theJourney(beginning)

20021231

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 31, 2002
Tuesday within the Octave of Christmas
St. Sylvester, pope

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:18-21 or Ezekial 34:11-16
Psalm 96:1-2,11-13 or Psalm 23:1-6
John 1:1-18 or Matthew 16:13-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The true light which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." (John 1:9)

St. John the Evangelist in his Gospel clearly identifies Christ as "the Word of God" through Whom all creation came into being; for when God speaks, His Word comes forth from Him with power to do all that He wills. However, God's living and omnipotent Word not only created us; but when we fell into sin's darkness, He re-created us by sending us His light (truth) in Jesus to expose our sinfulness, and provide us means of living in God's truth and love. Through grace He gave us the ability to become His holy children.

Throughout twenty centuries "evil" has been perverting or denying Christ's message. St. John tells us in his first epistle that already numerous anti-Christs had appeared. These were people who could not recognize the "Holy One" because they lacked the anointing of the Holy Spirit Who leads man to all truth and teaches him to truly love. Apart from God, human thought remains twisted by sin. Today the forces of evil are working harder than ever to promote moral and societal chaos through the media, both informational and entertainment. Consequently, many believe that "freedom" gives the right to cohabitation, adultery, fornication, contraception, homosexuality and abortion. So convincing is the media and so selfish and ignorant of God's Word is the average Christian, that he is incapable of recognizing truth and therefore rejects it.

Sadly, anti-Christs have also infiltrated the Church, attacking the Papacy established by Christ to preserve the integrity of His teachings on faith and morals. Clergy throughout the world are acting independently rather than in concert with our Pope. We, the faithful, have obligations: to maintain a prayerful relationship with Christ; understanding and following Church teachings; and fearlessly fighting error.

Blessed Savior,
open our hearts to Your sanctifying love
and our minds to the beauty and order of Your truth,
that justice and peace may prevail over this world.
Amen.

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:41 AM

20021230

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 30, 2002
The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:12-17
Psalm 96:7-10
Luke 2:36-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The entrance antiphon for today's Mass is so beautiful and descriptive that it merits careful reflection:

When peaceful silence lay over all, and the night had
run half of her swift course,
your powerful word, O Lord,
leaped down from heaven, from the royal throne. (Wis 18:15-15)

In a flash, the will of God was accomplished. The Savior of all mankind became flesh, became man, that we might find our way back to our heavenly home.

The Word became flesh out of love and obedience to the Father. May Jesus, who left the splendor of heaven, be an unceasing example of how we should live. By following Him, may we be loving and obedient and one day behold the splendor of His face.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (1995)

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:09 AM

20021229

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 29, 2002
The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word
Genesis 15:1-6;21:1-3(17B)
Psalm 105:1-2,3-4,5-6,8-9
Hebrews 11:8;11-12,17-19
Luke 2:22-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The psalm for today gives a powerful message that could serve as a remedy for many of the ills of families today. The psalmist urges that we look to the Lord in His strength and constantly seek His face.

We see that in their old age Sarah and Abraham were able to conceive and bear a son, Isaac. By faith Abraham offered up Isaac when asked to do so, but we know that God finally did not ask that sacrifice of Abram. With God all things are possible if we place our trust in Him and if it is the will of God. God also sometimes seems to put us to the test, to see if we do trust in Him.

In the gospel we learn that Joseph and Mary were looking to the Lord in His strength and seeking His will as we read of their presenting Jesus in the temple according to the law. They freely consecrated Him to the Lord. What a beautiful example for families as they bring forth new life in their families! How much that must please God, when that consecration is made!

Long, wordy prayers are not needed to build this habit into our life. We can just quickly say "Please help me Lord". "Help me to see You in this situation, or in this person". Needless to say, much more fruit will come forth than when we try to do it alone.

Where is God in your family today?

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:14 AM

20021228

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 28, 2002
The Fourth Day of the Octave of Christmas
The Holy Innocents, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 1:5--2:2
Psalm 124:2-5,7b-8
Matthew 2:13-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Fear alone can be the most driving force that we can ever experience. Herod was afraid that the little Christ Child would "take over" his government. His advisers told him what they thought to be true, that he was vulnerable. Joseph, listening to the angel of the Lord in a dream, "got up and took the child and his mother and left that night for Egypt." (Matthew 2:14)

When we pause for a moment to think about the dangers of their time and the dangers of our world today we can readily see that they are almost the same. Evil existed then and still exists in the hearts and minds of the people that inhabit the earth today--that do not know Jesus Christ! Then it was all those innocent baby boys that were massacred -- Rachel wailing for her children. Now we have the culture of our world--the culture of death--which allows the slaughter of countless innocent unborn children just because of the argument over when life begins.

What can change this culture of death? Our God loves us so much that He sent forth His only son Jesus, that we might have life, life on earth to praise and honor Him, life in heaven eternal for those who trust and love Him.

Help me, O God,
to know You better,
to love You more,
to trust in your mercy
all the days of my life.
Amen

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:15 AM

20021227

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 27, 2002
The Third Day in the Octave of Christmas
St. John, apostle, evangelist

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97
John 20:2-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our joy of Christmas and our anticipation of the Epiphany are well encouraged by today's gospel. The first word of John's proclamation upon seeing Jesus is food for much thought and meditation:

"Look!"

What good advice to each of us! Simply "Look!" Take time and "Look!" around and discover the presence of the Lamb of God. Like our brother John, we may, at first, not recognize Jesus. But with the aid of the Holy Spirit we will come to recognize the presence of the Lord in our midst. And always, the Lord is inviting us to a fuller life in the Spirit.

The Lord is drawing us more and more into the life of the Trinity. Jesus, God's chosen one is inviting us to be baptized in the Holy Spirit so that in that life of the Spirit we can also glorify the Father. Perhaps we are prone to relegate the words of today's gospel to a few, but they are God's plan for each of us, not for the few.

Today is an excellent day to return to the manger in my heart and bow and adore the presence of the King of Kings. He waits for no fancy formula of words; simply He desires me to surrender my life to Him and allow Him to draw me into that new life, that new baptism of sacrificial love. As I prepare for the feast of the Epiphany, can I give a new and fresh "Yes!" to Jesus? Can I pause today and "Look!" to the Lamb of God for a fuller share in God's Spirit?

- Fr. Patrick Ryan, MM

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joachim 4:18 AM

20021226

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 26, 2002
The Second Day in the Octave of Christmas
St. Stephen, first martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 6:8-10
Psalm 31:3-4,6-8,17,21
Matthew 10:17-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The birth of God as Human was a terrible Truth in the root meaning of "terrible" as awe-inspiring. It was a Truth that has demanded a price from the beginning. It seems such a paradox that the most life-giving truths can result in death. Look at the religious wars even to the present day. To take possession of Truth for selfish gain as did King Herod and the Pharisees, resulted in sins against Truth on their part. Today's feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, just one day after Christmas, shocks us in realizing the price we must pay.

Are we ready to give our whole assent, our whole loyalty, even to death, for the Divine Child who demands our total love?

Our meditation this day should grapple with this question. May it stir in us a humble but firm assent.

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

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joachim 4:41 AM

20021225

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 25, 2002
The Nativity of the Lord

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 9:1-6
Psalm 96:1-3,11-13
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our Catholic religion is replete with the splendor of solemnities and feasts. Few however, evoke such yearning for the tangible God than Christmas.

Sometimes our faith is sorely tested, even to the point where we seriously wonder if we'll ever again know with sure and =certain= faith that God exists and cares. Is it any wonder then, with all the cares, concerns and distractions of this world, that for most of us there is the unspoken worry that Christmas will come and go without "feeling" as if anything heavenly has happened.

It is however, in times without any sense experience, that God is in fact, most near - so present, bright and glorious that we are blinded as if looking at the sun, and fail to see Him and know that He is close. The great tragedy of these moments of grace is to think that the God who once gave us such delightful evidence of Him, is absent and somehow and for some reason, has left us in desolation.

Pray then my dear friends, that if God has chosen to "blind" you on this sacred feast, that your memory will serve you instead and take you back to the Christmas Cave within your heart where once on a Silent and Holy Night you saw Him, touched Him, heard His voice and smelled and tasted of His sweetness.

Suddenly, there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host,
praising God and saying:
‘Glory to God in high heaven,
peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.’" (Luke 2:14)

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

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joachim 4:26 AM

20021224

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 24, 2002
The Fourth Week of Advent
Morning Mass

O Come,
Emmanuel,
God's presence among us, our King, our Judge:
save us, Lord our God!

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16
Psalm 89:2-5,27,29
Luke 1:67-79

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"...the daybreak from on high will visit us....to guide our feet into the path of peace." (Luke 1:78-79)

Today's scripture reminded me of a trip through the Gaspé Peninsula at the eastern end of Canada which took me through miles of fishing villages. What distinguished these settlements was their houses painted in blazing colors and the miles of smelly, salted codfish lying on racks drying in the sun. But most intriguing was a series of small yet exquisitely built and decorated Catholic churches. It appeared that each town had vied with its neighbors in giving the greater honor to God through their houses of worship.

Our first reading centers on King David's preoccupation with establishing God's dwelling place, a temple, on Jewish soil. This was a most appropriate desire, especially when one considers that Christ, the eternal King and Savior of the world, would be descended in His humanity from David's lineage. However, while temples and cathedrals provide man a means of paying great homage to his Creator, God has relatively little interest in these magnificent edifices; instead His interest wholly centers on those He has created in His image and into whom He breathed His very life.

Our Gospel reading affirms that God's focus is on the redemption of humanity. John the Baptist was to prepare the Jews to receive their Messiah. The space that God desired to fill was not a mere building. St. Paul said it succinctly when he told Christ's people that their very bodies were created to be indwelt by God, to become His living temples, unsullied by sin, shining forth His truth and love, Christ's life, to a needful world.

Father of all goodness,
let us rejoice with gratitude for Christ's sacrifice
which enables us to participate in Your divine holiness.
May Your will be done in and through us.
Amen.

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

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joachim 3:44 AM

20021223

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 23, 2002
The Fourth Week of Advent
St John of Kanty, priest

O Come,
Emmanuel,
God's presence among us, our King, our Judge:
save us, Lord our God!


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Malachi 3:1-4,13-14
Psalm 25
Luke 1:57-66

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As Our Lord promised, the prophets foretold--and we now realize--the messenger who heralded the coming of the Messiah was John the Baptist. John prepared the people--those who would listen--for the first coming of Our Savior, by calling them to repent and amend their lives.

Today we honor another herald, St. John of Kanty from Cracow (Poland), a priest, professor of science, pastor and pious disciple of Jesus Christ. He is remembered for his love for the poor, self-mortification and earnest zeal for living the Gospel and giving God Glory. He, as well as all the saints, were living witnesses to a life fully lived in Christ.

Today we should well ponder who are the messengers and witnesses that influence our lives--our lives in Christ. Who are we listening to? Who are we emulating? Who are we paying the most attention to? Who do we consider to be teaching us the Truth?

We are most blessed to be living in this extraordinary time - for with extraordinary trials and experiences come tremendous graces from God.

As throughout history, when the Church was experiencing harsh trials, Our Lord raised up extraordinary people to witness to His Truth, to contradict what the world would have us believe and accept, to be Light in the darkness.

St. John the Baptist announced that the Kingdom of God was at hand. St. John of Kanty showed us how to live in that Kingdom of God here on earth. Our Holy Father, John Paul II continues to show us, to prepare us for Christ's coming -- if we are but willing to listen!

- Nancy Collingwood

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joachim 4:10 AM

20021222

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 22, 2002
The Fourth Sunday of Advent

O Come,
King of all nations,
source of your Church’s unity and faith:
save all mankind, your own creation!

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-11,16
Psalm 89:2-5,27,29
1 Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

May it be done unto me according to thy word, O Lord.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said that the greatest attribute of a Christian is acceptance, saying 'Yes' to the will of God in our lives although we might not know where our 'Yes' will lead us. In this wonderful story of The Annunciation today, Mary humbly accepts the message from the angel Gabriel although her small human mind could not fully comprehend what was being asked of her. Mary epitomizes strong faith and trust in the Lord God -- a faith and trust to which the Lord calls all His children.

Today in our everyday lives, we are called to say 'Yes' to the message of Jesus. Maybe our individual messages are not as explicit as the one given by angel Gabriel, but through prayer and listening and looking for the Lord each and every day, we can be sure we're walking the right road. Even through confusing, troubling, even heart breaking times, we need to say "Yes" to the Lord because we cannot yet fully comprehend the power of that "Yes" in our eternal road to salvation.

As we progress further into this beautiful season of Advent let our mission be to say a louder "Yes" to the Lord each day..as we wait for His coming let us grow in peace and joy as his presence grows in our hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Cliodhna Doyle (clia@cliadoyle.com)

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joachim 4:39 AM

20021221

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 21, 2002
The Third Week of Advent
St. Peter Canisius, religious, priest, doctor of the Church

O Come
Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
shine on those lost in the darkness of death!

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm 33:2-3,11-12,20-21
Luke 1:39-45.

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We know the feeling that we have when someone we love visits us and tells us how much they love us -- child, sister or brother, aunt, uncle, or good friend. We enjoy their company and tell them how much we appreciate their visit. We can feel the joy of the moment when Mary entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.

Elizabeth felt honored that Mary would make the long journey to visit her, and expressed it when she said, "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"(vs.43) Faith and hope are present here as this meeting takes place. By example we are called to reach out to the people we love that need to see us, assuring them that they are ever in our thoughts and prayers. We are also called to visit those who are bedridden, hungry, homeless, lonely, and greet them with the same enthusiasm that Mary greeted Elizabeth.

Father,
help us to fulfill our Advent mission.
Allow the grace of your Holy Spirit
to fill our hearts and minds,
as we walk in your footsteps.
Amen!

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 4:40 AM

20021220

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 20, 2002
The Third Week of Advent

O Come
Key of David,
opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom:
free the prisoners of darkness!

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Matthew 11:16-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's first reading has a few words which make me consider how my actions and behavior affect God. Since early childhood I learned that sinful disobedience hurts Him and makes Him sad. But what about behavior that isn't necessarily sinful, which instead falls short of our ability, and giftedness? Certainly when we fail to use the gifts and opportunities that God has given us, that too, I learned, makes Him sad. Isaiah indicated that it also makes God "weary."

Thinking that I might be making God tired and discouraged, is for me a terrible thought. I know that because He is infinite, there is no limit to His strength -- His ability to cope, so to speak. Even so, we're told He is capable of weariness. If you have ever been weary, you know the feeling; and to imagine that the almighty and gracious God is vulnerable to me is a frightening and sober thought.

Let us then consider all our actions and not just avoid sinfulness, but avoid being anything less than what God intended -- not only avoiding sin, but striving to be more perfect in accord with His will.

As the Light draws ever nearer may we see with greater understanding that, like Mary, we must respond to how God intervenes in our lives. Mary could have said, "No!" to the angel; but instead she said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me as you say." Lord, give me the grace to do so as well.

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:12 AM

20021219

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 19, 2002
The Third Week in Advent

O Come,
Flower of Jesse's stem
sign of God's love for all his people:
save us without delay!

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Judges 13:2-7,24-25
Psalm 71:3-6,16-17
Luke 1:5-25

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's scripture the prophet Jeremiah reassures us that the Chosen One of God is coming. He is coming to bring glad tidings to the poor, having pity on the lowly and the forgotten.

It seems the same today. The humble, the meek and lowly have inner eyes to see our savior Jesus in their midst to feel His presence. Their is nothing blocking them from their love for Him. Blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall see God!

Humbly and simply He came into this world and served us and showed us the way to the path that leads to our heavenly Father. Let us have the same heart of a servant as He.

- Thomas Michael Kalamas (http://www.northnet.org/cybercatholic/)

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joachim 4:13 AM

20021218

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 18, 2002
The Third Week Of Advent

O Come,
Leader of Ancient Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
rescue us with your mighty power!

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Psalm 72:1,12-13,18-19
Matthew 1:18-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

And they shall name him Emmanuel . . .

Emmanuel, God is with us. He came, was born of a Virgin, and at that moment showed what had been true from the beginning of time. God is with us.

So much is settled truth. God walks beside us constantly, attempting to converse, to persuade, to tell us how much we are loved. Sometimes it seems we prefer to ignore that message and listen to the words sent to us by the world. The love of money speaks louder than God's sweet whisper. The power of lust breaks through His sweet and constant song to us.

But the cry of a baby can break through all of that. Look through Mary's eyes at the Son she brought forth miraculously and contemplate with her the wonders of that first Christmas morning. This is what we are headed for, and in fact, what we can celebrate each morning when we wake. Christ has been born once for all, and we can rejoice in God with Us because of it.

- JuandelaCruz, toc (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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joachim 4:15 AM

20021217

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 17, 2002
The Third Week of Advent

O Come,
Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
teach us to walk in the paths of knowledge.

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 49:2,8-10
Psalm 72:1-4,7-8,17
Matthew 1:1-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"May he rule from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth." (Psalm 72:8)

Our anticipation and joy grow as the fulfillment of God's promise draws near. The Savior of the world, King of the universe, the Word of God made incarnate is soon to be born in human flesh of David's line. Psalmists sang of Him and prophets proclaimed His goodness and glory, for they saw that in Him alone rests the hope of mankind. With them let us turn toward Christ, Emmanuel, meaning God with us, to celebrate the day that salvation came into this world.

On what do we base our yearly celebration--a mythical Santa, carloads of gifts, over-extended credit cards? Let us instead feast in the knowledge that we are indeed the beloved children of our heavenly Father Who established our dignity by taking on our human flesh. However, because the all-holy God abhors sin which carries the penalty of death, He showed His love for our sinful race by sending Jesus to pay the penalty for us. Christ grown to manhood would become the final and perfect sacrifice, die in our flesh to vindicate God's justice and so restore humanity to friendship with Him.

Through Christ, God offers us the gift of "faith," for it is through our firm belief in Him, Who is God's holy Word, that we are made fit to dwell with Him eternally. And to further insure that we will have the strength and wisdom to obey God's Word, He extends His "grace" to us through the Person of His Holy Spirit. Truly salvation is all God's work; our part is like Mary's, to simply say, "yes" to bringing God's life into this world. Such is the "way" to humanity's genuine peace and joy.

Loving Father,
we rejoice in Christ's coming
and fervently pray that all hearts throughout this world
will be moved to embrace our one, true Savior.
Amen.

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:35 AM

20021216

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 16, 2002
The Third Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 24:2-7,15-17
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 21:23-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Be patient, God's people, the day of the Lord is near."

As the days of Advent move along, these words of a seasonal hymn keep going through my head. I am reminded that everything is passing except God and His Almighty Word. It is an important reminder because the ways of the world are like the siren's song; they beckon, lure and ensnare. Only with the help of divine grace can we hope to remain faithful--only with God's merciful help.

Let us then be even more determined to plead for that help. Let us beg God to preserve us in a holy state of waiting, as the promise of eternal salvation enfolds before our very eyes.

Let us try with all our strength to put aside time each day to reflect on the wonder of the Word become Flesh. Let us assume the attitude of Mary, as the days of her pregnancy draw ever nearer to an end. The incarnate God through a mystery of love dwells in us as it did in her. Let nothing disrupt that peace, that joy.

"Be patient, God's people, the day of the Lord is near."

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

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joachim 4:27 AM

20021215

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 15, 2002
The Third Sunday of Advent [Gaudete Sunday]

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11
Luke 1:46-48,49-50,53-54
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Several special persons emerge often in the scriptures of the Advent season. Our Blessed Mother, of course, is most prominent. We also hear about St. Joseph, Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, and St. John the Baptist.

Today's scriptural reading centers on St. John the Baptist and his proclaimed role to testify to the Light and to help prepare the people of his day for Christ's message of salvation.

One might ponder about the preparations that St. John the Baptist undertook to prepare himself for that role. We know that he was a very disciplined person, especially by today's standards. One vital revelation we have through the scripture is that even before he was born he encountered the Blessed Mother. We know that Mary stayed with her cousin, Elizabeth, from the third month of her pregnancy for about six months before she returned home.

Each of us, as baptized Christians, as a priestly people, also have the responsibility to speak out in the desert, in the barren wastes of our world today. Each of us has a role in preparing the way for the Lord.

From time to time throughout the day we can call upon Mary, our mother, and spouse of the Holy Spirit, to guide us in these special roles. What a responsibility we have! But greater yet is the honor that we have been called to prepare the way of the Lord!

Spouse of the Holy Spirit,
guide us!

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:32 AM

20021214

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 14, 2002
The Second Week of Advent
St. John of the Cross, religious, priest, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 48:1-4,9-11
Psalm 80,2-3,15-16,18-19
Matthew 17:10-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him..." (Mt.17:12)

Jesus' transfiguration had just taken place, the disciples were confused, the people expected that God would carry out his promise that the Messiah, the Son of David, would come and save his people. John the Baptist just didn't fit into their plan. The people didn't recognize John as the new Elijah; they didn't recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Today's word of God confronts us with the same question that perplexed the Jews. "Who do you say that Jesus is?" Who is He to you? Is He someone that makes you think about the temptations that we face each day; the messiah, a man to emulate, and a person who should be the center of our lives? In order to recognize Jesus, we just have to open our eyes to those around us: the poor, the homeless, those hurting in so many ways, cry out saying, "Here I am, can you help me?"

The call to conversion, to commit our lives to Him, to care for our brothers and sisters is constant. How shall we respond?

O Father God in Heaven,
we need to prepare our hearts,
we need to prepare our minds,
we need to bring ourselves closer to you
in every way! Amen!

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 4:12 AM

20021213

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 13, 2002
The Second Week of Advent
St. Lucy, virgin, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Matthew 11:16-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Without a doubt Jesus said many many profound things. Today's gospel has one short little sentence that is one of my favorites. I must admit it is only as I grow older that I find the words so meaningful and often have them in my heart, if not on my lips. Perhaps it is because the essence of today's message involves waiting, being patient, putting some time between thoughts and events in order to arrive at some understanding of them - i.e.: getting older.

Jesus said, "Time will tell where wisdom lies." (Matt.11:19) He meant, I think, that we must wait for God's plan to unfold and not to be so impetuous and bold, as if we always know and understood the mind and heart of God. It takes some degree of patience and a big measure of humility to let God be God, and wait on Him and His evolving plan for our individual and collective salvation.

In this season of Light let us reflect again on how God's patience and plan is embodied in the person of Christ; how He foretold and prepared a people receptive to the Word becoming Flesh and how, to this very moment in time, He reveals in small and sometimes seemingly imperceptible ways His presence, His power, His patience, His Love.

Dearest Lord,
may I wait patiently,
expectedly,
faithfully,
for the fullness of Your perfect Wisdom:
the coming of Your Son in glory.

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

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joachim 4:38 AM

20021212

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 12, 2002
The Second Week in Advent
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zechariah 2:14-17
or Revelation 11:19a,12:1-6a,10b
Judith 13:18bcde,19
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings today testify to God's Providence in action--shaping in the womb the giants of leadership whom He will use for this purposes: Sampson and John the Baptist. How carefully He had it all worked out!

But what if Sampson and John the Baptist had been aborted? What would have happened to God's plan?

Would we have strong leaders today if, perhaps, their mothers had not aborted them? What giants of God's Word and Voice and Action, destined for today, have been aborted? Is our nation already suffering for the sins of abortion? How we need to pray--pray more, pray more intensely, pray with greater faith and urgency!

Will there be peace? If we want peace, we must work for justice!

Thank God that Sampson and John the Baptist were not aborted!

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:08 AM

20021211

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 11, 2002
The Second Week Of Advent
St. Damasus I, pope

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 103:1-4,8,10
Matthew 11:28-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"I will give you rest."

Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weak and heavily burdened." He did not say turn to TM, massage therapy, or aromatherapy or any number of other places people seem to find comfort.

He goes on to say, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me." What should we learn from Him? We should learn how to love one another -- selflessly and to the death. We should learn how to teach one another and how to help each other know when we are going astray. Mostly we should learn from Him deep humility. We should imitate his deeply humble, beautiful heart. We should enfold ourselves within it. This is where true peace lays -- completely enfolded in Jesus Christ. Without Him no peace exists that is worth having.

Without Jesus, Peace is meaningless; with Him, it is the path of the Kingdom of Heaven.

- JuandelaCruz, toc (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:12 AM

20021210

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 10, 2002
The Second Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13
Matthew 18:12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

He gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom. (Isaiah 40:11)

Today's readings help prepare our hearts to receive the blessed Christ-Child. The prophet Isaiah reminds us of our mutability, the brevity and fragility of human life, but also of God's great compassion in providing us with a Savior to lead us out of the wilderness this world has become, because of our sin. The wonder of God's plan is the means He chose to reveal Himself and His salvation. He gave us His only Son, a Savior sent to earth in human flesh, entrusted to earthly parents to grow into manhood only to sacrifice His life that we might be forgiven of sin and gain new life in Him.

As we look at this world can we honestly say that we have no need for forgiveness, of renewal in heart and mind and of God's grace that gives us wisdom, love and strength beyond human capabilities? Have all the wars we've fought throughout history conquered the hatred, injustice and inequity that caused them? Oh, that we would use this Christmas season to teach our children about the One who is the greatest gift any of us could receive, the Living Word, the Eternal Truth and Love from God, not merely the perishable goods of this world.

Jesus speaks in today's Gospel of His Father's joy over the finding and returning of one lost sheep to His fold. Christ, the Good Shepherd, gave Himself that He might save even one sheep from perishing in the wilderness. The world lauds the self-made, successful, prominent, who feel no need for God. The Lord elevates the "little ones," those who in poverty of spirit, humility, turn to God to receive all He desires to give.

Blessed Redeemer,
remove from us
all that hinders our receiving You
with joy and thanksgiving.
Make Your light shine forth in this world
to dispel its darkness.
Amen.

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:18 AM

20021209

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 9, 2002
The Second Week of Advent
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 3:9-15,20
Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12
Psalm 98:1-4
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

On this day, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, all the angels and saints rejoice. For it was on this occasion that Mary gave her "Yes" to God. A "Yes" that would bring the Savior into the world; a "Yes" that would make a heaven possible for all those worthy of entering.

The Advent Season is truly a time to give praise and thanks to God for all he has done for us. For it is in this season, that God in his infinite love sent us his only Son for the salvation of the world.

We are challenged during this season to renew our own "Yes" to God by sharing ourselves with others. By helping others who are in pain, hungry, or in need of love. And most of all to slow our lives down and take time to ponder and thank God for all that He has given to us.

During our day today, please take a few moments to thank our Blessed Mother for her example of humility, love, faith, and obedience which she gave through her "Fiat", her own "Yes" to God. May we each work to emulate our Blessed Mother's example in our own lives.

- Steve Shawl

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joachim 4:14 AM

20021208

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 8, 2002
The Second Sunday of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11
Psalm 85:9-14
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Upfront and in your face, at the very beginning of St. Mark's gospel is a quote from Isaiah which is also read at length in today's First Reading at mass:

"Make ready the way of the Lord,
clear him a straight path." Isaiah 40:3

Anyone who has been involved in road-building, or has watched roads being built, knows what that quotation means! It's a tedious, labor-intensive, time-consuming job, with attention to details. And for what purpose? Simply to get from one place to another on a path that is as direct as possible.

If you have really listened to this message of salvation in your heart, then you know that you are a part of the Zion that Isaiah speaks of when he says: "Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice...." Let us rejoice in prayer and in our hearts, because our Lord has brought us salvation and has taught us how to make the road straight and direct to Him; for He desires us, and calls us to Himself.

- Joachim (1993)

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:49 AM

20021207

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 7, 2002
The First Week of Advent
St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26
Psalm 147:1-6
Matthew 9:35--10:1,6-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As we approach the conclusion of our first week in Advent, we're invited through the words of the Prophet Isaiah to come to the Lord for the healing that we need--to be fed by Him. The psalmist affirms this invitation and tells us that our longing for our God fills us with great joy. Our loving God, who knows all about us, wants to heal us--body and soul. He wants us to take down the walls that separate us from Him. He longs for us to reach out toward Him where he awaits us with compassion, for our repentance in the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus gave the twelve disciples authority to "expel unclean spirits and to cure disease and sickness and disease of every kind." We too, have the opportunity each day to be the hands of Christ to others by living a virtuous life, thus becoming a channel of God's grace to others in the special manner He wishes.

O patient and loving God
Continue to empower us,
for we can do nothing without you.
Amen

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 4:49 AM

20021206

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 6, 2002
The First Week of Advent
St. Nicholas, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14
Matthew 9:27-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

During this beautiful Season of Advent we hear again how God will put things straight and make all things new. No wrongful or disturbing thing will prevail, only the goodness and mercy of our God. The thought of such a time is what keeps me going, gives me hope.

God must have known that we would need encouragement along the way - some words, some vision to fix our hearts on. In this season of ever-brightening light, may we be people of gratitude who never fail to acknowledge God's goodness to us and who willingly and eagerly share it with others, giving them hope.

The question becomes: how will we communicate to others who have lost sight of the vision, whose eyes are clouded by the deceptions of our time? What words, what action, what prayerful attitudes will be the spark to light the small, but sure way for others to seek and find our God?

For me, the challenge of this season is not only that I want one thing, (to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon his loveliness forever), but that everyone might want it too.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:21 AM

20021205

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 5, 2002
The First Week in Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27
Matthew 7:21,24-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The great fortress town of Jerusalem tested even David's armies who, after creeping through an underground water tunnel, opened the city from within--an old trick the Israelites had used in conquering Jericho. Jerusalem is a symbol of our soul's fortress against sin and Satan. We must be so vigilant in guarding this fortress both from enemies without and enemies within. From obvious, loud, and violent attacks to faith and virtue, we are usually quite well protected, but from insidious, clever, and unexpected attacks from our own concupiscence, weakness, and pride, we may suddenly experience a humiliating defeat. Keep us, Lord, in this Advent season, on guard. Help us to humbly admit our vulnerability, and seek Your help!

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

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:22 AM

20021204

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 4, 2002
The First Week Of Advent
St. John Damascene, priest, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 15:29-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"He will destroy Death forever."

Today we have rich images (cf:Is.25:6-10a) of the bounty of the Lord--of the great place that he has prepared for each one of us as we approach Him. A banquet is spread out before us.

He will wipe away every tear; He will destroy death forever. When will this happen? Well, in fact, as we are living through this advent of waiting, we also know what has happened in history. It is already so. When Jesus came, these prophecies were fulfilled. We are no longer awaiting this moment, we are living in the moment predicted.

Let us seize the opportunity to live the life of that kingdom. Let us make real our joy and praise before the Lord. Let Him wipe away our tears, allow Him to feed us from His rich stores. And then, use the strength and the grace obtained at His feast, and go and feed the lambs that have strayed--go and provide spiritual and physical food to those who do not see Jesus as He is. Make Jesus real for one person who has lost hope. Let one person feel the depth and the power of your prayer. In this way, we share the bounty the Lord has prepared for every person.

- JuandelaCruz, toc (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:12 AM

20021203

 

Are you wondering what happened to Tuesday’s Blog?

Well, everything is back to normal now, but early this morning around 4am when I normally post this blog, I was greeted with a message saying that our blogspot server was down.

Always keep in mind that things of this sort can and do happen from time to time. Also, please remember that you can always try our website at http://www.borg.com/~joachim/Contents.htm . If there is a prolonged outage you might also consider signing up for our free email subscriptions to the meditations.

joachim 5:53 PM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 3, 2002
The First Week of Advent
St. Francis Xavier, priest, missionary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17
Luke 10:21-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"...although you have hidden these things from the wise,
you have revealed them to the childlike." (Luke 10:22)

Some years ago a grandchild of ours became fascinated by the saints, wondered why we Catholics "celebrated" them. Reading accounts of their lives, she learned how each uniquely brought God's love and truth into this world. What "blew her mind" was her discovery that we are all called to be saints; she then asked why so few had their own special days.

Today's readings imply why this is so. Vast numbers of people who say they believe in Christ, who attend Mass with some regularity and observe the more convenient tenets of our Faith, stay mainly focused on worldly concerns. Surely, working and raising a family are a priority, but how many of us believe and obey Christ when He tells us, "seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given to you?" Our entire lives should first focus on God, being His faithful, loving and obedient children, building prayerful, intimate relationships with Him. Were we all to do this with the commitment and passion of our "saints," this world would be pervaded by peace and justice; what prevents this is our refusal to believe and to live in the truth and love of God by submitting our wills entirely to His will for us. Sinful pride abhors the latter.

Unfortunately, we put "saints" on a pedestal to be admired as people above and beyond us. This is a convenient "cop out," a way of excusing ourselves from Christianity's demands. We remain unspiritual because we lack trust in and generosity toward the God who created us; we do not allow Him to direct our lives. In brief, we refuse to live as children of our heavenly Father.

Merciful Lord,
awaken us to our true identity, that we may become childlike
in fulfilling our obligations to Him who created us
to share in His joyful, eternal life. Amen.

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

____________________

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:13 AM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 3, 2002
The First Week of Advent
St. Francis Xavier, priest, missionary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17
Luke 10:21-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"...although you have hidden these things from the wise,
you have revealed them to the childlike." (Luke 10:22)

Some years ago a grandchild of ours became fascinated by the saints, wondered why we Catholics "celebrated" them. Reading accounts of their lives, she learned how each uniquely brought God's love and truth into this world. What "blew her mind" was her discovery that we are all called to be saints; she then asked why so few had their own special days.

Today's readings imply why this is so. Vast numbers of people who say they believe in Christ, who attend Mass with some regularity and observe the more convenient tenets of our Faith, stay mainly focused on worldly concerns. Surely, working and raising a family are a priority, but how many of us believe and obey Christ when He tells us, "seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given to you?" Our entire lives should first focus on God, being His faithful, loving and obedient children, building prayerful, intimate relationships with Him. Were we all to do this with the commitment and passion of our "saints," this world would be pervaded by peace and justice; what prevents this is our refusal to believe and to live in the truth and love of God by submitting our wills entirely to His will for us. Sinful pride abhors the latter.

Unfortunately, we put "saints" on a pedestal to be admired as people above and beyond us. This is a convenient "cop out," a way of excusing ourselves from Christianity's demands. We remain unspiritual because we lack trust in and generosity toward the God who created us; we do not allow Him to direct our lives. In brief, we refuse to live as children of our heavenly Father.

Merciful Lord,
awaken us to our true identity, that we may become childlike
in fulfilling our obligations to Him who created us
to share in His joyful, eternal life. Amen.

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

____________________

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:12 AM

20021202

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 2, 2002
The First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

It is a wonder how the Apostles found it difficult to believe that the Gentiles could also receive salvation in light of today's gospel reading. Jesus says very plainly that all peoples will come to his banquet. But why did they find it so hard?

Take a look at the Centurion. Not only was he a Gentile, but a Roman as well - part of the empire that kept Israel in submission. For centuries Israel had expected a Messiah that would bring them salvation through military means. Although the Apostles knew Jesus was the Messiah, they still expected a military, earthly kingdom. It's no wonder that Jesus' saying in today's Gospel went unnoticed even when Paul had reported the conversion of the Gentiles.

But are we any different? Have we found ourselves thinking that Christianity is one thing and "outsiders" or "gentiles" cannot have our Lord's salvation? Cardinal Paulo Arns pointed out that when Christians first settled this land they were poor, oppressed immigrants. But, he goes on to say, "We try to convince ourselves that today's poor are poor because of their own fault and the REAL Americans belong to the middle class."

In this holiday season let us keep in mind that Christ and His salvation are for all who ask for it and it's our mission to make it available to them.

- Don Claunch, SFO

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©1986-2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:08 AM

20021201

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 1, 2002
The First Sunday of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 63:16b-17,19b;64:2-7
Psalm 80:2-3,15-16, 18-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13: 33-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today the Church begins another liturgical year and the scripture readings bring us back to the basics of our faith in a very direct way. The first reading reminds us that we're children; God is our Father and has formed us out of the clay of the earth. We are all the work of His hands, nothing more, nothing less. It gives us a common bond and a total dependence on God at all times.

The second reading so beautifully describes that we're given all kinds of talents by God, all kinds of abilities from His hands. In addition we have become children of God through our baptism. We have been elevated with the promise of eternal life if we use our talents wisely and keep turned toward God.

The gospel summarizes by reminding us that we are to be watchful, as we do not know the day the Lord is coming. We are to live each day, each moment, as though this might be the day. It sounds like a stern mandate, but we do need to remember that God is also our judge.

All of this sounds so logical, but it does not fit the thinking of so many today, who believe they are not stewards, that the talents they have are their own, to be used as they wish, or to exploit others. They live their days as though life on earth is eternal and their streets will always be lined with gold. Advent is a time to pull all of us back to our spiritual reality, our spiritual roots. Instead of worrying about the sparkles and ornaments of the commercial season, let us all take the time of advent to put a little sparkle into our spiritual life!

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

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joachim 4:19 AM