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20020831
Saturday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, August 31, 2002
Tewnty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Psalm 33:12-13,18-21
Matthew 25:14-30
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
St. Paul's message, written twenty-four years after our Lord's Ascension, emphasizes the significance of salvation by the cross, rather than by our own accomplishments and intellectual competencies. He reminds us through his first letter to the Corinthians that it is only by the cross that we have salvation. Our lives are lived in the shadow of the cross, whether we acknowledge it or not.
To make a small comparison, many people in the world were impacted by the terrorism and deaths at the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001. For many, especially those who lost loved ones, each subsequent day is lived in the shadow of that horrific event. For Christians, the horrific event of the crucifixion is softened somewhat by the realization that Christ freely gave His life in order that we might gain salvation. In accepting this reality and living our lives accordingly we are acting on the advice of St. Paul.
We don't need to go looking for crosses in our lives, as they come to each of us, some experiencing heavier ones than others. In reference to the gospel of Matthew regarding "talents", we all realize that to actualize our God-given talents can, at times, seem to be a cross. The endless patience required of parents in raising their children, the hours of practice by the pianist, or the hours of study for students, all can be difficult at times. These are the crosses that we can carry most majestically for the honor and glory of God!
O Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for us.
Help me to carry my little crosses.
Amen
- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy@utica.edu)
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joachim 4:45 AM
20020830
Friday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Friday, August 30, 2002
Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 1:17-25
Psalm 33:1-2,4-5,10-11
Matthew 25:14-30
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
"You know neither the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:15)
We often hear these words proclaimed at wakes or funeral masses and I believe they're meant to give us a wake-up call. None of us, with all the wisdom of the world combined can predict the moment of our death. Only God Himself has that knowledge. God calls some of us very abruptly and others more quietly. Some of us will linger with an ongoing illness, while others experience violent deaths. Who can understand any of it? We might ask, "Why does God do these things?"
We need to remember that God doesn't do these things to us. Sickness and disease have been humanity's lot as a result of Adam's first sin. What God created in the beginning was good, very good. But mankind has succeeded in ruining nearly every resource on the earth. The real cause of all this disorder (sin, disease, misery, death) stems from mankind's disobedience before God and his subsequent and pitiful fall from grace.
Let us be encouraged that the Lord speaks to us every day of our lives, if only we might listen. In today's Gospel, He speaks of being prepared to meet Him. Are we ready for that? So, how do we get ready? Simply, by loving one another as He has loved us, moment by moment, day by day.
Lord God,
Our lives are filled with many stumbling blocks.
Send forth your Holy Spirit upon us,
that we may we be filled with your saving grace.
Amen!
- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)
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joachim 4:24 AM
20020829
Thursday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, August 29, 2002
The Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Psalm 145:2-7
Mark 6:17-19
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
In today's Gospel Jesus tells us that we cannot know the day when the Lord will come. His words warn us that it will be at a time we least expect. The thought that Jesus' word warns us in this respect portends the serious nature of being in the state of grace - ready to stand before our Just Judge.
His warning gives new meaning to those who suffer because of terminally diagnosed illness. The awareness of the imminence of death becomes an occasion for repentance - a time of grace, to put things in order, an opportunity to be prepared.
For those who are not faced with their obvious and imminent demise, Jesus' words take on even more significance. We are cautioned not to become complacent, sloppy so to speak, in our priorities.
May these words of Holy Scripture and the suffering of others remind us that our lives fade like a shadow and that the "thief" comes when we least expect.
Dearest Jesus,
Grant that I might heed your frightful warning.
Then, conformed to Your will
may I await with joy-filled hope,
Your coming in glory.
Amen.
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd@hotmail.com)
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joachim 6:18 AM
20020828
Wednesday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Augustine, bishop, doctor of the Church
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18
Psalm 128:1-2,4-5
Matthew 23:27-32
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
To be accused of being phony raises the shackles on our temper. We all cherish what is genuine, and in our heart of hearts, know whether we're genuine or not. St. Paul urges us cling to the authentic teaching of the Apostles, and to live authentically. This involves honest work, diligent attending to one's duties and responsibilities. Today is the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo, recognized by all scholars as the greatest mind of the 5th century. A strong, passionate individual, he sought beauty wherever it could be found. Eventually, he found it in God, urged on by the mysterious voice of a child telling him to look in the Holy Scriptures. In ecstasy, Augustine exclaimed, "Too late have I loved Thee, O beauty ever ancient, ever new!". May we eagerly seek out only what is true, what is beautiful, using well the precious moments of each day in that search.
- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (paulwhit@northnet.org)
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament and Revised Psalms (c)1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copy-right owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
joachim 6:05 AM
20020827
Tuesday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, August 27, 2002
The Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Monica
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3,14-17
Psalm 96:10-13
Matthew 22:23-26
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Concerning the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ....
It is almost a fashion in certain parts of the Christian world to look for signs of His coming. A war in Israel, a flood in Bangladesh, an earthquake in Armenia -- all could be signs. What is Paul's advice for us?
"[Do not] be quickly shaken in mind or excited." That is, even when you hear these things and see these signs, do not presume. Presumption is a great error, if not a sin. The Lord Himself told us, "Seek not to know the time or the day, for the day of the Lord will come upon you as a thief in the night."
More importantly, Jesus comes to us every day that we can attend Mass. We have no need to anticipate the Second Coming in body because we can be with Him at almost any time. In many parishes there is Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. If you are blessed to have such a devotion in your parish, avail yourself of it. You can experience the Lord of all comfort, of all graces. The same Lord whom Paul invoked to "comfort your hearts and establish in them every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:17)
This is the reality that we welcome. We know He will come again in body, but we can appreciate and take advantage of every opportunity to meet him in an intimate and personal way. We don't need to wait for the Second Coming; we can experience His comfort and compassion today, if only we will stir ourselves to do so.
- JuandelaCruz, TOCarm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)
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Today’s Scripture or the Lives of the Saints
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 4:25 AM
20020826
Monday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Monday, August 26, 2002
The Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12
Psalm 96:1-5
Matthew 23:13-22
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Woe to you, scribes and pharisees...
you lock the kingdom of heaven before human beings. (Matthew 23:13)
Today's readings sharply contrast one another: St. Paul praises the Thessalonians for their steadfast faith; Jesus severely admonishes the religious authorities for their lack of genuine belief in God. What sets these two apart? The Thessalonians humbly saw their need for and joyfully accepted God's forgiveness and love, and by the graces poured out on them by the Holy Spirit, lived in the love and truth revealed to them by Christ. Conversely, the Pharisees and Scribes created their own righteousness born of a cold, loveless obedience to man-made rules that often perverted the Mosaic Law, emptied it of God's purpose--to enable man to live at peace in His love and truth..
To this day, many Christians of every denomination share the same mind-set as that of the Pharisees and Scribes. They observe their religion by meticulously following the visible practices of their faith, but do so not out of love for God and neighbor but love for self. They present a shining exterior to win the community's admiration, but their interior is devoid of God's new life given in Christ Jesus. Ignorance or egotism may be the cause, but most likely it is the refusal to pay the price of obeying God's call, to love Him and one another as He loves us. This means practicing self-denial, obeying His Word, giving oneself totally to loving Him and one another as Christ did.
God, Who is Love, created us to enter into an intimate relationship with Him, learn to participate in His goodness and holiness. We need not wonder why nations throughout this world are in turmoil. We have rejected the salvation offered to us in Christ; and, by insisting on doing things our way, we pursue death rather than life. It is not Christianity that has failed to bring us peace; it is our rejection of the true faith that is destroying us.
Most Holy Spirit,
gentle our hearts and enlighten our minds
to see that the only way to peace
is to be united to You in heart, mind and will.
Amen
- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko@borg.com)
Today’s Scripture or the Lives of the Saints
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 4:46 AM
20020825
Sunday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, August 25, 2002
The Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138:1-3,6,8
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
In today's Gospel, Jesus said to Peter: "You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my church, and the jaws of Hell shall not prevail against it. Whatever you declare bound on earth shall be bound in heaven."
This is considered by some to be a difficult declaration for those who would rather pick and choose the parts of Holy Scripture that suit their own self-made course through life. Has obedience ever been easy for any of us to acquire? God in his wisdom, knew that those who would accept salvation would need a human representative, a rock of spiritual strength with authority from Heaven to guide souls away from the snare of Satan and towards the narrow path of holiness.
In the weakness of our human nature we quickly see the faults and failings of human leadership - especially in the Church. With our own burden of a sinful nature, we move quite easily from temptation to sin. Instead of allowing "the world, the flesh and the devil" to guide our lives, let us strive to examine our conscience frequently, and to receive the grace of a good confession often. Let us continue to listen to God in quiet prayer, and allow His promptings to guide us every moment of our lives.
- Joachim, ocds
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Today’s Scripture or the Lives of the Saints
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 4:42 AM
20020824
Saturday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, August 24, 2002
Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Bartholomew, apostle
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 21:9-14
Psalm 145:10-13,17-18
John 1:45-51
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
We must be consistent in prayer in order for our hearts to be open to the will of God in our everyday life. When we go without prayer for any long period, we remove ourselves from the powerful grace that's at our disposal and allow our hearts to harden. We can only make known the Kingdom of God when God is at the centre of our being and purpose - and it's only through prayer that our hearts can remain open and accepting to God's quiet whisper in the innermost parts of ourselves. Our Lord and friend Jesus needs our eyes, ears, hands and feet to make His world of eternal truth, justice, love and compassion known to our fellow man. It's a calling that supersedes all other purposes in our lives.
Today, and at the start of every day, let us call on the Lord to place His heart in ours that He may do the Father's will in us and through us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Cliodhna Doyle (Cliodhna.Doyle@oceanfree.net)
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Today’s Scripture or the Lives of the Saints
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 4:24 AM
20020823
Friday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Friday, August 23, 2002
Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Rose of Lima
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 107:2-9
Matthew 22:34-40
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Thinking about the "dry bones", it came to me that we can all relate to being like those "dry bones". When Ezekiel prophesied over the bones his words were "Hear the word of the Lord." (Ezekiel 37:4) How dry and empty we are who separate ourselves from the Word of God.
It is the Word that gives us life. It is the Word that shows us how to live our life. It is the Word that sustains us in all that we do! The Word that is God! The Word of the Spirit of the living God!
Just as Ezekiel, by his prophetic word, brought the dry bones back to life, so are we offered that same gift of life on a daily basis. Throughout the scriptures the Lord calls out to us: Come to me; I will hold you by the hand; I will give you living water.
How much more of an invitation do we need?
If we can hear God's word to us through the power of the Holy Spirit, our Gospel today tells us simply to "love the Lord your God, with your whole soul and with all your mind" and to "love your neighbor as yourself." (Mt.22:37,39) Jesus does not mince words!
Mighty God,
Give us the grace to hear your word,
make it our own,
and carry it into our daily life.
Amen.
- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)
____________________________________________
Today’s Scripture or the Lives of the Saints
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 5:30 AM
20020822
Thursday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, August 22, 2002
The Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 36:23-28
Psalm 51:12-15,18-19
Matthew 22:1-14
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Today the Church celebrates the commemoration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It seems proper that we are reminded that Mary is Queen of Heaven and Earth. It tells us something about her powerful status.
Some might reasonably argue that being Mother of God, is a more apt indication of the influence she is able to activate on our behalf; and rightly so. It is by God's favor alone and her co-operation with His favor, that accounts for all she is and has. It is the same for us. If we think we have anything that is our own, we are sorrily mistaken. As St Teresa of Jesus (aka Teresa of Avila) says, "We have nothing that we haven't received." That is, received from God.
It is however in this title of Queenship that we're reminded that Mary has treasure she is free to dispense. Queens don't normally have to ask permission to give away their jewels; they are theirs to do with, as they wish. Mary therefore, is unfettered, has her own storehouse of wealth, and gives it away as she wills. And what is her will, but that of her Son, who desires no less than the salvation of the world? Let us then call on our kindly Mother who is not a poor mother, but a Queen and beg her to look upon us, her children, who cry out to her in their need.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
Queen of Heaven and of Earth,
pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Amen
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd@hotmail.com)
_______________________________________________
Today’s Scripture or the Lives of the Saints
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 4:37 AM
20020821
Wednesday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, August 21, 2002
Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Pius X
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 34:1-11
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 20:1-16
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Ezekiel's stiff upbraiding of the religious leaders of Israel is done in terms of "shepherding." And the modern-day shepherds...they certainly need to reflect slowly and prayerfully as this reading applies to them. In these days of high criticism, lax public morals, and a weakened support system for priesthood, it seems that anything less than heroic will not do. There is much suffering attached to the office of pastor in our day. The only answer is love -- a burning, consistent love for Christ, and a caring, compassionate love for the people entrusted to the pastor's care. And how should a layperson react to today's reading? With daily prayer for the shepherds, with searching out ways to support a clergy under scrutiny and attack. Our Church will be reformed and purified through a closer collaboration between pastors and laypersons who, remember, are consecrated at Baptism with a share in the priesthood of the Lord. Together we can shepherd one another.
- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (paulwhit@northnet.org)
_________________________________________________
Today’s Scripture or the Lives of the Saints
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 5:56 AM
20020820
Tuesday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, August 20, 2002
The Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Bernard
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 28:1-10
Deuteronomy 32:26-28,30,35-36
Matthew 19:23-30
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Who then, shall be saved? (see Matthew 19:25)
Who can be saved? The disciples asked this question in response to the assertion that it would easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. Jesus answers his disciples that with human will and strength this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
With God all things are possible. It becomes possible for us to be saints. It becomes possible for us to turn from sin and find the way to God. It is possible that we can reach out to the lonely, the poor, the disenfranchised in love. It is possible that our entire lives will change because of His grace.
How many of us trust God enough to let Him change our lives? Change is difficult, no one wants change. But what if that change were to make it possible for you to go through life completely peacefully--not without trials, but with complete peace in your trials? What if that change were to free you from addiction to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, food, whatever you are addicted to? What it that change were to root out all that had kept you from God and invite you into the kingdom? Wouldn't such a change be worth it. Indeed, wouldn't it be that pearl of great price. Wouldn't it be worth selling everything you had to buy such a remedy?
Here's the great news. We don't have to buy it. Jesus is the remedy. When we follow Him truthfully, humbly, our lives will be completely transformed. We will become like one of the disciples. We will join the communion of saints. We will be shining examples of love to all the world. And through us, God will completely transform the world. Not possible? No, remember, with God, all things are possible.
- JuandelaCruz, TOCarm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 8:55 AM
20020819
Monday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Monday, August 19, 2002
The Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. John Eudes
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 24:15-24
Deuteronomy 32:18-21
Matthew 19:16-22
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Go sell what you have and give it to the poor.
Then come follow me. (see Matt.19:21)
As a child of about four I recall a playmate wearing a necklace of glittering, multicolored beads; and coveting them, I gave my mother no rest until she bought one for me. My childish mind thought that this bauble would satisfy me and perhaps raise me in my friends' esteem. I later saw that it aroused others' covetousness and only whetted my appetite for more enticing articles. Some never escape this trap of acquisitiveness, remain dazzled by the world's endless procession of enticing goods, see them as a measure of their success.
Christ calls us to release our grip on worldly goods, not because they are evil, but because we can make idols of them that distract us from what should be central in our lives, following Jesus, making His thought, attitudes and behavior our own. Average Christians, Catholics included, think it sufficient if they attend weekly service, Mass, and then carry on life as usual. Few realize that being Christian is a life-altering commitment based on a deep, intimate relationship with Christ through prayer and spiritual worship. We are not our own but God's creatures fallen into sin and in need of healing from within; and God's dearest wish is to regenerate our hearts and minds, restore us to our original dignity as His children, sinless, pure in heart and truly loving.
The most casual observer can see that the world is in need of such a transformation; but pride and selfishness reign supreme. Vast numbers remain blind to the fact that unless, through God's saving love, humanity becomes grounded in His precepts, it can never achieve its full and true stature nor enjoy the peace our heavenly Father longs to establish within and between His people.
Gracious Father,
teach us that unless we empty our hands
of excessive, unnecessary earthly goods,
we render ourselves unable to receive
Your heavenly treasures. Amen.
- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko@borg.com)
Daily Meditations also availble by email subscription
©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 6:57 AM
20020818
Sunday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, August 18, 2002
The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 56:1,6-7
Psalm 67:2-3,5-6,8
Romans 11:13-15,29-32
Matthew 15:21-28
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
All three scripture passages for this Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time speak of God's desire that salvation be offered to all peoples of the earth, Jew and Gentile alike. From our mostly non-Jewish perspectives, we may take this for granted, but not so the Jews, the Chosen People. It was (and still may be) a hard teaching for them to accept.
Consider all who have opened their hearts and souls to the Lord, who have received the balm of His forgiveness and grace, who have embraced the faith of salvation through the atoning blood of Jesus. Consider how their faith and trust in the One, True and Almighty God is such a joyous affair!
Let us examine ourselves: are we so caught up in our worldly cycle of events, that we've lost sight of what life is really all about? Do we see ourselves as an unfulfilled and harried figure passing by that mirrored window of the moment - a fettered soul on it's fleeting walk of life?
- Joachim (1996)
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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 4:31 AM
20020817
Saturday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, August 17, 2002
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 18:1-10,13,30-32
Psalm 51:12-15,18-19
Matthew 19:13-15
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
The readings today focus on the topic of accountability. In the first reading from Ezekiel it is made clear that God will judge every person based on their own lives, not that of their family members. This is so refreshing as we each seem to have enough transgressions of our own, without bearing everyone else's.
Then in the gospel of St. Matthew we have the beautiful scene where Christ blessed the little children and gave them recognition, a break from the traditions of the time. Christ highlighted the beauty of a child.
These readings at first glance may not seem a break from the traditions today, but are they really? We have all heard discussions wherein value or lack of such is placed on a person based on what family they are from, where they live, how much they make, and so forth -- rather than looking upon each person as unique and special in the eyes of God.
Likewise, do we always honor and value our children? Why are so many children going hungry and deprived of the basic physical, emotional and spiritual necessities even in countries with unlimited resources? Do we truly listen to our children, and give them our time to be heard?
These readings are very timely! With God's grace, let us all be a part of the solutions for these problems, as opposed to adding to them!
- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy@utica.edu)
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joachim 6:54 AM
20020816
Friday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Friday, August 16, 2002
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Stephen of Hungary
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 16:1-15,60,63
Isaiah 12:2-6
Matthew 19:3-12
A Reflection on today's Holy Scripture . . .
Sometime in the past, when parents taught their children about God and neighbor, there were things that children learned by example; such as courtesy, modesty, graciousness, respect -- and much more.
The family was a tight knit group of people that were living and praying together. We were taught that we should respect each other and should look at our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Marriage was thought to be a commitment for life. As the wedding vows proclaim: "in good times and in bad" we are called to be faithful to God and to our spouse in all situations.
Today's young people are exposed to all kinds of media that stress immodesty, changing marriage partners as fast as you change clothes, etc. Jesus' original intent for man and woman was that they were to be united in a covenant relationship with God and each other. Marital love and faithfulness means that we promise to obey the vows that we exchange in front of God and His people. Marriage is intended to be forever until death!
Heavenly Father,
allow us to understand more fully
the sanctity of the family
and help those suffering in their marriages and family life.
Amen!
- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)
joachim 5:46 AM
20020815
Thursday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, August 15, 2002
The Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION - be sure check your local diocesan regulations)
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 11:19;12:1-6,10
Psalm 45:10-12,16
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
I think one of the loveliest titles for Mary is "Ark of the Covenant" (the New and Everlasting Covenant). It brings to mind the extraordinary fact that she harbored and was shelter for the Lord.
When considering how much Mary was loved by Jesus and indeed the other Persons of the Blessed Trinity, it always seems strange to me that she lived so long after the death of Jesus. I realize that her presence was a necessary and strengthening element in the growth of Christ's fledgling Church, but How difficult it must have been for her to be apart from the Jesus she loved and bore.
Is this another reason why she is called Mother of Sorrow? Yet, was she ever really separated from Him or did she know what we sometimes struggle to believe: that Jesus is always present (really present) dwelling in the souls of those who love Him? In this respect, we too, are ark's of the Covenant - a safe and beautiful resting place for the God of Glory to dwell.
On this beautiful feast may we consider anew what made Mary so special in the eyes of God. Unlike the accomplishments that modern women consider important, her value was in doing just one thing, and doing it perfectly: God's will.
May we through her intercession strive to do in our lives what ever the Lord asks, confident that like Mary we too will one day be raised to glory and behold the splendor of Christ's adorable face.
Holy Mary Mother of God,
Ark of the New and Everlasting Covenant,
Mother of Sorrow and Mercy,
hear and answer us.
Amen.
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd@hotmail.com)
©2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life
joachim 5:53 AM
20020814
Wednesday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, August 14, 2002
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Maximilian Kolbe, martyr, religious, priest
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 9:1-7;10:18-22
Psalm 113:1-6
Matthew 18:15-20
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish martyr to nazism's hatred of the Catholic Church and of Jews. He died by starvation in Auschwitz, having taken the place of a Jewish man with a wife and two children, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982 in the presence of the man whose life he had saved.
Maximilian is one of the very greatest saints of our time. His great love of "the Immaculate" - our Blessed Mother - is one quality on which we all need to ponder, and imitate. She was the Mother of Hope to him in a time of intense persecution, and she can be a Mother of Hope to us in an age of terrorism, racial and religious hatred, moral laxity and public corruption. As he lay dying in bunker #41, naked and starving to death, he led his fellow prisoners in hymns. His joy in suffering, his deep faith and hope in a heaven of happiness, gave spirit and courage to countless others to die with dignity and grace for their Lord. He was a strong saint and a model of endurance for our times.
- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (paulwhit@northnet.org)
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joachim 6:55 AM
20020813
Tuesday.blog The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, August 13, 2002
The Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 2:8--3:4
Psalm 119:14,24,72,103,111,131
Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14
A reflection on today's Scripture . . . .
"Truly I say unto you, unless you become like little children. . ."
Now this is one of those deceptively simple scriptures. But we might ask echoing another biblical character, "How can I become a child again, I'm all grown up." In what do we find childlikeness?
Children trust. They trust with every part of themselves. This is one of the reasons why a crime against a child is particularly hideous. The criminal violates a deep, holy trust . Children also love without question. You have to train a child to hate. The natural impulse is to reach out to others, it has to be reined in and stifled. Children believe and take things literally. They believe nearly everything they are told and they believe it with everything in them.
We can approach some of these characteristics. We can certainly begin to trust God. How do we do it? Moment by moment we surrender to His grace. We accept that what has come to us has come from His hand and is meant for our good and our growth. We can love. This may be harder because too many of us do not understand that love is not simply a feeling. Love is action and feeling. If we love someone, we're naturally inclined to do things for that person. Every action of every day can be an action for God. In so doing, we turn our life into a prayer and we enter into a childlike simplicity of prayer, dependence and love. With this condition comes the peace that Jesus Christ promised us. We enter into the kingdom of God in small steps, a child's steps with compassionate love and understanding. We share the kingdom with a child's love--embracing all of those near us and accepting them as the images of Christ that they
are.
- JuandelaCruz, T.O.Carm.