Fr. Frank Majka, SJ – The Bridge

The Faith We Bring

In the gospels there’s a big difference between the religious authorities who ask for miracles as proof of Jesus’ power and the hurting people who plead for help for themselves or someone they love.

Jesus never answered the request of the first group because even if he did what they asked, they would find some way to explain it away as a trick or even an act of the devil. (They actually did make that accusation against Jesus.) But he did listen to the second group and, when they received what they asked for, he told them that their faith had allowed it to happen.

Isn’t it the same for us? If we approach Christ with faith, we will see miracles. If we don’t think that Christ has anything to give us, we will see no miracles and receive nothing. Miracles don’t produce faith, but faith — even a little faith — makes it possible for miracles to happen.

Relief from Religion

Jesus invites people to himself who’ve been worn down by religion. Matthew chapter 11

Priest Lessons

Jesuit ordinations generally happen in June, and this year was no exception. I found myself thinking about my own ordination in 1974 and dug out something I’d written twenty-five years later. I doctored it up a bit and want to share it with you.

What have I learned from being a priest? I’ve had lots of experiences and some lessons stand out. The first is that people — myself included — are simultaneously more fragile and more resilient than I’d suspected. I’ve also learned that while sound theology is important, kindness is more important. Along with that, I’ve come to believe that God is much less serious and pays far less attention to human failings than I’d thought.

I’m also learning that I am more connected to the whole human family than I know how to express or live out, that the sacraments are about all our life with God and each other, that Jesus is the only real priest who deserves the name, and that I can be a good priest only if I remember where my calling comes from (God) and who it’s for (the people).

I know there’s more to learn, of course. But I’m thankful God’s been teaching me these lessons. I’ve  discovered that he’s a very patient and forgiving teacher.

The Sky’s the Limit

Marching Orders from Jesus

Jesus sends out the disciples and us. Matthew ch 10