What do you do by yourself?

"I do nothing by myself..."

Pssh! I have heard that we're not supposed to do anything on our own so many times it makes me sick! Like a good engineer (and a good American male!) what I always wanted to know is, "how is that possible?" And let me tell you something. Nobody ever told me! That is until one day when I was in my spiritual direction class, and Prof. Gonzalez got to talking. One of the things he taught us was the power of questions, ok? Questions control what we focus on and how we focus on it. What that means is they also control how we feel at any given point in time. That's pretty powerful, don't you think? Exactly!

Anyway what Prof. Gonzalez taught us that day was 3 very special questions. Questions that, if used consistently, could change your life forever. Sounds like a big claim, right? Well just hear me out and see if I'm right or not, ok?

First question: Father, what is your hope for me (today, in this moment, in this situation)?

That'll rock your world won't it? And we're only on the first question. Just imagine if you started everyday asking the Father what his hope is for you. Or what if you ended your day that way? What if you used it throughout the day? Do you think something would change then? I bet it would. I bet a million dollars it would. (I don't have a million dollars, you all know that, but you know what I mean, ok?)

Second question: Spirit, what are you doing in me right now?

Now is that going to change the way you handle a situation like standing in line, Mr. Impatience? You bet it will! And I'll tell you what else, it's great in any situation where you start to feel stuck. Just whip out the Holy Spirit, and some major "Holy Ghost Power, Power of the Holy Ghost" (You've all seen The Apostle, right?) will shift your attitude in a jiffy. Still, what good is inspiration if it's not backed up by action, you know? So the

Third Question: Jesus, what would you do in my place (right now, in this situation)? (Yes, I know WWJD, but this is better because you get to talk to Jesus, ok?)

That's when things really start to change, when we take action. Somebody once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result." If we're not happy with our lives (aka "results"), then let's do something new today. And maybe the place to start is with some new questions.

Bonus tip: Don't freak out if at first you get silence, or like a blank stare, or worse your brain chimes in "nothing" or "I don't know". That's all totally normal. You can just soften the question with the word "could": Father, what could be your hope for me today? Spirit, what could you be doing in me right now? Jesus, what could you do in my place here? Stay out of the pressure-cooker, ok? This is easy. Just have fun with it, and things will be better, ok? Right!

God bless,
Live from your hearts,

Scott

PS. I've actually been developing a whole "life ascetics system" based on these three questions. When I get a little further along, I'm sure I'll have plenty more to share with you all, or if you can't wait, get back to me and we can try to set up something on a more personal level, ok? Awesome! Enjoy today, and enjoy the power of questions too!

Who turned out the lights?

"I am the light of the world"...

Ok, this guys must be pretty full of himself... in a really humble way, right? I mean come on, "I am the light of the world". When was the last time you heard a Christian say that? When was the last time you said that, huh? Really, while we're on the subject, I wonder when was the last time you gave yourself some recognition for doing anything great. --What, well I don't do that.-- Really? Interesting. Why not? -- Because it's not right. You're not supposed to. It's-- Are you sure about that? Who says? Where is it written? Did the guy who called himself "the light of the world" and claims to be THE EXAMPLE of all upright human behavior say that? Hmm... Maybe the world has sold us a bag of... never mind. You know what I mean, right?

And here's the thing, do you do a better job when somebody recognizes you for it (even if that person is God), yes or no? Of course the answer is yes (Yeah, right, sounds prideful doesn't it, but it's true. Let's see life how it is, ok?). Next question, have you ever done something great and not had anyone notice (maybe it seemed like not even God), yes or no? I'm willing to hallucinate that the answer is "YES..." (said with a little bite there, huh? Well, somebody's a little bitter I guess, aren't they? That's all right. We'll sweeten you up in a second here, ok?) Next question, how much did that make you want to do a great job the next time? --It didn't! -- I know. That's my point. Now stick with me. What would have happened if you'd acknowledged yourself for doing a great job?-- Nothing!...-- Uh huh. Are you sure about that?-- Well, maybe I would have given it another shot.-- Uh huh.-- Actually maybe I would have gone at it even harder... -- Yeah, now you're getting it. Wow, you are brilliant...-- Hey, you know what, I don't have to wait for people to recognize how great I am, do I?-- Nope (smiling) you sure don't. And you don't have to wait for any of those great mystical experiences either (like those come every day, right?). -- So you're saying I can do this any time I want? -- hey, I didn't say that, you did, ok? -- Yeah, (going into a light trance with a little smile on your face) yeah, that's right.-- Hey just one more thing that I've been dying to share with you, all right? -- yeah, what's that?--

It's about doing a great job. What I gotta say is this: If you do a good job you get good results, right?-- Right.-- Aaant. Wrong. If you do a good job, you get poor results. If you're a good husband, you're wife is bored. If you're a good dad, you're just like all the rest. You're nothing special.-- Well then, I'll do a poor job, so I don't have to worry so much.-- Ok, you do a poor job and what happens?-- Well, I get poor results.-- Aant. Wrong again. You do a poor job and you get PAIN. Pain because they leave you, they fire you, your kids end up on drugs or in jail. You don't want to do a poor job, got it?-- Well then fine, I'll do a great job, ok? (a little bite again)-- Hey, you do a great job and what kind of results do you think you'll get, great?-- Yeah of course. -- Aaant. Sorry man, doesn't work that way. You do a great job, and you get only good results. You get all A's, you get to go to more school (yay!). You're a great husband, and you have an ok marriage. You're a great father and you have decent kids. Is that what you want?-- Well what else is there?-- I'm glad you asked. There is outstanding, exceptional, unreal. That's the standard of anyone who calls themselves "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" (aka a Christian). Look, if a poor job is at the level of your feet and a great job is at the top of your head (of course a good job is at the level of your waist, you knew that already didn't you?), then an outstanding job is 1 inch (or 2.54 cm) above your head. That's where you gotta get to because those are the people who get all the rewards, right? Those are the Mother Teresa, the Martin Luther King's, the Gandhi's, the Nelson Mandela's. Jesus. Most people get to great and stop because they get frustrated. Don't be like most people. The reality is being great stinks. The world does not reward being great, it doesn't care. Don't be great. Be outstanding. Be light. Show this world something it's never seen before. Maybe it's a smile. Maybe it's a tone of voice or words of wisdom. Maybe it's a hug or a gentle touch. Whatever it is let your light shine... and give yourself a pat on the back when you do!

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

What did YOU do?

Ok, so what is it? What's the worst thing you ever did? No, don't tell me. Just think about it. Was it a mortal sin? Was it a whole string of mortal sins? When was it that you hit rock bottom? When was it that other people found out? Did they ever find out or were you able to keep the whole thing under wraps, hmm? Maybe they found out and just never told you... Who knows? What I really want you to remember is when did you finally get to hear these words:

"Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on sin no more." Those are powerful words. Those are the words that can change a person's life. Those are the words that have changed my life more than once. To know that there's somebody out there who is going to love you like crazy no matter what, that changes things doesn't it? Somehow it makes everything better, wouldn't you agree? Totally. Today let's just go back and relive some of those moments where we were touched by God's infinite mercy, where we heard his trembling voice, where we saw the joy in his face that his child had come home...

God bless,

Live from your heart,

Scott

Can you believe this guy?

So I hope you enjoyed going to Joseph yesterday. You did go to Joseph, right? If not, stop and take a second now to let him fill you with all the goodness of Jesus and Mary...

"Can you believe this guy?" Yeah, that's exactly what I'd like to know sometimes. I mean, come on, this carpenter from Nazareth thinks he's God, the Almighty Creator of the Universe. You've got to be kidding me, right? Or from a different perspective: Are you telling me that the Almighty Creator of the Universe decided to incarnate himself as a sweaty wood-worker from some podunk town in the boonies? Mm, I don't know about you, but it all sounds pretty far-fetched to me, ok?

On the other hand, "Do we judge a man before hearing what he says and seeing what he does?" Yeah, that seems a little unfair. Ok, so let's give this guy a shot. Let's check out this man Jesus. And you know what, when you take a look beyond the looks, the man's got credentials. "No one ever spoke like this guy..." I mean, the guy's got skills, right? No, it's more than that. He's not just passionate or eloquent. Yeah, he is that. He's got presence. But this is something else. It's like, it's like he's gotten inside you and knows what you're all about. He really does seem like he's got it all figured out. He knows just where we are (in the midst of a battle between good and evil), where we need to go (return to ME with all your hearts), and how to get there (love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself). I mean, what else is there, are you following me?

And then, take a look at what he does, not just what he does, but why he does it. Right, you know he performs some great miracle: heals a blind man, raises a child from the dead, casts out demons, multiplies bread. Why? He doesn't do it to get brownie points or free publicity. Actually he seems to hate all the attention and publicity. But he loves people too much to say no. Isn't that the truth? He loves us too much to stop. So he just keeps loving and healing and setting free. And he's teaching, always teaching, except when it's late at night. Then he goes and prays for hours and hours all alone with this one he calls "the Father." Incredible! Can we believe this guy? If not him, who, right?

Today, let's bet on Christ. Bet that he knows what's best for us, what's right and what's wrong. Let's bet that he's going to go beyond all we ever thought possible or asked for. And let's follow with a "YES" that frees us to love like crazy, ok? Great, make today a great day.

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

meat cleavers and visible unity

Hey this is a bonus reflection that I had yesterday. It's not on the email list. It's just for you blog-followers:

Sometimes, I wish I carried around a meat cleaver, ok? Let me tell you why. I'm a big believer in visible unity for God's Church. Yeah, I hear y'all when it comes to loving one another and all that jazz. Everybody needs to love everybody. Right. I totally agree, and everybody should belong to the one Visible Body of Christ.

Here's what I mean. If you told me that you were just fine in your Church and that visible unity was a pipe dream, here's what I'd like to do. Remember that meat cleaver, right? So what I'd like to do is take your hands-- you've all seen that scene in Blood Diamand, haven't you?-- Ok, so give me your hands and here's the deal. I say visible unity is necessary. You say it's not. Let's do an experiment. I'm gonna take this cleaver and I'm gonna sever the visible unity between your hands and the rest of your body, and-- Are you crazy!?-- What? I just want to see what would happen.-- You can't chop my hands off.-- But I thought that-- No. No way, man. You are not chopping my hands off you lunatic. -- Well wait a minute, you just said-- I don't care what I said, you can't chop my hands off.-- So what are you saying, visible unity is necessary?-- Yes! Hello!-- Well then, friend, why don't you think about becoming Catholic?-- Hey that's not fair.-- Yeah, you're right. It's honest though.-- Well, I'll think about it.-- Hey can I see those hands of yours again?...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

What you need to know about Joe...

What you need to know about Joseph is this: Go to him! I'm serious, because the guy comes through. He has what it takes, right? I mean, do you think that God would choose a chump for a dad? I don't think so... No way, man. Joseph is a man's man. He's one of those guys who makes you kinda go: Woah, that was intense. Yeah, he can be calm, gentle, loving, and all that stuff, but when the going gets tough, let me tell you, Joseph comes through. Do you have any Joseph experiences? I'd love to hear about'em.

Teresa of Avila went nuts for Joseph. At one point she was healed of this weird illness that she couldn't shake, and she attributes the whole thing to Joseph. At one point in her autobiography she says something like, "To some saints God has given power of influence over a specific area of life, but to Joseph he has given power over all." Just like Pharoah with Joseph in the Old Testament, this Joe has the keys to the kingdom (He's the Son of David, right?). I know, Peter has the keys. You see God must have made more than one copy, because he loves the spread the wealth...

And that's exactly what Joseph does. When things get tough, he spreads the wealth. Whatever is tough in your life, whatever "famine" you're going through. Go to Joseph, and he will open the granaries of Divine Grace for you...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

What are you looking at?

"You search the Scriptures but I'm right here!"

How many books have you read in the last year about your faith? How much have you spent reading about Jesus? Maybe not that much for some of you. Maybe a ton for others, right? But the point is this: How much time do you spend with Jesus every day? He's right there. It's so easy. The problem is that the law of familiarity sets in, you know? When things are easy to get, we don't even bother, right? (Unless it's free food college students, or a free t-shirt. Wow, those were the days, you know.)

If you want happiness, if you want a full life, go to Jesus. Talk with him. Walk with him. Learn from him. Yeah, books are nice, but we don't need more books. We need a relationship with the Savior of the World.

Don't just read this today. Look to Jesus. Talk with him. And if you've got questions, find out what he's really saying, don't just ask somebody coming in "his own name" (Protestant ministers beware!... and then check out the Coming Home Network: http://www.chnetwork.org/. Ask the Church, and if you don't know where to start, check out the catechism. It's all there for free... http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc/index.htm Then get back to more time with Jesus, because that's what you're here for, right?

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

Who's your daddy?

"He called God his Father, making himself equal to God."

Yeah, he did something a lot crazier than that. Check this out: "I am going to my Father and your Father... when you pray say, 'Our Father...' " Can you believe that? He's calling God our Father, making us equal with God. In fact this is what life is all about. John of the Cross says we're called to be "gods by participation." All the church fathers talk about man's "deification," his becoming like God. I mean, if you had to say what the meaning of your life is, what would you say? (Seriously, answer this question before reading on...) I'm not kidding. Think about it before you read any further, ok? Thank you. You did do it right? I sure hope so. If you did think about it right away, congratulations for being someone who puts the word into practice!

I don't think "God" is the first answer that comes to mind, but check out what my good buddy Wittgenstein says, "The meaning of life, we could call that God. To pray is to think about the meaning of life." And it's true, what we think about, we become, right? What are you thinking about all day? Is it God? Is it taxes, and money, and kids' clothes, and crazy co-workers, and getting cut off in traffic, and... I bet the list goes on for a while doesn't it? That's why it's so important every day to shut all that out and come back to the point of it all: G-O-D. Our Father. That's the goal. Every day. Not that other stuff, becoming little gods walking around the earth, spreading life and love to all who find themselves in our wake. Let's go for it. Today. Every day. Right now. Whatever it takes.

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

Do you want to be healed?

So tell me, do you?

"Uh, well, you know, it's like..." Yeah, I know, I've got my stories too. What stories do you tell yourself about why something can't happen, why it can't work out? No, I'm serious. Stop for a minute and think. What's something that's messed up in your life right now, ok? What is the story you tell yourself about why it's messed up? Or better, what are the stories, right? because we've got more than one, don't we? Mine usually starts with, "Well, you know..." and then it goes on with things like "now isn't the right time. They wouldn't understand. They don't know me. What if they judge me? How can I be sure it'll all work out? What if something goes wrong?..." and it goes on and on, are you following me? I call these incantations (actually it's spelled in-can't-ations) or spells. We put a spell on ourselves. A hex. A curse. (PS. You could write some of yours down so you know what to avoid in the future. The best way is to say, "You know what you're right. Now I am the voice..." and then speak the truth about that situation.)

Jesus came to set us free, and he begins with a question: "Do you want to be healed?" We can go into our big long story (Note: I'm not here to point fingers. I do this all the time... but I'm getting better!), but the truth is, he is here in our lives right now to heal us. "Do you want to be healed?" Let that roll around in your brain today, and I'll talk with you guys again tomorrow...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

PS. Thanks for all the blog encouragement, and a special shout-out to the one who said "You=fabulous." I really appreciated it...

and he started walking

"That guy believed the words Jesus spoke to him and began walking..."

We've all had that experience, right? At least everyone on this list has had that experience. Jesus speaks, and you just start walking. It makes no sense at all... For instance I can remember the time I decided to go to U of I instead of my dream school, Notre Dame... or like the time I broke up with my last "official girlfriend"... or what about when I decided to leave the frat house and go live in the rectory (with the priests? right in the midst of the scandals coming out in the press? Yeah, good timing, huh?)... What times are you remembering right now? Is now one of those times? If you had to guess what Jesus would say to you today (and just by guessing $100,000 would go to your favorite charity while not guessing would mean no pay out), what would you say? What would it be? To be more loving with someone? more caring? more listening? more patient? Maybe Jesus just wants you to put a big silly grin on your face this morning and leave it there... That'd be nice, wouldn't it? Well, whatever it is, give it a shot... The worst thing that could happen is you'll end up ridiculously happy... "and he began walking..." What a concept...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

which son are you?

So which son are you? The young punk who blows everything and ends up in rehab, or the old fuddy duddy who never gets to have any fun because he's too busy keeping his nails clean and "following the rules"?

...I hate that question. I hate it because it's not true! Neither one is true. Yeah, ok, there have been times when I've blown it, just like you, right? I'm gonna hallucinate that the answer is, "Oh yeah, big time." Well ok. And haven't there been moments in your life when you were so into the rules, so into your to-do list, so in to "having to" that you forgot to enjoy life and just spend time with Dad? Oops, there I go hallucinating again, I just heard another "yes." Well so what? Does that mean you ARE the older son? No. Does the other experience mean you ARE the younger son? Nooo.

Who ARE you really, Christian? Oh, that's right, another Christ. And where is Christ in this parable? B16 tells us that Christ is the father in the parable. That's who you really are, the father. That's who we all are, the tremendous, life-giving, lover who will do anything to bring others into his feast of life. Are you following me? That's what it's all about. That's what we're here for, isn't it? And I bet there are times when that's exactly who you've been and you've loved every second of it. You are your Father's son (or daughter, ladies on the list).

How would our lives be different if we really believed, "Son, you are with me always, and all that's mine is yours"? How would our faces be different, our voices, our posture? How differently would we treat people? What new things would we think about and appreciate? What new questions would we ask and what new feelings would we feel? Now is the time. "Son you are with me always, and all that's mine is yours." (For those of you who know them, this makes a great incarnation. For those who don't try repeating this with some emotion today. How often? So often it gets stuck in your head...) "Son you are with me always, and all that's mine is yours."

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

no prophet in his own home

I'm back from my week of mission in northern Italy and ready to rock...

"No prophet is welcome in his own home..."

I think most of us say this with a tinge of regret or even a stomachache and a strange, pained look on our face. Jesus doesn't seem to be saying that here at all. For him it's just a statement of fact, tinged with a sense of adventure. Yeah, because even if his own family and friends won't listen, the true apostle (and Jesus is "the apostle and high priest of our faith" in the Letter to the Hebrews) always finds a way. He goes elsewhere to make it happen. "Ok, you won't listen, let me go talk to those people. Maybe if they change their hearts, you'll begin to change yours." St. Paul did this, leaving the synagogue to go preach to the gentiles. St. Teresa of Avila refounded the carmelites, not just reformed them... (In all the documents of her time, they call her "foundress").

Are you not being heard? Maybe its time you went elsewhere to spread the Gospel. I mean, could this be God's invitation to do something beyond the boundaries you've placed on your mission. Some people say, "when you miss your dream, you get your destiny." Josemaria Escriva says, "Fail? You cannot fail. You have gained experience..." Could this be your chance to learn from experience and fulfill your destiny?

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

Fruit

Hey, are you bearing fruit in your life? How can you tell? You know, some of us are probably bearing fruit and don't even realize it. Some of us may not be bearing fruit at all and think we're doing great. The question is: How do you measure your fruitfulness? Go ahead. Think about it. I can wait...

Ok, now, whatever you said, how have you done this week? If you haven't born any this week, when was the last time you bore fruit? And, if you're going to have to wait another 10 years before bearing fruit, then why not change what it means for you to bear fruit so you can BE FRUITFUL NOW? Maybe it's smiles rather than deep conversions. Maybe it's laughter rather than commitments to daily meditation. Whatever it is, make it happen today, and every day, because God is waiting for fruit...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

first be reconciled...

Hey, we've made it to the second Friday of Lent already. How are your proposals going? Are you closer to God? more generous? more free from material pleasures? If you've been faithful to your commitments, then I bet you are... and even if the changes seem small now, they'll build on one another day after day until your life is transformed...

Here's another way Jesus gives us for having a new life: Go and be reconciled... Is there somebody you haven't apologized to in your life? Is there more than one? Let this Lent be the opportunity to let go of that burden. Let this be your chance to say, "I'm not willing to live like this any more. I deserve better. I'm tired of all this guilt and loneliness. The past is the past. I'm a different person now." That's the great adventure of receiving forgiveness. Let the other person know, "I love you, no matter what, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make things better." Use Lent as an excuse if you have to, "Look, I'm doing some things for Lent and one of them is apologizing to the people I've hurt. Would you do me the favor of accepting this apology and knowing that I really do love you?" That's the power to transform your life, and who knows how many other lives...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

ask and you shall...

"Ask, (just ask?!) and you shall receive..." Is that really true? I mean, come on, I've asked for stuff before and never got it. How can Jesus say something so ridiculous? Is he just exaggerating? Augustine says, when we ask, we gotta ask intelligently... He gives us 3 reasons why we ask and don't receive.

1) We ask for bad things.
2) we ask in a bad way.
3) We are bad.

Solution? Be good (aka generous), use the good you have to make other people's lives better. Ask for good things, that is things that are going to help you to love even more. Ask in a good way, that is with humility and gratitude. Ask and you shall receive... IF you ask intelligently.

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

how to become something greater...

Something greater than Solomon is here... This phrase reminds me of another one Jesus says, "You will do greater things than me." What? Can you believe that? Read that again: "You will do greater things than me." How are we supposed to do greater things than Jesus, the God-man?

It's actually pretty simple: he gets inside us and does stuff in us. Look at P. Pio. Look at John Paul II. Look at Mother Teresa. Couldn't you say they touched more lives, had a bigger impact on society, than the carpenter from Nazareth? I think so... but like you I agree it's because Jesus was working in them. So I guess that raises a question, and the question is: How can you let Jesus work in you today? What does Jesus want to do in you today, through you today? Who does he want to touch? How does he want to help them? What's his attitude like in you? And if you don't know, just add "could"... What could Jesus work in me today? etc. Then go and act as if that's what he wanted, leaving yourself open to change if he brings up something else along the way... It's just another way you have to become something greater...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

vain words

"When you pray don't use vain words like the pagans do who think they'll be heard for the number of words they say..."

Have you ever wondered what these vain words are? Has anyone ever tried to tell you it's any repetitive prayer like the rosary? Are all those old ladies in church disobeying Jesus? Have you ever heard any Protestant friends or acquaintances use the same formulas over and over again in so-called "spontaneous prayer"? Is that what Jesus doesn't like?

As an Apostle of the Interior Life, I believe that Jesus is getting upset about people who just let the prayers they say die on their lips and never really enter into their hearts, whether "formulas" or "spontaneous." And I'm not here to point fingers. I've done this too... at Mass, reciting the breviary, with the rosary... but I'm getting better!

Here are a few secrets I've come up with along the way:
1) Remember why you're praying this prayer: to get closer to God, Jesus, Mary? To ask for a particular virtue? to shed some light on a tough decision? Whatever it is, remember why and to whom you're talking.

2) Get emotional. Get fired up, or humble, or loving, or at peace, or joyful, or whatever. Breathe that way. Put your head that way. Put the proper expression on your face. Let it come through your voice.

3) Pause to recharge every once in a while and regain focus. The rosary is great for this becuase there are built in pauses. Pause also to thank God for being with you right now.

4) Fly through them. That's right, once you have some concentration, just go. I think the "church ladies" have it right when they pray fast. Praying slow leads to more distractions for most people. Our minds start to wander, right? That's how I am. The faster we pray, the more we concentrate... and I'm sure I won't get any complaints from people who are strapped for time!

5) Sometimes less is more... sometimes we can get what we really want out of prayer if we spend less time talking and more time listening to God. You probably already knew this one, but sometimes it's good to hear things again and be reminded... In Italy they say "ripetita juvent", that is things that are repeated are useful, because repetition is the mother of mastery, really making this a part of your life for good!

Try some of this out today if it makes sense to you. Even if it doesn't make sense, if you're in a bit of a funk, try it out. Maybe it'll be the key that ignites your spirit for good...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

you did it to me...

Have you ever read the Gospel and like, totally not got the message? That is definitely not the issue with today's Gospel. Today is pretty much in your face. The whole Gospel brought down to five words... At least that's what Mother Teresa used to say sticking out her hand and counting off the words one by one, "You - did - it - to - me!" You fed me, you clothed me, you visited me, you took me into your home... and not just physically either. Today I was reading The Imitation of Christ and came across these words, "It is dire poverty to live without Christ. Anyone who possesses Christ possesses great wealth."

What does that mean for us today? Is there anyone who finds himself poor and without Christ in your life? Feed him Christ. Clothe him with Christ. Shelter him with Christ. Let Christ visit him and be with him in you. Perhaps this person is neither poor nor sick on the outside, but inside it may be a different story. Be Christ for him or her. Be one with Christ. For they are one with Christ, and together we become one with Christ... (That'd make a good "incarnation" for any of you who know what that is: I am one with Christ, they are one with Christ, we are one with Christ... I like it! If you don't know what an incarnation is, just imagine repeating this phrase over and over throughout the day with different emotions: joy, gratitude, peace, love, generosity, nobility, etc...)

God bless you,
Live from your heart,

Scott

PS. Thanks to all those who have told me how much they enjoy these and the little stories about how it has helped them...

the bridegroom...

Hey all,

You're 2 days into Lent. How are you doing? The great news is you've raised your standards. You've said, "I can be more than I've been up till now. I can love more. I can be even closer to God. I can be even more free from sin." Right? That's a good thing, so give yourself a pat on the back. You are making progress...

Today (Friday) the bridegroom is taken away. Time to fast. But come Sunday, it's time to party again. Sundays are not in the 40 days of Lent. So what? So unless you're fasting from sin (or from something you are planning to never do again), give yourself the chance to feast, to party. Sunday is the day of the bridegroom. Friday is the day the bridegroom was taken away... Life is a balance. Why not live both fasting and feasting with all your heart?...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

just 2 ways...

"Today I put before you two ways, the way of life or the way of death, so choose life that it may go well with you in the land the Lord has prepared for you..."

Did you know that? Did you know that ultimately there are only 2 ways, with God or without God? Sometimes we like to think we can stay on the fence, a little here and a little there. The reality is, there is no fence. (Did you just go back to the matrix: "There is no spoon..."? I did!) It's true. There is no fence. That's the whole point of purification. In the end, it's all or nothing. If you don't want Lent now, you'll get purgatory later. I don't know much about purgatory but when the saints talk about it sounds ridiculously awful. Why would anyone do that when they could just take care of things here and now, are you following me? I don't know what it is for you, but I bet you know.

So what is it? How is Christ asking you to follow him? After all, he is the way, the truth, and the life. I know. You're thinking, "no, not that!" Why not? What would happen if you did? Now you're smiling, right? So why not give yourself that smile by just going for it? Again, what would happen if you did? How good would that feel? Who else would benefit? And what new possibilities would that open up for you? Yeah... if you want, just go for it. That's what Lent is all about, right?

God bless,
Live from your heart... always!,

Scott

leading men to glory...

Well it's here. The middle of February. Depression time. And now it gets even worse... Lent. No more food. No more fun. Whatever you love most, you're supposed to give that up, right? I think lent's gotten a bad rap, and that's because some people don't know what penance is or what it's all about. Do you? What is the deal with penance anyway? Are you following me?

What we're really talking about is the meaning and purpose of our lives, to be unleashed as tremendous lovers for God. That's what it's all about. That's what the Church has always been about, leading men to glory, to freedom, to joy. How does that work? First, we bathe in God's love, drink it in, let it wash over us, fill us, consume us... that's what we call prayer, got it?...

Mmhmm, and then what? Well once you've feasted on divine Love, it kinda changes your perspective on things you know? You don't have to worry so much about STUFF. Do you worry about STUFF, or worse, about MONEY? What a waste of time, right? I mean it's ok to be concerned and to be a good steward, but how much time and energy do we waste with useless worrying? Enough! Let's move on, ok? And if you're full of Divine Love, you're going to be free, and that's the point of "fasting"...

Well, what if we started thinking of money and other stuff as a way to be generous, to shower God's love on whoever else has been put in our life (they call this almsgiving back in the day)? Wouldn't that be a paradigm shift? Then again, maybe it's better to just keep worrying, after all, you're gonna need that money to pay for the heart attack you give yourself, right?

Prayer, fasting, almsgiving... Communion with that God who loves us like crazy, freedom from worries about material things, generosity with those most in need... Wouldn't that be glorious. Go for it this lent, or just do as God says through the prophet, "Return to me with all your heart..."

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

hmm...

Hmm... are you one of those people who has to be absolutely certain about every possible angle before you'll go for it? Do you have to have everything perfectly understood and lined up before you'll move? Of course not! You've got a cell phone don't you? You use it every day isn't that right? Let me ask you something... Could you explain to me how a cell phone works? I'll bet you can't. But you know how to use it don't you? Good for you! Life is a cell phone, especially the Christian life. We may not know how everything works, but we usually know enough to know what the next step is, don't we? We know what God is asking of us, we just want to "make sure", right? Well, are you waiting for a sign from heaven? No sign will be given. Do what you know is right, and...

Live from your heart,
God bless,

Scott

PS. Holiness is about heroic virtue. Heroes are people who do what's right, no matter what the cost, no matter what the odds, no matter what other people think or say or do...

are you blessed?

Are you blessed? How do you know? Do you have the same criteria as Jesus? Did you say "I'm poor, I'm despised, and I'm also hungry..."? If not, think about it. You're going to want to be these things so Jesus can bless you... Let's just try hungry for today.

How hungry are you for Christ? How hungry are you for communion with God? How hungry are you for infinite love? How can you crank that up another notch? Is it enough to look at a crucifix? How about listening to some great preacher? Maybe fasting or a little pilgrimage would do the trick... Whatever it is that gets you hungry for God, do it today... You will be blessed!

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott
PS. I can't wait to hear your stories...

PPS. and feel free to send these on to anyone you like!

Where are we gonna get enough...

Where are we gonna get enough for all these people? What is your gift to people? Is it your smile? Your hugs? your kind words? Your encouragement? Do you have great ideas? Do you give great advice? Maybe you're the one who makes people laugh no matter what, is that it? Whatever it is, have you ever had the feeling like it just wasn't enough? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a situation? I know I have. I know the apostles have. Where are we gonna get enough for all these people? Good question. But first Jesus wants to know, what do you have? Well, ok, I have...

"Bring it here. Give it to me," He says, "all of it." Then he does something ridiculously awesome. He takes it, he blesses it, he breaks it (have you heard this somewhere before?), and then he gives it back to us to give to those we love. Is it enough? With Jesus that's a ridiculous question. With Jesus there's even plenty left over to fill a couple of baskets for tomorrow! Why not give all you have to give to Jesus? Why not let him multiply all you have and are so that there's plenty enough to go around and even some left over for you to enjoy later? Why not do it now, so you can give even more today... and be ever more filled with His JOY?...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

effata...

Ok, so what's impossible in your life right now? What's one thing that if it changed, your whole life would change? Do you know what I'm talking about, a real momentum changer? Where if this happened, things would be different, really they'd never be the same. That's what I'm talking about...

"BE OPENED!" to God's grace. Open up and open wide. What I mean is, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." What could happen if you let God have his way with you today? Why not just go for it and see what happens?

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

it's not right...

Have you ever asked God for something and felt like you got shot down? Did it ever feel like God was telling you, "It's not right to give the children's food to the dogs..."? What did you do? Did you give up? The lady in today's Gospel did not give up. She said, "even the dogs get to eat from the scraps of the master's table." This lady had it figured out! She knew what she wanted: Her daughter's healing. And she had compelling reasons to go for it: She loved her daughter like crazy! I bet she never would have begged so fiercely for herself. But for her daughter, she was ready to move the world... And anyone who's that committed will find a way. Jesus rejects her. Jesus doesn't reject anybody. He rejected her. He even justified it. And yet she kept coming. What was her reward? She got her daughter back healthy... and she was immortalized in the Gospel... What could you insist with God about that could change your life or better, the life of someone you know? Are you ready to grovel like a dog to make it happen? If you really played all out, do you think God could say no to you? Why not go for it, you've got nothing to lose anyway right?

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

it's not what goes in a man

Here's a little reflection from today's gospel...

It's not what goes in a man, but what comes out of him that defiles him. It's not his environment, it's his decisions. The same could be said in reverse. It's not what goes into a man, but what comes out of him that makes him a saint. It would be just a little too easy if all it took was some external practice to be a saint. Even receiving communion every day doesn't make one a saint. It could even be a sacrilege. What makes someone a saint is the DECISIONS he makes every day, what comes out of him. And there's more. A person who refuses to make decisions for his life will always be making excuses for it. I didn't have the money. I didn't have the time. So and so made me do it. I can't do that! Yeah he did it, but my situation is different...

Who wants to be that guy when he has to go before the Lord? "I made you a masterpiece..." Did Mother Teresa have everything going for her when she began to serve the poor? Did her order support her? her local bishop? the Holy See? Of course not! Did she have tons of money? no! tons of connections? not even! She had a decision: "Never again will I allow someone to die without help when I could have helped them."

Those are good decision words: NEVER AGAIN. So are ENOUGH!, or I've had it! I also like, "I'm through" or "It's over!" Have you ever said, "I quit," or "Let's begin," or "It's on," or what about "I do," or "It's go time"? These are some of God's favorite words. Words where a man doesn't just listen to whatever God has to tell him today, but actually DOES SOMETHING TO MAKE HIS LIFE BETTER. This must change, and I must change it. That's the power of the Holy Spirit.

Is there something you've been putting off even though you are pretty sure God wants it. Do yourself a favor: put a gun to your head (in a manner of speaking!), and ask yourself, "If I keep going in this direction, am I going to end up where I want? What would I have to change today to start going in the direction of my deepest desires?" Then GO AND DO THAT... and you will become a saint...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

what's necessary

It all comes down to simplicity. Success is the result of focusing on what's important...

So here's what's not important:

-80-90 percent of all the emails you read
-half the phone calls you answer
-all of the time you spend worrying about things you can't control: the past, the weather
-90 percent of the time you spend worrying about things you can only influence: others and the future
-what anybody whose first name isn't God things of you, including you!
-and I'm sure you could add to this list... just look at your to-do's

How much of that will matter in 5 years, in 5 days, in 5 minutes, ever?

Let's focus on the essentials: sandals, a walking stick, and a tunic... oh right, and the Gospel! Love. Love like crazy... Love like there's no tomorrow. Love yourself and throw stress out the window. Faith, hope and love remain these three, but the greatest of these is love...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott

Where does he get these things?

Behold a mini-reflection on today's Gospel...

Where does he get these things? Have you ever asked that about someone? Has someone ever said that about you? Have you ever been so surprised at what came out of your mouth that afterwards you were like, "I didn't know I had it in me..."

One day a thirty-something sister was sitting around with her friends in what we would call a mid-life crisis. As they were discussing suddenly the youngest blurted out, "What if we really started to live out the Gospel?" Everyone was dead silent...

And then there was Leo the Great who had to approach Attila the Hun with nothing more than his wits and the help of the Holy Spirit. What could this man possibly say to the greatest military captain of his time to stop him from plundering Rome? Was there anything that could be said? Anything that could be done? And yet Leo went anyway, and while there are many legends as to what went on, perhaps all Leo said was, "Go home Attila. There's nothing for you here. Go home. Your heir is dead. Your beloved is dead. Go home Attila, and may God forgive you..."

And let's not forget St. Augustine, before his conversion, sobbing in the garden waiting for a sign from God. His whole life changed when he heard a little boy crying out, "Take and read! Take and read!"

You see, God's Word can come to us from anywhere and anyone at any time. We have ears to hear it, we are tuned in, as long as we live from our hearts. That is where God speaks to us. If we listen with our hearts, God will come through. He will answer. He will take us by the hand and show us the promised land, show us our true glory. All we have to do is tune in. And if we fail to tune in, we're doomed. Literally. Our life has no meaning, no purpose, no direction. We're lost and confused and... alone. Totally alone. Everyone hates feeling abandoned. Everyone loves being loved, guided, cared for, led.

And so you know that that nun, Teresa of Avila went on to become one of the greatest saints and mystics the world has ever seen. Attila turned back from his plundering and murder and went home. And Augustine took up and read Paul's letter to the Romans, and then broke with his pagan ways, became a Catholic... then eventually a priest, a bishop, and perhaps the greatest theologian of all time.

Where does he get these things from? Wherever he wants...

Hope you enjoyed this. Perhaps it can be a regular thing, maybe not every day, but often, or maybe a little shorter...

God bless,
Live from your heart,

Scott
PS. I'd really appreciate some feedback so I can offer you something that fits your own spiritual needs better!