theJourney(beginning)

20030731

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 31, 2003
The Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Ignatius of Loyola

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 40:16-21,34-38
Psalm 84:3-6,8,11
Matthew 13:47-53

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today is the feast of St. Ignatius, whose "Society of Jesus" has profoundly influenced the life of the Catholic Church since the 16th century. Many of us can remember placing A.M.D.G. (Ad majorem Dei Gloriam--for the greater glory of God) at the top of our school compositions. As a seminarian, I had his motto "Age quod agis" (literally, "Do what you do") in the center of my desk. What a wonderful motto to contemplate. It urges us to focus on the work of the present moment, shutting out distractions and day-dreaming, temptations to self-pity or pride. After all, God's grace is in the present moment and must not be ignored. We accomplish much more for the glory of God when we face squarely the discipline of performing the present duty, whether it be manual labor, study, reading, prayer, or recreation.

The discipline and "hard-headed" holiness of his Spiritual Exercises are much needed for the battles of today against the increasing evidence of moral and spiritual breakdown. Despite their rigor, the core of his system is deep and committed love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a pervading invitation to use our imaginations when praying. He taught us to place ourselves in the Gospel scene with full use of our five senses and our imagination, and thus to proceed to acts of faith, hope, and love, ending with concrete resolution for the future.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 3:53 AM

20030730

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99:5-7,9
Matthew 13:44-46

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The reign of God is like . . . " (see Matthew 13:44)

The central theme of today's readings seems to be joy and delight in the Lord. When Moses came down from the heights with the tablets of the commandments, his face was radiant. So much so that people feared to go near him. Each time Moses spoke with the Lord, his face was radiant.

What is likely to have that effect on a person? Surely being so close to the Creator of the universe. But also, sheer joy, sheer exultation at nearness to holiness. Sheer delight in the Lord's presence sets his face on fire.

Jesus tells us about a person who found a great treasure in a field. Put yourself in the place of that person for a moment. You're walking along through the countryside and suddenly stumble upon a briefcase with millions of dollars in it. What is your reaction likely to be? So it is with the Kingdom of Heaven. When we finally stumble onto what it is really about the only reaction is sheer joy. We would give up everything else we own to have this treasure because its value so exceeds that of anything here on Earth.

Joy is God's great treasure. Joy is the sign of the Heaven here on Earth. Joy is the possibility of Christians. And finally, a quote from C.S. Lewis seems in order: "Joy is the serious business of Heaven."

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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

joachim 4:05 AM

20030729

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, July 29, 2003
The Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martha

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 33:7-11;34:5-9
Psalm 103:6-13
John 11:19-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live." (John 11:25)

Today's readings evoke joy and hope. Our joy stems from the knowledge that we're God's creation, deeply loved by Him as shown in His speaking with Moses face to face, assuring His people (and all of us who sincerely believe in Him through faith) that His mercy, kindness, forgiveness and faithfulness would endure forever. Their part was to keep to the conditions of the Covenant He had established with them, obey His laws based upon love; for God is Love and His people must abandon sin and become like Him, participate in His life and reflect the goodness of His Being to one another.

Our hope springs from the fact that when His chosen people misunderstood and proved incapable of keeping the terms of the Covenant, God affirmed His love more strongly by sending Christ into this world to become the final, perfect sacrifice to expiate their sins and through His Holy Spirit provide the additional grace of constantly reminding them of God's truth and providing them the wisdom and strength needed to continue living in His love with others.

Christ identifies Himself definitively as "the resurrection and the life." He alone offers us the means of entering eternal life which is to know and love God. The new Covenant established in Christ's blood calls us to confess and repent of our sins and allow His Spirit to lead us in dying to our selfish, self-willed and independent ways and allow God to fill our inner void with His life which is a totally self-giving love.

Martha became a Saint because she realized that she had been preoccupied with unimportant matters, that her first obligation to Jesus, her guest, was to be silent and allow Him to fill her heart with His word. It is only then, if we take the time to listen, that we become truly fit to serve Him as He desires.

Father Protector, enable us to be sensitive to and accepting of the many graces You give that will lead us to everlasting life.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 5:26 AM

20030728

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, July 28, 2003
Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 32:15-24
Psalm 106:19-23
Matthew 13:31-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

They made a calf in Horeb and adored a molten image, They exchanged their glory for the image of a grass-eating bullock. (Ps.106:19-20)

Today's first reading describes how the Israelites made a golden calf and worshiped it as an image of the Lord. It sounds kind of silly to us, but for them, a young bull-calf was a symbol of the Lord's strength and power. In this context, it may not seem like such a serious thing or is it?

The Commandment that exhorts us to love and worship the Lord God and Him alone considers fully how easily we replace the God of glory for something as stupid as a golden calf. We might think that we are more sophisticated than that, but if we sincerely examine our thoughts and behavior we can see evidence of how idols consume our time and treasure, not to mention our hearts.

All activity that is not done for the glory of God and Him alone is an occasion that usurps the place that God should occupy in our lives. Let us think about it, meditate on it and pray for the grace to recognize how such essentially good and innocent things and activities can become a source of serious distraction.

Let us strive to remember the God who created every thing and in love and mercy still forgives and sustains all creation. He alone is worthy of our time, effort, and adoration.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

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

joachim 4:23 AM

20030727

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 27, 2003
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Kings 4:42-44
Psalm 145:10-11,15-18
Ephesians 4:1-6
John 6:1-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Are we ever tempted to think "God can't possibly understand what I am going through" and that our prayers must relate to a former time zone? After all, Christ lived a long time ago before concerns about which computer or cell phone works best, how to keep my children away from drugs, or which model car will last the longest. These are only temptations, because our faith tells us that God is very much alive today and sustains us every second!

Today's readings reinforce our beliefs that God knows our human needs, even to the point of being concerned when he realizes that people are hungry. We hear of Christ performing a miracle whereby thousands are fed from the five barley loaves and two fish provided by a young boy.

The readings also point out the opposite however, that our ways are not God's ways. Many of us seek praise, affirmation and titles. Once Christ performed the miracle with the loaves and fish, He realized that the crowd wanted to make Him a king. Somehow, Christ managed to withdraw to the mountain alone. What a contrast to our usual behavior!

Dear Lord,
please help us follow you in all ways,
not just those of our human liking.
Amen.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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

joachim 4:11 AM

20030726

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, July 26, 2003
The Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Sts. Joachim and Ann, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 24:3-8
Psalm 50:1-2,5-6,14-15
Matthew 13:24-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Let both the weeds and the wheat grow together
until harvest time. (Mt.13:30)

Jesus spoke this parable to the people to teach them patience and how to live together with each other. He knew that the Father had promised that those who follow Him would have an eternal home in heaven.

In the Old Testament reading, from Exodus, Moses held a bloody sacrifice as a peace offering to the Lord. We gather together at Mass to celebrate the Word and the Eucharist in an unbloody sacrifice, receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine, gaining the grace we need to stay close to Him.

We must always guard against the "enemy", Satan, because he is stealthy and wears many disguises. Let us keep our "anti-weed spray" handy and use it often by demonstrating love of God by our love of neighbor.

God who is mighty has done great things for me,
holy is his name. (Luke 1:49)

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow at aol dot com)

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

joachim 2:07 AM

20030725

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, July 25, 2003
The Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. James, apostle, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Matthew 20:20-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint James, the apostle. Whenever I hear that we are celebrating the feast of St James, I always have to find out which James we are talking about: James, the son of Zebedee and brother of St John the Evangelist, or James of Alphaeus--brother of St Jude Thaddeus. Another interesting thing is that the Church calls one James the Greater, and the other James the Lesser.

The James whose feast we celebrate today is identified as the "Greater" (according to the Roman missal), presumably because of his status. What a curious thing that there would be such a title as Greater or Lesser. Perhaps this is in some way to remind us of the discussion in today's gospel where the mother of James and John asks Jesus to have her sons sit, one on Jesus' left and one on His right when He comes into His kingdom.

The answer that Jesus gave is less than reassuring to anyone, much less a mother. Jesus said that if anyone expects to be with Him in any capacity, they must be willing to suffer what He suffers. The full impact of this didn't dawn on the Apostles until after His death, resurrection and the descent of the Holy Spirit. Only then did they begin to know what fellowship with Jesus and membership in the kingdom would entail.

Today the Church gives St James, Son of Zebedee, the title of James the Greater. Did he "win" such a title, by being the first of the Apostles to suffer martyrdom? Perhaps so. Jesus clearly said that "anyone who aspires to greatness, must serve the rest." How high the price of true greatness! May we never seek so much the title, but the promise that service to others assures.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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

joachim 4:27 AM

20030724

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 24, 2003
The Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 19:1-2,9-11,16-20
Daniel 3:52-56
Matthew 13:10-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's reading from the 19th chapter of Exodus is of tremendous importance. It is the Sinai Covenant which colors all subsequent dealings of God with Israel. God reminds Moses and the Hebrew people that he has born them up on eagle's wings, and that He will always do so. As the mountain trembles and smoke and fire issue forth, they experience a truly unique manifestation of the power and the glory of the almighty God. They never forgot that moment.

Is there a similar unique moment in our lives when we were certain that God was speaking to our hearts, beckoning us to service, promising His everlasting love? There may be several such moments in your life. If so, meditate on that time which surely brings sweet and powerful memories. Be strengthened again, encouraged and consoled, by that sacred time. Let God speak again to your heart through that memory. And respond with gratitude, love, and a new resolution to live and act according to His wisdom and promise in your life.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 4:05 AM

20030723

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Bridget of Sweden, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 16:1-5,9-15
Psalm 78:18-19,23-28
Matthew 13:1-9

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit"

The seed falls on the ground and it grows according to the conditions that it finds there. And the conditions it finds there are a matter of cooperation between ourselves and God through the sacraments.

We can be hard and stony ground, living our lives as limited Christians, obeying all the rules to the exact letter, but lacking in Charity. We can do everything the church commands, and still not bear fruit.

We can be momentarily enthusiastic, running out and supporting ten or fifteen causes all at once. We can proclaim love of God throughout the land for a brief spell.

Or, we can do all that the Church commands of us, and when it is done, we can turn to Jesus and ask: "What next?" We can enthusiastically run to embrace God and proclaim Him to the world--and then we can obey His commands. We can feed the hungry, cloth the naked, proclaim freedom to those in prison. We can provide an ear to those in pain, a smile to those whose lives see too few.

The ground the seed lies on can be broken, plowed, turned under and made fertile. Even weed choked land can be hoed and harrowed and made useful. Turn to Jesus with joy, He will break the hard heart--the stony soul. He will root out the weeds. He will stake us up and carefully tend us. The Good Shepherd is also the Careful Gardener, and He will and does tend us.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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

joachim 4:44 AM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Mary Magdalene

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 14:21--15:1
Exodus 15:8-10,12,17
John 20:1-2,11-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father
is my brother sister and mother. (Matthew 12:49)

Today's readings explore two interrelated themes--God demonstrating His awesome power through signs and wonders in an effort to establish Fatherhood over His chosen people. By stemming the waters and allowing the Israelites to pass through them unharmed by their Egyptian pursuers, then destroying their enemy in flood waters, God proved Himself their protector, a Father who, in freeing them from a bad influence, could now teach and nurture them in His Godly ways, make of them a holy people through whom the world could come to know Him. At times the signs were positive, giving His people victory over enemies despite impossible odds. At other times the signs were negative as shown in their defeat and Babylonian exile. The point was to teach them that apart from God they could not fulfill their purpose, making Him known to the world as He truly is.

The desire for signs and wonders was so deeply ingrained in the Israelite psyche that even when Jesus, God Incarnate, was sent into the world, the Pharisees remained blind and deaf to the fullness of God within Him--His love and truth revealed in His teachings, healings and miracles. Their impoverished spirituality insisted upon a further sign to prove His being their awaited Messiah.

These scriptures are applicable today; through stubborn unbelief we exclude ourselves from God's Fatherhood, and in consequence we experience its destructive influence both nationally and internationally. Jesus Himself is the final and greatest of signs given us. St. Mary Magdalene, delivered from sin by Christ, recognized His voice, His call to a new life, and announced the good news to His Apostles. Let us in word and deed continue to bear witness to Him in a world starved of love and truth.

Redeemer God,
pour out Your Spirit of love and truth upon us
to make Your saving power known to all the world,
its only hope of establishing justice and peace. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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

joachim 4:37 AM

20030721

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, July 21, 2003
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 14:5-18
Exodus 15:1-6
Matthew 12:38-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"An evil and unfaithful age is eager for a sign."

Sounds like Jesus is talking today in 1995 and not 2000 years ago. We have signs all around us. Just one glance at the glory of all creation should tell us something. And if that's not enough we have miracles.

"Miracles?" You ask. Yes! Miracles. Healings (both physical and mental), bi-locations, appearances of the Lord and His servant and Mother in countless places, answered prayers by the millions, problems inexplicably remedied. Miracles all over the place.

But those in the world and those controlling the media ignore such things. Jesus knew this would happen. He told the Pharisees that no further sign would be given, when in fact He had given the world countless signs. The Pharisees simply would not, or could not see. In our generation no further sign will be given and in fact there have been countless signs. People simply would not, or can not see.

But those of us who have been called have seen the sign of Jonah. We have died with Him in baptism only to be raised up again a new person, bought with the price of His blood and called to live with Him forever. Alleluia!

- Don Claunch, sfo

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

joachim 5:04 AM

20030720

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 20, 2003
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23:1-6
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want"

I never tire of hearing or reading this famous psalm, for in its words are every encouragement, consolation and hope we require to follow the Lord's path. Whether it be at the beginning of our Christian journey through baptism or at the conclusion of our earthly existence, these sacred words call us to an eternity that we can live NOW here on earth.

What a comfort it is to know that we are being shepherded and looked after by our loving Father -- He who knows so intimately our strengths and weaknesses, our fears and our joys. If only we would trust Him more and allow Him to be the shepherd of our life's journey -- what peace and fulfillment we would enjoy! We don't have to do it all on our own! We just have to do our best in whatever situation we find ourselves and hand the rest over to Jesus -- He will always make our way secure

So today, conscious of the love and care that Jesus has for each and everyone of us, let us give Him our Faith so that He can lead us on the mysterious and magical journey that is life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Cliodhna Doyle (clia at cliadoyle dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 4:51 AM

20030719

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, July 19, 2003
The Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 12,37-42
Psalm 136:1,10-15,23-24
Matthew 12:14-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus went about His mission and healed the sick, and ordered them not to tell anyone for so that the Pharisees would not interfere. His mission would not be compromised by any powers that reigned on earth! He still had many lessons to teach the people as He roamed the countryside with his twelve apostles. As each stumbling block occurred He overcame it; and each time the Pharisees tried to trick Him, He showed his wisdom.

We who now follow Jesus Christ are still charged to continue His mission to spread the "good news" wherever we go, just as the people of God before us did. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can persevere in our faith; we can step forward and make a difference in the lives of those whom we know by sharing the life of Jesus with them! Above all, let us never forget Jesus' supreme sacrifice for us, that you might live forever!

Enlighten our hearts, O Lord;
call us beyond ourselves.
Lead us to a stronger faith.
Amen!

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow at aol dot com)

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

joachim 4:50 AM

20030718

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, July 18, 2003
The Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Camillus de Lellis, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exudus 11:10--12:14
Psalm 116:12-13.15-18
Matthew 12:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I'm often amazed how certain words from the daily scripture readings catch my attention and seem to invite more careful consideration and meditation. In truth it shouldn't amaze me at all because I always ask the Holy Spirit to draw me to the words or theme or message that He wants me to consider. I always hope that writing a meditation won't be too difficult or take too long as I have usually waited too near the deadline for submittal, and in most cases I'm at the end of my strength. Tonight is no exception. I must have this prepared before I go to sleep and it feels as if sleep could come at once if only I could go to bed.

That makes me recall how good God was to give us a time for sleep - a time to rest without duty or obligation. Often I have thought (foolishly) how sad that God doesn't get a chance to sleep to be free of concern for all of us. Foolish indeed, because He doesn't need to sleep. Ah, but would He like to....

These are silly musings perhaps, but they draw me back to my first thought of how certain words of Holy Scripture "grab" us, so to speak. Tonight they are words from the Responsorial Psalm for today: Psalm 116. "How shall I make a return to the Lord for all His goodness to me?" How indeed? Tonight as I snuggle into my comfortable bed may I remember the question and fall asleep with profound gratitude and love for the goodness of our loving, merciful and sleepless God.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 5:54 AM

20030717

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 17, 2003
The Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 3:13-20
Psalm 105:1,5,8-9,24-27
Matthew 11:28-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's reading from the 19th chapter of Exodus is of tremendous importance. It is the Sinai Covenant which colors all subsequent dealings of God with Israel. God reminds Moses and the Hebrew people that he has born them up on eagle's wings, and that He will always do so. As the mountain trembles and smoke and fire issue forth, they experience a truly unique manifestation of the power and the glory of the almighty God. They never forgot that moment.

Is there a similar unique moment in our lives when we were certain that God was speaking to our hearts, beckoning us to service, promising His everlasting love? There may be several such moments in your life. If so, meditate on that time which surely brings sweet and powerful memories. Be strengthened again, encouraged and consoled, by that sacred time. Let God speak again to your heart through that memory. And respond with gratitude, love, and a new resolution to live and act according to His wisdom and promise in your life.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 5:48 AM

20030715

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 3:1-6,9-12
Psalm 103:1-4,6-7
Matthew 11:25-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

No one knows the Father except the Son
(see Matthew 11:27)

Jesus praises the Father for revealing himself to the simple and lowly. We do not have to study abstruse doctrine or spend years in understanding Aramaic to know God. We simply ask Jesus. Whomever Jesus chooses will know God, and Jesus tells us that whoever knocks shall be answered.

It is good to study--to become more aware of Jesus Christ as we know Him in the Bible. It is good to understand what we believe and why. It is good to be able to give answers to all for the faith you have in you. But it isn't, strictly speaking, necessary. People who do not feel up to years of study, decades of reading, long and tedious dissertations or incredibly difficult books need not fear. Pray. Join in at the Eucharist, be present and loving to those around you. Jesus will reveal the Father.

It's important to remember what St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) once noted: "It is not how much we know, but how much we love that shall be the measure of our actions in Heaven." Knowing much will not save us, but loving much, loving Jesus much, will bring us home to Heaven.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 9:46 PM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Bonaventure, religious, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 2:1-15 or Ephesians 3:14-19
Psalm 69:3,14,30-31,33-34
Matthew 11:20-24 or Matthew 23:8-12

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

It will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom
on the day of judgment
than for you. (Matthew 11:24)

Unlike St. Bonaventure, today's messengers of the Word often neglect to clearly and emphatically teach the most basic Scriptural truth, that everyone on this earth is called by God, our Father, to enter into a love relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit. Our positive response to God's call is essential because unless we live in the "context" of God Who is absolute love and truth, we can never become fully human but instead tend toward the law of the jungle, survival of the fittest. God called us to populate this earth to live in community not for His benefit but for our own; for this world is a school, a proving ground wherein we learn to practice Godly virtues in preparation for spending eternity with our all-holy God. We are more than flesh and blood beings; we are essentially spiritual, made in the image of our Creator, that we may one day share in His blessed life.

Genuine love, God's love, is totally self-giving, self-sacrificing and life-giving; if we shut Him out and continue in sin by refusing to receive and share His love with others, we die spiritually, become dead to God as long as we live only for "self." We need not wonder why ancient hatreds, violence and abuse flourish in our present-day world.

Both of today's Gospels depict Jesus calling us to recognize and accept God as our Father whose children are to become like Him, living in love and truth; these are the only means through which we can ever enjoy a just and peaceful world. Jesus soundly reproaches those who refuse to see their sinful state, to repent and accept living in obedience to the conditions of the new life He offers us.

Blessed Spirit of God, gentle our hearts, make us receptive to Your healing love and Your truth that brings true freedom and security. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

____________________

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

joachim 4:06 AM

20030714

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, July 14, 2003
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 1:8-14,22
Psalm 124:1-8
Matthew 10:34--11:1

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus did not come to spread peace but division. What could be more
true?

Families are divided over abortion, euthanasia, politics, the death penalty, gay rights, premarital sex, unethical business dealings, and the list goes on and on. Christian family members following the truth as taught to them by God himself soon find that they are at odds with the world, and their family that is in the world. They, and we, should not be surprised: God himself told us this would happen.

But what to do? A couple things. First, don't cave in. Follow Jesus and Jesus alone and you will be received into eternal life. Second, pray for those who you love and are in the world. Jesus works miracles even today. Finally, take up your cross and follow Him. Your cross may be giving up family and friends, but it is The Way. You will not want for your reward.

- Don Claunch, sfo

____________________

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

joachim 4:18 AM

20030713

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 13, 2003
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 85:9-10,11-12,13-14
Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10
Mark 6:7-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Did any of us ever start off on a trip with no food, clothing, and money? By today's standards that might seem pretty irresponsible or extremely trusting at best! Literally that is what Christ is telling the twelve apostles in the gospel of Mark. Christ assures them that wherever they go in spreading His message they will be received by their hosts and if not, that they should just move on.

It is the first two readings of today that provide the foundation for the directions Christ is giving the apostles. We are reminded in both readings that we are totally on the receiving end of God's grace. EVERYTHING that we are and have is a GIFT from God, and it is by becoming less 'self' oriented and more 'God' oriented that we are prepared for our individual missions as Christians. Those spiritual gifts we have received such as our faith, salvation, plus our tangible gifts such as our food, clothing and money are not an end in themselves, but meant to facilitate our mission. We cannot go into our daily mission 'fields' of home, worksites, church with our minds full of self and 'our' things, and expect that God will be able to work through us. It is when we travel 'light', that special good things happen. We may never know the fruit of our labors, but God does.

Blessed Mother,
Spouse of the Holy Spirit,
assist us as we attempt to carry Christ into our world.
You and St. Joseph understood the need to travel 'light'
as you were carrying Christ,
the Creator of the Universe.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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joachim 4:05 AM

20030711

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, July 12, 2003
The Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26
Psalm 105:1-4,6-7
Luke 10:24-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's readings are as luminous and clear as sometimes others are hidden and mysterious. Joseph, forgives his brothers and demonstrates he is an obedient servant of God and an imitator of God's loving mercy. He recognizes what oftentimes we may forget that nothing happens that the Father does not will or permit. Therefore we need not fear anything. The all-knowing and all-powerful God can turn everything into an occasion for giving him faithful witness and glory.

This Old Testament theme is repeated in the New Testament Gospel as Jesus himself reminds us of how precious we are in the sight of our God. He tells us that the Father knows every hair on our head and that we are to fear nothing except displeasing God and losing the life of our souls.

Dearest Lord thank you for these beautiful readings, for the example of Joseph in imitating you in loving mercy and forgiveness, and for the assurance that you our God are "running the show". Please will it Father, that I should at all times do only what pleases you.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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joachim 9:38 PM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, July 11, 2003
The Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Benedict, abbot

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 46:1-7,28-30
Psalm 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40
Matthew 10:24-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Responsorial Psalm contains verses from Psalm 37. Like so many of the psalms, it exhorts and encourages us to remain faithful even when the situation seems hopelessly impossible. The words build one upon the other until our spirit (if docile) ceases to rely on its natural faculties and instead succumbs to the supernatural power of God.

Why is it that we relinquish human-based assessments and likely outcomes, and instead place all our hope on what often seems unlikely, if not totally impossible? The answer lies in the mysterious power of faith to change our otherwise stubborn mind-set, to alter what human reason might otherwise dictate.

It is faith therefore that allows us to believe in things we ourselves have not seen nor experienced. We have however, had many an opportunity to experience vicariously the fruit of faithfulness so beautifully outlined for us in the Old and New Testament writings.

Let us then frequently nourish our faith with the life giving and refreshing words of Sacred Scripture. Let us read them lovingly and often, so that they might become for us a source of strength and determination. Let us never be incredulous about what God--the Faithful One--can do for His little ones who resolutely desire to remain stradfast in their belief in the almighty and benevolent God.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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joachim 4:30 AM

20030710

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 10, 2003
The Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 44:18-21
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 10:7-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The story of Joseph in Egypt is so completely amazing, that it only makes sense in the light of Joseph's explanation to his brothers that God had sent him to Egypt ahead of them--even though his brothers meant him harm, he holds no grudge against them, because God used them as his instrument for the salvation of many, many people.

How important for us to have faith in the providence of God in all the events of our lives, and to realize that God alone can bring good out of evil. This belief gives a reasonable base for staunch loyalty to God in the midst of terrible evil. It prevents us from foolishly condemning God for the evil of the world. We have only half of the story. Some day we will know all the "other halves"! This belief alone gives us cause for hope, when hope seems absurd.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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joachim 4:12 AM

20030709

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 41:55-57;42:5-7,17-24
Psalm 33:2-3,10-11
Matthew 10:1-7

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Jesus summoned his Twelve Disciples. . ."

And what a crew He got! Eleven laggards who on the night of His Passion slept while He suffered. A chief disciple who at the first possibility of something going wrong turns tail and flees the scene. One who betrays Him. A tax-collector. One who refuses to believe in Him until he can touch the wounds. All sound like the kind of friends we'd like to have hanging around us, don't they.

And yet, these are the men Jesus entrusted with His mission on Earth, and judging by the current state of the world, they didn't do a half-bad job despite all apparent indications. To one of them He gave the keys of the kingdom, and to all of them He gave the mission of proclaiming the nearness of the kingdom of God.

We are chosen by Him as well. And we are entrusted with a similar mission. We are to spread the good news of the gospel. We are to set the captives free. And we are to do so, not through our own power, but through the power of the word and of the commission that comes with baptism--the commission of evangelism that is one of the blessings of the Holy Spirit within us. So, let each join his or her effort to that of the disciples of old, that we can all give God the glory His Name deserves.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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joachim 4:24 AM

20030708

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, July 8, 2003
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 32:23-33
Psalm 17:1-3,6-8,15
Matthew 9:32-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few....” (Matthew 9:37)

Of the many battles fought by man, the most difficult and most often lost is the battle of faith. Faith is a gift from God, a firm assurance felt in our deepest hearts of a loving and saving God. We can acquire this precious gift by earnestly seeking Him in prayer; then in His mercy He comes to give strength and comfort to those besieged by doubt because of personal circumstances, those surrounded by sufferings or those fearful and uncertain of life in an increasingly violent world. God does not give us comfort by changing the world and others to suit us; instead He changes us by opening our eyes to His love and truth, that it is sin which is afflicting and destroying us and that, through Christ, we are given the means of living a new and holy life and sharing it with others.

As we persist in prayer despite doubts, fears and disappointments, God strengthens and deepens our faith and trust by directly infusing our souls with a knowledge of Himself. Faith is necessarily blind, but in our darkness we become increasingly aware of His infinite goodness, a Goodness we grow to love and desire above all else. As we grow in this love and intimacy with God, we also grow in our discernment of what is of God and what is not of Him. Those filled with faith bless others with its overflow.

Today's readings depict the battle of faith. Jacob won because, although outwardly wounded, he is inwardly healed and goes forth to be reunited with his long-lost brother. On the other hand, the Pharisees, lacking a true inner knowledge and love for God were unable to discern God in Christ, and so rejected Him. In consequence, they denied many of their own people the great blessing of Christ. We lack laborers because few accept the discipline of drawing close to God and being created anew in the image of His self-sacrificing Love, the love personified in Jesus Christ.

Loving Father,
instill in us a hunger to know You intimately,
to grow in Your truth and love
and to share You generously with others. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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joachim 4:32 AM

20030707

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, July 7, 2003
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 28:10-22
Psalm 91:1-4,14-15
Matthew 9:18-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Shrines hold a special interest to Christians, a tradition which goes back before the time of Christ. Today we hear the story of a holy shrine where God granted a great grace to Jacob, maybe the first of countless graces granted at shrines throughout history.

Out here in the Western U.S. we are quite removed from many shrines. There are a few but not nearly as many as back east and certainly not even a fraction as can be found in Europe. The few we get to visit are inspiring to day the least. In no instance have we visited a holy shrine where we could not feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. We find we could spend an eternity at these sacred places.

But for those of us who live in the remote west - and for Christians everywhere - Christ and the Holy Spirit are still with us. In fact within us. Through our baptisms and the sacraments we carry the Holy Spirit within us - essentially a shrine - where we can commune with God through our Lord and Savior any time we wish. Today, take a pilgrimage in the quiet time you have alone and spend some time with Him in the personal shrine of your soul.

- Don and Laura Claunch

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joachim 5:29 AM

20030706

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 6, 2003
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekeil 2:2-5
Psalm: 123:1-4
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Matthew 9:14-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness."

The second reading today, St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians is one of my favourite of all scriptures. Paul, like many of us, keeps asking the Lord why he cannot experience the full measure of perfection on this earth and be without weakness. The Lord replies with infinite wisdom that His Grace is all sufficient. It is such a human inclination to pursue perfection, power and knowledge. Because in our human essence we are so imperfect, we easily fall into the trap of serving our ego, constantly wanting more and aiming to achieve more. However very often when we're consumed with our own powers and abilities, we forget God and our need of Him and become then, poor reflections of His Divine Love.

Knowing us so intimately as He does, the Lord chooses sometimes not to lift our crosses from us because as He said to Paul, in our weakness His perfect power can reign through, leading us on the chosen path. We must not forget that this earthly journey of ours is one of purification, preparing our souls to grow in Divine Love, so that we may meet the Lord in His infinite glory.

So today, let us take heart that when we place our trust in Jesus, He will not fail us. If our lives at this moment in time seem tough, do not despair. God has a special plan for each of our lives - so take courage!

- Cliodhna Doyle (clia at cliadoyle dot com)

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joachim 4:32 AM

20030705

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, July 5, 2003
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 27:1-5,15-29
Psalm 135:1-6
Luke 9:14-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Why is it that sometimes the words of Holy Scripture leave us perplexed? Why should a heart willing to be conformed to the will of Christ not understand His Word?

I have no answer, for that is how I feel after reading about Jacob deceiving his father Isaac. How can cleverness and deception win God's favor? How could God be pleased with that? I know I must be missing the point altogether, but I just can't find it.

For me it is a good lesson. It reminds me that I myself am not so clever, so smart. It makes me recognize that the God I think I know and understand is so much more than I can imagine. With my human understanding I really know nothing except that I know that I don't know. How human we are and how much we need the light of Christ to illumine our darkness, to instruct our minds and hearts.

Dearest Father, send us the Holy Spirit that we may recognize ever more fully that the Lord Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, the life. Let us, with all our heart, mind and strength, rely on His power, His light, for we know Lord that we are but clay.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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joachim 4:38 AM

20030704

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, July 4, 2003
St. Elizabeth of Portugal

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 23:1-4,19;24:1-8,62-67
Psalm 106:1-5
Matthew 9:9-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Have you ever noticed that when Holy Scripture writers refer to God, the words they use aren't words that are also attributable to ordinary humans? In modern parlance however, we're accustomed to using superlatives. This isn't to say that there aren't degrees of excellence that beg some expression. It is however a practice that seems to denigrate the use of such superlatives when we make reference to God and His attributes.

That being the case, when we read Holy Scripture we need to understand in faith that the words used to describe the greatness of God are more than mere expressions and in fact only minutely allude to God's greatness. The opposite is usually true when we use such words about mankind. Then they usually are an overstatement of the facts.

Let us then try to get things straight when references are made about God - they are only a shadow of His grandeur, His glory, His love, His mercifulness, His beauty, His truth.

Let us give thanks to the Lord for He is good,
for His kindness endures forever.

Good - kindness - forever - our God.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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joachim 5:21 AM

20030703

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 3, 2003
The Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Thomas, apostle

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 117:1-2
John 20:24-29

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Religious people should always be ready for shock waves. Isaac was so religious and obedient, yet he had that very submissiveness tested--with the command altered--by God Himself. God made His point; He was more interested in obedience than sacrifice. Are we ready for the Beatitudes when they might interfere with liturgy? The pharisees, too, were religious and law-abiding. Yet Jesus showed them that compassionate common sense toward the poor and suffering was better than a strict observance. Are we ready for God's shocking us?

Today is also the feast of St. Thomas, Apostle. Jesus certainly shocked Thomas by breaking through locked doors to change his doubting heart. How many times have I locked out Jesus from my heart, preferring my more comfortable and perhaps sensual inclinations to excuse my full assent, and the course of action that full assent might demand?

Jesus, make me alert to your plans for my life, rather than my own.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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joachim 4:05 AM

20030701

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, July 2, 2003
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 21:5,8-20
Psalm 34:7-8,10-13
Matthew 8:28-34

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"When they saw him they begged him to leave their district."

This gospel reading is filled with mysteries that are intriguing. The symbology is powerful. Those lost to the devil, filled with demons, hang around the cemetery just outside of town. Jesus allows the demons to inhabit the bodies of swine once they are driven out of the possessed. But perhaps the most interesting and convicting statement is at the very last line of this gospel.

Jesus has just performed a service for the entire community and for two men in particular. No one could use the road because these demoniacs were so violent and so vicious that no one dared. Jesus cleared the road, healed two men, and he's greeted by a delegation that begs him to leave the area. Why?

The answer is simple and has ever been the same--they discourage the prophet (in this case the Son of God) in the name of profit. Jesus's work caused them to lose a valuable herd of swine. Never mind that it made commerce possible. Never mind that two people who were menaces to society were able to rejoin it. The bottom line was "in the red" so Jesus had to go.

How many of us keep our own accounts in similar ways. We're just fine with the way things are going. When Jesus asks of us something particularly difficult or distasteful, we very politely entreat Him to leave the area. We'd really rather not, thank you. After all, we're running in the black now, even if we're demon-haunted and paralyzed, the price is too high to pay.

When Jesus next offers us a gift, let us remember our treatment of Him in the past and not count the cost in a measure of the bottom line. Let us count the treasure that we're being allowed to store in heaven.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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joachim 8:28 PM

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Bl. Junipero Serra, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 19:15-29
Psalm 26:2-3,9-12
Matthew 8:23-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Lord, save us! We are perishing." (Matthew 8:25)

Two questions haunt human history: Why can't we establish a lasting peace? And, if Christianity is the cure, why its repeated failures? The answer is human sin which clouds minds and hardens hearts. Self-will and self-absorption, even among those considering themselves religious, do not permit them to draw close to God, Christ, in an intimate relationship through prayer; nor have we been clearly taught how and encouraged to do so by a Church no longer united in one cause.

Today our most popular clergy and theologians gloss-over sin, promote independence from our teachings and authority, falsely claim that God, being Love, opens heaven's gates to all, even unrepentant sinners. Morally we are alienated from our self-giving, self-sacrificing God revealed in Jesus Christ who came to fulfill the Law perfectly and invites us to live with Him in the very holiness of God.

With the media's help we scoff at God's Law, claim it is outdated, that we must be "free." In truth, this freedom has become an enslavement to every imaginable perversity and perversion, has made us self-pleasing and uncaring of the consequences of our actions upon others and society in general. We have grossly defaced God's image and made a true and lasting peace impossible.

How does this relate to today's readings? Lot was saved by his total trust in and obedience to God's biddings; his wife, however, was lost because in her heart she turned back in regret towards what she had lost instead of going forward toward a new and better life. Today's Gospel, Christ's calming of the storm, reminds us of the "Creation" when God sent His Spirit upon the chaotic waters to calm them and establish order. Christ's action affirms His Divinity and shows that God alone can restore peace to this world. The choice is ours; we can will to obey God and create peace or continue in disobedience and bring civilization to a calamitous end.

Merciful Lord, we ask Your forgiveness and pray for a greater
outpouring of Your grace, Your love and truth upon our stubborn,
selfish hearts; bring us to a genuine conversion. Amen

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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joachim 4:43 AM