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!