Daily gospel

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Wednesday 31 October 2018

"people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. “ Luke 13, 30

In 1993 children started coming from the west, the north and from the south , back in those days we were very poor , we had nothing , we only had one church , where we loved God and each other very much !! Even the poorest man is not poor , if he can love and live being loved , that is why in our child protection homes right from the start based on the teaching of Christ we tried to make it into a community of love ! The only pedagogical tool right up to today , is the unselfish love as Jesus gave us as an example ! I am convinced that all our success stems from the teaching of our Master about love ! Every smiling child of ours with a clear glance , our former students who left after finishing school , managing with honest work , establishing nice families are the living gold reserves of Christ’s teaching ! Those 6000 children we took in , raised in our homes , are living proof that the teaching of the Gospel is true , can be lived, it is such a road that can be travelled on, that not only lifts up , sanctifies , makes happy the children , but us adults as well who work with them ! Our failures cannot be blamed on the lack of funds, the interference of the authorities , but on the diminishing of love and this will always be responsible for that ! I can honestly say that I was happy during the past 25 years and I am also happy today , because despite all my weaknesses I can live in a community of love with the Holy Trinity, because in a nice family we are here for one another ! 

I believe in the final victory of love ,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Photo : Our children from Nagyszalonta  performing the play on Saint Francis’ life to our children in Petrozsény. 

Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, 'Lord, will only a few be saved?' He said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, "Lord, open to us", then in reply he will say to you, "I do not know where you come from." Then you will begin to say, "We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets." But he will say, "I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!" There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.'

Luke 13:22-30

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Tuesday  30 October 2018 - “ The  Kingdom of God “

According to many the greatest tragedy of the man of the XXI. century , but I personally feel it could even be his luck as well , that one ran out of the “hopes" of this world! Especially starting from the time of the Renaissance did the lights of the deceptive kingdom of heaven of this world shine here and there , again and again !  Europe was resounding from the shouts of the discoverers : a new world is ahead of us Eldorado ! Then came the slogans :Liberty, Brotherhood , Equality ! Many gave their lives for the great French revolution because they believed that within an arms-length the golden age awaits them ! Then came new ideologies , communism, fascism , liberalism ! They promised to the starry eyed people that an all.changing revolution technical, industrial, rural , when no longer will anybody have to work as the machines will take over the work from people ! During the last centuries there were already : medical, educational, cultural, sexual revolutions and who could list exactly how many more ! All these “redeeming dreams” came true many just passed , and a few of the the goals that came true became woven into the fabric of society , but by now many feel that all this is too little , and the “ hope” on this worldly level has ran out ! 

Although having discovered all liveable part of this world , we live in an open society , a lot survive even without working , education is available to anybody at any level, the doctors have tripled life expectancy threefold , ( the average age  was under thirty years two thousand years ago ) and yet there is a lot of sadness, tension in people. Today we have the right to do whatever we want with our bodies , sexual aberrations are often looked upon as “virtues" by many , the consequences of those , like a conceived life can just be “bravely” thrown away ! Yes , slowly man has demolished all barriers , but somehow the happy golden age does not really want to shine , about the existence of which in our hearts a flaming desire is prophetic for us ! There deep down we feel that we desire more than justvthis , and this thirst , hunger is driving, pursuing all of us !

Jesus Christ often speaks of the Kingdom of God !! He asks us that day after day we pray His words: “YOUR KINGDOM COME”!” During the past millennia lived and with many-many  members of today’s Church together I profess , that the building of the Kingdom of God is the most wonderful goal facing mankind ! This dream that was formulated by Christ , the Kingdom of Love ,  is my  dream as well,and I profess it with faith  that this the the dream that should be pinned to the banner of the XXI century ! What is 

awesome about this that this “ revolution” does not have to be carried out just by ourselves , since the Leader of the revolution is God Himself . Two thousand years ago Jesus spoke us as in such a way : “ “ Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in” Book of Revelation 3,20 In this revolution we can count on the guidance of the gentle, merciful God wanting to lead us according by our consciences ! I believe that this is the mustard seed , the gentle word of our conscience present in the life of all of us and this conscious, willing conversion , the gently sprinkling warm rain of prayer , will start its growth, unfolds it in our life, in our society ! There is no need to create a new world , as God’s Kingdom is the leaven , that is capable , without replacing us, to “raise” us to a new , quality life, leading us ! Let Christ’s beautiful thought , just like the leaven to mingle with us and around us and finish the work started two thousand years ago ! Lets build the beautiful, peaceful simple kingdom of God’s children !! 

With love,

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

Photo : Várnagy Andrea and her daughter playing the piano in our child protection home in Petrozsény.

Jesus said, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." And again he said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."

Luke 13:18-21

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel…….Monday 29 October 2018

“Hypocrites!" Luke 13,10

Jesus undertakes the confrontation! ! He dares to face the incorrect ,evil, sinful tasks, dares to call it as it really is ! He not only tries to gather people ,like the hens her chicks, seeing  the aftermath of the events  He not only gets down on His knees crying, praying before the walls of of Jerusalem, but sincerely , with harsh words like a sharp bladed sickle with a clear speech names those sins that cause the destruction, ruin of the individual and communities !

Today’s man is unbelievably tolerant regarding sinful acts, often we look the other way and do as though we would not even notice the faults , the missed opportunities , sins , in fact at times we even cover up for each other ! We do not dare to look into each other's eye and with brotherly love to bring to their attention, to warn our companions ! We don’t dare to speak up loudly , clearly , that all that you plan, do , that is no good , it is meaningless , sinful, it only serves your ambitions, your lust for power ! This falls meant consideration , tact is the basis of lots os suffering, misery!

Let’s learn from Christ, let’s be willing , daring to talk to each other about the shortcomings , the negligence , sins as well ! Let’s dare to lead , guide one another with patient love to goodness, calm , peaceful waters ! In the schools, at our workplace , but even in the different stratas of our community lets  dare to  call upon our truant, negligent, slandering, scandal-mongering , misappropriating, aggressive companions ,calmly, patiently lead them on th the way of brotherly love ! Lets help each other to escape from the web of sin ! Supporting one another to live our lives freely , in the dignity as children of God !!

With the love of a lesser brother ,

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

Photo : we are not all the same .

Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.

Luke 13:10-17

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Saturday 27 October 2018

"he came looking for fruit on it”... Luke 13,1

It is a joy to see this nice young girl , who got ready for holy mass , wants to serve , be an altar server , and now she is calmly awaiting for the bell marking the beginning of the holy mass !! I admire those of our children , who regularly go to be altar servers , over several years they give God every week 1-2 hours of their lives  freely , because it is good to be good, to do good, it is good to produce the nice fruit of  serving love !

People today expect to be paid for everything, they became pragmatic and they believe that the only successes, achievements that are  worthwhile living for are the ones that can be converted into money !! For many unfortunately the only worthwhile goal living for on this earth is the maximisation of their profit ! Is it worth it or not ? This is the fundamental question , the only compass by which selfish people are getting their bearings in the everyday life !! The greedy thinking, selfishness is a murderous dead-end street , that lead to the destruction of our world , and this is not the way of Jesus Christ !!

Jesus asks us "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5,48 You can ask the question what is our heavenly Father like ?" your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good. .”Mathew 5, 45 God loves , with His caring goodness keeps alive the good and the evil equally ! God loves the man blessed by freewill without a charge ! In reality everything that is of value in our lives , our sheer existence , our health , our nice families , our talents are all, but all God’s free gifts ! One or more good friends , a door that opens wide unexpectedly in front of us , an opportunity that leads us into the future are all God’s precious gifts ! Our beloved homeland  where from a stream you can raise a glass of fresh water to your lips , or the crunchy apple in the summer into which you can bite into healthily , , or the tasty bunch of grapes , everything is a gift just like that nice flower, that a young person in love hands over to you with a shining face ! Yes God presents us with exquisite fruits , that we just accept without giving it a second thought ! Lets stop just for a moment and think about what fruit did I bear until now just out of love for my caring, kindhearted GoD!  Am I capable at all just to give my God or my brethren an hour or so just out of love ? If my Creator searches for fruits of love  in my life , what will He find ?

Come lets produce the beautiful fruits of love for our caring , kind-hearted God !

With the  pure joy of good deeds,

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

Photo : One of our children from our St Anne child protection  home in the church in Gyergyószentmiklós getting ready to be an altar server .

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them-do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.'

Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, "See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?" He replied, "Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down." '

Luke 13:1-9

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Tuesday 23 October 2018…

Lets  learn to wait for our Lord from the wild cheery tree !! I took these two photos a week apart ! The walnut tree on the right hand side is golden yellow , the wild cherry on the left side is green ! A week passed the golden yellow garment of the walnut tree faded, shrunk , became black , and the leaves of the wild cherry tree are dressed in the splendour of autumn, so that within a few days the cold autumn will also rob it from all of its magic !!

What surprised me was living through the  rapid succession of presence of the unchanged, constant in the changes! Nothing is permanent, nothing is everlasting , but despite these passing minute , these fleeting moments the trees do them justice ! Getting dressed for the approaching spring, the hard task of producing fruit, but for the relentless passing as well ! Even for such a short period of time  their whole foliage is dressed in a festive way ! Even for those few days as well to take their existence seriously , and to live through beautifully its quickly passing every moment !

The sanctity of life is something like this ! Whatever comes comes, the present knocking on our door we have to accept with love, living through it nicely , firmly believing ! Without hanging onto the splendour of the past , just foolishly basking in the light of the results achieved , to boast with the real or imagined glories of the past , but we have to live nicely , wisely  accepting willingly the today, or the mature manhood, or the tired days of the approaching old age!

God does not like monotonous invariable conditions ! The constant readiness waiting for Jesus means something different every single day ! Every day again and again we have to rekindle the flame just like the wise bridesmaids their lamp, again and again we have to compose the continuously changing prayer  on the beautiful pages of the script of our eternal lives !

In the bustle of  waiting ,

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

Jesus said to his disciples, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves."

Luke 12:35-38

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel…..Thursday 18 October 2018

Christ does not only walk Himself on the way of serving love but He also wants to break the cage of our selfishness, freeing us He wants to lead us onto the narrow , often steep road that cannot be compared to anything else , that leads through the pure joys to eternal life !

In the summer of 1982 I went to visit the children living in the orphanage in Csíksomlyó ! Those days I was a fairly frequent visitor at the state run orphanage behind the church . It was a nice, summer Sunday and I asked the children whether they wanted to come to the cinema ?! They responded unanimously with a “Yes” , then confessed that they had never been there before !! I got going to get permission for 3-4 children but by the time the permission was granted , they were already numbering seven! Never mind I worked in the mine , I had  money and so we set out to Csíkszereda down on Szék road ! There was a lot of talking, twittering , one question followed another , and they all wanted to hold my hand ! After buying the tickets for the cinema we still had an hour or so to spare so we sat into a cake shop called Toszka , which in those days was the most  popular cake and coffee shop ! Quite a number of my friends were sitting there with a nice girl by their side , everybody was surprised to see us. They also made comments that the children were good for the dwarfs but with my 10cm beard I made a very ugly Snow White! I was not particularly bothered by people’s comments , because the children would not give me a moment’s peace, , they admired everything , talked incessantly , they all talked at the same time , but all of them wanted me to try their strudel , as that was definitely the best ! Finally the cakes were polished off, and we started , with a bag of lollies , towards the cinema in the main square . My happy dwarfs talked to every children coming from the opposite direction and with a noisy joy offered them the sweets bought whilst watching the movie . It was unbelievable to see this enormous zest fo life , the goodness, love that emanated from these children from the orphanage !

Then laughing happily , gladly we waited for our turn we also sat down in the cinema .There was a big problem because all of the wanted to sit next to me ! I was the adult , so by a Solomonic decision the two youngest ones sat next to me , the others sulking a bit sat next to them! The children watched television, saw live plays, but never a film.They just could not understand how on a screen the movie will happen, and I with my 25 years , very smartly tried to explain , quietly naturally, quietly ,  so that we would not disturb others, all my knowledge related regarding the film industry . I talked for a long time because I realised that there will be peace and quiet here only if I can say something wise to the children , otherwise they will start talking and as usual the volume will be gradually “turned up” and seeing the expressions on the faces of those sitting around us I could see their disapproval ! 

The film started ! Zorro entered on the back of a wonderfull black stallion , in an even more wonderful sunset ! Back then in Erdély there were no colour films  we could admire the productions only in black and white , in their original language and under the picture the Romanian translation appeared  bit by bit , simultaneous translation was not in vogue  here . What did he say?  Why was his reply ?Within moments I started filling in that role, of the greatest idol of mankind, who by being a revolutionary , fitted in well with the communist  ideology of the times ,however my impromptu translation , did not quite fit in with the notion of other film goers. I was convinced about that by the repeated “taps on my shoulders” coming from behind me , so it was better to admire as all villains all came to grief from the tip of Zorro’s sword !! Who wants a row ? So So I became quiet but my little nest of ants became came to life, it was not enough that all were scared in the dark, they all wanted to hold my hand , but ll of the children started their own commentaries of what they were seeing like the commentators on a soccer match ! And this fact caused a much bigger turmoil among the onlookers, than my simultaneous translation , so the big man sitting behind me , who previously tapped my shoulder very soon in a much more friendly way tapped me on the shoulder again and said : please translate the film for the children , but please try to be quiet , because I'll have you escorted out of the room !! We rearranged the seating order , by the end of an emotional duel , the two little ones sat on my lap, the others drew very close to me and very quietly I started translating again what was seen on the screen !! I have to confess,  I tried stick to the plea of the good hearted “big fellow” , but despite all this I have to confess although i held many presentations, to many ,in many different places but during talks , never did I get so many hissing , booing , comments that could not be repeated or were unrepeatable  in  my lifetime  as during that one short hour! The film ended and amidst singer apologies , blushing , flushing with embarrassment we stood up and I started to direct “my children” homewards ! The long way did not seem long because just like after a  good game of hockey , again and again we talked over the good bits , that how much chance did that vile dirty rascal have , facing the super hero raising the revolutionary flag high facing the yankees !? None ! Well I said it, but I said it sooner ! Well who said it earlier ? The critical discussion of the film went something like that ! I don’t even have to mention that we got as far as half- analysing the film , when ending the day the squeaking heavy door of the orphanage opened in front of us ! “Stormy” goodbyes started, Looking into the children’s  teary eyes , I promised a thousand times that I’ll come again to get them , then left “my orphans" in the care of the gatekeeper and I started to make my way home !

The doors of the church in honour of Our Blessed Lady of Csíksomlyó were open , so I entered to the Virgin Mother ! I knelt in front of the altar , my heart filled with joy,  tears  pouring from my eyes . Perhaps it was then that I really felt , that how good it is to be good , how good it is to journey on the way of serving love as Jesus Christ showed us ! I saw it clearly that looking after children , to accompany them with responsibility is not simple, not a pretty penny , I cannot really count on the sympathy of people , in fact many times the judgement against them is also going to impose a punishment on me , yet during the past 25 years it brought the most real joy into my life ! Jesus is not offering cheap odds and ends for us in the commandment of love serving the little or lesser ones , but life itself ! It certainly cannot be compared with anything else that simple, pure joy that I tasted among the children that beautiful summer afternoon , and it is also certain that from these simple joys did my entire priestly life arise! 

With love, Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

Photo : With my sons , daughters at the start of the school year in Gyergyószárhegy at Tatárdomb .

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”

Luke 10:1-9

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel …. Wednesday  17 October 2018….

“Four woe “! Jesus looking looking into the eyes of that times' principals says :"Woe to you pharisees….Woe also to you lawyers”

The sinner has to be warned, the most important mission of the prophets of the Old Testament was exactly the warning of the sinners ! God does not want the death of the sinners , but He wants them to convert and to live in peace ! Lets just think of the prophet Jonah and the inhabitants of the big city of Nineveh  ! It is quite certain that Jesus also wants this, that the superiors, the elders, the pharisees , the scribes of that time to convert and by this their lives will be abundant! 

For a Christian , one of the most difficult task is , to warn their brethren who left the way of love ! The greedy, lecherous, people amassing a fortune are difficult to address ! It is difficult to look our brother in the eye and ask him calmly , do you really need this ? Whether this or that step -honestly -makes you happy ? 

Sin is the greatest tyrant, dictator that can move into our lives ! The greatest good we can do for our brother is to liberate him from the reign of the sinful desires!! This is the essence of Jesus’ redemption ! He frees us with infinite mercy to love, a clean, honest , free life ! For us people born in the image and likeness of God , this is also our duty , that with tender love we dare to say “woe” to our brethren who erred, blundered on the way of sin! With healing, merciful love lets help them to be reborn, the same way as Jesus did with Nicodemus the old pharisee !!

With love,

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

Picture : What does this appear to be , and in reality what is sin ?

But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practised, without neglecting the others. Woe to you pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honour in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the market-places. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.'

One of the lawyers answered him, 'Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.' And he said, 'Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them.

Luke 11:42-46

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel ….Saturday 13 October 2018

To listen  and also adhering to Jesus Christ’s teaching !! Many of us are listening to the Gospel , learn theology , but do we try to put into practice our Master’s teaching ?! Let ’s get going today and step on the way of happiness !!

With love, 

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Picture: Pilgrimage at Marosfő , at the house of Father Ébner  remembering his blessed memory .

While Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!"

Luke 11, 27-28

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Wednesday 10 October 2018

"Lord, teach us to pray” Luke 11, 1  We normally recite the Our Father from the gospel of Saint Matthew (Mathew 6,9-13)

Let us quietly say the Our Father and lets reflect on these few lines !

The first thing that is apparent that Jesus does not say that sit down, let your hearts be still, meditate on pleasant thought and feel good in  peaceful harmony , but one could say that the Master composes certain “passwords” , sets out tasks , I have the definite feeling that the Master in this prayer gives work to do !! The big question to whom are these tasks addressed to? By whom should be “Thy name” be sanctified ? By whom should “Thy Kingdom” come ?  By whom should our creator God’s “thy will be done”? I am certain that Jesus puts  into words these goals, work  , the tasks to be done for us !!

We can see that Jesus is not a lonely warrior , He would like us to be His companions in all His work! Jesus involves  Mary,  Saint  Joseph , but even His angels are sent to the shepherds , so that they also come with their modest presents they contribute to the great work of the redemption! He puts a Star on the sky so that the wisemen from the Orient find their way to Bethlehem , so that by well-meant gifts they can look after the  Holy Family !! Jesus organises a team , twelve apostles , 72 disciples and there is no stopping the Master calls everyone , because :"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;” Mat. 9, 37 The Christian prayer in this world is not the man reaching his goal then leaning back , his happy floating in the nullity, a pink nirvana ! Jesus’ prayers are full of life , action !! The praying man kneels in front of the still working ,  Lord of the harvest,Who gave Noah, Abraham , Moses and all the prophets gives all of them work, a task! 

It is natural that Jesus takes His disciples to rest in a lonely place , but at the same time He encourages , that even in our prayers :” ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9, 38

For me prayer is a joyful , peaceful discussion! He is the Good Shepherd, I am the puli, He is the engineer and I am the worker by His side ! The quietness of prayer for me is the weaving of plans, dreams , their discussion , a triumphant readying for one or more new task! Naturally that this creative , constructive work is illuminated by the seventh day the we can lean back with the sweet taste of the work well-done , we can take delight in the mutual work , that the creator God, who never ceases to work in the further creation of the world, our heavenly Father creates with His children !

For me the prayer is a dynamic meeting with the infinitely wise, strong, just, merciful God ! Who has a sense of humour , Who understands our weaknesses , our fears and even seeing our clumsy stumbling never looses His trust He placed in us , and Who quite certainly will never send away the one from His vineyard who wants to start working there no matter how late !

With love, 

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial."

Luke 11:1-4

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel ….  Tuesday 9 October 2018 .

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10, 42

One of the big gift of my life was when I got to Egypt , into the cave of the Great Saint Anthony ! I was sitting outside in the desert in the small cave , the size of a cell by myself , I was praying and an infinite inner peace , joy filled my heart !! It is good for me to be here , I would like to move here at least for a month , week , I thought to myself ! Whenever God speaks to me He always speaks patiently, with goodness , but now I felt that He was sad, perhaps exasperated as well : “ Why would you need to lech after , wander around , all of Europe’s churches are empty , there too I am alone in the sanctuary , you don’t have to travel far to find me !”

I was sitting in the cave of the Great Saint Anthony and I was overcome by a great shame . Our sanctuaries , churches the houses of our creator God , and really most of them stand there closed nearly all day long, empty , deserted ! Whilst in the meantime we gather for one or more “ functions”, but apart from that we very rarely drop in for one or more quiet chit-chat , to have a conversation , to pray in God’s house !! 

Come lets choose the better part , that what we will never loose and crouch down with prayerful love at the feet of our creator God ! Come lets fill our sanctuaries ! 

Lets fill our churches with joyous songs praising God , prayer, life !!! In my childhood we sang a popular song : “ The square is ours because we grew up here !” The church is going to be ours , if we fill it with prayerful love !!

On bended knees in front of the Infinity,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Picture :The altar in the church in Szováta.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:38-42