PROVE it.

I realize that I can't. And that's alright.

I cannot provide scientific proof of the Judeo-Christian God. I can argue God philosophically, logically, theologically. I can offer no scientific method-type proof that would satisfy. None whatsoever. Yet I believe anyway.

My atheist friends loooooooove when they get me to this position in a debate!

Although fictional, I always think of Ellie Arroway, the atheist scientist in the book/movie CONTACT, regarding the demand for proof of her supposed intergalactic journey:

I had an experience... I can't prove it, I can't even explain it, but everything that I know as a human being, everything that I am tells me that it was real! I was given something wonderful, something that changed me forever...I wish I could share that. I wish, that everyone, if only for one moment, could feel that awe, and humility, and hope. But that continues to be my wish.

A faith experience is very similar. I've had several experiences in my life that have confirmed the faith I was born into. When I received Communion for the first time. When I first met my wife. When I made my first Confession in 20 years. When I saw my sons leaving their mother's body into the world. When I decided to stop drinking, literally in mid-slug. When my cancer-afflicted mother asked for my prayers...and her doctors still can't fully explain her recovery.

In each of these experiences, God was with me. Period.

I can't prove it. I can't explain it. But like Ellie, everything that I know as a human being, everything that I am tells me that it was real. Thank you God, for Your Presence today and everyday, for believers and non-believers.


Daily Mass Readings
Galatians 3:7-14
Psalm 111:1-6
Luke 11:15-26

Fool for God

Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of the Franciscan Family, ecology, animals...and plain old fools like me.

- Brother Francis renounced a life of wealth and privilege in favor of strict poverty
- Brother Francis embraced a terrifying Wolf at Gubbio.
- Brother Francis kissed the hands of a Leper.
- Brother Francis stripped naked in front of his bishop and his community, to be closer to his Lady Poverty.
- Brother Francis often preached to his sister birds.
- Brother Francis on his deathbed thanked his donkey for carrying him throughout his ministry. The donkey is said to have wept at his passing

My Brother also literally and figuratively built up the Church and founded a great religious order of men and women who follow his path to Christ even today. My Brother also received the Stigmata. He has inspired millions with his simple way of following Christ. He embraced all of God's Creation as his own family.

My Little Brother Francis was a Fool. May I one day be as foolish as he!

Brother Francis, let me truly follow your Path to Our Lord Jesus Christ, and to serve Him with great humility!

Amen

Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi
Daily Mass Readings
Galatians 1:6-12
Psalm 111:1-2,7-10
Luke 10:25-37