theJourney(beginning)

20020920

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 20, 2002
Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Andrew Kim Taegon, priest, martyr,
St. Paul Chong, catechist, martyr and companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Psalm 17:1,6-7,8,15
Luke 8:1-3

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel we hear that Jesus went about preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Luke, the evangelist, makes the point that He was accompanied not only by the apostles, but also by women, some of whom had been cured of evil spirits and other afflictions. Luke also mentions that there were many others who assisted (in the missionary activity) "out of their means."

In this short Gospel we see the pattern Jesus envisioned for the preaching of the Kingdom. It is to be preached with Him and in concert with the teaching authority commissioned by Him to the Apostles. It does not exclude anyone, even women, nor those who were great sinners. And finally, it would require the assistance of many to give generously of their means.

With these points in mind let us pray that God will continue to send missionaries into this world still darkened by sin and error, missionaries conformed to the Heart of Christ and His beloved Church and Her teachings.

Finally, let us remember that although all of us may not have the means and gifts to actually verbalize the gospel message in an accurate and convincing manner, all of us have access to prayer for the salvation not only of our own soul, but for the salvation of the world.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd@hotmail.com)

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joachim 4:42 AM

20020919

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 19, 2002
The Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Januarius, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,28
Luke 7:36-50

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus' concluding words in today's Gospel gives us pause for thought. He says to the penitent women, "Your faith has been your salvation." With these few words Jesus tells us the importance of faith. Faith is not something we acquire by our own merits although we certainly have countless opportunities to either quench or enkindle it, but is instead, a pure gift.

If gift then, how do we get it or provide for others to receive it? The answer lies in God's mysterious goodness and His plan that all might be saved. This suggests that no one is without access to faith; even if the circumstances of a person's life seem to preclude it. Our God-given and created human hearts have been "programmed", so to speak, to respond to God -- to be open to receive His gracious gifts.

Unfortunately, many hearts seem altogether unable to seek, see and respond to God, to open and utilize the gifts He gives. Personal and collective sin have damaged the receptivity of the once pure and God-directed heart.

Let us, then, who have been gifted beyond measure, and have received and opened the gift faith, pray in intercession for those who cannot do it themselves.

Receive and submit to the word planted in you,
it can save your soul.
Alleluia! (James 1:21, Gospel Alleluia verse for today)

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd@hotmail.com)

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joachim 4:08 AM

20020918

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13
Psalm 33:2-5,12,22
Luke 7:31-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's classic passage from Corinthians on love gives the picture of the perfect Christian man or Christian woman -- patience, kindness, humility, long-suffering. Obviously, no person could achieve that state without a super-human power. And that's the point, of course. There is no power on earth that can match the power of love. It is the key to success in every situation, every relationship, every endeavor, whether that endeavor be to reconcile with a friend, or to plan for the restructuring of society. Love is like a precious stone -- a ruby or a diamond. It has endless power to reflect the light, to give joy to the beholder. Love is life itself, and God is always trying to bring it out in us. That's what His grace can do. Without love, we truly can do nothing, we are nothing at all!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins@twcny.rr.com)

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joachim 11:39 AM

20020917

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 17, 2002
The Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Robert Bellarmine

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 7:11-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Now the body is not a single part, but many."

We are one body in Christ Jesus,
Praise the Lord!
We are all parts of the one body,
Praise the Lord!
We all have our duty within the body,
Praise the Lord!

God has generously seen that each person serves a particular and important part in the Body of Christ. He has crafted us with the great Artist's eye so that we may serve the body.

If we are a hand, we should not want to be a foot, if an eye, we should not desire to be an ear. God knows us from beginning to end, from outside to inside. He knows what we can do that no one else can. We are all essential parts, fulfilling a vital role in keeping the Body going.

Praise God in the wisdom of His plan. He loves us so completely, so generously, and as we love him back He perfects us in the body of Christ.

So serve Him faithfully, and you serve the body faithfully. Don't worry about position or role, simply accept what God has given -- it is perfect for you.

- JuandelaCruz, TOCarm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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joachim 5:08 AM

20020916

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 16, 2002
The Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Ss. Cornelius, pope, martyr and Cyprian, bishop, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33
Psalm 40:7-10,17
Luke 7:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"...not even in Israel have I found such faith." (Luke 7:9)

Today we celebrate the memorial of two martyrs, men who carried their faith to heroic lengths, choosing to die rather than compromise their love for Christ, His truth and His Church. We must thank such courageous individuals for helping to preserve the integrity of the Christian message. The "worldly" would scoff at such behavior, for they know nothing of God's humility, His self-giving and saving love that is shown us in His saints. Like the Corinthians, berated by Paul, those of this world may participate in external religious rituals, but their hearts remain untouched by Christ's Spirit and His sanctifying grace. And also, like the Corinthians, they fail to show a proper reverence during the most solemn of communal meals commemorating our Lord's death and resurrection.

True faith in God begins with our recognition of the One who was sent by Him - God's Word - Who alone is holy and who alone possesses power and authority over all things. The Centurion demonstrates a true faith, for His heart was open to God and so he was able to see Christ as the only hope of saving his beloved servant from death. Humbly, he makes his request, fully trusting in God's mercy and compassion.

Today's Psalm is a fitting summary of what God desires from the "faithful." He does not desire empty rituals and sacrifices. He instead wishes us to enter into a love relationship with Him. He delights in our learning to know Him and His will, and, by the grace He extends to us, carry it out in our every thought, word and deed. It is His faithful followers who will inspire others to follow in His ways, who will assure that the Good News will continue to be proclaimed in each generation.

Lord of all,
imbue us with a faith that gives us hope of a new life
and the will and ability to practice true charity.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko@borg.com)

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joachim 3:23 PM

20020915

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 15, 2002
The Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 27:30--28:9
Psalm 103:1-4,9-12
Romans 14:7-9
Matthew 18:21-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Dear Jesus, how often must I forgive my brother, my spouse, my neighbor or even my enemy? Would seven times be enough, O Lord? Jesus replies: "Seventy times seven times." In other words, I must always forgive anyone who offends me time after time after time after time.... In other words, I cannot possibly expect to love God as He wishes, if I harbor hatred and revenge in my heart.

Actually, this basic tenet of Christianity has pre-christian roots throughout the Old Testament, such as today when we hear in Sirach: "Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your sins will be forgiven." And who of us does not reflect on this part of the Our Father: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." What more proof do we need?

O God, you desire that we become perfect like You, to become reflections of your shining perfection, to forgive as You forgive. Show us the way O Lord, give us the strength. Amen, Amen.

- joachim, ocds

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joachim 4:23 AM

20020914

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 14, 2002
Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 78:1-2,34-38
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings chosen for this very special feastday definitely build off one another and reach a very significant climax.

In the first reading, we hear of the anger and frustration of the people living in the wilderness. They speak out against God, but Moses subsequently intervenes for them with prayer. It is then that we hear of the bronze serpent set up by Moses at the direction of God as a sign of healing. (This sign is still used, centuries later, by those in the healing professions.)

The reading from Philippians places emphasis on obedience and servitude. Christ, though Son of the Father, became obedient, even unto the horrendous death on the cross.

Faithful friend of Jesus, St. John the Apostle, brings the readings to fruition in reminding us of the reason Christ did this for us. Yes, He wanted us to experience salvation, but He suffered and died because of His great love for the world and for each of us personally! It is easy to think in general about salvation. We need to pause and reflect often that Christ died for each of us! An appropriate time to reflect on this is each time we make the "Sign of the Cross." It is a very special prayer!

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy@utica.edu)

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joachim 4:14 AM

20020913

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 13, 2002
Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. John Chrysostom

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27
Psalm 84:2-6,8,12
Luke 6:39-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

All of us today are called to preach the gospel as disciples of Jesus. St Paul was driven so by the Holy Spirit, that the fire of God's word had to leap from his lips. He became one with whomever he shared the word, never putting himself in a position of being better then his brothers and sisters. He made himself "all things to all men"(9:19) in order that they might hear the message of salvation. He goes on to tell us that we're like runners in a race, seeking after the prize that is eternal life!

And like runners after the prize, we must be conditioned by our prayer life, our time spent with God. We must be fortified for our race by living the life Jesus has shown us by His example. As we come more and more into a deeper relationship with our God, we will have the tendency to think for a moment, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" We might not be so quick to judge the speck in our brother's or sister's eye, while being blinded by the plank in our own. If we are to be disciples of Jesus, our actions and speech must be like His.

Lord,
give us eyes to see ourselves as you see us
and the grace to rid ourselves of all that is not of you.
Amen.

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 4:50 AM

20020912

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 12, 2002
The Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13
Psalm 139:1-3,13-14,23-24
Luke 6:27-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Gospel gives us Jesus' teaching on how and who we are to love. In light of world events it seems impossible to demonstrate that kind of love, to look the other way, to offer, so to speak, our other cheek to be slapped.

As followers and lovers of Jesus what are we to do?

The question is not easily answered and requires God's unfailing grace to provide the right response. Without it we are doomed to be in error not only, perhaps, before men, but before our God.

Having access to God's grace requires us to be present to Him -- to be close enough that we hear and recognize His promptings. It means that in all our actions and decisions, not just isolated ones, we conform our will to His.

Pray then my brothers and sisters that, in our own sphere of influence, we might love as Jesus commands.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd@hotmail.com)

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joachim 4:44 AM

20020911

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 11, 2002
Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 7:25-31
Psalm 45:11-17
Luke 6:20-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

How significant on this first anniversary of the infamous terrorist attack on America that the first reading from 1st Thessalonians should remind us that the world as we know it is passing away! What a traumatic object lesson God has allowed to wake us all up to the fact that our lives hang from a frail thread. We know not the day nor the hour!

On a sundial in an old English garden are engraved the words: "It is later than you think!" But, thank God, there is still time -- time to return to the basics of the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Great Commandment of love of God and love of neighbor.

Jesus has told us that fear is useless -- what is needed is Hope. May we all observe this anniversary day in the spirit of Hope, a new humility, a new commitment, throwing ourselves in faith on a merciful God who still gives us time!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins@twcny.rr.com)

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joachim 4:42 AM

20020910

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 10, 2002
The Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Psalm 149:1-6,9
Luke 6:12-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Everyone in the crowd sought to touch Him . . .

Everyone crowded around Him. This was an ancient equivalent of a rock concert. Only, in this case, the Person they were gathering around merited the gathering. Jesus was at the center. And everyone crowded in, knowing they would be healed.

It reminds me of a few times in my local parish church where they held a "healing mass" every second Saturday after which they offered the anointing of the sick. No matter how well the Pastor described the circumstances under which you should receive the sacrament, nearly everyone in the Church lined up for it each week. People knew and understood that they had a sickness--a sickness which is unto death. What they didn't understand is that there are several sacraments of healing. What they needed was not the sacrament to restore flesh to health, but the sacrament to heal a sick spirit.

These people were the same. Some were truly ill. But surely some were merely there to help their sick relatives. Nevertheless, they crowded in around Jesus, realizing that the power that flowed from Him was different. He was healing the sick, but more than that, He was healing those who had long been sick in spirit. This huge gathering of people saw a new dawn, they saw the dawn of hope heralded by Simeon in his famous Canticle. They saw the savior of Israel, and they flocked to Him, seeking healing.

Let us look to ourselves, what kind of healing do we need? Do we need to help sick flesh, or do we need to lift a sickened, wizened, weak spirit to Jesus as say, "Wash me, Lord, heal me." If the latter, let us avail ourselves of the previous sacrament of confession. Let us take advantage of the power that flows from Jesus Christ, who desires, above all things, our healing and our coming to Him. He calls, and we hear. Let us go and bathe in the Divine Power of Jesus Christ, healer, redeemer, brother, and Lord.

- JuandelaCruz, TOCarm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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joachim 4:16 AM

20020909

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 9, 2002
The Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Peter Claver, presbyter, religious, missionary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Psalm 5:5-7,12
Luke 6:6-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, to save life rather than destroy it? (see Luke 6:9)

Today we remember the important contributions made by a man who knew well the purpose of human life and lived it to its fullest. But we need not think that his devotion and service to God is reserved only to those called to the religious life. The call of God is universal; each and every person was created to be a vessel filled with God's life, to participate in His goodness, holiness, love and truth -- become one in heart and mind with our Creator. Why is our oneness with God essential? The answer is that only by being united to Him in Christ can we acquire by grace, the humility and selflessness needed for us to live in the joy and peace God desires.

Today's readings warn us that the sin of one can infect an entire body of people, just as yeast can spread through dough. Sin always stems from what appears to be good in our self-absorbed eyes; but its effects serve to cheapen, exploit and even destroy human life and the general order. The chaos we witness today stems from a world attitude intent on pleasing self, establishing personal or national supremacy, creating its own glory, doing what is expedient rather than what is in harmony with God's law. Consequently, our seared consciences allow us to cohabit, divorce, abort, cheat, steal, wage war and practice every corruption, all in the name of freedom, progress or profit.

Christ's goodness exposes our twistedness, offers us healing and shows us the way to true glory. He reveals that man made laws often run counter to God's love and can be destructive. He tells us that sacrifice and self-giving is the way of true love. Yet after thousands of years of self-inflicted misery, humanity still rejects God's Word, clings foolishly to the belief that it can save itself.

Redeemer God,
send prophets deeply imbued by Your Holy Spirit
to awaken us to our great danger
and so avert a world-wide disaster.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko@borg.com)

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joachim 4:57 AM

20020908

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 8, 2002
The Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm 95:1-2,6-9
Romans 13:8-10
Matthew 18:15-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Who is today's "watchman" for the house of Israel?

During a period in the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel was appointed by God to be Israel's "watchman". He was entrusted with the solemn responsibility for dissuading the wicked man from his way. Like every human being, Ezekiel was given a choice (there's that word again). He could either do as he was commanded or choose not to. If he didn't heed the word of God he was told that he would be responsible for even the wicked man's death.

In the New Testament, Jesus gives the same "watchman" responsibilities to the apostles. He tells them they must correct their brother when he is at fault.

At first, it seems he calls them to be gentle and considerate so as not to embarrass or make hard of heart the wrongdoer. However, if the wrongdoer wouldn't listen they were not just to "drop it", but summon others who would try to convince the wrongdoer to change. If even that didn't work the apostles were still not "off the hook", but were to submit the wrongdoer to the church so that his errant ways might be corrected. Only then, could the disciple consider himself exempted of his responsibility to change his brother's erring ways.

It must be the same with us. We are the church, the present day disciples of Jesus. We are a remnant of the house of Israel, a chosen people. We are the "watchmen" for our times and have a grave responsibility to help illuminate the wrong doers of our day. We must arm ourselves with the wisdom and courage of the Holy Spirit so that we might fulfill our responsibility as "watchmen."

Dearest Lord,

You have planted Your love in my heart and put Your words on my lips. Please help me remember that I am responsible not just for my own salvation. I too am a "watchman"; I am my brother's keeper; I have a responsibility. I beg You Lord to give me Your grace so that none might be lost because of me.
Amen.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (1993)

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joachim 4:25 AM

20020907

 

_______________________________________

Dear Reader,

Please note that our communications are currently under stress due to the after effects of a severe lightning storm which has impaired telephone lines throughout our region. As a result, modem speeds are very low and access has been denied at times. Also, I’ve noticed that the internet has had repeated “connection failures” when attempting to access certain websites, including Blogspot. So, if we drop out for awhile, you know what’s going on. Check back later!

Please remember us in your prayers.

-- joachim and the Daily Meditations writing team
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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 7, 2002
Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 4:6-15
Psalm 145:17-21
Luke 6:1-5

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In our first reading today, St. Paul reminds us of the public perception of an apostle: being "last of all", "fools on account of Christ", bearing all, enduring all, like the world's rubbish. This is strong language, indicating the 'lowly' status the Lord calls each of His apostles -- and us -- so that we may serve Him truthfully in the world. While this type of life appears unbearable from a worldly perspective, we know and recognise that true discipleship is a life of service, one where our own selfish and destructive desires subordinate to the divine calling of God in our lives, a powerful calling which allows us to be led and to lead others to transform our lives in the Divine Hope and assurance of attaining ultimate peace and salvation.

And when we think the 'lowly' path of discipleship is outside our broken human grasp, let us not forget the times when we have extended the arms of love and compassion to those around us in need ...times when we have loved and have been rejected and hurt in return ...times when we have spoken out in truth and justice and have been admonished and abused ...times when we have trusted..only for our trust to be returned with betrayal ...times when we have experienced tremendous mental and physical suffering ...not understanding but accepting.

This is the discipleship of Jesus; working through the messiness of every day life, yet staying close to Jesus: knowing and recognising at the depth of our being that with Him 'All is well, all is as it should be'.

Today let us ask the Holy Spirit to renew and strengthen our Faith so that with the eyes of Faith, we may determine God's will in our lives and have the courage to live His will.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

- Cliodhna Doyle (Cliodhna.Doyle@oceanfree.net)

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joachim 6:24 AM

20020906

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 6, 2002
Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Psalm 37:3-6,27-28,39-40
Luke 5:33-39

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Do what the Lord wants.... (Psalm 3:4)

Sometimes it seems as if it might be difficult to live the simple message of Jesus. Some of us already "live to eat" versus "eat to live." Even more of us may habitually seek the newest and the latest things versus being satisfied with the simple, ordinary things we already have and use every day.

The parables in today's Gospel are as relevant to our age as they were when Jesus preached them. We too, are called to renew our minds and hearts with the love of Christ, by changing habits that have been formed by our love of the world. Instead, we are called to focus our will on implementation of the Gospel. St. Paul explains that we need to stop passing judgment on our family and neighbor, for the Lord Himself is the only one to judge. We are called to pour the "new wine" of Jesus' life into minds transformed by the Holy Spirit. If our personal goal is living with Jesus Christ -- then we will truly recognize Him as the Son of God who gave His life on the Cross so that we might have eternal life.

St. Paul's focus in life was completely on the Lord. He had no allusions about himself, wishing only to be a servant of Christ. He wanted only to be with Jesus; but he knew he was called to preach the "new wine" of Jesus to those who would listen. Our only focus must be Jesus. Helped by the Holy Spirit, our loving behavior can bring the new wine, the good news, to all whom we meet today.

Come Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful,
and renew the face of the earth.
Amen.

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 5:35 AM

20020905

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 5, 2002
The Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 5 1-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Responsorial Psalm is one I have committed (somewhat) to memory. It asks: who is it that shall climb the mountain of the Lord and stand in His holy place?

It is a question some might muse on, eventually arriving at some kind of response. The answer according to the psalmist, however, is startling. He says, the one who desires not worthless things; that is one who, will reach the summit of perfection.

The simplicity of the answer belies the pervasiveness of what is required to gain entry into the Kingdom. It means judging everything in light of its heavenly value, something altogether different from what the world considers valuable.

Only with God's help can we discern rightfully, what is good and what is worthless. Let us pray then for the grace to recognize what has value and what does not. Then with God's constant help and our determination to cooperate with Him, may we begin the life-long task of curbing and eliminating our desire for worthless things.

He shall receive blessings from the Lord
and reward from the God who saves Him. (Psalm 24:5)

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd@hotmail.com)

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joachim 6:21 AM

20020904

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 4, 2002
Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Psalm 33:12-15,20-21
Luke 4:38-44

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Some time ago, a Maryknoll priest, a friend of mine, spent a sabbatical in Capharnaum, the home of Peter's mother-in-law. We all remember how Jesus healed this good woman, who immediately got up to wait on those gathered. Later, it was from her home that Peter directed the infant Church. My friend spoke of the serenity and peace of that spot even today. We know, however, that it was not always so. Think of the controversy between Peter and Paul concerning with converts from the Gentiles. And Paul reminds us in today's readings how easily dispute, dissension, and harsh words and feelings can destroy Church unity. Unfortunately, we know all about the controversies since Vatican II.

We need to ask ourselves: To what extent have I allowed harsh words and attitudes to sever the charity and unity of my parish community? How have I tried to bring about healing? Lord, help me to bring healing through study, prayer, and wise counsel to those who are still alienated.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins@twcny.rr.com)

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(c)1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life. Permission granted to make reprints of the meditations or to post on any web page, except for profit. 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 6:06 AM

20020903

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 3, 2002
The Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Psalm 145:8-14
Luke 4:31-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"What is there about His word?"

What is there about His word? What is the strength and the power that flows from it? God spoke the world into being, through the power of His word and His Word, all things came into being. That's a powerful word.

To a limited extent, we give words power or take them away. Some of our readers may recall a time when Clark Gable's final line in "Gone with the Wind" caused an uproar throughout the country. Now, it wouldn't even be noticed in the middle of a child's cartoon. We have devalued the language by allowing vulgarity to grow and take over so much of our vocabulary.

Likewise, we devalue meaning when we speak of Jesus or God, or the Eucharist, or Mass without proper reverence. When we say, "I have to go to Mass," we've turned a wonderful celebration into an onerous task. How you choose to say something will ultimately effect how you feel about that thing. When we can truly say, "Precious Lord," and believe the words and feel something of their impact, we give language back some of its value.

Jesus is the Word made flesh. Reverence for Him requires caution in how we use words and the Word of God embodied in the Bible. Careful reflection on Scripture will teach us new words for our vocabulary of prayer.

What there is about His word is power, glory, value, meaning, goodness, light, and truth. Let us spend time with His words, and fashion our own on His.

- JuandelaCruz, TOCarm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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joachim 4:21 AM

20020902

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 2, 2002
The Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 119:97-102
Luke 4:16-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"They led him to the brow of the hill... to hurl him down headlong." (see Luke 4:29)

The past sixty years have brought drastic changes in both the style and content of our homilies and hence to our Faith. I recall priests climbing steps to the pulpit and proclaiming God's Word, His unornamented and unabridged truth, His unfailing forgiveness and love to those who repent and turn from sin. However, Vatican II gave impetus to the Modernism that had already begun to invade the Church. Diluted Gospels and misrepresentations of Councilar Documents presented by some priests and theologians sought to fill the pews by promoting a democratization of the Church, a relenting of the more difficult requirements of our Faith. The feel-good generation must not be told anything that might contradict their feeling good about themselves.

Papal authority was challenged; chastity and sexual morality were blinked away; sin was no longer thought a serious matter; God was depicted as an over-indulgent Father whose love for His children would excuse every transgression. And so, they made a mockery of Christ's suffering and death, implied that His cross was unnecessary to expiating our sins; we could "go it on our own" without forgiveness (Confession); self-denial and the sharing of Christ's cross were outmoded; we could ignore God-given grace and forget about living holy lives.

Our present Pope tried to counteract these trends through the publication of the New Catholic Catechism which explains our Faith and provides the rationale for each of our beliefs, their foundation in Scripture. He has personally written many documents such as "The Splendor of Truth" to counteract errors and distortions. This has simply caused most Bishops to ignore these teachings, not pass them along to the "faithful." Some vocal antagonists have called for his resignation from the Papacy and even suggested that his death would be welcomed by them. And so it was 2,000 years ago when Christ sought to save the world. Ask not why our Church is in crisis today.

Redeemer God,
may Isaiah's prophesy, fulfilled in You,
at last penetrate our hardened hearts
and revive our languishing souls.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko@borg.com)

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joachim 4:28 AM

20020901

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 1, 2002
The Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm 63:2-6,8-9
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Bammm!! Dealing with reality . . . .

Today's scriptures run the gamut from the whiny Jeremiah the prophet, to the mellowy psalmist, to the ever-admonishing Paul, to the fumbling apostles, and finally to the rock-solid teacher, the Messiah. Certainly God could have performed His merciful act of redemption by "simply" brushing away 1/3 of the stars in heaven, taking with them all evil and leaving the righteous to joyously celebrate forever and forever in His majestic presence.

But alas, God has shown us that He isn't like that. He had to allow the whiner, the dreamer, the admonisher and even the fumbler to have their day. He had to reveal His plan, His righteousness, His glory, His mercy and His justice. For all of this plan to work according to His will, Jesus the Messiah, the Man-God, had to be born, live as a little child and a young man, and to teach the plan of God to the simple, receptive hearts of the disciples - and to us. And then, Bammm! He had to die that ignominious death so that we would know just how much each of our sins offend Him.

From the moment of Jesus' ascension into heaven, the faithful must have wondered: will He be back in a few minutes? A few hours? Tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next....? Why has it taken so long for our Lord and Savior to return? We, who believe, hold that He will return when the plan of God is fully played out according to God's will. Until that happens, our task, then, is to avail ourselves of God's sanctifying grace, to be purified and brought close to Him every moment of every day.

- Joachim, ocds

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joachim 4:41 AM