and can download on your laptop or smartphone. For each day of the month, it gives a Morning and Evening Prayer, a short bio of a saint or holy person, the readings for daily Mass and a reflection on them. Could be a big help to assist you with praying at home these weeks! 
• The rosary. This prayer has been a strong part of our Catholic tradition. If you want to add some freshness to it or if you need a refresher on how to pray the rosary, there are a number of helpful internet Apps available. 
• Pray As You Go. This is a 15-minute daily reflective prayer. It includes some beautiful sacred music, a reading of one of the Scripture passages for the Mass of the day, some pointed words of guidance to get us to apply the passage to our own lives, some silence, a re-reading of the passage and a closing prayer. Again, it is available as an App on your smartphone or through their website on the internet: https://pray-as-you-go.org

May the peace and healing action of Jesus Christ come upon us! Amen.
Father Michael Schleupner