theJourney(beginning)

20030531

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 31, 2003
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zephaniah 3:14-18
or: Romans 12:9-16
Isaiah 12:2-3,4,5-6
Luke 1:39-56.

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We read in today's Gospel the beautiful accounting of Mary's visit to Elizabeth, her elderly cousin, who through the power of God conceived and bore a son, John the Baptist. In the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth questions why "the mother of my Lord should come to visit me?" (Luke 1:42) as her child stirred in her womb.

Mary's responds with the prayer we know as the Magnificat, proclaiming the greatness of the Lord. She says: "God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name." (see Luke 1:49)

Our blessed mother Mary, has set an example for us as a woman of faith, trusting in God who told her she would be the mother of His Son. Mary replied "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word". (Luke 1:38)

When was the last time we prayed our own 'magnificat' to the Lord -- proclaiming the greatness of our God who has given us life, nurtures us and supports us in all we do, feeds us with His Body and Blood and chooses to make His home in us?

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:38 AM

20030530

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 30, 2003
The Sixth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's gospel Jesus tells His apostles that they will experience a time of suffering and sadness, but that there will come a time when their sorrow will be turned into joy that no one can take away.

Being a Labor and Delivery nurse, I understand well this analogy Jesus makes of a women in labor. I know how difficult things can be. Most women feel overpowered and fearful, and completely unsure if they will be able to accomplish what is necessary. I know that if it weren't for the reassurance of those who know they will do well, the experience would be all the more worse.

The answer in labor and perhaps in all segments of life is to keep our mind and body focused on the task at hand: not to anticipate, not to look backward, but to be present to the moment, mustering all the strength and energy the moment requires and resting when the process permits -- while our spirit continues to hope for what will come.

Let us praise God for the words of Sacred Scripture that provide encouragement and hope when we don't seem to have it ourselves. Let them become the light that shows us the way and the source of strength when we seem to have none of our own.

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:28 AM

20030529

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 29, 2003
Ascension Thursday
[Holy Day of Obligation]

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47:2-3,6-9
Epesians 1:17-23
Mark 16:15-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Although there is some confusion about the exact physical location of Christ's Ascension into heaven, as well as the actual timing of the event, there is one unified message: hope and joy. All the Gospel writers are concerned about the true meaning of our Lord's rising into the heavens. His Ascension is a fulfillment of all the dreams of the Old Testament, and its emphasis on a Kingdom of justice, healing, and mercy.

As the Apostles gaze in wonder, the Lord instructs to spread the Good News to all nations, to baptize them for their salvation, and to bring healing to sin and suffering. What a glorious ending to the story of our salvation. And, as the Apostles stand awe-struck, the angel reminds them that this is not an end, but a beginning of their sublime mission.

As we contemplate the mystery of the Ascension today, what are our feelings? How are we determined to act? There is so little time left in our lives, perhaps in the life of this world! There is no time to waste.

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:15 AM

20030528

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Sixth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 17:15,22--18:1
Psalm 148:1-2,12-14
John 16:12-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"But when he comes, the spirit of Truth,
He will guide you to all truth.”

The spirit was sent upon the whole world at Pentecost in the days after Jesus ascended into heaven. The spirit transformed the early church from a group of frightened, undisciplined, unruly, argumentative men, into a leadership that made one of the world truly great transforming forces.

The Holy Spirit is among us today--He is with us at baptism, at confirmation, at each reception of the Eucharist. But more, He is with us each and every day, encouraging us, consoling us, waiting to show us the way to be God's children. Too often, we have shut off any communication from Him, because we don't wish to be superstitious, or we don't really understand how to communicate with Him.

But Paul tells us in the Letter to the Romans, that the Holy Spirit prays for us in groanings that surpass human understanding. When we do not have the words, the heart, the energy, the mind, the inner strength, still the Holy Spirit within us prays for us and unites us to the Eternal Love of the Father and the Son. We indeed are incorporated into the Love-Life of the Trinity through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

When you are lost, down, frightened, broken, uncertain, seeking, feeling estranged from everything, the Holy Spirit still assure you are united with the All in All. We are never alone, and we never endure alone. Through the Holy Spirit all of our sufferings and triumphs are united to those of Jesus on the Cross. When it feels like we are unable to bear with more, fall back upon the Holy Spirit and count on Him. He if Faithful when we are not.

- JuandelaCruz, T.O.Carm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:22 AM

20030527

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 27, 2003
The Sixth Week of Easter
St. Augustine of Canterbury, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-3,7-8
John 16:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"When he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin.” (John 16:8)

As we read accounts of conversions to the early Church, we are struck by the often unusual circumstances leading to them through the action of the Holy Spirit, for it is He Whom Christ has sent to empower His Church from above. During an imprisonment of Paul and Silas at Philippi while they prayed and sang, an earthquake flung open their prison door. The jailer, fearing his prisoners had fled, prepared to kill himself, a practice in some places followed by those who had brought dishonor to themselves and their government by failing to fulfill their official duties. Paul prevented the suicide, assuring him they had not intended to escape. Out of awe for his prisoners' faith and courage and his own gratitude, the jailer took them to his home where he and his entire household were baptized into Christ.

Although all humanity is born in bondage to sin, one wonders why some willingly accept Christ and His Good News whereas others flatly reject it. It appears to be a matter of free will and conscience; by choice we allow God to draw us to Himself and so develop a conscience that is congruent with God's will--His love and truth. Others, through obstinacy, sensuality, pride, selfishness or self-will choose to deny God and His authority over all; the longer such individuals persist in unbelief (sin), the greater their deafness and blindness to Him grow. Yet we know that our merciful and loving God never leaves us but pursues us incessantly, attempts to give Himself to each of us until the moment we draw our last breath.

At this very moment the Holy Spirit is at work in this world trying to convince it of its sin by permitting it to suffer the consequences of humanity's choices against God's truth-- His law of love. Condemnation is not visited upon us by a vengeful God but by our own willful, self-destructive behavior.

Loving Father,
may the world's eyes and ears be opened to its true condition, that it may turn to You to receive Your healing grace. Amen.

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:05 AM

20030526

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 26, 2003
Sixth Week of Easter
St. Philip Neri, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 16:11-15
Psalm 149:1-5,9
John 15:26--16:4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Gospel is beginning to prepare us for the commemoration of the great coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Jesus warns us that there will be great times of trial and misunderstanding because we believe His teachings.

This week in America, we prepare to honor the bravery of those who bought and paid for our freedom with their very own lives. Let us not allow their efforts to have been made in vain, by allowing the powers of darkness to pervert us and our nation from within or from without.

Usually, it's easy to see the physical enemies of our existence, but SO difficult to perceive moral decline within ourselves or our nation! Let us renew our efforts to accentuate spiritual virtue and moral behavior in all that we do: at work, at home -- everywhere!

O Lord Jesus,
we seek You,
our strength and our wisdom!

- Joachim, ocds

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:26 AM

20030525

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 25, 2003
Sixth Sunday of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48
Psalm 98:1-4
1 John 4:7-10
John 15:9-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love."
There is always a tight balance to be struck between following rules and regulations and following the call of our hearts and conscience. Sometimes out hearts can be at odds with the rules we know we should follow. When Moses provided the Israelites with the 10 commandments, they were to be a blue-print for living, a reference point for every man and woman. With Jesus, He called us to a new and more advanced commandment, one of Love, a commandment that He Himself exemplified, a commandment that gives sense and meaning to all that had gone before. God's commandments are there to guide us and keep us on the right track, they are not however an end in themselves. Following our Christian vocation through rituals and habits means nothing if our hearts and minds are not founded in the divine love Jesus calls us to share.

Today, let us recognise that the Love of God is the most important gift in our lives and it is only by consciously sharing in this that we can look forward to eternal life in Heaven.

O Jesus,
we open our hearts to you;
come, reside in our hearts.
Amen.

- Cliodhna Doyle (clia@cliadoyle.com)

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:28 AM

20030524

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 24, 2003
The Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 16:1-10
Psalm 100:1-2,3,5
John 15:18-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

You do not belong to the world because I have chosen you out of it.
(John 15:19)

We should often on how we have been chosen by God to follow Jesus and how we are to walk in His footsteps. Everyday we strive to accomplish the lessons that Jesus and His apostles taught us, to continue living as "faith-filled" people of God. Jesus said to His disciples, "If you find that the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you." (John 15:18)

Let us not be discouraged by the way people treat the poor and the defenseless. Let us not be led astray by the hatred and anger that abounds around us every day. Let us always beseech Jesus in prayer, anytime we feel distracted from His constant call to be His holy people. For by our Baptism we know that we are God's people, that we are people of prayer, and we shall listen to Him.

"In baptism we have died with Christ,
and we have risen to new life in him,
because we believed in the power of God
who raised him from the dead. Alleluia.

(from today's Entrance Antiphon, Col 2:12)

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 4:28 AM

20030523

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 23, 2003
The Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:22-31
Psalm 57:8-12
John 15:12-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles we hear that the "apostles and elders in agreement with the whole church in Jerusalem" sent representatives to the early Gentile Christians who were having difficulties with the Jewish customs that some thought they should observe.

The response of the Church hierarchy to this dilemma is very meaningful and shows us something both important and wonderful. It was: "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and ours too, not to lay on you any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary."

With these words we learn not only something about the early (and indeed contemporary Church) but the Will of the Holy Spirit - that is not to be a burden to people, but a guide in and through the questions and conundrums of life. What a joy it is to know that our God is not harsh and unreasonable, but instead interested only in our well being, happiness and ultimate sanctification.

Let us pray for the grace to remember that God's yoke is easy, His burden light.

Praise be God, the Just and Merciful One! Alleluia, Alleluia.

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:14 AM

20030522

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 22, 2003
The Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96:1-3,10
John 15:9-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Isn't it odd that this James, the prominent leader of the church in Jerusalem, and the first of the apostles to be martyred, should be called "James the Less"! Certainly, he was not the "Son of Thunder", a name given to "James the Greater", and brother of St. John, the Beloved. Rather, he was James the Gentle, James the Listener, James the Flexible.

Because of his wonderful natural gifts, the Holy Spirit chose him to convoke the very first Ecumenical Council in Jerusalem--and there declare (along with St. Peter and St. Paul), that the new Gentile converts should be held to the minimum of the Jewish law. No circumcision, no following of the 613 prescriptions of the Law of Moses, just to observe those dietary laws which created harmony, peace, and love among them and the "old" Catholics, native Jews. What a stroke of the Spirit's gift of Wisdom! After all, it was the Holy Spirit who had given them enthusiasm, joy, and eager desire for the Truth that impelled St. Peter to call for their instant Baptism!

Would that we could be as flexible when we deal with those hesitating on the fringe of Orthodoxy. Our gentleness will bring them "over the edge" our rigidity will repel them--and drive them from Unity.

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:50 AM

20030521

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 1:15:1-6
Psalm 122:1-5
John 15:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"You are already pruned because of the word I spoke to you. . ."

A vinedresser prunes the branches of the vine as a "discipline for the vine." In pruning the branches, the vinedresser limits the way that the plant's energy is spent. It does not produce new branches that stray off into nowhere and continually make the vine larger, but less fruitful. Rather the vinedresser prunes off those diverting channels so that the energy of the plant is expressed in abundant fruit.

So Jesus has told us that we are already pruned--IF we accept the pruning. We are pruned through the word spoken to us in the Gospel and in reading the scripture. If we let the vinedresser prune the unruly branches, the useless expenditures of energy, the wasted time and effort, the seeking after things of this world, the self-centeredness and selfishness, we can bear great fruit in the kingdom of God.

If, on the other hand, we refuse the discipline of the Vinedresser--we ignore God's Holy word, we do not obey His commandments, we can hardly be surprised when our lives are one continual mess of hardship and unhappiness.

Let me end with a little prayer my son brought home to us, words from the Psalms that speak to the acceptance of the Vinedresser:

I will make it a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.
I will hide His word in my heart
that I might not sin against God.

To which I can only say, Amen and Amen! Let it be done unto me as You
wish.

- JuandelaCruz, T.O.Carm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:43 AM

20030520

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 20, 2003
The Fifth Week of Easter
St. Bernardine of Siena, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145:10-13,21
John 14:27-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Peace I leave with you....
Not as the world gives it do I give it to you. (John 14:27)

Today's readings reveal the pains suffered during the birth of Christ's Church. Jesus, knowing the fear and panic His disciples would feel on the day He left them to return to the Father, assures them that He will be with them again at some future time. He also promises not to leave them alone and unaided but will send them the Holy Spirit who will enable them to fulfill their mission of making Christ's salvation known to the world. The Spirit will remind them of His teachings, His Father's truth and love. However, Jesus also warns them that Satan, seeking to rule the world, will fiercely oppose them; but they are not to fear the devil, for He has conquered evil. Those who hear God's Word and obey Him cannot suffer eternal harm.

An honest look at Church history up to this present day reveals that in addition to persecutions she has suffered from the world, she has been hurt even more deeply by her own membership whose sins and infidelities have clouded her truth and perverted her love. Satan is still active in his efforts to destroy her. However, the only effective power that he can exert against her is the power we, the presumably faithful, give him through our unbelief and faithlessness toward Church teachings and hence toward God.

In keeping with this latter thought, let us recall that Paul being stoned by the Jews at Antioch did not silence the Good News. Instead he and his disciples' persecution only served to scatter them and so bring their message to a new and wider audience. The Church is most vigorous when she is being persecuted and holy men and women rise up to defend her even unto death. Let us ask ourselves if we are defenders or destroyers of Christ's "peace."

Merciful Lord,
show us our infidelities
and grant us the grace of Your healing love,
that Your Church may more clearly reflect
Christ's Image to the world. Amen

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:27 AM

20030519

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 19, 2003
Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 115:1-4,15-16
John 14:21-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today we hear a story of how God worked a wonderful miracle through Paul and Barnabas. For some reason it's no surprise to see the reaction of the natives who chalk up the miracle to their pagan gods and even try to make Paul and Barnabas these gods themselves. They just can't see the truth even when they are told.

It is no different today. Each day all creation sings its praises to God and claims to all the greatness and goodness of God's creation. But many credit this to Darwinism or some other false god.

Each day people are cured of countless diseases. But credit is given some new age belief or some other false god.

Each day someone does something truly wonderful with the gifts that God gave them. But credit is given to the person and we make them into an idol, a false god.

This list could go on-and-on. What do we do? Two things. First, take time to recognize the truly great works of God in our world today and realize that all things come from God Himself. Second, be patient as Paul was, with those who simply cannot see the truth. Show them the truth, gently but firmly.

Let us never cease praising God for all the goodness He provides for
us.

- Don Claunch, osf

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 5:18 AM

20030518

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 18, 2003
Fifth Sunday of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 9:26-31
Psalm 22:26-27,28,30,31-32
1 John 3:18-24
John 15:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We are always living in the shadow of the Cross, but during this beautiful Easter season the Church embellishes the liturgies with readings which serve to remind us of the fruits of the Cross and also to instruct us about our roles as Christians.

In the First Reading today from the Acts of the Apostles we have poor Paul filled with enthusiasm about his role as Christian, and yet the disciples are afraid of him. Imagine the loss to the Church if Barnabas had not stepped forward on his behalf. From this reading we might ask ourselves if we have served as a 'Barnabas' for others. Who are considered the 'outsiders' in our congregations and communities? Have we taken the risk and stepped forward to incorporate them into our communities? Isn't it interesting that the Church is identifying this role for us so soon after Easter, to reach out to those who have not been accepted by the community?

The Second Reading says it all with the simple reminder for us, that we remain in Christ and He in us when we keep his commandments. How direct can the Church be for us! It is not a complicated statement. It is however, as we know, a challenge on a day to day basis as we move about our respective responsibilities. Maybe it's because we sometimes forget that Christ remains in us. We are living temples, and our actions need to reflect that fact!

The gospel reading continues with the same line of thinking in the reminder that Christ is the true vine, and we are the branches.The statement in the Gospel pointing out that we have already been pruned, is a powerful one! Christ has already prepared us by His death and by sending us the Holy Spirit. We are ready to bear fruit if we will cooperate with Him. Then comes the highlight: "Without Me you can do nothing." Those of us who have worked around shrubs know that the little straggling plant that grows off to the side away from the main shrub will soon die, and also that it takes strength away from the main plant. When we go off on our own whims we are hurting the Church as well as ourselves. So much instruction is given in these few short readings!

O Holy Spirit, please guide us!

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

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joachim 5:05 AM

20030517

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 17, 2003
The Fourth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-4
John 14:7-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus said to his apostles, "I have made you a light to the nations." These words should pierce our hearts today for the message we read is for us! We are called, as were those in the early Church, to be that light in the darkness. We are called to bring the message of salvation to all whom we meet along our journey of life. Christ's message is for all people of all times.

All the ends of the earth will have seen the saving power of God only if each one of us takes to heart that we're Christ-bearers and carriers of the Word of God. How can we carry out Christ's command? All of us need help and the Gospel gives us the answer. "Anything you ask in my name, I will do." (John 14:14)

How shall I respond to Jesus today?

We pray almighty Father,
that your work will be accomplished
through our daily actions.
Amen!

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:15 AM

20030516

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 16, 2003
The Fourth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 13:26-33
Psalm 2:6-11
John 14:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel Jesus tells His disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." These tender words reveal to us the loving concern Jesus has for our feelings, for our state of mind. I am struck by the fact that these gentle yet hope-sustaining words come from Jesus at a time when He is facing His own crucifixion and death. Instead of justifiable self-absorption, Jesus reaches out to comfort others.

As followers of Jesus we need to note this tremendous lesson and imitate the love and subsequent power it has -- to look hardship right in the eye and transform it into an opportunity for our sanctification and that of others.

When we are confronted with difficulties, let us pray that we'll remember Jesus' farewell exhortation not to be troubled, but instead to rely on the faithfulness of God and of His beloved Son.

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:33 AM

20030515

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 15, 2003
The Fourth Week of Easter
St. Isidore

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 13:13-25
Psalm 89:2-3,21-22,27
John 13:16-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In the Scriptures for today, Jesus is clearly linked with the Davidic dynasty in the role of a royal Servant of the people. In Him, we see the fullest nature of God: concerned, compassionate, submitting His own Will to that of the Father, although equal to Him.

As God's true greatness consists of His constant, uninterrupted loving kindness, so Jesus' true greatness emerges in His washing the feet of the disciples, feeding them with food-to-become Eucharist. In the greatness of Jesus, we have the universal model of true greatness in this world. He comes as one who serves. Even the name 'Yahweh' is best translated as 'He who is always with you'! His essence is both unique and relational! We can only fall on our knees in wonder and praise before this Servant God."

Would that these thoughts could stir in us a desire to imitate Jesus, ever outpouring His gifts and His Grace for us. In giving all, we gain all.

O Lord,
help me to be heroic in my response to your servant-Love.
Help me to live for the good of my brothers and sisters.
Amen

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

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:06 AM

20030514

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Fourth Week of Easter
St. Matthias, apostle

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 1:15-17,20-26
Psalm 113:1-8
John 15:9-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"As the Father loves me, so I also love you."

Wow! Is there anything else to say? As the Father loves Jesus, Jesus loves us. Does He have to continue and say, "Remain in my love." Who would leave?

But how do you do it? Amazingly, in His very next sentence Jesus tells us, "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love." Just as Jesus followed and obeyed the Father even unto Death, so we are called to imitate Him. We are to keep His commandments. Okay, one more question: What does Jesus really want from us?

"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you."

And how do we show this? "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." Not necessarily to die, but to be willing to serve at all costs. We give up what we desire in order to meet the needs of others. That is love.

We are Christians, and we are known by our love. Not by the stinting, closed, stingy thing many identify as love, but as the expansive, wonderful, open, inviting, enlivening, wonderful thing that Jesus knows as love. A love so great it reaches through the ages to touch us even now and to transform us into His own image.

Praise God for the goodness and greatness of this message!

- JuandelaCruz, T.O.Carm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

____________________

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©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

joachim 4:25 AM

20030513

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 13, 2003
The Fourth Week of Easter
Our Lady of Fatima (new)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 11:19-26
Psalm 87:1-7
John 10:22-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The Father and I are one." (John 10:30)

With Spring fully upon us and planting season at its height, we are reminded of the wonderful mystery that surrounds all growth. As we look at the tiny seeds, dry and seemingly lifeless, we are struck that when we cast them into good ground and tend to their growth, they can become lovely flowers, vast trees, nourishing grains or lush fruit. As observers of nature and also as people of faith, we conclude that both in the natural and the spiritual realms what appeared to be death is actually the means God uses to perpetuate new life.

Today's first reading demonstrates God's expert farming techniques. One would think that the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, would severely curtail the growth of Christ's Church. Instead, the persecution and danger to other disciples only served to scatter them widely abroad, bringing new life to distant fields. It is the nature of God's Word to be immortal, everlasting; once it is planted in a truly receptive and fertile human heart, God's kingdom will continue to grow and bring forth a plentiful harvest of His goodness and truth to a starving world.

We learn from Scripture, however, that there are fields that have fallen into disuse, whose ground has become so hardened as to be unfit, unable to receive God's seed. They can only bring forth a tangle of useless weeds rather than that which brings beauty, nourishment or restful shade into the world. Jesus tells us in today's Gospel that our receptivity to Him as God's Word, His life-giving seed, and allowing it to grow within us to become our very "staff of life" is our only hope of sustaining our own lives and bringing new life to others in need.

God of all goodness,
place in us
that which will allow Your kingdom to grow,
to provide food and shelter to all mankind.
Amen.

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

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joachim 9:27 AM

20030512

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 12, 2003
Fourth Week of Easter
SS. Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs
St. Pancras. martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 119:42:2-3;43:3-4
John 10:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's gospel reading continues the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Our modern technological age has all but forgotten the devotion of a shepherd for his sheep - the all consuming attention and care that shepherding involved.

Even so let us listen carefully to the words of the gospel and hear Jesus as he instructs his followers. He says that His sheep will recognize His voice and will not follow a stranger. They know His voice because they know Him intimately; they have spent endless hours in His company; they know his ways, what to expect.

Let it be so with us. May we seek to know our Good Shepherd who always is in our presence - protecting us, guiding us. May we, like any good little lamb, flee from all strange and dangerous voices which might lure us from our Shepherd and His flock.

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the loving care of our God who Like a Good Shepherd willing gave His life so that we might have it and have it to the full. Alleluia, Alleluia!

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

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joachim 4:50 AM

20030510

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 11, 2003
Fourth Sunday of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 4:8-12
Psalm 118:1,8-9,21-23,26,29
1 John 3:1-2
John 10:11-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me."

During confusion and struggle in our lives we can feel abandoned and lost. We can forget that we have a loving Keeper who is constantly in guard of us. Circumstances can so often remove us from that knowledge and awareness in our hearts that Jesus is close to us, forever loving us, leading us to salvation. When we don't make room for Jesus in our hearts, we're more likely to panic and become afraid of the challenges that face us in our daily lives. Yet if we had a firmer Faith which led us to believe that Jesus IS ever and always with us, loving us, in life, in death, in good times and bad, what joy we would experience! While our time on earth may be fleeting, Jesus' love and care for us is eternal. He will never let us down.

Today, let us ask for God's grace to recognise the blessings in our lives.... and in thanksgiving, let us be open to the deeper call of Jesus in our hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

- Cliodhna Doyle (clia@cliadoyle.com)

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joachim 7:39 PM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 10, 2003
The Third Week of Easter
Blessed Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 9:31-42
Psalm 116:12-17
John 6:60-69

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Just as the apostle Peter spoke out in this gospel, we too are dedicated in the faith that we were born into. We should be able to answer the question Jesus gave to his apostles in the same words as Peter: "Lord, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe; we are convinced that you are God's Holy One.” (see John 6:68-69)

In our daily lives we have so many opportunities to accomplish what Jesus offers us to do. We can reach out to so many people as we go about our daily life.

"What return can I make to the Lord for all that He gives to me?” (Psalm 116:12) This statement is an invitation to pray that we'll follow Jesus with a heart fully dedicated to Him--that we'll understand in a more personal way. How much God the Father wants to shower His love on us and heal us of anything that may prevent us from living His Easter promises!

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 5:00 AM

20030509

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 9, 2003
The Third week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 9:1-20
Psalm 117:1-2
John 6:52-59

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles is the astonishing story of Paul's conversion. We have heard it so many times that I'm afraid we fail to appreciate what a remarkable experience it was. Aside from the fact that there were very physical supernatural manifestations involved like the flash of light, his falling off his horse to the ground, the voice of Jesus, Paul's blindness and subsequent restoration sight (related to him in a vision), the most remarkable of all was Paul's change of heart - his conversion.

It is conversion we must focus on and not extraordinary corporeal or spiritual phenomena, because as we have been taught they both can be of either divine or demonic origin.

Change of heart on the other hand is the fruit of Love - the Spirit of God who is, Love. Only Love and our embrace of Love can change a "murderous heart", to a heart that is willing to renounce everything for love of another. That is what happened to Paul on the road to Damascus; he had an encounter with the living God and responded to Him.

During this season of Easter grace, may we remember that we too have the opportunity to encounter the Living God - in the sacraments of His beloved Church - in each other. Like Paul may we not remain blind, but see with new faith that Jesus is the Son of God.

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

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joachim 4:02 AM

20030508

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 8, 2003
Third Week of Easter Week

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 66:8-9,16,17,20
John 6:44-51

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I think back on the people in my life who challenged me in faith as Philip the Deacon challenged the Ethiopian court official. There were devout nuns, priests, and faith-filled laypeople. Without them, I don't think I would have followed the call to priesthood. There is no question that the Holy Spirit is constantly flowing in power through the challenges, urgings, and prayers that the Body of Christ exerts on one another.

Are we grateful for them, even though unasked and, at times, unwanted? Do we, in turn, pass on to others the encouragement given to us. God will provide the grace; we need only be the channels.

Our pilgrimage to the kingdom must involve frequent, if not daily, reading of Sacred Scripture. Only in this way does the Holy Spirit have a chance to draw the riches of past revelation into the present revelation of His inspiration into our lives. It is a continuum from God's call to Abraham even to His call to us. What a vast feast for the mind and heart does God spread out constantly! Like that court official, we cannot understand it unless we seek help through wise directors, scriptural commentaries, and thoughtful meditation.

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

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joachim 5:47 AM

20030507

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Third Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 8:1-8
Psalm 66:1-7
John 6:35-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"And I shall raise him on the last day."

Jesus tells us that everything that the Father has given Him will come to Him and He will not let any of it slip away. He will not reject any of us.

No matter what we may think of ourselves, we have been presented by the Father as a gift to Jesus. Jesus loves the Father so much that He will cherish in His heart all that the Father has given Him.

God is all-loving. He welcomes us home. So we need to abandon our self-recriminations and bury ourselves completely in His love. Remember St. Therese of Lisieux's vision of the "Divine Elevator"--being lifted up in the arms of the Father.

- JuandelaCruz, T.O.Carm (sriddle415@yahoo.com)

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joachim 4:19 AM

20030506

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 6, 2003
Third Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 7:51--8:1
Psalm 37:3-4,6-8,17,21
John 6:30-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Jesus said...I am the bread of life." (John 6:35)

Human perceptions most often see and hear what they want to see and hear. In consequence we accept what agrees with our preconceived opinions and whatever does not challenge our conscience. This scenario is played out in today's readings.

Stephen sealed his martyrdom when he dared to speak the truth that the Jews had rejected and killed their long-awaited Messiah because He dared to point out their sins and spiritual perversity, then called them to repentance and reconciliation with God. To this day we are loathe to hear the truth, although numerous "civilizations" have risen and fallen in a rubble of sin. We simply do not get the message that something is seriously afflicting humanity that human remedies cannot cure. Today we soft-pedal this harsh reality because our vocal materialists loudly deny mankind's spiritual nature and accountability to the God who created us. Even some of our clergy are reticent to speak the unvarnished truth for fear of being tagged as hopelessly outdated or fanatical. Easter is wrapped in candy sweetness with only lip-service paid to the horrific price God paid for our salvation and to our great indebtedness to Him for His loving mercy. Neither are we told that the only way we can pay this great debt is by accepting God's grace, putting to death the sin in our lives and living in obedience to God's Holy Word, Jesus Christ.

The Jews insisted on a sign from Christ to prove His identity while remaining deaf and blind to His declarations of His Father's love, truth and justice and to the many miracles He had performed. They refused to eat "the bread of life," because to do so would be an admission of their error, a blow to their pride and a loss of their authority over the people.

Blessed Redeemer, deal with our human pride so as to confront us with the truth of our human condition and so come to You for healing. Amen.

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

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joachim 4:17 AM

20030505

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 5, 2003
Third Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 6:8-15
Psalm 119:23-24,26-27,29-30
John 6:22-29

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Bread - a simple thing.

Bread was essential for those who lived in Biblical times. Look at scripture: Israel ended up in Egypt and was ultimately saved from starvation because of bread; Israel hastily fled Egypt nourished by unleavened bread; they survived in the desert for forty years on bread from heaven; God commanded a sacrifice not only of meat but also of bread; strangers, including angels were invited into the ancient homes and offered bread; the feast of unleavened bread was celebrated by all, even Jesus; He taught us to pray for our daily bread; He fed thousands with a few loaves of bread; He left us His body in the Eucharistic bread. The list goes on and on.

Today, in America, bread is not as essential as it was then. Or is it?

Are we working so hard - earning a little extra "bread" only to end up with perishable food? Wouldn't some of this time spent in the rat-race be better used working for the bread that remains forever? Sure, we need bread to nourish our bodies. But we also need the bread which the Son of Man has given us. Now as much as ever we are in need of His bread.

Today when you sit down to eat your daily bread, pause and give a moment of thanks to Him that has given us the bread of eternal life.

- Don Claunch, osf

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joachim 4:34 AM

20030503

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 4, 2003
Third Sunday of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 3:13-15,17-19
Psalm 4:2,4,7-8,9
1 John 2:1-5
Luke 24:35-48

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's first reading Peter acknowledges that the people did not realize what they were doing when they called for the crucifixion of Christ. What would we have done at that time given what they knew? It is a hard, and perhaps unrealistic question. Interestingly, Peter does not follow up by saying, "Since you did not realize, it's okay." Instead he is talking about repentance and conversion.

In the second reading we're reminded that Christ still serves us, as an Advocate to the Father. Not only did Christ shed His blood for our redemption, but He continues to intervene with the Father on our behalf. Christ waits for the conversion which Peter referred to earlier. The word CONVERSION is an interesting one. What he is really asking for is that we have a change of heart, that we turn more and more to the ways of Christ, that we live out our baptismal promises in our day-to-day lives, as true Christians.

We are so fortunate that we live in these times, when we can have access to the true interpretation of scripture. Unlike the people in front of Pilate, who called for the crucifixion of Christ, we can be informed. In addition, through the Sacrament of Confirmation we have received the Holy Spirit. What a blessing! We no longer have any excuses, except our own weaknesses.

"May the love of God be perfected in us!"

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

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joachim 9:35 PM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 3, 2003
The Second Week of Easter
Sts. Philip and James, apostles

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15,1-8
Psalm 19, 2-3,4-5
John 14:6-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Whenever I'm reminded of the mysteries of our faith, I often think back to my mother who nurtured in me the seed of my personal faith. Faith allows us to accept the mysteries of God like the humanity and Divinity of Jesus, the Trinity, Divine Mercy and other equally ineffable mysteries.

In last Sunday's Gospel; poor Thomas comes face to face with Truth, after seriously doubting that Jesus had appeared in the upper room. It wasn't until he was personally confronted and invited by Jesus to probe the wounds of His Sacred Passion, that he believed, saying: "My Lord and My God."

We are all like Thomas, all needing from time to time to put aside doubts that threaten to disturb the peace Christ desires for us. We have the power of the sacraments to assist us in this - to aid us in embracing all Christ taught and empowered the holy Catholic Church to safeguard and promulgate.

Pray that we may have an increase in faith that we may come to "know" Jesus in a renewed way and love the Church for which He died. We pray this through the power of the Blessed Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your faithful
and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen!

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow@aol.com)

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joachim 4:27 AM

20030502

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 2, 2003
The Second Week of Easter
St. Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 5:34-42
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14
John 6:1-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Some times it's important to have a long-term goal - something you really value and can keep before your eyes to give you focus and direction. For most of us going to heaven is just that kind of goal. It is however sometimes difficult to keep in mind the words, the language that meaningfully expresses this deep desire.

In just this kind of circumstance the words of Holy Scripture seem perfectly fit -- most suitable. I find today's Responsorial Psalm has just the right words to keep me focused and to remind me of my ultimate goal. "One thing I ask, this alone I seek to dwell in the house of the Lord all my days...."

With the words of Holy Scripture at our disposal, we can often find countless phrases that say it all -- that express perfectly what we mean and are experiencing.

Let us strive to read short portions in the Bible every day. The Book of Psalms is an ideal place to start for they can be read a few sentences at a time and then left to germinate in our mind and spirit.

With God's grace and our cooperation with His grace, it won't be long before the words of Holy Scripture are not only in our heart, but also on our lips. When that happens we will have tapped into, the Wisdom of the Ages.

One thing I ask of the Lord,
this I seek:
to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord....

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

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joachim 5:11 AM

20030501

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, May 1, 2003
Second Week of Easter Week
Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 53:27-33
Psalm 34:2,9,17-18,19-20
John 3:31-36

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The incident of Peter and John being hauled before the Sanhedrin is a "milestone" marker in the progress of the Spirit. How on earth are they so sure of themselves that God has spoken to them? In our own day, we are skeptical of those who are so assured that they are being personally directed by the Deity!

Of course we are right to be skeptical. Religious fanatics abound in every age. But the burden is on us to examine their certitude. By the rules of discernment of spirits, through humble prayer, and through the exercise of common sense, we will know if the voice is from God or from self-delusion. Is it Scriptural? Is it affirmed by legitimate spiritual authority (whether that be ecclesial and communal, affirmation by spiritual directors and other holy people in our lives)? Does it result in interior peace, serenity, and closeness to the silent Jesus before Pilate? Does it build faith, or confuse and destroy faith on the part of the people of God. Does it stand the test of time?

The courageous action of Peter and John, fearless in the face of disgrace and death, set the tone for the early martyrs--and it sets the tone for us who face the power of money, power, and pride. May we listen more to the Spirit, act more consistently in promoting its inspirations, and let the joy and assurance of the Resurrection permeate our daily lives.

O Lord, I pray that You will always show me the path of wisdom, fidelity to your Word, and the way of Love in all my actions taken to promote the Kingdom. Amen!

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

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joachim 5:15 AM