Our Resurrection, “Like The Angels In Heaven”

Even though I am living in a broken marriage, I love my wife. If I were to gather up all the most memorable moments in our almost 43 years of marriage, I would consider them as experiencing heaven on earth. I know that is not even close to the promises of Heaven in scripture but it will have to do for now.

In today’s Gospel from Mark 12:18-27, we find the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, posing to Jesus a scenario that if 7 men marry the same woman and they all die, whose wife will she be at the resurrection? The answer that Jesus gave was … “When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven.”

Marriage is a gift from God with its purpose of procreation. We continue to bring children into the world with the hope of building the Kingdom of God. We grow as a family and learn to love. It is a special gift given that we can experience a human love so deep while we learn that our God loves us infinitely more. Then in Heaven we are united to the one who created us, died for us and loves us more intimately than we could possibly understand here in this life.

The Lord Jesus tells us today “He is not God of the dead but of the living.” Death is not the end of our lives but only the beginning. There is a resurrection. May God give us his grace to live our lives worthily to build his Kingdom on earth that will prepare us for the joy of our resurrection and of everlasting life. Amen.

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Mike Burke; Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I have said this so many times before and I will continue to say it forever that I am a mama’s boy. I love my mama, the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is perfect in every way and wants only for me to love Jesus. Every prayer and intercession she says for me is to glorify her Son, my Lord and Savior.

On this Feast Day, I imagine a young girl with child, traveling rough terrain with the uncertainty of her safety to go to her cousin to help her during her pregnancy. When Jesus arrives in the womb of Mary, John the Baptist leaps with joy in the womb of Elizabeth. It is an amazing passage to read and Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is one of the most beautiful and humble prayers in scripture. I say this prayer every day for the glory of God in honor of our Mother.

In today’s reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 12:9-16, he lists a litany of what we should and should not do. After reading it a few times, it actually describes our Blessed Virgin Mary in my humble opinion. Paul says … Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.

I love you Mother Mary! To God be the glory! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Mike Burke; Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Sharing In The Divine Nature

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.

2 Peter 1:5-7

What is “this very reason” that we are to follow this wisdom? It is to share in the Divine Nature. God’s will is to allow us to share in his Divinity as adopted sons and daughters.

His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power. Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.

2 Peter 1:3-4 

How great is our God! I am reminded that I am still on the journey because to share in the Divine Nature, it will be after I escape from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. And to be brutally honest, I am still struggling each day especially in the area of self-control with endurance.

As I finish today, here in the USA it is Memorial Day. I honor those who have served our country, those serving our country today and especially those who gave their lives for the freedom I am given today. May God bless them along with their family members. May the entire world, through the grace, love and mercy of God, live in peace. Amen.

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Mike Burke; Monday, May 30, 2016

Bread and Wine

I usually write my scripture reflections the night before so it is late Saturday evening and I am posting this for Sunday’s “Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.” My Saturday was so awesome for me that I wanted to share some of my joy today.

After lunch, I went to church early to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. I had a specific sin weighing on me and we conversed for a while. At 3pm, I had a music rehearsal for Mass that was very uplifting. From there I went to confession with a priest I have never gone to before. For some reason tonight while praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit before confession, I was nervous. When the confessional door opened, I went in, sat down, and confessed my sins. My belief is that Jesus uses his ordained priests to speak through them with God’s guidance, love, mercy and the absolution one truly desires from the Lord if one is truly repentant. I have never felt the arms of Jesus wrapped around me more than I felt tonight as I left the confessional.

Next, we had a music sound check to prepare for Mass. Our group was short two very important members so some of us had to change vocal parts which can be a challenge. It was a beautiful Grace given us as God blessed our music. Tonight and Sunday, the focus is all on bread and wine becoming the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist. I received him tonight with great reverence. Without a doubt, I do believe.

My goal for this blog is to share my journey. I share what I believe. I am not a teacher or an apologist but I can share with you my beliefs, which are the teachings of the Catholic Church. I am not trying to change or convince you to believe like me. That would come from the Grace of God working on all of us. I pray for unity every day so if we are not at the same place in our journeys, we can pray for each other for God’s Grace of truth. As Christians, I really believe that we are all seeking the truth who is Jesus Christ. In addition, we must show each other his love, forgiveness and mercy even should we not agree.

I hope all of you my brothers and sisters in Christ, have a beautiful and blessed weekend!

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Mike Burke; Sunday, May 29, 2016

Answer Me!

How many times in my life have I tried to rationalize situations in my head? Too many times I have thought if I say this, they will say that or if I do this, they will do that. It is that prideful discernment of what’s in it for me, how will it affect me, me, me, me. It is not right to do but being truthful, honest and loving in all situations and concerned about the needs of others before my own is the right thing to do. That is a tough one.

In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 11:27-33, the chief priests, scribes and elders ask Jesus a couple of honest questions … “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus answers the question with a question … “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”

They had two choices so they discussed their answer. Now all the factors came into play. Rather than honestly telling Jesus what they thought, they put scenarios together saying … “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”– they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”

What did Jesus say? “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” I think that was a wise answer from Jesus, which would cause them to discuss what they were going to do with him. We know eventually what they would do with him and I must praise and thank Jesus every day who freely accepted his passion and death out of love for me. With the help of his grace, maybe one day I will be able to do that for you for the glory of God.

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Mike Burke; Saturday, May 28, 2016

Uncharitable Comments

I received what I consider some very uncharitable comments from a blogger. I have learned much from the Lord. I will not be baited by someone who spews a lack of charity with the pride and arrogance of the evil one. Since I write for God’s glory and seek to love him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength as well as loving my neighbor as myself, I will show my love for this blogger by deleting the comments and praying for this person.

Unfortunately for me, I will now have to moderate comments because of the uncharitable nature of people in this world we live in. So in the first reading today from 1 Peter 4:7-13, this verse jumped out … “Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.” I can rejoice in suffering and can share it with my Lord who suffered and died for me. I am blessed!

Next, the Gospel from Mark 11:11-26 ends with Jesus saying this … “When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

I have forgiven and now will continue in the peace of Christ praying for the conversion, transformation and surrender to the will of God for each and every one of us with the hope that we will love and respect each other in the way our heavenly Father loves us. Amen.

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Mike Burke; Friday, May 27, 2016

Serve The Lord With Gladness

I spent last evening with some of our college students at a VIP event at the Aquarium of the Pacific. It was a great night. Besides touring the Aquarium, I spent much of the night in joy and laughter with these enthusiastic young adults. It was great to experience their joy, which brought joy into my heart.

When I follow Jesus, I can sometimes forget joy and become way too serious about serving the Lord. I spend time rationalizing myself and usually focus on my failures. It is easier for me to focus on my sins and weaknesses rather than my strengths and abilities to love and serve others for God’s glory. The Responsorial Psalm 100 today says, “Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.”

The Psalm mentions singing, which I do a lot, and it always brings me joy. It says to serve the Lord with gladness and tonight, serving the Lord for these students, I did it with gladness. “The Lord is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.” Isn’t that the truth!

Thank you Lord for this awesome gift. Serving you can bring me great joy if I will just get out of your way. I love you Jesus. Amen.

Mike Burke; Thursday, May 26, 2016

To Love And Serve

There is so much going on in the scripture readings today. I am reminded about loving my brothers and sisters and being a servant to all. I like those commands and I want to follow them. I know I fail too often but truly I desire to spend the rest of my life loving and serving everyone in my life.

I have also had a great desire to love and accept people where they are. Jesus did that but I know that he also directed people to the truth. Some followed him and some did not. My problem is that I have been so exuberant at times in my faith that speaking the truth, even in love seems to push people away and I do not want to do that. Some tell me it needs to be done but I am still not sure I agree with that form of evangelization.

 I try to live a good example and share in forums like this or give my opinion if someone should desire a dialogue with me. I guess it is really not a problem as I trust that God will use me as he wills. Sometimes, it seems like I am doing nothing to promote the Kingdom of God but truthfully I believe that God will make good out of my less than feeble attempts.

Jesus died for me and my sins. I love him so much but I keep sinning. He continues to love me anyway. I was thinking how I have grown to accept and love those that are not on my same page. My hope is in Jesus and so is theirs whether they know it or not. Loving with the understanding I have falls short of the perfect love of Jesus. Yet, my heart yearns to love and serve others. The message I hear tonight is to not be so hard on myself, the sinner. If God has love and mercy on me, I need to accept it with great joy and share that love and mercy with others.

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Mike Burke; Wednesday, May 25, 2016

So You Have Given Up Everything?

Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 10:28-31 continues from yesterday when Jesus told a rich young man that he lacked one thing. He told him to sell all that he had, give it to the poor and then come and follow him. But the young man went away said because he had many possessions.

Saint Peter begins today’s passage saying … “We have given up everything and followed you.” My first thought was that I don’t think I have given up enough or very much to follow Jesus. I know my life is a mess without him. My second thought was a little more cynical as I thought how could Peter say that. He may have given up more than I am aware of but he sure did not follow him to the cross. We know in fact that he tried to hide and denied Jesus three times.

I am one who has no problem screaming I love Jesus to the world. If you ask me, I will share my love for Jesus with you. I will love you whether or not you love Jesus because that’s what he does. But I also know that I deny Jesus way too often in my thoughts, actions and lack of actions. My words of love do not always conform to action so there is no way I could confidently say that I have given up everything to follow Jesus.

Every day, scripture passages light me up. Some days it confirms my love and actions and other days like today, I realize how far I am from giving it up and following him. My pride and attachments are still many. I have prayed for simplicity in my life and in some areas God has graced me with wisdom, understanding and the knowledge to accomplish that goal. But living in this world is a great challenge and too often in my life, the world wins.

What I have learned though from my recent struggles is that I just have to keep on trying. Some priests have told me “don’t try just do it.” Sounds easy, hasn’t worked for me. In fact, I think that just feeds into my pride and will set me up to be humbled again in failure. Lord Jesus, I make no bold statement to you as I know I am unfaithful. But Lord, you are faithful, you love me and I want your help. Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.

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Mike Burke; Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Faith Tested By Fire

In today’s first reading from 1 Peter 1:3-9, I am again brought to the reality that I will have to suffer through my trials and daily challenges for the glory of God. St. Peter says that … “you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

It reminds me that I really do not know what I am praying for. I ask for increased faith and to glorify God in my life. I would probably not expect trials and suffering as answers to my prayers of faith and glory but more like a heap of pleasure for my desires to please the Lord. But I need only to look to the cross and the love given freely for me.

St. Peter also shares what this faith I seek is all about. He begins this passage … “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.”

Heaven is worth all the suffering and trials. This past week I kind of lost sight of that and let the stress of life weigh me down. The final words of today’s passage really give me hope in Jesus, my Lord and Savior as St. Peter finishes … “Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.”

I hope everyone has a beautiful and blessed week ahead in the faith, hope, love, mercy and trust in Jesus. Amen.

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Mike Burke; Monday, May 23, 2016