Deacon Lincoln’s Log 4-21-24 4th Sunday of Easter

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

“Beloved, see what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.”
1 Jn. 3:1

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Jn. 10:11

This weekend’s readings remind us of the root and the fruit of vocation. The root of all vocations is knowing that we are loved by God. John reminds us, “Beloved, see what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” (1 Jn. 3:1). When we know that God loves us, we can take the risk of making a commitment. Living the vocation of marriage requires the risk of commitment. But today, we focus on the call to the diaconate, priesthood, and consecrated life. These vocations are also rooted in knowing that God loves us. These particular vocations lead those called to risk a commitment to the church.

The fruit of all vocations is “laying down our lives” (Jn. 10:11). Love is sacrificial. Living as a deacon, priest, or consecrated religious requires sacrifice. This is a sacrifice for the church. These three vocations serve the church’s communion and require sacrifice for the church. There is no church without deacons, priests, and people committed to the consecrated life. The life of the church depends on them in a specific way. Today, I invite you to pray for the root and fruit of these three vocations with the following prayer from the US Bishops.

God our Father,

We thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons.

Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call.

May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 4-14-24 3rd Sunday of Easter

Reading the Bible with Open Minds

“Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.”
Lk. 24:45

Understanding the Bible isn’t easy. The Bible teaches us that God is the only one who can guide us to a way of reading scripture with understanding. The Bible is a complex collection of books from several different eras and cultures. Yet, the more scripture we read, the more it makes sense. The qualities of diligence and persistence pay off when reading the Bible.

An open mind is also essential for understanding the scripture. Like reading poetry (April is National Poetry Month), some prior assumptions can lead us astray when reading the Bible. Here’s some cautionary advice from the American Academy of Poets that applies to reading scripture as much as to reading a poem:

Most readers make three false assumptions when addressing an unfamiliar poem. The first is assuming that they should understand what they encounter on the first reading, and if they don’t, that something is wrong with them or with the poem. The second is assuming that the poem is a kind of code, that each detail corresponds to one, and only one, thing, and unless they can crack this code, they’ve missed the point. The third is assuming that the poem can mean anything readers want it to mean.

https://poets.org/text/how-read-poem-0

The Bible is a mysterious book. It is more profound than the best poetry because it is a gift from God. But like poetry, it takes time, effort, and an open mind to understand. The church teaches us that “Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 81). But if we persistently approach the scriptures with an open mind, we begin to hear the voice of God whispering beneath the surface. That is, we begin to read with understanding.

Spend some time each day reading your Bible. Ask the Lord to open your mind to understand the Scriptures as He opened the mind of those early apostles.

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 4-7-24 2nd Sunday of Easter

Divine Image/Divine Mercy

“Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.’ Thomas answered and said, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
Jn. 20:26b-28

Jesus is Divine Mercy. His resurrection demonstrates the power of God over death, judgment, and hell. This power is shown through Jesus’ glorified humanity. That’s why Thomas believes when he sees Jesus. It is his risen humanity that reveals mercy.

We are also made in the image of God and can reveal Divine Mercy. In honor of April as national poetry month, here is a poem tying together Jesus’ humanity, our humanity, and mercy.

The Divine Image

To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love,
All pray in their distress:
And to these virtues of delight
Return their thankfulness.

For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love,
Is God, our father dear:
And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love,
Is Man, his child and care.

For Mercy has a human heart,
Pity, a human face:
And Love, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress.

Then every man of every clime,
That prays in his distress,
Prays to the human form divine,
Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace.

And all must love the human form,
In heathen, Turk, or Jew.
Where Mercy, Love, & Pity dwell,
There God is dwelling too.

William Blake
1757 – 1827

Where have you encountered God’s mercy in Jesus? How is your life revealing God’s mercy? 

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 3-31-24 Easter Sunday

Entering the Tomb

“[The disciple whom Jesus loved entered the tomb.] He saw and believed.”
Jn. 20:8

In the Easter morning Gospel (Jn. 20:1-9), we encounter the empty tomb. Peter and John (the disciple Jesus loved) rush to the tomb and discover it is empty. As John enters the tomb, we are told, “he saw and believed” (Jn. 20:8). What is happening here?

“In itself, [an empty tomb] is not a direct proof of Resurrection; the absence of Christ’s body from the tomb could be explained otherwise” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #640). Yet, for John, it is enough. In that moment of seeing, John’s heart pulls together everything he knows about Jesus, about God, and about reality. It is a moment of clarity. The empty tomb tipped the balance for John and led him to believe in the resurrection.

Upon entering the empty tomb, everything Jesus said and did made sense to John. Jesus’ brutal murder at the hands of the religious and politically powerful pointed to something deeper. All the words of the prophets and teachers of old revealed something new and profound. For John, life itself took on a new meaning. “He saw and believed” (Jn. 20:8). Everything was different because he entered the tomb with an open heart.

Do we have the courage to enter the tomb with an open heart?

Like the empty tomb, the sunrise that touched your heart isn’t direct proof of God’s existence. But is it enough to move you to belief? The fact that billions of Christians claim that Jesus has touched their lives isn’t proof either, but is it enough? That little voice inside you that tells you right from wrong doesn’t force you to believe, but is it enough? What tips you into belief? What moments of clarity have you had?

This Easter, dig deep. Don’t be afraid to enter the tomb with an open heart. You might be surprised to find the foundations for your belief. God guides you to believe as He led John to the empty tomb. Enter the tomb and see what is enough.

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 3-24-24 Palm Sunday

The Practice of Reading Poetry

“Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.”

Phil. 2:8-9

In this holiest of weeks, we encounter the Mysteries at the heart of our faith. Words fail us, but we strive to find words that point us in the right direction.

Like the liturgy (see last week’s log), reading poetry can point us toward the great mysteries of our faith. Here is a poem for Palm Sunday. Read it slowly. Read it several times. You can read poetry the way we practice lectio divina to draw the most from the poet’s words.

“Palm Sunday” by Malcolm Guite

They did not spread their cloaks before him on the road, but, here, the cloths that had begun to fray become like palms, a glory in his way.

The crowd came out for him, and their applause is all, this time, for him; the loud hosannas and the rumbling drums are all for him, and all the host of heaven join the psalms.

My prayer is less than nothing in this throng, my words are lost in all the praise they shout, and I am glad to join the palms and crowd, and let them lift my voice and raise my song.

What strikes you from this beautiful poem? How does it lead you into the mystery we celebrate?

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

P.S. April is National Poetry Month. Spend some time allowing poems and poetry to lead you to the Mystery of God.

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 3-17-24 Lent 5B

The Spiritual Practice of Holy Week

“[Regarding Holy Week] … the church’s long tradition insists that what happened once in history passes over into the mystery of the assembly’s liturgical celebrations. What [these days] celebrate is mystery, not history… The liturgies of these days do not ‘take us back’ to the upper room or the path to Calvary…. They celebrate not what once happened to Jesus but what is now happening among us as a people called to conversion, gathering in faith, and gifted with the Spirit of holiness.”

Nathan Mitchell

Next week, on Palm Sunday, we begin the most sacred time of the year. The days of Holy Week, and especially the Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday night through Easter Sunday) invite us to encounter the deepest mystery of our faith. Here are some suggestions on how to enter into these days in a fruitful way.

• Prepare! Do the practical things you need to do so that your heart can be open to the mystery we are celebrating. Put the important liturgies of Thursday, Friday, Saturday night, and Sunday in your calendar. Try to arrive a little earlier than usual. Be aware that the liturgies are different than a normal Sunday Mass. Plan how you will fast on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Avoid unnecessary screen time on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Consider how you will celebrate your Easter feast and who you will celebrate with. Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Pray! Ask God for what you want during this sacred time. As you prepare to celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection ask: What needs to die in my life? What new life is being born? Read some of the readings before Mass. Attend stations of the cross or pray with our outdoor stations. Set aside extra time for prayer and reflection (write it in your calendar if you need to).
• Pay Attention! During the liturgies, listen to what your heart is doing. Is there an word or an image that jumps out? How is God present to you in the liturgy?
• Remember! God has come to you during each liturgy. What are you going to take away from that encounter? Consider journaling or spending some time in reflection on what you experienced each liturgy.

The Holy Week liturgies open the door of mystery to us. They are a spiritual practice that we only experience once a year. I look forward to seeing you on this holiest of weeks.

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 3-10-24 Lent 4B

Memorize Scripture

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
Jn. 3:15

Memorizing scripture is an important practice for all of us, not just for Protestants. Having scripture passages in your heart and mind keeps us close to God. Today’s Gospel contains one of the most famous and memorized scripture passages. John 3:15 is often held up at sporting events. When a person begins to memorize scripture, it is an easy verse to start with.

Jeff Cavins, a Catholic bible teacher, outlines four reasons to memorize scripture:

• 1. Jesus quoted the Old Testament nearly 80 times.
• 2. When Jesus was tempted, he quoted the Bible.
• 3. It’s the way to hide God’s word in your heart so it can speak to you later!
• 4. The Scriptures give you the heart and plan of God. You need a plan.

I’ve been learning scripture by heart for many years using a Bible Memory app, and it has made a powerful difference in how I think and pray. In addition to Jn. 3:16 here are some scripture verses to start with:

Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

The Lord is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusts. – Psalm. 27:8

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst.” – Jn. 6:35

Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” – Lk. 1:47

Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” -Lk. 10:27

Give it a try. I know you can do it! Start small and simple with a verse or two, and you will find that you want more.

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 3-3-24 Lent 3B

A Sabbath Box

“Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. Six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord, your God. No work may be done then.”
Ex. 20:8

Keeping the Sabbath is hard. The business of life demands our constant attention. Some things need to be done. Now. Even Sunday Mass can feel like it is “squeezed in” to the weekend.

I convince myself that I’ll be able to relax after I’m caught up, whatever “caught up” means. The problem is that I’m never caught up. All the techniques and tools in the world won’t get me caught up. There is always more to do.

In his book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman captures this experience. He writes, “The problem isn’t exactly that these techniques and products don’t work. It’s that they do work – in the sense that you’ll get more done, race to more meetings, ferry your kids to more after-school activities, generate more profits for your employer – and yet, paradoxically, you only feel busier, more anxious, and somehow emptier as a result.”

But there is a way to break free of the spinning wheel of trying to catch up: the Sabbath. God commands us to break free of the world’s demands to find the Lord who lies beyond the world. What’s on the other side of work? Who am I when I am not doing something useful? Practicing the Sabbath teaches us to engage these questions. But it is hard.

Adele Calhoun, in her book Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, offers a simple practice that might help us enter the Sabbath. The practice of making a “sabbath box.” Here’s a version of the practice:

• Choose a basket or cover a grocery-sized box with gift paper. Each Saturday evening, gather as a family to put everything you don’t need to take with you into Sunday. Drop cell phones, laptops, tablets, credit cards, etc… into the box. Put work projects and homework in the box.
• Tell one another what you are looking forward to as you enter Sunday.
• Pray together to receive the gift of the Sabbath.

Keeping the Sabbath is hard. It is also a commandment from God. We need to be as creative with keeping the sabbath as we are with getting things done. How do you respond to God’s command to do no labor on the sabbath? Will a sabbath box, or something like it, help? Try something new and discover the gift of the Sabbath.

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 2-25-24 Lent 2B

Plan a retreat

“Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.”
Mk. 9:2

Many of us are busy. We run from one thing to the next, unaware of what we are doing at any given moment because we are quickly rushing to the next. Our attention jumps when our phone vibrates or an email flashes on our screen. We need to step away.

Even if we aren’t busy, we can get lulled into a dull routine. Life’s ebb and flow can become a monotonous drone that numbs our souls. We can become sheltered and restless, disconnected from ourselves and God. We need time for refreshment.

All of us need to step back and retreat once in a while. Our souls require time “apart” by ourselves, with God alone. Jesus knew this. He took Peter, James, and John up the mountain (“apart by themselves”) with Him for a deeper encounter.

A retreat does not need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the better. The hardest part is making the time for it. You should take out your calendar and set an afternoon, morning, or an entire day aside for a retreat. Write it on your calendar. Talk with the people who need to know and let them know you are unavailable during that time. Schedule it so other priorities can be scheduled around this important time. Plan it!

Other things to consider:

• Keep it simple. Go to a retreat center or somewhere else where you can have some solitude with God. (the QR Code below will give you a list of nearby retreat centers). If you plan your retreat outside, have a backup plan if the weather is bad.
• Take a bible or spiritual book (and a journal if you like to write). Leave your phone and other devices at home.
• Consider meeting with a spiritual director if you are at a retreat center.
• Don’t expect miracles; just allow yourself to rest with God.

Consider planning a monthly retreat or once a season. You may find you are called to spend more time alone with God. If so, plan a longer retreat. An overnight retreat can be a powerful way to reconnect with God.

Jesus took the disciples apart so He could be with them. He is calling you for some time apart as well. Make it part of your life to retreat with God.

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader

P.S. Here are the Retreat Centers in the Diocese of Green Bay.

Deacon Lincoln’s Log 2-18-24 Lent 1B

The Kingdom Inventory

“The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
Mk. 1:15

Lent begins with Jesus announcing God’s kingdom and our call to repentance. Here is a simple practice that might help you as we begin this holy season. It comes from the Renovare “From the Inside Out” adult class on Wednesday nights.

Kingdom Inventory and Breath Prayer

1. Make a list of the kingdoms you encounter every day.

• Some of the kingdoms under your control may include your inner thought life; your financial choices; what you eat and drink; your social media use; and, to an extent, the running of your household.

• Some of the kingdoms out of your control may include your extended family; the operation of your local, regional, and national governments; systems of education and justice; and the various competing value systems in the wider culture.

2. Is there an area in one of these kingdoms—either within your control or not—where you feel particularly burdened? If so, you might pray, “Lord, I ask for your Kingdom to come, your way to be done in [specific area]. I release any unhealthy sense of control or responsibility to you.”

3. Conclude by spending a minute or two offering a simple breath prayer:

Inhale: Your kingdom come

Exhale: Your will be done

4. Whenever you think of it, spend a few minutes praying that breath prayer throughout the remaining days.

You should spend about 30 minutes on the inventory. It can be repeated as often as you would like (consider once a week, once a month, or annually). The breath prayer can be prayed all through the season of Lent or Easter.

Peace,

Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader