“Short Cuts!”
Every morning, I say my Rosary. It is always accompanied by a cup of hot coffee, black. I use my Grandfather’s Rosary which he purchased at an antique store in Dodge City KS sometimes in the 1950’s. It is very long about 24 inches. The intentions of my Rosary are always for the Conversion of Russia and Peace in the Holy Land.
Sometimes I have many things to do that day, and I rush butting the Rosary back in its case and hurry to go to do the next thing that must be accomplished. The next day I take it out and it is tangled and in knots. Now. I am frustrated and still have not a sip of the black coffee. To add to the mix I am not fully awake. Notice I did not mention my mood.
In a sailing ship ropes were very important, and the sailors would always rap them so they wouldn’t tangle when they had to be used. They couldn’t afford to use “Short Cuts”, because in a storm or battle they needed to be at the ready. Short Cuts can get you in trouble saying a Rosary and in life.
People must think of us as Christ’s servants, stewards entrusted with the mysteries of God. What is expected of stewards is that each one should be found worthy of his trust. People notice when we take short cuts in life. If we are to be Christians and proactive Catholics, people know that we are different Christians, and they are watching us.
What is more important is that Jesus is watching us. He did not take “Short Cuts either. There are Protestant Groups who do not always tell the truth about Catholics or mostly propose as truths misconceptions and misunderstandings about our faith. I have a good number of friends who have gone through a certain 7-year study. They are good people, and they are watching us and how were as Christians act. They judge us by there misconceptions. We have to change that by our actions. We have to be better servants of Christ that they are.
The Lord alone is my judge. There must be no passing of premature judgement. Leave that until the Lord comes; he will light up all that is hidden in the dark and reveal the secret intentions of men’s hearts. Then will be the time for each one to have whatever praise he deserves, from God.
The Pharisees are accusing Jesus disciples of taking ” Short Cuts” by not ritual washing of hands before meals. They were looking at rituals and not the bigger picture. In truth the Pharisees had their own misconceptions, but notice they were watching Jesus and his disciples.
‘And nobody puts new wine into old skins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and then run out, and the skins will be lost. No; new wine must be put into fresh skins. And nobody who has been drinking old wine wants new. “The old is good” he says.’
In Short Jesus is saying that people are watching what we do. We can not take “Short Cuts ” in our faith, the commandments and how we act as servants of Christ.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace!
