The A, B, C, D of New Year Resolutions by Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

WONDERING GURU

Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2: 16-21

Mary, The Mother of God

Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

Introduction:

A son called his parents to wish them a happy new year and when his Dad answered the phone, He asked his dad,” well Dad, what’s your new year’s resolution? His dad replied, "to make your mother as happy as I can all year," When his mom got on the phone, he asked her the same question. His mom replied my resolution is "to see that your dad keeps his New Year’s resolution."

Last year on 1^st Jan 2023, some of you were saying, this year, things are going to be different! I’m going to change! I’m going to be a better spouse. I’m going to spend more time with my family. I’m going to spend more time reading my Bible. More time praying to God. More time serving others.  Were you able to keep up with your New Year resolutions? Do you know what they say about New Year’s resolutions? They usually go in one year and out the other!

Here it is! Brand New Year 2024. What are you going to do with this New Year? How will this year be any different than last year?  Last year might have been a tough year full of challenges and painful choices and may be even some crises. For some 2023 may have been a year of disappointment, a year of loss, may be even a year of setbacks and failures and heartbreaks. The bad news is that there is nothing we can do to change the past year. The good news is that we can learn from the past and start over and make some changes.

The five most popular resolutions made most every year are: to take up a new hobby, to make more money, to improve relationships, to stop smoking and losing weight. New Year’s Resolutions basically fall into 3 categories. They deal with: 1. Things to make us look better and live longer. 2. Things to make us have more. 3. Things that will help us to get along with everyone. In short, they are focused on long life, prosperity and peace. Most of the resolutions are worldly.  They have nothing much to do with spiritual life.  That is why the church dedicates the first day of the New Year to Mother Mary the Mother of God to bring back our focus on God.

At the beginning of every year God says, let’s wipe the slate clean and let’s start with a brand-new year.  Proverbs 17:24 says "An intelligent person aims at wise actions, but a fool starts off in many directions."  If you are planning to make some resolutions for the New Year, may I suggest the following ?

A, B, C, D of the New Year Resolutions

A - Accept responsibility for your life.

This is something that is hard for many people to do. Some people would rather blame someone else for the problems and difficulties in their lives.  Accepting responsibility for one’s life is not popular concept in our society, because we live in a culture that embraces a concept called "political correctness". This basically says, "None of your problems are your fault. Everything bad in your life is somebody else’s fault. Blame the environment. Blame your parents. Blame anybody else, but it’s not your fault." We must accept responsibility for our own lives.  Galatians 6:5 says “Each person must be responsible for himself.” The King James Version says, “For every man shall bear his own burden.” All of us here face two kinds of circumstances. Those circumstances which we have no control over. None of us know what we will face throughout this coming year. There are some circumstances that we face as a result of my own choices, our acts of commission or omission. While we may not be in control of all the circumstances that we will face this coming year, we do have control of how we will act and respond to them.

Psychologists speak about three kinds of people in life: accusers, excusers and choosers.

Accusers always blame everybody else for their problems. Their favorite phrase is, "It’s all your fault."  Excusers are people that always have an excuse for not making a decision or doing something. In the long run they end up being the losers. The Bible says, "A lazy man is full of excuses." Choosers say, “I choose to accept responsibility for my own life, goals and happiness. I’m not dependent upon somebody else. I choose the direction of my life.”

B - Believe You can change-Stop saying, "I can’t" and start saying, "I can". The person that believes that they can change with the help of God will change.  Philippians 4:13 “There is nothing I cannot master with the help of Christ who gives me strength.” The Bible is full of stories of people who changed because they believed that they could change after God touched them (Moses & Gideon).

C - Clarify what’s important and what’s not important. God has given each of us an incredible gift called the freedom to choose, the freedom of choice.  Like Mother Mary during this New Year choose to make your relationship with God number one. Choose to make your relationship with your family stronger and better. Choose to make your relationship with your church more frequent and enduring.  Know what you want.

D - Don’t postponed- Eccl 11:4 says “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” We always say, “When things settle down.” Or “When things get better.” The problem is things may never settle down or get any better. That’s called life!

Conclusion: What kind of person will you be this year? Will you be an accuser, an excuser, or a chooser? Will you choose to make the most of 2024? Will you accept responsibility for your life? Will you believe you can change? Will you clarify what you want this year and what is important to you? Will you start right now? Will your relationship with God be on the top of your priority list? Will your family and church be at the top of that list? The choice is yours. What will it be?

God says a new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you. Ezekiel 36.26.  I will make a new covenant…I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. Jeremiah 31:33. Paul said, "If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, the old has passed away, the new has come." (2 Cor. 5:17). Jesus said to Nicodemus, you must be born from above, in other words, you must be born again. So, take responsibility for your life and be born again.

As we begin the New Year, the Church invites us to honor Mary, the Mother of God. Just as human life starts in the womb of mothers, so also, we begin another year with the mother of all humankind, the Blessed Virgin Mary. May Mary the mother of God be our inspiration and motivation to be born again, all new pleasing to the Lord. Amen!

 

 

 

FAMILY LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF MARY & JOSEPH by Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 WONDERING GURU

Genesis 15: 1-6, 21: 1-3; Psalm 105 1-9; Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19; Luke 2: 22-40

Alternative Readings: Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3: 12-21

Introduction: If you were going to make a list of the great loving couples of history, who would be on your list? Romeo & Juliet? Anthony & Cleopatra? Mary & Joseph would probably not be on your list, for when we think of them we don’t normally think of them in that way because the spotlight is on Jesus, where it should be. But I think that if we examine the love of Mary & Joseph, we would realize it was a love that stands the test of time. The love they had for each other, coupled with the love they had for God, culminates in one of the greatest love stories ever told.

Reflection: God, as a Father, created a human family of sons and daughters in His own image and likeness, to rule over His Creation. His plan was to have a human family, filled with the fullness of His Spirit, rule on earth as He did in heaven. When Adam and Eve sinned, they became separated from God. This naturally affected their descendants as well.

God created the human family to reflect and demonstrate the perfect relationship that existed in the Holy Trinity. The family was to be a place of intimacy, unity, love, and understanding.  It was to be the place of total trust and obedience, of absolute safety and security. This, unfortunately, is not the case in many families today because of the effects of sin. Instead of experiencing love, peace and joy and enjoying the protection of the family the most vulnerable people are experiencing physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

Many problems facing the world today result from a break-up in family relationships. This is mostly because parents have failed in their spiritual roles. The family should be the place where a child is taught the Word of God and grows up to lead a Christ like life (Prov 22:6; Deut 28:43). Parents have a responsibility to teach their children the Word of God. The Scriptures when read, taught or studied, and obeyed just like Mary & Joseph will transform lives to such an extent that families will enjoy a loving, intimate, forgiving and understanding relationship. Let’s reflect on the life of Mary & Joseph.

1. FAMILY LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF MARY (Luke 1:26-38)

Who was Mary? The evidence about Mary points to a humble, godly Jewish upbringing. Mary’s father, apparently, was a descendant of the great King David. She was the cousin to Elizabeth. Perhaps of the tribe of Levi, perhaps a descendant of David since her mother was from Bethlehem. Parents were Joachim of Nazareth and Anna of Bethlehem. Sister was Salome, wife of Zebedee, mother of James and John.

What was Her Character?  Woman of Faith, spiritual, obedient, willing servant. One who had an attitude of Praise.

What was Her Assignment? To give birth to and be the mother of God’s Son.

Mary’s first impressions as a child probably centered on devotion to God and to God’s Word. Gabriel makes it clear that she was chosen by God. As Mary listened to the angel, she must have wrestled with the consequences that would come in her life if she accepted God’s call. As she listens to the angel, Mary says, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) Within Mary’s decision to be fully submissive to the call of God was her willingness, if need be, to suffer ridicule and contempt and loneliness.

1. FAMILY LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF JOSEPH (Luke 1:26-38)

Who was Joseph? Tradition says that Joseph was an older man, a taxpayer (Lk 2:1-5), common man, carpenter – probably good with details.

What was His Character? Sexually Pure (Mt. 1:18), Man of Integrity (Mt. 1:19). Man of Faith; Sensitive (Mt. 1:19), Level-headed (Mt. 1:20) – thought about and reflected on situations rather than simply reacting, Spiritual (Mt. 1:20, 2:13) – he is in touch with his God, Obedient (Mt. 1:24,25; 2:13,14) willing servant – willing to obey, not close-minded to something that had never been done before.

What was His Assignment? He was chosen by God to be the earthly father to Jesus. He was the man God chose to raise His son. He was content to be a role player and not the star attraction.

Notice what Mary and Joseph did. At every curve in their life they chose to trust God. They chose to express faith in God. They chose to do the right thing, the ethical thing of following the law, no matter how difficult it might be. They chose to trust God for guidance and provision. Joseph and Mary chose to express their faith by obeying God.

CONCLUSION - Have there been any unexpected curves in your life lately? Is there tension and stress because of these unexpected curves? Mary and Joseph knew about curves in the road. In fact, the Christmas story is a story with unexpected events and curves in the road. The whole story involving these two individuals is a story of trust. Joseph had to trust Mary. Mary had to trust angel Gabriel. Joseph had to trust God. Both Mary and Joseph had to say to God, “I am your servant. Whatever it costs, wherever it takes me, I will do it.”

God continues to look for women and men like Mary and Joseph. People who will pursue obedience, whatever the cost. People who will trust God – even though the outcome seems unsure. God raises up people for his purposes. And God is looking for people humble enough to give him all the glory.

 

“The future of the Church is the family. When families demonstrate God’s character, His compassion and love in their lives, these will be reflected in the Church. The spiritual growth of families affects the Church in the same way the spiritual growth of the Church affects the families that make up the Church”.

👉  31st December 2023

When God says NO to your Plans by Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 

WONDERING GURU

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

David wanted to build a brand spanking new house for God, and all of a sudden God says, No.

·       What exactly was wrong with David’s building a house for God?

·       Why would God forbid this man after His own heart?

·       What can we learn from this experience of David?

The first thing is that it was…

I. Forbidden but not WRONG-God had not had a temple at any point from the time he delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt until this time. God was not saying that the idea of a temple was wrong. He was saying that the timing was not right. David was not allowed to build the temple because he had shed blood (1 Chr 22:8). God didn’t totally disapprove though. There were two things that he approved of. The first was the SPIRIT in which the offer was made. God appreciated the motive of David’s heart.  Most of the time we see kings turn their back on God when they get to positions of power. They look at all the wonderful things that they have done and swell up with pride. This was not the case with David. The second was the OBJECT of David’s desire. God didn’t say that the temple was a bad idea. He only said that David wouldn’t build it.

II. Forbidden with GOOD REASON.

A. Forbidden because God’s PRESENCE was not CONFINED to a location. The ark of the Lord had been in a tent since Moses put it there during the Exodus. The nation of Israel had been unsettled up to this point and the ark of the Lord in a tent symbolized that situation. God’s presence could be mobile. The presence of God could go with the people. The fact that the ark of the Lord was in a tent meant that it was mobile. God’s presence was with his people. It wasn’t in a fixed location. The temple of God is within his people. Our hearts are the temple of God. God wasn’t saying though that the temple was a bad idea.

B. Forbidden because of The ABSENCE of divine DIRECTION. God didn’t ask David to build the temple. God hadn’t commanded that a house. It was human idea not divine. We have to wait for God’s direction.

C. Forbidden because The TIME still was not RIGHT. Israel had yet to fully settle the land. There were still wars going on with the neighbours. It wasn’t the right time to put resources into building a temple for the Lord. The people were not yet safe from all the enemies that lived nearby.

D. Forbidden because David was not the right man for the job. David had fought off the enemies of Israel, and his hands were bloody as a result. The Lord wanted someone who wasn’t warlike to build his temple. The Lord wanted someone to build who was peaceful. Solomon is given most of the credit for building the temple, but it was David who drew up the plans and gathered the material. David did play a significant role in the temple building, but he did not get to build it.

III. Forbidden for a LARGER PURPOSE. God’s purpose was larger than David could have imagined. God’s purpose involved something larger. The Messiah came through the descendants of David. Jesus is referred to as the “Son of David.” God’s greater purpose in the plan for David’s life involved the Savior of the world. The temple that Solomon built is long gone. Jesus is still on the throne. David’s plan was good and noble, but God’s plan was bigger and better.

Conclusion: God was most gracious in the manner in which he forbade David from building the temple.  God showed David regard. He let David know that he was held in high esteem. God reminded David of what he had already done.  David had done great things. He had brought stability to the land of Israel.  God promised David an enduring dynasty. The Lord said, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever ... Your throne shall be established forever.”

God’s agenda is not building houses, but homes. God’s agenda is not building structures, but people. God’s agenda is not filling institutions, but filling spirits. We invest ourselves in big dreams and plans, the noble works of our imaginations; but God invests Himself in lives, hearts and souls. God builds not houses, but homes. God’s agenda is people, making a home for Himself among people. God’s agenda is lifting up the fallen, binding up the broken-hearted, healing the wounded, forgiving flawed. God is always about: building lives. Making homes, not just houses; making people, not monuments.

👉4th Sunday of Advent Dec 24 2023, Year B

Good News to the Broken Hearted by Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 

WONDERING GURU

Is 61:1-2A, 10-11; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

Israel during Isaiah’s time was totally heartbroken. The people of God were broken down and beaten, scattered, shattered, battered, and tattered by life. Their lives appeared to go from victor to victim as their lives laid in ruins. The local officials were unable to rectify the situation. But Isaiah wanted them to look up to the almighty King to the one who could raise up what has been beaten down, who can release what has been held captive, bind up what has been broken,  repair what has been ruined and deliver what has been devastated. 

So, the prophet proclaimed the comfort, the joy of God. Israel is going to get God’s attention once again. God’s people who are in: calamity, desolation, crisis situation, mourning, trouble, hard times, difficult circumstances, heaviness of heart, inner hurts, depression, despair, dejection, hopelessness, broken hearted, suicidal tendencies, self-pity, excessive mourning, insomnia etc. will surely get His attention. 

We too in modern times experience heart breaks many times. God knows that we would be burnt by life’s experiences. But he also knew he could replace that burnt out mess with something beautiful. Whatever God’s hands touch becomes beautiful. All you need is a touch from the master’s hand.  In 1983 the National Institute of Mental Health Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. said 1 in 5 have significant symptoms of depression.  Depression affects Christians because they get so wrapped up with the process of living day to day that they begin to lose interest in and neglect God’s word. They feel the weight of serving God because the joy is gone and they are left with the dull mechanics of Christian living.

How do we mend a broken heart?

I. Broken Hearts need the balm of Compassion-The Bible says that when Jesus saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion. Broken hearts are found in all classes of people. No one is exempt from the possibility of experiencing a broken heart. The word broken hearted in our text literally means to be pressed down upon by calamities or broken by a sense of sinfulness or affliction or betrayal. 

II. Broken Hearts need to surrender in prayer-Lay your burdens down give them to the Lord in prayer. A speaker walked around the room while teaching stress management to the audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they would be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers were called out from the audience ranging from 8 to 20. She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for a half hour, my arm will begin to ache. If I hold it for hours, my arm will feel numb and become paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass does not change, yet the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. The stresses the worries in life are much like that glass of water. Dwell on them for a short while and nothing much happens. Dwell on them a bit longer and they begin to cause pain. Let go of your stresses quickly before they turn into worries. Do not carry them through the evening or into the night. Learn to put the glass down! Prayer is an expression of our faith. An expression that states we trust God and His word. "Why worry when you can pray?" Corrie Ten Boom shared this truth: "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength." Paul tells us that we have a choice, a choice to rejoice. Joy is a choice. We are not a victim of the circumstances. If we believe in God and in his Word then He is our Guide, not fate, not some kind of uncontrollable force.

Hymn: Give them all to Jesus

Conclusion: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28-29). When we had a question at school, we would give it to a teacher. When we are sick and helpless, we give control to a physician. When there is a legal problem that we cannot solve, we give it to a lawyer. When in life we face difficulties when we have burdens, we need to pray and entrust them, to give them to God.  

Rejoice in the Lord dear brothers and sisters. Let your soul exult in our God. The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up in your life.

👉3rd Sunday of Advent, 17th December 2023