The “carrot and stick” approach refers to a policy of offering a combination of rewards and punishment to induce behavior.  A good example of this methodology occurred 40 years ago today.  The Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act was a bill in the U.S. Congress that enacted the National Maximum Speed Law to 55 miles per hour.  States had to agree to the limit if they desired to receive federal funding for highway repair. The uniform speed limit was signed into law by President Nixon on January 2, 1974, and became effective 60 days later.

It appears that a significant number of states were not in agreement with this action.  However, since federal transportation dollars were attached to the legislation it was difficult to ignore. Although states had established speed limits independently in the past, this particular action by the federal government carried quite a penalty if the state refused to follow the Act.  It was interesting to note some of the adjustments made by states to correspond to the legislation without completely giving up their independence.  I read one article which described how some states simply relaxed enforcement of speed limits—unofficially of course.

As I was reading some of the history surrounding the “gas shortage” of 1973 and pondering the subsequent legislation in 1974, a couple of thoughts immediately came to my attention. 

1.      What constitutes an emergency?  The legislation was entitled, “The Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act.” Furthermore, what does a precedent like this establish for future actions of the federal government to usurp the autonomy of the states in “emergency” situations?

2.      Some sources suggest that the actual conservation of fuel was less than half of what had been projected when the speed limit was lowered.  Inaccuracy in projections (and even intentional attempts to mislead the people) certainly does not build confidence among the citizens about their elected officials.

Effective leadership is needed in any organization to bring out the best in people.  Successful leaders understand the difference between motivation and manipulation and subsequently strive to manage things but lead people.  This isn’t just about government leaders; it is about all of us.

Church leadership can fall into some of the same mishaps as secular and government leaders.  The consequences can be dire.  It is no small matter if failed leadership in the Church prompts people to abandon their faith.  The “carrot and stick” approach may accomplish program goals in certain circumstances, but if the methodologies being utilized aren’t leading our congregations to an in-depth conversion experience in the process then what is the point?  Are we sincerely creating an atmosphere in which people can profoundly encounter the living God?

“The Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act” of 1974 challenged us to ponder the way we use our natural resources and to make some adjustments.  Today, I want to ponder how we are utilizing our spiritual resources and encourage any adjustments if necessary.

1.      The speed limit has been raised from the mandatory 55 mph in 1974.  Since we are able to go faster again, are we utilizing the time we have saved in our travels to pray more or engage in other acts of service?

2.      In 1974 many people grumbled about driving 55 mph but obeyed for fear of receiving a speeding ticket.  Do we participate in the life of the Church with grumbling or with joy? Have we been content to just attend liturgical services or have we fully entered into the mystery with our full, conscious, and active participation?

3.      Did we simply choose to meet the minimal requirements to receive the sacraments and leave it at that, or have we continued a life-long journey of study and learning to grow in knowledge and understanding of our faith?

4.      How are we dispensing the resources of our time, talent, and treasure to build up the kingdom of God?

5.      In our day-to-day lives are we motivating people to be their best?

We have begun our journey into the year 2014.  May it be a fruitful time in which we grow in wisdom, grace and holiness!

New Year’s Eve is a time for looking back over the last year as well as looking ahead to the upcoming year.  Resolutions are frequently made with good intentions, but for the most part, the eloquence of philosophical ponderings near the end of the year quickly evaporate into the harshness of tangible realities we face in day-to-day life soon after the calendar page is turned.  Does this mean we shouldn’t reflect upon life?  Not at all!  It is important for us to reflect upon where we have been to determine where we want to go.  So, what is in store for 2014?

I have frequently started a new year with the intention of getting more physical exercise.  It was at the point when someone informed me that walking from the couch to the refrigerator on New Year’s Day did not count as exercise that I abandoned that endeavor completely.  This year I’ll have to see if I can devise another plan of action to get in better physical shape.  I am guessing that rolling over from my right side to the left side while I am in bed won’t count either.

On a serious note, I appreciate the opportunity that the New Year brings in regard to setting serious goals.  This is especially relevant in regard to spiritual undertakings.  What will I set out to do to grow in virtue through my prayer, study, and action in 2014?

My prayer life can always use an extra dose of faithful discipline.  “Pray without ceasing.”  Okay.  I have a long way to go yet.  What will I do to more effectively open myself to God’s grace through my life of prayer?  What steps will be necessary for me to be more faithful and fervent?  One thing is certain.  I can become discouraged by the lack of fortitude in the past or I can once again seek out the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen me in my renewed endeavors.  I think I will go with the second option.  I know the changes I need to make in my daily habits to create a better opportunity for faithfulness on my part; I will have to trust God’s grace for the other part of the equation.

I enjoy studying and learning about the faith.  I am required to do a significant amount of studying to prepare for preaching and teaching.  However, I would like to spend more time in study as a component of my prayer and meditation.  My experience with this has been very beneficial in the past, but I make time for it too infrequently.  Study conducted as a prayerful pursuit can reap wonderful insights and instill some faith-filled resolutions.  This bears fruit in abundance for a greater depth of wisdom and understanding as differentiated from a simple academic and intellectual pursuit.  This will have to be specifically placed on my list.

Action can be looked at from a multitude of directions.  How will I effectively put my faith into action on a daily basis?  The responsibilities of my position as the Director of Pastoral Ministries certainly lends itself to creating opportunities for action, but this year I want to focus specifically on putting forth effort in both charity and justice.  I want to offer support to alleviate immediate concerns in a spirit of charity while not forgetting the systemic problems inherent in some of our structures and policies that need to be addressed to promote justice.  What are the opportunities for me to be generous in charity and effective in my advocacy for justice?  This will require further reflection throughout the year as issues arise.

Looking back over my personal calendar for 2013 fills me with a deep sense of gratitude.  God certainly blessed my life and ministry over these last 12 months.  I had the opportunity to preach at the weekend Masses in 10 different parishes over the course of the year.  I conducted 17 catechetical workshops, led Days of Recollection for seven different groups, and gave two parish missions which consisted of preaching at the weekend Masses and having three evenings of presentations and prayer.  The other day-to-day responsibilities like organizing pro-life events, promoting opportunities such as Marriage Encounter, supporting our Catholic schools in a variety of ways, and a whole list of other activities simply adds to the sense of gratitude.  It has been a fruitful year in ministry.

Looking at my calendar for 2014 fills me with great anticipation and excitement.  It is a wonderful privilege to minister in a wide variety of settings and parishes, and I have quite a few different events already scheduled.  I will be leading a three night parish mission in Green River in February, preaching at three different parishes in March and April, and finally, conducting several different workshops on catechesis and the proclamation of God’s Sacred Word.  

It is also fun to look ahead quite a few months down the road.  In August I will be leading the Wyoming Catholic Men’s Retreat.  That will be a fantastic weekend and I am sincerely grateful for the invitation to facilitate such an awesome event.   http://catholicmensretreat.org/deacon-vernon-dobelmann  

What is my New Year’s Resolution?  After reflecting upon last year and looking ahead to the next, it is clear that the number one priority is to live my life in a spirit of gratitude.  God has blessed me abundantly.  May I never forget that or take it for granted!  If I can accomplish this one resolution, the others will fall into place.

Happy New Year!        

Thomas Paine holds a prominent position in the history of America.  His writings continue to inspire and motivate patriots in current times just as they did back in his day.  His eloquence captures the imaginations of historians and stirs the hearts of those who yearn for profound and powerful exhortations.  A person can easily contemplate the urgent need for some “Common Sense” today, and we may even relate more fully to “The Crisis” as it challenges us to reflect upon our own commitment to a life of service for God and country.

The first pamphlet of “The Crisis” was published on December 23, 1776.  The beginning of the opening paragraph provides an abundance of food for thought.  Thomas Paine wrote:

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. 

Paine’s depiction of a “summer soldier” or “sunshine patriot” in the second sentence makes it evident that this is not going to be a warm and fuzzy document.  Using a persuasive appeal Paine utilizes ethics, emotion, and logic to captivate the attention of the reader in an attempt to move the individual into action.  Our society today is in desperate need of such a passionate plea.  Unfortunately, I believe many people in contemporary culture have a severely limited grasp of history, and even fewer embrace the philosophical and theological assertions so generally accepted two centuries ago.  Can a comparison be made today between tyranny and hell if there is no longer a belief in hell by a large segment of the population?

The words of Thomas Paine in this paragraph have the potential to ignite the flame of love in every Christian believer.  Some would say that it is harder and harder to be a faith-filled Christian in our secularized society.  Christians are being pushed further and further to the edges of society and are even being labeled as a hate group when they stand up for traditional family values.  I agree with Thomas Paine that we can take consolation in knowing that “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”  The gift of faith is not something we should esteem too lightly.  Maybe the challenges we face as Christian believers will enhance the dearness of the gift of faith.

During the Advent season we have heard Scripture readings in which John the Baptist has been a prominent figure.  John the Baptist was the “voice” crying out in the wilderness.  One commentary stated that it is the role of the “voice” to awaken us, to startle us.  It is the role of the “Word” (Jesus Christ) to instruct us.  Have we been sufficiently awakened by the “voice” so we can hear the “Word” speak to us?  Has the passion and fire of John the Baptist exhorting us to bear good fruit as evidence of our repentance inspired us to holiness?  Thomas Paine effectively called people to patriotism; John the Baptist reminds us of our ultimate call to sanctity!

The Scripture readings at this time of the liturgical year focus our attention on the end times. The intentional attempt to guide our thinking and meditation in this particular direction has the potential to create some fear and trepidation within us, or it can lead to a deep sense of hope and a firm desire to be more fully united with our Lord. A reflection question that I was given years ago at a retreat came back to mind today as I pondered the end times. That question was this: “How will I respond at the end of life if I am simply asked, ‘How did you love?’”  

It is a simple question that has generated more questions for me rather than a simple and direct answer. I started close to home. How would my spouse and children answer that question in regard to how I loved them? Did they experience genuine love, care, and compassion from me? Did I set an example for them to follow? Realizing that I had much work to do in this area alone prompted me to stop from reflecting any further. However, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Works of Mercy were still beckoning my attention. Wow! There was no doubt that this was going to be an interesting examination of conscience. (This started out as preliminary study for developing a homily; apparently there needs to be some preaching directed right at myself before proceeding. Ouch!)

I pulled my Bible off the shelf and read the Sermon on the Mount followed by a review of the Ten Commandments. One could obviously spend a huge chunk of time with either one of those passages, but I was prompted to move on to the Works of Mercy for a more specific and direct look at, “How did I love?” The journey through these acts of mercy did not disappoint. I invite you to walk with me in reflecting upon the seven Corporal Works of Mercy. We’ll tackle the Spiritual Works of Mercy another time.

Corporal Works of Mercy 

Feed the Hungry
Share what you have with those who need it. There are folks around the world who need our help. Right now, that would be the people of the Philippines after the typhoon devastated their country. Let’s also not forget the people in our own backyard who need our help. The economic downturn has certainly created a greater need for consistent charity to our local food-banks.

Give Drink to the Thirsty
Share your joy and hope with those whose lives are dry and lonely. Fresh drinking water is badly needed in many parts of the world and there are ways we can monetarily help in alleviating these dire conditions. There are also many people right here at home who are thirsting for love and companionship. Can we quench their thirst by the gift of our time and our love?

Clothe the Naked
Are we standing up for those who are the most weak and vulnerable? Are we providing clothing and other essentials for daily living? Furthermore, are we also providing advocacy to help rectify any systemic issues that need to be addressed?

Shelter the Homeless
Are we physically sheltering the homeless? In addition to simply providing physical shelter, how do we reach out to the unloved and the unpopular people of society? Do we have a way of making everyone welcome in our hearts? Do we recognize Jesus in the poor and the homeless?

Visit the Imprisoned
Due to all the security restrictions at prisons, it isn’t easy to visit the imprisoned in modern times. However, there is a definite need for the Church community to reach out to these individuals. If we can’t physically visit the criminally imprisoned, are we visiting those locked up in their homes by fear, age, or sadness?

Visit the Sick
Are we present when people around us need our care and attention? Do we see it as a privilege to serve others in their time of need?

Bury the Dead
Do we remember with love and respect those who are separated by distance or death?

How have I loved? I don't know about you, but it is clear that I have a lot of  work to do. Fervent prayer and an abundance of God's grace and mercy are desperately needed. This examination of conscience has generated a healthy dose of reality into my world. 

This exercise has prompted me to ask yet another question that will have to be reflected upon at another time: “What treasure really is hidden most deep in my heart?”

Chuck Lawless recently published an article on www.churchleaders.com entitled Hidden, Dangerous, Contagious: 10 Church Diseases You Should Know.  The author devised a number of clever titles to reveal some very serious challenges within church communities.  Although he did not go into much detail on any of the ailments of the church, he certainly “named” things well enough to provide a jump-start for further reflection by the individual reader.  That is what I am going to do today.  I am going to reflect on number 10, Congregational Myopia.

Chuck Lawless said, “The congregation with this condition is nearsighted, focusing on themselves only.  They have no vision for the future, and fail to see that their current direction will likely lead to further disease and decline.”  The diagnosis, as well as the prognosis, seems to be quite harsh.  However, based upon my own experience, I would have to say it is also right on target.  This situation can be quite deadly for the life of any congregation.

I have had the privilege of working with a number of parish pastoral councils through the years to train and assist them in understanding their role in the parish.  One of these gatherings was uniquely enlightening.  This particular event was designed to be a three hour workshop as compared to some gatherings where I conducted the training in the midst of a weekend retreat.  The sole purpose of this workshop was to reflect upon the parish mission statement and brainstorm ideas for better fulfilling it.  As I read the mission statement, it was painfully obvious that it suffered from Congregational Myopia.  The entire mission statement focused on the people already in the pews and had no outreach mentioned at all. 

In a step-by-step process of drawing out the thoughts of the council members, it finally became crystal clear to them that their current mission statement had a definitive shortcoming.  A member finally asked, “How do we correct this?”  We subsequently began to look at the life of the parish from the perspective of where it had been, where it was currently, and where they would like it to be in the future.  Unfortunately, three hours passed quickly and we were far from complete in our endeavor.  I assured the parish council members that they had the tools to finish the project, and they were excited to develop a new mission statement to bring to the rest of the parishioners.  A new fire had been sparked and a myopic view was in the process of being corrected.

The second encounter I had with this particular diagnosis was in a mega-church which boasted a whole booklet full of ministries.  The parish had a state of the art campus with many bells and whistles to enhance the experience of learning and worshiping. It seemed like the epitome of success in regard to church operations.  In many ways it was a successful venture, but a look below the surface revealed some stark realities.  Most of the ministries listed in the booklet were inward focused.  It seemed that they catered to the needs of the existing parishioners and gave little regard to those outside the walls of the church.  I wish I would have coined the term Congregational Myopia at that time to present an accurate diagnosis of the problem. 

Suggesting a wider outreach to build up the Kingdom of God was met with indignation and contempt from some of the parish leadership.  One staff person vehemently asked, “How could you even think that we aren’t doing enough with everything that is going on in the parish?”  In my opinion the answer wasn’t in doing more; it was in realigning priorities and being more intentional in reaching out beyond the church walls.

As I look back at this experience I can see clearly what Chuck Lawless is saying, “…their current direction will likely lead to further disease and decline.”  If our focus is no longer on loving Christ and loving our neighbor, and we are instead centered on ourselves and our success, the only possible outcome is further decline.  Acknowledging our condition is a prerequisite for healing.  If parish leadership fails to recognize that a problem exists, the myopic view continues.  Subsequently, the potential of the parish to transform the world is severely diminished.

It is extremely important that we care for the people in our pews.  They need to be nurtured and nourished with great pastoral care and support.  This helps equip them to be beacons of light out in the world.  We need their faithful witness.  However, it is also essential that we are intentional about reaching out beyond the church walls in our parish-wide endeavors.  How do we care for the poor and marginalized members of society?  How do we bring the love of Christ to our communities through effective outreach and presence?  How do we effectively live up to the mandate to go out to all the world and tell the Good News? 

As individuals, and as congregations, how is our vision?

The National Service Committee hosted the annual Catholic Charismatic Leadership Conference this past weekend in Aurora, Colorado.  Approximately 350 leaders from across the country were in attendance for the gathering.  Despite personal difficulties in travel to get to Colorado from Wyoming, it was well worth taking some detours to navigate around the flooding to be present for this uplifting and prayerful event.

One dynamic speaker after another reminded us of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Dr. Tom Curran provided a powerful and profound keynote address to get things started on Friday evening, and praise and worship filled the event for the rest of the weekend.   We were reminded to live with the joy of the Lord, and Maria Vadia demonstrated clearly how it can be done.  Wow!  I don't believe I have ever witnessed such energy from one individual at any religious event I have ever attended.   Bishop Sam Jacobs wrapped everything up by challenging us in his closing homily to praise God at all times--not just when we are at conferences.


Extravagant grace is something we have each received from God, and it was certainly beneficial to be reminded of this awesome gift from God.  The power of the Holy Spirit is present in our lives at all times.  How do we allow the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to take place in our day-to-day lives?  It has to be more than just a one time event when we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, or more than an annual event when we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.  It needs to be a way of life.


The Charismatic renewal impacted my life in a dramatic way many years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in my life.  The prayer group that I had been attending on a minimal level reached out and prayed for me in a way that I had never experienced.  I was invited to let the glory of God shine through this difficult moment of my life by giving praise to God in all things.  That was one of the most difficult invitations I have ever received.  I did not want to praise God.  I wanted to be angry with God.


Although I still have a long way to go in my faith journey, the Charismatic renewal has definitely helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord.  This includes giving praise to God in all things, inviting the Holy Spirit to truly guide me and empower me to walk faithfully with Jesus on a day to day basis, and ultimately, to simply walk humbly with my God.  


Observing others singing and praising God with arms outstretched, speaking in different tongues, dancing before the Lord, and freely demonstrating outward expressions of exuberant joy in the process is not what we typically experience in our Sunday gatherings. Although I have been to several of these major charismatic gatherings, I will admit that it still moves this particular introvert out of his comfort zone.  However, that is a good thing.  Each time I participate I come away with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment, and it enhances my Sunday experience when I return back to the parish.


If you have never attended a charismatic prayer group, participated in a "Life In The Spirit Seminar, or participated in a Cursillo experience, I invite you to seek one of these events out and give it a try.  Let the Holy Spirit fill you with a "Fresh Fire and Extravagant Grace!"


 

In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 12 verses 18 through 21 we see the words of the prophet Isaiah recalled from chapter 42 verses 1 through 4 in regard to The Chosen Servant. "A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Although I have read these verses many times, something was different yesterday when I reflected upon them. I have typically viewed these verses in the context of the gentleness and compassion of our Lord. However, there is also a tone of strength in these words.  Although the Chosen Servant will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoldering wick, he will bring justice to victory. That certainly gives the Gentiles reason for hope.

I believe the message in these few verses is very pertinent for believers today in regard to how we share the Good News with others. Are we faithful to the message while being gentle and compassionate in the delivery? There is plenty of pain and hurt in the hearts of many people. The world can sometimes be a very cruel experience. Reaching out to people with the Gospel message is certainly an admirable task, especially when they are hurting. Does the Gospel message bring hope for healing and forgiveness, or does it bring shame, guilt, and condemnation? What is the Gospel we proclaim in our words and in our actions?

Communication methodologies have changed immensely over the last 20 years and some key ingredients to effectiveness seem to have been lost in the process. Where is respect, honor, common courtesy, and tact? An abrasive personality in a face-to-face interaction is bad enough, but give that same individual the opportunity to communicate through e-mail and abrasiveness can be taken to a whole new level. The inability to hear the tone of one's voice in electronic communications can be a detriment to realizing just how rude, crude, uncouth, and socially unacceptable the message may truly be. This type of experience can be devastating to an already spiritually and emotionally wounded individual, and if it comes from a person in a position of authority, the impact is even more catastrophic.

It is important for people of faith to build up the Kingdom of God through our words and actions. Even if the majority of the secular culture would prefer that Christians keep their worldview to themselves, we have a responsibility to continue to live our lives in faithfulness and fidelity to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we have a responsibility to be a beacon of hope to others who are struggling. Are we willing to bring the love of Christ to others without breaking the bruised reed nor quenching the smoldering wick? 

On this date in 1970 major league baseball player Ron Hunt set a new record by getting hit by a pitch for the 119th time in his career. Although I was only 10 years old at the time, I can remember the discussions at our community ball park surrounding this "accomplishment". As a young player, I had already had the experience of being hit by a pitch on a few occasions, and I knew that I had no desire to pursue such a record as the one Ron Hunt was holding. There had to be an easier way to make the record books.

Do not fear. Have courage. These are admonitions Christians have received for centuries.  Our response to the challenge of living a faith-filled life in the modern world can certainly require the gift of fortitude. Have we had the courage to stand up for truth and righteousness when we have been smacked down figuratively or even literally by those around us? Although it sometimes hurts, have we stood at the plate without bailing when the pitch comes sailing toward us? Have we stood firm on the promises of God?

The polarization of worldviews in contemporary society tends to create an environment in which an exchange of ideas in a thoughtful and orderly fashion is highly improbable if not impossible. Tolerance is preached as long as you agree with the views of the one preaching tolerance. Otherwise, the overriding sentiment seems to be that it would be best if you simply kept your opinions to yourself. Oh, and look out if you think there is an Eternal Truth. How unenlightened can you be?

As I continue to watch and listen to the many political discussions taking place across the country, it becomes more and more evident that Christians will be getting hit by pitches on a more frequent basis as the level of intolerance for traditional viewpoints grows. Are we going to be willing to stand firmly in the batter's box when the pitches are coming at us wildly from a variety of directions? We may not be called to martyrdom for the sake of the Kingdom, but it is likely we will take some hits at least verbally, if not physically. At 10 years of age I will admit that I experienced fear in the batter's box when the pitcher was lacking control, and there was no way I was going to emulate Ron Hunt. As an adult, I hope I can learn from his example and muster the courage I need to stand firm in the faith.

"Do not fear for I am with you."
(Isaiah 41:10)

Have you ever had one of those days when it seems that everyone is angry or upset about something? No? Excellent! Then pretend with me for a moment that there are days when not everything goes exactly as planned, and let's put it into the context of your local church congregation.

If disagreements arise within the church community which direction do people tend to go?

Matthew 5:48 (Expectation of others)
Luke 6:36        (Expectation of how I am to be treated)
John 8:7          (But he/she deserves it)
John 8:10        (What? You gotta be kidding me!)
Luke 23:34      (Hopefully, in all seriousness, we are here)

We are one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. May we live up to the ideal!

It’s summer! There is ample sunshine, plenty of social gatherings, and an overall opportunity to be fully alive. So why do I feel so exhausted?

In her kind and loving way my wife started the day off yesterday morning by looking at me and saying, “You look rough.” I responded, “That’s good. Then my appearance matches how I feel.” Obviously, that was the wrong answer for me to give because then we proceeded through the 20 question scenario. She proceeded to ask: 

1.      Why do you feel rough?

2.      Didn’t you sleep well?

3.      What’s on your mind?

I’ll spare you the remaining 17 questions, but you get the picture.

In reality, I had actually been pondering some of those questions for weeks. Specifically, why do I feel so run down and sluggish? I had even picked up numerous books at the library in my quest for shaking off the cobwebs that had seemed to gather on my psyche. One of these was entitled, The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry by Henri Nouwen. As I read the book I was looking for the key to moving out of the rut in which I had found myself?

Reading the insights of Henri Nouwen certainly reminded me of some things that were missing in my prayer life—especially silence and solitude. His words resounded in my head over and over about the need for solitude. I frequently sit in church all alone in front of the tabernacle during my lunch hour.  This provides the opportunity to maintain silence, but I became very aware after reading this book, that I am a long way from experiencing solitude. Silence on the outside may be present, but my inner world continues bouncing around all over the place and solitude isn’t anywhere in sight. Quietness in the depths of my heart seems to be only a dream, and without solitude there is no chance of truly praying without ceasing.

Yesterday, as I sat in the Lord’s presence, my mind was filled with the anxieties of the world. It was like a newscast going from one negative story to the next—the Zimmerman trial, the IRS scandal, protests over the Texas pro-life legislation, a judge overturning a pro-life law in North Dakota, the continuing challenges all across the country in regard to the sanctity of marriage, and on and on the newsreel kept going in my head. Although the church was completely quiet while I sat there lost in my thoughts, the noise inside my head made it quite evident that finding silence or solitude would be a monumental task. Why was it so difficult for me to pray?

I had also started reading another one of the books that I had checked out from the library. This one was entitled, The Cause Within You: Finding The One Great Thing You Were Created To Do In This World by Matthew Barnett. It is a fascinating book centered on Matthew’s ministry as a 20 year old pastor in one of Los Angeles’ most dangerous areas. Matthew provided a lot of food for thought in regard to the outreach of the Church to those who are hurting. In the midst of all of the stories, what worked and what didn’t, I found a nugget of inspiration that I am hopeful will be helpful in refocusing my energy. In one of his epic failures during his early ministry, God revealed to Matthew that he wasn’t to be pursuing success. He was simply called to be a blessing to others. This statement mirrors that of Mother Theresa of Calcutta when she reminded us that God doesn’t call us to be successful; we are called to be faithful. I summarized that if I am being a blessing to others, I am being faithful.

It is no secret that day-to-day life can take a toll on us. People involved in ministry are subject to the same difficulties and challenges as everyone else. We can become tired, disillusioned, disaffected, apathetic, etc. When this happens, the joy of the Lord cannot be seen in us. If Church leadership succumbs to complacency and indifference, the flock will certainly suffer the effects. Subsequently, it is important for all of us, clergy and laity, to keep our batteries charged and ready to go.

I will continue to pursue the opportunities to sit quietly before the Lord. Eventually, I pray that the outer silence will make its way more fully into the depths of my heart providing the solitude which is desperately needed to more readily hear the voice of God. It is with the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit that I will gradually move from spiritual sluggishness to spiritual fruitfulness in both my prayer and my actions. Anticipation now fills my heart as I eagerly embrace the rest of the day looking for the opportunities to be a blessing to others. Maybe tomorrow I won’t look as rough?