theJourney(beginning)

20030819

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, August 19, 2003
The Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. John Eudes, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Judges 6:11-24
Psalm 85:9,11-14
Matthew 19:23-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." (Matthew 19:30)

Today's readings reinforce and expand on the idea in last Tuesday's Scripture regarding the weak and strong, the humble and prideful, and God's choosing His leaders from among those whom the world thinks of as "lesser people." Gideon considered himself "the lowliest in his father's house" and totally incapable of saving Israel from Midian. Of course, he was absolutely right about this, for of himself he was indeed helpless in the face of a strong enemy. Gideon requested a sign and was given his sign by an angel as a reminder that God Himself, by His almighty power, would deliver His people through His servant Gideon. The latter had temporarily lost sight that all things are possible to God.

Just as our sense of smallness and helplessness can hinder doing God's bidding, so can greatness and personal power. We see this in the rich young man in today's Gospel as one who possessed much but had also become possessed by his possessions. Each of us has hindrances in our lives that may stand in the way of totally giving ourselves to God, trusting in His provision for all those who answer, "yes" to His call. Too easily we forget that the things of this world will pass away, that we are not our own, and that our first obligation is to Him who created us for one purpose: to share in His blessed and eternal life.

That this world is filled with suffering, hatred and violence is the direct result of our stiff-necked and prideful refusal to admit that without God we are only the dust of the earth, devoid of His love and truth and therefore incapable of living in peace, harmony and justice. By insisting upon remaining the "first" we are actually delegating ourselves to being the "last" and suffering all the painful consequences of being our own little gods.

Loving Father, help us to see that without You we are lost. Let us realize that this world's sufferings are man-made, that it is our sin, a prideful separation from You that is destroying us. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds

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joachim 4:48 AM

20030818

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, August 18, 2003
Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Judges 2:11-19
Psalm 106:34-37,39-40,43-44
Matthew 19:16-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I will never cease to be amazed at God's love for His people. Look what He has done!

The Israelites built a golden calf and He still loved them and took them back. They turned to Baal and countless other Idols and He still loved them and took them back. The great king David sinned and He still loved him and took him back. St. Peter denied Him and He still loved him and took him back. Numerous saints throughout the ages sinned and He still loved them and took them back. The story never ends.

In fact, the entire story from Genesis to Revelation is the same: salvation. And like the Israelites, the patriarchs and the saints, we too have sinned and He still loves us and takes us back.

Alleluia!

- Don Claunch, SFO

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joachim 4:03 AM

20030817

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, August 17, 2003
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Joshua 24:1-2,15-18
Psalm 34:2-3,16-23
Ephesians 5:21-32
John 6:60-69

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Once again another week has passed, and I've barely survived a week of assaults from the world, the flesh and the devil. By the grace of God, I find spiritual consolation in the reassuring wisdom of scripture as it details the groundwork laid by Moses and Joshua his successor, by the prophets and holy people of the Old Testament.

Today's gospel is the final of five in a series which teach us unquestionably that Jesus has come to be the Bread of Life, our salvation: the holy, mystical means of our salvation through Divine Grace. Even today many have not received that grace of faith from God to accept this core teaching from Jesus. (see John 6:65)

We who have been blessed with the faith to believe this truth, should understand that this is a signal grace from God -- a great sign of His incredible love for us, despite our unworthiness. Let's remember to thank God today for His great gift of Faith given to us.

- Joachim

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joachim 4:10 AM

20030816

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, August 16, 2003
The Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Stephen of Hungary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Joshua 24:14-29,
Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-8,11.
Matthew 19:13-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus' love for children is our lesson in today's Gospel. For those of us who are parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, we have experienced the same love that Jesus has for children. A family summer gathering brings out the pure innocence of a child. A favorite Aunt or Uncle receives most of the attention because they probably don't see their nieces and nephews everyday and besides they play with them and they rarely scold them.

Jesus was tired and went to rest. The disciples knew how tired he felt and were trying to keep Jesus from being disturbed by the children. But Jesus had other plans! If you're tired or just plain weary from the drudgery of your day, children all around you during the summer months all day, every day, remember how much you love your children. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (see Mt.19:14)

[Editors note: Deacon Bill and his wife are parents of nine children and have sixteen grandchildren.]

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow at aol dot com)

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joachim 5:01 AM

20030815

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, August 15, 2003
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
[Holy Day of Obligation]

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 11:19;12:1-6,10
Psalm 45:10-12,16
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As I sit down to write this meditation I wonder what readings the Church will choose to celebrate this great solemnity: the Assumption of our blessed Mother into heaven. Without reading anything, I know in my heart they will be an expression of love, a declaration of the reward of a faithful follower of Christ.

How often have you wanted to give up, to lapse into laziness, to begin making excuses for unloving attitudes and actions. As often as you resist giving up, you become as dear to Christ as His holy mother who He saw fit to assume into heaven without the corruption of sin and death.

Unlike His mother, we have sinned and can never merit such divine intervention; but, we're assured that on the Last Day, we too will rise and if found faithful, will enjoy with her and all the saints, the blessed vision of His glory forever.

So what do the Holy Scriptures say?

While Jesus was speaking to the crowd, a woman called out, "Blest is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!”
"Rather,” He replied, "blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”
(Luke 11:27-28)

Hail Mary,
full of grace,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

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

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joachim 5:20 AM

20030814

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, August 14, 2003
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Maximilian Kolbe, priest, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Joshua 3:7-11,13-17
Psalm 114:1-6
Matthew 18:21--19:1

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our saint for the day, St. Maximilian Kolbe, is one of the greatest saints of our century--a martyr to the power of satanic evil in Nazi-occupied Poland. At the age of ten, Our Lady appeared to him, offering him two garlands--one red and one white. She told him that the white one meant that he would remain pure, while the second meant that he would die a martyr. "Which do you want?" she asked him. "I'll take both", he replied, to which she smiled and faded from sight. He was a great promoter of devotion to Mary, his "Immaculata", throughout his whole life through the ministry of the printing press. From the horrors of his cell in Auschwitz, voluntarily taking the place of a Jewish man with a family who had been condemned to die, singing burst forth from his lips in praise of God. That same Jew attended his canonization! What am I willing to give today in praise of my gracious and merciful savior who has saved me from death, and promised me heaven?

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

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joachim 4:26 AM

20030813

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Pontian, pope, martyr
St. Hippolytus, priest, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 66:1-3,5,8,16-17
Matthew 18:15-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"If your brother sins against you . . . "
Jesus today gives us a very clear formula for what to do in the case when one Christian sins against another. First confess your problem alone. Then go with one or two to support your case. Finally, tell the church.

What is missing here is what should come before any of this--a careful examination to see if your brother sinned against you, or if you have chosen to take offense where none was given.

We are fragile creatures--prone to easily misinterpret things and often to choose the darkest and most unflattering interpretations of the many possible. This is one of the reasons Jesus has this elaborately tiered system of response. You may have decided that your brother sinned against you, but when you go to gather up your witnesses, you discover that everyone else has a different interpretation of the matter. Thus, you are spared the ignominy of making this a widely public proceeding and the discovery that you may just be a bit thin-skinned.

Before we tackle the mote in our brother's eye, we should look to the beam in our own. That beam most often takes the form of an overweening, overpowering self-love. If the offense of our brother can help us see that, than rather than a reprimand, he deserves our greatest gifts and most ardent praise. Great indeed is the gift of self-knowledge.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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joachim 3:57 AM

20030812

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, August 12, 2003
The Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Deuteronomy 32:3-4,7-9,12
Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
(Matthew 18:5)

Throughout the Bible, God does not choose His servants from among the
rich and powerful but most often calls upon the weak and lowly. This is true of Joshua, chosen by God to succeed Moses in leading His people into their promised land. This news aroused Joshua's fears that their enemies would crush the Israelites when they attempted to claim their new home; yet his trust in God's strength rather than that of mere humans gave him assurance of their victory and the courage to proceed.

Why God chooses those who seem most reluctant and least qualified to serve Him can be due to a variety of reasons. Among these factors is that the humble, those not filled with self-assurance and personal power are most likely to perfectly follow His instructions, not try to "improve on God's plan." God, whose wisdom has no bounds, desires to build a relationship of loving and obedient trust with His children, teach them to follow His ways rather than looking to prideful leaders filled with self-reliance.

Today's Gospel affirms these truths. Christ's Apostles did not yet fully realize the implications of their becoming shepherds of His flocks. Before He entrusted them with His sheep, they must become like little children, compliant as He Himself was to the wishes of His heavenly Father. Also they must realize that they were chosen from among the lowliest (in the world's view) and so learn to value, as God does, all of humanity, to the smallest and apparently least worthy; for God's dearest wish is to be reunited with all those He created in His image but who had strayed away through sin. God's servants, like Jesus, are called to totally deny themselves and, out of love, offer themselves up for the good of others. Then eternal blessings will be theirs.

Blessed Redeemer,
send Your Holy Spirit upon us
to teach us true humility,
that we may become worthy sons and daughters,
able to lovingly serve our Father. Amen.

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

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joachim 5:00 AM

20030811

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, August 11, 2003
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Clare, virgin, religious, founder

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
Matthew 17:22-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Sometimes the message of the gospel is not clear; like today when Jesus, not wanting to give offense, pays the temple tax. The way He does it, however, is extraordinary. He tells Peter to cast his line into the lake and the fish he catches will have a coin in its mouth that will more than pay the tax.

The story leaves me wondering if the important message was that He didn't want to disedify any one by not paying the tax, or that He has the power to catch fish with gold coins in their mouths. Maybe the question shouldn't be troubling, but I find that it is. I want to understand and somehow think that I should be able to ascertain what the Lord wants to teach.

To recognize that the wisdom of God is always beyond our understanding except when we are graced by the Holy Spirit and given the gifts of wisdom and understanding is important to remember. Reliance on prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit to enlighten and direct must not be understated. In all humility we need to pray for the Light of the Spirit. Without it we will remain in spiritual darkness.

Come Holy and Illuminating Light of God.
Fill our minds and hearts
to know the things that are of You.
Instruct our hearts that we may be
loving and faith-filled messengers
of Your Word, Your Love. Amen

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

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joachim 4:25 AM

20030810

 

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, August 10, 2003
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34:2-9
Ephesians 4:30-5:2
John 6:41-51

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Recently a woman was overheard complaining because she couldn't understand the Trinity. She is not alone! We as humans cannot, are not capable, of understanding the Trinity. It is not something we should feel deficient about. We cannot fly either! We do have our limitations as humans, offset by the many gifts and graces God has given us. Scripture does give us some insights about the Trinity however, and we have that treat in today's Gospel.

Most followers of Christ would naturally have more of an understanding of that person of the Trinity than they would of the Father and Holy Spirit. We might wonder for instance, if the Father really knows our day to day life, the way Christ does. He might seem like a remote 'powerhouse' in the sky keeping us going, sustaining us.

The powerful statements in the gospel of today such as: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him up on the last day", plus this statement: "Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me" are so reassuring!

Yes, we do have a loving Father, who in His great love draws us to Christ, in order that we, one day, can be raised up with them.


Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit!


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

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joachim 3:57 AM

20030809

 

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, August 9, 2003
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 6:4-13
Psalm 18:2-4,47,51
Matthew 17:14-20

A Reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Why could we not cast it out?"

In today's Gospel, our compassionate Lord listened to the father's plea, and by the power of God, exorcised the demon that was throwing him into the fire and water. Jesus gave the disciples the gift to cure the sick, heal the lame etc. But they failed to trust in that power. All they needed was "faith the size of a mustard seed." But alas, they didn't have it!

What is our excuse for not trusting? Our baptism gave us the great gift. "By water and the Holy Spirit we received the gift of new life from God, who is love."* At Baptism our parents and sponsors expressed for us our belief in "God the Father, in Jesus Christ His only Son; in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Catholic Church."

"This is our faith, this is the faith of the Church"

'Putting on Christ' in the Sacrament of Baptism, gave us the strength to trust in Jesus Christ, to remain ever faithful, to "walk always as children of the light, keeping the flame of faith alive in our hearts."

All we need do in times of fear or tribulation is to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gifts we received at our Baptism gave us our faith, they allow us to trust, so that we might not fall into the fire!

*Quotations are from the "Rite of Baptism"

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow at aol dot com)

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joachim 4:38 AM

20030808

 

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, August 8, 2003
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Dominic, religious, priest, founder

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Psalm 77:12-16,21
Matthew 16:24-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's First Reading, Moses asks the people to remember all the
marvelous things the Lord did for them. He even reiterates many of the
fabulous Old Testament accounts of God's direct intervention on their
behalf.

If you or I were to make the same kind of contemporary speech, what
kind of things would we point out that the Lord has done for us? It is
a question that maybe doesn't get an immediate answer, but
nevertheless, demands an answer.

Maybe we think we're too busy, or we take too much for granted -- what
with all that we have and enjoy. Maybe we think the marvelous things
we have are just the fruit of our own work and ingenuity instead of a
gratuitous gift from our God.

Today, let us resolve to spend just a little time to remember the
deeds the Lord has worked in our lives.

I remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I remember your wonders of old.
And I meditate on your works;
your exploits I ponder. (Psalm 77:12-13)

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

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joachim 4:39 AM

20030807

 

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, August 7, 2003
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Sixtus II, pope, martyr and companions, martyrs
St. Cajetan, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 20:1-13
Psalm 95:1-2,6-9
Matthew 16:13-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's First Reading, God seems overly-sensitive when Moses hesitates to strike the rock as God had commanded him to do. As he hesitates, God is offended. Because He didn't act promptly in faith, God prevents Moses from the reward of leading the people into the Promised Land.

How often we hesitate to follow the simple command of the Lord when we aren't sure of a course of action. We may wonder if God is offended with us, too! Faith must be strong as death.

In other words, God tells us that our faith must be as hard as rock. When our faith is rock-like, then living water will flow, refreshing and strengthening us.

In the Gospel, Jesus approves of Peter's rock-like faith, and says He will build His church on a "petrus.” Just a few moments later, Peter blunders, relying on human prudence and judgment to reject the cross. Jesus quickly rebukes Peter, and corrects his thinking. Anyone who rejects the cross, refusing to identify with Jesus, the suffering servant, cannot be a disciple of the Lord. Period!

It's called the Paschal Mystery. If we enter into it, nothing or no one can defeat our purpose, reduce our value, or take away our joy!

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

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joachim 1:23 AM

20030806

 

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, August 6, 2003
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The Transfiguration of the Lord

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,9
2 Peter 1:16-19
Mark 9:2-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship"

The church very carefully considered the array of readings for today's feast. The prophecy from the book of Daniel is so like the story of the transfiguration from the Gospel of Mark that the two resonate -- they echo off one another, and we begin to understand the true impact of the Transfiguration.

In Daniel we are told that when the Son of Man (a title Jesus often used for Himself) ascended the throne, He was given dominion, glory, and kingship. In a sense, what the apostles observed in Jesus's transfiguration is the coronation of the King of All. They could not understand the meaning of it, but they knew something extraordinary had occurred.

This transfiguration gave them a momentary glimpse into the reality of Jesus. He was no ordinary king. At this moment, if any who had gathered had doubts about the kind of king who had been sent to them, the vision of the transfiguration vanquished them. They may have slipped back into thoughts and desires for a mere Earthly king, but for one, brief, shining moment they knew the King of Heaven for what He was, and this would change them forever.

Let us take a moment today and try to put ourselves in the place of those apostles. Let's try to experience for just one minute the reality of Jesus's kingship. Once we experience it, there can be no return to our old ways of life. Once we know who is king and who rules all things, we cannot return to our old thoughts and ways -- at least not completely.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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joachim 4:11 AM

20030805

 

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, August 5, 2003
The Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary in Rome

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 12:1-13
Psalm 51:3-7,12-13
Matthew 14:22-36

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

The most corrosive of human emotions is jealousy. On the worldly level it dries up love by its desire to "put others down," by assuming an unhealthy competitive spirit that drives us to surpass them both materially and in visible accomplishments. In truth, jealousy enslaves us to self, leaves us perpetually dissatisfied and unable to see and enjoy the blessings God has already showered upon us. On the spiritual level our jealousy implies that God's love for us is deficient, that He has favorites and unjustly denies us equality with others. It overlooks that each of us has been called to a unique and equally important way of serving God which is also to our greatest benefit. What may seem like our being overlooked or neglected is in reality providing us with spiritual blessings that we cannot now see. Miriam doubted God's good motives and suffered the consequences of her jealousy.

Spiritual jealousy operates today when "Church people" usurp control of or fabricate projects that God had not intended for them to do. These may think they are working diligently for God, whereas He may see them as blatantly self-seeking. Such is also the case with those who loudly proclaim their good works, sacrifices, prayers and fastings. The most destructive side effects of such behavior is that it ignores God's will, takes one's eyes off Him and places them squarely on self. Truly spiritual persons are sensitive to, obedient and accepting of His will for them.

We cannot read Peter's heart when he asked to join Jesus walking on the water. He may have been tempted to be adventurous, or pridefully showing off for his companions. Only one fact is certain, that in becoming fearful of the wind and waves, he placed his eyes on himself, his safety, and took them off Jesus, the one who makes all things possible for us, Who gives us life everlasting.

Father of everlasting goodness, cleanse us of all thoughts and
emotions that stand in the way of our keeping in constant communion
with You through Christ. Amen.

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

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

joachim 4:04 AM

20030804

 

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, August 4, 2003
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. John Vianney, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 11:4-15
Psalm 81:12-17
Matthew 14:13-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel Jesus instructs His followers not to pass judgment on others. The instruction is clear; to implement it is very difficult. It is a great challenge to overlook the faults of others. It seems almost automatic to at least notice faults, even if we don't respond or say anything about them. What then are we to do?

I have found it helpful to meditate on how much God has to overlook in dealing with me. How often must He be disappointed. How many times have I been told, shown, forgiven and encouraged, only to fall again. If our gracious God can overlook my faults, then I must strive with all my will to imitate Him by overlooking those of others.

It is a great challenge, but not an impossible one. Pray for the grace to love as Jesus loves, to have His forgiving heart, which though pained and wounded, responds with immeasurable patience and love. Pray to have the mind and heart of Jesus; in doing so, may we demonstrate more perfectly to the world, who it is we love, who it is we serve.

Jesus meek and humble of heart,
make my heart like unto thine.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds


Extra:

• On August 4, 1997, Donna wrote:
  

Today is the feast of St. John Vianney, the Cure' of Ars. He is known as the patron saint of parish priests and confessors. To me, he will always be the Patron Saint of Possibilities--or should I say of Impossibilities?

John Vianney had a very difficult time getting through the educational requirements attached to the priesthood. If it had not been for some good people befriending him and recognizing that God had called him to be a priest, he never would have completed his studies.

Isn't that the way it is with us? Isn't it only because of God's grace that we're anything--can accomplish anything? Good fortune, helpful and encouraging friends--aren't they all signs of God's goodness and mercy to us?

In the book, "The Cure' D'Ars Today" by Fr. George Rutler, some of John Vianney's poignant statements are recalled. One of my favorite expressions is this: "Saints have not all started well, but they have all finished well." Conformed to the will of God we can accomplish the impossible; we can overcome our sinful nature and perhaps one day join the elect who stand before the throne of God to behold His glory, and praise His majesty. Through the intercession of St John Vianney may we receive and accept the grace to persevere, to be all God has called us to be!

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joachim 4:23 AM