I need to thank you

by David Lins  |  09/29/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

I need to thank you.

If you give generously to the collection basket, you have made it possible for me to serve this parish on a full-time basis for over three years (thus far), writing this column, directing RCIA, planning all aspects of the parish missions, coordinating 33 Days To Morning Glory, overseeing our youth ministry programming, facilitating a weekly Scripture Study, and so much more! (There are also many others you are supporting who, I assure you, work harder than you realize to make this parish as wonderful as it is!)

I need to thank you.

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Faith Reflected in Our Works

by David Lins  |  09/22/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

This is one of those Gospels where 90% of Catholics either wonder it was they just heard as they mumble “thanks be to God” or miss it entirely (statistic entirely made up).

Jesus tells the story of a financial advisor who messes up and destroys his employer’s portfolio. Then, before he is fired, he goes out and accepts various partial payments as full payments without permission. Thus, he makes friends with those who were able to settle their debts at fractions of the full amount due. This ensures he has opportunities once he is fired.

The crazy part? Jesus seems to affirm this man’s behavior!

What is actually happening here?

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The Same Man

by David Lins  |  09/15/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Growing up, I loved hearing my name during the First Reading of various Masses throughout the year. As a little boy, that story about Goliath was rocket fuel for the imagination!

A few years later, I was even happier to hear my namesake was not only in the Bible, but wrote some of it!

As I entered my teenage years, I found out God referred to David as “a man after his own heart” and I loved my first name all the more.

Then, I read more about the life of David. Adultery? Check. Murder? Check.

WHAT?

How could this be? Surely he was being confused with another David.

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Advantages

by David Lins  |  09/08/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Life can be difficult.

It can be tempting to look at all the advantages others seem to have - better connections, deeper pockets, good looks, greater intelligence, inspiring creativity - and think God couldn’t possibly use to some great end.

The book of Wisdom asks a simple question: “Who can know God’s counsel, or who can know what the Lord intends?”

I recently reread the book “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants” by Malcolm Gladwell. (Despite its name, it is a secular book.) In one of the first chapters, he reminds the reader of every obvious advantage Goliath had: his height was estimated to be closer to seven feet tall than six, he was muscle-bound, gifted at the art of close combat, and wore only the thickest armor and carried the most devastating armor.

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Do you consider yourself a strong Catholic?

by David Lins  |  09/01/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Do you consider yourself a strong Catholic? You might find this week’s readings a bit challenging.

Do you struggle with your faith and fear you have a long way to go in order to be holy as most of the other people in church? These readings should sound like honey.

We are told plainly in Luke 14 to avoid sitting in a place of honor, lest we be humbled when told to move. This is akin to anyone who always knows best, only to eventually taste embarrassment when they are not universally lauded for their opinions. We are, after all, told self-exultation leads to humiliation.

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