Hearing and obeying the Word of God

	Word to Life  By Jeff Hensley

Obedience. We tend to think there must be an easier way. We have the end of the Sermon on the Mount here in these readings.

Jesus tells us to hear and obey the words of the preceding sermon with its admonishments to have pure hearts, doing our religious works of prayer and fasting so that only the Lord himself sees them, loving our enemies, praying for those who persecute us, not worrying about our material needs. Then finally he sets out the simplicity of God's law in the golden rule, "Treat others the way you would have them treat you: This sums up the law and the prophets."

June 1, 2008 Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32 Psalm: 31:2-4, 17, 25 Romans 3:21-25, 28 Matthew 7:21-27

This is such a simple set of high standards, not replacing all that God has required of those who follow him, but refining all that has gone before in the law and the prophets.

But why? Why does God make even this summary set of requirements of us? Is this all for his benefit, for some heavenly ego of monstrous proportions that demands obedience for no reason but his own glorification?

Well, no.

I once knew an author of best-selling Christian books, Harold Hill, who referred to the Bible as "The Manufacturer's Handbook." It doesn't take a lot of imagination to see what he meant. If the maker of your new car tells you to put water in the radiator and gas in the gas tank, to keep the fluid levels up in the master brake cylinder, and the windshield washer fluid in the washer tank, you don't express your individuality and free will by doing the opposite of each of these. You follow the instructions, knowing that the one who designed and built the car knows best what to do to keep the vehicle in good running order.

	For reflection: • How can you spend more time reading the Bible? Can you join a parish Bible study group, pick up a Scripture study guide to read along with, or establish a daily reading habit?

Want a good and happy life, one that will withstand the winds and the torrents when they come? Build your house on rock. Follow the creator's guidelines. Only God knows what will make us truly happy in this life and prepare us for the life to come. Live by The Manufacturer's Handbook, and especially pay attention to the beatitudes and the golden rule.

This column is offered in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort Worth, Texas.

The faces of young Catholics

	Word to Life  By Jeff Hedglen

The Tejano music is streaming out of the sound system, there is a margarita in my hand, it is Cinco de Mayo, and I am mingling with about 100 young adults in a local bar. The clincher is that I am not cruising for a date. I'm at a church event. The event is called "Theology On Tap."

All around the country, "Theology On Tap" gathers young adults in a relaxed setting to bring the message of Jesus' love to those who may not have darkened the door of a church since their confirmation. There is some controversy about this. After all, this is a church-sponsored event at a bar! This Sunday's Gospel offers us a glimpse into the theology behind the "tap."

June 8, 2008 Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Hosea 6:3-6 Psalm 50:1, 8, 12-13, 14-15 Romans 4:18-25 Matthew 9:9-13

Some of Jesus' followers were asked, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

Jesus, overhearing the question, replied: "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do . . . I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Jesus is the master of meeting people where they are. He does not expect them to change before he accepts them. Quite the contrary, he makes the first move and offers healing.

This night in the bar, Jesus moves, too. The speaker is talking about the resurrection and poses the question: "What difference does it make for me?"

As I gaze around the room I see the faces of young Catholics eager to learn more and believe more.

	For reflection: • Where do you think Jesus would go to minister to people if he had come now instead of 2,000 years ago? • Is anyone bringing the Gospel to those places in your town? • What can we do to bring the light of the Gospel to the dark places in our world?

They may not be perfect, but at least they are seeking. They seek the resurrection; they seek people who are like them in age and faith background; they seek fulfillment for their life; they seek peace; and they seek belonging.

All of what they seek is found in the person of Jesus and in his body that is gathered -- tonight in a bar, every Sunday at Mass. Let's pray that the former leads to the latter!

This column is offered in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort Worth, Texas.

Prayer to St. Raphael Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. We beg you, assist us in all our needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God" we humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of our souls and the ills that afflict our bodies. We especially ask your guidance of our diocese as we journey toward the rebuilding of a cathedral bearing your name, and the great grace of purity to prepare us to be temples of the Holy Spirit. As our intercessor, beg the Blessed Trinity to prosper the work of our hands and, above all, to bring us, face-to-face, into their Holy presence. Amen.