Today's antiphon:
"Cast away from you all the crimes that you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and spirit." (Ez 18:31)
Jesus is calling us not just to follow the Law, but follow the spirit of the Law. Jesus recognized that people were following the rules set for for them by the Ten Commandments, but that was it, they were missing the Spirit of the Law. That Spirit is why we have the laws, because they were intended to help us form a good conscious, yes, to know right from wrong. The Laws were also intended to help us form good relationships with each other as our brothers' keeper because we are all members of the world and as such our relationships are interwoven and complex. Think about it. Who helped to make your clothes? You've never met them, and yet they have impacted your life significantly. Or what about the food that you eat? You probably haven't met most of the people responsible for it being on your plate, but they have impacted your life.
Jesus is reminding us that yes, we can follow the Law and be good people. However he is calling us to go beyond the letter of the Law and acknowledge that we have a greater responsibility than just what the Law calls for. We are called into communion with each other and in doing so, with God. When we can see the face of God in others, then we know that we are close to being who Jesus challenges us to be because our hearts are changed. He is calling us to a new beginning. It isn't an easy road and if we struggle today, then we always have tomorrow to try again.
Showing posts with label Catholic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic. Show all posts
Friday, February 19, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Reflection 6:7-15 The Our Father
Prayer is such a gift. Jesus teaches us to pray the Our Father using a sort of ancient formula. He starts with praising God the Almighty, praising his Holy Name, and he asks for God's will to be done. Next Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness of our sins, and the spiritual nourishment that we need to forgive others. Then we ask for protection from evil.
When God spoke to Abram after the blessing of the high priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14: 18-20) he assured Abram and told Abram that He was Abram's shield. He is our protection from evil. Through out scripture, from the Old Testament to the New, God is very insistant about praise. In the Our Father that Jesus gives us today, we are acknowledging how great God is and how small and insignificant we are. We want his will to be done and so recognizing his greatness allows us to be humbled so that we can open our hearts to him, and recognize too how silly it is to try to twist God into doing our will. God is so good that he sent his only son to die for us, that we may live and have a place in his family as his adopted sons and daughters. We are looking for reconciliation with the Father so that separated from him we may never be. That is love reciprocated.
When God spoke to Abram after the blessing of the high priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14: 18-20) he assured Abram and told Abram that He was Abram's shield. He is our protection from evil. Through out scripture, from the Old Testament to the New, God is very insistant about praise. In the Our Father that Jesus gives us today, we are acknowledging how great God is and how small and insignificant we are. We want his will to be done and so recognizing his greatness allows us to be humbled so that we can open our hearts to him, and recognize too how silly it is to try to twist God into doing our will. God is so good that he sent his only son to die for us, that we may live and have a place in his family as his adopted sons and daughters. We are looking for reconciliation with the Father so that separated from him we may never be. That is love reciprocated.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Mark 4:26-34 To What Shall I Liken the Kingdom of God?
Today we have two parables that describe the Kingdom of God. The first is the farmer who can't explain why the seeds the has sown grow in his field and ripen before the harvest yet he checks on the field day and night and is amazed with its growth. The second is the mustard seed, one of the smallest of the seeds that grows into a huge bush/tree where the birds find safe haven beneath it.
From these two parables we begin to infer that the Kingdom grows in ways that we cannot begin to understand, in places that we may or may not expect; that it is up to God. The next thing that we begin to realize is that it, and we in our faith lives, will come to full fruition becoming fully ripe to the point when we are ready for the harvest, that judgement promised us by Christ. The Kindom comes to us inconspicuously though it grows into something strong and lasting. To it many flock and take refuge within it because of its enduring love and mercy.
From these two parables we begin to infer that the Kingdom grows in ways that we cannot begin to understand, in places that we may or may not expect; that it is up to God. The next thing that we begin to realize is that it, and we in our faith lives, will come to full fruition becoming fully ripe to the point when we are ready for the harvest, that judgement promised us by Christ. The Kindom comes to us inconspicuously though it grows into something strong and lasting. To it many flock and take refuge within it because of its enduring love and mercy.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Mark 16: 15-18 Go Out to All the World
In today's Gospel we hear Jesus tell the eleven, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." Several Christian sects do this very well. Frequently we identify Jehovah's Witnesses in groups canvassing neighborhoods, or Mormons on their mission wearing their slacks and pressed white shirts usually on bicycles, both sects knocking on doors to spread the Good News.
What about Catholics? In our Creed we affirm that we are "One, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church." This means that we as Catholics are likewise being sent out into the world to bring the world into communion with God. Christ was sent by God. He tells us "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:21) He gave us the Holy Spirit to be with us and help us as we are sent out to spread that Good News. As Catholics we are not confined to knocking on doors. Instead we are reminded that the Good News is a path, a way of life we are to follow. Let every action and word, though seemingly unimportant, be made part of your apostolic mission so that your very life becomes a living example of the Good News lived and example to others. Saint Paul was a living example of how to do this. Today we celebrate his conversion experience. Let him be our guide in sharing the good news by our very lives.
What about Catholics? In our Creed we affirm that we are "One, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church." This means that we as Catholics are likewise being sent out into the world to bring the world into communion with God. Christ was sent by God. He tells us "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:21) He gave us the Holy Spirit to be with us and help us as we are sent out to spread that Good News. As Catholics we are not confined to knocking on doors. Instead we are reminded that the Good News is a path, a way of life we are to follow. Let every action and word, though seemingly unimportant, be made part of your apostolic mission so that your very life becomes a living example of the Good News lived and example to others. Saint Paul was a living example of how to do this. Today we celebrate his conversion experience. Let him be our guide in sharing the good news by our very lives.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Luke 5:12-16 Your Will Be Done
In today's Gospel Jesus is confronted by a man with leprosy. The man acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ. He asks for God's mercy to heal him, but acknowledges that it should be God's will and not his own that needs to be done. He is willing to continue suffering the leprosy if God so desires. Jesus Christ tells him that it is his will that the man be healed, "I will do it. Be made clean.
We are called in this reading to be mindful as to whether we ask God's will be done in our lives, or if we demand that our will supersede that of God. May we walk humbly always with the knowledge that God so loves us and is merciful. May we put our trust in Him to allow his will be done in our lives, even if it means a continued suffering, or great healing. Let us not forget to praise and adore him.
We are called in this reading to be mindful as to whether we ask God's will be done in our lives, or if we demand that our will supersede that of God. May we walk humbly always with the knowledge that God so loves us and is merciful. May we put our trust in Him to allow his will be done in our lives, even if it means a continued suffering, or great healing. Let us not forget to praise and adore him.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Luke 2:36-40 The Prophetess Anna
In this presentation story following the reception of the Christ Child by Simeon, we meet Anna who also receives the Child and proclaims him to the world. It is argued by some the Simeon and Anna are prophets of the Old Testament representing all of the Jewish people of the Old Covenant waiting for the redeemer. With the reception of the Christ Child, they are accepting and recognizing the Savior and proclaiming him to the world.
Women often enjoy holding babies and seeing the hope and possibility that could come from the child, recognizing the child as a gift from God. Here Anna does not do this. She recognizes not the gift from God, but God himself. How much more the potential this Child in her arms! The One who has been long awaited. How could she not be excited? As one who as received Christ she, like Simeon, cannot but share Him with the world. Isn't it similar to what we are called to do when we receive Christ within the Eucharist? Anna is a Hebrew word that means 'grace'. How fitting then that she is given the grace of God to be his messenger to proclaim Him, to recognize Him, to receive Him, and to love Him?
And the Holy Family? They fulfill the prescriptions of the Law and return home where the child grows in wisdom and strength with "the Lord's favor upon him." It is Jesus' time for quiet growth before the Lord calls him to his vocation. We are each called to a vocation. We see one of Anna's vocations within today's reading. We hear that Joseph and Mary were called to obedience in the Law. What are you being called forth to do today that will grow God's kingdom within and around you?
Women often enjoy holding babies and seeing the hope and possibility that could come from the child, recognizing the child as a gift from God. Here Anna does not do this. She recognizes not the gift from God, but God himself. How much more the potential this Child in her arms! The One who has been long awaited. How could she not be excited? As one who as received Christ she, like Simeon, cannot but share Him with the world. Isn't it similar to what we are called to do when we receive Christ within the Eucharist? Anna is a Hebrew word that means 'grace'. How fitting then that she is given the grace of God to be his messenger to proclaim Him, to recognize Him, to receive Him, and to love Him?
And the Holy Family? They fulfill the prescriptions of the Law and return home where the child grows in wisdom and strength with "the Lord's favor upon him." It is Jesus' time for quiet growth before the Lord calls him to his vocation. We are each called to a vocation. We see one of Anna's vocations within today's reading. We hear that Joseph and Mary were called to obedience in the Law. What are you being called forth to do today that will grow God's kingdom within and around you?
Monday, December 28, 2015
Matthew 2:13-18 Feast of the Holy Innocents
In today's Gospel Matthew very directly tells us that he gives these stories of Jesus' life to fulfill the prophetic literature. Nonetheless Matthew gives us a beautiful story of God speaking to Joseph through a dream telling him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt until Herod, the king of the Jews who is very possessive of his throne, is dead. Joseph becomes for us a model of faith and trust in the Lord. He is willing to allow God the Father lead him in raising Jesus even if it means putting complete trust in Divine Providence. We know that as a father Joseph will do everything that he can for his family like most fathers. But this also lets us know, especially fathers today, that you're not alone in caring and protecting your family, God the Father is there and will take care of you and help you be a good dad by guiding you if you let him.
The second part of today's reading is about the magi deceiving Herod and his retaliation against the innocents by their murder. (also in fulfillment of the teachings of Jeremiah) It is a teachable moment. A human king doesn't mean anything to the heavenly realm. The magi, the wise men, have seen Wisdom, and it far surpasses anything that humans have. The death of the innocents, though tragic, foreshadow the death of the Innocent One who was born to save us all, and those martyrs who gave their lives willingly for others to honor God, whether they were babes mentioned in St. Matthews Gospel, or our many saints including Saints/Blesseds Agatha, Felicity, Perpetua, Maximillian Kolbe, Agustín Caloca Cortés, Miguel Pro, Maria Chi Yu, etc. They looked to God and everything beyond this world and made it their purpose in as much as they could in their lives. Where do we keep our focus?
The second part of today's reading is about the magi deceiving Herod and his retaliation against the innocents by their murder. (also in fulfillment of the teachings of Jeremiah) It is a teachable moment. A human king doesn't mean anything to the heavenly realm. The magi, the wise men, have seen Wisdom, and it far surpasses anything that humans have. The death of the innocents, though tragic, foreshadow the death of the Innocent One who was born to save us all, and those martyrs who gave their lives willingly for others to honor God, whether they were babes mentioned in St. Matthews Gospel, or our many saints including Saints/Blesseds Agatha, Felicity, Perpetua, Maximillian Kolbe, Agustín Caloca Cortés, Miguel Pro, Maria Chi Yu, etc. They looked to God and everything beyond this world and made it their purpose in as much as they could in their lives. Where do we keep our focus?
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Luke 7:18b-23
In today's Gospel we hear that disciples of John the Baptist have been sent to inquire of Jesus if he "is the one that is to come." It is a curious thing. People have been mistaking John as the Messiah, but he knew that he was not. John freely admitted that to his own disciples that he was not the Messiah and sent them to seek the one greater than he. John, like many others, was awaiting the Messiah. Jesus never answered the question, but told them to report what they saw: healing of body, mind, and spirit; cleansing of lepers; and giving new life to the dead. "The poor have had the Good News proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
In Jesus' words there is almost a reply to (Isiah 45:21b-25) when the Lord spoke, " Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other..to me every knee shall bend; every tongue shall swear saying, "Only in the Lord are just deeds and power. Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger toward him..."
How amazing to behold these things! to be able to go back to John and tell him what they have seen and that Jesus completes the words of Isiah. It is incredible. It is interesting to think too that Jesus doesn't have to reply. He simply is. It reminds us of the Old Testament accounts of Moses interacting with God, and being told simply "I am who am."
In Jesus' words there is almost a reply to (Isiah 45:21b-25) when the Lord spoke, " Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other..to me every knee shall bend; every tongue shall swear saying, "Only in the Lord are just deeds and power. Before him in shame shall come all who vent their anger toward him..."
How amazing to behold these things! to be able to go back to John and tell him what they have seen and that Jesus completes the words of Isiah. It is incredible. It is interesting to think too that Jesus doesn't have to reply. He simply is. It reminds us of the Old Testament accounts of Moses interacting with God, and being told simply "I am who am."
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Matthew 21:28-32
As a parent many of us have children who when we ask them to do something will hem and haw before finally going off to fulfill the task required. We ourselves are probably guilty of it at one time or another. It is because we want to accomplish our own will, but when a parent, someone with authority asks us to do something, we have to set aside our own will and be humble enough to do their will before our own. Jesus is telling us that when we who are regularly prone to sin humble ourselves to do God's will before our own, then we have the possibility of entering into the Heavenly Kingdom.
Woe to those who lie to the Father though and say they will do his will, then do their own.
Woe to those who lie to the Father though and say they will do his will, then do their own.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Matthew 9:27-31
In today's Gospel two blind men are following Jesus begging for his mercy and pity. Jesus asks them, "Do you believe that I can do this?"
This Advent season we are preparing ourselves to receive Christ as the hope of the world. Do we believe that he can do this? Faith is a gift of God the Father through the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus stands knocking at the door of our hearts ready to lead us through the gates of eternal life should we seek him. For those who follow Jesus as the blind men did, seeking to see the eternal Kingdom, the Lord will reveal it "according to your faith." For these men, their eyes were opened.
Jesus warns them, "See that no one knows about this." We are told that "they went our and spread the word of him through all the land." Did they miss the point? When we receive a gift, do we focus solely on the gift, or the giver? Perhaps that is Jesus is really warning of overlooking the One, The Father in Heaven, who has given them the ability to see and to attain the Kingdom and its eternal life, by instead focusing on the fact that Jesus has restored their sight. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us focus on that as we prepare to meet the coming of Christ this Christmas.
This Advent season we are preparing ourselves to receive Christ as the hope of the world. Do we believe that he can do this? Faith is a gift of God the Father through the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus stands knocking at the door of our hearts ready to lead us through the gates of eternal life should we seek him. For those who follow Jesus as the blind men did, seeking to see the eternal Kingdom, the Lord will reveal it "according to your faith." For these men, their eyes were opened.
Jesus warns them, "See that no one knows about this." We are told that "they went our and spread the word of him through all the land." Did they miss the point? When we receive a gift, do we focus solely on the gift, or the giver? Perhaps that is Jesus is really warning of overlooking the One, The Father in Heaven, who has given them the ability to see and to attain the Kingdom and its eternal life, by instead focusing on the fact that Jesus has restored their sight. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us focus on that as we prepare to meet the coming of Christ this Christmas.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Today's Gospel surprises us a little because it is a warning that if we do not heed Christ Jesus' words, we will not be able to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. There are those who will cry out to him but do not follow him, and those who listen but do not obey.
It seems really harsh in our current era of political correctness we want everyone to be equal and have a "fair share." That isn't what Jesus is telling us though. Jesus is reminding us to be vigilant and build within ourselves that firm foundation in Him, in the Father through the Holy Spirit. Faith is always accompanied by good works. Upon what does our faith rest? It rests upon the word of God. It is his will that we put before our own in faith. To love God is to desire sincerely to love him. Because we love him, we wish to be instruments of his love and peace for others in doing his will and spreading the Good News. In this end, our faith will save us.
It seems really harsh in our current era of political correctness we want everyone to be equal and have a "fair share." That isn't what Jesus is telling us though. Jesus is reminding us to be vigilant and build within ourselves that firm foundation in Him, in the Father through the Holy Spirit. Faith is always accompanied by good works. Upon what does our faith rest? It rests upon the word of God. It is his will that we put before our own in faith. To love God is to desire sincerely to love him. Because we love him, we wish to be instruments of his love and peace for others in doing his will and spreading the Good News. In this end, our faith will save us.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Luke 10:21-24
In today's Gospel reading Jesus teaches us how to praise God Our Father in the Holy Spirit. Praise is nearly a forgotten form of prayer, but one that is so important. Throughout scripture God is very insistant about praise. Even in the Lord's Prayer we find praise in the words, "Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done..." Within these words and all other prayers of praise we acknowledge God's greatness, and conversely our lowliness. Praise allows us in our humility to find room for God's love and for His will to be done in and through us. Praise is also a thanksgiving. Shouldn't we be grateful? Our Father sent his Son to die for our sins so that we may be given eternal life. Doesn't that deserve our eternal praise and thanksgiving?
Think about a child. Most young children are filled with such awe and reverence toward those they love and admire. They seek to please them by doing what they know is right. And they are grateful for the love shown to them and the gift they receive. We are called to be childlike, to have complete abandon in Him, so that His love and Kingdom will be present to us and not hidden. Praise can lead us to be worthy to receive and see. May we in our humility lovingly turn toward Our Father in praise and thanksgiving with the heart of a child holding nothing back.
Think about a child. Most young children are filled with such awe and reverence toward those they love and admire. They seek to please them by doing what they know is right. And they are grateful for the love shown to them and the gift they receive. We are called to be childlike, to have complete abandon in Him, so that His love and Kingdom will be present to us and not hidden. Praise can lead us to be worthy to receive and see. May we in our humility lovingly turn toward Our Father in praise and thanksgiving with the heart of a child holding nothing back.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Matthew 4:18-22
Feast of St Andrew, the Apostle
In this Gospel reading we hear the calling forth of Andrew and his brother Simon, called Peter, by Jesus. They were fishermen along the Sea of Galilee. Jesus promises that they will be "fishers of men." After they are called, Jesus calls James and John.
We are each called to follow Jesus too in the ways that lead to the Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are his flock. By living in his Way, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we are to be known as Christians by our love.
We are called not once, but repeatedly to follow in the ways of Christ. Each time we say 'yes' that is a conversion where not only are our thoughts refocused on the Lord, but also our actions and words. Every time we go through a conversion experience, we come that much closer to the Lord. As we continue through Advent, let us take listen closer to the Lord's call, so that our hearts my be turned much more towards that Enduring Light.
In this Gospel reading we hear the calling forth of Andrew and his brother Simon, called Peter, by Jesus. They were fishermen along the Sea of Galilee. Jesus promises that they will be "fishers of men." After they are called, Jesus calls James and John.
We are each called to follow Jesus too in the ways that lead to the Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are his flock. By living in his Way, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we are to be known as Christians by our love.
We are called not once, but repeatedly to follow in the ways of Christ. Each time we say 'yes' that is a conversion where not only are our thoughts refocused on the Lord, but also our actions and words. Every time we go through a conversion experience, we come that much closer to the Lord. As we continue through Advent, let us take listen closer to the Lord's call, so that our hearts my be turned much more towards that Enduring Light.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Today celebrates the first week of Advent and the lighting the first candle. The candle represents our hope as we await the Light of Christ at Christmas.
In the readings today we are met with cosmic wonders, unsettling images, and the idea that "people will die of fright at the anticipation of what is coming upon the world." Yes, these images were intended to scare the hearer. They were also intended to bring hope. We shouldn't take each day for granted. We should live each day to the best of our ability to do what we know is right and loving. Daily life can take its toll and make us numb to what is important. We should aspire to keep our eye on God always and remember that we are merely journeying through this life to the next. We should be prepared to stand before God.
Carpe Diem means "Seize the Day." The phrase encompasses the meaning of today's message. Don't waste the day, prepare, stay alert. Take care though. For many in the early 20th Century fraught with war and economic depression and for later decades including ours, the phrase takes on a more modern morally relativistic meaning with people who use it to justify lascivious lifestyles, addictions to drugs/alcohol, and the self-centered/'me first" mentality.
We are a people in darkness awaiting our Savior, the Son of Man, for whom we prepare for as the Christ Child at Christmas, and also the one who will come to judge the world at the end of time. Be alert. Look to the Light. He is the response to our hope.
In the readings today we are met with cosmic wonders, unsettling images, and the idea that "people will die of fright at the anticipation of what is coming upon the world." Yes, these images were intended to scare the hearer. They were also intended to bring hope. We shouldn't take each day for granted. We should live each day to the best of our ability to do what we know is right and loving. Daily life can take its toll and make us numb to what is important. We should aspire to keep our eye on God always and remember that we are merely journeying through this life to the next. We should be prepared to stand before God.
Carpe Diem means "Seize the Day." The phrase encompasses the meaning of today's message. Don't waste the day, prepare, stay alert. Take care though. For many in the early 20th Century fraught with war and economic depression and for later decades including ours, the phrase takes on a more modern morally relativistic meaning with people who use it to justify lascivious lifestyles, addictions to drugs/alcohol, and the self-centered/'me first" mentality.
We are a people in darkness awaiting our Savior, the Son of Man, for whom we prepare for as the Christ Child at Christmas, and also the one who will come to judge the world at the end of time. Be alert. Look to the Light. He is the response to our hope.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Luke 21:29-33
In today's Gospel reading we have the parable of the fig tree in relation to the Kingdom of God. The fig tree is special because it grows fruit twice a year, once in the early spring (tends to be bitter) and once in late summer (with sweet fruit). If the coming summer is recognized by the fruit of the tree, so God's kingdom is recognized by the destruction of the world. Another way to look at it is the fruit of the world is destruction. Yet, as the summer of God's kingdom approaches we are bathed in the glorious warmth and love of our Lord in his eternal sunshine. It is a wonderful thing to think of and the message is one of hope and also reflection. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will not pass away." God is forever. In His graciousness through His Son, we have an invitation to live in that eternal sunshine with Him forever.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Luke 17:11-19
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Gospel of Luke today presents us of a story of thanksgiving. There were ten lepers and one, the Samaritan, returns to Jesus to thank him for healing him after showing the Temple priests are required by Jesus. The man's faith had saved him.
What a curious thing though. Where were the others? They were Jewish like Jesus. Yet, they did not return to acknowledge the great thing that he had done for them, namely restoring their lives to them. Lepers were considered the walking dead, no one wanted to have anything to do with them. We are healed in big and small ways each day and we look for the gift of everlasting life which God alone can grant us. Let us be thankful to Him today.
The Gospel of Luke today presents us of a story of thanksgiving. There were ten lepers and one, the Samaritan, returns to Jesus to thank him for healing him after showing the Temple priests are required by Jesus. The man's faith had saved him.
What a curious thing though. Where were the others? They were Jewish like Jesus. Yet, they did not return to acknowledge the great thing that he had done for them, namely restoring their lives to them. Lepers were considered the walking dead, no one wanted to have anything to do with them. We are healed in big and small ways each day and we look for the gift of everlasting life which God alone can grant us. Let us be thankful to Him today.
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