mark anthony de jesus

wow... what great readings this past Sunday... it was one of those Sunday's where everything in Mass is Perfect... the readings.. the homily.. the song... and I DIDN'T FALL ASLEEP!

Abby's favorite reading... 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is one of those reading that just make you go... dang... For those of you who don't want to navigate to USCCB, the reading is about Paul talking about being humble and realizing that in our weakness we are actually made strong. It says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. I would rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me." Paul... PAUL.. one of the greatest evangelists.. EVER... i mean EVER IN TIME... and he knew and recognized this. He was only effective because he knew that he was not doing his work alone and that it was only possible because God was standing right next to him... because Jesus sacrificed his life for him.. because all those that came before and were to come after him did their job the same way. If we ever become too confidant and believe that "Yeah.. I got this Talk/Sharing down" or "I have a handle on my life" we will be humbled down. God will ensure that. I always like to believe that there is a little (or perhaps a lot) that remains out of my control in all that I do. Whether it is at work and the latest application/Service Request seems to be straight forward or a meeting that I am in charge of or situations with my new marriage, I believe that anything can happen. Perhaps a misinterpretation of the requirements with the business unit. perhaps music min gets sick or no one shows up to the meeting. Perhaps Abby or I are just happening to have one of "those" days... things are just always unsure. Paul recognized that... and Jesus experienced that in the Gospel.

Now when I read the Gospel I had to laugh... cause yeah. Its all about Jesus going back to his Hometown. Now remember this is after He had performed SOOO many countless DOCUMENTEDmiracles. So yeah.. he goes home and starts teaching. Everyone is like... "oh thats Jesus, son of Mary and Jospeh... who is he thinking he can talk about this stuff." And Mark Hart said something funny.. he said the people were probably thinking.. "Who died and made him God" funny right? cause yeah.. Jesus is God.. and true no one died... not yet that is. And I know my next comparison will cause people to Gasp (even I gasped when I thought about it..). Kobe Bryant... ocho.. or ocho times 3 as Vic the Brick would say. He is was booed at the 2002 All-Star Game in Philly... his HOMETOWN! i mean what the heck.. he's one of your boys and you boo him? He's an incredible talent, driven, and a proven winner.. and you boo him? a product of your own system? Geesh... kinda like Jesus was booed going back to his home town. not saying that Kobe is like Jesus or Jesus is like Kobe... just a comparison that might make sense to people today. So yeah.. if Jesus got booed, Kobe got booed... i'm fine with getting booed. its an honor. K.. now i have to get back to work..

so i decided to TRY to start writing about Sunday reading in part to do document how my outlook on faith evolves... but mostly to just remember what I said about certain things.

The only thing I remember about this last weeks gospel was that I was kind of let down by Mark Hart's Sunday Sunday Sunday Podcast and also what Fr. vic and Fr. Bill said during the Homily.

The gospel of John says "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you."

Mark metions that we need to stay connected to the Church instead of just showing up... I think its more than just staying Connected. (so this is the part where i get all cheesy and of cliche) We need to When we prune a tree we don't stop after one season, we continue to prune to keep more and more fruit growing. We need to reach for that light while staying connected.

so yeah... i really don't think people will read this... i forgot most of what i was going to say and I got hella busy here at work.