|
March 30, 2025 (another Reflections) |
|
|
April 1, 2025 |
|
|
April 2, 2025 |
April 3, 2025 |
|
April 4, 2025 |
April 5, 2025 |
|
April 6, 2025 |
April 7, 2025 |
|
April 8, 2025 |
April 9, 2025 |
|
April 10, 2025 |
April 11, 2025 |
|
April 12, 2025 |
April 13, 2025 |
|
April 14, 2025 |
April 15, 2025 |
|
April 16, 2025 |
April 17, 2025 |
|
April 18, 2025 |
April 19, 2025 |
|
April 20, 2025 |
April 21, 2025 |
|
April 22, 2025 |
April 23, 2025 |
|
April 24, 2025 |
April 25, 2025 |
|
April 26, 2025 |
April 27, 2025 |
|
April 28, 2025 |
April 29, 2025 |
|
April 30, 2025 |
May 1, 2025 |
|
May 2, 2025 |
May 3, 2025 |
|
May 4, 2025 |
May 5, 2025 |
|
May 6, 2025 |
May 9, 2025 |
|
May 8, 2025 |
May 1, 2025 |
|
May 10, 2025 |
May 11, 2025 |
|
May 12, 2025 |
May 13, 2025 |
|
May 14, 2025 |
May 15, 2025 |
|
May 16, 2025 |
May 17, 2025 |
|
May 18, 2025 |
May 19, 2025 |
|
May 20, 2025 |
May 21, 2025 |
|
May 22, 2025 |
May 23, 2025 |
|
May 24, 2025 |
May 25, 2025 |
|
May 26, 2025 |
May 27, 2025 |
|
May 28, 2025 |
May 29, 2025 |
|
May 30, 2025 |
May 31, 2025 |
|
June 1, 2025 |
June 2, 2025 |
|
June 3, 2025 |
June 4, 2025 |
|
June 5, 2025 |
June 6, 2025 |
|
June 7, 2025 |
June 8, 2025 |
|
June 9, 2025 |
June 10, 2025 |
|
June 11, 2025 |
June 12, 2025 |
|
June 13, 2025 |
June 14, 2025 |
|
June 15, 2025 |
June 16, 2025 |
|
June 17, 2025 |
June 18, 2025 |
|
June 19, 2025 |
June 20, 2025 |
|
June 21, 2025 |
June 22, 2025 |
|
June 23, 2025 |
June 24, 2025 |
|
June 25, 2025 |
June 26, 2025 |
|
June 27, 2025 |
June 28, 2025 |
|
June 29, 2025 |
June 30, 2025 |
|
July 1, 2025 |
July 2, 2025 |
|
July 3, 2025 |
July 4, 2025 |
|
July 5, 2025 |
July 6, 2025 |
|
July 7, 2025 |
July 8, 2025 |
|
July 9, 2025 |
July 10, 2025 |
|
July 11, 2025 |
July 12, 2025 |
|
July 13, 2025 |
July 14, 2025 |
|
July 15, 2025 |
July 16, 2025 |
|
July 17, 2025 |
July 18, 2025 |
|
July 19, 2025 |
July 20, 2025 |
|
July 21, 2025 |
July 22, 2025 |
|
July 23, 2025 |
July 24, 2025 |
|
July 25, 2025 |
July 26, 2025 |
|
July 27, 2025 |
July 28, 2025 |
|
July 29, 2025 |
July 30, 2025 |
|
July 31, 2025 |
August 1, 2025 |
|
August 2, 2025 |
August 3, 2025 |
|
August 4, 2025 |
August 5, 2025 |
|
August 6, 2025 |
August 7, 2025 |
|
August 8, 2025 |
August 9, 2025 |
|
August 10, 2025 |
August 11, 2025 |
|
August 12, 2025 |
August 13, 2025 |
|
August 14, 2025 |
August 15, 2025 |
|
August 16, 2025 |
August 17, 2025 |
|
August 18, 2025 |
August 19, 2025 |
|
August 20, 2025 |
August 21, 2025 |
|
August 22, 2025 |
August 23, 2025 |
|
August 24, 2025 |
August 25, 2025 |
|
August 26, 2025 |
August 27, 2025 |
|
August 28, 2025 |
August 29, 2025 |
|
August 30 2025 |
August 31, 2025 |
|
September 1, 2025 |
September 2, 2025 |
|
September 3, 2025 |
September 4, 2025 |
|
September 5, 2025 |
September 6, 2025 |
|
September 7, 2025 |
September 8, 2025 |
|
September 9, 2025 |
September 10, 2025 |
|
September 11, 2025 |
September 12, 2025 |
|
September 13, 2025 |
September 14, 2025 |
|
September 15, 2025 |
September 16, 2025 |
|
September 17, 2025 |
September 18, 2025 |
|
September 19, 2025 |
September 20, 2025 |
|
September 21, 2025 |
September 22, 2025 |
|
September 23, 2025 |
September 24, 2025 |
|
September 25, 2025 |
September 26, 2025 |
|
September 27, 2025 |
September 28, 2025 |
|
September 29, 2025 |
September 30, 2025 |
|
October 1, 2025 |
October 2, 2025 |
|
October 3, 2025 |
October 4, 2025 |
|
October 5, 2025 |
October 6, 2025 |
|
October 7, 2025 |
October 8, 2025 |
|
October 9, 2025 |
October 10, 2025 |
|
October 11, 2025 |
October 12, 2025 |
|
October 13, 2025 |
October 14, 2025 |
|
October 15, 2025 |
October 16, 2025 |
|
October 17, 2025 |
October 18, 2025 |
|
October 19, 2025 |
October 20, 2025 |
|
October 21, 2025 |
October 22, 2025 |
|
October 23, 2025 |
October 24, 2025 |
|
October 25, 2025 |
October 26, 2025 |
|
October 27, 2025 |
October 28, 2025 |
|
October 29, 2025 |
October 30, 2025 |
|
October 31, 2025 |
November 1, 2025 |
|
November 2, 2025 |
November 3, 2025 |
|
November 4, 2025 |
November 5, 2025 |
|
November 6, 2025 |
November 7, 2025 |
|
November 8, 2025 |
November 9, 2025 |
|
November 10, 2025 |
November 11, 2025 |
|
November 12, 2025 |
November 13, 2025 |
|
November 14, 2025 |
November 15, 2025 |
|
November 16, 2025 |
November 17, 2025 |
|
November 18, 2025 |
November 19, 2025 |
|
November 20, 2025 |
November 21, 2025 |
|
November 22, 2025 |
November 23, 2025 |
|
November 24, 2025 |
November 25, 2025 |
|
November 26, 2025 |
November 27, 2025 |
|
November 28, 2025 |
November 29, 2025 |
|
November 30, 2025 |
December 1, 2025 |
|
December 2, 2025 |
December 3, 2025 |
|
December 4, 2025 |
December 5, 2025 |
|
December 6, 2025 |
December 7, 2025 |
|
December 8, 2025 |
December 9, 2025 |
|
December 10, 2025 |
December 11, 2025 |
|
December 12, 2025 |
December 13, 2025 |
|
December 14, 2025 |
December 15, 2025 |
|
December 16, 2025 |
December 17, 2025 |
|
December 18, 2025 |
December 19, 2025 |
|
December 20, 2025 |
December 21, 2025 |
|
December 22, 2025 |
December 23, 2025 |
|
December 24, 2025 |
December 25, 2025 |
|
December 26, 2025 |
December 27, 2025 |
|
December 28, 2025 |
December 29, 2025 |
|
December 30, 2025 |
December 31, 2025 |
Feb. 17. 2025 - Mon. of 6th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you continue to examine your relationship with GOD and see how you might be more aligned with GOD’s will.
Some people seem to have no sense of direction. They want to get somewhere, even some place they have been before, but they have no idea of how to get there. Other individuals have an internal GPS that lets them know where they are and how to get where they want to go. I can remember many times, even in heavy forested mountains, that I have figured, the shortest and/or easiest course to get me where I wanted to go.
Yet, sometimes I am not as on-track with my relationship with GOD. I end up being off-course. It is not that I am totally lost, I just need to make some correction to my orientation so I can once again be more fully aligned with GOD.
Part of being on track with GOD is reaching out in love to others. We will not make it to our ultimate destination if we forget to express our loving appreciation to others who have made our journey a little more smooth, pleasing, and enjoyable. Take time to tell those special people in your life that you value the love and support they have given you on your path of faith. I want to thank all those who have touched my life and made me more aware of how much they care for me, all a sign of how much GOD loves me. I pray every day for those who have touched my life and helped me to be the person GOD is calling me to be.
Picture
Seven Founders of Servite Order:
Readings: Genesis 4: 1-15, 25; Psalm 50: 1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21; Mark 8: 11-13
Our readings begin with the story of Cain killing his younger brother Abel. The psalm picks up the theme of sibling being against sibling and GOD’s displeasure with such attitudes and actions. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the religious leaders who seek a sign from Him (not for the purpose of believing in Him, but to use as evidence against Him).
The story of our human ancestors continues. From the sin of disobedience, the human condition worsens to fratricide (killing of a brother). Cain is upset because his sacrifice of grain is not as pleasing to the LORD as his younger brother’s offering of the best of his flock. Some people believe that GOD’s displeasure with Cain’s sacrifice was based on Cain’s not offering the best of what he had. Others see Cain’s attitude toward GOD as the reason GOD did not look as favorably on his gift as opposed to how GOD looked at the gift and attitude of Abel. Cain is inflamed with jealousy.
Rather than try to correct his attitude/offering, Cain and his jealousy drives him to anger and ultimately to murder. GOD punishes Cain for killing his brother by making it difficult for him to plant and harvest the produce of the land. Even though GOD has sentenced Cain, GOD still shows compassion and vows to protect Cain from persecution, even promising worse punishment on those who would harm or kill Cain. Thus, the ancient “law” of more retaliation than merely an eye for the an eye is seen. The law of exacting only equal punishment will not become a part of Jewish Law until the time of Moses (lex talonis - Leviticus 20: 24).
The psalm has a couple of links to the First Reading. The first is GOD’s response to sacrifices. GOD does not just want continual sacrifices unless there is the right spirit and sense of obedience behind the offerings. The second is the reference to doing things against one’s brothers/sisters (the offsprings of one’s parents, but it can be extended to brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus). And just as GOD saw what Cain did to his brother, GOD is always aware of how siblings (whether they be blood siblings or community siblings) treat each other.
In the Gospel, the religious authorities demand a sign from Jesus. They want Jesus to demonstrate His power, not so that they might believe in Him but because they wanted to test Him and hopefully catch Him in some sort of trap. Jesus refuses to perform a miracle or do something wondrous merely to be used against Him. Jesus reaches out with mighty deeds because people are in need of GOD’s healing in their lives, not for vindictive and selfish purposes.
Once again our scripture passages describe human nature. We might be able to see ourselves in some of the characters and their attitudes in today’s readings. Sometimes we are like Cain. We perform some sort of ritual, expecting to be rewarded, but we do not have the right attitude when we make an offering to GOD. The purpose of presenting a gift to GOD should not be so that we might receive something in return. We should praise and worship GOD for GOD’s sake, not for what GOD might do for us.
Another way we might be like Cain is in our jealousy when others seem to be having a better response to their actions than we do to ours. Rather than try to see how we might improve our action, we instead often try to put the other persons down, either emotional or, as in Cain’s extreme case, physically. We think it is easier to remove the competition or knock the other person down rather than try to better ourselves and raise our bar to higher level.
Some of us may act like Cain also when it comes to our fear of being punished even for things for which we deserve to be punished. We are afraid of others’ reaction against us. We cry out to GOD to protect us and help us from being hurt, even though we have been less than understanding and considerate of others.
At other times we might identify with the religious authorities in today’s Gospel. We want GOD to do something special for us, not because we need it or because it will bring us closer to GOD, but because we want to test GOD and make GOD prove the mightiness of GOD. And when GOD doesn’t do what we ask of (or even demand from) GOD, we use that against having a relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father. We almost say, “See, I knew I shouldn’t put all my trust in GOD!”
Scriptures present a very intra-perceptive view of our sinful condition. All of us fail to live up to what GOD expects of us. There is, however, GOoD News: GOD loves us anyway! GOD is willing to renew a covenant relationship with us. All we need do is turn to the Lord Jesus, admit our failings and accept the gift of faith that GOD offers us. It demands a constant tuning into GOD. It is similar to a traveler (whether it be at sea, in a car, a plane, or space craft). We may be heading in the basic direction, but there is always a need to check our bearings and make mid-course corrections as we see that we are getting off-track. If not, we may find ourselves so far off course that it will take major maneuvering to get us back on target. Part of what gets us back on track is our acknowledging GOD for Who GOD is and giving GOD the glory and praise that is due. Let us join in today’s psalm refrain and “Offer to GOD a sacrifice of praise!”
The personal question/action for today: With what human attribute described in today’s readings do I most identify at this point in my life? Expecting mere ritual to appease GOD? Jealousy over another’s position relationship with GOD? Desiring to put others down so I can get higher? Fearful of punishment? Seeking GOD to do things for my selfish reason? Looking for an excuse not to have a relationship with GOD? What must I do to change my attitude and get back on course to GOD? How can I reach out to others and assist them in heading toward GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever ready to help us draw closer to Yourself. Through Your GOoDness, You remind us through Your Holy Word how misguided we mortals are when we are left to our own devices. It is so easy for us to get off course and follow our weakened human nature. Through the ministry of Your Son, Jesus, You continue to call us to metanoia – change of heart and direction. You have sent Him to be our Guide along the path to You. For the times we have left the true course and become misaligned from that course, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the inspiration and direction of Your Holy Spirit, help us to focus always on our end goal – being eternally with You. May we continually offer You our sacrifice of praise, for in so doing we fall in line with the Way, Your Son, Jesus. It is in His name that we make this prayer, for He is Our Lord and Savior Who has given us the example to follow and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Feb. 18. 2025 - Tue. of 6th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you continue to edify and build up those who have been entrusted to your care.
I remember talking with a friend about people with power and authority. We discussed how some people let the power they have been given go to their heads and they seek to benefit from their privileged position. Others who are in authority see the responsibility they have been given as the priority in their lives of service. They realize that they must serve the needs of others and help build up and edify those over whom they have been given authority. We agreed that we must pray for all who are in roles of leadership: politicians, parents, teachers, bosses. May they all realize that they have not only been given privileged positions, but also they have been given great responsibility by the GOD Who is over all.
Blessed John of Fiesole:
Readings: Genesis 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5, 10; Psalm 29: 1a and 2, 3ac-4, 3b and 9c-10;
Mark 8: 14-21
Our readings speak about power and how those in authority use that power. Our First Reading is part of the story of Noah and the Flood. The psalm presents the majesty and power of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples about the leaven of the religious and civil authorities.
In today’s account of the Noah story, we see GOD portrayed as being frustrated by the disobedience and sinfulness of mortals. GOD has created them and found them very GOoD in the beginning. Yet, when left to their own free will, the majority of humanity has turned away from GOD and has chosen evil. Noah and his family are the only exceptions. GOD plans to allow water, one of the essentials of life, to be the source of the destruction of life that has turned its power to negative ends. Only those humans and animals in the ark are to be saved. Once Noah has built the ark according to GOD’s directions (in the verses that are part of those omitted from today’s First Reading - Genesis 6: 14-16) while being ridiculed by his neighbors, GOD tells Noah to take into the ark a couple of each animal. He is also directed to take more of the clean animals (those to be used in sacrifice). Once inside the safety of the ark, they wait for seven days before the Flood begins. We will hear more about the Flood in the First Reading for the rest of this week.
The psalm speaks of the majesty of GOD as seen in some of the natural phenomenon such as a storm. The repetition of the phrase “the voice of the LORD” is meant to resemble the crash of thunder. GOD is seen as the force behind the storm, even more powerful than a flood, an event that frightened the nomadic tent people of the desert. (Some may wonder what it means when the psalm uses the words, “The LORD is enthroned above the flood.” I look at the diagram which I include to the right. GOD’s throne is on top of diagram. The flood waters are the “Waters above” GOD’s throne is thus in Heaven.)
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciple as they travel in a boat. He warns them about the leaven of the religious and civil authorities (Pharisees and Herod). The disciples, as usual, misunderstand Jesus’ message. They still are thinking on the merely earthly level of food. Jesus chides them to think “outside of the boat.” Leaven was a powerful force. It caused bread to rise, but if left unchecked it could be destructive. Jesus warns them not to let things get out of control.
As I reflected on the readings, I am struck by the similarity in the power of water and leaven. Both can be positively growth-filled, and also negatively destructive. What is important is the control of these forces. GOD obviously can control that which GOD has created and use what has been created to bring about the divine plan. We, on the other hand, sometimes let things get out of control.
Jesus warns His disciples (including us) about not letting things get out of control. What we do can be used in a positively up-building sort of way, or it can become destructive. This applies to what we say. It also applies to how we treat others. The challenge for us is to make decisions that will lead to positive and edifying experiences.
Too many people, especially those with power, tend to use the control they have over things and people for a negative end. A couple obvious recent day examples of that would be the former Osamu bin Laden and the former Saddam Hussein and President Putin of Russia. Some would even say that our former president before President Biden. Those who have power need to conscientiously think about the repercussions of their actions.
How does that apply to me? I, too, must be aware of how my thoughts, words, and actions can be edifying or ruinous for myself and others. I need to see if what I think and say and what I do is bringing about growth opportunities for others. As a teacher and a leader, I have realized that my comments or actions have had an important effect on my students and those under me. If I say something negative about one of those who have been entrusted to my care, I can cause damage to his/her understanding of who he/she is in the eyes of GOD. I must be sure that I act with love, which does not mean that I am overly gushy or falsely flattering. Speaking the truth in love, as St. Paul says in Ephesians 4: 15, is what I am called to do. It means that I may have to say something that is challenging, but the purpose for doing so is to announce the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus to them. The GOoD News of the Lord Jesus can cause a person to re-think the values she/he has. Speaking the truth in love can be, and often is, painful both for the speaker and for the hearer, but it should not be done in a malicious (non-loving) way. Those who have been entrusted with the power, especially the power of the Truth, must use it in the way that GOD intends it to be used, in leading people to a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. If we use the power GOD has entrusted to us, then we will loudly echo today’s psalm and say: “Give to the LORD, you children of GOD, give to the LORD glory and praise!”
The personal question/action for today: How do I use the power that GOD has given me? Do I use it for my own selfish ends, or do I seek to use it in a way that speaks the truth in love? Do I provide an atmosphere in which people can experience the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus, and grow in their relationship with GOD? How can I use the power and gifts GOD has given me today – and who might benefit from what I do?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all powerful and almighty. Through Your GOoDness, You know the effects of power and use it for the GOoD of all Your creation. You have entrusted Your power to others, to be used for the betterment of all. Yet as creatures who have free will without perfect knowledge or desire, we as individuals and as communities have abused the power that You have entrusted to us. We have used the forces we have to get what we want at the expense of others whom we have had to hurt on our way to getting to where we want to go. We seek Your pardon and forgiveness for not using the gifts You have given us and the responsibility You have assigned to us for the benefit and edification of others. With the inspiration and guidance of Your Holy Spirit, help us to follow the example of Your Son, Jesus, Who used His divine power to announce Your GOoD News and do Your will. We lift up this prayer to You in and through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Feb. 19. 2025 - Wed. of 6th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May the Lord continue the process of drawing you and others ever close to our GOD.
For many years I have worked in Stephen Ministry. One of the topics of covered during the 50 hours of initial training is “changing one’s orientation from being result-oriented to being process-oriented.” So often we desire to have immediate, positive response to what we are doing. Yet, GOD often works in stages. Similarly, in my work in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, we do not “teach a class” that gives information, we are involved in a “process of Christian formation.” I am reminded of a sign/bumper sticker that proclaims, “Be patient with me – GOD is not finished with me yet.” Just as with any human relationship, our relationship with GOD is a process that takes a lifetime. And, according to my own way of thinking, our relationship with GOD is a process that will take all eternity. Thank GOD, that we are offered eternal life to develop in that process.
Saint Conrad of Piacenza
Readings: Genesis 8: 6-13, 20-22; Psalm 116: 12-13, 14-15, 18-19; Mark 8: 22-26
GOD often works in our lives in a series of occurrences. It is sometimes a gradual process in the way our faith relationship develops. We often want immediate results from GOD, but GOD touches our lives over a period of time. This can be seen in our readings. The story of Noah continues with the sending out of the birds to see if the land had dried from the flood. Noah did this over the course of a few weeks. The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for all the great things GOD has done and continues to do. The Gospel is the account of the healing process that brought sight to a blind man.
Today’s account of the Flood and Noah in the ark has skipped over the mushy stuff [is that clear or is still too muddy?]. We do not hear about the 40 days of rain and the 120 days of waiting for the water to go down. [if you are interested you can read chapter 7 and the beginning of chapter 8 on your own.] In the passage we read today, Noah first sends out a raven. He follows that with the sending of a dove, who returns with nothing. A week later he sends out the dove again, and this time it returns with an olive twig in its beak. [Nice imagery, I think we should use that at this time in our world history!] The next time the dove is released it does not return, since it has found some place to perch. Once the waters have receded and the ark finds its resting place, Noah offers a sacrifice to GOD and GOD promises never to wipe out all the earth again (although GOD does not promise that we will not prevent us from destroying it because of our own stupidity and misuse of natural resources).
The psalm echoes the feeling Noah must have had as he, his family, and all the animals exit from the ark. It is a prayer thanking GOD for all the wonderful things GOD has done.
The Gospel relates Jesus’ healing of a blind man, not all at once, but in stages. It is a process of healing. This does not mean that Jesus did not do a GOoD job when He touched the man’s eyes the first time. Some scholars see in it the parallel to how people grow gradually in their faith. They do not clearly see everything all at once. It starts out a bit fuzzy, and only over a period of time, does it come into sharp focus.
My reflection today focuses on the concept of “process.” Noah does not end up on dry land the moment the days and nights of rain stop. He is not sure the waters have receded until he goes through a process of sending out birds to scout the waters for signs of things surfacing from the watery depths. It is a process. Similarly, the blind man in today’s Gospel is healed by a multi-step process.
Yes, many things, even divine things, sometimes happen immediately. GOD can say, “let there be light” and immediately there is light. GOD can work wonders (miracles) in a flash of a moment. Yet, often GOD allows things to develop over a period of time, through a process of continual growth or development. [I am reminded of a saying which goes something like this: “Nothing is impossible with GOD. The impossible just takes longer in human estimation of time.]
In this age of instant coffee, fast food, instantaneous access to information on television and on the Internet, we expect things to happen immediately [unless we are using a slow connection to the Internet]. We want results right now. We are not very patient when it comes to waiting and going through a long, sometimes drawn out, process.
Yet, the fact is, much of life is a process. I remember talking to a friend who was recovering from an illness. This person wanted to be better right now. It was hard to wait for days, weeks, even months for the healing process to be over and returning to a normal way of life could begin again. It was not easy being a patient patient. People over the last couple years were hoping for a quick end to the Covid Crisis, but it took its time.
Our relationship with GOD is also a process. Oh, there are those times, at least with some people, when they have a religious experience and they are suddenly enlightened with the whole picture, but that is not the normal way. GOD has revealed the GOoD News over a period of time and through a process that builds upon the seeds of faith planted over a long period of time. As I think back on my own life, I believe that I had a relationship with the Lord Jesus from my earliest recollections, but that does not mean that I “knew” Jesus and His Abba-Father and the Holy Spirit in the same way that I “know” GOD today. It has been a process of growing, contemplating, re-orienting my views of, and growing in relationship with, GOD.
This has had an effect on my ministry, my announcing of the GOoD News of GOD. I must proclaim the GOoD News in a process-oriented way. That means with some people I must gradually build a relationship with them. It starts with my evangelizing (“GOoD Newsing”) them first by my actions. I treat individuals with the GOoD News before I speak to them about the GOoD News. They must first come to experience GOoD News in the way I deal with them before they are ready to hear it in my words.
It also means that I must be willing to journey along with them as long as GOD wants me to travel along with them. I am not there to get immediate results, but to be with them as they go along the way to GOD. I cannot be goal-oriented in my ministry. If all I want is “to chalk another one up for the Lord Jesus,” then I am not being faithful to the GOD of relationships. It is not a numbers game of how many people I can bring to the GOD. It is a relational process of being with them as we together follow the Way to the house of our Abba Who happens to be GOD.
Yes, GOD does wonderful things. Sometimes it is instantaneous, but many times GOD acts through a process. No matter what, we must be willing to give GOD all the glory and praise, or as today’s psalm puts it: “How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the GOoD GOD has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my reaction when it seems that GOD is taking too much time to respond to my prayer? Am I more interested in results or in being part of a process of GOD working in my life and/or in the lives of others? Who has been instrumental in the process of my growing in the faith? How can I show my willingness to serve the Lord Jesus and be a part of others in the process of their growing in relationship with Jesus and His Abba, in the unity of the Holy Spirit?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, worker of wonders. Through Your GOoDness, You have revealed Yourself over the course of time, reaching a climax in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Jesus continues to draw people into the relationship that You desire to have with them, acting through a process in which You have allowed us to share. At times we have been impatient, not wanting to stay the course during the process, but desiring results immediately. For our lack of patience and unwillingness to focus on the whole process, we ask Your forgiveness. Help us to minister and announce Your GOoD News to others, to become aware of the process, and not to worry about the results. You will bring about the result that You want if we are willing to journey along with others as Your Son leads us to You. We give You thanks and praise for all the GOoD You have done for us and continue to do for us. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who is traveling with us and ahead of us to Your house, where He is also living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Feb. 20. 2025 - Thu. of 6th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May the Lord continue the process of drawing you and others ever close to our GOD.
May you continue to proclaim Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One of GOD, not only in words but also in your actions.
We call ourselves Christians – people who believe in the “Christ” (the “Messiah,” the “Anointed One” of GOD). It is absolute imperative that we proclaim Jesus as the Christ. Yet, like Peter in the Gospel today, we often have our own interpretation of what the Messiahship of Jesus means. We try to have Jesus fit into our plan, rather than trying to fit ourselves into GOD’s plan of having Jesus as the Christ. Our lives must give witness (martyrizo) to Jesus. People must see that we are desiring to be like our Master-Teacher and come to a fuller relationship with Him through the way we lovingly treat them. Then we can authentically be called Christians – proclaimers of Jesus, the “Christ.”
Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marta:
Readings: Genesis 9: 1-13; Psalm 102: 16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23; Mark 8: 27-33
We have reached the conclusion of the flood account. With it, a new covenant relationship is made between GOD and the human race. The psalm portrays GOD as sitting above the clouds looking down at creatures crying out to the LORD, and GOD responding to their needs. In the Gospel, Jesus asks about how do others, and then how do the disciples, see Jesus. Following St. Peter’s declaration of the Messiahship of Jesus, Jesus presents a further view of what that means and this new view does not go over well with Peter.
The flood is presented as a new start, a new “creation” for humanity and all life on earth. Things change. GOD again makes a covenant (establishes a bond or relationship) with mortals. Many of the same commands GOD gave Adam are repeated to Noah. Noah, as Adam before him, is entrusted with the care of the rest of creation. This passage also sees a switch from the vegetarianism, which was the norm before the flood, to a carnivorous lifestyle after the flood. GOD establishes a reminder, a sign of the covenant – the rainbow. With this, mortals are reminded of GOD’s promise never to destroy the whole world again by a flood.
The psalm presents the image of GOD as grand potentate sitting on a throne in the sky, looking down at the creatures below. GOD responds to the pleas of the people needing help. This imagery fits well into the picture following the flood. It is almost as if the rainbow becomes the pathway and bond between GOD and the people.
The Gospel today has two distinct sections. First Jesus asks His disciples what people are saying about Him. They repeat what they have heard others say about Him, i.e., that He is a prophet, or Elijah, or John the Baptist raised from the dead. Jesus then asks them the all-important question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter, taking his role of leader seriously, professes his belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One of GOD. Having heard this, Jesus tells them that they should not yet share their view with others.
The second section of today’s Gospel reading deals with Jesus’ true perception of what Messiahship is. Jesus explains what it means for Him to be the Messiah: He must suffer and die at the hands of the religious leaders, but He will be raised up on the third day. Peter voices his objection to this concept of Messiahship. Jesus demonstrates His anger at Peter’s tempting Jesus to take the easy way rather than doing His Abba-Father’s will.
I have always liked this Gospel. It demonstrates both the inspiration given to Peter and his humanness. Peter has had a relationship with Jesus for quite a while by this point. He is beginning to see Jesus as more than a wonder worker or a prophetic spokesperson for GOD. He is led to the realization that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah (Christ). Peter, following the view of most of his contemporaries, believed that the Messiah would come in power and majesty and establish a new realm for the Jewish people. He is willing to profess his belief in Jesus, probably hoping to be placed in a high position of honor in the coming realm.
When Jesus starts to explain that part of His role of being the Messiah means having to suffer and die, it does not fit in with Peter’s view of Messiahship. Peter does not want to hear about that. In objecting to this view of Messiahship, Peter tempts Jesus to take an easier way to establishing His reign on earth. Yet, in doing this, Peter is acting just as Satan did in the temptation in the desert.
I can identify with Peter. I sometimes get enthused (“GOD within”) and excited. I am willing to proclaim the GOoD News of Jesus. Yet, when I start to experience or even think about what witnessing (“martyring”) might entail, I am not so willing to go along with GOD’s plan. I know I have sometimes been more of an obstacle to GOD’s plan than a proponent. I have had my ideas on how GOD should be doing things rather than trying to make my plans reflect GOD’s plan.
Today I feel challenged to reflect on my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time for me to recommit myself to the Lord Jesus and start off fresh, just as Noah (and all with him) did after the flood. GOD will manifest signs of this renewed covenant relationship with me. I need to admit the times that I have blocked the Lord Jesus from fully operating in my life and the lives of others. I must also be willing to fully cooperate with GOD’s plan not only for my life, but also the lives of others. I must seek to give GOD the glory and praise that is due, subjecting my ideas to those of the Lord Jesus. In this way I can truly proclaim Jesus as the Christ, not just in words, but also in my very living and acting.
The personal question/action for today: Whom do I say that Jesus is for me? Do I seek to proclaim Him as my Lord only when He does what I expect or ask Him to do? Am I able to submit to His Lordship and seek to follow Him and His plan for my life, particularly when the plan is not what I hoped it would be? Can others experience Jesus’ reigning in my life? Are others drawn into a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus because of my witnessing to Who Jesus is?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and always wishing to re-establish a covenant relationship with Your people. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to offer that binding relationship to us. You are willing to renew that bond again and again. That is true religion (re = again; ligio = bonding). We have often misunderstood Your plan and worked against its full implementation because of our narrow-mindedness. Help us to affirm the role of Jesus as Your Anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, let us proclaim in word and in action that Jesus is the fulfillment of Your plan, the sign of the relationship You have established with us. We lift up our prayers of praise and thanksgiving to You in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who truly is the Christ, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Feb. 21. 2025 - Fri. of 6th Week in Ord. Time (Opt. Mem. of St. Peter Damian) BACK
May the Lord Jesus bless you as you continue to make choices that reflect your desire to be His disciples, even at the personal cost of losing what the world says is important.
One of the greatest gift GOD gives to us is free choice. We can make decisions how we want to live our lives. We can choose to only satisfy our own wishes and seek fame, fortune, and pleasure, or we can follow the path of our Master-Teacher Who came to announce GOoD News for all people and to serve others rather than to be served. It is tempting to only seek immediate satisfaction for ourselves. Yet, if we are willing to forego our own selfish desires, GOD promises to share eternal life with us and with all those who seek to live as disciples of the Master-Teacher. The Lord Jesus desires us to be with Him and His Abba-Father forever in heaven, but Jesus will not force us into heaven against our will. The choice is ours.
St. Peter Damian: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-damian
Readings: Genesis 11: 1-9; Psalm 33: 10-11, 12-13, 14-15; Mark 8: 34– 9: 1
The readings today present a couple of alternatives in life choices and show where those choices lead. The Genesis passage is the story of the building of the tower of Babel. As a result of the attempted building, the people’s ability to communicate is left in confusion. The psalm echoes the theme of the First Reading by declaring that GOD brings to nought the plans of nations. The Gospel presents Jesus’ invitation for His followers to follow Him to eternal life, even if it means dying on the cross.
The story of the tower of Babel gives us a lot to think about today, since the sites of Babel and Babylon are in the present country of Iraq. The tower that is built probably referred to the ziggurats that were setup in the city of Babel when a foreign queen married the king of Babel. Since she had grown up in a hilly country, she missed the hills and the rich vegetation found there. The ziggurats were artificial hills with gardens so the queen could have her raised viewing area above the flat, barren country of Mesopotamia. The point of the Biblical account focuses on the supposed attitude of the builders. They wanted to be famous for building this skyscraper. They were trying to make their way to heavens where their gods were believed to live. In the anthropomorphic language of the Bible, GOD comes down from the heavens to see what they are building and is upset with their pompous attitude. Thus, GOD confuses their language so that they can no longer communicate with each other. In English, the word, “babel,” meaning “a confused noise made by a number of voices” comes from this Biblical passage. The ancient native word for the city of Babel was Babili (which means “gate of the gods”). The Hebrew word for “confused” is balil, thus there is a play on the words. The “gate of the gods” ends up “confusing” the people.
It is with this last understanding that today’s psalm makes even more sense when it begins with the words: “The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations; the LORD foils the designs of peoples.” GOD’s plan and GOD’s ways last forever and they are the only things that make sense in the long run.
The Gospel relates Jesus’ invitation for His followers to commit themselves and become His disciples (“disciplined learners” who do as their Master-Teacher does). It means they must do three things: 1) deny themselves; 2) take up the cross; and 3) follow Jesus. The Greek word for deny oneself is ἀπαρνέομαι (aparneomai) that means “a total rejection of one’s ideas so one can fully commit to the ideas of one’s leader.” The follower becomes ὁμολογέο (homologeo), able “to speak the same:” as the Master-Teacher. One who is a true disciple willingly espouses (unites as if married to) the beliefs of the Leader.
The obvious next step in following Jesus is being willing to take up one’s cross, or as the Gospel mentions, give up one’s life for the sake of Jesus and His GOoD News (Gospel). That means being one with the Master-Teacher in as complete a way as one can be.
We have seen a sort of similar type of total commitment in some of the cults that have arisen of old and in our days. People pledge their undying (and willingness for “dying”) allegiance to a cause and its leader. One difference might be that many of these people do so because of fear or brain-washing rather than a complete freedom of choice. Jesus invites His follower – His disciples/disciplined learners – to freely make this choice. He does not want coerced or fearful followers.
Thus, our readings give us two choices: 1) we can choose to do things that center on ourselves, seeking to become famous or rich (like the people of Babel); or 2) we can focus on the Lord Jesus and become His committed, disciplined disciples. Where our choices lead is also laid out before us. If we choose the first path, it may lead to temporary fame and fortune, but ultimately to confusion, dispersal, and eternal death. The second choice may result in temporary pain and suffering, but ultimately in an eternal, joy-filled life with GOD. As a former mathematics teacher, I could put it into other words: option 1 is a large, but a decreasing finite number, whereas option 2 is infinity. The choice is ours and GOD knows the disposition of our hearts even better than we do ourselves. It is thus that the psalm says: “The LORD, Who fashioned the heart of each, the LORD knows all their works.”
The personal question/action for today: What is the focus of my life? Do I seek fame and glory from other people, or do I seek to be on the path (painful though it may be) to eternal life with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit? In what ways am I willing to deny myself and become even more dedicated to the will of GOD? How can I manifest my following of the Lord Jesus in the way I deal with people in my everyday life?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, creator of order and life. Through Your GOoDness, You have allowed us to freely choice our path in life, even though You desire we take the one that leads to eternal life with You. You have sent Your Son, Jesus, to invite us into an ever-deepening relationship with Him and with You. Yet, because we sometime are limited by our narrow vision, we choose immediate and temporary goals that lead ultimately away from You (a theos). Jesus calls us to be His disciples. He tells us that it will mean looking beyond the present to a future, eternal life. In the process we may have to suffer, and we will die to our attachments to this earthly life, but what awaits us is a joy-filled, never-ending relationship with Him and with You. Give us the strength and wisdom to accept Jesus’ invitation of being His disciples. By the inspiration and guidance of Your Holy Spirit, help us to stay focused on our path to You, following the steps of Jesus, Who is the Way. We make this prayer in the name of the same Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who journeys with us and Who has also gone before us into Your house where He has prepared a place for us. It is He Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Feb. 22. 2025 - Chair of St. Peter (replacing Sat. of 6th Week in Ord. Time) BACK
May the Lord Jesus continue to bless and guide those who are called to service within the Church.
Today we celebrate the feast known as the Chair of St. Peter. We are not honoring the structure on which St. Peter or any popes have sat. We are looking at the office and ministry of those who shepherd the flock of Christ. It is the rightful duty of all Christians to pray for those who are in leadership roles, especially for those who head the Church. The imagery of a shepherd comes into focus. The word “pastor” comes from the Latin word for “shepherd.” We realize that those who are called to pastor the flock of the Lord Jesus are to reflect the ministry (service) of the GOoD Shepherd. All those who are called to pastor others have not always fulfilled their calling, since they are human. Thus, we should continue to pray for all who lead, especially for those whose ministry affects many people. May all who are called to serve the flock of Jesus follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the example of the GOoD Shepherd.
Chair of St. Peter: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/chair-of-saint-peter
Readings: 1 Peter 5: 1-4; Psalm 23: 1- 3a, 4, 5, 6; Matthew 16: 13-29
Today is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. We reflect on the authority and responsibility of the earthly Head of the Church. St. Peter addresses other Church leaders in today’s First Reading, telling them to be shepherds to the flock. The psalm is the familiar Psalm 23 referring to the LORD as the Shepherd. In the Gospel, Peter proclaims his faith in Jesus calling Him the Messiah, the Son of GOD. Jesus then empowers Peter to lead the Church.
In the First Reading from the First Letter of St. Peter, he addresses his fellow ministers (elders – presbyters – priests) and servants. He wants them to fulfill their duties as leaders with a spirit of willingness, enthusiasm, and servitude. Even at this early point in the history of the Church, it seems that some of the leaders (to whom the care of the flock of GOD had been entrusted) have been unfaithful in living out their position as leaders. Some are reluctantly, and probably complainingly, doing only the minimal (if that) of what is required of them. Others are using their office for their own benefit. Still others are acting like dictators in ordering the people under their charge. Peter reminds them that they will have to answer to the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus. Those who have fulfilled their calling as GOoD pastors (shepherds) will enjoy the heavenly reward in store for them.
Although we have heard Psalm 23 so many times, it is beneficial to reflect on it again. It gives us an overview of how the GOoD Shepherd cares for the sheep of GOD’s flock. It thus becomes a role model for others who share in the role of shepherding the flock of GOD. With the GOoD Shepherd around, the members of the flock have no worries for they sense that the Shepherd will provide for them and lead them to green pastures and refresh them besides clear water. Even if the sheep have to travel along dark and scary paths, they do not fear for the Shepherd is there with the staff to protect them and keep them on the right path. The Shepherd provides a rich banquet for the members of the flock, while the enemies of the sheep (and thus the enemies of the Shepherd) look on longingly. The Shepherd makes sure that the sheep enjoy GOoDness and kindness all of their days as they journey to, and experience, the house of the LORD.
The Gospel today is Matthew’s account paralleling the Gospel from Mark that was read two days ago. In this Gospel, after Jesus has asked the disciples what the people think of Him, He asks the disciples Who do they say that He is. Simon (Peter) boldly proclaims Jesus to be the Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed One of GOD) and the Son of the Living GOD. Jesus first acknowledges that Simon has been led to say that by Jesus’ Abba-Father. Jesus then makes Simon the foundation of the Church and He gives Simon the authority to lead the Church. The name Peter is from the same root as the Greek word, πέτρα (petra) meaning “rock.”
Today we honor the position of the head of the Church, the pope, who sits on the Chair of St. Peter. The responsibility of being pope is not an easy one. Although the pope is given infallible authority when he speaks ex cathedra (“from the chair”) concerning matters of faith and morals, it does not mean that every pope in the nearly 2000 years of the Church’s history has been a perfect human being. [There have only been two officially declared infallible statements. cf: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Papal_infallibility.] In fact, as we read in scriptures, Peter himself made poor judgments and even denied any connection with Jesus on the night before Jesus died.
The leader of the Church has sometimes used the title of “servant of the servants of GOD.” This is an appropriate description of what the role of the pope is. The pope is to be a servant-leader to all who seek to serve the Lord Jesus and His flock. In his pontificate of nearly twelve years, our current successor to St. Peter, Pope Francis, has given us a positive example of servant-leadership. He is constantly reaching out in a loving and caring way as one who is serving.
The role of the Head of the Church is to imitate the Chief Shepherd and realize that ultimately all authority resides in the Chief Shepherd (the Lord Jesus). The pope is to continue to shepherd not “his” (i.e., the pope’s) flock, but the flock of the Lord Jesus. St. Peter in his letter reminds us what that means: not being self-serving but caring for others, setting a GOoD example, willingly and lovingly meeting the true needs (not necessarily the wants) of those entrusted to his care. It is true that GOD inspires and guides the earthly shepherd of souls, but, except for matters of faith and morals as he sits upon his chair of authority (ex cathedra), he has free will not to accept GOD’s direction. Over the course of the 2000 years, we have had individuals who have used their position as Head of the Church for their own gain, wealth, and power. Yet, more often, the persons who have sat on the Chair of St. Peter have shepherded the flock to the best of their ability, lovingly, caringly, and humbly doing what is best for the flock, so that the flock would journey safely through the dark valley and arrive at the eternal repose in the heavenly Reign of GOD.
I must pray that the pope might serve the flock of Jesus as GOD would have him do. Over the years of my life, I might not have fully agreed with everything the popes have done or said in their ministry as Head of the Church, yet I owe my respect to the ones who have sat, and the one who currently sits, on the Chair of St. Peter. I am grateful to GOD for the way the popes (including Pope Francis) have tried to be the “Servant of the Servants of GOD.” May Jesus – the Chief Shepherd – give to the present pope the unfading crown of glory when he meets the Lord Jesus. And may his successors also serve the flock of GOD with enthusiasm, love, and inspiration.
The personal question/action for today: What do I see as the role of the human shepherd (the pope) whom Jesus calls to the service of others? Do I pray for all the human leaders of the flock (shepherds/pastors) of the Lord Jesus, asking that they be faithful to the one and only GOoD Shepherd? How can I share in the role of helping to shepherd those whom GOD has entrusted to my care?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever faithful and true. Through Your GOoDness, You have empowered individuals to continue the ministry of Your Son, the GOoD and Chief Shepherd. May those who are entrusted with this ministry of service fulfill that ministry to the best of their ability, always listening to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. May we continue to show our respect for those who are given the authority to lead, praying for all our spiritual leaders, asking that they be faithful to the calling that comes from You. May they seek to do Your will, not selfishly nor for their own benefit, but with the servant mentality of Jesus Your Son, Who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life for others. It is in Jesus’ name we make this prayer, for He is our GOoD Shepherd, our Guide, Our Way, the Truth, and the One Who continues to care for us in and through the ministry of others, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Feb. 23. 2025 - Seventh Sunday in Ord. Time BACK
May you continue to experience the love of GOD and be willing to share it with others, even those with whom you have disagreements.
Some people wonder about GOD’s love. They ask, “If GOD loves us, why do GOoD people suffer?” Or they might voice the question, “How can GOD love those who are so hateful that they go out and hurt whomever they can?” Part of the answer to those questions come from what GOD’s love is all about. GOD loves unconditionally. GOD loves both sinners and saints. GOD is willing to give everyone chances to experience divine love and respond to that love. Yes, people will have to answer for the way they have responded to GOD’s love.
GOD’s love is beyond full human understanding. We are asked to reflect on the love that Jesus demonstrated by His coming to earth, teaching, healing, suffering, dying, and rising. We are then expected to imitate our Master-Teacher and love others the way the Lord Jesus has loved us.
Saint Polycarp:
Readings: 1 Samuel 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13;
1 Corinthians 15: 45-49; Luke 6: 27-38
Being a disciple of Jesus demands that we raise ourselves to a higher level of action and thought – a level of agape (love) – a spiritual level – while not forsaking our earthly ties. In the First Reading we hear the account of King Saul being in the hands of David, yet David having mercy on the very enemy who is out to kill him. The Responsorial reminds us that the LORD GOD, like a loving parent, is kind and merciful, even to those who repeatedly do not do what is asked of them. St. Paul speaks of the fact that through the Last Adam (Jesus) we (the earthly descendants of the First Adam) are raised to a new, spiritual level. In the Lucan Gospel of today, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Plain, challenging His disciples to a new level of loving others – that of loving one’s enemies.
The jealous King Saul is searching for David, the one who will be the next King of Israel. The jealous Saul desires to eliminate David’s access to the throne by killing him. Today’s account, which is one of the two accounts in which Saul is placed at the mercy of David, David shows his respect for GOD’s anointed one. David has a rightful motive to kill Saul, after all Saul is trying to kill him. David is tempted by his advisors to do away with Saul. David realizes that GOD is to be the judge of Saul. David’s higher calling is not to revenge, but to be loving and compassionate with the one whom GOD had first called to be the anointed King of Israel. David knows at the right time – GOD’s time – he will rightfully take the throne of the kingdom of Israel.
The Responsorial today (“The LORD is kind and merciful”) summarizes the theme of the whole psalm. It reminds us that GOD is willing to pardon all our sins and not deal with us as our wrong doings deserve, but as loving, compassionate parents care for their children.
In his letter to the faithful in Corinth, St. Paul shows his concern for the negative influence that the gnostics are having on some of the members of the community. According to the gnostic theology, the physical world is totally negative, and the spiritual world alone is positive. Paul stresses that the believers have been given two kinds of life by GOD, physical (earthly) life through the First Adam, and spiritual life through the Last Adam (Jesus). Earlier in the fifteenth chapter of his letter (last Sunday’s Second Reading), Paul had stressed that the followers of Jesus can expect a bodily resurrection just as Jesus experienced. The new life that Jesus brings will not be totally void of physicality. Jesus has redeemed the whole person – body and soul.
The Gospel today presents the Golden Rule and even raises it up to a higher level. Not only should we treat others as we would want to be treated, not only should we love those from whom we expect love in return, but also, we are called to love our enemies and lovingly treat people whom we know will not treat us in the same loving way. In presenting this attitude of life, Jesus surpasses the teachings of all other belief systems. He asks His disciples to love, pray for, and give to others without expecting anything in return, except possibly receiving only hostilities. Jesus emphasizes that even if those whom we love do not respond in kind, the GOD (Who sees all) will use the same generous unit of measure with us. In fact, GOD will even be more generous, more forgiving, and more loving toward us that we are toward our worst enemy.
As I reflect on the readings, I am conscious of the fact that Jesus raises the bar higher and higher for His disciples. The goal which Jesus places before us is to be like the loving, divine Abba-Father, Who forgives, loves, and cares for us even while we are sinful. We are also called to be like the One Who calls us to be His disciples.
We may find this too much to achieve. There is no way we can be as forgiving, as loving, and as caring as GOD. We will fail. The fact that we will not achieve such a high level of concern for others is not what is to be the focus of our attention. Our attention should be on the One Whom we are trying to imitate. The more we strive to keep our eyes on Jesus, our Master-Teacher and upon His Abba, the more that Jesus can, and will, fill in the gaps.
A few years ago, at the early morning Bible Study I attend on Tuesdays, we talked about what love is. It was pointed out that there are many words for “love” in Greek. One Greek word that is translated as “love” is eros (from which we get the English word “erotic”). This is what many people understand as “love.” It is the pleasurable, physical love that is experienced between two lovers. Another Greek word for “love” is philia, which is a love out of duty or between friends. Philiadelphia is the city of “brotherly/adelphia love/philia” – love for one’s relative. One other Greek word for “love” is agape. This is sometimes translated as “unconditional love” or “love without strings.”
In the First Letter of John, the author describes GOD as agape – “unconditional love” (1 John 4: 8). In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses this same word when He proclaims, “No greater love (agape) does one have than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” This type of love is the essence of GOD. This love is what we are called to have, even for our enemy. This type of love is not able to be given unless one is in relationship with the source of this love – GOD. The more we are in connection with GOD, the more we are able to share GOD (Love) with others, even those who do not seek our well-being. This is the type of love that Jesus holds up as the goal of our life – that higher level to which He calls us. In John 13: 34-35, Jesus tells us to “love one another” as He has loved us. This is what Jesus was saying in the words of today’s Gospel: “Be (lovingly) compassionate as Your Abba is (lovingly) compassionate.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of “love,” what comes to mind? Do I think of caring for my worst enemy? When I contemplate how much GOD has loved me, in spite of my sinfulness, do I sense what “love” is? When have I experienced “unconditional” love from someone? Whom might I be called to love “unconditionally”?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all love. Through Your GOoDness we have a share in Your Love. You have blessed us with Your Love in the person and ministry of Jesus, Your Son. Jesus has empowered us, His disciples, to share in that love. We thank You for sending individuals who have manifested the GOoD News of Jesus’ love to us. As we reflect on how we have passed on the love that we have received, we realize that we have not always been faithful in this task. For our failures to love as You and Your Son have loved us, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, enable us to strive to be as compassionate and loving as Your Son has been. We give You all the praise, glory, and honor, together with Your Son Jesus, Who is Master-Teacher and Savior, and Who demonstrated Your unconditional love for us through His ministry, life, death, and resurrection, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our One and only GOD for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Feb. 24. 2025 - Mon. of 7th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May the Lord Jesus bless your prayer time and fill you with Wisdom so that you may interact with others in the way GOD intends.
Some of the most caring individuals I have known operate from a profound sense of Wisdom that astonishes all who come in contact with these loving persons. I have also noticed that these individuals often are people of Prayer. They spend quite a bit of time in reflection and deepening their prayer life. It is no accident that prayer-full people are usually wise beyond their years.
Blessed Luke Belludi:
Readings: Sirach 1: 1-10; Psalm 93: 1ab, 1cd-2, 5; Mark 9: 14-29
Wisdom and prayer are the two key words from today’s readings. The Book of Sirach personifies Wisdom and tells how Wisdom was present with GOD before the creation of the world. The psalm glorifies GOD the Supreme Ruler Who is clothed in splendor. In the Gospel, Jesus casts out a demon from a boy, a task that the disciples could not do because, as they found out, it could only be done with “prayer.”
Wisdom has an integral relationship with GOD. Although Wisdom is distinct from GOD, Wisdom is with GOD as GOD creates the world. Wisdom is highly prized by the author of the Book of Sirach. With this understand it makes sense how Christian scholars have linked Hebrew Wisdom with Greek Logos – the Word. Jesus (the Word) epitomizes the attributes of Wisdom. Like Wisdom, the Word (GOD the Son) was present with GOD at creation. Today’s passage even says, “The Word of GOD on high is the fountain of Wisdom.” No one other than GOD can fully understand Wisdom. Wisdom has always been seen as closely linked with GOD. In Eastern Christianity, many churches are named Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom). Wisdom is also linked with the Holy Spirit in this First Reading.
The psalm is a prayer of praise of GOD, Who is the majestic Ruler Who created the world. GOD is seen as the Great Potentate Who comes in splendor and strength.
The Gospel today follows the Transfiguration (which would have been the Gospel reading on Saturday, if we hadn’t celebrated the Chair of St. Peter). As Peter, James, and John come down the mount with Jesus, the other disciples are surrounded by a crowd of people. A concerned father brings forth his son who is besieged by an evil spirit. The disciples had tried to help the situation, but they could not. Jesus seems upset with their (both the crowd’s and His disciples’) lack of faith. Jesus questions the father about the boy. The father remarks to Jesus, “Help us and have compassion on us, if You can.” Jesus remarks that with faith, all things are possible. Jesus expels the demon and returns the boy to his father. Later, in private, the disciples ask Jesus why they were not able to rid the boy of the evil spirit. Jesus simply remarks, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”
What strikes me about the readings is the importance of both wisdom and prayer. Jesus’ life and ministry are characterized by both. As I think further about them, I realize that prayer and wisdom are two key elements of a relationship with GOD. Jesus spends time in prayer (tuning to His Abba-Father). It is His (prayer-) relationship with His Abba that empowers Him with wisdom and strength (both attributes of the Holy Spirit) to be compassionate and to serve those who call out to Him. Thus, in the time Jesus spends in prayer, He is in touch with the other persons of the Blessed Trinity. The Triune GOD is a GOD of relationship, within the GODhead and flowing out to others.
I feel challenged to spend more time in prayer, that is, being in relationship with Jesus and His Abba and the Holy Spirit. As I reflect more on my relationship with the three persons in the One GOD, I am blessed with the wisdom to think and do as Jesus does. Wisdom is more than intelligence. Wisdom is not only knowing the right information, but it is also using it in a way that builds up and enhances (edifies) people and their relationship with GOD. Wisdom is the characteristic that enables one to think beyond oneself and see how one can make a difference in other people’s lives. It was divine Wisdom that guided Jesus in His ministry, enabling Him to reach out and touch so many broken lives and bring them the GOoD News of salus (healing, wholeness, salvation).
Although I will never have as close a relationship as Jesus has with His Abba (since they have always been united with each other and the Holy Spirit as the Triune GOD), I can grow in wisdom by spending time in prayer. With increased wisdom, I can continue to serve the people whom GOD has placed along the pathway that leads us to GOD. Being in faith relationship (i.e., prayer) with GOD and having a share in GOD’s wisdom makes all things possible.
The personal question/action for today: When I think of Wisdom, what images and thoughts come to mind? Do I see Wisdom as more than just knowledge? Do I spend enough time in developing my relationship with GOD through prayer, so that I might live a life marked by Wisdom? How can I be more aware of reaching out to those who are in need, and acting with the Wisdom that comes from GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of all Wisdom. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to share in that Wisdom through our relationship with You and Your Son. We deepen that relationship through spending time at the feet of the Master-Teacher, in and through prayer. We have not always seen the wisdom of prayer. For this we ask Your forgiveness. Continue to fill us with Your Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Wisdom), so we can dedicate our lives to prayer; and, with the Wisdom we gain through prayer, continue to empower us to go out and serve our sisters and brothers as Jesus did. We make this prayer through Your Son, Jesus, Who is Wisdom with skin on, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who has died, is risen, and now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Feb. 25. 2025 - Tue. of 7th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you experience the spark of GOD’s love in your life and may that inflame your heart so that you are willing to share GOD’s love with those whom you encounter in your daily journey.
An image that the Church uses to express the love of GOD is that of a fire. Fire is used to purify precious metals. It also turns darkness into light and bring hope and warmth into a cold and trying world. The fire starts as a small spark that then ignites the other fuel. The fire can be then transferred to other light-bearing items such as candles. One such experience is during the Easter Vigil when the Easter fire is used to light the Paschal Candle, the symbol of the Risen Christ. From the Paschal Candle’s fire, all the other candles of the congregation are lit. Soon the church is aglow in the light of hundreds of candles.
One of the songs that our youth group uses during many of our retreats is “Don’t Let the Fire Die.” The song speaks about the need to keep the fire burning, in spite of dark times in our lives, the dark times that try to extinguish the fire of GOD’s love.
May we always seek to keep the fire of GOD’s love burning in our hearts and may we pass that fire onto others, especially those experience darkness of evil and problems.
Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio:
Readings: Sirach 2: 1-11; Psalm 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40; Mark 9: 30-37
The readings challenge the faithful to be patient and not to dwell on themselves or the rough times they are undergoing, but to look to GOD and experience Divine Love. The passage from Sirach includes words of encouragement from an elder to a younger person. It speaks of trusting GOD in spite of rough times, for GOD will never forsake those who are faithful. The psalm echoes these sentiments and reassures the one who prays that GOD will help those who seek the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus tries to focus His disciples on what it means to be faithful to His Abba-Father – being willing to suffer wrongs and serve others, not worrying about who is the greatest of all.
The selection from Sirach are words of parental advice. The words speak to the young about the importance of trusting GOD especially in times of adversity. The analogy of gold and silver being tested (purified) in the fire is presented. These precious metals are heated to the melting point. Since the gold or silver is heavier than the debris, they sink and the impurities are on the top where they can be removed. No matter what, GOD will never forsake those who call on the name of the LORD GOD.
The psalmist issues a similar promise in saying that those who trust in the LORD and do GOoD, they will be taken care of by GOD. If one’s orientation is toward the LORD, GOD will help provide sufficient help to get through the most difficult of times.
Earlier in the ninth chapter of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus has revealed His divine nature in the Transfiguration. After allowing James, John, and Peter to glimpse the future glory that He will have, Jesus speaks about the path to that glory – through service, love, being rejected, suffering, and ultimately experiencing death at the hands of others. The disciples miss the point of Jesus’ words and start to argue about which one of them is the most important. Jesus rebukes their attitude and challenges them by saying if they wish to be first, they must be willing to serve the rest.
My reflection on the readings are influenced by the death of a family friend. She was eulogized by her husband as a woman of great importance in the lives of many, many people. This was because she was always willing to serve. She also modeled the First Reading by always trusting in GOD, even when she faced trying times with the sickness and death of her first husband due to cancer and her own intense back pain. She was a woman of faith and love. She was faithful to both of her husbands, to her three children, to her mother, to her co-workers, to those to whom she ministered at church. Even when suffering with extreme back pain, she always had a smile on her face.
One of the songs that was sung at this woman’s funeral was “Pass It On.” The words of the song begin: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with GOD’s Love, once you have experienced it. You’ll spread [GOD’s] love to everyone. You’ll want to pass it on.” This woman truly had experienced GOD’s love both in the joyful and sorrowful times in her life. She felt the need to pass GOD’s love on as she went about serving her family, her faith community, and her spheres of influence.
The challenge before me is to seek to pass on my experience of GOD’s love. It means I must avoid the temptation to try to think of myself as the most important, as the disciples did in today’s Gospel. I must continue to turn to the Lord Jesus, trust GOD, and realize that even in the midst of the most difficult moments of my life, GOD is with me, extending Divine Love to me. All I need do is focus on GOD’s love, let myself experience that love and then pass it on by serving others so they can warm up in the glow of GOD’s love that has begun as a spark in my life. A beautiful image of passing it on is when there is a candle service, such as the Easter Vigil, and all the candles are light from the Easter-Christ Candle and passed from one person to the next.
The readings are also appropriate this week, as we think about Lent beginning in a week. We are asked to reflect on our life as disciples and see what we need to do to improve ourselves during the Lenten season. We will have the opportunity to reflect upon our relationship with GOD and see how we might be more loving in our service of others, especially during the season of Lent.
The personal question/action for today: When have I experience a spark of GOD’s love in my life? How did it affect me? Have I been able to hold onto that flickering of love during trying and difficult times? Have I been willing to share the flame of GOD’s love with others? Who might benefit most today, this week, from my passing on GOD’s love?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You have put a spark of love in our lives through the various experiences in our lives. You have enkindled the flame in our hearts, if we but spend the time to reflect on how You have loved us. Even in the most trying times, You are with us, purifying us within the fire of Your love. We have sometimes failed to be patient while You have touched our lives with Your flaming love. Help us to focus on how You have loved us, and You pass it on as we spread that love to others, encouraging them in rough times, and supporting them with our love. We thank You for sending Your Love with skin on, so that we could identify with Your Love Incarnate. Through the power and inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, help us to pass on Your love by serving those who cross our paths. As always, we make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Love Incarnate, Who has demonstrated Your compassion for us through His own life of service, His death, and His resurrection. It is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Feb. 26. 2025 - Wed. of 7th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you continue to grow in wisdom and in your relationships – your relationship with GOD and your relationships with others.
It is so easy to judge others, especially before we really know them and try to understand from where they are coming and to where they are heading. We often assume we have the other people figured out and if they are not thinking and acting like us, then they must be in the wrong. We even are tempted to challenge GOD and GOD’s ways of acting. It all stems from not really “knowing” Who GOD is and who other people are. What we need is wisdom, the wisdom of GOD. The wisdom of GOD helps us see others the way GOD sees them, and accept them for who they are. The old native American saga is true: “We can never know another person without walking in their moccasins.”
Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin:
Readings: Sirach 4: 11-19; Psalm 119: 165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175; Mark 9: 38-40
The characteristics of a follower of GOD’s Wisdom are presented in the readings today. The Book of Sirach describes the benefits of seeking the Wisdom of GOD. The psalm proclaims the results of keeping GOD’s commands, that are made possible by, and lead back to, Wisdom. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples if others are doing GOoD things in His name, they should be considered co-workers even if they are not considered part of the “regular group.”
Wisdom is once again personified as a woman whom people seek. When people have a close relationship with Wisdom, they will experience GOoD flowing in their lives. They will have such gifts as life, position, glory, divine blessings, and love. What marked out the holy priests of old was that they were in touch with Wisdom. Wisdom was also the partner of the GOoD judges who made decisions that reflected the Wisdom of GOD. Those who have come to “know” Wisdom will be rewarded, and so also their children will experience GOD’s gifts. On the contrary, those who want nothing to do with Wisdom, will find life quite difficult.
In the longest psalm (Psalm 119) in the Bible, the psalmist extols the benefit of following the directives that GOD has given. Keeping the commands should be done, not to avoid punishment, but because obedience to GOD’s will brings joy, peace, and a sense of GOD’s salvation. Doing GOD’s will is part of having a relationship with the Wisdom of GOD.
In the Gospel, the apostle John encounters individuals who are performing miracles in the name of Jesus. As John explains how he tried to stop them, Jesus reassures John, and the other disciples, that those who do GOoD in the name of Jesus (in line with Jesus’ mission) are to be considered fellow servants in proclaiming the GOoD News.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how little I really “know” about GOD’s ways. I have had misunderstandings of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Instead of trying to expand my understanding of theological concepts, I should be seeking to “know” GOD’s Wisdom. That only comes from being in relationship with Jesus and His Abba-Father, in and through the Holy Spirit. Being obedient simply to avoid punishment is not what Wisdom is all about. Doing the right thing simply for the sake of saying that I did the right thing is missing the point. The point is to have an intimate, loving relationship with GOD and all that flows from GOD toward others. That is real Wisdom. It is no wonder the author of the Book of Sirach personifies Wisdom as a woman to be desired, a lover to be sought, a person who can enhance one’s life more than one can ever expect.
Yes, having an understanding of GOD’s precepts is GOoD, but if it does not lead to a closer relationship with GOD, it is useless. Rules and laws, in and of themselves, cannot save or bring eternal life. They are only signposts along the way, and they point to the GOD Who wants us to “know” the fullness (or as much of it as we can) of the divinity. Wisdom enables a person to “know” the purpose of the rules and laws – enhancing and edifying the lives of others – and then gives the direction to fulfill the purpose even beyond the required regulations.
I know I sometimes have acted like John in the Gospel. I have been upset when others (who have not been journeying along with me) act in the name of the Lord Jesus. In the past I have become suspicious of them and their motives. Now I am coming to a greater appreciation that if they are truly ministering in the name of the Lord Jesus, then they are fellow servants with me. The key phrase is “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That is the measuring stick that I need to use, not only when I look at what others are doing, but more importantly when I reflect on what I am about. Do I seek to serve others “in the name of the Lord Jesus”? That presumes that I have the wise, intimate relationship with the Master-Teacher, that is, that I am in contact with Him through reading the Word, praying, and being led by His Holy Spirit. I am also aware of others who are doing the GOoD that GOD intends without their ever mentioning the name of the Lord Jesus. These, too, I must respect and thank GOD for their loving service.
The readings challenge me to look, not at my actions, but at my relationship – my relationship first with the Lord Jesus and His Abba and also my relationship with others. I need to be sure that I am acting with true Wisdom, using the guidelines that GOD has given me. I should be doing it all to edify and build up others – all for the glory of GOD. If I can do that, then I can echo the words of today’s psalm and say, “Those who love Your law have great peace, and for them there is no stumbling block. . .Let my soul live to praise You!”
The personal question/action for today: What is my reaction when others with whom I may not be acquainted are doing GOoD deeds in the name of the Lord Jesus? How do I seek the Wisdom of GOD in my life? How can I bring the Wisdom of GOD to others today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and source of all wisdom. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to a deeper relationship with, and knowledge of, You and Your Way. You have given us signposts along the path to You. We have sometimes unwisely followed other paths because we have not taken seriously the pointers You have place along our trail. We have lacked the discernment to sense Your presence in the faithful activities of others who do not seem to be fellow journeyers with us. For our sinful and wrong decisions and judgments, we seek Your pardon and peace. You have sent Your Son and allowed us and others to work in His name for the spread of Your reign. May we always be open to the right judgment and discernment that flows from Your Holy Spirit. As always we lift up to You our prayer of praise and thanksgiving and we do it, as we should do all things, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is the Way back to You and Who is already living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Feb. 27. 2025 - Thu. of 7th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you sink your roots down deeply in the Lord Jesus so that you may draw the life-giving gifts and be strengthened to resist evil and assist those who need your help.
Have you ever met a radical person? What made the individual seem like a radical? Did you despise or admire the individual? Part of that depends on your definition of “radical.” If you look up “radical” in a dictionary you would get these definitions: 1) a person who holds or follows strong convictions or extreme principles; extremist; 2) a person who advocates fundamental political, economic, and social reforms by direct and often uncompromising methods. Most people are uncomfortable with radicals because they seem to go beyond the ordinary way of acting. Yet if we are radical followers of the Lord Jesus, we will go beyond the ordinary (worldly) way of acting and do what truly shows our strong conviction of being a disciple of the Master-Teacher. That does not mean we will act negatively towards others, but on the contrary, we will show to Whom we are committed by being just like our Master-Teacher.
Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows:
Readings: Sirach 5: 1-8; Psalm 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Mark 9: 41-50
Our scripture passages today give us quite a bit of food for thought concerning our attitudes toward living as a follower of the Lord Jesus. The passage from Sirach warns against certain vices that can destroy us. The psalm presents a more positive approach in describing the person who is virtuous. In the Gospel, Jesus gives both positive (things for which to strive) and negative (things to avoid) advice to His disciples.
The author of the Book of Sirach present vices that should be avoided. The attributes that should be shunned include seeking riches at all costs, proud living, presuming to be overly self-sufficient to the point of denying one’s need for GOD (presumption), trusting in things that cannot bring true salus (healing, wholeness, salvation), failing to be repentant. Acting in such ways can only lead to one’s own destruction when GOD judges with justice (mercy and anger).
On the flip side of such vices, the psalm presents the virtuous individual who trust completely in the LORD. Such an individual is compared to a tree that sinks its roots deeply down to the source of life-giving water. The virtuous individual, like the tree, will be able to withstand stormy weather, arid conditions, and still produce rich fruit, because the just person is rooted in the LORD.
Jesus begins today’s Gospel passage by proclaiming a just reward will be given to those who minister to anyone who has a relationship with the Lord Jesus. Following this, Jesus gives warning to those who do anything to scandalize (literally, “put a stumbling block in the way of”) the innocent. Jesus also cautions His disciples about avoiding anything that could cause them to sin. Sources of possible sinfulness should be removed so as to avoid the fires of Gehenna. [Gehenna is the Greek transliteration of Ge Hinnom (The Valley of Hinnom) that was just southeast of Jerusalem. In the Valley of Hinnom, the people of Jerusalem burned their trash. This dump site was always burning and produced a vile smell. It was often used as an image of the punishment for the damned.] Jesus ends today’s reading by speaking of two elements that can be both painful and also useful: salt and fire. Just as salt and fire are used in enhancing food and making them palatable, so GOD sometimes purifies, preserves, and sanctifies us with going through rough times so that our ministry can be more palatable in the mouths of those whom we are called to serve.
As I read the passages today, I realize how much I still must grow in the ways of the Lord Jesus. I have not always been radical – radical in the ways of the Lord Jesus. The words “radical” comes from the Latin word, radix, radicis which means “root.” I have not always sunk my roots down deep into the Lord Jesus, trusting that GOD would provide everything I really need. I have been as vicious (full of vices) as some of the people who were warned by the author of the Book of Sirach. I have sought my value in what I possess or in the honors I am given by others. I have sometimes presumed upon GOD’s unending mercy and so I have not striven to avoid certain bad habits that lead to sins. I figured, “Oh, GOD will forgive me!” and I have not tried to sink my roots into the life-giving waters that flow from the cross of Jesus. I have been a scandal to the faith of certain individuals, putting stumbling blocks in their paths of following the Lord Jesus. I have not always avoided “the near occasions of sin” but allowed myself to be in places where I could be tempted to do wrong. I have not been radical enough to completely trust GOD and sink my roots in Jesus. It is with increased prayer and reading of the Word and sharing with other “radically” (deeply rooted) faith-filled individuals that I can grow in relationship with the One Who is the Master-Teacher. As I continue to do that I will “know” the experience of the individual in the words of today’s psalm, “Blessed is [the one] who. . .delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on GOD’s law day and night.”
The personal question/action for today: What vices are still present in my life that prevent me from being even more open to the flow of GOD’s life-giving graces? In what areas do I need to sink my roots more deeply into the source of life that flows from the hands of GOD? How can I model my faith and reach out to others so that they can sense the benefits of being rooted in GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of life-giving growth, You call us to sink our roots deep within You. Yet, we have often sought to expand into areas that are not life-giving in the long run. For the times we have chosen to seek other values than Yours, we ask Your pardon and peace. Give us the strength and wisdom to follow the example of Your Son, Jesus, Who is the Master-Teacher from Whom we can learn the importance of being rooted in You. Allow the life-giving graces that flow from the waters of the Holy Spirit to touch the roots of our lives and give us the nourishment we need to produce a rich harvest, no matter what stormy or dry conditions surrounds us. We give You thanks and praise, in and through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Master-Teacher, Who is already living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Feb. 28. 2025 - Fri. of 7th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you continue to develop and grow in healthy, true, and blessed relationships, even when being a friend or concerned family members demands a lot of you.
A pastor I know often says, “At the end of the day, what really counts is relationships.” How true that is. Yet being in relationship is difficult and risky, and at the same time, it is also so enriching and joy-filled. When we are a true friend or a beloved family member, it demands we reach out beyond ourselves to the other. This is also true in our relationship with GOD. We are called to look beyond ourselves to the One Who loves us more than we could ever imagine. It requires us to place ourselves in GOD’s hands. We are called to be people of the GOD of relationships. We must reach out and be touched by GOD and we must also touch the lives of others, even though it may cost us all of what we have. Yet if do, we will experience a profound sense of what love truly is.
Blessed Daniel Brottier:
Readings: Sirach 6: 5-17; Psalm 119: 12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35; Mark 10: 1-12
The readings today speak about relationships. The passage from Sirach describes what qualities to seek in a friend and the value of a faithful friend. The psalm speaks of the relationship that exists between GOD and those who keep GOD’s commands. In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims the sanctity and permanence of a marital relationship.
The First Reading today gives us powerful insights into the value of friendship. We may know a lot of people, but the number of true friends will be limited because of that which binds true friends together. The binding force is not wealth or good times. A faithful friend will be there through GOoD times and bad times, especially when things get rough, or disagreements happen. A true friend is called “another self.” The passage urges care in whom one places one’s trust. One should avoid placing complete trust in mere passing acquaintances, but full confidence can be placed in a true friend. Having a relationship with a friend on whom one can trust is a blessing from GOD. And both will be in proper relationship with GOD.
The psalm refers to the relationship that flows from obeying GOD’s precepts. Obedience is much more than slavishly and strictly following the exact letter of the law. Obedience requires having a relationship with GOD and seeking to do what GOD desires, not necessarily what every human-made law demands. Seeking the will of GOD builds upon the relationship one has with the LORD and enhances the relationship.
In the Gospel, when confronted by His adversaries about the permission to break a marriage relationship through divorce, Jesus asks what scripture says about divorce. Being people who knew GOD’s Word verbatim, the religious leaders speak about Moses permitting divorce in Deuteronomy 24: 1. They knew that some of the later writings of the Hebrew Scriptures stressed the sanctity of marital faithfulness (such as in Hosea). By quoting the older passages in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible that are attributed to Moses), they were saying that Moses’ permitting divorce is more “authentic” than the more “modern” writings. Jesus remarks that Moses’ prescription in Deuteronomy were only Moses’ concession to the stubbornness and the hardness of the hearts of those who could not keep GOD’s first precepts concerning marriage. Jesus goes back even further to the first book of the Bible (Genesis), to the first few chapters, where GOD established a relationship between Adam and Eve, that is, that a husband and wife are joined together in a relationship established by GOD and no one is to separate what GOD has put together.
Relationships are a key part of religion. In fact, the word religion comes from the Latin re and ligio (“again” “binding” or “re-establishing a relationship”). Relationship is much more essential to GOD than laws and regulations. GOD desires that we be in relationship with one another through friendships, with a spouse through marriage, and with GOD through the faith covenant. Relationship is the essence of GOD within the Trinity itself. GOD is the relationship between the Abba-Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That relationship (which is Love) is what binds the three persons of the Trinity to each other. That love relationship is so powerful that GOD wanted to share that loving relationship with all of creation, especially with the climax of earthly creation, Adam and Eve, the “first humans.” GOD created Adam and Eve in the divine image. Part of the image of GOD placed within humans is the capability of being in relationship. GOD united Adam and Eve in a loving relationship so that they could reflect the love relationship that exists within GOD. Since GOD has created and blessed and given part of the divine relationship of love to the union of husband and wife, that union that comes from GOD is meant to be never ending, just as the relationship between the Abba, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is unending.
Another type of relationship that reflects the loving relationship of GOD is the bond of true friendship. Jesus gave the example of what that friendship relationship was all about both in His Word and His action. Jesus said, “No greater love does anyone have than to lay down one’s life for a friend” (John 15:13). Jesus did that very thing when He died on the cross for His friends, including us.
I am reminded of the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Jesus has demonstrated the type of friend relationship He has with us.
My response to all of this is to look at the relationships that I have in my life: my relationship to my friends, my relationship to my family, and most importantly, the relationship I have with GOD. I must commit myself to re-ligio – binding myself again to my friends, my family, and my GOD. In that sense, religion must be a continuous activity. I must keep on re-committing myself to what unites me with others. I must be willing, like Jesus, to lay down my life for others.
Having relationships is part of what makes us become reflections of the essence of GOD. Relationships can be one of the most trying aspects of being human and also one of the most blessed and joyful parts of being human. Relationships leave us open to being hurt, vulnerable to the rejection by the other (except rejection by GOD), and it also enriches our lives in ways that could never be, without having a deep connection with another.
I thought about this when I was called upon by a hospitalized friend to repeatedly go out of my way (emotionally, with time, and physically) to meet the friend’s need while the friend was hospitalized. I realized that I had to commit myself to doing what the friend needed to have done, even if it was inconvenient for me. And I had to do it with the mind of Jesus – that of being a joyful servant. It may not have been what I would do for happiness, but I did it with joy, for I knew it was what GOD would have me do. It was in doing so that I could resonate with the psalmist today and say, “Lead me in the path of Your commands, for in it I delight.”
The personal question/action for today: What relationships in my life are most important? What do I do to enhance the relationship(s)? What is the most challenging aspect of being in relationship? What is the most joy-filled part of being in relationship? What can I do today to enhance my relationship with an acquaintance? With a family member? With GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever faithful and desirous of being in relationship not only within Yourself, but also with us. Through Your GOoDness, You invite us to be people of relationships. You call us to re-ligio – to bind ourselves again – to You, to our loved ones, and to those whom You have placed along our paths. We have not always wanted to be committed to a relationship, for it demands a lot of us. Yet in making the decision to be with, and for others, You draw us into a closer bond with You. May we follow the example of Your Son and be willing to lay down our lives for others, for our family, and for You. For it is in being willing to do so that we will experience the fullness of life eternally with You. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher and our Friend, Who continues to guides us through the workings of the Holy Spirit, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Mar. 01. 2025 - Sat. of 7th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you confidently proclaim that you are a member of the family of GOD and treat others as your sisters and brothers.
I have been blessed to have had loving parents and a brother and also to have a very close relationship with other family members. To be part of a loving family is truly awesome. Yet there are times when I have been tempted to pretend that I was not related to them. It might have been when I did something wrong and I didn’t want someone to say to me, “That’s not what I expected of you. You are not acting like a member of our family.” Or it might have been when another member of my family was embarrassed to let others know that we were related. Yet, most of the time, the members of my family are proud to say that we are related and that we love one another. The bonds that have existed and still exist between us are so strong that I can only say, “thank You, GOD.” That feeling struck me eight years ago when I attended Alumni Day at our school and two of my family members spoke to the Middle School students. I was on the verge of tears of joy as I heard them speak so eloquently and proudly as alumni of the school.
I can say that also about being part of the family of GOD, having so loving a Divine Parent and Brother and also many other sisters and brothers who continue to demonstrate our GODly Family’s loving characteristics.
Saint David of Wales
Readings: Sirach 17: 1-15; Psalm 103: 13-14, 15-16, 17-18; Mark 10: 13-16
Once again, the readings focus on relationships. The First Reading is a summary of the relationship that GOD has established with humankind. The psalm compares GOD to a loving and compassionate parent who cares for children. In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates His love for children, going so far as to say that unless we who are adults have the simple, complete faith of a child, we will not be a part of the Reign of GOD.
The author of the Book of Sirach reviews the relationship that GOD has with humankind. It began at creation, continued through multiple covenants that created a binding connection between GOD and mortals again and again (re ligio - “to bind again”). GOD has given the Divine Spirit to humans and filled them with wisdom. GOD has placed humans over the rest of creation as caretakers. GOD has revealed the divine glory to mortals so that they could begin to realize how much GOD loves and cares for them and so that they would give glory and praise back to GOD.
The psalmist is moved by the love that GOD has for the Chosen People whenever the psalmist looks at the love and compassion human parents have for their children. The LORD obviously knows those who have come from GOD better than human parents know their own offspring. GOD has established a covenant relationship with the Chosen People, and GOD will never go back on the promises made, GOD will not forget the bond that exists between humankind and the LORD.
In the Gospel, Jesus chides His disciples for keeping children away from Him. Jesus gathers the children around Him and tells His followers that they must have the same kind of faith and trust in Him as the children do.
I remember when certain members of our family were in the primary grades at the school where I taught. Whenever they saw me on campus, they would run up to me and give me a big hug. They were not afraid to demonstrate their love for me. In fact, they seemed proud that I was their relative and that I was working at the same school where they were students. They were acting in a way that seemed to say to the other kids, “See this is a member of my family and he loves me so much.” They not only did not care what the other kids thought about their relationship with me, but also, they were almost boasting to the other children about their relationship with me.
That reminded me of the faith that Jesus spoke about when He said in today’s Gospel, “Let the children come to Me; do not prevent them, for the Reign of GOD belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Reign of GOD like a child will not enter it.”
We must be bold and demonstrative of our faith relationship with the Lord Jesus. We should not fear what others might think of us. We must stand up for our relationship with GOD and even boast about it, not in a sarcastic way or with an air of superiority, but in a bold, faith-filled, and loving way.
Yet many times, we seem almost embarrassed about our faith and our relationship with the Lord Jesus. We act more like some teenagers who are reluctant to show any connection with their family members. They do not want anyone to know who their relatives are.
As a child of GOD, I feel challenged to be more demonstrative concerning my relationship with GOD. GOD has loved me and has had (and still has) compassion for me. GOD not only created me in the divine image, but has given me the Divine Word, both in the Bible, and in the person of the Word Incarnate. It is in Jesus that I have been offered the gift of salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) which really means a deeper, everlasting relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. GOD has loved me even with all my sinfulness. Like a young child who knows no limit to the way of demonstrating love for a parent, I must be willing to boldly, proudly, and completely show how much I appreciate the relationship I have with GOD.
The personal question/action for today: How do I demonstrate that I am proud to be in relationship with GOD? Do people know Who my Abba and my Brother are by the way I live my life? Do they see any family resemblance in me that points back to Whose family I belong? What can I do to more boldly, proudly, and completely show how much I appreciate my relationship with GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving parent and provider, You have made us in Your own divine image and given us a share in Your life. Yet, as disobedient children, we have often ignored and even at times refused Your love, choosing to go our separate way, denying our connection with You. But as a patient and long-suffering Parent Who You are, You wait for us to come to our senses and return to You, seeking the forgiveness that Your Son has gained for us through His life, death, and resurrection. Continue to fill us with Your Holy Spirit of wisdom and understanding, courage and strength, so that we can openly profess our relationship with You and do all we can to bring ourselves and others closer to You. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the One Who has opened the door to Your home so that we can someday be with You in Your heavenly palace where Jesus is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Mar. 02. 2025 - Eighth Sunday in Ord. Time BACK
May you continue to reflect on your motives for speaking and actions, and may that lead you to say and do what GOD intends for you.
In my experience, many people talk and act without thinking things through. It is much easier to just react than to weigh the consequences of our words and deeds. It takes effort on our part to reflect on what GOD would have us do. If we seek to proclaim the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus, we must be willing to act like Him.
Saint Agnes of Bohemia:
Readings: Sirach 27: 4-7 Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16;
1 Corinthians 15: 54-58; Luke 6: 39-45
I came across a quote from Benjamin Franklin that summarizes the readings for today: “The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in heart.” The passage from Sirach reminds us that what comes out of the mouth gives us a clue to what a person thinks and feels. The First Reading also uses the analogy of the fruit produced by a tree is an indication of care that is taken of the tree. Paralleling this second image, the Responsorial proclaims that GOoD fruit produced by a tree is like person who is in a relationship with GOD. In the Second Reading, St. Paul reminds the believers in Corinth (and us today) that they (and we) must be devoted to the GOoD works of the Lord Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus also challenges His listeners to be the GOoD fruit by positively looking at oneself and seeing where one can improve and also speaking from a caring and loving heart.
Sirach is one of the Wisdom Books and was written in the early Second Century before the coming of Jesus. It used many literary tools to link wisdom, faith, and religious practices. It is not part of the Protestant Old Testament books, but it has been part of the canonical books of the Catholic Church. Today’s reading gives us a look into the importance of living out one’s faith by realizing the effect our words and action have on others and how our words give others a glimpse of who we really are and what is important in our lives. It uses the analogy of what is produced by a healthy tree. We probably call to mind the words, “By their fruit, you will know them” (cf. Matthew 7: 16-20). Thus, the author is reminding his readers and us that a person’s words are an indication of the person’s attitude and orientation.
The Responsorial uses a similar image of palm and cedar trees growing in the house of the LORD, bearing fruit. These trees produce and grow well. The allusion of being “planted in the house of the LORD” and “flourishing in the courts of our GOD” can refer to being grounded and rooted in GOD and thus having GOoD growth.
In today’s Second Reading, St. Paul tells the people of Corinth that even if they face trying times, if they remain unwavering in their faith as they do the work that GOD has given to them, then their work will be fruitful. As we have read over the past few Sundays, Paul wants the believers then (and now) to focus not on themselves but on edifying and building up the Church, the Body or Christ. Paul has already told them that their gifts (charismata) are for the GOoD of all believers and the greatest gift is that of agape (unconditional love for others). In the selection for today, he goes on to say that if they use the gifts, especially agape-love, they will be clothed with immortality – eternal life.
The Gospel today has three parts: 1) an analogy speaking about the need for an “insightful” teacher rather than a mere fellow, blind traveler along the road of faith; 2) a challenge to examine one’s one life before criticizing others (using the analog of a person with a plank of wood in her/his eyes, trying to remove a splinter from another person’s eye); and 3) a reminder that we can only produce GOoD fruit if we act out of the GOoDness of our whole being. Jesus is challenging His disciples (past and present) to strive to be GOoD by reflecting on their lives and seeing how they can improve and bear the GOoDness that GOD has given them.
What strikes me in today’s readings is the need to consciously look at our relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. As we do that, we need to focus on what GOoD gifts GOD has bestowed on us and how we have used those gifts for not only our betterment, but also for the betterment of others. That takes work, diligently searching our own lives.
Too many people speak and act without contemplating how their words and behavior affect others. Or, if they do think about what they say and do, they don’t realize that they are motivated by selfish pursuits and interests rather than seeking to assist others by lovingly serving them. Faith in action takes a consciousness on our part. We must be aware of how GOD has blessed us. Then we must use those blessings to edify and build up others so they can realize the love that GOD has for them. Yet so often we act and speak out of foolish ways, rather than wisely looking to where our heart is and correcting any errors in our approach to living out our faith.
The personal question/action for today: Do I sometimes speak without taking the time to reflect on my motives? Are my words and actions in reference to others motivated by selfish desires or truly loving concern for their edification? What further steps should I take to examine my words and actions and see if they are producing GOoD fruit? What can I do to enrich the life and growth of others this week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all that is GOoD. You continue to bless us with opportunities for growth by giving us gifts that we use in our service of others. Yet, we have often focused only on our desires and failed to see how we can reach out to others and work for their betterment. Forgive us for the times we have spoken and acted without fully reflecting on what You would have us say and do. Help us to look to Jesus, Your Son, our Master-Teacher, and follow His example of loving service. Continue to gift us with the wisdom that comes from Your Holy Spirit so that we can be the persons You want us to be. To You we lift up this prayer of praise and thanksgiving, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Mar. 03. 2025 - Mon. of 8th Week in Ord. Time (in the United States - Opt. Mem. of St. Katharine Drexel) BACK
May you realize what richness you already have and be willing to share that with others.
Riches are not just the acquired wealth or investments in land or items which we have. Riches are those values that we hold dearly. If our riches are not “of the Lord,” then those other riches prevent us from deepening our relationship with GOD and with others. Any values that take us away from being in touch with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, and with others, those values are “addictions” – things to which we become physically or emotionally attached and prevent us from doing GOD’s will. We must be willing to let go of all the riches that hinder us from being who GOD wants us to be. The only true riches are those that come from the Lord Jesus and enable us to lovingly serve our GOD as we tend to the needs of others.
Saint Katharine Drexel
Readings: Sirach 17: 20-29; Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 6, 7; Mark 10: 17-27
The readings seem to be preparing us for Lent which begins in two days. The scripture passages for this day challenge us to take seriously our faith relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father. Part of that relationship demands that we turn from sin (Sirach and Responsorial Psalm) and be willing to become a disciplined follower of the Lord Jesus (Gospel). Thus, our relationship with GOD is more than intellectual agreement to certain truths, it demands a commitment to GOD from our whole being (mind, heart, soul, and body).
The reading from Sirach seems to remind us that repentance is something on which we focus during Lent, but also all year long. We are asked to turn away from sin and turn back to GOD. If we come into GOD’s presence seeking GOD’s forgiveness, GOD will bring a sense of hope.
The psalm also focuses on the forgiveness of GOD, reminding those who hear these sacred words that they can have their sins forgiven and should rejoice in being drawn into a closer relationship with the LORD.
In the Gospel, Jesus points out to His disciples that one of the lures that takes us away from GOD is the desire for possessions. It is only when we are willing to forsake all that hinders us from following Jesus that we can experience the fullness of the riches of the Reign of GOD. The willingness to renounce our belongings is the first step for some in completely following the Lord Jesus.
The readings challenge me to look at my lifestyle. I must be willing to die to my old, sinful selfishness in order to celebrate the new life that is promised by Jesus’ resurrection. The more I am willing to reject my sinful ways and remove any hindrances to following Jesus, the more I will be able to be one with the Risen Lord.
The readings give us some practical advice. We must admit our sinfulness to GOD, and we need to seek GOD’s pardon and forgiveness. That will bring us a new sense of joy. Sin is “missing the mark” – the mark of being right on target with GOD. Sin is not just those times when we have consciously chosen to aim in a direction diametrically opposed to GOD (a theos) and therefore are mortally killing our relationship with God. Sin is also the little things that prevent us from hitting the center of our aim (GOD). Thus, those little things (as compared to mortal sins) are venial sins. It can be our own miscalculations or lack of strength which cause us to veer slightly off the straight and narrow path to GOD. We must honestly present our sins to the Lord Jesus, and we must ask for GOD’s healing (forgiveness) of those sins.
Yet, admitting our sins also includes looking at our lives and seeing to what “riches” we still cling. “Riches” are not just money or possessions. “Riches” are those aspects of our lives that have so much importance to us that we do not want to let them go fully. They are those things that prevent us from completely being a disciple of the Lord Jesus. It can be some “addictions” we have, such as overly “rich” food, excessive drinking (and I am not referring to just alcohol drinks – some people are hooked on soda), television watching, Internet usage, over-indulgent self-pleasure. The key thing about an addiction is it is something that controls our lives and does not allow us to give ourselves fully to the Lord Jesus. When we think about “riches” this way, it is no wonder that the disciples of Jesus in today’s Gospel respond the way they do when Jesus explains how hard it is for a “rich” person to get into Reign of Heaven. The disciples ask, “Well, then who can be saved?” We all have riches (addictions) that take hold of our lives. In and of ourselves, there is no human way to let go of our “riches.” Yet, Jesus gives us the only way out of our addiction to whatever “riches” control our lives. He says, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for GOD. For GOD, all things are possible.”
Let us spend time looking honestly at our lives. Let us seek GOD’s forgiveness for our sins. Not only can we ask GOD to bring us pardon, but also, we can, and should, ask GOD to give us the strength to let go of those “riches” that prevent us from completely following the Lord Jesus. And then we will be able to rejoice with the words of the psalmist today and say, “Happy are those whose sins are forgiven. . .You (, LORD,) preserve me from trouble; You surround me with glad cries of deliverance!”
The personal question/action for today: To what “riches” do I cling, thus preventing me from fully experiencing the richness of the Reign of GOD in my life? How can I let go of those “riches” and be more open to the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus? Can my letting go of “riches” allow me to be more giving to those who need my assistance? What can I do today to enhance the lives of another person with the richness of the Reign of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever forgiving and all-powerful. Through Your GOoDness, You have made us realize our struggle in following You and committing our lives to You. We are so easily distracted by false lures of temporary pleasure and passing wealth that we fail to see the fullness of the riches You have in store for us in the completeness of Your Reign. We have at times “missed the mark” and sinned, turning fully or partially away from You. We seek Your pardon and forgiveness. We have surrounded ourselves with earthly “riches” that have prevented us from fully following You and Your Son, Jesus. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us strength and make it possible for us to be true followers and disciples of Your Son. Fill us with the joy of Your riches and move us to continually and perpetually give You thanks and praise. We make this prayer in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Brother and Master-Teacher, and Who temporarily was willing to give up the riches of Your Reign in heaven, in order to give us an example of letting go of our riches, so that we could one day experiences the fullness of Your luxurious Reign. It is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Mar. 04. 2025 - Tue. of 8th Week in Ord. Time BACK
May you seek to deepen your relationship with the Lord Jesus and with others by being willing to spend time with those with whom you have a relationship and not just by performing actions that fulfill requirements.
As an educator, my desire has always been that the students develop a love for learning and a desire to explore information, in the process of bettering themselves and those around them. I have been frustrated when those whom I am instructing say such things as, “Will this be on the test?” or “What do I have to do to earn an ‘A’ in the class?” They are concerned only in what is the minimal requirements they have to fulfill in order to get a positive grade. They are not interested in learning and growing so that they can be better, more well-rounded individuals. They see the immediate concern is to do well in the class in order to obtain a positive grade. The fact that they might find the process of learning and developing relationship, which could enhance their future life and be a source of helping others, is not what they see as important.
GOD wants us to grow and learn from life experiences and become better individuals and develop a relationship with the Lord Jesus and with others. We have been given rules and commandments not as hoops we must jump through, but to help us become who GOD wants us to be.
Happy “Fat Tuesday” or as they say in French, “Mardi Gras”! Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday.
Saint Casimir:
Readings: Sirach 35: 1-12; Psalm 50: 5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23; Mark 10: 28-31
Our readings remind us that almsgiving and charitable acts are to be practiced as a response to what GOD has already done for us. Our First Reading and Responsorial Psalm speak about the importance of offering to GOD a sacrifice of loving service rather than ritualistic offerings. In the Gospel, the disciples question Jesus about their “reward” for giving up some of their former ways of life and following Him.
The author of the Book of Sirach praises the life of those who act with justice and charity. Caring for others, giving to the poor, treating people properly is more pleasing to GOD than animal sacrifices. Offering animals to GOD is not as demanding of the person as are continual actions of loving others. Charity is actually more reflective of a person’s mind set than giving money so an animal can be killed and offered to GOD.
In the Gospel, after Peter asks Jesus about how he and the other disciples will benefit from their giving up family and jobs to follow Him, Jesus promises to bless them and multiply what they have given up by giving them more in this life. He also promises some other fringe benefits of being His disciples: persecution and eternal life.
As I reflect on the readings, I realized how much of a cop-out it can be for people to just do things ritualistically. It does not necessarily demand much of them as individuals. Being kind, generous, thoughtful to others is much more challenging than following some external ceremony. Acting in a just and caring way is not limited to the hour of sacrifice, but it is an all day and all-night activity.
I was reminded of a comparison a while ago when individuals were giving gifts on a certain occasion in a person’s life. Most people who gave gifts were not sure what to give the honoree. It was easier for them to give generic gifts, such as money or gift cards. Yet a few individuals took the time to thoughtfully consider who their friend was and what was special to the receiver, and then they gave an appropriate gift. It took more of those who went out of their way to select the special gift that was personal.
As members of the Body of Christ, we are asked to think about ways we can personalize our relationship with the Lord Jesus by reaching out to the other members of the Body of Christ. The Church lifts up the value of the acts of charity, self-deprivation, and times of prayer. And we will hear more about this tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) and throughout the Lenten season. It takes more work on our part to think about what I should cut out of my life in order to enable me to give more to others and grow in my relationship with GOD (which is what prayer is all about). I can’t just say, “I went to church and gave my donation on Sunday, so that takes care of my ‘caring service’ for the week.” It is much more difficult to look at my life and realize that I have to empty myself of certain bad habits and practices, and I need to see what I can do to be more giving of my time, talent, and treasure to those who are in need of my help. It is more demonstrative of my relationship with the Lord Jesus to focus on the relationships I have gained by my time with the Master-Teacher through reading His Word, listening and talking to Him, and reaching out and loving others as He has loved me.
The readings speak about the fact that GOD will re-pay us for what we do. That should not be why we do what we do, but it should be a bonus we receive. The main purpose of our actions at all times should be to give glory to GOD and to give witness to the loving care that the Lord Jesus has already shown to us. That is why we should seek to draw closer to Jesus and act lovingly towards others. That should be the sacrifice we offer to GOD, or as GOD says in the psalm: “Offer to GOD praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. The one who offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies Me; and to the one who goes the right way I will show the salvation of GOD.”
The personal question/action for today: What has been my attitude toward offering GOD praise as my sacrifice? Do I try to jump through the right hoops, hoping that GOD will reward me for my doing it right? Or do I seek to deepen my relationships with the Lord Jesus and others because GOD has already blessed me with those relationships? What can I do to help bring the love of GOD to someone today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and kind. Through Your GOoDness, Your continual remind us of our relationship with You. You deserve all our sacrifices and all our praise. Repeatedly You have told us that You desire the sacrifice of our praise in living loving and caring lives as disciples of Your Son, Jesus. He has asked us to love one another as He has loved us. Yet, human as we are, we have wanted to jump through certain hoops to say that we have fulfilled the requirements. We have wanted to say, “Yes, I did all things I was supposed to do, I checked off all the things I was supposed to do. Where is my reward?” You seek not the results of our doings, but a relationship with You and through You and Your Son, relationships with Your other adopted daughters and sons. For the times we have missed out on being with You and others because we thought we had to be doing, we ask for Your forgiveness and healing. Help us to focus on what will enhance our relationship with You and with our brothers and sisters. May we lovingly and freely choose to empty ourselves of those things that hinder the deepening of those relationships. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower us to be generous with all that You have given to us. We lift up this prayer of praise and honor to You, in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
March 5, 2025 Ash Wednesday BACK
Saint John Joseph of the Cross:
Readings: Joel 2: 12-18; Psalm 51: 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17; 2 Corinthians 5: 20 - 6: 2; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Our First Reading is a call to repentance (μετάνοια - metanoia). All the
people are asked to return to the LORD and seek forgiveness for their sins and
practice acts of mortification: fasting and refraining from pleasurable acts. They
are to ask GOD to spare GOD’s holy people from the punishment that they
deserve for their sinfulness. And GOD relents from punishing the people.
The psalm builds on this theme of repentance with the refrain: “Be merciful,
O LORD, for we have sinned.” It, too, is a plea to GOD to look beyond the
sinfulness of the past and to bring a new, clean heart to the people.
In his Second Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul tells the people to be
reconciled with GOD. He reminds them that now is the time – now is the day of salvation.
In our Gospel today, Jesus speaks of three signs of a change of heart (metanoia): almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. He also
warns that these penitential acts must not be done ostentatiously (to show off), but must be done privately so only GOD is aware of
the deeds.
Yes, we are beginning the great penitential season of the Church Year – Lent. Lent comes from an old English word, lencten,
that means “lengthening” of daylight or “springtime.” In medieval England, Spring began on February 7. Even though we are over
a month away from the modern season of Spring, we are called to look from the deadness of winter to the new life of spring. Yet,
to get to the new life, we must be willing to go through mortification – a certain dying to self. And the reason for this mortification
is because we are sinful people. We have not always had GOD as our focus, and we have not always been aiming toward GOD.
Our readings speak of ways of changing our directions (metanoia or repentance). It should be both a community response
(First Reading) and an individual response (Gospel). We need to acknowledge our sinfulness, our missing the mark, our being a- theos (away from GOD). We also need to ask GOD to help us to re-orient ourselves to being ad-Deum (toward GOD). And we
are reminded that now is the time to spend our energy and efforts on this change of direction.
Today is Ash Wednesday, a day when we are marked with an ashen cross on our foreheads to
remind us to be people who live by the cross, individuals who are but ashes in the overall picture,
but persons who can make a difference if we align ourselves with the all-mighty and ever-
forgiving GOD. Ashes have been a sign of repentance for many millennia. They signify our
insignificance and our ultimate destiny without GOD – returning to the dust of the earth as ashes
from fires used to be spread on the land. With GOD, however, there is a chance for new life,
fuller life, eternal life.
So, what does all this mean for us in a practical way? We are called to look at our lives and see
where we are headed, not just in our daily living, but also in the ultimate view of the world. We
need to look at our relationship with GOD and with others and see where we have missed the
mark (sinned), and what we must do to get back on target (ad Deum - toward GOD). And this
whole process must be done, but not in showy way so that people will say: “Oh, look, at that
person, they are doing penance.” We must put into practice the acts of mortification spoken of in
today’s Gospel: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting.
Almsgiving should be more than just
giving money to a charitable organization,
such as to those who people who are experiencing financial difficulties or
suffering from disasters or illnesses, or from military or terrorist attacks. It
should be a giving of our time, talent, and treasure to furthering the Gospel
(GOoD News) of Jesus the Christ. A pastor speaks about “not giving to a
need, but rather our having a need to give.” We all need to give of ourselves, just
as Jesus gave of Himself during His earthly existence. He did not have to give
of Himself. He freely chose to give of Himself, to leave His rightful place in
heaven, to become human like us, and to give His life on the cross – for us. And
we need to give of ourselves in a similar manner, and it needs to be done in
cheerful and joyful manner (2 Cor. 9: 7), not causing people to take note of us,
but in a way of which only GOD is aware. Almsgiving is the unconditional
giving of ourselves to better and edify ourselves and others. It means that
other people are more important than our things, our possessions. It is as
much an attitude of our minds as an action of our living. Or better put, the
attitude of our mids should flow into our action of giving. Thus, in a parish I know, they talk about G.R.A.C.E., that is Gracious Response According to
Christ’s Embrace. We have been graced by GOD, Jesus has embraced us, and so we need to graciously respond to what the Lord Jesus, His Abba-Father, and the Holy Spirit have done for us.
Prayer is the way we relate to GOD. We must do ACTS. We are called to Adore GOD, acknowledge GOD for all of Who GOD is. We must be Contrite – recognizing who we are in GOD’s sight – sinful, less than we could be, in need of GOD’s help. We must be people of
Thanksgiving who proclaim our gratefulness to GOD for all GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do in our lives. We must be people of Supplication – asking GOD’s help for others and for ourselves. Prayer is not just words we say, it is our attitude about GOD – our relationship with GOD. It is not just something we do an hour on Sunday and before meals, it is who we are at every moment of every day, in our relationship with GOD and with others.
Fasting is doing without. It is not just doing without food; it is the emptying of ourselves of all that is blocking our focusing on GOD.
We do without, so that we can be filled with GOD and with gifts from GOD. It is looking at what we have, and realizing that what we
have (possessions, food, habits) may be preventing us from being in touch with our GOD, at least as fully as we can be. And it also
implies that as we empty ourselves of those possessions, attitudes, and values to which we cling, we also must open ourselves and let
GOD fill us with what we truly need to be faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus. Let go – and let GOD!
So, what can I (and you) do for Lent? I am going to work on one thing each day of Lent. I am consciously going to choose how I might
focus more on GOD each day. For example, I will see what is something I value, and see how I might share that with at least one other
person. That is almsgiving, sharing something I value with another. One day it might be money. I might try to give to some charity. It
might be donating blood to a blood bank. On another day, it could be my time. I might share some of my time with someone who needs
me, even if it is only done virtually online. Another day, I will see how I might be more aware of GOD in my life. It may mean I will
turn off my favorite television show, and I will spend time reading scripture or a spiritual book. It may mean I stop some of my regular
activities and just sit in the presence of GOD. It may mean I think of someone who is going through a rough time and spend time lifting
that person up in my prayer time with GOD or spending time with him/her by whatever means available to me and that person. Another
day, I might fast from doing something I like, for example searching the Internet for interesting information, and instead I will write a
letter to someone with whom I have been meaning to correspond.
My Lenten journey will be filled with concentrated, short-term acts of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. I might write them down in a
journal, so that at Easter, I can look back and see where I have been going on my Lenten travels. Not in the sense of saying that I did a
GOoD job, but to see where I have grown in my relationship with GOD and my interaction with others. I might also share my Lenten
experiences with one other person, a spiritual advisor or friend, so that the other person can help me to travel along with the Lord Jesus as
I go through Lent. This other person will encourage me and challenge me so that I stay focused on the Lord Jesus and by becoming a
more faithful disciple (disciplined learner) of the Master-Teacher.
Lent is a special time in which we can dedicate ourselves to looking at who we are in GOD’s sight and getting back on target. It is a time
of dying with Christ, putting to death anything that is not helping me draw closer to GOD. It is a “springtime” of renewal so we really
will be able to celebrate the new life of the Risen Lord on Easter. And now is the time that is being lent to us as a new “springtime” and
“lengthening” of day with the Lord Jesus and His sisters and brothers, in order to put ourselves on this journey of faith.
The personal question/action for today: How am I going to make Lent a time of drawing closer to the
Lord Jesus? What forms of almsgiving can I perform besides just giving money? From what can I fast so
that I will have time to be with the Lord Jesus and be filled with the blessings that GOD has in store for me?
In what extra ways will I spend time in prayer during Lent? How can I help others have a more spiritual
experience of Lent this year?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, almighty and ever-forgiving, willing to relent the punishment we deserve for our sins, if we but turn
to You. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that we draw closer to You through this Lenten season. You call us to honestly look at our
lives and see what it is that blocks us from fully following Your Son as He leads us to a closer relationship with Him and with You, in
union of the Holy Spirit. Help us to repent of our sins, turn our lives more fully towards You. You ask us to participate in the suffering
and death of Your Son, Jesus, as we die to ourselves through acts of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Help us to stay focused so that at
the end of this Lent, we will be able to share in the newness of life that comes from the Risen Lord. We make this prayer through Jesus,
Your Son, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who has gone before us in His suffering and death, and Who is the Resurrection and New
Life, and Who is living and reigning with You, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 6, 2025 Thursday after Ash Wednesday BACK
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/030625.cfm
Saint Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-mary-ann-of-jesus-of-paredes
Readings: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Psalm 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Luke 9: 22-25
The readings remind us that GOD is presenting us with choices. In the First
Reading, GOD lays out the two choices that the Israelites have: life with GOD
through obedience to GOD’s precepts, or death through disobedience. The
Responsorial Psalm proclaims that those who walk in the way of the LORD are
truly blessed for they have a source of life from the Author of all life. In the
Gospel, Jesus invites His disciples to freely follow Him in order to experience
life, even in the midst of suffering and death.
As Moses draws close to the Promised Land that he knows he will not enter,
he gives the Israelites a simple choice: life or death. Life comes from being in a
relationship with GOD, death flows from turning one’s back on GOD. When
presented with such a choice it seems hard to believe that people would choose
the path to death.
The Responsorial Psalm compares those who place their trust in the LORD to
a tree that is planted near running water. Such a tree is able to sink its roots deep
down and draw moisture from the aquifer even in dry seasons. So those who are
rooted in the LORD draw life- sustaining power from the LORD when the dry and barren times come in their lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus informs His disciples that His mission
includes suffering and death at the hands of others. In union with
Him, those who wish to be His followers must be willing to suffer
and die in order to have real life. The choice is laid out before them.
They (and we) must make the sometimes (in the short run) painful
decision to follow the Lord Jesus and, therefore, experience joyful
life that will last forever.
As I reflect on these readings, I am reminded that I have the
same choice: life or death. True life is life with GOD forever. Yet it
comes as a result of being willing to die to self so as to live for GOD. This season of Lent allows us to see what
aspects of our lives need to die – those items or parts that prevent us from completely following the Lord Jesus.
Acts of self-denial and generously giving help to others are two ways to rid our lives of the unnecessary parts of
our life, so we can then focus on being true disciples of the Lord Jesus.
I can remember as a child that it was suggested to me to “give up” things during Lent. Some of the things that
I gave up were sweets, desserts, and/or going to the movies. Making these “sacrifices” did help me to focus on the
sacrifices Jesus made for me. That’s what I thought was the reason I was asked to “give up” my favorite things.
Yet there is even more to it than experiencing deprivation so we can think about the sacrifices Jesus made for us.
We are called to empty ourselves not just of our favorite things, but also of those things that can prevent us from
completely following the Lord Jesus. That can include our addictions (even minor ones to television, or the
Internet, or major ones to alcohol, drugs, illicit relationships), our negative attitudes toward others, our pride, our
seeking to be something that may seem important, but that actually distracts us from deepening our relationship
with GOD and with others.
This is a great time to also perform positive actions to improve our relationships with GOD and others. It can
include spending more time in prayer, reading scripture and other religious texts (rather than watching television),
listening to recordings or Christian music that will help me focus on GOD’s life with me (rather than listening to
the “regular” radio as it promotes values other than GODly ones). I personally use YouTube and choose Lenten
music.
Lent should be a working retreat – a time to continue the essential and required part of our lives (such as work,
school, and relationship with others) – but also a time of withdrawing from our regular routine, at least those parts
of our routine that may not be totally GOD-centered. It means going out into the “desert” place in our lives,
putting aside the non-essential activities, and spending more time in developing our relationship with GOD.
It can also be a time to develop our human relationships with those whom GOD has placed in our lives. So
often, we do not really invest time and energy in our dealings with other people. We expect others to be attentive
to us, but we do not pay much attention to them. Lent is a GOoD time to see how we relate more to others. We
can mortify (die to) ourselves by being more life-giving and life-sustaining to those we encounter regularly and
even those we encounter only occasionally.
If we can spend less time and energy on ourselves and more time and energy on our relationships with GOD
and others, then we will be disciples of the Lord Jesus because we will be manifesting our decision to choose life –
eternal life with GOD – rather than the death that comes with mere human existence focusing on ourselves.
The choice is yours and mine. You and I can make these forty days a time of renewal and dedication to life, or
just a time of sticking with the status quo and not growing in the Lord Jesus. I join with Moses in today’s First
Reading and urge you to “choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your
GOD, heeding GOD’s voice, and holding fast to the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: What plans have I made to make this Lent
a time of a working “spiritual retreat”? What things do I need to “give up” in order to
empty myself of my selfishness and open myself more fully to GOD? What negative
aspects of my interrelating with others need to die, so that I can celebrate the life of the
other people with whom I come in contact? How can I help others think about
choosing life (eternal life with GOD) rather than the mere death that comes at the end
of our time on earth?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever desirous of giving us life. Through Your GOoDness, You want us to freely
choose life with You. You have given us free will to make decisions. You know what is best for us and You have
presented the options before us, but You want us to show our desire to be with You by acting in a way that may be
challenging, but that will ultimately result in life with You. We often get sidetracked and choose temporary and
seemingly apparent “goods,” but they lead us away from You. For those times we have made wrong choices and
sinned, we ask for Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the power and inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, give us
the strength to follow the lead of Your Son, Jesus, Who calls us to be His disciples. We make this prayer through
Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who has gone before us in His suffering and death, and Who is
the Resurrection and New Life, and Who is living and reigning with You, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only
GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
March 7, 2025 Friday after Ash Wednesday BACK
(Optional Memorial of Saints Felicitas and Perpetua)
Saints Perpetua and Felicity:
Readings: Isaiah 58: 1-9a; Psalm 51: 3-4, 5-6, 18-19; Matthew 9: 14-15
If the theme, and even the readings, sounds familiar, they are. We
again focus on the theme of fasting today. Fasting was mentioned in
the readings two days ago on Ash Wednesday. Psalm 51 is used
throughout Lent, and it was used on Ash Wednesday.
In the reading from
Isaiah, the people are
complaining to GOD: “Why
do we fast, and You [,
GOD,] do not see it? We
afflict ourselves, and You
take no note of it.” GOD
responds by pointing out to them that their fasting leads to quarreling and fighting. The fasting
that GOD desires should lead to freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, sheltering the
homeless, and clothing the naked – that is, to acts of compassion, love, and mercy – sounding
similar to the Beatitudes.
In the Gospel, Jesus also talks about fasting. He reminds the disciples of John the
Baptist that while the Groom is present, the wedding guests do not fast. When the Groom is
gone, then fasting is appropriate. Jesus used the analogy to speak of His disciples not fasting while He was present with them. Yet when
they experience His absence, it will give them cause to fast.
Fasting, therefore, should not be just doing with less or no food. Although that might be healthy for some of us, myself included, so
that we might lose weight, the real purpose of fasting is not that. Fasting is the emptying of those aspects of our lives that hinder us from
the full awareness of the Lord Jesus’ presence with us and the awareness of what GOD wants us to do with our lives, particularly in
respect to others and their needs.
If our fasting from food, or other pleasures in our lives,
leads us to being grouchy or angry or fighting with others, it is
not the fasting GOD wants. That was part of the point of
the First Reading. Fasting should allow us to cleanse
ourselves of what is surplus in our lives, even that which we
think we need, and focus on people who are in real need:
the oppressed, the hungry, the homeless, the naked. I was
reminded of that a year ago when many people in Southern
California lost everything in the fires the destroyed
thousands of homes. We are to open our eyes to those
suffering not only in our local communities but anywhere in
the world. This idea is incorporated in practices that we
should be doing on regular basis – the Spiritual and
Corporal Works of Mercy
Fasting should lead us to helping others and also to
remind us of the need to remove the excesses in our lives. If we cling to anything that prevents us from seeing GOD and GOD’s
presence in the lowly, then we need to let go of it.
A few years ago, in one of the OCIA sessions that I facilitate on Sundays, the participants shared how they have been more
conscious of those who were on the fringe of society. I felt reassured as I heard the way members of the group had reached out to those
in need. One person shared how she had bought and shared food with a homeless person at a fast-food restaurant. Another related that
she, in her job, deals with the mentally disabled persons and she sees her actions not just as a way to pay the bills, but a mission to care
for those who sometimes have no one else to fight their fights.
Another way of looking at fasting is to say that when we do not sense the presence of the Lord Jesus in our lives, that is the time we
need to empty ourselves of whatever is blocking our awareness of His presence and re-fill ourselves with the reality of GOD being with
us. It should also open our eyes to the needs of others. As we look to those less fortunate, we will see the Lord Jesus, for Jesus unites
Himself with the deprived and needy. Fasting from food, from pleasurable activities (such as movies and television and time on other
electronics), and from spending money, should lead us to be more giving to others in a way that we would not have been if we had not
fasted.
At a men’s Bible Study, some of the participants shared how they are more aware of the Lord Jesus as they feed the poor, and give
them gloves, coats, and sleeping bags, especially during these winter months. They mentioned how blessed and filled with grace they
experience as they reach out to the needy. They also share the Word of GOD with the lowly and poor as they share food and clothing. In
another Bible Study that same week, the participants in the Bible Study shared how being a listening ear is important. We have had
experiences to the one to whom we are listening, but we should not say such things as, “been there, done that,” and then stop listening to
the person suffering. We need to be empathetic, sympathetic, compassionate (all words the in the original Greek and Latin mean,
“suffering with” the person who is speaking, and identifying with their challenging times.
Thus, if we spend a day fasting from food, or at least cutting some of the “extras” out, we could use the money to donate to a food
bank. Fasting from watching a movie or a favorite television show, could allow us time to spend visiting a sick friend, or to reading
scripture, or to writing a letter to someone. Fasting from spending money could give us a little more to share with a charity, particularly
one that is trying to meet the needs of the unfortunate. And as we empty ourselves and focus on others, we will have a new and better
awareness of GOD working in our lives.
Today we should think of some way we can empty ourselves, let go of something (even of “our” time), so that we can give it to
someone else, someone who needs it. In doing so we will experience the Lord Jesus being with us and uniting us to another person. We
will both be blessed and enriched not only with doing without the “thing” but with a greater awareness of GOD’s presence. Fasting
should allow us to empty ourselves so that we can be filled with GOD’s love and GOD’s presence, that we in turn share with others.
The personal question/action for today: What “things” in my life do I need to let go of – “things” that
prevent me from being more open to GOD’s presence? How can I use my emptiness to share with others
those gifts with which the Lord Jesus fills me? Who might benefit most from my “fasting” this week? During
the rest of Lent? Throughout my life?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present with us. Through Your GOoDness, You bless us with many signs of Your love. We
sometimes become more attached to the signs of Your love rather than to You, the Giver of the signs and gifts. We surround ourselves
with things, and we fail to develop the relationship with You and with others. Help us to do with less things, and to devote ourselves
more to relationships – with You and with those who cross our paths, especially those who need our assistance the most. Instill in us the
desire to fast. As we fast, help us focus not on ourselves and the deprivation we experience, that could lead us to resentment, anger, and
frustration. Rather, help us see that as we empty ourselves of “things,” we can be filled with Your love and share that love with others.
We thank You for giving us Your Son, Who has lived a life of fasting from things and giving to others. May we follow the example of our
Master-Teacher and give glory to You. We pray this in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and
reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 8, 2025 Saturday after Ash Wednesday BACK
(Optional Memorial of St. John of God)
Readings: Isaiah 58: 9b-14; Psalm 86: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 5: 27-32
Our spiritual health is the focus of the readings today,
as I see it. The passage from Isaiah gives us a prescription
of what we should do to maintain our spiritual health. The
Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Divine Physician Who
is concerned about our spiritual (and physical) well-being.
Our First
Reading from Isaiah
is a continuation of
yesterday’s reading.
The prophet Isaiah
continues to remind
us that if we turn away from our evil ways, then GOD will renew us and
restore us.
The Gospel account of Jesus’
calling of the tax collector, Levi
(Matthew), and his banquet for Jesus gives
us Jesus’ words: “The healthy do not need a doctor, sick people do. I have not
come to invite the self-righteous to a change of heart, but sinners.”
As I reflect on these readings, I recall a visit to the doctor’s office a couple
of years ago. I did not feel unhealthy, but I knew that I should go in for my
check-up. It also gave me an opportunity to see why I have been feeling the
way I had been feeling. As part of the exam, I had a series of tests: blood
drawn, samples taken, and of course, the favorite, the doctor’s examination that
included a certain uncomfortable probing of the inner parts of my body. It was
not fun. The doctor asked me questions about my lifestyle: how much exercise
I have been doing, what I have been eating, if I had been taking the prescribed
medicines. The doctor shared with me his findings and suggested I keep taking my blood pressure medicine,
continue doing physical activities, and watching my diet. He also suggested that I return regularly for follow-up
meetings rather than wait a full year to visit him, that way he could monitor a few areas about which he was
concerned.
In some ways I see Lent as my annual spiritual health exam. It is a time when we should all go to our Spiritual
Doctor and have a spiritual check-up. We may not feel totally unhealthy, that is we may not feel that we are full of
sinfulness to the point of death in our relationship with GOD (mortal sin). Yet going to the Spiritual Doctor gives
us the opportunity to see how we are doing spiritually. Part of Lent includes a certain number of tests. Some of
the tests may be a bit uncomfortable. Our spiritual Doctor may challenge us about our spiritual lifestyle: what sort
and how many spiritual exercises have we been practicing, what have we been taking in, and if we have been
following His past spiritual prescriptions. If we are attentive to the Divine Physician, He will share with us His
findings and suggest how we can take better spiritual care by giving us prescriptions to get us back on the path of
spiritual health. He may suggest different spiritual exercises, and ask us to spend some time fasting, in order to get
rid of what has been weighing us down and slowing down our spiritual journey. He might also suggest we return
to Him for more regular visits.
The only people who do not need the Spiritual Physician are those who think they can handle life without
GOD’s help or those who think they are beyond the help of the Divine Doctor. And just like people who deny the
physical problems that they have and refuse to listen to their doctors, so also it is with spiritual well-being of
individuals – the people who refuse to listen to the divine prescriptions. They will be the ones who will not be able
to receive the benefits of the Divine Doctor. Similarly, those who think they are beyond the help of the Lord
Jesus’ healing power, cannot be healed, because they have no realization that GOD can work in their lives, and
therefore they are not open to help of the Lord Jesus.
We need to admit that we are not spiritually fit. We have ailments that only the Heavenly Care-provider can
heal. And as we travel through Lent and hear what the Divine Doctor prescribes for us; we need to follow His
advice. During Lent we are being told what we must do to be restored to GOoD health – spiritual health. And just
as with physical doctors who cannot force us to follow their advice, we have the free will not to follow the GOoD
advice of our Heavenly Physician.
Let us take full advantage of this annual spiritual check-up of Lent. We can share all of our concerns and
problems with our SCP (Spiritual Care Provider). We belong to a Heavenly Maintenance Organization (HMO).
We may have to swallow some medicine that does not taste pleasant, but the medicine is GOoD for us. We may
have to undergo more tests. Yet the results will be a clean bill of spiritual health as we draw ever closer to the
fullness of spiritual life that our Divine Physician wants us to have. Lent may not be something to which we look
forward, but it can be a time when we know what we must do to get back on the right path of spiritual health. And
if we follow the Doctor’s advice during Lent, we will be able to celebrate the new life that is ours through the
Risen Lord, especially on Easter.
The personal question/action for today: For what ailments do I need to seek the
Divine Physician? How are my spiritual exercises going? What am I taking in that will
help me to realize that salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) that comes only from the
Heavenly Doctor? How can I show my concern for other people’s spiritual health and
help them seek the spiritual care they can receive only from the Heavenly Maintenance
Organizer?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Director of the Heavenly Maintenance Organization (HMO). Through Your
GOoDness, You have assigned us the best SCP (Spiritual Care Provider). We realize that we are all at least a
little spiritually sick and need healing. We ask that we may make use of this annual spiritual check-up of Lent, so
that we can get back on the right path toward salus (well-being, wholeness, healing, salvation). Through Your
Holy Spirit, may we receive the wisdom and strength to put our Spiritual Physician’s advice into practice in our
lives. Give us the strength to face the tests that may be necessary so that our Doctor can show us what we need to
do to be restored to full spiritual health. We thank You for showing us our need for the Heavenly Physician Who is
willing to make house calls to us. We know that we are not worthy that the Divine Healer comes to us, but if He
but speaks the Word, we shall be healed. We pray this through Jesus, Our Doctor and Healer, Who is living and
reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 9, 2025 First Sunday in Lent BACK
Saint Frances of Rome:
Readings: Deuteronomy 26: 4-10; Psalm 91: 1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15;
Romans 10: 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13
As we celebrate the First Sunday in Lent, we are reminded that we need to remember and be attentive to GOD’s
presence. In the First Reading, the words of Moses remind the Israelites that they must constantly recall and make present
the saving deeds that GOD has done (and is doing) for them. The Responsorial Psalm is the prayer of one who trusts in
GOD, especially during trying times. It is this psalm that the devil misuses to tempt Jesus in the Gospel. Saint Paul
reminds the readers of his Letter to the Romans what is important: to be faithful to the Word of GOD, confess it with
their mouths, and believe it in their hearts. In the Gospel, as Jesus completes His forty day fast and retreat in the desert,
the devil tempts Him to succumb to weakness of other mortals: seeking personal pleasure, power, and instant fame.
Our First Reading contains a creedal statement that the Israelites were
supposed to profess at least yearly during Passover. It summarizes their
relationship with GOD by re-telling their story. It begins with GOD’s call of
their ancestor (“Father”) Abraham. It recalls how they as a nation traveled to
Egypt, became enslaved, and cried out to GOD for help. It continues with
describing how GOD saved them through mighty deeds and eventual starts to
bring them to the Promise Land. What is important in their remembering was
that they proclaim this profession of the faith as if it is happening to them in the
present time. This is truly a zikaron – a remembering by making a past
historical event be present and active. The Word of GOD is not some history of past events. It is the living and present,
ongoing relationship that the people have with their GOD.
The psalmist speaks of the personal trust in GOD. It, too, is a remembering – a remembering of the promises GOD
made to the Chosen People. GOD is the refuge and fortress – the vehicle of protection and safety. In remembering
GOD’s promises, the psalmist is aware of GOD being with him.
St. Paul seems to be quoting an early Christian statement of belief in his letter to the Romans. The key aspects of
these creedal words is that one must not only recall (remember) the fulfillment of the Word of GOD in one’s head, one
must also profess it with one’s mouth (by proclaiming it in word), and make it alive in one’s heart – the source of not only
love, but also action. The statement that must affect the whole person is that Jesus is “LORD” (the name by which GOD is
to be called in the Hebrew Scriptures) and that GOD (Abba-Father) has raised Jesus from the dead. Accepting this Word
in one’s mind, on one’s lip, and in one’s heart assures the salvation that was made possible through Jesus’ death and
resurrection. Thus, the remembering of one’s belief must involve the whole person – one’s thoughts, speech, and actions.
In Luke’s account of Jesus’ forty days in the desert, it seems that Jesus was tempted
throughout His forty days. The climax comes at the end of His desert experience, but it
does not even end there. After fasting for forty days, Jesus was obviously hungry. When
tempted by the devil, it would have been easy to succumb to the temptation and change
rocks into bread and satisfy His human hunger. Jesus recalls that nourishment for the body
is not the only type, or even the most important type, of feeding that must be undertaken.
Being nourished by GOD’s Word is more life- (eternal life-) sustaining than bread.
As Jesus begins His public ministry of proclaiming His Abba-Father’s GOoD News, it
would be tempting to do it quickly, without the challenge of ministering one-to-one with
people. How much simpler it would be to “make” everyone His subject and “make” them
believe because He, the powerful Ruler, demanded it. The devil offers Jesus an instant and
absolute power. Jesus realizes that He would have to give honor to His Abba’s nemesis in
order to have the quick fix. That is not even an option for Jesus, Who seeks to do only His
Abba’s will.
Lastly, the tempter misuses scripture (again) to tempt Jesus to use His power for Himself
instead of for those whom He came to serve. Today’s Gospel passage ends with the words,
“When the devil finished every temptation, he departed from Him for a time” [the italics are
mine]. The devil was not done with his temptations of Jesus. Satan would continue to try to distract Jesus away from
doing His Abba’s will and work. It was only by Jesus’ continued reliance on His relationship with His Abba that he
would be able to withstand the temptations and be faithful to the GOoD News of GOD that He was to proclaim.
The challenge for me near the beginning of this holy season of Lent is to focus on spending this forty-day period in
prayer and reflection, just as Jesus did in the desert. The more I seek to profess my faith in my mind, with my lips, and in
my heart, the more I will be drawn into closer relationship with Jesus and His Abba. This is a special time “lent” to me so
that the parts of my life that have died in the winter of my life can “spring” into new life. (A play on words is in the last
sentence: “Lent” means “spring” or “springtime.”) I also must be prepared to be tempted as I draw closer to Jesus and
seek to do the will of His Abba. It may be the temptation to forsake any sort of mortification (“dying to self”) in order to
satisfy myself with things that produce a more comfortable earthly life. I may think about finding a “quick fix” in order to
get ahead, when I know it will take a lot of discipline.
Part of my Lenten journey involves the act of remembering (zikaron). I am called to remember what GOD has done
for me, especially in and through the saving acts of Jesus. As I contemplate and meditate on the life and ministry of Jesus,
I must use more than just my mind. I must be willing to profess my faith in words, and even more importantly, I must
decide to commit my heart to the Lord Jesus by living a life that proclaims my relationship with Him and His Abba in the
unity of the Holy Spirit.
Hopefully, when Easter rolls around in a few weeks, we will be able to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with even
more enthusiasm because we will have undergone a spiritual desert experience (even with temptations) and will have been
renewed in mind, body, and heart. It is then that we might experience GOD’s Word in today’s psalm: “I will set them on
high because they acknowledge My name. They shall call upon Me, and I will answer them; I will be with them in
distress; I will deliver them and glorify them.”
The personal question/action for today: How will I make GOoD use of this time “lent” to me
so that I might better be renewed in mind, body, and heart? What spiritual discipline(s) will I
practice to help me “remember” (“re-enact and make real”) all that GOD has done for me,
especially in and through Jesus? In what ways will I share my faith relationship with others so
that they may also have a time of renewal during this Lenten season?
Blessed are You, LORD of all. Through Your GOoDness You bless us in so many ways and ask us to remember Your
marvelous deeds. It is in our spending time in prayerful reflection that we begin the process of professing our belief in
You. Not only do You ask us to keep Your majestic actions in our mind, but You also expect us to proclaim with our
speech and our actions that You have saved us in and through Your Son, Jesus. As we make our Lenten journey over the
course of the next weeks, You ask us to dedicate ourselves to deepening the new life You have given us in and through
Jesus’ death and resurrection. For the times we have allowed ourselves to fall into temptations and forgotten what You
would have us know, we seek Your pardon and strength. With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, deepen our commitment
to grow spiritually during this Lent. To You be all glory, honor, and praise. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus,
our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who has died, is risen, and is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our
one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 10, 2025 Monday of the First Week of Lent BACK
Saint Dominic Savio:
Readings: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 15; Matthew 25: 31-46
The readings today proclaim that the way we treat others reflects our relationship with GOD, or to put it another way, we manifest our love for GOD by our loving, and caring for, those around us.
In the passage from Leviticus, we hear an expansion of the Ten Commandments. The pericope (extract from the Bible) today gives us some practical ways of living out our love of neighbor (the focus of the second section of the Ten Commandments). Although most of the precepts are in the negative form (“You shall not. . .), we can turn them around
to see how we should be treating those around us. We could re-word verses 11 through 18 in the following way: “Treat other people’s properties with respect. Be honest. Be fair in your dealings with others. Pay back those to whom you owe money. Treat the disabled with dignity, helping them as they
need assistance. Be honest and impartial in making decisions. Treat all equally. Speak well of others when they need it, especially if it is a life-or-death situation. Love everyone. Be positive and edifying if you have to correct anyone. Love your neighbor as yourself.” And we should do all these things because the LORD GOD is speaking to us and GOD is Who GOD is.
In the Responsorial Psalm for today, the psalmist proclaims that keeping the commandments brings us new life and joy. This is because the precepts help people to see others as GOD sees them, that is, worthy of attention and respect because they are loved by GOD.
Today’s Gospel is the familiar passage about
the Final Judgment. The focus of our being judged will not be based on how many times we went to church on the LORD’s Day, how much money we contributed to a church, how many prayers we rattled off, or how many times we committed certain sins. The criteria for our being welcomed into the Reign of Heaven is how we treated the less fortunate and the needy. It is in our caring for, and serving of, others that we show our care and love for GOD. The Lord Jesus does not “need” us to love GOD. Yes, it is an obligation to do so. GOD is not less because we do not love GOD. GOD
will continue to be GOD even without our loving of GOD.
Those people, however, who are in need (the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the strangers, the sick, the imprisoned) do need us to care for them. They may only come to know that GOD loves them by our ministering to them in their time of difficulty. So, GOD wants, and needs, us to love them so they will know GOD’s loving presence with them in their time of need. If we truly love GOD, we will love those whom GOD loves, that is, each and every person, especially those experiencing rough times. We manifest our unconditional love for GOD
by unconditionally loving those who cannot pay us back. If we fail to care for those who need our attention, we are being selfish. The selfish and self-centered are the one who will not be invited into the Reign of GOD. And not only are we being selfish, but we are depriving others of an experience of the GOD Who loves them.
So, what can I do today to reach out and serve the Lord Jesus Who is present in those in need? It might be as simple as sending an encouraging note to someone to whom we have been meaning to write. It may mean offering our services to a neighbor who is taking care of family members and needs a break. I could offer to stay with the neighbor’s family while the neighbor takes some time to do something for herself/himself, in order to refresh her/him before returning to caring for her/his loved one. It might mean speaking a word of edification (building-up) to someone whom I sense is having a rough time. It may mean taking the time to stop the car and give something to a beggar. It might include saying a heart-felt “thank you” to a person. Praying for those who have asked us to pray for them is also important. Even
a smile can make a difference to someone, as said by one of the members of a Bible Study I attend.
Living out our readings today means giving our attention, and help, to those who are in need. It means we will become involved in the lives of others who are having a rough time. We are being called to be unselfish and think of others rather than ourselves. In doing so we are loving GOD Who loves each person unconditionally. We will do whatever we can to edify and build up the other person because we know that is what GOD wants for them: a life of dignity and acceptance.
The personal question/action for today: How do I manifest my love for GOD? Is it only in thought and prayer, or does it flow into my action of caring for others? How can I more consciously demonstrate my unconditional love for GOD through my treatment of people today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving of each and every person. Through Your GOoDness, You ask us to love You by our treating others in the same way Your Son, Jesus, treated each person – with dignity and
respect. You call us to love our neighbors so that they might experience Your unconditional love and grow in relationship with You. You have empowered us to love others with the love we have received from You. You have chosen us to be part of Jesus’ ministry of announcing the GOoD News of the undying divine love that You have for each individual. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, gives us the wisdom and strength to reach out to those around us. Let us see Jesus’ presence in each person and help us to serve them as we would serve Him. We give You thanks and glory as we realize the privilege we have in ministering in the name of Jesus. We pray this in His name, for He is Your Son and our Brother, Who is living in His sisters and brothers as well as with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
March 11, 2025 BACK
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031125.cfm
St. John Ogilvie: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-ogilvie
Readings: Isaiah 55: 10-11; Psalm 34: 4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19; Matthew 6: 7-15
In our First Reading (from Isaiah), we hear that GOD’s Word is powerful and
effective. The Hebrew word for “word” is dabar. The Dabar YHWH is the
“Word of the LORD.” When GOD speaks, things happen. Thus, at creation GOD
spoke and the world was created. To the Hebrew mind, words are not just
symbols on paper or sounds in the air. Words have an effect. So, today we are
reminded that GOD’s Word is creative, alive, and powerful.
In our psalm we hear that not only does GOD speak and things happen, but
GOD also listens, particularly to the afflicted and the poor. And GOD’s listening
also leads to action, for GOD responds by ministering to those who call out.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His followers that prayer is more than just a
multiplication of words. Prayer should be the building of a relationship
with GOD. Jesus then shares with His disciples the prayer which is
sometimes called the “Model Prayer” or the “Lord’s Prayer” or simply, by
its first words, the “Our Father.” This prayer speaks about having a
relationship with GOD.
The prayer begins by acknowledging Who GOD is. GOD is “Our
Father.” Notice the word is “Our,” not “My,” Father. Jesus is reminding
us that one prays this prayer as a community, even if one says it when one
is praying by oneself. We are not alone when we say this prayer. We are
united with all those who call upon GOD as “Father.” In other passages,
Jesus reminds us that GOD is not just our Father, GOD is our Abba-Father.
This is a more intimate word that can be best translated as “Daddy” or
“Papa.” It is a term that a child calls his own parent and not any other
person’s parent. It implies a loving relationship. Jesus is letting us know that there is a new (or at least more intimate)
way of relating to GOD. He reminds us that the One Who is far up in heaven is also the One Who is intimately in touch
with us. GOD is not like an absent parent who does not get involved in children’s lives. GOD is an Abba Who wants to
be a part of the children’s way of living. The same GOD Who reigns in heaven is also only a word away when GOD’s
children call out, “Abba.”
GOD’s name is holy. The chosen people of GOD
revered the proper name of GOD so much they never
spoke it. When then came to the four consonants YHWH,
they never pronounced the name but used the word Adonai
meaning “the LORD.” Jesus says this same GOD Whose
name the Hebrew people revered as holy is now being
revealed as Abba-Daddy.
The prayer in Greek ends a few of the first phrases with the
same word, σου (sou), “of You.” In Greek, it is very
poetic and shows that things belong to GOD. Roughly the
phrases can be translated in the exact Greek word order as
“Holy be the name of You, may come the kingdom of
You, may be done the will of You.” It emphasizes the
importance of GOD and the relationship we should have
with GOD. Thus, we are called to pray that GOD’s Reign and GOD’s Will be done by us just as it is being done in
heaven. There is a unity – a union of GOD, GOD’s plan, and us.
The second part of the prayer uses various forms of the first person, plural pronoun: we, us, our, ours. It focuses on
what our needs and our response should be. The next phrase emphasizes our request for the here and now. It can more
literally be translated as “the bread of us, for today, give to us daily.” Bread is the daily sustenance we need to live.
Bread is not a feast food, that is, it is not luxurious eating; it is only what is necessary to keep us going. The prayer is
asking GOD to provide just what we need to survive today. We are not asking for tomorrow, just for today. Yet, GOD, in
the divine abundance, will provide more than mere sustenance – GOD will give us rich food; not just now, but eternally.
The next phrases are challenging for us. We ask for GOD’s forgiveness. We ask that GOD treats us in just the way
we forgive others. Do we think about how we forgive others? Is the way we reach out (or fail to reach out) a reconciling
hand, the way we really want GOD to treat us? It all depends on how we extend the branch of peace to others. This part
of the prayer should give us something to think about in our relationship with others. A while ago, I was talking to
someone, and the person said the act of reconciliation (“seeing eye to eye again”) is more powerful when it is instigated
by the one who has been offended. How true that is, and especially with GOD. GOD seeks to be reconciled with us and
has offered us forgiveness before we even ask for it, but we must ask for it and also be willing to extend it to others who
have hurt us.
The next phrase can be translated “do not hand us over to the trial or temptation.” To me it means we are asking GOD
to protect us when we face temptation. Another way of saying it, “Don’t let us fall when we are tempted” or “strengthen
us when we face temptation, so we do not fall into sin.” If we are aware of our relationship with GOD, it is harder to sin.
When we forget about our relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, sin comes more easily.
The next phrase can be translated in a couple of ways: “But deliver us from evil” or “deliver us from the Evil One.”
Either way we are asking that GOD, our Abba, protect us so we do not succumb to evil or the wiles of the devil.
The doxology (“for Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever) that is sometimes used at the
end of the Lord’s Prayer is not in all of the most ancient Greek texts, so some scholars are not sure whether or not they
were added by earlier Christian when the manuscripts were copied or deleted by other transcribers.
The Gospel passage for today ends with an explanation of the part of the Lord’s Prayer dealing with the way we want
GOD to forgive us, that is, in the same way in which we forgive others. It reminds us if we are not forgiving, then GOD
will not be as forgiving with us as when we are forgiving of others who have wronged us.
Today’s readings remind me of the relationship I am called to have with GOD. GOD is the Supreme Being, the Ruler
of heaven. Yet even though GOD is almighty and supreme, GOD chooses to have a relationship with us. The Lord Jesus
wants us to have an intimate way of communicating with His Abba – our Abba. We are reminded that GOD speaks the
Divine Word and things happen, but GOD also listens and takes action when we, GOD’s lowly, beloved children, call out
to GOD our Abba. We are to establish a relationship in which we give GOD what is due, yet also a relationship in which
we ask GOD to be active in our lives and to treat us as we seek to treat others. This is an awesome way of relating to the
Almighty. This is something that gives us reason to just ponder Who GOD is in our lives and how it should lead us to act.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 12, 2025 BACK
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022124.cfm
Blessed Angela Salawa: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-angela-salawa
Readings: Jonah 3: 1-10; Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11: 29-32
Our readings deal with possible destruction of a Middle Eastern area,
repentance, and new beginnings. The First Reading takes place in what today is
Iraq. Jonah is sent to announce the destruction of the area because of the
sinfulness of its leaders and the people. The psalm reminds us that GOD
does not want external sacrifices but contrite hearts. In the Gospel, Jesus
warns about the lack of metanoia (repentance, change of heart) on the part of
the people of His day. Because they refuse to turn away from sin, they will
be judged by other leaders and nations, that is people who turned from their
sinful ways to do what is right, even though they were not part of the
“Chosen People.”
In our First Reading, after
spending three days in the belly of a great sea creature, Jonah decides to
forsake his path that took him away from doing the LORD’s will. He
reluctantly agrees to do what GOD wants him to do. He begins to announce
the destruction of Nineveh (a city that lies between the Tigris and Euphrates
Rivers in what today is Iraq). During the first day of his three-day journey
through Nineveh, the people and the ruler of Nineveh decide to turn away
from their sinful ways and repent; they have a change of heart (metanoia).
The fear of destruction leads the Ninevites to beg GOD not to wipe out them
and their land. GOD has a change of heart (relents) and does not carry out
the destruction planned for the city of Nineveh.
The psalmist proclaims that GOD desires an offering from the heart rather than a physical offering of some animal
sacrifice. External rituals and actions done just to be seen by others is not what GOD wants. GOD desires the people to
have a change of heart.
In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks of a change of heart (metanoia). He warns
the people of His day that they are sinful and need to turn around their lives. He
reminds them that the non-believing people of Nineveh showed their change of
heart, and, because of that, GOD relented (had a metanoia - change of heart
concerning) the punishment that GOD had threatened to inflict on them. Jesus
forecasts that the Ninevites will come in judgment over the unrepentant people of
His time, because the people of Jesus’ time did not repent even though He (Jesus)
is greater than Jonah.
It is easy to interpret the readings as saying that the people of that Middle
East area of the world have been acting (especially with the War between Israel and Hamas that started over two years
ago) just like their sinful ancestors. We can be like Jonah in the verses following today’s passage. We, like Jonah, may
want GOD to punish and destroy those who are not like us.
I wonder if that really is the message that GOD wants us to have from today’s readings. Maybe the message is that we
should first examine our own actions. Jonah had to do that after he realized that he had turned away from GOD and had
set sail in the opposite direction of Nineveh because he had been told to proclaim GOD’s message to “those foreigners.”
The stormy times at sea and being in the belly of a large sea creature for three days made Jonah start to turn his heart to
the LORD. Yet Jonah still did not have his heart completely in line with the LORD. He did not care that the people of
Nineveh repented and that they sought GOD’s forgiveness. In fact, he wanted GOD to destroy the Ninevites even though
they repented. He was angry because it would look like he was a bad prophet, announcing destruction and then having
GOD not wipe the people away. He cared for his own image rather than GOD’s compassion.
Are we like Jonah? Do we want the destruction of the supposed evil doers even if they admit their wrongdoings and
practice acts of metanoia - repentance? Or are we willing to have our enemies repent and turn to GOD?
Jesus warns the people of His time that they need to listen to His message, examine their own behavior, and repent of
their sinfulness. They should not rely solely on their external rituals and sacrifice. The people of Nineveh will rise up in
judgment over those who presume that they are in the right when, in fact, they are only deceiving themselves and others.
I feel personally challenged by the readings today. I realize that
I need to take stock of my own actions. I must admit my wrongdoings
and turn my heart more fully to the Lord Jesus. Metanoia (repentance)
is not a one-time thing, or something only for others. Metanoia is a
Greek word that literally means “a change of mind” or a change in my
way of life after thinking about my current lifestyle. To the Biblical
Jews, it meant a change of heart, since the heart, to the Hebrew people of
old, was the source of decision making. Thus, metanoia was changing a
person’s thinking process to be more in line with GOD’s will and also a
change in behavior based upon the enlightened thought process.
I have been having a strong sense that metanoia is not just for
me as an individual. I think we as a nation and as members of the earth
are being called to have a metanoia and reflect on how we communally
have not been fulfilling GOD’s will. We individually and collectively must have a “change of mind/heart” and see how
we have not fulfilled what GOD wants us to do for our time and for future generations. We must repent and seek GOD’s
forgiveness and take action to right our personal and communal wrongs.
Yes, I, as an individual and part of the human race, am called to repeatedly turn to the Lord Jesus, admit my
sinfulness, and seek GOD’s forgiveness. As a sign of my acceptance of the forgiveness and gift of salus that comes from
the death and resurrection of Jesus, I should strive to live as much of a Christ-like life as I can, that includes being
compassionate and understanding and working for peace and justice, especially for “foreigners” and people different from
me. I must work for the betterment of my community, my country, and my world. I join with the psalmist today and
pray: “My sacrifice, O GOD, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O GOD, You will not spurn.”
The personal question/action for today: Am I sometimes guilty of having a “holier-than-thou”
attitude? Do I sometimes become upset with GOD when I sense that GOD is not treating others
the way that I think they should be treated, that is, the evil doers should be punished? From
what sinfulness must I turn away and have a contrite and humbled heart/decision-making-
process? What can I do to repent of what I have done individually and what we have done
communally as a community, as a nation, and as fellow earthlings. How can I extend the
compassion and forgiveness of the Lord Jesus to others, especially those who have wronged me
or oppose my viewpoint?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever compassionate and always forgiving. Through Your GOoDness, You challenge us
to honestly look at our own lives and see what it is that is blocking us from being as close to You as You want us to be.
Through Your Son, Jesus, You have restored the relationship between You and us. Yet, we continue to not fully turn to
You with humble and contrite hearts, and a change of living. By the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, strengthen
us to follow Your Son. After repenting and turning to You, help us to pray for the true metanoia of others and rejoice
when they repent of their sins and turn to You also. May we be as understanding and compassionate of others as You and
Your Son are of us. May we give You all the glory and praise as people repenting individually and communally, and as
people accepting the gift of salvation that You offer in and through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. It is in
His name that we make this prayer, for He is Your Son, our Brother and Savior, the One Who calls us into a relationship
with You and Who is living and reigning together with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever.
Amen. BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 13, 2025 BACK
Thursday of the First Week of Lent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031325.cfm
Saint Leander of Seville: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-leander-of-seville
Readings: Esther C: 12, 14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138: 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8; Matthew 7: 7-12
The First Reading comes from a section of the book of Esther which is not found in all Christian Bibles. It is part of Greek version of
the book, and it is therefore in Catholic Bibles.
In our readings today, we are reminded that we must lift up prayer to a
loving and caring GOD Who responds to those who ask for help. The First
Reading is the prayer of Queen Esther as she seeks GOD’s wisdom and
help. The Responsorial affirms that GOD hears the prayers of those who
call upon the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus informs His listeners (including
us) that if we ask, GOD will respond to our prayers.
The First Reading today comes from the prayer of Queen Esther. She, a
Jewess, is about to go to her husband, a non-Jewish king. She is going to
speak on behalf of the people of her Jewish faith. She risks her life and
lives of all the Jewish people by doing so. She prays a prayer asking GOD
to remember the divine promises to the Hebrew ancestors. She asks that
GOD give her the correct words to speak to the king in order to save the
Jews from annihilation by the king’s royal officers, who are very strongly
anti-Semitic.
The psalm echoes the theme in the prayer of Queen Esther. The response repeats the words: “LORD, on the
day I called for help, You answered me.” If we humbly and honestly seek GOD’s help, GOD will respond to
our prayer, especially as we are open to seeing how it fits into GOD’s plan for salvation.
In the Gospel, Jesus affirms the theme of GOD’s willingness to answer
those who seek GOD. We hear the familiar words: “Ask, and you will
receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Jesus continues by giving the analogy of parents’ concerns for their children,
giving them what they need and not wanting to cause them harm. If human
parents can show such love for their children, how much more will GOD,
the unconditionally loving Parent, show concern for us, GOD’s children.
Part of all prayer is supplication – asking GOD for what we (and others)
need. It is not the first or
most important part of
prayer, but it is an
integral part of prayer.
Prayer should include
Adoration, Contrition
and Thanksgiving, besides Supplication. Part of our
relationship with GOD is being aware that GOD is the
source of all we need, and we should turn to GOD and ask
for GOD’s help.
When children in the family are small, the parent sometimes waits until the children ask for something. The
loving parent does not do it to be mean. The parent knows what they need, but the parent does not want them to
be presumptuous and to think that loving parent would supply their every need even before they ask. And even
when they ask, the parent does not always give them what they think they need, and at the time they want it.
The caring parent is concerned and wants them to have the very best, but sometimes the children need to be in
relationship with the parent before the parent gives them what they need. The parent does not want to be just a
vending machine that dispenses what they want when they push the right button. GOD is even more of a wise
and loving Parent. GOD, too, is more concerned with relationships than just dispensing gifts.
I am intrigued by the Greek verb form of the words “ask” and “seek” and “knock” in today’s Gospel. The
Greek text uses a form that implies a continued action (imperfect imperative). Thus, these words could be
translated “Ask and keep on asking. . .Seek and keep on seeking. . .Knock and keep on knocking.” We have to
be in a continuous relationship with GOD, recalling our need for GOD’s assistance. By our asking, we show
our need to be in relationship with GOD.
GOD does answer our prayers. GOD may not always answer our prayers in the way we want, but GOD will
answer them by doing what is ultimately best for us. GOD may say, “Yes” with no more questions asked.
GOD may say, “No, not now, it is not what is best for you – at this time.” And GOD may say, “I’ve got a better
idea.” So, when we ask, we need to be open to the way GOD will answer our request.
As we continue our Lenten journey, we come before the Lord Jesus and admit our dependence on GOD. We
should ask that we be given what we truly need to grow into the persons GOD is calling us to be. Yes, we can
make specific requests for others and for ourselves. This shows our desire to be caring and loving both others
and ourselves. (After all we are called to love others as we love ourselves.) We might want to begin by asking
GOD to help us ask for the correct things in the correct way, always according to the divine will, just as Esther
did in our First Reading today.
The personal question/action for today: When I turn to GOD in prayer, what is my
attitude? Do I ask, seek, and knock, trusting that GOD will answer my prayer and give
me what I truly need, not necessarily everything that I want? Am I consistent in my
prayer, praying constantly? For what do I pray? How can I make my prayer be more
other-centered? How can I share the importance of prayer with others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Parent. Through Your GOoDness, You care for us more than we care
for ourselves. You have chosen to give us the very best – Your Son, Jesus. He invites us to turn to You and be
in relationship with You, and to ask for what we need to deepen that relationship with You and with our sisters
and brother in the Lord Jesus, Your daughters and sons by adoption. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us
the wisdom to seek what is best for us and for others. We stand at Your door, knocking with the expectation that
You will open the door for us, so we might be with You. Help us to be in the proper relationship with You so we
can accept Your response to our asking. May we always give You glory and honor for how You touch our lives
with Your grace as You answer our prayers. As always, we make this prayer in the name of Jesus the Christ,
Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD,
forever and ever. Amen. BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 14, 2025 BACK
Friday of the First Week of Lent
Readings: Ezekiel 18: 21-28 Psalm 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-71 Matthew 5: 20-26
GOD calls us into a relationship. We can choose to work toward
building up that relationship, or we can choose otherwise. Our choice
not only affects us, but it also affects other members of the edifice of
GOD known as the Church. Our First Reading reminds us that we will
have to live eternally by the final choice we make. The Responsorial
Psalm proclaims the merciful and forgiving qualities of our GOD. In the
Gospel, Jesus commands us to take seriously our relationship with other
members of the household of GOD and do everything we can to be
reconciled with them.
The First Reading (from Ezekiel) speaks about GOD giving us free will and then GOD will judge us on our
final choice at the end of our lives. Just because people have been faithful most of their lives, if they reject
GOD in the final moments of their lives, GOD will respect their final choice. Likewise, if sinful individuals
turn from their sinful ways and toward GOD at the end of their lives, GOD will grant them life based on their
final choice. Yet it is not easy to make a 180 degree turn in the last moments of our lives. Obviously, the best
choice is to be faithful throughout our lives.
The psalm response to Ezekiel is Psalm 130 in which we are reminded that GOD is kind and full of
reconciling redemption and will redeem us from all our inequities, only if we trust in GOD and wait for the
LORD. It praises the generous mercy of GOD, reminding us that if GOD held our sins against us, none of us
would be saved.
The Gospel speaks of our relationship with our family (our blood family, spiritual family, and the human
family). Jesus raises the level of consciousness and speaks of the need to be reconciled with our family. Not
only is physical harm against another considered to be wrong, even abusive language and unreconciled
differences can be disastrous to our spiritual life.
Reflecting on these readings leads me to realize that my starting point (and
my ending point) should always be with Jesus (that’s a very GOoD place to
start – and end). Jesus is the Bedrock of our faith. Without the Bedrock
under the cornerstone, the storms of life will wash away even the foundation
stones. The foundation stones are the leaders of the Church (apostles and
their successors). We are part of the building, the edifice. We need to build
ourselves on those who have helped us to get to this point. They supply the
support we need to keep the building moving upward (ad Deum – to GOD).
We, in turn, help support others in this edifice of GOD’s House, the Church.
If we are out of line with other members of the structure of the Church, then
we need to get back in line.
Builders use a plumb line to be sure the building blocks are in line. The
weight at the bottom points down (to the firm foundation). The building
blocks need to be aligned with the plumb line. Pastor Mike Landry remarks:
“A carpenter cannot build a house without a plumb line. It’s not good
enough to try to line things up by sight. The house will end up crooked.
The same principle applies to our lives. To live a life worth living and one
that is constructive and beneficial to others requires the Spiritual Plumb Line (Who is Jesus). Our personal
perspectives and experiences are much too limited and finite if we do not have the Guide to being lined up with
the rest of the Church. A life lived with no regrets must be built with [the Plumb Line Who] guides us and
gives us true readings.” One thing about our being the rocks of the edifice, we have free will. We can
perform our function as supporting blocks in the building. We can also refuse that responsibility by turning our
back on the bedrock. We can do this particular if we are out of line (out of relationship) with other blocks in the
edifice. If we, the building stones, are at odds with each other, with their forces working in different directions,
the building, or at least the part relying on us, will not be stable, and it will fall. It is only when we are
reconciled and of one mind – the mind of Jesus – that we can fit together to become the strong structure that we
are called to be. Yes, the mercy of GOD can hold things together stronger than our own weakness, but our
negative choices can cause problems to the living stones around us.
Thus, we need to examine our role in the structure of GOD’s House.
We are all called to be integral parts of the building and to be supported by,
and be the support to, the other parts of the edifice. We need to look at our
relations with the other parts of the structure and see if we are doing what we
are called to do. We need to pray for all parts of the House of GOD and
realize that united with the Bedrock and the cornerstones, we stand – and if we
are divided, we fall.
And if we notice that we are not in union, or lined up, with the other
building blocks, and especially with Jesus the Divine Plumb Line, then we
need to seek reconciliation with those with whom we are out of alignment or
from whom we are separated. Being out of line with the rest of the
structure is not only harmful to those who have supported us or whom we are
called to support, but also, it is being out of line with the Bedrock and the
Divine Plumb Line. During this Lent we are given the opportunity to get
back in line with the rest of structure of GOD’s House. Let us see how we can get in line and focus on our
union with others and with Jesus, the Bedrock/Plumb Line.
The personal question/action for today: Where do I see myself in the edifice known as the
Church? Am I aligned with Bedrock-Plumb Line and the other parts of GOD’s house or am I out
of line? What can I contribute to helping support the other members of the building known as the
Church – the Body of Christ? Are there individuals with whom I should seek to establish a
reconciled relationship?
Blessed are You, LORD, gracious and merciful GOD. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to a life that is
based on the Bedrock and Plumb Line of our faith, Jesus the Christ, Your Son. We have sometimes thrown our
weight around, so we are out of line with the rest of the edifice of Your building. You give us the opportunity to
be re-aligned, so that we are resting on the supportive people who are below us and we can give support to
those who are beside us and those who depend on us for their strength and those who will be built on us. We
thank You for allowing us to be part of Your plan to build up and become the one Church of Your Son, Jesus.
Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to be reconciled with those who are out of line with us (and with
Jesus – the Plumb Line), and to work for the unity to which we are all called. We pray this in the name of
Jesus, the Bedrock and Divine Plumb Line) AMEN. BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 15, 2025 BACK
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Saint Louise de Marillac: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-louise-de-marillac
Readings: Deuteronomy 26: 16-19; Psalm 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Matthew 5: 43-48
Our readings are challenging, but that is what they should be, especially during Lent. From the passage from
Deuteronomy and Psalm 119 we are reminded of the importance of following the commands of GOD. The section
from Matthew raises the standard above merely the Golden Rule.
Our First Reading and Responsorial Psalm proclaim that those
who keep GOD’s law will be blessed. GOD will look favorably
upon those who seek to do the will of GOD and live out the
commandments that GOD has given. One of the derivations of the
English word, commandment, is that it comes from two Latin
words, com meaning “together,” and manus meaning “hand.”
Thus, a commandment is what allows us to join our hands together
with GOD. If we keep GOD’s commandments, our hands our
joined together with GOD’s and GOD’s hands with ours.
Jesus, in the Gospel,
raises the commandments
to a higher level. Instead of
just loving those of our own
family, faith, and
fatherland, we are challenged to love our enemies and pray for our
persecutors. For if we only love those who love us and only treat nicely
those from whom we expected to get something back, we are not acting like
GOD Who loves all people and treats everyone with justice and equality.
We are asked to prove that we are children of our adopting GOD by loving
everyone as GOD loves. We are called to reach out our hands and join them
together with all others, even those with whom we have problems and/or
disagreements.
As I reflect on the readings, I ponder how GOD can love everyone
equally and fairly and yet look favorably upon those who do GOD’s
will. It sounds like GOD is both impartial and partial at the same time.
As I think more about it, I realize that GOD loves everyone with
infinite, unconditional love. GOD does not withhold divine love from
anyone. GOD is willing to extend the divine hand to all. Yet, some
people respond to GOD’s love in a way that seems like they are being
blessed more than others. And, in a sense, they are.
An analogy came to me. A loving parent gives the same gift of a
flower bulb to each of two children. With the flower bulb comes a list of
instructions for the care of the flower. One child takes the bulb and
plants it in a clay pot, waters it, makes sure that it receives the right
amount of light, as directed in the set of instructions given by the loving
parent. The bulb blooms with beautiful flowers. The child feels a close
relationship with the parent who has given the gift which is now
flowering. The second child takes the gift of the bulb and puts it on a
shelf in a dark closet, together with the instructions the parent had given
with the bulb. Obviously, it does not blossom. The child who did not
plant the bulb then becomes jealous of the sibling who has a flowering plant and says, “How come you received a
beautiful plant, and I didn’t.”
The other child responds, “You could have had a flowering plant if you would have spent time and worked with
the bulb, and planted the bulb, and allowed it to grow, just as we had been directed by our loving parent.”
GOD gifts all people. GOD loves all equally. Some people take the gift of GOD’s love and allow it to bloom and
grow, and they focus on the directions/commandments that GOD gives; while others either do not take advantage of
the gift, or refuse the gift all together, and then they complain that they are not being treated fairly by GOD. GOD
loves each person, but GOD does not force people to use the gifts (especially those that will produce beautiful growth)
that are given to them. GOD does not condone the action of those who refuse to follow the divine instructions, but
GOD continues to love them. Or, as the old saying goes, “GOD loves the sinner, but hates the sin.” GOD allows those
who do what GOD expects of them to experience even more of GOD’s blessings, just as the child who plants the
parent’s gift of flower bulb can rejoice in the gift of the flowering plant.
So, what does that mean to me? First of all, I realize that GOD loves me with an infinite and unconditional love.
What I do with the gift of that love can deepen my relationship with GOD or it can be a block in the relationship. By
my doing what GOD wants me to do with the gift of divine love – allowing it to flower by sharing that gift with others
– I am blessed. Yes, it takes effort and work, and it is sometimes difficult to follow the instructions (commands) that I
have been given. But only if I am willing to do what I am asked by GOD, can I experience the fullness of what GOD
intends for me to enjoy. When I accept what GOD’s loving hand extends to me, I will be walking “hand in hand with”
GOD, the Giver.
I also realize that GOD loves every individual with the same infinite and unconditional love, even those who do not
accept or use the gift of divine love as GOD intends. And if GOD loves each person as GOD’s own dear child, who
am I not to love them also? I must try to love and treat everyone the same way GOD does. It is not always easy for
me to do so, because I may have been hurt by one, or I feel uncomfortable when a certain person is around. Yet, I am
still called to love them. I must love them, in spite of their actions. I must love the sinner, but I must hate the sin. I
must love my enemy, the person who really bugs me or has hurt me, and I must separate the negative action from the
person. I must pray for those who persecute me. I must love others even if they cannot, or will not, love me back.
That is fulfilling GOD’s command. I must extend my hand to them, so that, hopefully, we can “join hands” in our
walk toward our loving GOD.
Yes, GOD loves everyone fairly and equally, but those who respond to GOD’s love experience a relationship with
GOD that moves them into a different level of experiencing GOD. They sense GOD’s presence even in their most
trying and difficult moments. They can act with the knowledge that they know GOD is loving them. And because of
that, they can love the other children of GOD, even if the other children of GOD do not act according to GOD’s will or
even know GOD at all. Thus, I must extend my hand toward the other, and I must join my “hand with” another (even
if only virtually), and I must help them experience the hand of GOD reaching out to them, and doing that can help all
of us work together, “hand with hand,” and make a difference in the world.
The personal question/action for today: What have I done with the gifts GOD has given me? Have I
tried to follow the instructions (commands) that GOD has given with the gifts I have received? Do I seek
to share those gifts with others, especially with those who cannot pay me back and/or who differ with my
point of view? Am I willing to reach out my hand toward others? What act of kindness will I do today to
show that I love all those whom GOD loves, even if they do not know of the divine love or refuse to join
“with the hand” of GOD? BACK
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
March 16, 2025 BACK
Second Sunday in Lent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031625.cfm
Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clement-mary-hofbauer
Readings: Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27: 1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14;
Philippians 3: 17-4:1; Luke 9: 28b-36
As we continue our journey this Lenten season, we are challenged to focus on the Lord Jesus. As we do so, we may
experience a closeness in our relationship that transcends our normal earthly activity and that empowers us to continue our
pilgrimage to our ultimate destiny with more strength and enthusiasm. In our First Reading, Abraham has such an experience.
Although he is a childless, wandering nomad, he undergoes a spiritual event that draws him into a closer relationship with GOD
Who promises him and his too-many-to-be-numbered descendants a future homeland. The psalmist seems to have a similar
feeling of ultimate trust in the LORD. In today’s Second Reading, St. Paul exhorts those who hear his letter being proclaimed
(both in Philippi and today) to focus not on earthly things but on “our citizenship” in heaven. In the Gospel, Jesus allows His
three closest disciples to see His glory as He is transfigured before their eyes. Although they do not understand the full meaning
at this time, their continued relationship with Jesus leads them to the place and time when they will better understand and
experience Jesus’ ultimate moment of glory on the cross and at tomb.
In today’s First Reading, Abram (later to be renamed
Abraham) is at a key place in his travels (both
geographically and spiritually). He has left his homeland
(Ur of the Chaldeans and also Haran) and journeyed many
miles, all in obedience to GOD. In a time of prayer, he
hears GOD speaking to him both about his many offspring
and the land. For an elder man without a child, traveling in
a foreign land without a place to call his own, these
promises would have seemed almost totally unbelievable.
Yet, it is Abram’s faith in GOD that marks him as the father
of believers in the one, true GOD. Abram follows GOD’s
command of establishing a covenant (agreement) by
splitting animals in half (or separating two birds). In the
tradition of the time, the two parties to the covenant would
then pass between the split animals with the understanding
that if either of the parties broke the promises of the
covenant, the breaker of the agreement would physically be split apart. In a mystical experience, GOD establishes a covenant
with Abram in which GOD alone (as manifested by the smoking pot and flaming torch passing alone between the split animals)
is bound by the covenant. This is a unilateral relationship that GOD makes with Abram and his descendants. GOD will provide
a personal land and continued life for Abram (through the multitude of his offsprings).
The Responsorial Psalm is the prayer of one who sees GOD as the Light and source of salvation. With one’s eyes focused
on GOD, there is nothing to fear and no one of whom to be afraid. The trust that the psalmist has is what leads him to believe
that he will see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living.
St. Paul seems to have heard that there were individuals within the Philippi
community who were teaching a more mundane approach to life as a Christian. They were
focused on present pleasures and not focused on the cross of Jesus and the ultimate destiny to
which all those who follow Jesus are called – citizenship in heaven. It is only through the
cross of Jesus that we can experience the glory of heaven. Paul challenges his listeners to
pattern their lives on the example of those who have a relationship with the crucified, and yet
glorified, Lord Jesus. It is only by being united to the suffering, death, and resurrection of
Jesus that one can achieve one’s citizenship in heaven.
The Gospel today gives us Luke’s version of the Transfiguration. It is important to
realize the position of this event in Luke’s Gospel. First of all, this takes place after Peter’s
profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed One) of GOD. It is also
“sandwiched” between two of Jesus’ proclamations of His own death. Thirdly, it takes place
while Jesus has gone up to the mountain to pray. There is an intrinsic link between Jesus as
Messiah, His suffering and death, and this display of His future glory, which, in a sense, is
revealed to Jesus’ closest disciples at this moment. In Luke’s Gospel, the Transfiguration
takes place just before Jesus heads up to Jerusalem for His final ministry – His death and
resurrection. Just as GOD, His Abba-Father, spoke words of affirmation before His ministry
in Galilee; now again, GOD, His Abba, proclaims the special relationship with Jesus and
affirms Jesus in His final ministry in Jerusalem.
As I reflect on all the readings and my journey during this Lent, I sense a challenge to
focus on my prayer life, and not just my rattling off memorized words to GOD. The Lord
Jesus is calling me (and all faithful journeyers) into a deeper relationship. Contemplative or
meditative prayer is one means of drawing into that closer and more intimate relationship with
the GOD Who is Abba, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Part of the contemplative (meditative)
process is to realize that we are on a journey that does not find its destination merely here on
earth. It demands that we look beyond our worldly pursuits to our ultimate destiny in heaven
with GOD.
Sometimes this more reflective type of prayer may lead us into a trance (like Abram) or
into an experience that is totally transfiguring (as Peter, James, and John experienced). It may
enable us to sense Jesus as the crucified, yet glorified, Lord.
A lot of people have seen “The Passion of the Christ.” Viewing or re-viewing the movie
may be a GOoD starting point for our reflective prayer. The movie is not just another movie
that is seen, but a vehicle for allowing us to ponder what Jesus went through during His
passion. I remember hearing a Christian radio commentator mention that he had talked to Mel Gibson about the movie. He
wondered why Gibson had not “toned down” some of the graphic images of Jesus’ suffering. Mel’s response was to affirm that
he had softened the graphics. In Mel’s mind, he had not been able to fully capture all that Jesus went through during His
passion. And I believe that is true. Not only did Jesus suffer some of the physical pain, which is portrayed in the movie, but He
also experienced tremendous emotional pain as His chosen ones betrayed, denied, and/or deserted Him. All the mental pain,
and yet the sense of doing His Abba’s will, is also not able to be portrayed on film. Yet it can be a place from which we can
launch our meditative prayer time with the Lord Jesus.
Yet, as the Gospel demonstrates, the passion of Jesus is not the end of the story. Jesus is also glorified by His Abba. Jesus’
transfiguration was a glimpse – a foretaste – of the glory that Jesus ultimately experiences through His resurrection and
ascension. It is also meant to be a glimpse of the glory that awaits us who journey along with our Lord Jesus, through this
world of pain and suffering. We may not be able to fully comprehend what awaits us (just as Abram could not fully grasp the
promises of a multitude of descendants and the land). Yet, as we take the time to spend moments of reflective prayer with the
Lord Jesus, especially during Lent, we can be drawn into that closer relationship with Him and His Abba. It may mean that we
have to climb up the holy mountain (not necessarily physically, but definitely spiritually). We need to get away from the
crowds (our daily activities and problems) to spend time in being in GOD’s presence in a more conscious manner. As we spend
the time in prayer, we may also have an experience of GOD’s glory. It may not happen ever time we are in prayer (just as the
disciples did not always experience the Transfiguration of Jesus every time they went where He was praying). Yet, the more we
are willing to be with the Lord Jesus, the more we will experience what GOD has in store for us, the more we will understand
the Love that GOD has poured out on us, the more we will be able to proclaim with the psalmist today, “I believe that I shall see
the bounty of the LORD. . .Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: How much time do I spend in prayer and meditation,
seeking a deeper relationship with GOD? When have I experienced the presence of the Lord Jesus
in such a way that I was drawn even closer to GOD? How did that experience and the later reflection
on that experience empower me to follow the Lord Jesus more closely and to reach out to others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of glory and majesty. Through Your GOoDness, You have called us into a closer relationship
with You. In order to make that invitation more vivid, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to walk on this earth. He proclaimed Your
GOoD News in Word and in action, inviting individuals to experience the Glory that You share with Him. Just as Your Son
withdrew from the activities of His day, and sometimes brought along others to share in His relationship with You, You
continue to call us to take time away from our busy schedules so that we can focus in our relationship with You, with Jesus, and
with the Holy Spirit. Yet so often, we busy ourselves with activities (even GOoD ones) and fail to retreat into Your presence.
For the times we have missed the opportunities to be conscious of Your presence, we ask for forgiveness. Continue to pour out
the gifts that flow from Your Holy Spirit, so we can have the vision to see what You would have us see, so that we can
experience Your glory as manifested in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Strengthen us as we travel along our
way to You. And may we give You all the glory, honor, and praise, in union with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, for You are our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
March 17, 2025 BACK
Monday of Second Week of Lent
(Opt. Mem. of St. Patrick)
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031725.cfm
Saint Patrick: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-patrick
Readings: Daniel 9: 4b-10; Psalm 79: 8, 9, 11 and 13; Luke 6: 36-38
The readings today are appropriate for our Lenten journey. We are sinful; we need to ask GOD to forgive us
as the prayer of Daniel demonstrates. We need to realize, as the psalmist mentions, that if GOD treated us in
the way we should be treated, then we would be in a real “hell” of a mess. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that
we should extend the forgiveness and pardon to others as a sign of our awareness of how loving and forgiving
GOD is to us when we seek pardon for our sins.
The passage from the Book of Daniel
reminds us that we are sinners, and we need
GOD’s mercy. The First Reading is a beautiful
prayer for each of us as individuals, and as
members of a community of faith, and as part of
the human race. It begins by acknowledging
Who GOD is: “Great and awesome GOD, You
Who keep Your merciful covenant toward those
who love You. . .” I am reminded of this every
time a friend, who writes back in response to the
reflections he receives, frequently mentions that
our GOD is so awesome. There is also a song
that is running through my head entitled
Awesome God by Michael W. Smith. The
prayer of Daniel continues by including a
section of contrition in which it says that we
have not done what GOD has expected of us. It calls upon GOD to be compassionate and forgiving. As part of
my daily prayer time, I reflect on the awesomeness of GOD in general (reflecting on all that GOD has done
throughout time) and in particular (reflecting on what is happening that day that demonstrates GOD’s
awesomeness).
The psalm picks up this theme with the response
refrain being: “LORD, do not deal with us as our sins
deserve.” How true that is. If GOD dealt with us as our
sins deserve, none of us would have a chance.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds all of His disciplined
learners (disciples), including us, that we must strive to be
compassionate as GOD is compassionate. The more we
imitate the GOD Who is our Abba-Father, by being non-
judgmental, non-condemning, extending pardon, and
giving, then the more we will be treated that way by our
GOD. I am reminded of a parent who says to an
unforgiving child, “How would you like it if I treated you
the way you are treating your friend/sister/brother?”
I particularly like the imagery that Jesus uses in the
Gospel. It is of a person who uses a generous portion when
dispensing dry goods to others. I can just see someone
who has been asked to give a cup of flour. The generous person returns a cup that is overflowing and would
measure out at 125% or 150% of the cup for which was asked. Jesus then says when we ask something of
GOD, especially that GOD be forgiving to us, GOD not only fills our measuring cup to overflowing but pours
extra into our laps (or as another translations says, the folds of garments [pockets]) and anywhere else GOD can
pour the abundance of that for which we ask.
My reflections lead me to realize that we have truly missed the mark and sinned. We have done what was
wrong. Yet, our ever-gracious GOD is willing to forgive us and not treat us as our actions deserve. Instead,
GOD is willing to give to us abundantly. In return we need to extend the same non-judgmental, non-
condemning, and gracious forgiveness to others.
As I think how awesomely
compassionate GOD is to me, a sinner, I
am moved to be more caring and generous
with those who have offended me or with
those who ask me for something. I should
give more than 100% of what people ask of
me, not just forgiveness but in all items for
which they ask. That is the way our
gracious and awesome GOD has been
toward me/us. I should want to be loving
and caring towards other because I have experienced the love and care that GOD has for me/us. In a sense the
Golden Rule for me is not “Do unto others the way you would want to be treated by others,” but “Do unto
others the way GOD has already done to you.”
The personal question/action for today: How often do I express my appreciation to
GOD for the gift of forgiveness that the Lord Jesus extends to me, and that came about
through His death and resurrection? How willing am I to extend the same compassion
and forgiveness to others, especially those who have most offended me? What can I do
today to demonstrate my understanding of the love and mercy of our awesome GOD as I
deal with those whom I encounter?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, awesome, ever gracious, and abundantly kind. Through Your GOoDness, You
extend to us Your compassion and mercy. We have turned away from You and missed the mark of following
You and Your Son. We do not deserve the forgiveness that You are willing to extend to us. May we be ever
more conscious of the abundance of Your kindness and be willing to share with others so they too may become
aware of Your generosity and love. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, helps us to get back on target and
keep our sights on You and Your Son, Jesus. We ask this of You through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who
is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
March 18, 2025 BACK
Tuesday of Second Week of Lent
(Opt. Mem. of St. Cyril of Jerusalem)
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cyril-of-jerusalem
Readings: Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20; Psalm 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23; Matthew 23: 1-12
The readings speak of turning away from wicked ways and repenting, not only because of the sins and wrongdoings that have been committed, but also so one might be more free to serve others rather than serve oneself. In the First Reading, Isaiah addresses the people of Israel. He urges them to forsake their evil ways and change their lives. The psalm picks up this message and proclaims that what GOD wants of us are lives of service, not just rituals – doing what is right, not doing of rites/rituals. In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims that the only one worthy of being Ruler and Abba-Father is GOD. Everyone else must follow the example that Jesus, The Only Teacher, sets for us as He lives His life as a servant-leader.
The First Reading takes place before the Babylonian Exile. In it, Isaiah reminds the people that it is not enough to just turn away from wrong-doing and sin, they must also do GOoD, search for justice, redress the wrong, hear the cry of the poor and come to their aid, and defend the helpless. This message is as much for us as the people of GOD during the time of Isaiah. If we commit ourselves to doing the right things, it will be a sign that we are serious about metanoia – change of heart, re-directing our lives toward GOD, – and GOD will be forgiving of our sins.
The psalm response once again tells us that GOD does not want external signs and ritual sacrifices (rites). Rites (rituals) have their place in our relationship with GOD, but they are not the be-all and end-all. The importance of doing right (GOoD) actions is even more pleasing to GOD. GOD wants us to be people who live a life of GOoDness and holiness – that is, live out the GOoDness and holiness with which GOD has gifted us. GOD will then show us the divine saving power. Doing right actions is more important than performing rites and rituals, especially if we only do it make it look like we are righteous and holy. We are also reminded of the importance of discipline – living the life of a disciple-student, that requires us to act like, and follow the example of The Teacher.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus criticizes those leaders who do not walk the talk. They might say the right things, but they do not live them out in their own lives. He goes on to warn His followers to avoid thinking they are better than others and deserving of special titles of respect. He speaks of the need to be servants to others.
In today’s readings, I hear a call for me to be a humble servant who seeks to manifest to others the presence of GOD Who is with me. It starts with a realization that I am a sinner who has missed the mark (i.e., sinned) of being totally on target with GOD. I have had other pursuits in the cross hairs of my scope rather than doing what is right and proper according to GOD. Sometimes I have assumed it was enough if I did rites (performed rituals), without doing right (GOoD GODly deeds for others).
I am being called to care for others and serve them because I know that GOD is with me and is willing to
forgive me. I am being given the opportunity of announcing the GOoD News of GOD’s presence to others by doing the right thing, bringing justice to those who have been wronged, caring for those who need help.
The role of a disciple of Jesus is to realize Who the Master-Teacher is. Thus, the job of the disciple is to always point to the Master-Teacher and realize that I am only His disciple (disciplined learner) who seeks to reveal the Master’s love by my imitation of His loving care for others. Being a disciple of the Master-Teacher, and practicing the discipline of the Master, takes work. It is much more than head knowledge. It takes doing the right thing over and over and over. I should not be seeking titles and positions of honor, but I should be willing to humbly serve others. Yes, I might be called to serve as one who leads others or one who instructs others, but I am only a temporary substitute for the One Who is The Teacher and The Leader. I should always be living a life that reflects Who my Master is. People should be able to see Jesus, the Master and Teacher, in and through my actions of caring and sharing.
To me, this means I should use the gifts and talents GOD has given me – such as the ability to communicate, the ability to be compassionate – and reach out to others so that they may know that their GOD loves them and cares for them even more than my actions imply. I am to use my GOD-given talents for the furthering of the Gospel – the announcement of GOD’s presence in the lives of people. My actions should always point to the GOD Who wants to deepen a relationship with each and every person.
If I keep my eyes focused on the Master, it will be a lot easier for me to serve others and not seek my own honor. For I will always rejoice when others come to know the Master better, and I will be happy that I am being a useful tool in the Master’s hands. Then, when I do rite (ritual), it will be more meaningful because I have done right work (positive actions of service).
The personal question/action for today: Have I sometimes talked the talk without walking the walk? What aspects of my life do I still need to work on so that I might be more like the Master-Teacher? Whom might the Lord Jesus be calling me to serve today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and caring. Through Your GOoDness, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to live among us and to announce Your love and concern for all individuals. He came as the One Who serves, even though He is one with You and deserves to be praised and served together with You. He, the Master-Teacher, has given us an example of how Your GOoD News can be made present in the lives of others. Jesus has invited us to share in His ministry of service. By His loving acts of service, He has taught us that we are called to serve others. We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to reflect Your love and the Master’s love for others. May we always help others in a way in which they come to know You and Your Son better and seek to deepen their relationship with You and Your Son, in union with the Holy Spirit. Help us to humbly use the talents and abilities You have given us. And may we continue to give glory and praise to You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. For this we pray in the name of Jesus, our Master-Teacher, the Role Model of Service, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
March 19, 2025 BACK
Solemnity of St. Joseph
(Replacing Wed. of 2nd Week of Lent)
St. Joseph, Husband of Mary: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-husband-of-mary
Readings: 2 Samuel 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Psalm 89: 2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29;
Romans 4: 13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1: 16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2: 41-51a
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We only have a little glimpse of this “just” man from scriptures. A few passages in Matthew’s Gospel, a little in Luke’s Gospel, and that’s about it. Yet, a lot can be gleaned for our reflection from these passages and today’s other readings.
2 Samuel 7 is GOD’s promise to continue the line of David. From that line would come a descendant who will be in special relationship with GOD and rule GOD’s people. It was from the lineage of David that Joseph came. Joseph extended the line to his wife’s Child, Jesus, the One truly beloved by GOD the Abba-Father.
Psalm 89 echoes this same theme in speaking about the promise made to David – that his throne would be established for all generations and one of his descendants would call GOD Abi – “My Abba” or “My Father,” thus implying a close relationship.
St. Paul, in the passage from his letter to the Romans, speaks about the faith of Abraham and how all people would be blessed through Abraham and his descendants. Faith was one of the hallmarks of St. Joseph. He was a descendant of Abraham not just through blood, but also, and more importantly, through faith. And just as Abraham’s faith was credited to him as justice, so Joseph’s faith is what makes Joseph just and righteous.
The Gospel account from Matthew speaks about Joseph’s dilemma when he finds out that Mary is with child. According to the law, Joseph could and should have had Mary stoned. Being a just and upright individual and perceiving Mary to be a decent and holy woman, Joseph decides to send her away quietly and not expose her to the harsh treatment of the law. It is then revealed to him in a dream that Mary has conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and Joseph is asked to care for Mary and her Child. Joseph takes her into his home and cares for her and the soon-to-be-born Child. Joseph is seen protecting them during their flight to Egypt and in Luke’s Gospel during the childhood and early life of Jesus. We also pick up that Joseph shared his trade of carpentry, or building, with Jesus.
In the passage from Luke’s Gospel, we see how Jesus’ being lost in the Temple was of great concern for both Mary and Joseph. They had been searching for Him and did not find Him until the third day.
What makes Joseph a role model is his faith that leads him to live his life as a person who is “just” in GOD’s eyes. He believes GOD, and he trusts that GOD is in control. It is hard for him to deal with all that is happening in his life, but trust he does. He senses the specialness of Jesus, and Joseph is willing to do what he is called to do for Jesus and Mary. He seems the strong, silent type.
I have had a image of him in another man named Joseph – my father. He was the one in the background who did what was asked of him and supported the family. He gave love not only to his family, but to all who came under his roof, or the roof he was under. My father was a man of faith who worked with wood, and he sought to do GOD’s will, even when things did not seem to be following the ordinary plans of life. I remember how I used to celebrate this feast of St. Joseph (and the other feast of St. Joseph on May 1), by talking with Dad and thanking him for being the Joseph in my life.
One of my favorite songs about St. Joseph is the one entitled Joseph’s Song. I have used it a few times to demonstrate the questions that probably ran through Joseph’s mind, and yet, to show his willingness to be faithful to the call GOD gave him to care for the Child Whom he knew was the Son of GOD. [See Song of the Day below for a link to the song.] The song reflects the faith that Joseph had at the awesome events that happened in his life, and the faith Joseph had – faith to trust that GOD would help him through the challenging aspects of his life.
In all the readings on this Solemnity of St. Joseph, the challenge I see for me is how can I deepen my faith. Faith is much more than intellectual agreement to a list of statements. Faith is a relationship with Jesus, His Abba-Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Faith is what led Joseph to take care of Mary and the Child Whom she would bear. For Joseph, faith meant accepting GOD’s plan even when it did not make sense to him from a human standpoint. Faith empowered Joseph to deepen his relationship with Mary, with Jesus, and with GOD in heaven. His faith and trust in GOD brought him to justice and let him experience salus (healing, salvation) that GOD was extending to him in and through his Care – Jesus. He truly responded to the gifts that GOD had given him.
I am called to walk in and by faith, the same type of faith that Joseph had. There are times when I do not see why things are happening. It is then that I need to trust GOD and seek to do what I believe GOD is calling me to do. I am called to rely on my relationship with GOD and that relationship will see me through the trying times. And if I am willing to trust that GOD is working in my life, I will experience the salvation and love that GOD is giving me in and through Jesus the Christ. I will be able to look up at Jesus on the wood of the cross and know that I have salus (healing and salvation) – not because of who I am or what I do, but because of my relationship with the One Who has saved me, and not only me, but also all those who put their faith in Him.
The personal question/action for today: How do I respond to GOD when I am faced with challenges that seem beyond my grasp and ability? Whom has GOD entrusted to my care and how can I care for that/those person(s), trusting that GOD will guide me to do what the Lord Jesus wants me to do? Who has been a Joseph to me – the strong silent type, who guides and instructs me?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever close and yet mysterious. Through Your GOoDness, You ask us to put our faith in You and Your Son. Life is not always easy for us to understand. Things do not always fall into place as we would want them to, but we are limited in our vision and cannot see as You see. You ask us to look to those people of faith who have gone before us – Abraham, Moses, David, Mary, and Joseph. They were asked to trust that You would keep Your promise to bring salus to Your people – the people who trust You and desire to deepen their relationship with You. You call us to look up to Jesus, lifted on the wood of the cross, and realize that true life comes from His suffering, death, and resurrection. You continue to offer us healing and restoration, if we turn away from our sinfulness and trust in You. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us the strength and wisdom we need to put our faith in You and Your Son. May we be able to experience Your presence with us as we face the unexplainable happenings in our lives, knowing that Your plan is beyond our limited view. We give You thanks and praise as we continue our journey of faith, for You are our GOD. We make this prayer in and through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggg
March 20, 2025 BACK
Thursday of Second Week of Lent
Saint Salvator of Horta: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-salvator-of-horta
Readings: Jeremiah 17: 5-10; Psalm 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Luke 16: 19-31
“In what do we trust?” Trust is the ability to sink our roots down deep to where we can draw life-giving nourishment, even in the midst of dry and barren times, such as many have experienced over these past few years. Jeremiah and the Responsorial Psalm use the image of a tree that is planted where it can sink its roots down deep. In the Gospel, Jesus relates the story of Lazarus who trusted in GOD even while starving outside a rich person’s house.
In the First Reading, Jeremiah says if our trust is only in other humans or pleasures, but not in the LORD, we will end up producing nothing worthwhile. If our trust is in GOD, we will produce abundantly even during dry and trying times.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this message, comparing those who trust in GOD to trees planted near running water. Even though harsh, dry weather may come, the trees bear fruit and never wither away since their roots are deep into that which produces life.
In the Gospel, Jesus shares the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Although the story is familiar, it still bears listening to it, again and again. The rich man is not named, but the poor man is called Lazarus. The rich man (sometimes referred to as “Dives” meaning “Riches”) probably worked hard to gain his wealth and position in life. He earned his feasting. His sin was not the fact that he was rich. His sin was his not being willing to share “even the scraps” with the poor. Lazarus, on the other hand, seems to have trusted in GOD. GOD reverses the conditions in the eternal scope of events. Lazarus rests on the bosom of Abraham while the rich man suffers in torment. Lazarus cannot help the rich man (by quenching his thirst) nor the rich man’s relatives (by warning them of the dangers that would befall them if they do not repent and become generous and concerned for the poor). Abraham even says, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if one should rise from the dead.”
Where do you find yourself in these scripture passages? In what do you trust? It is easy for us to put our hope in what we earn from a worldly standpoint. We believe if we work hard, we should be able to enjoy the results of our labors. If we are doing well, we chalk it up to our abilities. Yet, the challenge is to do our best, and to trust that GOD will take care of us. We pray the Lord’s Prayer so often, but do we really ask GOD to give us each day only what we need for that day, and that day only? We often trust in other people and our own power more than we trust in GOD. Hope in GOD is what will see us through the dry and barren days. Hoping in GOD is like the roots that run deep down to the flowing stream. If our roots (hope/trust) are shallow, we will not be able to weather the tough times. We will wither up and be useless or be destroyed by the wind or floods.
I was reminded of this analogy of a plant that sinks deep roots down to the source of water some years ago when I was with our sixth-grade students in Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert. Although it had rained a few days before we arrived, the “wadi” [Hebrew for “dry riverbed”] or “arroyo seco” [Spanish for “dry river”] was dry and water-free. Yet all around the wadi-arroyo seco there were lush, green plants and vegetation. These plants had roots that sank deep into the desert sand and tapped into the water that had seeped into the ground. Therefore, these hardy trees and bushes could withstand a lengthy period of dryness until the next rain came.
As we face trying and difficult times, we may be tempted to identify ourselves with Lazarus. We trust in GOD and are willing to do what we must do in order to right injustices. Other people may see us more as the rich one (dives) who pushes others around and who is not interested in the poor, the little ones, who are hungry at our door.
Where is our value system? Are we acting with the right purpose? That is something about which each and every one must pray and reflect. We must also trust in the Lord Jesus and His divine guidance not only for us individually, but for the communities in which we live. We must pray that all of us realize that GOD is our only savior, liberator, and source of safety. Ultimate victory will not be the result of safety devices and alarms, having a can of mace, or a stashed supply of money or paper goods. Ultimate victory is only in and through the one Savior, Jesus the Christ.
The more we trust in GOD, the more we will be willing to face trying times, and the more we will also be willing to share with others, for we know that GOD will take care of us even more generously than we care for others. Oh, it may not seem so now, but in the final scene (as Lazarus experienced with Abraham), we will experience the fullness of GOD’s loving care. And we should be motivated not by fear of what will happen to us if we don’t care for others. Our motivation should come from our experience of trusting in GOD and knowing GOD loves us and cares for us with an everlasting love and care, just as GOD loves all people, especially the poor who trust in GOD.
As I reflect on these passages, I am challenged to look at my life. There are times when I have trusted more in others and myself than I have in the Lord Jesus. I thought that I had to do it on my own or with the help of a close friend/relative. I have worried when I did not know how things would work out. In such situations I lost my focus on GOD’s presence in my life. When that happened, I literally made myself sick with fear of the worst. And yet, if I look back with the eyes of faith, I can see GOD’s hand at work even when I doubted and felt hopeless. GOD was trying to speak comforting, yet challenging, words to me. I just needed to stop and sense GOD’s hand on my shoulders. When I did, the problems did not disappear immediately, but they were put into proper focus, and I could see light at the end of the dark path. I also realized that if I continue to sink my roots deeply into the Source of Life-giving “Water” (that is, Jesus), I will be better prepared to weather the dry and barren days in my life.
The personal question/action for today: What is the basis for my trust? Am I “rooted” in the Lord Jesus, especially during those dry and barren moments? How can I manifest my trust in GOD more? What can I do to help others who are going through rough times and need to be encouraged to trust in the Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever-present. Through Your GOoDness, You ask us to trust in You and in Your Son rather than put our hope in mere mortal power and earthly wealth. You continue to reveal Your love for us in and through Your Son, Jesus. He not only shared parables to help us understand Your eternal love for us, but He also lived a life of complete trust in You. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, continue to strength our trust in You. Give us the heart to share with others what You have given us. Help us to see Your plan being manifested in our everyday life. Continue to reassure us of Your presence with us as we are challenged by the various trials that come our way. We pray this in and through Your Son, Jesus our Lord and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
March 21, 2024 BACK
Friday of Second Week of Lent
Blessed John of Parma: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-john-of-parma
Readings: Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Psalm 105: 16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46
GOD can make GOoD things happen even from the evil plots of humans. Our First Reading relates how Joseph’s brothers plot against him. The Responsorial Psalm describes how GOD used the events in Joseph’s life for the GOoD of the children of Israel. In the Gospel, Jesus relates a parable that foretells how He will be persecuted by the religious leaders of His day, but it will lead to the greatest GOoD of all – the salvation of all who accept the gift of eternal life He offers.
Our First Reading today relates part of the story of Joseph. We hear how Joseph is despised by his brothers because he is favored by their father (Jacob-Israel), and he speaks about his brothers becoming subservient to him. The brothers make plans to kill him, and they end up selling him for twenty pieces of silver.
The psalm response recalls another aspect of the story of Joseph – his living as a slave in Egypt, but his being raised to a position in which he brought wholeness and life to his family.
In the Gospel today, Jesus tells a parable of a property owner who leases his land to tenants who attack and kill the owner’s servants, and eventually, they even the
owner’s son. Jesus directs this story at the chief priests and the leaders of the Jewish community, thus predicting that they will persecute Him and yet the richness of GOD will be given to others because of what GOD allows the religious leaders of the people to do to Jesus.
As I reflect on the Word of GOD today, I recall all the parallels between Joseph and Jesus. Both were the favored sons of their fathers. Both were despised by other members of their people. Both had visions of how they would lead others to a better life. Both had death plots planned against them. Both were sold by the people close to them for pieces of silver. Joseph and Jesus were both imprisoned because of false witnesses. Both gave hope to those who were oppressed. Both brought wholeness and life to others by being raised up to positions of glory.
Joseph’s life, in many aspects, points to that of Jesus. Out of what seemed like impossible conditions, Joseph brought salus (salvation, health, well-being) to his people. Jesus brought true spiritual salvation through His death and resurrection.
My pondering made me think of a conversation I had with a friend. This person was experiencing all sorts of
difficulties: family problems, financial issues, relational problems. Everything seemed to be going against this individual. The situation seemed gloomy. Yet, throughout it all, this person held to hope and faith in GOD. It was hard to see any light at the end of the dark tunnel. It was hard to understand how so many problems could affect an individual who, I believed, was really trying to live a Christian life, being faithful to the Gospel, reaching out in love and care as Jesus wished. I asked the individual if there were any positive aspects to what was happening. I was told of some little, occasional signs of affirmation and encouragement – a smile and a positive word from a child, a friend’s willingness to spend time helping, a quiet moment of reflection in the midst of hectic schedule. Many people have had similar experiences over the past few of years with pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, violence against innocent people, all leading to higher costs for gas, food, etc.
I realized that GOD had given us examples throughout scripture of the difficult times of those who are called by GOD to do GOD’s will (which actually describes all of us at different times and in different ways during our lives). And it was often through the most trying time that GOD brought about the great revelation of the divine
plan. GOD reassures us that even in our darkest moments, the Lord Jesus is with us and if we hold firm to our faith, GOD will allow great things to happen through us for the sake of others and ourselves. Yes, we may be despised by others because of our vision of GOD’s ultimate plan. We may face trying times and feel oppressed and rejected by others. Yet, in the end, if we remain faithful, GOD will raise us up and make our experiences a blessing not only for us, but also for others.
A few years ago, the book club to which I belong read the book, The Shack. Sometime later, I watch the movie with the same title and portraying the major parts of the book. What struck me is how “Papa” (Abba- Father) reassured “Mac” how Papa, Jesus, and the Spirit were always with Mac during the most difficult times, even when Mac felt abandoned by GOD. It was very touching to see GOD reassuring Mac of divine love even at the most trying points of Mac’s life.
None of us likes to have difficult times. Yet GOD is saying to us, “I will be with you through those times,
and I will lift you up and will eventually bring healing not only to you, but also to others, if you remain faithful to Me. I will bring GOoD out of the apparent bad.” We should be encouraged that GOD is with us during hard times, just as GOD was with Joseph. We should realize that living a Christian (Christ-like) life will include times of suffering and difficulties, since Jesus, the Son of GOD, also faced suffering and difficulties. We should not go out and seek problems, but realize when trying times come our way, that we are in company with the holy, faith- filled people, like Joseph, and especially like Jesus, the GOD-man Who came and lived among us. Yes, GOD promises to be with us and give us eternal life, yet, we may have to travel the bumpy and rugged road to get there. GOD will not leave us alone. The Lord Jesus will be with us and will use our struggles to manifest the divine plan for us and for others.
The personal question/action for today: What experiences in my life are/were the most challenging? How have I experienced the presence of GOD in those trying times? What GOoD came out of my trusting GOD and persevering through the difficult situation(s)? How can I encourage others who are experiencing rough times?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and always present. Through Your GOoDness, You ask us to follow Your Son. Sometimes the path we are asked to take seems dark and burdensome. We encounter all sorts of obstacles along the way. We are tempted to give up hope. Yet You remind us, especially as we reflect on Your story of salvation in Your Word, that You are with us. You reassure us of Your ultimate victory and fullness of life if we continue to place our trust in You. You transform our suffering to be part of Your plan of salvation not only for our GOoD, but also for the GOoD of others. Your Son allows us to share in His life, His suffering, and His death. He also promises to give us a share in His resurrection. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to be mindful of Your promises. Give us the strength we need to remain steadfast. Fill us with the awareness of Your presence. Allow us to be sources of encouragement to others as they travel along the rough roads of their lives. Help us always to keep our eyes focused on what lies ahead – eternal life with You. We pray this through Christ Jesus, Your Son
and our Brother, Who has gone before us to lead us and guide
us, Who encourages us and blesses us along the way, for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
March 22, 2026 BACK
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
Saint Nicholas Owen: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-nicholas-owen
Readings: Micah 7: 14-15, 18-20; Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
The merciful and forgiving nature of GOD takes center place in our readings today. The prayer of Micah seeks GOD’s loving kindness upon those who sin (that would include all of us). The Responsorial proclaims that GOD is kind and merciful. In the Gospel, Jesus relates a parable that is quite familiar to most people. He uses the parable to explain His mission to the sinful people who seek to return to GOD.
The prophet Micah speaks to the GOD of Israel in the hearing of the remnant of Israel (those left behind after some of Micah’s fellow citizens have been taken away in exile). To those who listen, the prayer is a reminder that GOD is a forgiving GOD. Not only is GOD willing to forgive, but once GOD has forgiven, GOD completely forgets the sins by throwing them into the depths of the sea, the old dumping ground for things that should be discarded and never brought up (or surface) again.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this same theme by saying that GOD pardons all our iniquities and does not hold the divine wrath forever. The psalm continues by saying that GOD does not deal with us as our sins deserve but puts our transgressions far from us.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus relates the story of the Prodigal Son in response to the Pharisees and scribes who are murmuring about His eating with sinners. This parable is the third of three parables in the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel, all showing how Jesus and His Abba-Father rejoice when a sinful individual turns away from sin and turns back to GOD (metanoia ad Deum [a mixture of Greek and Latin words]) and how GOD is willing to seek out the lost and welcome the wayward back.
As I reflect on the readings today, I am once again impressed by the unconditional, loving forgiveness that GOD has for sinners (including you and me). I remember thinking of my impression of GOD as a child. I then pictured GOD as a strict disciplinarian who kept an exact record of all my wrongdoings. According to my childhood understanding, I would eventually have to pay dearly for all of my sins, even after I had received GOD’s forgiveness, for in my mind, GOD recorded every one of my sins in a demerit book.
The image in today’s readings is far from that which I had as a youngster. GOD is pictured as anxiously waiting for
each sinner to turn back to GOD Who is loving and forgiving. Once a sinner begins to turn toward GOD (ad Deum), GOD rushes toward the sinner (Gospel), forgives the sins (Responsorial), and casts the sins into the irrecoverable depths of the sea (First Reading). GOD then throws a party to celebrate the return of wayward offspring (Gospel).
I recall a Catechist Formation class I taught in which we had the catechists role
played this parable of the Prodigal. I think everyone was able to identify and really get into the roles of the characters. This story gives us the opportunity to look at our own lives and see with which character we most identify. As we review the parable, some of us can easily see ourselves as the younger sibling who takes advantage of the benevolence (prodigal kindness) of the loving parent. We take whatever we can and then go and do our own thing in a prodigal (excessive) way. We live life the way we want, even though we know it hurts our loving Parent. Often things do not turn out as we expect and we come upon hard times, having to do the worst of jobs (feeding pigs for a Jew was highly despicable, since pigs were considered unclean, physically and metaphysically) in order to just squeak out an
existence, not even eating as well as the animals we are feeding. It is then that we come to our senses and realize how GOoD we had it back in the house of our loving Parent. We think that if we return, admit our wrongdoing, and ask to be treated not as an offspring of our loving Parent, but as a slave, we would have it better off than living in abject poverty.
Others of us can probably identify with the lovingly prodigal (excessive) parent. We have given of ourselves and our riches and have been rejected and treated in an abusive way by those whom we have loved. Although we have not approved of the actions taken by our loved ones, we allow them the freedom to waste their lives. We mourn their choices in life. We are willing to welcome them back, if and when they turn to us. We anxiously look for them to return to us. If they are willing to return, we are more than anxious to restore them to the fullness of our prodigal (lavish) love.
Some of us may be a little like the loving parent in the story, but we are not quite so willing to throw a party when our wayward loved ones return. We may want them to suffer a little longer, in order to teach them a lesson. It might be hard for us to fully identify with the loving and forgiving and prodigally (excessively and lavishly) loving parent as described by Jesus.
Still others of us can really identify with the older sibling. We have always tried to do the right thing. We have not caused undue heartache for those who love us. We expect someday to be rewarded for our proper behavior. Then our wayward sibling returns, and a party is thrown for the one who has prodigally (excessively) squandered all of the inheritance given to them. We are tempted to let that no GOoD “@#!$!*!” have a piece of our mind. How could our excessively loving parent throw a party for that one after all that one has done? We are angry. We have a right to be angry, at least we think we do. After all we have always done the right thing, and we don’t have a party thrown for us. We are jealous of the generosity and forgiveness of our prodigally loving parent. We are really upset with our wayward sibling, for all the heartaches and pain that one has caused.
How can that one be forgiven, and how come we don’t get a party for all the right things we have done? We are prodigally (excessively) angry.
For some of us, we may particularly find it difficult to be understanding and forgiving of those who have terrorized us and others. We want the worst (prodigal - excessive) pain and suffering for those who have been unmerciful to others and inflicted all sorts of hardships on others. We find it hard to reach out with a handshake of peace to our enemies. We want the death penalty, not forgiveness for such persons.
No matter where we see ourselves in this story, Jesus is telling us that we need to realize our own missing the mark (sin). Jesus is saying that our loving Abba-GOD-Parent is willing to forgive us, if we but turn around toward GOD (metanoia ad Deum). As soon as we start straightening out our path and heading back to the Lord Jesus, GOD will rush towards us and give us a prodigal (lavish) abundance of the divine richness. The Lord Jesus will rejoice that we are re-aligning ourselves toward GOD. This is true if we have totally gone against GOD (a-theos) (like the younger
sibling) or just missed the target a little (like the older sibling) in forgetting how much GOD loves us and how much GOD is there for us. It also is a challenge for us to look at our relationship with others. We are called both to be sincere in our seeking reconciliation with others and also to be generous in our forgiving of those who have hurt us. Prodigal (excessive) forgiveness as portrayed in today’s readings is hallmark of Christian relationships – relationship with GOD and relationship with others. Seeking forgiveness is the honest admission of our wrongdoing, our sinfulness, our missing the mark. Sharing in forgiveness is the willingness to rejoice at the reconciliation of those who have been estranged, the forgetting of the wrong deeds, and the full restoration of the broken relationship with even more prodigal (lavish) joy and life than before.
The personal question/action for today: At this point in my life, with which character in the Gospel parable do I most identify? Why? In what way do I feel challenged by reflecting on this parable? How can I demonstrate my sense of appreciation for receiving GOD’s loving mercy, not only for me but also for others? How can I bring this message of a prodigally (lavishly) loving GOD to those with whom I come in contact?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and forgiving. Through Your GOoDness, You treat us, Your wayward sons and daughters, better than we can ever expect to be treated. We have all strayed from the true path to You as we have journeyed along. We have sometimes fully turned our back on You, and yet, You anxiously have been waiting for our return to You. You are willing to bestow on us prodigal (lavish) riches beyond our understanding, if we but turn to You. You also ask us to rejoice with You when others turn back to You. Help us to overcome our jealousy for the late returners. May we treat them with the same prodigal (excessive) graciousness that You have treated us. Give us the loving heart to be able to forget the hurt that others have caused us and move on with the joy of being reunited with others in Your presence. Help us to pray for the return of all those who have forsaken You. Give us the patience and understanding to realize that You love all sinners, even the most despicable, while hating the sin they commit. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to work for reconciliation and spiritual return of all people. We pray this through Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, The One Who has taken away our sins through His death and resurrection and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
March 23, 2025 BACK
Third Sunday in Lent - “C” Cycle
Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo
Readings: Exodus 3: 1-8a, 13-15; Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8,11; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-6, 10-12; Luke 13: 1-9
The kindness, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness of GOD is a central theme in our readings today. [As I wrote the first sentence, I debated whether to use the single verb “is” or the plural verb “are” since the subject of the sentence (“kindness, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness of GOD”) could be taken as four separate nouns. So, really they are so essentially the “single subject” of Who GOD is, together they are the essence of GOD, so I purposely used the verb “is.”] The Hebrew word for this essence of GOD is [c]hesed. It is somewhat equivalent to the Greek word agape. [Please see the Website of the Day for more information about this essence of GOD The Hebrew word, [c]hesed, combines all these terms into one word.] In the First Reading, GOD reveals the divine essence (by revealing the divine
name) to Moses in response to the suffering being inflicted upon GOD’s Chosen People in Egypt. The response for the psalm repeats the phrase: “The Lord is kind and merciful.” In our Second Reading from his First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds them (and us) that they must learn a lesson from their ancestors in faith who experienced GOD’s merciful action in the Exodus, but who sinned against a loving and compassionate GOD. The Gospel presents two reminders of GOD’s mercy: first, Jesus tells His disciples that evils that happen to people are not the result of GOD wanting to punish sinners, and secondly, Jesus relates the parable of the fig-tree gardener who begs for another chance to do all that he can to enable a barren fig tree to bear GOoD fruit.
The First Reading (from Exodus) is a familiar passage to most believers. Most are aware that GOD appeared to Moses in the burning bush in the desert. People are often aware that this is the first time GOD reveals the divine name YHWH to humans. GOD is allowing mortals to have an intimate way of relating to GOD. Being able to call someone by name means that one has a privileged way of communicating with the person. This name (YHWH) is so holy and powerful,the Chosen People do not feel comfortable voicing, so they substitute the word Adonai – the LORD. The name YHWH is, however, not just a name, but also and more importantly, the name reveals Who GOD is. GOD is fundamentally a GOD of being, a GOD of presence, a GOD of active relationship with mortals. And the foremost way that GOD is present with those whom GOD has created is the compassionate and merciful way GOD relates to them. GOD is first and foremost a Being of kindness and mercy. GOD is not just a Divine Being Who is far away and distant from those who call upon GOD, whether or not the people use a name for GOD. GOD is aware of the plight of all, especially those who invoke GOD’s help. And GOD actively responds with eternal mercy and compassion. This GOD is GOD Who Is for others. This is part of what the divine name implies, and it is how the people need to relate to this GOD.
The Responsorial reminds us of the essential nature of GOD, that of being merciful, kind, and compassionate. The psalm gives us a way to respond to such a GOD. Because our GOD is so concerned and proactive in relating to those who call upon the name of the LORD, the people must bless (“speak well”) GOD’s holy name (YHWH – LORD) with all their being (mind, body, heart, and soul). By the people’s recalling (remembering – zikaron) GOD’s merciful action and compassionate presence with them, GOD is present again and continues the divine, loving actions in their presence. GOD is known for the majestic deeds of GOoDness and the reluctant ways GOD displays the divine anger. GOD is more willing to forgive and give more chances to the sinful and disobedient, than GOD is willing to exact punishment. Thus, the LORD wants to allow the errant/sinful individuals yet another opportunity to turn again to GOD (ad Deum).
In the Second Reading, St. Paul uses an analogy to remind the new Chosen People (those who are in relationship with GOD through the Lord Jesus) that they must not just rely on the fact that they have become beneficiaries of GOD’s loving compassion through water (baptism) and eating of the spiritual food (Eucharist). He recalls how all the Israelites at the time of Moses received the living water from the Rock and were given the manna in the desert. GOD had taken care of all the people whom the LORD GOD had led out of Egypt. Yet even though GOD daily provided for their needs, they still sinned – turned away from GOD (a theos). Paul urges those who have been set free from sin, not to fall into the same pattern as the sinful Israelites of old who sometimes forgot how kind and merciful the LORD GOD had been with them.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses His disciples with messages of GOD’s universal mercy in two ways: relating “news” items of the day, and telling a story (parable). First, He recalls events that were in the present consciousness of His listeners. Only in Luke’s Gospel do we hear of the two dramatic events that are presented in today’s pericope: Pilate’s mixing human blood with the blood of sacrifice and the deaths of people by the tumbling tower of Siloam. Jesus uses these tragic events to say that GOD did not cause these events to punish sinners. Obviously if GOD was going to punish sinners, a lot more people (in fact all the people) would have had to undergo similar experiences because all mortals are sinners (with Jesus and His mother excepted). Jesus emphasizes the fact that GOD does not cause terrible things to happen as a result of the sinfulness of individuals. GOD does not seek to punish evil doers in this life-time, but desires that all repent and turn back. Jesus urges His disciples to repent (metanoia – turn back to GOD [ad Deum]). The ultimate punishment after death will be a worse than the fate experienced by those who went through the tragic events that Jesus reported earlier.
The second part of today’s Gospel is a parable that proclaims GOD’s mercy. Just as the gardener seeks another chance to promote the barren fig tree’s production of fruit, so the Lord Jesus desires to give yet another opportunity to those who are producing no fruit (sinning, thus producing no GOoD fruit). Jesus stresses that the merciful and compassionate GOD (Whom Jesus calls Abba- Father) is willing to provide the fruitless (sinners) yet another occasion to produce some GOoD fruit. Carrying the parable further, Jesus could be compared to the gardener who begs for one more year of hard work on the part of the gardener himself. Jesus desires to do all He can to cultivate growth. He is willing to fertilize the ground with His very being in order to give nutrients to the unproductive tree so that it will produce GOoD fruit.
As I reflect on the readings, I am once again awestruck by the compassion and mercy of GOD. GOD is quintessentially a GOD of relationship, not just within the GODhead, but also with all creation. GOD’s merciful love reached out to create the world. GOD’s will is that all enjoy a relationship – an eternal relationship – with divine. GOD has done and continues to do everything possible (with the exception of taking away the divine gift of free will) to invite, exhort, encourage a relationship between us and GOD. GOD is willing to forgive and give another chance to those who refuse to have a relationship with the LORD GOD. It is because of this great loving and compassionate attitude of GOD that the Son came to share our humanity – in order to allow us the best opportunity to be in relationship with GOD.
Yet, like our ancestors in faith, we have forgotten the wonderful deeds of our GOD. We have failed to remember how GOD has washed us clean and fed us with living water and the food for our spiritual journey. We have turned away from GOD (a theos) – we have sinned. GOD, however, does not desire to leave us in our sinful state. Jesus has come to cultivate growth so that we might manifest the GOoD fruit that GOD wants us to produce. Jesus has fertilized the area around us with His going into the ground (His death) and allowing new growth to come forth (His resurrection). He has tilled and aerated (breathed life-giving divine air) into us by the sending of His Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father are willing to do whatever is needed in order that we come to an awareness that GOD is the Being of Ultimate Presence and Relationship. Yet, because GOD desires only a freely chosen relationship, GOD will not force us to be in that divine relationship. For coercion is not love. The Lord Jesus wants us to freely love GOD with our whole being – to be always heading toward GOD (ad Deum), not just at this moment of our life, but forever.
Our repentance (seeking GOD’s forgiveness, turning back to GOD [ad Deum] – metanoia) can be spurred on by our remembering (zikaron) what GOD has done (and is still doing and will continue to do) for us. We should desire to produce the best fruit possible not to earn GOD’s love, since that is already a given, but as our response to the compassionate love that GOD
continues to pour out upon us. We should seek the GOD “Who Is for us” (YHWH). Our response should resonate with the psalmist today: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless GOD’s holy name (YHWH). Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all GOD’s benefits.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I personally relate to this GOD Who Is, and Who desires to have a relationship with me? Do I take time to reflect and remember how this GOD has done, continues to do, and will do, GOoD deeds for all creatures, including me? Do I bless GOD’s holy name by using GOD’s name only in prayerful and loving way? How have I experienced the compassionate and merciful presence of GOD in my life? How can I help others to be more open to GOD’s loving presence in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the GOD of Being for us. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that we be in relationship with You. You continue to manifest Your compassionate and merciful presence through the multitude of experiences You allow us to have.
You touch our lives with signs of Your loving presence. Yet, we often forget those manifestations of Your love and focus only on the negative and mere earthly happenings in our lives. So, in the fullness of time, You sent Your Son to share our humanity and be Your Incarnate Presence among us. Through His life, ministry, death and resurrection, Jesus continued to draw people into a closer relationship with Himself and You. Through the continued presence of Your Holy Spirit, we are reminded of the GOoD News that Jesus proclaimed. We ask that You continue to extend Your eternal mercy and kindness to us, especially when we have turned away from You through our sins. Help us to re-orient our lives so that they are heading toward You. We make this prayer of praise and glory to You in union with our Master-Teacher and Savior, Jesus, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and
the Holy Spirit, our one and only, loving and merciful, GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffff
March 23, 2025 BACK
Third Sunday in Lent
Saint Toribius de Mogrovejo:
Readings: Exodus: 17: 3-7; Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8; John 4: 5-42
Water. Life-giving water. Ever flowing water. Water, as seen in today’s readings, reminds us of the gift of faith. Let us dive into the waters of faith and see how refreshing they can be.
The account in the First Reading takes place in the desert. The Israelites are complaining about being out in the hot, dry desert with no water. While they were slaves in Egypt, they had been able to drink their fill of water from the Nile River that flowed through the land. Now they blame Moses – and GOD – for leading them away from the life-giving waters to the parched land in the desert. Moses prays to GOD and GOD gives them water flowing from the rock, not because of their faith in GOD, but because of their lack of faith. GOD gifts them, even though they do not deserve GOD’s gift.
The psalm response challenges us not to test GOD and show lack of faith as the
people did in the desert. If we believe, GOD will give us what we need. And then we can sing a joyful song to the LORD. In the Second Reading, in his letter to the Romans, St. Paul speaks about faith. Faith comes to us as GOD’s gift in Jesus (“Through Jesus we have gained access by faith”). Jesus gives us this gift of life-giving faith while we are yet sinners – not faithful individuals – but enemies of GOD. Jesus lays downs His life so we might come to know fully the gift of faith that is being offered to us.
The long Gospel of Jesus’ meeting the woman at the well speaks of water and faith. Jesus reaches out to the woman. He begins the life- giving conversation that will end, not only in her own belief in GOD and in Jesus, but also in many others coming to believe. It truly shocks the woman that Jesus would talk to her because 1) she is a Samaritan, 2) she is a woman, and 3) she is an outcast even among the other Samaritan women. (She is not allowed to come with the other women to draw water because of her lifestyle. The other women come in the early morning, but this woman has to come by herself during the hot noon hour.) Yet this is the one Jesus invites to believe in Him and to spread the faith to other women, other Samaritans, other people. Jesus asks for water.
He wants the woman to respond to His request. Jesus then invites her to receive the living (flowing) water that He offers. She thinks that Jesus is talking about another source of drinking water that is not as deep as Jacob’s well. She wants this flowing water, so she does not have to keep coming, by herself, to draw water. Jesus is speaking of a spiritual water that gives spiritual life. Jesus is offering to her the gift of faith. It is only as the conversation develops that she becomes aware of the other dimension of Jesus’ promise of living water. After Jesus shows that He is aware of who she really is and how she has lived her life to this point, it is then that she begins to realize that Jesus is the promised Messiah. She accepts Jesus’ invitation to draw from the well of spiritual (true living) water. She begins to believe, and she rushes to tell others about the One with Whom she has begun a faith-filled relationship, after all of her unfaithful relationships of old. She becomes a proclaimer of this faith-full relationship. As a result, others come to Jesus and ask that He remain and share His gifts with them. Traditionally this Gospel has been part of the Lenten readings as a preparation for the celebration of the faith in the Risen Lord. This Gospel is read to prepare those who will receive the Easter Sacraments of Initiation and will become part of the faith community. Through Baptism, the new believers will be welcomed into the community of believers. They will proclaim their faith and begin to live as full members of the believing community. This reading speaks to those about to be received fully into the Church through reception of one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist). It proclaims a message about the role of the life-giving waters of Baptism and gift of faith. It also should speak to all of us who already are baptized believers. It is a challenge for us to realize the blessed gift that faith is.
GOD, through Jesus and other believers, has offered us the gift of faith. GOD is the initiator of faith. Just as the promise of living water was made to the woman at the well, faith is a divine gift that is made accessible to us. We can choose to accept the gift or reject it. It is our free will that allows us to do what we want with the gift of faith.
We can ask questions and explore what the gift is all about, just as the woman at the well. It is in the dialogue and thedeepening relationship with Jesus that we will come to realize the greatness of the One Who makes us the offer. The gift may expose us and make us face the realities of our lives, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman. We may try at first to hide our lives from GOD, but GOD knows our lives better than we know them ourselves. And GOD will continue to develop the relationship, if we are open to the gift of faith. We may look at our old routines, including our religious practices, in a new light. The Lord Jesus will be asking us to worship GOD in Spirit and Truth.
After we have experienced the newness of the gift of living water (faith), we will want to share this gift with others. We will tell them of our experiences of the Messiah-Christ, the One Who has told us everything about ourselves. We will ask others to come and drink of the life-giving waters of faith. True faith cannot be kept to ourselves. We will want others to experience what we have experienced. And when they come to the One Who gives living water, and the Lord Jesus offers them the gift of this faith, we will rejoice with them because they have accepted the gift of faith.
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced the Lord Jesus’ gift of life- giving faith? Have I sought to dialogue with the Lord Jesus in order to grow in my awareness of the gift of faith that GOD gives me? How have I been willing to share my faith with those around me, so that they can be brought into the life-giving relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, in union with Holy Spirit?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever giving and ever loving. Through Your Son, You offer to us a never ending, always flowing, well of life-giving sustenance. You want us to drink fully and deeply of this source of life. You ask us to accept what You offer and grow in our relationship with You, Your Son, and Your Spirit. We thank You and praise You for Your graciousness to us. We thank You for those people in our lives whom You have placed in a position where they could share their faith with us. We ask that You send to us Your Holy Spirit of wisdom, patience, and strength, so that we may respond fully to the gracious gift of faith that You offer us. May we desire to be refreshed continually with a deepening relationship with You. We ask that You allow us to be used in the spread of the faith, so that Your gift will reach even more people, and more people will come to have their thirst for You quenched in a community of fellow believers. As always, we make this prayer of You, through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggg
March 24, 2025 BACK
Monday of Third Week of Lent
Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero:
Readings: 2 Kings 5: 1-15ab; Psalm 42: 2, 3, 43: 3, 4; Luke 4: 24-30
The readings are tied together by the story of Naaman the Aramean/Syrian leper. The First Reading is the account of the healing of Naaman. In the Gospel, Jesus visits His “hometown” of Nazareth and mentions Naaman as an example of how foreigners are more open to the healing power of GOD than the local people.
The account from 2 Kings is of Naaman the Arameam/Syrian who had leprosy. We hear how he was led to seek help from the prophet Elisha. Because Naaman followed the directions of the prophet, he was cured of his leprosy.
Our psalm response includes the phrase: “My soul is thirsting for the living GOD.” This refrain should be our theme for today – for Lent – for our life.
In the Gospel passage, Jesus is teaching in Nazareth, but He is not able to proclaim the GOoD News through word or deed because the people are not open to hearing the divine message as Jesus communicates it. They think that they know Who Jesus is. They close their minds to His real identity.
What do these readings have in common? Sure, there is the obvious link in the Gospel where Jesus says, “Recall, too, the many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one was cured except Naaman the Syrian.” As I contemplated the readings, I saw an even closer link and a message for me.
In the story of Naaman, we hear how GOD works in both mysterious and ordinary ways. It is not just a lucky happenstance (or a coincidence) that the servant of Naaman’s wife is a girl from Israel. It is, as a youth group says, a “GODincidence.” The young girl is there by GOD’s plan to allow Naaman to hear about the prophet of the GOD of Israel. Naaman takes a chance on the opportunity offered to him to go to Israel to be healed. As he arrives, the
king of Israel lacks the trust that GOD could heal the leper. He believes that
Naaman was there to cause problems for the kingdom of Israel.
Elisha hears about what has happened and he offers GOD’s service to Naaman. Elisha asks Naaman to simply plunge himself seven times into the Jordan River to be healed. Naaman at first baulks at this answer to his problem. He thinks that the rivers of Damascus are more powerful and better than the Jordan River. Only after being swayed by his servants does he take
the chance of following the directions of the prophet. And thus, he is healed of his leprosy.
To me this story is the story of trusting in GOD’s presence Who is active in our lives. GOD is always there working through the circumstances of our life. If we open our eyes – the eyes of faith – we will see GOD’s hand at work in the events of our daily living. In the First Reading, GOD is manifesting the divine presence through the Israelite servant girl. She has faith in a GOD Who can heal, and she has faith in GOD’s prophet who would be instrumental in the healing. Naaman has to trust in GOD’s revelation through the Israelite servant girl. He takes the leap of faith and goes to his king and asks permission to go to Israel to be healed.
The king of Israel lacks faith in GOD. The king is mistrusting of GOD and of Naaman. He thinks the worst of the situation and cannot believe that GOD is sending Naaman to be healed. His lack of faith almost prevents the miracle from happening.
Elisha, the faith-filled prophet of GOD, senses that this event is happening to allow GOD’s presence to be manifested not only to Naaman but also to the king and people of Israel. Elisha does not perform some outlandish ceremony or enchant some mysterious words. He simply asks Naaman to plunge himself in the River Jordan. (I take this as alluding to the “plunge”– βαπτίσειν – baptisein of “Baptism” – the beginning of faith.) For a while, Naaman lacks faith. He does not believe that GOD can be working through the act of washing in
the River Jordan. He could have gone to the more powerful rivers of his home country. Naaman’s servants have
faith. They convince Naaman to trust that GOD can be working in and through Elisha’s direction. Once again, Naaman takes the leap of faith and follows the directives of the man of GOD, and he is healed.
Jesus in the Gospel refers to the act of faith by Naaman, the foreigner, and his being healed because he believed in GOD’s healing presence. Jesus remarks that the many lepers of Israel were not healed because they were not willing to take the leap of faith and experience GOD’s presence in their lives. Jesus reminds the people of His hometown of Nazareth that they are taking Him for granted. They think they know Him because Jesus has grown up in their midst. They cannot believe that GOD is working in Jesus – much less that He could be GOD’s Son. Their lack of faith prevents them from experiencing the wonders of GOD as proclaimed by Jesus in His words and deeds.
The challenge I receive from the readings is to see where my faith is. Oh, it’s easy to say, “I believe in GOD.” Yet do I really have my eyes open to see GOD working in my daily life? Do I think that things happen by “luck” or do I believe that GOD can manifest the divine presence to me in the circumstances of my daily living? I need to open my eyes of faith to see the wonders of GOD’s touch in the simple things of my ordinary routine.
A few years ago, I had to be in Rancho Cucamonga for a workshop I was presenting. I had been helping at my local church and had been delayed leaving church to go to the workshop. I dreaded the path I was planning to take because earlier in the day the traffic had been backed up at the intersection of the 57 and the I-10 freeways. They had been doing work and there was a big convention at the Fairgrounds. Yet, I was able to get through the traffic in almost record time. I heard later that there was more congestion at that point. I don’t think I was just “lucky” or it was a
coincidence. I believe that GOD was with me. It was another example of a GODincidence. I was able to praise GOD for seeing me through and allowing me to arrive safely and with enough time to get things ready for the workshop.
If I am open to seeing GOD’s presence in ordinary happenings, everything can be an opportunity for deepening my relationship with GOD. GOD is willing to reveal the divine presence in the normal routine of my life. And sometimes even greater things can happen if I but trust that GOD is at work. When I start to doubt GOD’s presence, things do not turn out as well. I need to keep searching for GOD’s presence. I need, as the psalmist reminds us today, to say, “My soul is thirsting for the living GOD: when shall I see GOD face to face?” If I just open my eyes of faith, I will see GOD each and every moment.
My faith will allow GOD to work more fully in my life and the lives of the people around me. My openness to GOD, not taking GOD for granted, will allow the GOoD News of GOD’s presence to be revealed in word and deed.
The personal question/action for today: How do I see GOD in the ordinary events of my daily life? What prevents me from being more aware of GOD’s hand at work in my life? How can I be to others a witness of GOD’s presence in their lives? Who could most benefit from my reassurance of GOD’s desire to touch their lives today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present in the ordinary events of everyday situations. Through Your GOoDness, You want to reveal Yourself to us. We often take You for granted, forgetting about Your presence in our lives. We attribute things to “luck” instead of believing that You are active in the daily events of life. You ask us to search for You and thirst for You, our living GOD. You are the living GOD Who manifests Your love constantly, if we but open our eyes of faith. Your Son came to reveal the GOoD News of Your ever-present love for us. He promises to work mightily in our lives if we but trust Him and You. Continue to fill us with the gifts/fruits of Your Holy Spirit: the gifts of wisdom, understanding, faith, hope, and love. And may the gifts we receive allow us to see Your presence in the little happenings of daily existence. And may we give You all the glory and praise as You continue to make Yourself known to us, especially in the words and actions of Your Son, Jesus the Christ, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
March 25, 2025 BACK
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
(replacing Tue. of 3rd Week of Lent)
Annunciation of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 7: 10-14, 8: 10; Psalm 40: 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11; Hebrews 10: 4-10; Luke 1: 26-38
Today we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord. This solemnity is observed normally on March 25, nine months before Christmas. Today’s readings point to the importance of the solemnity.
In the reading from Isaiah, we hear that a young woman (also translated as “a virgin”) will conceive a son. The child will be called Immanuel, “GOD with us.” Today we celebrate the conception of the Lord Jesus in the womb of the virgin Mary. Jesus is truly “GOD with us” in a way that no one could ever have imagined before His time, and many people do not fully comprehend or appreciate even to this day.
The psalm echoes the words of the readings from Hebrew (our Second Reading today). What GOD wants is not a lot of rituals and sacrifices. GOD wants people to accept the gifts GOD has for them and respond by seeking to do the will of GOD. Mary was willing to do so. She said “yes” to GOD’s will, even though she did not know what
it would entail. Jesus also said “yes” to the will of His Abba-Father. And thus, Jesus, the Son of GOD, was conceived as a human in the womb of Mary, by the overpowering of the Holy Spirit.
The reading from the Letter to Hebrews expands the psalm and applies it to Jesus. Jesus came not to perform sacrifices and rituals. Jesus came to do the will of His Abba – to announce the GOoD News of GOD’s love and GOD’s desire to have a more personal relationship with each and every person. This was only done by the Son
of GOD’s offering of His human body in perfect obedience to the will of His Abba.
The Gospel today is the account of the angel (“messenger”) Gabriel appearing to Mary and asking her if she would consent to be the mother of the Messiah, the mother of the Savior, the mother of “GOD with us.” Mary does not understand how that could be possible since she has “not known man,” i.e., had no physical relations with a man. She is not doubting GOD’s request, she is
wondering how it would be possible. After being informed it will be by the power of the Holy Spirit, she says her fiat, “Let it be.” This is her complete submission to the will of GOD.
It is important we celebrate the conception and incarnation of Jesus as a human in the womb of Mary, but more important than Jesus’ human beginning (His incarnation) is His suffering, death, and resurrection. Yes, it is true without the conception and incarnation there could be no suffering, death, and resurrection.
Yet, Jesus’ becoming human was only the beginning of what His full earthly mission and ministry was to be. His obedience in becoming human was to lead to His obedience in giving His life for others. So often Christians put greater emphasis on Jesus’ birth and celebration of Christmas, than they do on the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Church reminds us that the reason Jesus became human was to give His life for our salvation by His dying on the cross and also to restore life to us through His resurrection.
Another thought that struck me is the submission to the will of GOD. Mary was willing to do the will of GOD. She did not always know what that fully meant. Today’s solemnity is an example. A young maiden is approached by a messenger (angel) of GOD. That would be startling in and of itself. Gabriel declares Mary’s graced position in the eyes of GOD. The angel announces GOD’s plan to have the Messiah, the Christ, the chosen Anointed One of GOD, be born of Mary. Mary wonders how this could be possible. She is a virgin. Gabriel says it will be by the overshadowing of the Ruah YHWH, the Spirit of GOD, that the Son of GOD will take flesh in her womb. She only needs to accept the gift and say “Yes” to GOD’s plan – GOD’s will. Not knowing all the implications of what this means and how GOD will work it out, and also realizing that there will be a lot of further unknowns in the days and weeks and years ahead, Mary obediently says her fiat – “Let it be done to me according to GOD’s will” or simply, “Your will be done.”
Obedience to GOD is not always tied into full understanding of what lies ahead. It is trusting that GOD will provide the strength-fortitude and knowledge and wisdom on an “as needed” basis, as the plan unfolds. Obedience is hearing what GOD says and being willing to trust that GOD will see us through it all (providence). Obedience is part of the response of a disciple – a disciplined learner of the Master-Teacher.
This submission to the will of GOD is also manifested in Jesus. As the Son of GOD, co-eternal with the Abba, He was perfect. Yet, in response to His Abba’s plan, the Son of GOD was willing to humble Himself and become human. In His human nature, He would be limited, and He would face challenging times. Yet the Son was willing to do what His Abba asked. The Son of GOD was willing to allow Himself to be limited by His human nature. Jesus was willing to say His fiat – “Let it be, not as I wish but as You will.” Jesus repeatedly said this from before the Annunciation to Mary, throughout His life, and especially during His passion and death.
Today we celebrate the fiat of both Jesus and Mary – their willingness to hear GOD’s plan and accept it, no matter where it would lead. And today we are reminded that this was only the beginning of their doing the will of GOD. The climax of their fiat would come at the cross and the empty tomb and the ascension to the Abba in heaven.
Today we are invited to hear GOD’s announcement (annunciation) to us. We are asked to accept what GOD
has planned for us. We may not know fully where it leads and what lies ahead. The message is being given, we can respond by saying “fiat” – “Let it be” or we can refuse the invitation. The choice is ours.
The personal question/action for today: How has the Lord Jesus’ invitation to do the will of GOD been made known to me? Who or what experience(s) has/have been GOD’s angel (“messenger”) to me? Have I always been open to GOD’s “messenger” coming to me and asking me to do GOD’s will? How willingly have I responded with my “fiat” to GOD’s will, even though I did not know all of what was being asked of me? How open to the over-shadowing of the Holy Spirit have I been? Do I pray regularly to be open to the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in my life? How can I help reassure others of GOD’s call in their lives and GOD’s being with them if they but say, “fiat”?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, always offering us a choice. Through Your GOoDness, You invite us to an ever deepening relationship with You. You give us the freedom to say “Fiat” or to say “No.” We ask that You continue to overshadow us with Your Holy Spirit and give us the courage to respond with affirmation to Your requests. We may not always see the big picture, but we ask You to fill us with the trust that You will empower us to do whatever You ask of us, just as You did for Mary and Your Son, Jesus. We thank You for Your patience when we have not fully committed ourselves to doing Your will and we seek Your forgiveness. We give You glory, honor, and praise in and through our Brother Jesus, Your Son, Who said His “Yes” to You before the moment of the Annunciation to His death on the cross and Who is Our Risen Lord, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
March 26, 2025 BACK
Wednesday of Third Week of Lent
Saint Catherine of Genoa
Readings: Deuteronomy 4: 1, 5-9; Psalm 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Matthew 5: 17-19
The commands of the LORD are meant to be yet another sign of GOD’s love for the people whom GOD has chosen. The GOD’s Word spoken through Moses in today’s First Reading reminds us of that, as does the Gospel. GOD has given the law as a reminder of the relationship that GOD has established with the Chosen People.
The psalm picks up this theme and speaks to us of the fact that GOD has not proclaimed the divine message to any other people except the Chosen People of GOD at that time in history.
Jesus, in the Gospel, tells us that He has not come to
change the law and the teaching of the prophets but to bring them to fulfillment. The close relationship that GOD has demonstrated through the giving of the commandments is fulfilled in the teaching of Jesus.
The precepts of the LORD are not meant to restrict us and our freedom, but to draw us closer to GOD. Parents set certain parameters with their children, especially when the kids are young, not to prevent them from having fun, but to protect them from harm. Such things as “not playing in the street” is meant to keep them safe. The early “rules” that parents set down for their children are primarily a list of “Don’ts.” This is because youngsters have to learn the meaning of “No!” although they, like all children, sometimes chose to break the rules.
GOD has done the same thing with the people whom the LORD has chosen, not only in the Ten Commandments, but in other ways. Today’s First Reading puts it this way: “For what great nation is there that has a god so close to it as the LORD, our GOD, is to us?” The passage goes on to remind us to “not forget the things that your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but to teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”
Jesus has come to continue the close relationship of GOD with the people whom GOD has chosen (that includes all people). Thus, Jesus fulfills the purpose of the laws of old. Jesus reassures all of us that we are GOD’s chosen people – people whom GOD loves. Jesus raises the commands and precepts to a new level. He wants us to realize the love GOD has for us and to share that love with others. He says to us: “Whoever fulfills and teaches these commands shall be great in the Reign of GOD.”
In His teachings and His lifestyle Jesus manifests the purpose of the commands of GOD and simplifies them to love of GOD and love of neighbor. St. Paul speaks about the great command of love that frees us from the laws of old. The more we realize the relationship GOD desires to have with us and how much GOD loves us, the more we are free to live a life that reflects that loving relationship with GOD and others.
Once again, I return to the parallel with children – with adult children. Parents no longer set rules and regulations and list of don’ts and dos for their adult children. What is exciting is to see how some adult children now choose to do what is GOoD for themselves and others, even going beyond what others expect of them. They seek to be thoughtful of others and build healthy relationships with friends and co-workers not because they are commanded to do so, but because they desire to do what is right and even going beyond what is required. In our spiritual life, as we mature in our faith, we do not need the strict parameters of rules and regulations, especially the “don’ts,” because we will be motivated by the purpose behind all the rules and regulations. Our concern will not be: “What must I do to keep the commandments?” or “What do I have to do to slip into heaven?” but rather, “How can I more powerfully manifest the love GOD has for me and others?” Instead of trying to do the minimum to get by, we will strive to do the most to live out the relationship we have with GOD. The more we develop our relationship with GOD, the more we will want to proclaim that relationship by living a life that reflects GOD’s closeness to us and to others.
So as I reflect on the Word of GOD today, I paraphrase the words in the First Reading: “The LORD, our GOD, loves us so much and is so close to us, that I want to take that divine love and share it with others.” I will strive to do the right thing, not because I am required to do so, but because I want to manifest the love GOD has for me. Thus, I will try to see others as my Abba-Father sees them and treat them with the same love and understanding as Jesus does. I will want to have them experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Thus, in relationship to the ten commandments, particular those that deal with others, I move beyond the commands and prohibitions and seek to do that which enhances my relationships with others. Instead of thinking what I can do so that I will not dishonor my parents, I will strive to love them for the love GOD has manifested through them. Instead of seeing how I can avoid murdering and hurting others, I will seek what is the best for others because they, too, are loved by GOD. I will not just avoid bearing false witness against my neighbor, I will do what I can so they will know the truth about GOD, and I will do what I can to edify and build up my neighbor because they are loved by GOD and by me. I will not just abstain from stealing and taking things from others, I will see how I can share what I have with them, especially those who have less than I do or who are in need of my help, for I will want the best for them since they are my sisters and brothers in Christ.
Thus, I will strive not so much to just avoid sinning, instead I will seek to develop what more I can do to live out the relationship with GOD and also with others, for I am in relationship with them through my relationship with GOD. And I will want to share that relationship and teach that lifestyle to others, not so that I will be great in the kingdom of GOD, but because I will want others to experience the ever-deepening relationship with GOD.
The personal question/action for today: How do I see rules and regulations as being an aid in deepening my relationship with GOD and with others? Have rules and regulations ever been at odd with my drawing closer to GOD? How have I dealt with those tensions? Did I end up coming to a deeper understanding of how GOD wants me to respond to the divine love? What can I do to reflect to others the love that GOD has for them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, our ever-loving Parent, Abba-Father of our Lord Jesus and, through adoption, Abba of all of us. Through Your GOoDness, You have shown Your close relationship with Your chosen people by giving them guidelines and commands. You did this, not to restrict their freedom, but to show Your loving concern for them. You asked that they live by these commands as a sign of their acceptance of Your love. Through Your Son, Jesus, You have established an even closer relationship with Your holy people. You allow us to call You our Abba, Father, Daddy. Through Your Son’s teaching and lifestyle, You ask us to not look at how we can avoid breaking Your law, but how we can manifest the close relationship You have with us. Your Son has demonstrated how we should love others and seek the best for them, reaching out with compassion and concern, not because it is required, but because it is the loving thing – the GODly thing – to do. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, continue to open our eyes to ways we can be more like Jesus. Give us the strength and wisdom to look beyond mere mortal limitations and see the great things that can be, if we truly live as Your beloved and loving daughters and sons. Help us to proclaim in our lives the GOoD News of Your relationship with Your new Chosen and Holy People, that includes all people. We ask this of You through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who gave His life as a demonstration of the loving relationship with You, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
March 27, 2025 BACK
Thursday of Third Week of Lent
Saint Gregory of Narek
Readings: Jeremiah 7: 23-28; Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 11: 14-23
What’s your orientation? Which way are you headed? Those are valid questions in light of our readings today.
Jeremiah is told by the LORD that even though he and the other prophets have tried to get the people on the right track, the people have chosen to go another way. Instead of turning their faces to GOD (ad Deum), the Chosen People of GOD have chosen to not be the people of GOD and have turned their backs to GOD and are heading away from GOD (a theos).
The response in the Responsorial Psalm concerns the unfaithfulness of the Israelites in the desert where they did not listen to GOD’s voice, but they have tested GOD by demanding water at Meribah and Massah.
Jesus casts out an evil spirit from an individual in today’s Gospel, and people think that Jesus must be evil to have this power over evil spirits. Jesus reassures them that it is by the power of GOD that He casts out the evil spirits. He continues by saying if He has performed this exorcism by evil power, then evil would be working against evil – a losing proposition for evil. Jesus also speaks of the need for unity and being of one mind among all those who follow Him.
As I reflect on the readings today, I am challenged to make a decision. I need to be either ad Deum or a theos. There is no middle ground on which to stand. Either I am fully involved in deepening my relationship with GOD, or I want nothing to do with GOD. Either I am working for the spread of the GOoD News of GOD’s presence in the world, or I am working against the Gospel message. The choice of which way I am going is laid before me.
Being a follower of Jesus, a disciple (disciplined learner), is not a part-time avocation. It must be a full-time commitment on my part. I cannot be a quasi-Christian. That was the decision that many of the canonized saints had to face. I recall the accounts of many of the “saints” who had to make a choice between earthly life or eternal life. The choice came down to being faithful to Christ and losing their earthly, human lives, or turning their back on GOD and having an apparently more pleasant earthly life but losing eternal life.
We may say that it is not as necessary for us to make such a dramatic statement as martyrs and saints have done in the past. After all we are not faced with such a decision as to be a martyr for the faith or deny our relationship with GOD. Yet, in little ways, each day we are asked to be bold in living out our commitment to GOD. Do we make conscious choices to deepen our relationship with GOD each day by spending time in prayer and reflection? Do we set aside time to be with GOD or do we allow the busy-ness of our everyday life get in the way of our relationship with the Lord Jesus and with others? Do we seek to promote Gospel values by living a life which reflects Christ Jesus, or do we give in to the values of the world – wealth, selfish pleasures, and fame? Are we gathering with the truth of the Lord Jesus, or are we scattering with the falseness of the world? In some ways it may be more difficult for us today to really be with Jesus. There are so many enticements that draw us away – things that, in and of themselves, are not bad. Yet they can draw us away from our full orientation toward GOD.
It is so easy to just get into a pattern of drifting along with the current, flowing down the river of worldly life, instead of putting in the effort to paddle against the current and to consciously head toward GOD.
Once again, I feel challenged to look at my life and see where I am going. As I continue my Lenten journey,
I realize I have to re-commit myself to being on task, on target, making a conscientious decision to be with the Lord Jesus. I have to fight against the prevailing current that seeks to sweep me down the stream, away from GOD. If I am not fully working at getting to my destination (GOD), then I am losing ground and being taken further away from GOD. It does not mean that I won’t be forced off course and even get flipped over by the whirlpools and rapids I am facing. I may even get overturned in the struggle to head upstream towards GOD. Yet if I am exerting myself and striving to go in the right direction, GOD will see me through.
I was reminded of that once when, after a full day at school (10 hours), I spent eight hours with an older person. I picked up this person who was being released from a skilled nursing facility, drove her to a grocery store and assisted in the shopping with this person (and that took about 1½ hours to
pick up just a few items). I then went to this person’s favorite restaurant so that her first non-institutionalized meal in 5½ weeks could be eaten. Following the time-lengthy meal, I drove the person home, unpacked the groceries, laid out the medicines that were to be taken before bed and in the morning for the next couple of weeks. While spending those eight hours with the convalescing individual, I was thinking about all the schoolwork and other work I could (and should) have been doing. I also realized that what GOD wanted me to do at that time was to minister to this individual, and to do it with a loving, caring way, so that this person realized that my total focus was on this individual and nothing else mattered. This individual sensed that. The person realized that for those eight hours, I was there, willing to do whatever needed to be done.
Jesus is saying to me today: “Are you with Me? Are you willing to dig your paddle in and move in My direction?” I pray that I will be aware of the strength that the Lord Jesus provides, and I will be able to answer: “I’m with You. Let’s go!”
The personal question/action for today: What is my basic orientation? If I say I am heading towards GOD, how committed am I to doing that with my full attention, strength, and will power? Am I 100% in my wanting to be on the track to GOD? What is keeping me from giving totally of myself? How can I live out my commitment to the Lord Jesus in my everyday life, especially as I interact with other individuals?
Blessed are You LORD GOD, ever loving and ever challenging. Through Your GOoDness, You once again remind us that being one of Your chosen people means making a decision to be heading toward You. Through Your Son, You continually invite us to come to You. We sometimes find it smooth paddling and easy traveling in Your direction. And yet at other times it is a real struggle to keep our focus on You and head toward You. As we hear Your Son speak to us, “Come, follow Me,” give us the strength and courage to answer His invitation and dedicate ourselves to being with Him as He leads us to You. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us the courage to take the risks involved in following Jesus. Help us to be conscious that Jesus is with us, or in a more real sense, we are with Him. Thank You again for sending Jesus to show us the Way. As always, we pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, and our Brother, Who leads us, guides us, and does the majority of the work for us, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Saint Catharine of Bologna:
Readings: Hosea 14: 2-10; Psalm 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17; Mark 12: 28-34
In the First Reading, the prophet Hosea speaks about turning away from our sins and returning to the LORD. Once we do that, GOD will give us new life, abundant life. We shall be strong, bear rich fruit, produce a fragrant smell, if we but turn to the LORD. GOD continues to say to us, “I will love them freely.”
The psalm gives us GOD’s reassuring Word that if we make GOD
our number one choice, GOD will provide the best food for us. We are told that not only will water flow from the rock, but also honey. GOD will not only take care of our needs, but also give us sweetness besides, if we listen to our GOD and walk in GOD’s ways.
In the Gospel today, Jesus speaks of the greatest commandments: “Love the LORD our GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with
all your mind, and with all your strength. . .Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is worth more than sacrifices and rituals.
As I reflect on these passages, my mind keeps thinking about two words: love and relationship. I realized that they are the essence of Who GOD is and who we are called to be. We are told that GOD is love (1 John 4:
8 and 1 John 4: 16). Since GOD is love, love is the essence of Who GOD is as Trinity. What unites the Abba- Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is love. It is the relationship between the three persons in the Trinity. Love
thus is synonymous with relationship. This relationship between Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit is so powerful in essence that GOD wants to share this love, this relationship with humans. GOD does not need to extend this
relationship – this love – to humanity, but GOD freely chooses to love.
Creation is part of GOD’s choosing to love and choosing to establish a relationship with us. And all GOD
ever asks is that we accept the divine gift of love and the relationship that GOD offers. GOD does not force us to accept this gift, for another of GOD’s gifts to us is the gift of free will. Love is essentially the choice to accept the invitation of being in relationship. GOD will not make us love; GOD will not make us be in relationship. A forced love or relationship is not true love, and it cannot produce an enduring relationship.
Love is not just a nice feeling we have when things are going right. Love is that decision to be there for the sake of the other. GOD has proven this love to us by the sending of Jesus, the Son of GOD. It was not always a “nice” feeling Jesus had as He proclaimed the GOoD News of GOD’s loving relationship. He was met with opposition. He ultimately had to lay down His life in order to show how much GOD wants to be in relationship with us. And today Jesus reminds us that all GOD asks of us is that we freely choose to give all we have to the process of deepening this relationship with GOD. We are asked to love – be in relationship with GOD – with our whole heart (emotions and decision), our whole soul (spirituality), our whole mind (intellect), and our
whole strength (physical being). The Lord Jesus desires that we are totally and completely in relationship with
GOD.
And if we freely choose to give ourselves totally to this relationship with GOD, we will also freely choose to be in relationship with all those with whom GOD also desires a relationship – that is every other living being. For in our developing a loving relationship with others, we will be deepening our relationship with GOD.
It will not always be easy. It will demand our full attention, our conscious effort, to devote ourselves to a relationship with GOD and others. It means that we will have to make a decision “to be” for the other rather than just allow things to happen or seek our own pleasures. Love means that we will place the relationship with others ahead of our own desires. True love is the unconditional giving to another, working for the best for the other, doing whatever we can so that the other will know we want to be in relationship.
I was reminded of that some time ago. After the busy days (9+ hours of work at school and 8+ hours helping a friend) I had on a few days of a certain week, I thought that I could leave school after 10 hours, go home, cook dinner, and work on correcting about 45 term papers, plus other work (it was the end of the marking period). I was starting dinner when the phone rang. It was the friend with whom I had spent 8 hours on each of the two previous days. The friend, who lives 15 miles away, needed help with medications. Having suffered a stroke, it was hard for this person to see clearly. Although a home nurse had dropped by during the
day, the medications were not set out. I finished cooking dinner, put the food out for everyone in the house, and drove down to the friend’s home to help straighten out the medications. After spending two hours sorting the dozen or so prescription drugs, labeling containers with the morning and evening pills, I drove home. My attitude while I was with the friend was that this person was the most important person at that moment in my
life and I was willing to do whatever was necessary, even though I would have rather been home, even if it was only to read and correct terms papers. I realized I was loving GOD by caring for this friend who needed my help.
Thus, we are reminded today, “To love GOD. . .and to love our neighbor. . .is more than any burnt offering
or sacrifice.” Our faith is not just religious ceremonies and rites; our faith is a relationship, a loving relationship. It is the gift that GOD is freely offering to us. We are asked to give a gift back: our response of freely choosing to develop that relationship through all the joys and sorrows we experience in life. It is saying that our number one priority is to be in a loving relationship with GOD and with those who are also called into the loving relationship with GOD (that includes everyone). GOD desires to have a loving relationship with everyone, so we should also want to have a loving relationship with them. The does not mean I have to agree with everyone or necessarily like what they say or do, but I respect them as individuals loved by GOD.
Thus, today I am making the commitment to spend time in further developing my relationship with my
GOD, with our GOD. I plan to take the time to experience how much this relationship means to GOD, how blessed I am that GOD wants this relationship with me. As I reflect on this loving relationship, I am humbled by GOD’s graciousness. I also realize how much I have missed out on what this relationship could be by my choosing other things rather than spending time in relationship. I also plan to commit myself to reaching out to others in a way that shows them that I want to be in a loving relationship, a GODly relationship, with them. I
already feel energized by GOD’s relationship with me, and I want to bring that enthusiasm (en theos – in GOD)
into my relationship with others. I will be more conscious of how my actions should reflect my desire to be there for the other as a sign of my loving relationship with them.
The personal question/action for today: What does love mean to me? Am I able to love someone with all my being, thinking more of her/him than myself? Do I see that GOD’s love for me enables me to give of myself to another person? What can I do to deepen my relationship with GOD? How will that flow into my relationships with other people today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and always desirous of being in loving relationship, for You are love. Your relationship within Yourself (Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is so powerful and life-giving that You have chosen to create us in Your loving image. You have put in our being the desire to be in relationship. Through Your Son, Jesus, You have revealed what having a true, loving relationship is all about. His example of giving to others (no matter what the personal cost) spurs us on. His spending time in quiet prayer with You, His loving Abba, reminds us of the importance of our personal time with You. His constant focusing on doing Your will as a sign of being in relationship with You enables us to seek to do Your will also. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, inflame within our hearts the fire of Your love and Your relationship, so that we may love You with our whole heart, whole soul, whole mind, and whole strength. May the gifts we receive from Your Holy Spirit strengthen us, so we can love and be in relationship with others, in the selfless and giving way that Your Son demonstrated during His earthly life. We give You praise and thanks for sharing Your loving relationship with us, especially through Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and our Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
March 29, 2025 BACK
Saturday of Third Week of Lent
Saint Ludovico of Casoria:
Readings: Hosea 6: 1-6; Psalm 51: 3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab; Luke 18: 9-14
Humility is central to our readings today. The First Reading describes people’s reaction when they are faced with difficulties. They can, all of the sudden, be “religious” and call on GOD for help. They don’t want a relationship with GOD, they want action from GOD. The psalm gives a dialog between GOD and the psalmist. The LORD GOD proclaims that what is desired is a relationship between GOD and the people. The psalmist answers back, humbly praying that he desires such a relationship also. In the Gospel, Jesus relates the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector who both come to the temple to voice their words. One is boastful and the other is humble.
The prophet Hosea gives a portrait of the Chosen People in rough times. It is only then that they turn to the LORD and seek GOD’s help. When things are not going well, they start practicing the external signs of their religion. GOD speaks to them and says: “It is love (decision to do what is right in GOD’s eyes) that I desire, not sacrifice; and knowledge of GOD (that is, a relationship with GOD) rather than holocausts.”
The Responsorial picks up on this same theme with the refrain (from the First Reading) of the words of GOD: “It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.” The psalmist responds to GOD’s
Word by saying: “My sacrifice is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O GOD, you will not spurn.”
In the Gospel, Jesus relates the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisees speaks more about himself than to, or about, GOD. The tax collector seeks GOD and GOD’s loving mercy.
The word that comes to mind after reflecting on these readings is “humble.” I keep hearing the song, Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord. As we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord Jesus, He can lift us up to a closer relationship with GOD, His Abba-Father, Who is also our Abba-Father. What the Lord Jesus wants from us is that we be truly humble. Being humble is not a false cry for pity. It is not self-degradation.
Humility is an honest look at who I, as an individual, am in the sight of GOD, that is, who am I as seen from GOD’s perspective. It is sincere desire to be in a better relationship with GOD, and an admission that I can only do that with the grace of GOD.
Being humble is realizing my GOD-given talents and abilities, and also my shortcomings. If I am truly humble, I will realize all the blessings in my life – how GOD has
directly and indirectly touched my life to bring out the best
in me. As I think about how my life has been enriched by GOD and by others, I can see the graciousness of GOD.
And I can also see how I have not always been responsive to what GOD has given me.
The First Reading is a criticism of those who only turn to GOD when they need GOD’s help. They are willing to put on a show of being “humble” in order to get something from GOD. They start performing religious activities to win GOD’s approval, but their humility is false. They do not want to be in relationship with GOD, they only want something from GOD. Yet we, like the people addressed in the First Reading, often turn to GOD to solve our problems. We want action from GOD rather than wanting to be in relationship with GOD. We want GOD to do
things for us, but we don’t want to make a commitment to a long-term relationship with GOD. We must not judge others and their attitudes. We are called only to look at our own correspondence (prayer life) with GOD and see if we are seeking things from GOD or seeking a relationship with GOD.
The Responsorial Psalm reminds us of what we need is a contrite spirit and a humble heart. The Lord Jesus wants us to humbly come before GOD and seek a closer relationship with GOD, a long-term commitment to be one with GOD. This includes admitting that we have not been as faithful in deepening our relationship as we could have been. It is when we are in relationship with GOD that GOD will provide what we truly need (not necessarily want) – and much more besides.
When we are in a proper relationship with GOD, we will also know how we can be in proper relationships with others. In the Gospel parable, the Pharisee is centered on himself. In his “prayer” he uses the word “I” five times and mentions GOD only twice. He focuses on what he does, not who he is in GOD’s sight. He is not praying; he is boasting about himself using prayer as a guise. He acts as if he is doing GOD a favor by his actions. He seems to imply to GOD that GOD needs him, not that he needs GOD.
The tax collector, on the other hand, focuses on GOD and his relationship with GOD. He wants to be in a relationship with GOD. He admits his need for mercy, as he admits his failing in faithfulness. He wants the link between himself and GOD to be restored. He wants to be bound again (re-ligio) to GOD.
These readings also remind me of the all-day workshop I attended. Rev. Richard Rohr, OFM was speaking about “The Spirituality of the Two Halves of Life.” The people in the First Half of Life (not chronologically based) are like the Pharisee. They are “ego-centered.” They obey rules and regulations so they can prove to others that they are doing what is right, and therefore, they should be admired. The tax collector is a person in the Second Half of Life. He does not focus on himself but on GOD. He does not care what other people think of him as long as he can have a relationship with GOD. He admits the mistakes (sins) he has committed and asks to be treated mercifully. Humility thus is an attribute of those who are in the Second Half of Life.
I am challenged today to humbly look at my relationship with GOD. I can truly praise and thank GOD for what GOD has done and is doing in my life. I can see how GOD has touched my life and gifted me in so many ways. I can also see how GOD has allowed others to bring the divine message to me. I can focus on signs of GOD’s relationship with me. And I also realize that I have not always been faithful in my relationship with GOD. I can humbly acknowledge Who GOD is and who I am in the sight of GOD and this humble acknowledgment will edify and build me up and will also have an edifying or up-building effect on others as I give GOD the glory and praise that GOD is due.
The personal question/action for today: Where am I in my relationship with GOD? Am I performing acts and saying words to show my importance? Or am I humbly asking for a deeper relationship with GOD, even while I admit my sinfulness and my unworthiness? How can I humbly manifest GOD’s desire to lift up those who are in need of GOD’s help? What can I do today to humbly serve others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to come humbly into Your presence. You ask us to acknowledge Who You are and how You have touched our lives. We praise and thank You for Your graciousness to us. You have sought to establish an ever-deepening relationship with us. You continually offer us a share in Your life. We have often sought to prove our importance in our accomplishments and in what we do, rather than in who we are in Your sight and by acknowledging Your action in our lives. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to focus on our relationship with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. Your Son, Jesus, invites us to follow His lead. He has proclaimed the GOoD News of Your love. He invites us to share this message with others by being in relationship with them as He is in relationship with us. We ask that we may humble ourselves in Your sight and make known Your presence in and to others. This we pray in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffff
March 30, 2025 BACK
Fourth Sunday in Lent - “A” Cycle
Saint Peter Regalado:
Readings: 1 Samuel 16: 1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Ephesians 5: 8-14; John 9: 1-41
How’s your sight? Our readings speak about seeing not just with human vision, but also with spiritual vision – the eyes of GOD. The First Reading describes what GOD sees in the person of David. The Responsorial Psalm is the familiar Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” In his letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul describes the darkness that unbelievers once experienced and how that has changed to light that gives sight because of their acceptance of faith. In the Gospel, Jesus gives not only physical sight to a blind man, but also new spiritual vision to him.
In today’s First Reading, Samuel and Jesse do not see very clearly, at least not at first. They are
looking with merely human eyes and not the way that GOD sees. GOD sees beyond the superficial, into the depths of a person. Of all Jesse’s sons, David is seen as the least likely candidate to be the king for Israel. He is the youngest of eight brothers and so, is “unimportant” – so much so that he is sent to take of the sheep while the rest of his family gathers at the celebration with the prophet Samuel. Yet GOD sees something that mere mortals could not see. GOD calls David from shepherding sheep to shepherding GOD’s Chosen People.
The psalmist, either David or someone who thinks like David, speaks of GOD as a shepherd. GOD cares for the divine flock and protects each member of that flock as they walk through the valley of darkness. GOD provides food – rich, choice food – for those who turn to the LORD, their Shepherd.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul reminds his readers (including us) that they (and we) were once in darkness, but they (and we) are now called to leave the dark ways behind and receive the light that Christ gives them (and us). The paths of darkness include vain deeds, shameful activities, and things that should not even be mentioned (so Paul does not mention them, but I’m sure we can think of many activities that would fit into the category). Paul urges
believers to walk in the light and to see clearly what sort of lives they must live.
The Gospel passage today is one we have heard many times. It is filled with powerful imageries. A man born blind becomes the center of attention (other than Jesus, Who is always, or at least should be, the Center of our attention). First, the blind man is the cause of the apostles’ questioning Jesus about the reason for his blindness. The apostles want to blame it on the personal sin of the blind man or the sin of his parents. Jesus reassures His disciples that blindness is not a punishment from GOD for personal wrongdoings; blindness
(and any other physical handicap) is part of the human condition that people experience in their lives.
Jesus begins the healing process and the giving of sight by making a mud and saliva paste and applying it to the blind man’s eyes. The process takes a while before the man sees completely.
He is sent to the Pool of Siloam (that means “the sent one”) to wash away his blindness.
After his healing, people cannot believe that the former blind man is the same person. And in some ways, they are right, he is not the same blind person, he is now a person with sight (and insight). His life is changed in many ways – some very rich and exciting, some challenging and difficult. He will never be the person he was before, for now he “sees” and more will be asked of him because of his new (in)sight.
Since he had been healed on the Sabbath, the former blind man is questioned by the religious
leadership. The formerly blind individual relates what happened and the fact that he can now see. He is not sure exactly where Jesus is, or even what Jesus looks like, after all, the last time he was with Jesus, he was blind.
The leaders call in the man’s parents and question them. The blind man’s parents are afraid to
say much more than he is their son, and he was born blind. They don’t want to get involved and risk having to lose their place in the community.
The man is brought in again and this time he boldly speaks about his sight. He has probably had time to reflect on what sight now means to him. He is seeing what happened to him in much more clear way, not just in physical sense, but in a intellectual and spiritual sense. He is not afraid to even challenge those who question him.
After his dismissal and being kicked out of the religious assembly, he meets Jesus Who invites him into a closer relationship. Jesus reveals His true identity and mission. The man responds with
faith and with a desire to deepen the relationship with Jesus. The Gospel ends with Jesus challenging the religious leaders who refuse
to admit their blindness to the truth.
The passage uses the imagery of sight and blindness to speak of the deeper reality of spiritual sight (faith) and spiritual blindness
(faithlessness or false religiosity). The personal question for each of us is where are we in the passage? With whom do we identify?
Some people may see themselves as the apostles who misunderstand the cause of suffering and hardships. We want quick, simple answers to what’s going on and why there are problems in the world. We may want to blame someone for the wrongs in the world, even blaming GOD. After all, its easier to blame others than to get involved and reach out with compassion, as Jesus does.
Others of us may be like the blind man at the beginning of the account. We cannot see anything. We sit around waiting for others to take care of us. We have no idea how beautiful things can be if we had sight. We are in the darkness of our depraved condition. We may not have chosen this condition, yet that is where we are. So, we try to make the best of our situation, relying on others to provide for us, since we are in the dark.
The next situation with which some may identify is that of the man after Jesus has smeared the paste on the eyes. We start to sense something is about to happen. We have been touched by Jesus, but we are not sure what it all means. We are “sent” on our way to continue experiencing the healing process. We have received the gift of faith, we respond to the Lord Jesus’ command, but we are still not sure how it is all going to turn out.
The position of the neighbors and friends (who see the blind man and react with disbelief) may resonate with others of us. We cannot, or will not, believe that GOD can act mysteriously and miraculously in other people’s lives, especially those whom we thought were outcast and sinners. We question anyone who says they have been touched by GOD. We may think they are “touched” alright, but not by GOD.
Others of us may be like the parents. We don’t want to risk losing our position by changing our understanding of how GOD works.
We are comfortable in the situation in which we are. We don’t want to stand up for anyone, even our closest relatives or friends, if it means that it may cost us something personally. We shift the attention away from us, so we don’t have to be in the spotlight and take the heat.
Others of us may be like the blind man near the end of the story. We have begun to see more clearly. We receive another invitation from the Lord Jesus to go further in our relationship with GOD. It looks like the obvious choice now that we are seeing clearly, but we need to be strengthened in taking the next step.
And then there is possibility that at times we may be like the religious leaders. We think we have this whole “GOD thing” down. We want to tell GOD what GOD should be doing. We have put GOD into our little box. We think we can control how GOD acts by our actions and our words. We think we see the whole picture clearly, but we are the most blind of all, because we have chosen only to see GOD the way we want to see GOD. And therefore, we don’t see GOD at all.
Today is a great day for us to look at our spiritual vision. How do we see our relationship with GOD? Do we need to have our spiritual eyesight checked? GOD moves in mysterious ways, and as soon as we think we see Who GOD is, GOD appears in a different manner that will escape our sight. Are we humble enough to admit our spiritual blindness? We should ask GOD to remove those things that hinder our sight. We need to continue to petition the Lord Jesus to open our eyes of faith so that we can see with divine vision. It can be scary. We will have to change our lifestyles and live differently, but when we begin to see as GOD sees, we will be amazed at what we had not been able to see before. We will then ask GOD to help us see more and we will praise GOD for the gift of (in)sight.
The personal question/action for today: With which character(s) in the Gospel account do I most identify at this point in my life? What does my identification with the character(s) say about my spiritual life? In what areas of my life is there darkness and lack of vision? What can I do to ask GOD to enlighten me about this darkness? How can I help give new insights to those who still seem to be in darkness without my acting with a “better-than-thou” attitude?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever visible, yet also hidden. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to heal us of our blindness. You desire that we clearly see You and Your plan for our lives. We often want the healing according to our plans – immediate and full, yet You remind us that it is often a process of seeing more clearly, step by step. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us the patience and strength to open our eyes more and more. May we follow the vision of Jesus, Your Son, Who has come as the Light of the World, the One Who enlightens others. We thank You and praise You for giving us the insights to see our own blindness and admit our need for Your healing. This we ask in and through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, The Healer of the spiritually and physically blind, the Light of the world, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
March 30, 2025 BACK
Fourth Sunday in Lent - “C” Cycle
Saint Peter Regalado: Readings: Joshua 5: 9a, 10-12; Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7;
2 Corinthians 5: 17-21; Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
Today is Laetare Sunday. The Latin word, laetare, means “to rejoice.” We are more than halfway through Lent and our readings give us something about which we can rejoice. In the First Reading, the Israelites have finally (after forty years) made it into the Promised Land. The Responsorial challenges us to “taste and see the GOoDness of the Lord.” In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds his readers that they are new, and therefore should be improved, and that should lead
to rejoicing. The Gospel presents the account the Prodigal Son for whom the excessively loving parent throws a joy-filled party.
The Book of Joshua relates the Israelites’ entry into the land that had been promised them not only for the last forty years, but to their ancestors for generations before that. They have been wandering in the desert for over a generation. Very few of the original emigrants from Egypt are still alive. Most of the people crossing into the Promised Land have been born in the desert and have known only manna, and occasionally quail, as food. They will no longer be eating the manna that GOD had provided for them during the desert experience. They can now rejoice as they transition from their repentant pilgrimage into the place that GOD is giving them – a place with rich, choice food and drink – a land flowing with milk and honey.
The psalm echoes the feelings of the Israelites. It is time to reflect on the fact that GOD has heard their cry and taken action to give them not only what they needed but even more. It may have seemed like a hard and difficult time, but that is now behind them. They can rejoice in all that GOD has done for them and they can bless the LORD.
St. Paul proclaims his role as ambassador of GOD’s reconciling love. Things are new now that believers have become part of the new creation in and through the reconciliation made possible by Jesus. Things are new and different now. There is a new and improved relationship between GOD and the people. This new relationship
requires that the people live out the gift of faith that they have received by turning away from their former lives of sinfulness and proclaiming GOD’s love through their actions.
The Gospel presents the parable of the wayward offspring who abuses the gifts that the loving parent has given. After wasting all the treasure received from the loving parent, the depraved one ends up working for next to nothing, longing to eat the scraps that the pigs (which he is feeding) leave behind. It is only after coming to the realization of what used to be at home (even for the servants), that
the demoralized one decides to return to the loving home and hope to have some relationship with the parent who had been hurt by the
son’s acts of selfishness. There is rejoicing exhibited by the loving parent who has eagerly awaited the return of the errant offspring. The rejoicing, however, is not celebrated by the elder sibling.
Three thoughts cross my mind as I reflect on today’s readings.
First, rejoicing should be part of the life of a disciple of the Lord Jesus. This feeling of joy should be part of the response of one who has accepted the gifts that come from GOD. This sense of delight should be both personal and communal and should lead to action. As far as personal joy, each person who experiences the love that GOD has for him/her should be grateful to GOD. GOD has not only given human life, but also a share in the everlasting divine life because of the relationship that has been made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus. As each of us reflects on what GOD is offering us through the gift of faith, we can only rejoice in GOD’s
magnanimousness. Especially as we realize how we have been alienated from GOD through our sinfulness, we can celebrate even more GOD’s forgiveness and willingness to reconcile us. GOD wants each of us to hear the words, “Welcome Home!” – even more than how the loving parent in the parable today greeted his wayward child. GOD is willing to restore us to an even more exalted position and throw a larger celebration than the one we hear about in the Gospel.
Secondly, our rejoicing must be communal. We, unlike the older sibling in the parable, must rejoice whenever one of our sisters or brothers in the Lord Jesus (or any sinner) returns and seeks to be reconciled to GOD. We should not complain when GOD makes a big thing about their return, as we pout and bemoan that they should
not have such a celebration since we have been “more” faithful and “more” obedient than our wayward sibling. We are called to celebrate the reunion of the repentant with our loving GOD and Abba-Father.
Thirdly, we are called to be proactive as a sign of our joy. We, like St. Paul, must be ambassadors of
reconciliation – allowing GOD to appeal to others through us. We may be the one and only person who touches the life of a particular individual so that she/he experiences the joy that GOD is offering to her/him. One way we act as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus is by our joy and our lifestyle. People should sense that we are delighted to follow the Lord Jesus and experience a deep sense of joy as we live lives that proclaim the GOoD News.
It is true, as those who have seen The Passion of the Christ can vouch, that what Jesus went through to save was truly excruciating. We may be saddened and touched, and even tearful at the agony He suffered. We may lament the tragic experiences that He went through. We, however, cannot just stop at crucifixion. We must realize that the crucifixion is tied intrinsically to the resurrection. Jesus died so that He might rise for us. We must rejoice in the fullness of the paschal mystery of Jesus’ salvific actions. We must, as the psalmist proclaims today, “Look to GOD that you may be radiant with joy!”
The personal question/action for today: On this Laetare Sunday, what gives me reason to rejoice? Do I sense the newness that GOD gives me as I seek to be new and improved in my own journey of faith? Do I rejoice with others who have returned to the loving Abba Who awaits them? Am I grateful and joyful to be an Ambassador of Reconciliation to others? How can I better be such an Ambassador of Reconciliation to those whose paths I cross today, this week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all joy. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son, Jesus, to announce the joyful GOoD News of Your love for us. Not only have You given us life on this earth, but You offer to us a new creation and new life beyond this earth. You invite us to come to You and be reconciled. Yet, we, like the Prodigal Son in the Gospel, have sometimes chosen to go our own way and squander the gifts You have given us. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to come to our senses and return to You, as we demonstrate that we are repentant and contrite. We do not deserve the joyful celebration that You have in store for us as we make our way to You. We can only respond to Your abundant forgiveness by rejoicing in the love You extend to others as they also return to You. We thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to us as the First Ambassador of reconciliation. We praise You for allowing us to share in His role of announcing Your loving forgiveness. To You be all praise, glory, and honor, as we join the rejoicing of Your Son Jesus, Who has died,
is risen, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only, loving and merciful GOD, forever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
March 31, 2025 BACK
Monday of Fourth Week of Lent
Saint Stephen of Mar Saba:
Readings: Isaiah 65: 17-21; Psalm 30: 2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b; John 4: 43-54
The promise of a better life takes central stage in our readings today. Isaiah speaks GOD’s Word announcing a whole new life, a re-created life, a life without pain and sadness. The Responsorial Psalm is a prayer of praise, thanking GOD for all that GOD has done. In the Gospel, Jesus performs a miracle that symbolizes the restored life that awaits all of us if we believe in the Word of GOD -- both in written form and in the Word-made-flesh.
Through the prophet Isaiah, the LORD promises to create new heavens and a new earth. This new place will be a place of joy and fullness of life. In the New Jerusalem there will be no more sadness or mourning. Life will be GOoD and long.
The psalm reminds us to praise GOD for all the great things GOD has done and is doing, and will do, especially the rescuing of the people of GOD from the hands of their enemies. We hear that their mourning will be changed into dancing.
Jesus, in the Gospel, speaks about the lack of faith of the people. In John’s
Gospel, the people of Jerusalem are the ones who reject the Prophet in His own land. Jesus travels back to Galilee where He performs more signs of the GOD’s healing presence. Today we hear about the sickness of the son of a royal official. Jesus says to the official, “Return home,” for He promises that his boy is well, and the official believes that it has happened. As the official travels home, he is greeted with the news of the boy’s return to health at the exact hour when Jesus promised healing of the boy.
The readings speak to me today and they edify me with the promise of healing and new life. I hear the promise that GOD wants us to experience a whole, new way of living – a life without sickness and mourning – a life of joy and dancing.
Our life on earth is not the fullness of life that GOD has promised. Like Jesus, we are only traveling through this place, journeying toward our designated place with GOD our Abba-Father in heaven. Jesus is leading us back to the place that He has prepared for us in His Abba’s house. That is the place where there will be no more mourning or sickness or death. We will live a GOoD and long life – an eternal life with our GOD.
As we have traveled past the halfway point of our Lenten journey, we have also traveled further on our journey home to our Abba’s house. As we contemplate Jesus’ suffering and death
and resurrection, we need to think of our own death and ultimate resurrection. Death is part of our travels here on earth. Death, however, is not the end. Death is, as a priest friend of mine described it, the mere folding up of the tent which we have used in our travels here on earth and the leaving the tent behind as we journey on to the home that Jesus has prepared for us in His Abba’s house. We will one day be able to once again pitch our
tent in heaven and on the new earth.
The question I ask myself today is: “Am I ready to fold up my tent today if the Lord Jesus asks me to leave it behind and head to my new, eternal home?” The answer that I should be able to say, “Yes, Jesus, if today You call me, I am ready.” Being able to answer in that way requires that I need to have the correct focus in my life right now. I need to be focused not on the “trappings” that I have acquired for my tent, but on the fact that I will, sooner or later, have to leave the tent behind and journey on to where a place has been
prepared for me in Jesus’ Abba’s house – in our Abba’s house.
It is so easy to become attached to the belongings that surround and fill my temporary tent. I want to feel comfortable. I get too used to being in this tent and lose sight that I am only traveling along and will have to leave my tent and all of its “trappings” behind. And “trappings” they can sometimes be. Trappings can mean those items that signify who I am and what is important to me. Trappings can also mean something else. Trappings can trap me into focusing my attention on them, rather than on the journey and my final destination of being home with my Abba.
I keep on hearing the message of Jesus as reiterated by one of His modern messengers, “Travel with less. Don’t become burdened down with so much that it will be hard to let it go and move on.” I am challenged to look to see where my focus is. Is it on obtaining more, having all the trappings I can for my tent, or is it on the journey and on the people who are journeying with me? If I keep my eyes on the journey and not on the refinements of my tent, I will notice that there are others journeying along with me who need my attention – who want me to be in relationship with them and to help them along. Although I will have to take that final step across the final bridge by myself, while I am traveling along, I am called to help others with the journey, help them carry their load, speak about where we are going, edify them with my experience of the relationship with our Lord Jesus and His Abba. I also should be willing to let others share with me and help me when I need assistance as we travel along the path to the place prepared for us.
Today the challenge before me is to see where I am putting my attention. I need to get fully back on track. I need to be willing to leave my tent behind and take the final step across the final bridge on this earth, if that is what the Lord Jesus is asking of me today. My attitude must be that of saying, “Jesus, if You want me to come to the new home You have prepared for me, I am ready. And if You don’t, then I will keep on traveling along the path with those whom You have put on the journey with me, encouraging and building them up, helping them with their journey, telling the stories of Your GOoD News, stories that keep them (and me) focused on Your message and inspiring them (and me) to look
towards the place You have prepared for all of us in our Abba’s house.”
The personal question/action for today: What am I doing to show my belief in the promise of a better life? How attached am I to my tent and all its trappings? Am I willing to have my tent folded up and move on to the place that has been prepared for me in my Abba’s house? How can I assist those who are the journey with me so that they will keep their eyes focus on our eternal and joy-filled destination – the place Jesus has prepared for us – the gift that Jesus has given to us through His death and resurrection?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Parent-Abba-Father. Through Your GOoDness and through Your Son, Jesus, You continue to call us home, to Your house where a place has been prepared for us. As we travel along our way to You, we often get caught up in filling our tent with all sorts of trappings. We spend our time and energy on our equipment, rather than focusing our attention on the destination and the process of journeying along. We sometimes forget those who are journeying along with us, because we are focused so much on our own tent. We fail to see that others need our help with their travel. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, fill us with wisdom and courage so that we can keep our focus on our destination – being home with You and Your Son in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Give us the strength we need each day to not only take the steps we need to move on towards our heavenly home, but also to inspire and encourage our fellow travelers. We thank You for those who have helped us
get back on track and have pointed out to us the Way. We particular think of those who have completed their journey and are already home with You. We know that they are still in relationship with us, since they are one with You, as
we are hopefully one with You. As always, we come before You in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Who is the Way back to You, and Who is the Travel Guide for our path, and He is the One Who opened the doors to Your house through His death and resurrection, and He is the One Who is living and reigning in Your house with You and the Holy
Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Tuesday of Fourth Week of Lent
Saint Hugh of Grenoble:
Readings: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12; Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9; John 5: 1-16
Water. The basis of life. Water can destroy and can give life. Water is the common item flowing through our readings today. Let’s jump in and see how the water is.
In the reading from Ezekiel, the prophet sees water flowing from the base of the temple in Jerusalem. Having been in Jerusalem and seen the topography of the hill on which the temple was built, I can picture water flowing from the south and east sides of the temple down the step canyon toward the southeast and eventually down to the Arabah (the Jordan River Valley) and finally into the Dead Sea, the salt waters. As the prophet walks along the little trickle of water gains volume and flow. It is first just a little stream of water. It becomes ankle deep, then knee deep, then waist deep, then a huge river that can only be crossed by swimming.
As the water flows out in the parched and barren land to the east
and south, it gives life to all sorts of plants and animals that are nearby. As it flows into the Dead Sea it brings life. This water which began at the house of GOD gains power and truly gives life.
One verse in today’s psalm speaks about the “stream whose runlets gladden the city of GOD, the holy dwelling of the Most High.” Again, it is the water that gives life to those in GOD’s presence. It is the water flowing from GOD that makes people aware of GOD’s life-giving power and presence.
In the Gospel, Jesus comes to Bethesda. According to one tradition, an angel of GOD would stir the waters of the Sheep Pool at Bethesda and whoever would get into the water after the stirring by the angel would be healed. [Aside: the
military hospital near Washington, D. C. is called Bethesda because of the reference to the Biblical place of healing. At our parish we have the Bethesda Ministry whose ministers reach out to the sick and brings them the Word of GOD, the Eucharist, and a sense of community.] It is here at the ancient Bethesda Pool that Jesus meets a man who had been waiting by the pool for thirty-eight years, but who has had no one to help him into the water. Jesus provides the healing.
As we journey along our Lenten paths I think of the life-giving and healing waters of Baptism. Traditionally the Church has used Lent as the final preparation period (Purification and Enlightenment) for those who would be
welcomed into the Church through the waters of Baptism at the Easter Vigil. In some churches, the water fonts during Lent are dry. At the Easter Vigil, new water is blessed for the first time. This new water that will be used in Baptism, not just at the Easter Vigil but throughout the year. All of us will be invited to renew our baptismal promises and be blessed by the new Easter water.
A few years ago, I was privileged to share the meaning of water and Baptism with a group of adults as part of a Lenten series. I also spoke to those in our faith community who were to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. I was using the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent – “A” Cycle – the woman at the well in John 4. I have continued to reflect on the meaning of water: it can destroy life by drowning and floods (recall that all life was destroyed except Noah and
his family and the animals in the Ark when they survived the great Flood, Genesis 9). In the past few years, hurricanes have traveled through the South and up to the Northeast, dumping the most rain for one day in New Jersey and
flooding New York City. I have relatives who were in Florida when Hurricane Ian destroyed many homes and buildings in 2022.
Water can also cleanse and purify; it can give life. It is one of the most essential molecules needed for life. I know of a ranch in southern Arizona which is usually dry in the summer; but a few summers ago, it received continual monsoon rain and was greener than ever. The Lord Jesus has chosen this essential item to be used during baptism.
Baptism, by the way, literally means “plunging” into water. As we are baptized, we are “plunged” into death – death of our old sinful selves, death to our former way of life, united with the death that Jesus underwent. As we come forth from the depths of our “plunging,” we are raised to new life – life with the Risen Lord.
As we continue our Lenten journey, we should take time to reflect on our own Baptism. We should renew the commitments we, or our parents and godparents speaking for us, made at our Baptism. We renounced sin and evil and professed our faith in a GOD Who is Father (Abba), creator; in a GOD Who is savior and redeemer and ultimate victor
in the battle against evil; in a GOD Who enlightens and enlivens our life by breathing the divine Ruah (Spirit, breath, wind, air) into us. At our Baptism, we united ourselves with other believers in a community of faith. We (or our parents/godparents) made a commitment to that community, and the community committed themselves to us.
I am always enriched and re-enlivened as we celebrate the welcoming of new members into the Body of Christ at the Easter Vigil. My faith is renewed and re-enkindled as I see individuals joyfully commit themselves, freely and without reservations, to being members of GOD’s holy people. For many years, I have had the privilege to work with those who are being welcomed into the Family of GOD at the Easter Vigil. It is so enriching to hear the stories of their faith journeys that have led to their wanting to be active participants in the Church of GOD. It always gives me renewed hope and greater desire to live out my own relationship with the Lord Jesus that began at my Baptism.
The power flowing from the waters of Baptism should not be decreasing over the years but increasing, just as the water seen by the prophet Ezekiel gained strength as it flowed from the temple out into the desert. We should be
gaining more enthusiasm (en theos – “in GOD”-ness) and more life as the waters of Baptism flow through us.
May we all take the time to reflect on the spiritual relationship with GOD that began when we were welcomed into the community of faith at our Baptism. May we once again be clothed with Christ and be enlightened by the Light Who is Jesus. May we feel the new life of the Holy Spirit that comes from the waters flowing from GOD. And may we be the means that GOD uses to draw others to the water and so they can experience the life-giving and healing power of GOD.
The personal question/action for today: How am I living out my Baptism and my Baptismal Promises? Do I sense the life-giving power flowing from the waters of my Baptism? What can I do to invite others to drink more abundantly from the waters that flow from the presence of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all-knowing and ever wise. Through Your GOoDness, You choose the simple union of two atoms of hydrogen and an one atom of oxygen to be joined together to form the molecule of water. You have made that molecule be a key ingredient in the process of life. You then give new meaning to that substance by allowing it to symbolize the flow of Your life within our very being. You have used water throughout our human history to speak of Your creation, Your saving of Noah, his family, and all living creatures. You parted the water of the Red Sea to bring Your chosen people out of slavery and start their journey to the Promised Land. You allowed water to flow from a rock to bring life to a community in the barren desert. You brought Your people through the waters of the River Jordan into the land You were giving them, a land flowing with milk and honey. At the time of Jesus’ death on the cross, blood and water flowed from His side as the final sign of His willingness to die so that we might have life. After His resurrection, Your Son commissioned His followers to use the waters of Baptism to welcome new members into a community of faith and relationship with You and Your Son and Your Holy Spirit. Give us the desire to take the time to experience this life-
giving substance and be renewed in our relationship with You. May we continue to allow water remind us of our death to sin and evil and the new life we experience in Your Risen Son. May we rejoice with those whom You welcome into Your family through the waters of Baptism. We give You glory and praise for the gift of life-giving water that not only brings life to our earthly bodies, but also brings eternal life to our eternal relationship with You. As always, we lift up to You this prayer of praise and thanks, in and through Your Son, our Lord, Jesus the Christ, Who is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggg
Wednesday of Fourth Week of Lent
(Opt. Mem. of St. Francis of Paola)
Saint Francis of Paola: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-paola
Readings: Isaiah 49: 8-15; Psalm 145: 8-9, 13-14, 17-18; John 5: 17-30
Hope comes through today’s readings. In the First Reading, Isaiah is speaking to those in exile, reassuring them with GOD’s Word, the Word that reminds the people that GOD will restore them to the Promised Land and will provide for them on their journey back home. GOD will care for the Chosen People more than a loving mother cares for the child of her womb.
The psalm reminds us that the LORD is kind and merciful.
The LORD is faithful to the promises made and is compassionate toward the people of GOD. For “the LORD is near to all who call upon the LORD, to all who call upon the LORD in truth.”
Jesus, in the Gospel, speaks about the close relationship He has with His Abba-Father. The religious
leaders pick up on the fact that He is putting Himself on the same level as
GOD, and therefore they consider Him a heretic and someone Who must be removed. Jesus expands upon His relationship with His Abba, saying that He is totally in sync with His Abba’s will, and He will bring eternal life to all who also seek to do the will of the His Abba.
The hope I sense in the readings comes from knowing that GOD wants the
best for us. Isaiah reminds us that even if a mother could forget the child to whom she has given life, GOD will never forget us. Even though events and circumstances in our life seem to be going poorly, GOD is still with us and will
bring us home. GOD wants to give us the very best. That is the hope to which we need to cling, especially when we face trying times. Isaiah was speaking these words to people who had been led away in exile. They had experienced the darkest days of their lives. Isaiah was comforting them with the promise that GOD would take care of them, nourish them, and lead them back. Yes, in some ways the exile was a result of the people’s unfaithfulness, but GOD was not going to hold that against them forever, as some of the people thought. If they turn to GOD and seek the divine will in their lives, GOD will be there for them and lead them back to the Promised Land.
I guess I need to be attuned to that message right now. We all have had a trying few years with the pandemic, civil unrest, fires, hurricanes, political tensions, and world-wide conflicts and wars. The youngest cousin on my father’s side of the family suffered from a major stroke and mental losses, and he died. One of my closest high school classmates also had a series of strokes, while another close classmate is in a mental facility. A niece lost her boyfriend when he was walking along a road and was hit by a car. Other people I know are facing financial problems, especially as we have seen in the rising of prices for fuel and food over the last years.
Humanly speaking, I don’t know how they are coping with the upheavals in their lives. What can I say to them? I need to reassure them of hope. I seek to encourage them to keep their eyes focused on the Lord Jesus and His message. I want to send the same message to them that Isaiah spoke to the people in exile. GOD will restore and lift up all who seek GOD, for, as the psalm remind us, “the LORD is kind and merciful.”
Jesus also speaks of GOD’s sending the very best, especially to those who turn to GOD for help. GOD the Abba-Father sent the Son, the very best – the One Who is in total relationship with the Abba. The Son seeks to do the will of His Abba and that means giving life to those who put their faith in the One sent by the Abba. Jesus
speaks of restoring to life to those who are dead. I see this referring not just to those who are physically dead, but to those who seem to be experiencing a death in certain aspects of their lives. Jesus promises to bring life to those who seem lifeless.
This is the message all of us need to hear, especially if we are going through a period in our lives when everything seems to be dying. GOD is offering us hope and life. This is the message we need to share with those going through rough times, whether that be sickness, surgery, loved ones who are aging and not acting like themselves, changes in job status, people facing false accusations against them, relational problems, financial difficulties, concerns for members of their families who are experiencing difficulties, or a combination of two more of the above. No matter what seems to be weighing us down, GOD is offering us hope and the promise that GOD will bring us home. All we need do is turn more fully toward our GOD and call upon the Lord Jesus in truth. Yes, we must admit if we may have missed the mark (sinned), and we must
express our desire to get back on target. If we cry out, trusting in the mercy of GOD, GOD will restore us.
Jesus came to remind us of the love that the Abba-Father has for us. Let us, with hope, cling to the truth of GOD’s love. Let us take seriously Jesus’ words: “I solemnly assure you, the one who hears My Word and has faith in the One Who sent me, possesses eternal life. . .has passed from death to life.” This is promise of the Best One sent by the heavenly Abba, Who loves us more than a mother loves the child whom she has carried within her for nine months. Let us cling to this hope.
The personal question/action for today: As I reflect on GOD’s Word in Isaiah about GOD’s never forgetting us, even if a mother could forget the child of her womb, what are my thoughts? When I think of the love GOD has for us manifested through the sending of the Very Best One – Jesus – how do I respond? How can I reassure others with the hope of their being loved by a GOD Who is more loving than any human parent is for her/his child(ren)?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving, kind, merciful, and just. Through Your GOoDness and love, You speak of Your closeness to us by saying You love us more than a mother loves her child, the fruit of her womb. You have given us the very best by sending us Your Son, Jesus. Jesus comes to us while we are sinners. He has come to us because we have been out of relationship with You. He promises to share eternal life with us, if we but believe that He is the One Whom You have sent. He reassures us that Your plan is that we journey home to You. Through the gifts of wisdom and understanding and self-examination given by Your Holy Spirit, help us to call upon You in truth, admitting our failings and seeking Your mercy. May we also remind others of Your promises and give them hope, especially as they walk the paths that seem dark and lifeless. May we be to them the signs of hope, so that they will turn more fully toward You and accept the message that Your Son brought to us. As always, we give You all the glory, honor, and praise for never giving up on us and fulfilling Your
promise to bring us home to You. We lift up this prayer in union with Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Saint Benedict the African:
Readings: Exodus 32: 7-14; Psalm 106: 19-20, 21-22, 23; John 5: 31-47
Besides GOD, the common figure in the readings today is Moses. Moses was not only considered the one who led the people from slavery, but also the one who defended the people when GOD wanted to punish them for their infidelity. Moses was also the presenter of the Law.
Today’s First Reading presents Moses pleading with GOD on behalf of the people, asking GOD to forgive their sin and relent punishing them. Moses is conscious of the promises that GOD had made and invokes those promises so that the people might be spared from the wrath of GOD.
The psalm echoes this story of the people’s creating a golden calf and Moses’ interceding with GOD on behalf of the people. We hear, “Then GOD spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, GOD’s chosen one, withstood GOD in the breach to turn back the divine destructive wrath.”
Jesus also speaks about Moses in today’s
Gospel account. This time, Moses is not the one to speak on behalf of the unfaithful, but to condemn those who do not believe in Jesus. Jesus tells the disbelieving people: “The one to accuse you is Moses on whom you have set your hopes. If you believed Moses, you would then believe Me, for it was about Me that he wrote. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how can you believe what I say?”
Moses is both defender and accuser. What is the difference in his positions. As I reflect on the readings, I see a difference in the motive and disposition of the people. In the passage from Exodus, the people have not had the time to develop a clear understanding of their relationship with GOD. They have just been set free from slavery. They have not heard all of the teachings that Moses will give to them over the next 40 years. They want to worship GOD by
creating an image of GOD, but they misunderstand who GOD is because they have only begun their relationship with GOD. They know that their former enslavers had images and statues of their gods. The Israelites think they should have an image to represent their GOD, so they choose a molten image of a calf. They are children who needed boundaries so that they can be safe in their childlike relationship with GOD Whom they are only beginning to know.
The people about whom Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel are those who have had years of studying GOD’s Word as given by Moses. They have had time to develop a relationship with GOD, and they refuse to understand what GOD has spoken through Moses and through the prophets and other true leaders of the faith. They fail to be open to the revelation of GOD’s presence. Most importantly they do not accept Jesus as GOD’s Anointed One (the Messiah – the Christ).
It goes back to people’s orientation. The Israelites during the time of Moses are trying to be ad Deum (heading toward GOD), but they miss the mark (they sin). They do not fully understand Who GOD is. They desire to have a tangible relationship with GOD, but they are misguided in thinking that building a golden statue will help them in this relationship.
The people in Jesus’ day, even though they think they are ad Deum, they are not only missing the mark a little bit, but they were a theos – working against GOD. They refuse to even try to understand Jesus’ role in GOD’s plan of salvation. They are working against the proclamation of the GOoD News of GOD as announced by
Jesus. They cannot see GOD acting in Jesus. They have become so locked into their own (mis)understanding of
GOD, and how GOD should act according to their (mis)understanding, that they cannot be open to Jesus and His ministry.
With whom do we identify? Are we, like the Israelites, trying to deepen our relationship with GOD, but who are a little off track in our understanding? Or are we like the people of Jesus’ day who refuse to see the message of Jesus? Mostly likely, we are the former. We get a little side-tracked in our understanding of the GOD Whom Jesus reveals to us. We start to build our own image of Who GOD is, rather than being open to the image of GOD that Jesus reveals.
The challenge that I take from the readings today is to examine my relationship with GOD and see if I have misunderstood the GOoD News Jesus has proclaimed. I know I sometimes become sidetracked by trying to fit GOD into my plans, instead of trying to see how I can fit into GOD’s plan. I fail to see how GOD is working in my life and how GOD is revealing to me the divine, loving relationship with me. I seek instead to try to convince GOD what I think GOD should do. At other times, I look at who I think I am and what I have done, but I fail to reflect on Who GOD is and what GOD is doing. Let us pray that we may be open to GOD’s movement among us, especially as revealed through the teaching and ministry, the life and death and resurrection, of Jesus.
The personal question/action for today: What is my attitude toward GOD as I look at my relationship with the Lord Jesus? Do I sometimes find myself off track and miss GOD’s self-revelation? What have I done with the GOoD News that Jesus has shared with me? How will my being open to GOD’s message affect the way I treat others today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present and always revealing Yourself to us. Through Your GOoDness, You call us into a closer relationship with You. You invite us to open our eyes and see You as Your Son reveals You to us. Even though we seek to deepen our relationship with You, we often are side-tracked and fall off the path. You are willing to help us pick ourselves up and start us along the right path again (and again). Loving GOD, help us never be so off track that we begin working against You and refuse to accept Your loving and forgiving relationship. Through Your Holy Spirit, give us the strength we need to admit our missing the mark and turn more fully to seeking Your way. We thank You for Your being patient with us as we stumble along the way that leads to You. We praise You for sending us Your Son, Jesus, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is in His name that we lift this prayer of praise and thanks to You. For Jesus is Your Son, our Brother and Savior and Master-Teacher, Who has revealed You to us and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggg
Friday of Fourth Week of Lent
(Opt. Mem. of St. Isidore of Seville)
Saint Isidore of Seville:
Readings: Wisdom 2: 1a, 12-22; Psalm 34: 17-18, 19-20, 21, 23; John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30
On this Friday of Lent, we sense the impending suffering and death of Jesus. We realize that His “hour of glory” (as St. John calls it throughout his Gospel) is coming, but not quite yet. Jesus’ preaching is challenging His adversaries, and they seek ways to destroy Him.
Our First Reading from the Book of Wisdom is truly appropriate as we reflect on how the religious leaders react to Jesus. Today’s passage speaks of wicked individuals plotting against “the Just One” because they are threatened by what the Just One teaches. The Just One is a Son of GOD and calls GOD His Abba-Father. The wicked realize their own evil and rather than change in response to the teaching of the Just One, they decide to get rid of the Just
One.
Our psalm reminds us that GOD is near to those who call upon the name of the LORD, and GOD will redeem the lives of the servants of the LORD – those who seek to do GOD’s will in spite of opposition from the wicked.
In the Gospel today, Jesus senses the opposition from the religious leadership. At first, He tries to be a little less obvious in His proclamation of the GOoD News during a Jewish autumn festival of Sukkoth or Tabernacles (Booths/Tents) in Jerusalem, but He ends up speaking openly. Yet, since His hour of glory is not fully upon Him, He is not apprehended.
As I reflect on these readings, I ponder how people react
to Jesus, the truly Just One, the true Son of GOD. He comes to speak the Light of the Truth, since He is the Light and the Truth (cf. John 11: 25 and John 14: 6). Those who walk in darkness and lies, however, cannot handle the Light and the Truth. Rather than change from their way of wickedness, darkness, and lies, they try to do away with the Just One. As I meditate on how those who are steeped in doing wrong are challenged by those who honestly speak of righteous ways, I realize that it is not that the righteous are seeking to condemn the wicked, but to move them to conversion of heart. Yet, by the wicked choosing to stay in their darkness, they become more devious in their lifestyle, plotting to destroy those who challenge their evil ways.
I sometimes wonder if I am doing enough to proclaim the Light and the Truth. If I am truly seeking to be a child of GOD, then my life should be a challenge for those not walking the way that leads to the Light and the Truth. I should be facing opposition from those who are opposed to GOD’s way. Maybe I am not living a life that reflects Gospel values enough that would make me be a threat to those refusing to walk in GOD’s way. Or maybe I am surrounding myself with people who are at least open to hearing GOD’s message rather than people who would be challenged by the Truth. I am not asking to be persecuted, but am I trying too hard to remain hidden rather than come out in the open and profess my faith in the Truth and the Light?
The readings move me to realize how much Jesus has experienced during His earthly life because of His commitment to the proclaiming the GOoD News of His Abba-Father. He so much wants people to deepen their relationship with GOD, that He becomes a source of opposition to those choosing to remain alienated from
GOD. He senses how His teaching the Truth could be opposed by the people who chose to remain with the father of lies. He knows He will have to suffer at the hands of the wicked in order to bring salvation and redemption to those willing to be children of GOD.
As Jesus is seen in the Gospels, He is willing to challenge people with the Light and the Truth, even if it means His own persecution. He is confident in His relationship with His Abba. He knows that GOD, His Abba, will watch over Him even in the midst of opposition, suffering, and death. He realizes that His “hour of glory” would include both His crucifixion and His resurrection and
He is willing to proclaim the message until that hour comes.
As I move forward in more boldly, yet lovingly, proclaiming the Light and Truth, I, too, can expect resistance and opposition. If I, like Jesus, can keep my eyes focused on the Light and the Truth, then I can be reassured that the Lord Jesus will hear me and protect me, even if I
am persecuted and have to suffer, for as the psalm today proclaims: “When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress, the LORD rescues them. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are
crushed in spirit GOD saves. Many are the troubles of the just, but out of them all the LORD delivers them.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I sometimes put down or seek to oppose those who challenge me when I do not live up to my call to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus? Am I so committed to proclaiming the Light and the Truth that I am willing to suffer at the hands of those who seek only darkness and lies? How can I be more conscious of my call to proclaim the GOoD News to others, even in the face of opposition? How can I be supportive of those who are being persecuted for their living out the Truth in word and action?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever truthful and enlightening. Through Your GOoDness, You love us enough to send to us Your Son, Jesus, to proclaim Your message of Truth and Light. Those who choose to walk in darkness and lies cannot handle the Truth and Light. Your Son, Jesus, was willing to face opposition, suffering, and death in order to proclaim Your GOoD News of relationship, joy, love, and eternal life. May we be transformed by the Gospel Truth and be enlightened by the true Light so that we may turn more fully toward You. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, strengthen us and give us the wisdom to speak the Truth in the
face of falsehood, to reflect the Light into the darkness. Enable us to face any opposition that comes from living lives that are in conformity with Your will. May we accept rejection (from those who walk in lies and darkness) as a sign of blessing from You for our living according to the Way of Your Son. Help us to reflect more deeply on all that Jesus experienced in order that He might bring us Your invitation to a closer relationship with You. As always, we make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, the Christ, Your Son and our Brother, the Way, the Truth, the Light, and the Life, Who is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Saturday of Fourth Week of Lent
(Opt. Mem. of St. Vincent Ferrer)
Saint Vincent Ferrer: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-vincent-ferrer
Readings: Jeremiah 11: 18-20; Psalm 7: 2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12; John 7: 40-53Our readings continue to relate how the wicked people (religious leaders) plot against the Just One (Jesus). We can sense that things are approaching the climax, or as John relates, the “Hour of Glory,” culminating in the death (and resurrection) of Jesus.
Jeremiah is a type (a prefigurement) of Jesus. In today’s First Reading, he realizes that those who are opposed to his teaching are plotting against him, just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ time plot against Him. Yet, “like a trusting lamb led to the slaughter,” he is willing to go forward, trusting in a GOD Who is just, and Who will be with Jeremiah through the thick and thin of events.
The psalm speaks about putting hope in GOD Who will save us from our enemies and be with us. It resonates with the lives of both Jeremiah and Jesus and their relying on the justice of GOD in the face of persecution from those who seek the life of the just and innocent.
In the Gospel from St. John, we hear about some of the people drawing ever closer to Jesus, believing that He is a prophet or the Messiah (Christ). The religious leadership continues to be opposed to Jesus, trying to find all sorts of reasons to show that He is not what the people think He is. They say that, if He were the Messiah, He would be from Bethlehem, not a region of the Galilee. They question the temple guards on why they have not yet arrested Him. The guards respond by saying that no one has ever spoken like Jesus, and they are mesmerized. The majority of the religious leaders unite in opposition against Jesus. Apparently only Nicodemus raises challenges to their plans of getting rid of Jesus, and he is put down for his trying to defend Jesus.
As we continue our Lenten journey, we are led to focus on the impending events culminating in Jesus’ suffering and death. We hear about the plots against His life. We realize how much He is willing to endure in order to bring GOD’s message of love and forgiveness, GOD’s GOoD News of renewed relationship between GOD and the people.
My attention today focuses on the person of Nicodemus. He is a Pharisee who is intrigued by the teaching of Jesus. In the third chapter of St. John’s Gospel, Nicodemus seeks out Jesus at night, trying to learn more about Him. Nicodemus wants to believe, but he is afraid to reveal his desire to accept Jesus and His teaching. Jesus invites Nicodemus into a closer relationship by speaking of being “born anothev-again” (or “born anothen-from above”). Jesus tells Nicodemus that the reason that He is on His mission is to make known to the world how much GOD loves each person in the world. Jesus speaks about how many people prefer to live in darkness rather than to believe in the Light of GOD.
In today’s Gospel, Nicodemus tries to defend Jesus, even though he does it under the pretense of being concerned about upholding the Jewish law that does not condemn a person until all facts are known. Nicodemus today is challenged, for some of his fellow Pharisees sense that he might be siding with Jesus. They taunt him about his possibly being a follower of Jesus. We do not have an account of how Nicodemus reacted to the taunting.
Nicodemus again appears on GOoD Friday (John 19: 39f). We see him attending to the dead body of Jesus after the crucifixion. He helps in the preparation rites for Jesus’ burial.
Nicodemus’ journey of faith goes through a process of first being curious about Jesus and His teaching. He comes in the darkness and experiences the Light of Christ (John 3).
He starts to be convinced about Who Jesus is, but he still is not willing to step out in faith. When he senses that he should speak up to defend Jesus in today’s Gospel, he does not boldly speak out, but tries to give Jesus a break in an inadvertent way by appealing to the Jewish judicial system. He still does not have
the courage to face the opposition that he would encounter by openly professing his faith in Jesus.
Yet, the death of Jesus leads Nicodemus to be willing to take action, not caring what others will say about him. He is committed to doing what is right. He spends his own money to purchase what is necessary to do what is right for the crucified Body of Jesus. He professes his faith in action by ministering to the Body of Christ. He is willing to face opposition from his confreres (John 19).
This leads me to ask where am I in my faith journey? Am I
like Nicodemus in John 3? Am I curious? Do I come in the darkness so that no one will know that I want to learn more about Jesus and develop a relationship with Him? Am I sometimes afraid to let others know that I am interested in Jesus and His teaching?
Sometimes I may be like Nicodemus in John 7 (today’s Gospel reading). I am convinced but afraid. I may be willing to speak up about a wrong being done to a just and faith-filled person, but in a round-about way. I may present my views couched in other words, so as not to tip my hand to my real beliefs. I am not willing to face opposition, and when I am challenged, I try to quietly melt into the background.
Yet, I am called to take action in my life, as Nicodemus did after the death of Jesus. I must be willing to be committed – to openly and boldly profess my faith in Jesus. I must minister to the Body of Jesus (His sistersand brothers who are united with Jesus the Head). I must do what I can to show my concern for those who have been persecuted or who need my help. I must use my resources to do what is right for the whole Body of Jesus (His believers), even if others will criticize me for my action.
The challenge before me today is to become committed to Jesus and His cause – to get involved in defending Christ Jesus Who is suffering and being condemned and persecuted and is facing death in the members of His Body. I am called to profess my faith in words and actions, to walk in the Light rather than in darkness. I am being asked to demonstrate my relationship with the Jesus and His mission, even if it means I will have to face opposition. I must stand up for what I know is right in the face of those who choose to do wrong. It is not an easy task. I may feel like Jeremiah, like a trusting lamb led to the slaughter, but if I trust in the “GOD Who
saves” (Yeshua – Jesus), I will experience the divine presence with me.
The personal question/action for today: Where am I in my following Jesus? Am I still in the curiosity stage? Have I moved to being convinced, but not sure how to act? Am I committed to following my Master-Teacher no matter where that may lead me? How am I going to stand up for the Body of Christ today? What am I going to do to show my relationship to Jesus and to those who are united with Him? How can I boldly walk in the Light today? How can I better meet the needs of the whole Body of Christ – the community of the faithful?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and challenging. Through Your GOoDness, You invite us to come to Jesus and develop our relationship with Him. You have put the desire in our hearts to learn from Him, for He is meek and humble of heart. We ask for Your forgiveness for the times we have not fully stood up for our relationship with You and Your Son. Send us a further outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, Who strengthens us and guides us, so that we can stand up for what is right. Deepen our faith so we can boldly profess the Lord Jesus. Help us to reach out, not worrying about the cost, to minister to the Body of Your Son in His suffering sisters and brothers. And may we give You all glory and praise as we demonstrate our faith relationship with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Fifth Sunday in Lent – A Cycle
(Used particularly in Liturgies that have the Third Scrutiny of the Elect)
Saint Crescentia Hoess:
Readings: Ezekiel 37: 12-14; Psalm 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; Romans 8: 8-11; John 11: 1-45
From GOD’s promise of restoring life in Ezekiel, through Saint Paul’s reminder that our mortal bodies will be brought to life, to Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead, the theme of new life reverberates loudly. GOD wants
us to have life – the fullness of life – eternal life –
life from, with, and of GOD.
Ezekiel reminds the people who are in exile that even though it seems like they have no life, GOD promises to breathe the divine life back into them and raise them to new life. Even those who are dead and buried are being called from the grave to life with GOD.
Psalm 130 promises fullness of redemption to those who trust in the LORD. With the LORD there is life. Without the LORD there is only death, and death to all relationships.
St. Paul reminds us that we are called not to live in the flesh – the sinful ways of the world – but to live in the Spirit, the Spirit Who raised Jesus from the dead and Who will also raise our
mortal bodies to eternal life. We need to die to our life of sin and be raised to the new life and full relationship with GOD, in and through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Our Gospel passage today is the story of the raising of Lazarus. As typical of St. John’s writing, there is much for us to ponder. Jesus, from the beginning of the passage, realizes that Lazarus will be raised from the dead for the purpose of glorifying GOD. Jesus is willing to risk being arrested in order to bring life to one whom He loves. Jesus
speaks of death as slumber from which Lazarus must be awaken. Jesus shows true compassion for (“suffering with”) Mary and Martha in their time of grief.
Martha, although upset that Jesus did not come sooner, professes her belief in “the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus proclaims that He is the Resurrection and the Life, and that those who believe in Him will have life even if they are dead. Martha declares her faith in Jesus as the Son of GOD. Mary also expresses her displeasure (anger?) that Jesus did not arrive in time to prevent Lazarus’ death.
Jesus is moved to tears as He sees how Mary, Martha, and their friends are grieving at the death of Lazarus. When Jesus asks that the stone be removed from the entrance to the tomb, practical Martha warns Jesus about the stench from a body that has been decomposing for four days. Jesus calls Lazarus forth and commands those nearby to unbind Lazarus and permit him to be free.
This passage lends itself to great reflections that could fill the pages of a book. One such reflection could focus on Jesus’ love for Lazarus and his sisters. Jesus has already developed a close relationship with the three members of this family. He has spent time with them. They have tended to His needs, and He has blessed them with many hours of sharing the GOoD News. They have listened attentively to His message.
Jesus uses the occasion of Lazarus’ deadly sickness to show how much His
Abba-Father and He love not only Lazarus, but Mary and Martha – and, in turn, each one of us. Jesus knows it is part of His Abba’s plan to give life, full life, resurrected life to those who believe in Him. This new and restored life is all part of the ever-deepening covenant relationship that the Lord Jesus wants with the beloved of GOD – Lazarus, Martha, and Mary – and us. It is also a foreshadowing of the new life Jesus would bring through His own resurrection from the dead.
One of the things that strikes me is that I am no less loved by Jesus than Lazarus, Martha, and Mary are loved by Him. Jesus wants as close a relationship with me as He has with the three siblings of today’s Gospel. And just as He challenges Mary and Martha to believe in Him Who is the Resurrection and the Life, He also asks me to profess my faith in Him. Jesus is waiting for me to say the words which Martha spoke: “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of GOD – He Who is to come into the world.”
I am also reminded that Jesus wants me to have such a relationship with Him that I can express my disappointment with GOD when things do not go as I plan – as long as I ultimately profess my faith in Jesus, trusting that with GOD there is mercy and fullness of redemption (Responsorial). I also have come to the realization that Jesus will be with me during my times of grief and sorrow, compassionately weeping with me as I experience losses in my life. I will not be alone or without help, for Jesus will be there to comfort me as He comforts and weeps with Martha and Mary in today’ Gospel.
I also am touched thinking about the fact that Jesus wants to call me forth from my apparently deadly attitude and invite me to the fullness of life, not just at the resurrection on the last day, but right now as I journey along my way to GOD (First Reading). I have the thought that just as Jesus has other people involved in cutting the bonds that hold Lazarus, so that Lazarus can be free; so also, Jesus places people in my life to help me when I am held bound by restricting issues that prevent me from being free. And similarly, I am to help others who are bound with various ties that prevent them from full life now and in the future.
The powerful message that rings out from the readings today is simply that Jesus loves me no less than He loves Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Jesus wants me to be in as close a relationship as He has with the three members of the household of Bethany. Jesus wants to share the fullness of life with me – right now, not just at the end of my life. All I
need to do is to put my trust in the Lord Jesus and give praise and glory to His Abba – my Abba. What a powerful thought. I am humbled and feel loved. I want to respond by living not in my sinful way (the way of the flesh) but in the Spirit (Second Reading). Praise be GOD for sending Jesus to proclaim this message to me – and to you.
The personal question/action for today: What is my attitude when I experience grief in my life? Do I become angry with GOD so much so that I turn away from the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father? Do I express my feelings and also profess my faith that GOD loves me and will give me (and my loved ones) restored life? How is my relationship with GOD right now? Do I trust GOD and profess my belief in GOD, even though I don’t see the light of new life? How can I comfort others who are experiencing pain, dying, and/or grief? How can I assure them of the eternal life that GOD wants them and/or their loved ones to have?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever alive and always living. Through Your GOoDness, You have desired that we humans share in Your life. From the first moments of creation, You have breathed Your Spirit into the clay of the earth, and have enlivened flesh with Your Spirit. Even when sin damaged our relationship with You, You did not turn Your back on us, even though we partially or fully had turned our back on You through our sinning. You promised to send One Who would restore life to our dying flesh. You kept Your promise in the sending of Your Son, Jesus. He lived a life that proclaimed, and still proclaims, Your desire that we have life – life to the fullest. He was willing to walk with us, sharing our sorrows and pains, even dying Himself as a sign of Your wanting us to have life – life now and even a better life for eternity. His raising of Lazarus and His own resurrection renew Your covenant promise, and our hope, of the eternal life and everlasting relationship with You. May we, together with Jesus Your Son, give You glory and praise as we experience the fullness of life You offer us. As always, we make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, the Resurrection and the Life, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Fifth Sunday in Lent - “C” Cycle
Saint Crescentia Hoess:
Readings: Isaiah 43: 16-21; Psalm 126: 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Philippians 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-11
Which way do you look most often? Do you look only backward at what has been, or do you look forward to what lies ahead? These questions flow from the readings today. Isaiah reminds the faithful that they should not just be looking at what GOD has done, but also they must also realize that GOD is still very active in their lives and will continue to be active. The Responsorial Psalm is a call to rejoice in what GOD is doing right now. In today’s part of his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul realizes he has come a long way in his faith journey, but he still has farther to go and further to grow. In the Gospel, Jesus encounters the woman caught in adultery. When questioned about the sinfulness of the woman, Jesus raises issues that
make her accusers leave her alone and allow Jesus to challenge the woman to move on from this experience to a new way of life.
Through Isaiah, GOD speaks to the Babylonian exiles. He affirms that GOD worked mighty deeds for their ancestors at the time of the Exodus from Egypt, but GOD continues to perform awesome deeds for the people in the present
time. GOD is always making things new, moving the chosen people to a further, deeper relationship with their GOD. The purpose of GOD providing refreshing water for those who travel in the desert of their lives is so that GOD will be given the glory and praise that is due as people experience the life that flows from GOD.
The psalm echoes the need to give praise to GOD for all the mighty deeds that have been done, and that continue to be done by the divine hand of GOD.
Although there are rough times, GOD will give the faithful reasons to rejoice, just as harvesters rejoice in the rich produce of the land, especially when the produce has been the result of other people’s hard work.
As he writes to the community at Philippi, St. Paul reflects on his own spiritual journey. Whereas he once was pleased at his own self-righteousness and “proper” and “law-abiding” actions, he now realizes that what he did is not as important as what GOD is doing and will continue to do for and through him. In fact, his former actions are insignificant compared to the fulness of life that is ahead for those who accept the gift of salvation that Jesus has prepared through His death and resurrection.
In the Gospel, the righteous religious leaders bring to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They hope to trap Jesus, to exalt their own righteous ways, and to punish an evil
doer. Jesus turns the cards on them by giving permission to those who are without sin to be the first to throw stones at the sinful woman. As the accusers start reflecting on their own lives, they realize that they are not free from sin. Beginning with the eldest, and most likely the “wisest,” they drop their stones and walk away in silence. Eventually, all who are left are Jesus and the woman (and maybe some of Jesus’ disciples). When Jesus asks the woman where her accusers are, she responds that none of them are present. Jesus compassionately remarks that He will not condemn
her either. He sends her on her way with the admonition to
“go and sin no more.”
As I reflect on the readings, I recall a talk I heard given by Rev. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. He was speaking about the
change that takes place in most individuals as they move into the “second half” of life. My understanding of what Fr. Rohr said was that in the first half of life, people focus on what their job is, what things they do, and what they possess. Even GOoD and faithful young adults, like the rich young man in Mark 10: 17-22, believe what is important is the keeping of the commandments. Yet, in the second half (the time of wisdom, which some people never attain), the
focus shifts from “doing things” to “doing with less,” and going where one does not necessarily want to go. It is a time of looking further up ahead, to one’s transition from this earthly life to what lies beyond.
As I ponder more deeply on the “second half” of life, I have been struck lately by what it means for me. I truly am, at least according to my life expectancy, on the other side of my mid-point. I am also reminded, as Fr. Rohr mentioned, of what Jesus said to Peter after the resurrection, “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you
used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21: 18). This has come to mind particularly as I saw how my father “transitioned” from his independence to living a dependent life without the freedom he had just a few years before, to his final transition to eternal life on the other side of earthly death.
Where is all of this leading, at least for me? That is the right question, both for this reflection and for my faith journey. As I continue my earthly pilgrimage, I need to move from the focus on possessions, job descriptions, and doing the “right thing,” to looking ahead to where the Lord is leading me. It is scary in one sense, because it is just the opposite of what you and I have been told by the world should be our focus. We need to let go, surrender, and trust that GOD is in control. It means that we should not make ourselves righteous like the religious leaders who want to remove sin by removing the sinners, except when they are forced to face the fact that they are sinners also. It means we must take Jesus seriously when He says to us, as He did to the woman, “I do not condemn you; go and sin no more.” It includes realizing that we are being sent to others with the task of announcing the forgiveness and mercy of GOD as demonstrated by Jesus’ ministry, life, death, and resurrection. It is only when we can look beyond our interests and our possessions and focus on where GOD is leading us that we can really be ready to let go and let GOD take control of our lives. That means we have to change our perspective and move on, as St. Paul remarks at the end of the Second Reading today: “I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of GOD’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my focus in life? Is it merely in what I do and what I have accomplished and what I possess? Do I take the time to look at what lies beyond this earthly existence? What aspects of my life must I surrender to the Lord Jesus so that I may fully follow where He is leading? How can I help others look beyond the here and now and prepare themselves for the transition to the fullness of life that GOD has in store for each of us?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the beginning and the end of all existence. Through Your GOoDness, You give us life on this earth. For most of our lives, we focus on the existence we have here and now, as we accumulate wealth, define ourselves by our work, and focus on our earthly life. Yet, through the example and teachings of Your Son, Jesus, You remind us that there is much more than life here and now. We find it hard to let go of what we have and to trust that You will lead us to where You are. You continue to challenge us to surrender ourselves into Your hands as Your Son, Jesus, did at the moment of His death on the cross. We fight against such surrender because we have so long been in control. Yet it is only in surrendering completely to You, that we will experience the fullness of life
that You want for us. We pray that You will continue to give us the courage, especially through the gifts of Your Holy Spirit. We lift up this prayer as we lift up ourselves, all for Your greater glory and honor, in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who has given us an example by His suffering and death, and given us hope by His resurrection, and Who now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Optional Memorial of St. John Baptist de la Salle)
Saint John Baptist de la Salle:
Readings: Daniel 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; John 8: 1-11
[The Lectionary provides two Gospel readings today: John 8: 1-11 and John 8: 12-20. I have chosen to reflect on John 8: 1-11, even though I did reflect on this yesterday on the Fifth Sunday of Lent - C Cycle.]
Today’s readings have a few similarities. In both the First Reading and the Gospel, a woman is accused of adultery. In both cases, some of the leaders seek to condemn and execute the woman who is accused. In both cases, the accused woman is set free. The two readings differ in one very important point. In the first case, the woman is wrongly
accused of the crime (sin). In the second cases, the accused woman is guilty of the sin, but receives forgiveness and compassion from the Lord Jesus.
The First Reading is the story of Susanna. She is a Jewess who is in exile in Babylon. Her husband is a respected man in the Jewish community. Two evil Jewish judges lust after Susanna and plan to have their way with her or, if they do not get their way with her, they plan to condemn her by falsely bringing accusations against her. Susanna realizes she is trapped by their wickedness, but she does not fall into sin, even though it means she will face a death sentence if she refuses to give into the desires of the evil judges. After being
accused, she publicly lifts up her plea in prayer to GOD. GOD hears her prayer and sends Daniel to defend her and to set things right for her and convict the sinful judges. This story is a powerful one, one that I look forward to having proclaimed each year. I remember talking to a friend who is a lector and who expressed her joy in being able to proclaim this reading in church on this day.
The psalm today is Psalm 23, the familiar one of the LORD being our Shepherd Who protects us when we walk through the valley of darkness. It is one with which Susanna was probably quite familiar, and she could have prayed. It speaks of one’s ultimate trust in GOD, even in, or especially in, one’s darkest hour of trial.
The Gospel of John 8: 1-11 presents the account of the adulterous woman who is dragged before Jesus by the religious leaders who seek to trap Jesus (and also carry out the punishment on the woman). They want to not only condemn the woman, but also catch Jesus in either going against Jewish law or seeking to have the woman stoned. Jesus not only challenges the leaders to think about their own sinfulness, but also, He is willing to look beyond the sin of the woman and care for the sinner.
As I reflect on the readings, I realized how much power sin has in our human lives and how much more powerful is the love and forgiveness of GOD. In the reading from Daniel 13 we hear that the wicked judges let their evil desires prevent them from being just: “They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.” It seems that they had used their
position as judges of the law to have their way with people who were accused. They were willing to give false judgments in order to have their pleasures satisfied. One sin leads to another and another and another. . .Yet, when they did not get their way, they were willing to not only falsely accuse an honest and just woman, but also have her sentenced to death.
Susanna on the other hand would not give in to their evil. She was willing to die rather than sin. She wanted to be faithful to GOD and the precepts of GOD, even if it meant she had to suffer death. She prayed to GOD for help and GOD responded by sending Daniel. Daniel, a just and holy man himself, was able to see through the lies of the wicked and defend the righteous.
The Gospel of John 8: 1-11 presents the other woman accused of adultery. Jesus does not condone her sin. He has compassion on her and offers her forgiveness. He loves her while despising her sinful lifestyle. He offers her a chance to change her life. At the same time, He challenges those who are willing to condemn her. He reminds them that they are sinners too, and they deserve the judgment of GOD. Jesus wants the accusers to realize that they too have committed sins and have not been exposed to the full judgment that their sins deserve. He, in a sense, offers them forgiveness and wants them to extend the same forgiveness to the woman. Jesus is offering them faith – a closer relationship with GOD – instead of their misunderstanding of religion.
What does all of this say to me? It reminds me that I am a sinner also. I have often let one sin lead to another. Yet, I have experienced the forgiveness of GOD. I know how much GOD has forgiven me. I am often tempted to (and have done it in the past) condemn people who do not follow what I consider to be the righteous way. I have judged not only the sin but also the sinner. I have even wrongly accused people of things they did not do, simply because I assumed that they were guilty. (Remember when we “assume,” it makes an “ass” out of “u” and “me.”)
I have another thought that strikes me as I listen to the readings and recall one of the sessions from the Religious Education Congress, I once attended on the issue of capital punishment. I look at how Jesus acted in dealing with the woman deserving of capital punishment according to the law of His day. That reflection challenges my consciousness of whether we should execute those who are accused of capital crimes. Are we being faithful to the Gospel standards that Jesus presents in our position on capital punishment? It seems that Jesus’ attitude is that of compassion, forgiveness, and doing what is necessary to help a sinner reform their lives. I am not advocating total release of those who may have committed serious crimes and have been convicted, but a chance for them to repent, change their heart, and be a more productive member of society (even if that is behind bars for the rest of their lives).
I once again come before the Lord Jesus and seek GOD’s forgiveness. I realize that sin has been, and still is, a part of my life. There are things I could do to enhance and deepen my relationship with GOD and with others. And yet, I sometimes have sought my own selfish ways rather than the way of being in relationship with GOD and others.
I am also humbled by the realization of GOD’s love for me. GOD’s loving care is continually being showered upon me. As we hear in the Responsorial, with the LORD being my Shepherd, I am given courage. The LORD spreads the table before me and anoints my head with oil, my cup overflows with the GOoDness and kindness of my GOD. I do
not deserve all that GOD has given me, yet GOD wants me to dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. How gracious is our GOD!
The personal question/action for today: What is my reaction when I encounter a person who “seems” to be a sinner? Am I quick to judge and assume the worst of the person? Am I willing to love the sinner while not condoning the sin? Do I seek to offer heart-felt compassion and the message of forgiveness to the sinner? How aware am I of the mercy and love of GOD for me, a sinner? By what means do I express my sin and seek GOD’s forgiving grace? How can I be a better proclaimer of GOD’s pardon and peace?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and always forgiving. Through Your GOoDness, You not only defend those who are wrongly accused, but You also extend Your forgiveness to those who deserve to be punished for their sins. You have sent Your Son to remind us of Your loving care. He and the Holy Spirit have come not to condemn us, but to be our Advocate and to defend us, and to give witness to our desire to be in relationship with You. Jesus is willing to look beyond our wrongdoings to see the love You have for us. He asks that we turn from our sinfulness and turn more fully to You. We thank You and praise You for the GOoD News Jesus has brought to us through His teaching and His ministry. We ask that You continue to pour out the gifts of Your Holy Spirit upon us, so we can honestly and humbly admit our sinfulness and seek Your forgiveness. We ask for the gift of strength to be able to live lives that reflect Your grace and love. As always, we make this prayer through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother,
Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggg
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Saint Julie Billiart
Readings: Numbers 21: 4-9; Psalm 102: 2-3, 15-18, 19-21; John 8: 21-30
How easy it is for us to be misguided in our relationship with GOD! The First Reading reminds us that the Israelites in the desert do not realize how much GOD has done and continues to do for them. The psalm is a more fitting response to GOD: GOD hears our cries and responds appropriately if we humble ourselves. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of His relationship with His Abba-Father and the religious leaders misunderstand what He says.
Tired from eating the food (manna) that GOD has supplied for them, the Israelites grumble against GOD. They long for the diversity of food they had when they were slaves in Egypt. Because of their misplaced anger, they are susceptible to bites from “fiery” (saraph) serpents. GOD has mercy on the repentant people and heals those who look at the bronze serpent on a pole. GOD is the source of healing, something which comes down to modern times in the image of the serpent on the wooden pole which is similar to the symbol for healing in medicine.
The psalm is a reminder that GOD hears the prayers of those who put their faith in the LORD. This implies a humble, contrite relationship with GOD and
not speaking a discouraging word against GOD. GOD shows divine love to, and providential care for, those who honestly come into GOD’s presence seeking help as they realize GOD’s concern for those who acknowledge their need for the LORD.
In the double meaning words common to the Gospel of St. John, Jesus speaks about His approaching death. As He speaks about going where others cannot follow, the religious leaders take this as an illusion to suicide. Jesus, in dramatic contrast, is not going to kill Himself, but is going to give up His life in obedience to His Abba’s will and for the sake of all people. He goes on to reveal His close relationship with the GOD Whom He intimately calls His Abba-Father. He is so united with GOD that He is able to use a phrase that is linked to GOD’s proper name. Jesus uses the phrase which in Greek is the Empharic expression, ἐγώ εἰμι – Ego eimi, (I AM). This is linked to the Hebrew proper name of GOD YHWH (sometimes translated as “I AM Who AM”). Jesus declares His oneness with the GOD of Scripture. This association is not missed by some of Jesus’
listeners. Some begin to believe in Him as the One Who is joined to, and sent by, the GOD Who is Abba and YHWH. Others are anxious to condemn Him for His claim to be equal to the One and Only GOD.
We can read and re-read scripture and still fail to grasp the message that GOD is sharing with us. We can look at our lives and see only the negative, and then blame GOD for what is not going right. We fail to open our eyes to experience the GOD Who is active in our lives. We are not much different than the Israelites traveling in the desert or the religious leaders who are not willing to see GOD’s presence in Jesus. Oh, we may say, “Jesus, I believe in You!”; but we then try to force Jesus into our image of what we want GOD to be.
Let me share with you an “all too real” example of this. Two Christian schools are playing each other in a sporting event. Both pray to GOD and try to convince GOD that GOD should be on their side and help them “kill the other team” or “annihilate their opposition.” Does GOD play favorites? Is the result of the game GOD’s choice of who is GOD’s team? Does GOD change the outcome of a game simply because one team “prays” better?
The real response for which GOD is looking from us is the willingness to acknowledge Who GOD is and who we are. We need to be honest, and humbly admit that we need GOD’s help. We need GOD’s help especially in being able to accept what comes our way, knowing that GOD is with us even in the midst of our problems, difficulties, pains, and sorrows. The pandemic, that we had for the some of the last years and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that started a few years ago, have caused some people to question GOD’s love, while others have used the time of the climatic changes and the world strife to spend more time in prayer and deepen their relationship with others, even if it has only been remotely. When we can demonstrate our trust in GOD and GOD’s plan for our lives, then we will be given a freedom and a peace that is beyond understanding. It does not necessarily mean that we will be without discomfort or trying times, but we will know that we are loved and cared for as we continue our journey to the Promised Land that GOD has said will be ours if we remain united with the Lord Jesus.
The words from the Book of Ezekiel keep coming back to me: “I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.” That is the type of faith we must have. We believe that GOD will keep the divine promises. The promises may not be fulfilled in the way we intend or want or envision, but GOD will not go back on the divine promises that GOD has made.
Jesus uses phrases throughout St. John’s Gospel that are the promises in which we need to believe. He says: “I AM the resurrection and the life,” “I AM the way, the truth, and the life” “I AM the Good Shepherd.” We must believe that Jesus will give us life, truth, and protect us on the way. He has said it. He is, and will be, Who He has said He is. We do not have to worry about when or how or where or why. We need only hold firm to the Who. Let us join with the psalmist today and proclaim not only in word but by our way of life: “Let this be written for the generation to come, and let GOD’s future creatures praise the LORD: ‘The LORD looked down from GOD’s holy height, from heaven the LORD beheld the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoners, to release those doomed to die.’”
The personal question/action for today: How have I been misguided in my relationship with GOD? What has caused me to misunderstand GOD and what the Lord Jesus has promised? In what way can I delve more fully into the relationship I have been offered by the Lord Jesus? How can I help others realize that GOD is the One in Whom it is worth putting their faith because GOD has promised, and GOD will do what has been promised? Which promise of GOD does someone I meet today need to hear and how can I reassure that person of that promise?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving Abba-Father, before Whom we come in prayer. Through Your GOoDness, You have promised to give us the very best in this life and in the life to come. You have fulfilled Your promises in and through Your Son, Jesus. He has come as the realization of all that You have proclaimed and the completion of all that will be. We have frequently tried to design our life around what we think You should be and what we want You to do for us. In doing so, we have missed Who You are because we have only thought about ourselves. For this we seek Your forgiveness and pardon. Through the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, teach us to be humble and to trust in You and Your promises. May we joyfully accept what You have given us and look forward to even more blessings as we journey to be with You in Your reign that has no end. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the fulfillment of Your promises, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Saint Casilda:
Readings: Daniel 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55, 56; John 8: 31-42
Those who speak the Truth that comes from GOD, and those who are in a close relationship with GOD, often find themselves in opposition to those who are in authority over them, particularly if those in authority are not open to the Truth and to GOD’s revelation. The First Reading relates the experience of three Hebrew young men who are willing to die rather than be false to the Truth of Who GOD is. The Responsorial is their hymn of praise of GOD even during their time of persecution. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the religious leaders of His day with the Truth of His relationship with His Abba-Father.
Our First Reading tells us part of the story of the three young Jewish exiles:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Prior to today’s passage, we are told that they were trained in the royal service of the King of Babylon. They remain faithful Jews while rising in the service of the king. Some of the other royal
court members were jealous of the three Jewish believers. Those who were jealous had convinced the king to make a royal decree in which the king forced all citizens to worship a golden image the king had set up. Anyone who would refuse to worship the golden image would be executed. In today’s passage Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego tell the king that they cannot and will not worship anyone or anything except the GOD of their Jewish faith. They are willing to be thrown into the fiery furnace, the means of execution. They make their prayer:
“If our GOD, Whom we serve, can save us from the white- hot furnace. . .may GOD save us!” After being bound tightly and thrown into the seven-fold hot furnace, they are seen walking freely among the burning flames, untouched
and perfectly safe. The king comes to praise GOD Who has protected them.
The response is taken from the prayer of praise sung by the three as they walk amidst the fiery furnace. It gives glory and honor to the GOD of their ancestors – the GOD Who is to be exalted above all forever.
Jesus, in the Gospel, speaks about the faithful and true disciple (disciplined learner) who knows the Truth that (Who) sets one free. The Truth comes from the relationship one has with GOD, in and through Jesus, the Son of GOD (in union with the Holy Spirit). If one is faithful to the relationship with
GOD, one will be free of sin, and live as a descendant of Abraham, our father in faith. Nothing, not even persecution nor death, will be able to enslave us if we are in relationship with GOD the Abba through Jesus, the Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus informs the religious leaders that they are not true descendants of
Abraham because they are not being true to the relationship of faith that Abraham had with GOD. They do not truly “know” the GOD upon Whom they call. If they were faithful to the relationship with GOD as Abba, they would recognize Jesus as the One Whom GOD the Abba has sent. Jesus speaks of sin as not being in relationship with GOD: “Everyone who lives in sin, is the slave of sin. (No slave has a permanent place in the family.)” If one is aware of one’s place in the family, one is not a slave – a slave of sin. If one
is still sinning, one has not come to the full awareness of one’s relationship with the Abba Who is GOD.
As I reflect on the readings today, I think about my relationship with GOD. Am I a true and faithful disciple who seeks to deepen my relationship with GOD in and through Jesus? I may say the right words, but do I live
my life in a way that shows I am in a loving relationship with the Abba, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Sometimes I am more like those whom Jesus addresses in the Gospel – people who have not let the Word of Jesus find a hearing among them. As I reflect on my life, I realize that sin still has an effect on my life. I fail, at times, to see my relationship with GOD, and therefore my relationship with others. I seek my own selfish ways instead of ways that praise the GOD Who is my Abba and the Abba of all people.
I read a report a while ago that said, “Approximately 215 million Christians now experience high, very high,
or extreme levels of persecution; that means 1 in 12 Christians live where Christianity is ‘illegal, forbidden, or punishable. . .’” I may not be facing such oppressive persecution. Would I be able to still stand up for my faith if I were in a place where such persecution was being done to Christians? That is a GOoD question for me (and you) to ask.
The example of the three young men in the First Reading inspires me. They were rising in status in their service of the king of Babylon. Because of the jealousy of others, they were forced to stand up for their relationship with GOD. They were willing to remain faithful to GOD as their number one priority in life, even if that meant a painful, bodily death. They trusted in the loving relationship with GOD rather than in the power of mortals. If GOD would save them, then praised be GOD. If GOD chose not to save them, then praised be GOD anyway. They would not change their allegiance to GOD, because they had developed such a close relationship with GOD that they knew that the relationship with GOD was something for which they would be willing to die.
Their song of praise of GOD as they walked in the white-hot furnace should be our prayer, especially when we face opposition: “Blessed are You, O Lord, the GOD of our ancestors, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; and blessed is Your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.”
The personal question/action for today: What is the Truth to which (to Whom) I am committed and for which (for Whom) I am willing to die? How do I see that Truth related to my relationship with GOD? How can I give witness to others about the Truth to which (to Whom) I am committed?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever worthy of praise. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to invite us into a closer relationship with You. You promise to set us free from sin by the power of the Truth which/Who comes from being members of Your family – Your children in and through Jesus, Your Only Begotten Son. Jesus
invites us to call You, Abba (Father-Daddy), and to share in the relationship He has with You. We sometimes fail to see the Truth and instead we follow our own paths that lead to enslavement to sin and alienation from You. You continue to call us back to You. We ask that You once again pour upon us the gifts and harvest that come from Your Holy Spirit – knowledge, wisdom, strength, joy, peace, and love (to name just a few) – so that we can live as disciples of Your Son. We ask that we may always focus on our relationship with You, Your Son,
and the Holy Spirit, so we are willing to boldly live out that relationship, even in the face of opposition. May we sing Your praise and give You glory and honor, for You are praiseworthy and should be exalted above all
forever – You Who are one with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, the GOD of our ancestors – the GOD Whose name is holy and glorious, above all for all ages. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Saint Magadalen of Canossa: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-magdalene-of-canossa/ Readings: Genesis 17: 3-9; Psalm 105: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; John 8: 51-59
Being in relationships seems to be the focus of our scripture passages today, at
least for me. GOD calls Abram into a relationship with the GOD Who Is. The Responsorial calls us to remember that we have been invited into a relationship with the GOD Who Is. In the Gospel, Jesus affirms that He Is one with GOD and wants us to be united with Himself and with GOD Whom He calls Abba-Father.
In the passage from Genesis, GOD establishes a covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham. [The New American Bible: [17:5] Abram and Abraham are merely two forms of the same name, both meaning, “the father is exalted”; another variant form is Abiram (Nm 16:1; 1 Kgs
16:34). The additional -ha- in the form Abraham is explained by popular etymology as coming from ab-hamon
goyim, “father of a multitude of nations.” Link: http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/17:3] This covenant
relationship binds GOD to Abraham and his descendants. GOD will be Abraham’s GOD and will take care of Abraham. Abraham and his descendants are asked to remain faithful to the covenant relationship that GOD is beginning with Abraham.
The psalm is a call for the offspring of Abraham to remember the relationship of the covenant into which GOD entered with the patriarch. It is also a prayer to GOD, reflecting upon the promises GOD made in establishing the covenant relationship. GOD and the people are united through this bond, that is a holy, lasting bond.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of Abraham and the relationship Jesus has with Abraham. This causes the religious leaders to become angry. According to them, Jesus is saying that He is better than the patriarch Abraham who first began the close relationship with YHWH – the LORD GOD. Jesus affirms that He is greater
than Abraham because He is in a longer, closer relationship with YHWH – the LORD GOD – than Abraham had. Jesus uses the Greek phrase Ego eimi (åãï åéìé) – “I AM” the same phrase that is used to translate the proper name for GOD in Hebrew, YHWH, thus showing that He is one with the GOD of Abraham and of Moses.
My reflection today leads me to keep thinking about the concept of relationship.
To me, that is the essence of what it means to be a believer – a Christian, since that is the essence of Who GOD Is. GOD is relationship. In the GODhead, there is the relationship of Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit. That relationship is called love
(aGApe). That relationship is so powerful, GOD wants to extend beyond the GODhead in a creative way – thus the world was created. GOD from the beginning (Genesis) wanted to share that relationship with others, thus humans were created in the image and likeness of GOD. Man and woman were created with the desire to be in relationship – with GOD and with each other. Although humans have not always been true to the relationship that GOD desired them to have, GOD has given us more chances – establishing new covenants – relationships – with us: with the fallen couple a promise of future relationship; with Noah in the covenant relationship after the flood; with Abraham as we hear in our First Reading; with Moses as GOD revealed Who GOD Is – YHWH.
The rest of the Hebrew scriptures are GOD’s call to the chosen people to remember the relationship that GOD has
established with them. It speaks of how the people are unfaithful in living out the relationship and how GOD keeps sending them spokespersons (prophets) to remind them that they were called to be in relationship with a GOD Who is relational.
Jesus, GOD the Son, the One Who always has been in relationship with His Abba, has come to further reveal the relationship that is offered to all who believe in the divine relationship. It is because Jesus professes this close relationship with His Abba (Who is GOD) that He is persecuted. If people would fully accept the relationship with GOD as Jesus presents it, then the established religious human structures of the Jewish religion (and all religions) would have no meaning.
What does that say to me? It says a lot about how I am called to live my life. I am not called to do GOoD (perform actions), I am called to be – be in relationship with GOD. Religion should not be just a set of rules and regulations that must be followed. Religion is called to be a support in developing a closer relationship with a GOD Who Is – a GOD Who relates. If the structures of religion become the center point instead of the relationship, then we are deprived of what GOD wants – for us to be one with the GOD Who Is. GOD’s name in Hebrew implies relationship. GOD is not the One Who Does. GOD is YHWH – the GOD Who IS. We are called into that BEING, not into doing. Our actions should flow from
who we are – people in relationship with the GOD Who Is.
I am reminded of a phrase I was taught as a child. GOD is the Supreme Being. I did not fully grasp what that meant when I was a child. Yet, as I reflect on that title for GOD, I realize that GOD is not called the Supreme Doing or the Supreme Do-er, although GOD is that. GOD is the Supreme Being. GOD is the One Who has been, is, and always will be.
I have had experiences in the last few years that have challenged me in being in relationship with others, more particularly with particular individuals. It was twenty-two years ago that my earthly father died. In the last seventeen months of his earthly life, I spent a lot of time just being with my father in a facility that cares for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. I had to be very patient, caring, and understanding with not only my Dad, but also with other residents of the facility. In his last few days, as my Dad was drawing to the close of his earthly sojourn, I was called to just be – be there for him. There was nothing I could do. Yet as the family continued to surround him, touch him, talk to him, we were there for him – we were in relationship with him. We are also there for each other – we were in relationship with one another. I had to be very careful about what I said and what I did, always thinking of others’ mental, physical, and emotional health concerns, being with them and making them know that I am totally intent on being there for them. I had to sometimes just
BE there, when I would have rather been DOING a chore and moving onto something else. I was called to not only be a do- er for these individuals, but just be in relationship with each person I encountered – a much harder ministry and calling. I have also spent time over the past few years in being with some of my high school classmates who are in institutions for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers, or recovering from stokes.
The more we take the time to BE in GOD’s presence, the more we will be able to live as people who relate – who relate
to GOD and who relate to all those who are loved by GOD (that includes everyone). I have been blessed over the last few years in spending more and more time reflecting on my relationship with GOD. I am conscious of it as I spend the time writing reflections. I used to think if I spent 15 minutes a day in prayer, that was great. Now I spend an hour or more each day in reflecting on my relationship with GOD and putting it in words. It has changed my life – I am energized, I am more aware of my relationship with others, because I realize that is part of my relating to the GOD Who Is. I have more insights into the Word of GOD because I try to relate to the GOD Who Is, Who Is revealed in the divine Word.
I can never go back to just doing – just reciting rote prayers or performing certain rites – without spending time in being
– being in relationship with the GOD Who Is. The more time I spend in being in relationship, the more time I want to relate to GOD and to those whom GOD has placed in my life, so that I can relate to them and share with them the GOD with Whom I have come to be present, through my ever-deepening relationship.
The personal question/action for today: What is the focus of my life – doing things or being in relationship? How much time do I spend just being with GOD? How much time do I spend in the human-to-human relationships that GOD has allowed me to have? How does my action change when I focus on relationships rather than doing things? What difference will this time of reflection make in my encounters today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever relational, You Who are the One Who Is. Through Your GOoDness and Being, You, in Your essence, relate within Yourself as Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Your relating is what we label “Love.” Your relating is so awesome that it is creative – it gives life. You invite us – beg us – to be a part of that creative relationship. You keep on speaking Your words of unity and oneness. You want us to experience the fullness of Who You Are. Yet, we, in our individual lives and our lives as members of Your Holy people, have failed to fully understand Who You Are. We focus on “doing” rather than “being.” We seek to prove our position by our actions rather than experience our relationship with You by being – being one with You, being Your daughters and sons. Through Your Son, You have given us a fuller glimpse into Who You Are. Jesus speaks of His relationship with You, for He is truly one with You. He once again invites us to come and be – be one with Him and with You. We praise You and thank You for Who You Are. We are blessed by being in relationship with You. Give us the wisdom and understanding, and the courage, to take the time to be – to be still – to be in relationship with You. We ask for forgiveness for the times
we have chosen to do things instead of just being with You. We seek healing of our relationship with You and with others, for we have not always placed relationships in the proper perspective. To You we lift up this prayer, for You are our one and only GOD, Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit, the essence of Being, the One Who Is, past, present, and for ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Opt. Mem. of St. Stanislaus) Saint Stanislaus: Readings: Jeremiah 20: 10-13; Psalm 18: 2-3a, 3bc-4; 5-6, 7; John 10: 31-42
Once again on a Friday during the Lenten season, we are reminded that those who are not open to GOD’s Word are
the ones who are actively seeking to eliminate those who are speaking the Word of GOD. Jeremiah senses the tension increasing between himself and those whom he is challenging to hear GOD’s Word. The psalm echoes Jeremiah’s ultimate trust in the GOD Who has called him to speak the Word, and on Whom Jeremiah calls, and in Whom he trusts. In the Gospel, Jesus confronts those who are opposed to Him and His proclamation of the Word of GOD and His doing GOD’s work and living out His position as the Son of GOD.
In the First Reading, Jeremiah can sense the opposition against him and against his proclaiming of the Word of the LORD. Even those who were once considered his friends are turning against him. He cries out to GOD for help. The parallel to Jesus can be seen in this passage from Jeremiah.
The psalm expresses the fact that GOD hears the prayer of those who cry out to GOD. GOD is the strength for those who are in relationship with the LORD. GOD is the rock of refuge, the shield, the horn of salvation. In the worst of situations, GOD will be of assistance to those who trust in divine protection, especially to those who are living according to GOD’s Word.
The Gospel begins with the picking up of stones by the people who are opposed to Jesus. They are ready to stone Him at this very moment. He asks them for which of the signs He has done do they want to stone Him. It is not
for the miracles He has done, but because He speaks about His relationship with GOD – making Himself equal to GOD. He uses Hebrew Scripture (the Old
Testament – [This is a reference to the judges of Israel who, since they exercised the divine prerogative to judge (Dt 1:17), were called “gods”; cf. Ex 21:6, besides Ps
82:6 from which the quotation comes.]) – to show that those in relationship
with GOD, share in GOD’s life and are considered to have divine life within them. Jesus continues to once again speak about the union He
has with GOD the Father, His Abba. Jesus and His Abba are one with each other. This leads some in the crowd to want to put Jesus to death even more, but since it is not yet the Hour (the correct time)
for Jesus to be glorified (through His death and resurrection), Jesus leaves Jerusalem and heads down east to the
Jordan River and the area across the Jordan.
The readings are leading us into Holy Week. We are being prepared for Jesus’ Hour of Glory – His suffering and
His death – and His resurrection. The scene is set for His betrayal and denial by close friends, His being handed over
to the opposition, His persecution at the hands of those who will not accept His GOoD News message, a message of an invitation to be in a truly closer relationship with GOD.
As I contemplate the readings, I am moved to a feeling of awe. Jesus does not turn from His desire to proclaim a close relationship with GOD. He wants people to understand how much GOD loves them and desires to be a part of their lives. Yet He meets opposition, because if GOD becomes so much a part of people’s lives, as Jesus announces, then they must give up their habits and the practices that do not fit with having a close relationship with a loving GOD.
I think of the people in the Middle East today. If they would listen to the words of the One True GOD Whom they say they worship, they would have to see that they are called into a closer relationship with others who worship the same GOD, and also with everyone, since all are children of GOD. Yet, they do not want to give up their customs and
long held opposition to their enemies, whom they fail to see as fellow children of the one GOD. Having a belief in, and relationship with, a GOD Who is the Abba-Father of all, would force them to be understanding and caring to GOD’s other children.
Sometimes I think most Christians are not taking seriously their relationship with GOD as proclaimed by the Son of GOD. And then I realize that I do not always take seriously the GOoD News of Jesus either. I sometimes try to make GOD’s Word fit my understanding, to rationalize my opinions and actions rather than make me and my thoughts be in line with the Gospel — the GOoD News of Jesus. It is so easy to use scripture to back my view of life, but it is so much harder to make my view of life reflect the Truth in scripture. I do not always live according to the message of Jesus Christ, instead I try to make Jesus’s words fit my lifestyle.
If I listen to Jesus’ message that He and His Abba are one, and that GOD desires that I be one with Jesus and His Abba, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, and with all who are called to be in relationship with GOD, then I would have to live my life with a different focus. My focus would be on building a loving relationship with GOD and with all GOD’s children, that is, everyone. I would want people to experience the divine relationship about which Jesus speaks. I would be willing to risk my life in order to live out that relationship with GOD and GOD’s holy people (that should include everyone).
Living according to the GOoD News of Jesus will lead to opposition. There will be opposition from people who do not want to hear the Gospel because they know it will cause them to change their lifestyles, the very lifestyle to which they have become accustomed, and to which they wrongly think is what their vision of GOD is calling them to practice. Those are the ones who prefer to live in the darkness that hides their wicked ways rather than come into the Light of Jesus’ teaching. It could come from friends and family members who think their loved ones are fanatical in their living out the Gospel.
The closer we come in our relationship with GOD, the more the enemy will be working against us. We will then need to cry out to GOD as did Jeremiah, the psalmist, and particularly Jesus. We will need to be strengthened by the GOD Who is our rock of refuge, our shield, our stronghold. And in our distress, we will call upon the Lord Jesus, and He and His Abba will hear our voice. GOD may not remove the opposition we face, but GOD will give us the strength to face the opposition as Jesus did. And then like Jeremiah, the psalmist, and Jesus, we will be able to praise the GOD Who loves us.
The personal question/action for today: How has my relationship with GOD grown during the past few weeks (during Lent)? Am I more committed to being a disciple and an apostle of the Master-Teacher by sharing the Word of GOD with those whom I encounter, even though I might face opposition? Do I continue to turn to the GOD Who is the rock of refuge and stronghold as I give witness to GOD Who desires to be in relationship with all people? How am I reaching out to the other children of GOD and reminding them of GOD’s love for them, particularly as we all deal with the sicknesses, global weather issues, and the worldly tensions, and their effects?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and caring. Through Your GOoDness, You proclaim Your desire to be in relationship with us through the life and teachings of Your Son, Jesus. It was in the very proclamation of His relationship with You that He faced the most opposition. Hatred and death threats came from people who would
have to change their lives if they believed in Jesus’ words. Jesus remained focused on His desire to do Your will and to give glory to You through His life and ministry, His suffering and death, and His resurrection. This would be His hour of glory – the hour in which He would give You glory. Give us the strength to commit ourselves to proclaiming Your GOoD News. May we live lives that proclaim Your love and care for every individual. May we have the courage to stand up to the opposition we will face as we live according to Gospel values. And may You and Your Son and Spirit receive all the glory, praise, and honor as we give witness to Your loving relationship with Your holy people. We pray this in and through Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who willingly laid down His life as a sign of Your love, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Saint Teresa of los Andes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-teresa-of-los-andes
Readings: Ezekiel 37: 21-28; Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12abcd, 13; John 11: 45-56
As I reflect on the readings today, so many thoughts run through my mind. One common thread that goes through the readings is GOD’s gathering together of the holy people from the dispersed regions of the world and renewing the covenant relationship with them. GOD wants all the peoples (whom the Lord Jesus has made holy) to be in relationship with GOD and with each other. This is only possible through His death and resurrection.
Our First Reading comes from the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel is speaking to the exiles during their captivity. It is GOD’s call to all the exiled people, not just during the exile in Babylon, but from all previous and future exiles, to come back to GOD and be united. GOD wants to renew the divine relationship (covenant) with the dispersed chosen
people. The former northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribes of Judah will be re-united under the One Who is the offspring of David. GOD will restore the fortunes of the great kingdom that had existed under David and his son, Solomon.
The Responsorial continues this same theme in calling all those who are distant to come back and be one under the LORD GOD Who will shepherd them. The sorrow that GOD’s people have experienced will be turned to joy as they re- establish their covenant relationship with their GOD.
In the Gospel reading (that follows the raising of Lazarus), the religious leaders come together to discuss how Jesus and His teaching might affect the Jewish nation. They are afraid that Jesus will lead the people in such a way that the Romans will come and destroy Jerusalem and disperse the Jewish people throughout the Roman Empire. They believe it would be better to sacrifice Jesus in order to save the nation.
St. John comments that their words reveal part of the truth, but they miss
the main truth of the message. Jesus will be sacrificed for the people, not only the Jewish people but for all people. His death will bring together all who truly call on GOD as Abba-Father. All the true children of GOD will be reconciled with GOD through the death (and
resurrection) of Jesus. What the religious leaders hoped would not happen (the destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jewish nation) will only be postponed for some 40 years. Around 70 A.D., the Romans will come and disassemble the Jewish nation and its people. Yet, the new chosen people will be brought into a new covenant, a new testament, a new relationship with GOD, their Abba, through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
All these readings make us aware of how GOD is preparing the scene for the events of next week – Holy Week. We are being led into the climax of the year when we celebrate with sorrow – and joy – the saving events of Jesus’ passion, death – and resurrection. We can sense the tension building between the religious leaders and Jesus. The purpose of Jesus’ life and teachings is becoming more clear: in order to bring GOD’s holy people into a closer relationship with GOD, Jesus must make the ultimate sacrifice of dying – dying on a cross. His death and resurrection will bring salvation, holiness, and renewed relationship to all people.
I am becoming more and more drawn into the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection. I also recall a reflection talk I gave a few years ago on the Easter Triduum (the Paschal Mystery celebrated on the “three days” of Holy Thursday, GOoD Friday, and Holy Saturday [Easter Vigil]). The key events of Jesus’ life are being retold, re-enacted, re-lived this coming week. We are a
people who practice remembering (zikaron in Hebrew,
anamnesis in Greek). This remembering – by re-enacting – makes the events come alive for us. We will become part of the crowd welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem tomorrow on Passion (Palm) Sunday. We will be there as the religious leaders plot
against Jesus. We will sit down at table with Jesus as He breaks bread and shares His Body and Blood with us at the
Last Supper. We will walk with Him into the garden of Gethsemane and be there as they arrest Him. We will watch as they falsely accuse Him and lead Him off to the Roman governor (Pilate) and to Herod (in Luke’s Gospel). Our voice will join with those who yell, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” for it is our sins that scream for His death. We will be in the crowd as Jesus is led through the streets of Jerusalem to the hill of the Skull (Golgotha [Hebrew] or Calvary [English version of Latin]). We will stand with Mary and John as the soldiers nail Him to the cross and raise it high.
We will hear His dying words and see Him hand over His spirit to His Abba in an act of love. We will be there as they take Him down from the cross, lay Him in His mother’s arms, and then carry Him off and place Him in the tomb.
Yet, that is not where our journey will end. For we will be there three days later as Jesus’ followers will come to the
empty tomb and later when they meet the Risen Lord. We will hear the words spoken to us: “Shalom – Peace.” This will not be some role playing of past history. It is what is happening right here and right now for us. We are part of the paschal mystery. We are being brought into the relationship with GOD through being a part of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This relationship is ours today because we remember, we celebrate, we believe. Our salvation is now. We are being united with our GOD presently. Jesus is making GOD’s people holy right now. We are asked to further unite ourselves with GOD our Abba, the Lord Jesus, and all of GOD’s holy people, all in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
It is not something that happened 2000 years ago. It is a present reality, right now. We are presently part of the salvation by our GOD. All the people of GOD throughout the world are being called into the relationship with our GOD Who is Abba, Who is our Shepherd Who sacrifices for us, Who is the Spirit Who unites us.
I will continue to pray this coming Holy Week for a real renewal of all of GOD’s holy people, that we will practice zikaron, anamnesis, remembering and making present, the saving acts of our Lord Jesus. We can do this in our homes as we read, break open, and reflect on the scripture readings, as well as when we gather in church. May our participation in this year’s Holy Week scripture readings and our reflections on these events make our relationship with GOD more real and alive. And may it unite us with all GOD’s holy people.
The personal question/action for today: Do I have a sense of being drawn into a deeper relationship with GOD as I remember, celebrate, and believe the key events in the history of salvation? How will I be a more active participant this year in the zikaron (remembering, re- enacting, re-living) events of Holy Week? How can I share the importance of these events with others so that they will also be drawn closer to the Lord of salvation?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all knowing Divine Being and Spanner of all time. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to draw us into a closer relationship with You and Your Son by allowing us to be present at the saving events of history. You invite us to remember, to celebrate, to believe in what Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection means for us today. [I use a singular verb (“means”) because Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection are actually the one saving event known as the paschal mystery.] You ask us to fully reflect on the events of Holy Week by reading the liturgical
scriptures, so we can experience Your love as manifested in Jesus’ acts of total giving of Himself – for our salvation. You make us holy today by our remembering, our celebrating, our believing what Jesus did – the restoration of a new covenant, a new testament, a new relationship with You. Give us the wisdom to take the time to reflect on the saving moment of our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, renew within us the fire of Your love, so we can fully understand what Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection means for us. And may we give glory, honor, and praise to You, Your Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, not just on Passion (Palm) Sunday and the other days of Holy Week, but each and every day of our lives. We make this prayer through Jesus, the Christ, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior, Who suffered, died, and rose again, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Monday of Holy Week
Blessed Peter Gonzalez: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-peter-gonzalez
Readings: Isaiah 42: 1-7; Psalm 27: 1, 2, 3, 13-14; John 12: 1-11
On this Monday of Holy Week, we continue our journey with Jesus during His last days before His Hour of Glory: His death – and His resurrection.
The First Readings most of this week come from Isaiah’s passages about the Suffering Servant. Our First Reading today is the first of the Suffering Servant Songs in Isaiah. In today’s excerpt, we hear how GOD is pleased with the Servant who will minister in a quiet, but powerful, way. This Servant of GOD will tend to those who are bruised and broken, and He will establish justice. This Servant will bring about a new covenant relationship, opening the eyes of the blind, and setting free those who are oppressed and living in darkness. All this because this Person has a servant heart – One Who seeks to be of service to those in need.
The psalm today focuses on trust in GOD. Even in the most difficult situations, there is no need for fear if one waits for the LORD with courage. GOD will bring light and salvation to those who trust in the LORD. This speaks both about Jesus’ trust in His
Abba-Father as He faces His impending passion, and our trust in GOD as we face difficult times.
Our Gospel takes place just days before Passover (both the Jewish celebration of Passover and Jesus’ own Passover, through His death into the Glory of His Resurrection). Jesus returns to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. The religious leaders are ever vigilant concerning Jesus’ movements. Other elements that point us to the events later this week become apparent. Martha takes the servant role in providing the meal (just as Jesus will be a servant during His Last Supper). Mary lavishly anoints Jesus’ feet in a sign of love and service, as Jesus will wash the feet of His followers. Judas reveals his concern not for people, but for money as he comments that the value of the oil used for the anointing of Jesus should have been given to the common purse to be used for the poor – the common purse that Judas managed and used for the poor – “poor” Judas. Jesus speaks about the anointing as a preparation for His own burial (that will take place in just days). We also hear of the religious leaders’ continuing plot to kill Jesus, and not only Jesus, but Lazarus as well, since people are “turning
away” from established religious leaders and believing in Jesus because of Jesus’ raising of Lazarus. Thus, they show their fear that Jesus is taking people away from their own sphere of influence.
As I reflect on just one aspect of the readings, I can sense the momentum building as we draw closer to Jesus’ last days before His suffering and death. The aspect that strikes me the most is that of Servanthood. Jesus comes in fulfillment of Isaiah’s passages about the Suffering Servant. He will demonstrate His Servanthood even more in the days to come as He serves His disciples at the Last Supper as a sign of His willingness to give His life. He will continue His Servant mentality throughout His passion. Being a servant is a matter of the mind. It is one’s attitude towards others. I was reading a book a while ago. The book described the attitude of a servant-leader. It spoke of true leaders as persons who do not think less of themselves, but who think of themselves less often. They don’t put themselves down or belittle themselves, but they think of others more than they think of themselves. This is Jesus’ attitude. He has come to proclaim the GOoD News of His Abba-Father’s love. He ministers and serves others. He will give Himself totally to others and for others. His focus is never on Himself, but on what He can do to live out the divine will and bring others into a closer relationship with GOD, His Abba.
Mary and Martha, in their own way, demonstrate the servant attitude. In contrast, Judas thinks only of himself and what will “benefit” himself. He is not thinking of service to the poor, but rather how he can be served. In a similar way, the attitude of some of the religious leaders is not one of servanthood. Instead, they see Jesus as a threat Who must be eliminated because He is taking people away from their power and their being served by the people.
I was reminded of this need to have a servant mentality as I watched the people who cared for my father during his last hours on earth, over twenty years ago. They were willing to do anything to make his final earthly existence as comfortable as possible. They had moved all of his belongings and furniture from the small, shared room where he had been in for a year and half. They provided a larger room with no roommate. When Dad arrived from the hospital, they lovingly washed and cleaned him, shaved and cared for him in a way that hospital staff had not done. They also made our whole family as comfortable as possible, bringing in food and drink and extra chairs. Although Silverado is not officially religiously affiliated, the staff members were deeply faith-filled. They prayed with Dad and with us, both in Spanish and English. They made us feel that our bringing Dad back to Silverado was not a burden and extra work for them, but a blessing to
them. They did much more than what was expected of them and more than they were paid to do. They made the decision to love and serve, not because their paycheck demanded it, but because they wanted to give love. Even though they, too, were grieving Dad’s transitioning out of their presence, they focused on serving Dad and his family, rather than focusing on their own feelings of loss. They realized that their service of Dad and us, his family, was how they demonstrated the love they
had for Dad and the love they had for GOD.
The attitude of servanthood should be our attitude – thinking of ourselves less and thinking of how we can bring the GOoD News of Jesus to others by our caring actions. We should work on helping others deepen their relationship with the GOD Who loves them. We have to have the attitude of servants, people who choose to be of service to others, trusting that GOD will be with us as our light and our salvation (Responsorial). We will be able to do so if we reflect on how our Lord Jesus came in service and was the Suffering Servant for us (First Reading). The more we are touched by the example of the Suffering Servant Jesus, the more we will be able to serve others. Thus, we need to focus on our relationship with the Suffering Servant. He has given us the example to follow: No greater love does anyone have than one is willing to lay
down one’s life for another (John 15: 13).
Especially during the pandemic crisis during the past years and the conflicts in Ukraine and other places, and political unrest in our countries over the last few years, and climatic problems of recent times, we have seen examples of front-line workers caring for others, even risking catching the virus or being murdered by the Russian forces, or injured as they helped people during hurricanes and other weather-related destructions. We, too, can go out of our way to do the little extra. We may be able to be of service by corresponding with others via phone, emails, and social media. We might also run errands for those who cannot go out and get needed items. We can pray for all those affected by the illnesses, the Ukrainian conflict, and other trying experiences, whether it is lack of paycheck, inconvenience of being “home-bound,” or suffering physically and emotionally from the stresses in their lives, or their having to leave their homeland. We have seen examples of this type of servant mentality in the news, and we should do what we can to serve others.
The personal question/action for today: How well do I manifest a servant’s attitude when it comes to the other people in my life? Am I number 1 when it comes to priority in my life, or is my service to others more important? How might I better serve the people in my family this week? the people with whom I associate in my community or in my workplace? What one act of service can I perform this week to show that I desire to follow the example of Jesus’ Servanthood?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, almighty and ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son to us as the Servant-Leader. He came so that we might know Your love for us. He lived a life of service, choosing to think of Himself less often and others more often. He willingly followed Your plan, even to death, death on the cross. He gave His life so that we might live. As we contemplate His saving Servanthood, especially this Holy Week, we ask that You send Your Holy Spirit upon us, so we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps in giving loving service to others. Help us to be humble servants, not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less often, and thinking of others more. May we joyfully give to others even when it is painful, just as our Master-Teacher did. In this way we will be able to deepen our relationship with Jesus, with You, and with Your Holy Spirit. And may we continue to give You all praise, glory, and honor. We pray this in the name of Your Suffering Servant, Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Tuesday of Holy Week
Saint Caesar de Bus
Readings: Isaiah 49: 1-6; Psalm 71: 1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17; John 13: 21-33, 36-28
Our readings draw us ever closer into the paschal mystery of Jesus’ suffering and death (and future resurrection) – His Hour of Glory, as St. John calls it.
Our First Reading is another one of the Suffering Servant passages from Isaiah. It reminds us that the Suffering Servant has been called by GOD from before birth to fulfill the ministry of bringing the Chosen People into a closer relationship with GOD. The passage has the Suffering Servant expressing that at times the mission seems to have been in vain, with the Servant spending all the strength without any apparent success in bringing the People closer to GOD; yet in the end, the Servant is glorified by GOD and becomes not only the means of saving the Chosen People, but also the light to all nations.
As I reflect on this reading, I think of how much this applies to Jesus. Beginning with His earthly birth, His life’s purpose has been to draw people to GOD. It must seem at times like Jesus is spending His energy without much success. His work might seem like it is in vain at times, especially as He nears the end of His life. Yet, Jesus realizes that even the most tragic events of His suffering and death would be the source of glorification of His Abba-Father and the means by which people will be saved and brought into the Light of GOD.
The psalm picks up on the close relationship that exists between the One called by GOD from His birth. It also speaks about the ultimate trust in GOD that marks the Chosen One of GOD. This psalm reaches its fulfillment in
Jesus. He has the perfect relationship with GOD, since He and His Abba-Father are one. Even in His darkest hour, He trusts in GOD, His Abba. He sees His passion as the Hour of Glory of both His Abba and Himself, in union with the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel is from St. John’s account of the Last Supper. Jesus is gathered with His apostles. As He looks out at those whom He has called to the special relationship as apostles and His closest disciples, He is moved with the greatest emotions. He realizes that He is about to be betrayed by one of His chosen ones. He dismisses Judas to do what he is going to do, and to do it quickly. Judas, the keeper of the common purse, goes out to increase his own purse by his betrayal of his Master. It is interesting that once Judas leaves, it is night. Darkness has come upon the world. A new Jewish day begins at dusk – the day when the ultimate darkness will seem to have won a victory over the Light, but a day when the Light will win the final victory – the day when the Lamb of GOD will be slaughtered as a sacrifice for the world – a day when GOD will be
glorified by the spilling of the Lamb’s blood – the day of salvation for all people.
In this passage we also hear bold Peter proclaim that he is willing to die for Jesus. Jesus asserts that before the dawn breaks and the rooster crows, Peter will deny His Master and Lord – three times.
What strikes me about today’s readings is Jesus’ choice. Jesus consciously chooses what He does and whom He wants to be His chosen disciples. He has chosen individuals to be a part of His inner circle – people with whom He has shared an even closer relationship. Yet in this inner band of twelve, one will betray Him, and the one who is called to be the leader will deny his relationship with Jesus. Nine of the other ten will scattered and hide. Only one will be brave enough to stand beneath the cross.
I am in awe as I reflect on this. Jesus could have chosen individuals who would be totally true to Him. Yet, in choosing individuals whom He knew would fall short of the expectations of the close relationship that He is offering them, Jesus holds up for us the realization that not one of us is perfect; that all of us – no matter how blessed we have been in our relationship with the Lord Jesus – all of us fall short in our limited humanity. It is only the saving acts of Jesus that can restore us to the close relationship with Jesus and His Abba.
I guess that this is particularly important for us as we hear about individuals who had been called to be servant- leaders in the Church and society, but who had fallen into sinfulness. We may be shocked that a man of the cloth, especially one who was an “overseer” or episcopus (bishop) could do such things as have been reported over the past decades. We say, “they should not have done such things, after all they were gifted individuals whom we admired.”
Yet if those individuals whom Jesus chose during His earthly life were not perfect and could betray and deny Him, then it is also possible that other individuals whom GOD called to lives of service and public importance could fall into sin.
I am not saying this to condone what has happened. It was wrong, just as it was wrong for Peter to deny his relationship with his Master three times on the very night on which he said he would die for, and with, his Master. Sin is wrong, but Jesus’ forgiveness and His offer of salvation are more powerful than sin. The Light of Jesus is more powerful than darkness. Thank GOD for that. All of us have fallen into sin. All of us, in one way or another, have betrayed or denied the relationship we have been called to have with our Master and with His Abba (in union with the Holy Spirit). All of us, chosen and gifted as we are, have not always stood up for our Lord and Master, especially when it has come to key moments when we could and should have demonstrated our relationship with Jesus.
The actions of Judas and Peter and the arrest of Jesus tore the community of His followers apart. They were like sheep scattered after the death of the Shepherd. Yet the full message of this Holy Week is that Jesus’ suffering and death brought salvation to all who would look upon the One Who was lifted up on the cross. The message of the
resurrected Lord is “Shalom – peace – reconciliation – renewed relationship.” This should be the message we focus on, for this is the message for which Jesus gave His life in order to bring it to us.
The personal question/action for today: How do I react when I think about the fact that I have been gifted and called by GOD, but have sometimes failed to live up to the calling that I have received? Have I sought the forgiveness and pardon from GOD for my past failings and sins? What can I do today, this week, and the rest of my life, to strengthen my relationship with the Lord Jesus and with others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all knowing and all loving. Through Your GOoDness, You called Your Son to live the life of the Suffering Servant. He toiled and worked among us, sometimes to the point of thinking it was all in vain. He called individuals to share in a close relationship with Himself and with You. He gave Himself to them over and over again. They professed their allegiance to Him, yet, in times of greatest temptation, they were not faithful to the relationship that He had shared with them. We thank You for the divine wisdom that Jesus manifested in choosing individuals who were human with human faults and failings. We thank You for Jesus’ choice of people with whom we can identify because they, in their human conditions, were not perfect. We thank You for giving us examples that show that humans have free choices and can refuse the special relationship that Your Son came to establish. Above all we thank You for the forgiveness and the offer of renewed relationship that You Son offered (and still offers) to those who fall into sin and deny their relationship with You. Your Son still speaks the words of “Shalom – peace – reconciliation – renewed relationship” to us, especially when we need it most. For this we give You all the glory and praise, as we reflect on the Hour of Glory that Your Son experienced for our salvation. We lift up this prayer to You in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ffffffffffffffffffff
April 16, 2025 BACK
Wednesday of Holy Week
St. Bernadette Soubrirous: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bernadette-soubirous
Readings: Isaiah 50: 4-9a; Psalm 69: 8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Matthew 26: 14-25
If today’s First Reading sounds familiar, it is. The First Reading is the third of the Suffering Servant Songs in Isaiah and is a longer version of the First Reading on last Sunday, Passion (Palm) Sunday. The Gospel includes Matthew’s version of part of the Passion
Gospel.
Because the person in the Responsorial Psalm is devoted to GOD and GOD’s presence among mortals, today’s psalm is the prayer of one who is persecuted by members of his own family (whether that
be one’s immediate blood family or the larger family of the community). The psalm speaks of the failure of others to give support and sympathy. Even the words “they put gall in my food,
and in my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink” finds its way into the accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. Although the first part of the psalm sounds gloomy and dark, it ends with giving thanks, glory, and praise to GOD who hears the cry of the poor (the Anawim).
The Gospel relates Judas’ planning to betray Jesus. He receives the thirty
pieces of silver and looks for the time and opportunity to hand Him over. For this reason, today is often called “Spy Wednesday.” Then the Gospel transitions to
the Passover feast and the Seder-Passover (Last) Supper. At this meal, Jesus informs His followers that one of them will betray Him. Judas asks: “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” and Jesus responds “You have said it.”
As we contemplate the events of Holy Week, it is easy to single out Judas and blame Him for the suffering and death of Jesus. It is true that he performed a horrendous act in betraying Jesus. Jesus even says that it would be better that His betrayer would never have been born. Yet we also need to realize two things: 1) each one of us, because of our sinfulness, is also guilty of betraying Jesus – we
are responsible for the death of Jesus; 2) Jesus freely chooses to give up His life in order to save us. It is all part of the plan of GOD, His Abba-Father.
As I think about the fact that my sinfulness is
the turning of my back away from GOD (a theos) and from His loving mercy, then I too am responsible for betraying and denying the Lord Jesus and His Abba. It is so much less threatening to blame it all on Judas, or the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, or the Romans. It seems to lessen our guilt if we can make Judas (or others) the scapegoat. Yet I am called upon to take responsibility and be accountable for my own breaking of my relationship with Jesus. I need to turn to the Lord Jesus, admit my sinfulness and failings, and seek the mercy of GOD. Judas’ greater sin was not being able to accept the fact that Jesus would forgive him. I must not become so guilt-ridden that I end my life as Judas did. I need to realize the gift of forgiveness and
reconciliation that Jesus offers to me, in and through His suffering, death, and resurrection, especially in and through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I also need to realize that Jesus’ suffering and death are part of GOD’s plan of salvation. Jesus chooses to demonstrate and proclaim GOD’s love by laying down His life for us – for you and for me – in the dramatic fashion of the painful passion. The timing of GOD includes Jesus being born during the Roman occupation of Judea. Jesus is meant to suffer one of the most, if not the most, painful means of execution devised. His pain is literally excruciating (ex – “from” crucis – “the cross”). Jesus’ suffering is meant to show the extent to which GOD was willing to go to bring the GOoD News of the divine love and forgiveness to us. The movie, The Passion of the Christ, which I have seen many times, has brought to many a better sense of the suffering of Jesus.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “In her magisterial teaching of the faith and in the witness of her saints, the Church has never forgotten that ‘sinners were the authors and the ministers of all the sufferings that the divine Redeemer endured.’ Taking into account the fact that our sins affect Christ Himself, the Church does not hesitate to impute to Christians the gravest responsibility for the torments inflicted upon Jesus. . .” (CCC 598)
The readings for today and all this week, although heavy with the impending doom, should also bring us hope and relief. GOD loves us so much. We should be both overwhelmed by what our sinfulness has done to our relationship with GOD, and also touched by the extremes to which GOD goes in order to bring us into a closer, restored relationship. This is the purpose of Holy Week – to draw us into reality of who we are (sinners) in the sight of GOD and the reality of Who GOD is, the Lover Who desires to restore us to the full, loving relationship. We should be moved by the events of Holy Week. We should experience the love of GOD reaching out to us, challenging us, uplifting us, loving us. We should seek to look beyond our own problems and difficulties and
give glory, praise, and thanks to GOD (as today’s psalm reminds us).
The personal question/action for today: When I think of who is responsible for the death of Jesus, do I include myself? Do I see Jesus’ passion as part of GOD’s plan of revealing divine love to the world, including me? What can I do to be more conscious of GOD’s love for me? How can I profess and give witness to GOD’s loving plan in my encounters with people today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. You are the master of time and events. Through Your GOoDness, You chose the perfect time for Your Son to come among us. You used the events of history and the poor choices of individuals for the purpose of demonstrating Your love for us and Your desire that we be drawn into a closer relationship with You. You permitted Your Son to be handed over by a sinful individual into the hands of sinners, so that You might remove the sins of the world through His suffering, death, and resurrection. We thank You for giving us Holy Week – the special, annual reminder of Your love – as revealed in the passion of Your Son. You ask us to take the time and to reflect upon the events of Holy Week and be moved to contrition, so that we can experience the salus (wholeness – holiness – salvation) You want us to have. You desire that we die to our sinful selves and be ready to rise with Your Risen Son, as a way of participating in Your relationship with us. May we continue to give glory, praise, and honor to You and Your Son, Jesus. We make this prayer in and through Him, our Savior and Redeemer, our Lover and Lord, Who died and is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
April 17, 2025 BACK
Holy Thursday
Saint Benedict Joseph Labre: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-benedict-joseph-labre
Readings: Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14; Ps 116: 12-13, 15-16, 17-18; 1 Cor. 11: 23-26; John 13: 1-15
In the Catholic and other mainline Christian traditions, tonight begins what is known as the Triduum (a word that means “three days”). This is the most solemn and important three days of the ecclesiastical year. These three days celebrate in solemn and dramatic fashion the Hour of Glory of Jesus – His giving of Himself, His agony, suffering and death — and His resurrection.
The Triduum begins with tonight’s celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The readings speak of the blood covenants that GOD established with the Chosen People. They also speak of signs of GOD’s love and total care for the Chosen People.
Our First Reading from Exodus recounts the origin of the Feast of Passover. Moses tells the Israelites to set this feast at the top of the calendar, for this is the event that brings them freedom from slavery and the beginning of a new life. They are to slaughter a lamb without blemish. The blood of the lamb is to be put on the doorposts and lintels (horizontal part of door frame) of their homes. They are to feast on the cooked lamb and celebrate the Passover of the LORD. Yet even in their celebration, they must be ready to move on, for
after the LORD has passed over their houses and the LORD has saved them from death, they are to leave their old lives of slavery and move out to journey to the Promised Land. They are to eat the meal with unleavened bread, because of their haste and because this is to be new bread, not mixed with the old leavened bread. This is the blood covenant relationship GOD is making with the Chosen People – and through the blood of the lamb, the people are freed from death and slavery, and are led by their GOD to a new life.
The psalmist in Psalm 116 questions how he can give GOD thanksgiving. He decides to take up the cup of salvation and give thanks to GOD. The blessing cup used during Passover is filled with wine at four key points in the Seder (Passover meal). As the cup is filled the fourth and last time, a special berakah (blessing) prayer is said. This is the cup of blessing during which the Hallel (“Praise”) Psalms are prayed/sung. Psalm 116 continues in praising GOD and saying that the
death of one of GOD’s faithful ones is precious in GOD’s eyes. The praise offered by the Servant of GOD is His faithful
service. The response for the psalm bridges the readings from Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) to Christian Scripture
(New Testament): “Our blessing cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.”
It is no coincidence that Jesus celebrates this feast of Passover with His followers at His last supper before his death. St. Paul reminds us of what Jesus did on the night He was handed over. While saying the berakah (prayer of praise and blessing) over the unleavened bread, Jesus gives new meaning
to the bread. It is His Body that will be broken and given for
all of His followers. They are to continue to break the bread and recognize the presence of the Lord Jesus when they break the bread in His memory (zikaron [Hebrew], anamnesis [Greek]). He will be there, feeding them with His very Body whenever they break the bread. St. Paul continues to speak of what Jesus did at the Seder meal of the Last Supper. At the end of the meal, as the fourth cup of wine is passed, Jesus says the berakah over the cup. He again gives new meaning to the cup. It is the cup of His Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant-relationship. Jesus is the unblemished Lamb of GOD, Whose Blood will be poured out to set the new
Chosen People free from the slavery to sin and give them new life through the death of the Lamb. It is by sharing in the
Blood of the Lamb of GOD that the reality of this covenant relationship is manifested.
Although the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) parallel St. Paul’s account of the Last Supper and focus on Jesus giving Himself – His Body and Blood – to His disciples during the Last Supper, the Gospel of John has a different focus. St. John has already shared Jesus’ speaking about Himself as the Bread of Life and the need of His followers to eat of His Body and drink of His Blood (in chapter 6 of John’s Gospel). The focus of the Last Supper in St.
John’s Gospel is Jesus’ giving of Himself in service. Thus, many churches tonight not only celebrate communion as they receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, but they also re-enact Jesus’ act of service – the washing of the feet. The symbolism of washing of the feet will be presented through the Gospel reading. A renewal of commitment of those who serve the church is also celebrated in many churches.
Jesus’ washing the feet of His disciples is a powerful demonstration of
Jesus’ love for His followers. Jesus rises from the supper table, and He
takes on the role of the servant. He lovingly washes the feet of His disciples. The dialog with Peter also shows Peter’s impetuousness. He refuses to have Jesus, his Master-Teacher, wash his feet. Jesus says it is necessary for Him to wash Peter’s feet, otherwise Peter cannot be in relationship with Him. Peter’s boldness makes him ask to be washed totally by Jesus. Jesus
remarks that only the feet need to be washed if a person is already clean.
As Jesus returns to His place at the head of the table, He reflects on the action He has just done. He reminds His followers (including us) that it is
right that they call Him the Master-Teacher and Lord, for that is Who He is. Yet, if the Master washes the feet of His disciples in an act of service, so then all of the disciples are called to act in similar ways of serving one another. Service is the hallmark of the disciple (disciplined learner) of the Master-Teacher.
The next four chapters in St. John’s Gospel (14-17) comprise Jesus’ final “will and testament” to His disciples. It is a powerful reading, especially during the Triduum. Chapter 17 is Jesus’ prayer for His followers (including us).
Within the Catholic tradition, tonight’s celebration of the Lord’s Supper normally ends with a procession with Eucharistic Bread (the Body of Christ) from the church to an altar of repose. We are invited to journey along with Jesus as He leaves the Upper Room and goes out into the Garden of Olives to the place called Gethsemane (“Olive Press”). Here Jesus asks His followers to pray with Him. He particular asks His closest three (Peter, James, and John) to stay awake and pray. He goes forward and asks His Abba-Father if there is any way that He need not go through what is about to happen, and that He be spared. Yet, Jesus submits to the will of His Abba and is willing to undergo whatever is necessary for our salvation. He returns to find His disciples sleeping. The question asked of the disciples can be asked of us: “Can we not spend at least a little time in prayer with our Master-Teacher-Lord?”
The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to me that Jesus invites me to eat at His table and to be fed by and with Him? What can I do to fulfill my call to be a servant to others as my Master-Teacher has demonstrated through His acts of giving Himself to others? How can I spend more time in prayer with my Master?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present and constantly seeking to reveal Yourself more fully to us. Through Your GOoDness, You have called us into the covenant relationship by means of the Blood of the Lamb. Instead of smearing blood on the doorpost and lintels of our home, You ask us to take within ourselves the Blood of Your Lamb so we might be fully united with Your Son (Who is Your Lamb), and, through Him, be united fully with You. You promise us freedom from the slavery of sin and new life if we remember, we celebrate, we believe all of what Jesus has done to bring us into closer relationship with You. Give us the strength and courage to imitate our Master and Lord in acts of loving service for others. Help us bring the GOoD News of Your loving relationship to others by our servant attitude and actions. Continue to motivate us to stay awake and pray with our Master and Lord as we reflect on all that He has done to bring us to new life with You. We thank You and praise You for allowing us to participate in, and make present, the saving events of the life of Jesus, Your Son. And it is in and through Him we make this prayer, for He is our Master and Lord, the One Who came to serve and save, our Brother and our Redeemer, Who has died and is risen, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
April 18, 2025 BACK
Good Friday
Blessed James Oldo: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-james-oldo
Readings: Isaiah 52: 13-53:12; Psalm 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9; John 18: 1 - 19: 42
Our First Reading is taken from the fourth Suffering Servant Song in Isaiah. It speaks of the Suffering Servant as One at Whom no one would look, suffering at the hands of others, being rejected and stricken, afflicted and pierced, carrying the sinfulness of others (like a scapegoat), being quiet in the face of harsh treatment. This is the Servant Who is oppressed and condemned and taken away, all for the sake of the sins of others, even though He has not done anything wrong. He surrenders himself to death in order to win pardon for the people’s offenses. How appropriate this reading is for GOoD Friday.
The psalm for today shows the complete dependence on GOD for the one who is rejected by people. Jesus quotes part of this psalm as He is dying on the cross: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” This is the prayer of abandonment and surrender. Jesus hands over everything to His Abba-Father in the final and total act of submission to the divine will. In doing so, Jesus hands us over to His Abba, thus bringing us into a closer relationship with His Abba.
The passage from the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus as the great high priest. Even though He is GOD, He is also truly human. In that way we can identify with Him, and He can identify with us. Jesus knows, from an experiential point of view, what it means to be human, to face problems, to have physical weaknesses, to suffer. It is for this reason we are brought into a relationship with One with Whom we can share our stories, since He has lived through human experiences similar to ours. Jesus is the One Who experiences the worst human pains and yet remains in an obedient relationship with the One Who sent Him – His Abba. It is in that state of being totally obedient, even in suffering, that He has become the source of our salus – salvation, healing, wholeness, holiness. His physical “brokenness” leads to our spiritual wholeness. His complete obedient relationship with His Abba leads to our broken relationship being reconciled and renewed.
The account of the Lord’s passion is from St. John’s Gospel. It begins with Jesus in the Garden. Jesus seeks to be the servant-master even in His hour of glory. He offers Himself to those who have come to arrest Him. He twice speaks the words, “I AM” not just as a sign of commitment to His mission, but as another reminder that He is the great “I AM” (YHWH). He pleads for the safety of His followers. He does not want any of them hurt or having to defend Him because He is doing the will of His Abba.
As Jesus is being led away to the religious leaders of the Jewish people, Simon Peter and another disciple follow. Bold Peter betrays his boldness by his acts of denial even as Jesus is questioned and condemned. Jesus faces His accusers openly and honestly, while Peter sheepishly denies his relationship with his Master.
The religious leaders act in ways that will not defile themselves and make themselves unfit to perform their religious rites, but in their handing over Jesus to the Romans for crucifixion, the religious leaders perform the ultimate act of defilement in turning their backs on GOD and the divine Chosen One Who is GOD. They seek to make sure they are in right relationship with the law while trying to destroy the divine Lawgiver.
In Jesus’ dialog with Pilate, He speaks about His kingdom, not an earthly kingdom built on lies and deception and broken relationships, but one that is other worldly – based on truth and a relationship with GOD. Pilate seeks to save face by trying to avoid making the lethal decision. He also seeks to put the religious leaders in a position of being the bad guys in the eyes of the people, but this
backfires on Pilate since the religious leaders have stacked the crowd with their own people who will do the Jewish leaders’ bidding.
After having Jesus mocked, scourged, and
“crowned” by the Roman soldiers (who were known for their cruelty to prisoners), Pilate brings Jesus out for the people to see. “Ecce, homo!” –
“Look at the man” – Jesus, the man like the one in the reading from Isaiah, at whose appearance it
is hard for anyone to look. The crowd is led to shout: “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate feels the pressure from the pre-stacked crowd. He seeks a way out of having to condemn Jesus. He is portrayed as one who does not want to take responsibility for his actions. Jesus speaks about real leadership qualities of responsibility and authority, that are given by GOD – leadership by serving others, not by “lording” it over others. Yet, to avoid being reported to Caesar as not being loyal to the emperor, Pilate gives into the desires of those shouting “Crucify Him.” The people reject their allegiance to GOD and choose worldly ways rather than GOD’s ways.
Carrying His cross, Jesus is led out to the place outside the walls of the Holy City of Jerusalem – to Golgotha, Calvary, the “Place of the Skull.” It is here they nail His hands to the crossbeam and lift Jesus up. It is on His cross that His
name and “crime” are placed: Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The Roman soldiers divide Jesus’ blood-soaked clothes, His only earthly possession; all done in fulfillment of Hebrew Scripture.
The agony continues – not only the physical agony that has included scourging, crowning with thorns, bloody clothes along with flesh being torn from
His body, nailing, and the pains of crucifixion, but also the emotional pain – seeing His mother at the foot of His cross. As one of His last gifts before He dies, He gives His mother into the care of His beloved disciple and His disciple into His mother’s care – concerned about others, especially those whom He loved, to the very end.
The end comes, and Jesus surrenders it all. He gives up His life as a sign of the perfect relationship with His Abba and the relationship newly established between His Abba and His followers.
As the soldiers come to speed up the dying process by breaking the legs of the crucified (thus preventing them from pushing themselves up in order to be able to breathe), they notice that Jesus is already dead. As the final coup de gras, they pierce Jesus’ side and His sacred heart, from which flows blood and water. Jesus pours out the last drop of blood to bring salus to the people.
Jesus is taken down from the cross and a hurried burial rite is performed by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. He is laid in the tomb before the sun sets. Darkness takes over the world, again.
Yes, this is GOoD Friday. GOoD for us. It is also GOD Friday. This is the day when GOD becomes closer to us than ever. GOD, in Jesus, shares the final step with
us in the transition from this earthly life to the next. We are given the opportunity to be in a new, saved relationship with a GOD Who has chosen to live among us and die
with us – die instead of us – die that we might have new life, new relationship with a forgiving, loving, and saving GOD. This “end” is not the end but the beginning of eternal life for Jesus – and for us.
The personal question/action for today: How does my reflecting on the death of Jesus make me feel? Do I have any new insights into the importance of Jesus’ death? How can I make the reality of the salvific relationship that I have with the Lord Jesus more alive in my relationships with others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, so unbelievably loving. Your desire to be in relationship with us is demonstrated in the life and death of Your Suffering Servant and Son, Jesus. He came not only to share Your GOoD News with us, but also share our human life with us, so that we could share in His relationship with You. Knowing the costs, He still submitted to Your will and gave Himself fully to us. He was willing to give His last drop of blood so that we might be cleansed and made holy in Your sight. He died so that we might live. As He said, “No greater love is there than this, that one gives one’s life for another.” Jesus, Your Son and our Master-Teacher, gave us the perfect example of servant leadership. We praise You and thank You for the gift of Your Son and the sacrifice He made on our behalf. Helps us to be faithful to the relationship that He has given us through His own suffering and death. We make this prayer through our saving Lord, Jesus, Your Son, Who has died, but is risen and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggg
April 19, 2025 BACK
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla:
Readings for the Easter Vigil: I. (Genesis 1:1--2:2; Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35); II. (Genesis 22:1-
18; Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11); III. (Exodus 14:15--15:1; Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18); IV. (Isaiah 54:5-14; Ps
30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13); V. (Isaiah 55:1-11; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6); VI. (Baruch 3:9-15, 32--4:4; Ps 19:8, 9, 10,
11); VII. (Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4); VIII. (Romans 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23); Gospel: Luke 24: 1-12)
Today (Holy Saturday) is a day of nothingness. During the daytime, liturgically speaking in the mainline Church tradition, nothing happens. It is a day of sorrow, a day for reflection. It is a day between the death of Jesus (GOoD Friday) and His Resurrection (Easter). There are no readings for Saturday because in the Catholic tradition, nothing happens on this day.
Things change when the sun sets and, according to Jewish and Christian tradition, Sunday begins. In the darkness that begins Sunday (Saturday night after sunset), Christians assemble to keep a vigil for the Lord Jesus. We reflect on the story of salvation, from the beginning of the world to the third day after Jesus’ death. We wait in hopeful anticipation that the Lord Jesus will keep His promise and rise. We look forward to new life, not just for Jesus, but also for all believers, especially those who would be welcomed into the Christian community on this vigil above all vigils, this liturgical celebration that surpasses all liturgical celebrations.
Within the Catholic and other mainline Christian traditions, the Easter Vigil is different from any other liturgical celebration. The service has four parts: 1) The Liturgy of Fire; 2) The Liturgy of the Word; 3) The Liturgy of Water and Baptism and Initiation; 4) The Liturgy of the Eucharist. (Some services will reverse the order of the first two parts.)
In the darkness at the beginning of this vigil service, a fire is enkindled. It is the Light of the Risen Christ. From this new fire, the Paschal (also called “Easter” or “Christ”) Candle is lit. The Light of Christ is carried in procession into the darkened church.
As the Light of Christ is welcomed into the darkened church, each participant has her/his candle lit from the Paschal Candle. Soon, all are enlightened by the Light of Risen Lord. Joyfully the Exsultet is sung as all stand in the Light of Christ. The Exsultet is a hymn to the Risen Lord. It speaks of the necessary sin of Adam that led to the promise of a Redeemer. It proclaims the fulfillment of Hebrew scriptures in the coming of Jesus, the Light, the Life of the World. [For the words of the Exsultet click the following link: (the left column is the Latin text, the middle column is the new translation and the right column is the older English translation
In the second part of the celebration – the Liturgy of the Word – the assembled faith community listens to
their history being retold. Just as the Israelites retold, remembered, and relived (zikaron) their story (Haggadah)
each Passover, we tell our story – GOD’s story. We make present the events related in the story. We see GOD’s plan at work as the story is told. The story of salvation consists of seven readings (each with a Responsorial) from Hebrew scripture. (For pastoral reasons, these seven readings can be reduced to a minimum of three [usually # I. and # III and one of the readings from the Prophets.) These readings tell our story, beginning with GOD’s creation of the world until the final promise of a savior. (I will reflect briefly on each of these readings following the description of the Easter Vigil.)
After hearing our story as summarized in Hebrew scripture, we joyfully proclaim the Glory to GOD, with bells ringing, as we transition to the Christian scriptures and the continued story of our salvation. Although the lights could be turned on earlier, some wait until this time in the Vigil. It is then that the full splendor of the church is demonstrated as all lights are turned on and flowers and decorations become visible. We hear St. Paul’s words
summarizing the whole paschal mystery: our dying with the suffering Christ, so that we might share in the life of the Risen Christ. Joyously the A-word is sung for the first time in over 40 days. Alleluia is the word that proclaims, “Praise to the LORD” Who is now risen and living among us. This joyous word is called the Resurrection Word. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus’ resurrection is then proclaimed. This year, the Gospel is from St. Luke.
The Liturgy of Water and Baptism begins with asking the Holy Ones (Saints), who have proceeded us into the
glory of the Reign of GOD, to join us as we prepare to invoke GOD’s blessing on the new water of Baptism and welcome new members into our Christian community.
We recall how water has had such a powerful position in our, or rather GOD’s, salvation history: from the waters of creation, to the waters of the Flood, to the waters of the Red Sea, to the waters of the River Jordan. Water has been a sign of change from death to life. The Paschal Candle of Risen Lord Jesus is placed into the waters and the Holy Spirit is breathed into the water as we ask GOD to bless the water that will bring new life to those who will be plunged (baptizo) and washed in the water. A profession of faith is asked first of those who would be joining the Christian community and then of the community as a whole. We recommit ourselves to turning away from sin and evil and the deepening of our relationship with the GOD Who is Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Those who were asking to be a part of this Christian relationship are called to the waters of baptism and are“plunged” (baptizein) into the water where they die to sin and are raised to the new life with the Risen Lord Jesus. They are then clothed with a white garment to show their putting on Christ. They are given their own candles that are lit from the Paschal Candle of the Risen Lord to symbolize they have been enlightened by Christ and are expected to walk as children of the Light. In receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the newly baptized are strengthened and confirmed by the Holy Spirit using Chrism, the oil of dedication, the oil of the Anointed One, the Christ.
The final part of the Great Vigil is the celebration of Eucharist. We continue to “eucharistize” (give thanks to) GOD the Abba-Father by remembering (re-enacting - zikaron) Jesus’ giving of Himself as our food and nourishment. For the first time our newest members of the community join us at that table of the Lord Jesus. They join us in the prayer of thanks and in receiving the Risen Lord. The vigil ends with joyful dismissal to take what we have celebrated and share with others the message of the Risen Lord, Alleluia, Alleluia!
This is the Great Vigil of Easter. Every time I participate in this ceremony, the greatest of all liturgical
services, I am humbled, excited, re-enlivened. This year, I look forward to the new life that GOD will give to all of us,
I would like to share briefly on the readings of the Easter Vigil. I invite you to take the time, today, if you can, to reflect on each of the readings and see how they fit into the telling of the story of salvation – our story – GOD’s story of relationship with us.
I. The story begins “in the beginning” – in Greek: Genesis. GOD wants to share the relationship that is the essence of Who GOD is. The relationship that flows within the Trinity is so powerful, it is creative. GOD speaks, and it happens. GOD creates what is GOoD. The climax of creation is the sharing of life with the humans who are created in the image and likeness of GOD. They are called to be people of relationship, just as GOD is the GOD of relationship. They are called to be in relationship with each other and with GOD. GOD sees this and proclaims, “This is very GOoD!”
II. The relationship between GOD and mortals is renewed in the covenant relationship with Abraham. Abraham is asked to show the fullness
of his commitment to this relationship by sacrificing his son, the one in whom the promise of covenant was to be
continued. Abraham shows his priority and his trust by putting his relationship with GOD higher than his relationship with his son. This priority of putting relationship with GOD first will be demonstrated fully in another Son Who will be sacrificed in complete obedience to His Abba-Father’s (GOD’s) will. And Abraham’s son (like GOD’s Son) carries the wood of the sacrifice up the mountain.
III. The story of the Exodus continues to show the covenant relationship GOD has with Chosen People. They, in their slavery, have cried out to GOD. GOD hears them and sends them a prophet (Moses) who works great signs to set them free from their slavery. They journey through the waters of the Red Sea and are brought to safety while the water destroys the evilness of those who have held them in
slavery. This image of water destroying evil and bring new life to those who travel through it are brought to full meaning in the sacrament of baptism.
IV. GOD speaks through the words of Isaiah. GOD promises to renew the covenant relationship that was made with Noah after the flood waters destroyed the evilness of humanity. GOD desires a close relationship with the people who are
called GOD’s own. GOD will be their redeemer and provide richness beyond their understanding. GOD, not just GOD’s spokespersons, will be their Teacher; GOD will instruct the children of GOD. It is in Jesus that the fullness of this renewed relationship will take place. GOD the Son is the Teacher and the Redeemer Who welcomes all into the ever-deepening relationship with the Triune GOD.
V. GOD invites those who desire a closer relationship with the Divine to forsake their past ways of sin and seek the LORD. GOD speaks to those who are worried that they do not have what it takes to participate in this relationship, saying: “Come, I will provide for you. All you need do is turn fully to Me.” GOD will supply every want and need, if we but turn fully to GOD (ad Deum) and turn away from sin (that is “against GOD” - a theos).
VI. Wisdom is a gift that flows from a relationship with GOD. It also leads back to an even closer relationship. Wisdom is being aware of what GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do for all of GOD’s Holy People, the Divinely Chosen People. It is in reflecting on the story of GOD’s relationship with us that we are drawn even closer into that relationship. “Give not your glory to another. . .Blessed (Holy) are we, for we know what pleases GOD” – a closer relationship with GOD.
VII. GOD reminds those who have been called by the LORD, that even if they have turned away from GOD (a theos), GOD will remain faithful to the covenant relationship that GOD has established. The LORD will renew the covenant relationship because of Who GOD is – the GOD of relationship. GOD will pour out water to cleanse the unfaithful from their sins. GOD will breathe GOD’s own Spirit into them and renew them. GOD will replace the hard, stony hearts of the unfaithful people, with hearts that are one with GOD. GOD has promised and GOD will fulfill that promise – in Christ Jesus
VIII. In his testimonial letter to the Romans, St. Paul summarizes what it means to be in relationship with Christ Jesus: We are baptized into Jesus’s death and our sinful lives cease to exist, so we can be raised out of the waters to share in the new life of the Risen Lord Jesus. Thus, we must consider ourselves as dead to sin and alive with the Risen Christ.
Gospel (Luke 24: 1-10): Mary Magdalene and the other women come
to the tomb early in the morning on the third day. As they approach the burial place, they see that the stone has already been removed. They
are told by two individuals (messengers = angels) dressed in dazzling garments: “the Lord Whom you seek is not among the dead, but that He is alive,” and He seeks to be in further relationship with His followers. They are to go and announce this message to His disciples.
These women become the first to announce and experience that Jesus is alive, restoring relationship with God. Alleluia! Although the women announce the message to the apostles, the apostles do not believe.
Peter runs to the tomb and finds it empty, except for the burial cloths.
The personal question/action for today: As I reflect on the history of salvation as celebrated in the Easter Vigil, what stands out the most for me? Do I experience the plan of GOD being revealed through the readings and the liturgy, and in my life? How can I die more to sin and live a life that proclaims the GOoD News of the Risen Lord Jesus? What can I do to help others experience the salvation that comes through Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever faithful and always desirous of relationship with us. Through Your GOoDness, You have continued to demonstrate Your covenant relationship with humanity from the first moments of creation until the end of time. You have renewed Your promises of being faithful even though Your Chosen People have turned their backs on You, again, and again, and again. You have sent Your prophets (spokespersons) to a wayward people, challenging them to turn to You. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son to walk among us and proclaim the GOoD News of Your ongoing desire to have a relationship with us. He gave continual witness to the way things should be between You and Your People whom You have made holy. Yet, it was not until
He gave the ultimate sacrifice of Himself in His death on the cross that the fullness of the proclamation could be seen. As we celebrate His Risen Life, we see the glory that He is sharing with us, as You continue to gift us with new life in and through Jesus, our Risen Lord. May we continue to be strengthened by Your Holy Spirit so we can proclaim the GOoD News of Your loving relationship with us. May we continue to die to sin, so as to rise with our Risen Lord and Master-Teacher. As always, we make this prayer in the name of the Risen Lord, Jesus, Who is Your Son and our Brother, Our Redeemer, and Who is living and
reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen! Alleluia! Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
April 20, 2025 BACK
Easter Sunday
Saint Conrad of Parzham: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-conrad-of-parzham
Readings: Acts 10: 34a, 37-43; Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23;
Col 3: 1-4 or 1 Cor. 5: 6b-8; John 20: 1-9 or Mark 16: 1-7 or Luke 24: 13-35
Resurrexit sicut dixit! Alleluia! He has risen just as He said! Alleluia!
Today we solemnly celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ.
Our readings remind us that it is not just a historical fact that Jesus rose from the dead, but it is a life-transforming event, not only for Jesus, but also for all who believe in Him.
During the Easter Season, the First Reading is not from Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) but from the Acts of the Apostles. We can see the effect that the resurrection of Jesus had on His followers. Today’s reading is from the Peter’s speech proclaiming the person of Jesus, not only as miracle worker and a great preacher, but as One Who has died but is risen and has appeared to His followers. Not only has Jesus been seen by His disciples, but He has eaten and drunk with them
– a sign that He is not just an illusion but a person with a body – glorified body, but still a body. Because Jesus is risen and has appeared to His followers, they are commissioned to announce His message and continue His ministry.
The psalm that is used during Easter Week speaks about the stone rejected by the builders. This is a reference to the “Temple” that Jesus said the religious leaders would destroy, but that He would build up again in three days – the “Temple” of His body. The leaders had rejected Him, but GOD chose not only to accept Jesus, but to build the new House of GOD through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
There is a choice of one of the two Second Readings that can be read. Both speak about the link between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the life of His followers. Because Jesus died and is risen, those who believe in Him must die to sin and self interests and rise to the new life which Jesus gives through His death and resurrection.
The Johannine Gospel (John 20: 1-9) relates the account of Mary Magdalen going to the tomb before the sun rose on Easter Sunday morning. Expecting to see the tomb still sealed, she plans to keep vigil at the tomb. She is surprised to find the sealing rock removed and the tomb empty. Still not fully understanding what has taken place, she runs to the frightened and saddened disciples and tells them about the empty tomb. She wonders where they have taken the body. Peter and John hasten back to the tomb. John, being younger and probably more athletic, arrives at the tomb, but does not enter it until Peter reaches the tomb. As they enter and see the burial clothes neatly folded, they realize something special has happened. It seems that John quickly believes in a miracle – the fulfillment of Jesus’ promises to rise again. Peter, the one who had denied his Lord three times, does not seem quite so quick to accept the idea of Jesus’ resurrection.
The Gospel proclaimed at the Easter Vigil (Luke 24: 1-12) can also be proclaimed. Mary Magdalene and the other women come to the tomb early in the morning on the third day. As they approach the burial place, they see that the stone has already been removed. They are told by two beings (messengers – angels) that the Lord Whom they seek is not among the dead but that He is alive and seeks to be in further relationship with His followers. They are to go and announce this message to His disciples. These women become the first to announce and experience that Jesus is alive, restoring relationship with God. Alleluia! Although the women announce the message to the apostles, the apostles do not believe. Peter runs to the tomb and finds it empty, except for the burial cloths.
For afternoon Easter Liturgies, the Gospel of Luke 24: 13-35 can be used. It is the account of what took place in the late afternoon on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Two of Jesus’ disciples are leaving Jerusalem, disillusioned by the death of
Jesus three days before. Their hope is gone, even though some other followers of Jesus have seen an empty tomb. As they journey along, they talk to another Person traveling along the same road. This third Individual does not seem to be downhearted. They wonder if this Person has heard what happened during the last few days. They share how they had hoped that Jesus would have been the Messiah (the Christ) – the liberator, but Jesus was crucified and died on Friday. The third Person starts to share with them the Hebrew scriptures that speak of the necessity of the Messiah’s having to suffer and die in order to truly bring salus (salvation, healing, wholeness) to the people of God.
The two disciples are uplifted by their traveling Companion. As they reach their destination for the evening, they give an invitation: “Stay with us.” As they sit down for a meal, the Guest takes bread, says a berakah (prayer of blessing/thanks), breaks the bread, and distributes it to the two disciples. By this action the eyes of the disciples are opened, and they recognize their Lord and Master-Teacher, Jesus, the Risen One. Their excitement and enthusiasm cannot be contained. As the Lord Jesus disappears from their sight, they race back the seven miles to the Upper Room in Jerusalem to tell the other believers that they had experienced the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread.
As I reflect on the readings, I wonder how I would have reacted if I had been at the tomb on that first Easter Sunday as
were Mary, Peter, and John. I, like Mary, might have been confused, thinking that someone had taken the body of Jesus to another place. I doubt if I would have had the immediate response of John, and been able to put it all together and realize that Jesus was fulfilling what He had promised – to rise from the dead.
I can readily identify with Peter. I realize that I have denied my Lord Jesus many times with my sins. I am reminded of a song by Don Francisco entitled He’s Alive. The song is Peter’s response to the death of Jesus. I can identify with the song. In one key part of the song, in referring to the empty tomb, Peter says: “Something strange had happened there / just what I did not know. / John believed a miracle / but I just turned to go. / Circumstance and speculation / didn't lift me very high / 'cause I'd seen them crucify Him, / and then I saw Him die. / Back inside the house again / the guilt and anguish came / everything I'd promised Him / just added to my shame.” Being sinful, it is hard to understand and believe that Jesus died AND ROSE for me. Yet the message of today (Easter Sunday) and Jesus’ death and resurrection is found in the final refrain of the song: “He’s alive, He’s alive, and I’m forgiven.”
Our lives as disciples of Jesus require us to not only believe in the forgiveness and peace and salvation which come to me and others through Jesus’ death and resurrection, but to be witnesses of the Risen Lord to others. We must be Easter people, Alleluia people. We must be Risen and Saved people because our Lord Jesus has died, and is risen, as He said. Resurrexit sicut dixit! Alleluia!
The personal question/action for today: When I think of my own sinfulness and the gift that Jesus has given to me through His death and resurrection, what is my reaction? Can I relate to Peter and his experience first at the empty tomb and then when Jesus appeared to him on Easter Sunday afternoon? How will I live out my call, a call similar to Mary of Magdala, Peter, and John, and the two disciples of Emmaus, to announce the GOoD News of Jesus’ resurrection?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and forgiving. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son, Jesus, to announce the GOoD News of salvation. We celebrate today the Hour of Glory as Jesus passes from His death on the cross to the full glory of His resurrection. This is not just a day for us to remember what happened about 2000 years ago. This is the day we celebrate our forgiveness and new life. It is because Jesus died and is alive that we know that we are forgiven of our sins. We give You all the glory and praise for how You brought about our salvation. We thank You
for sending us Your very best – Your Son, Jesus. May we continue to celebrate our new life as we celebrate the day of His resurrection, not only today, but also every day of our existence. For He is our Savior and Lord, Who now is alive and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggg
April 21, 2025 BACK
Easter Monday
Saint Anselm: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-anselm
Readings: Acts 2: 14, 22-33; Psalm 16: 1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Matthew 28: 8-15
Blessed Easter to you! We continue the full celebration of Easter this week. The Gospels this week are mostly accounts of the first Easter Sunday. The proper prayers used in the liturgies of this week speak about this day being Easter.
During the seven weeks of Easter our First Reading will be taken from the Acts of the Apostles. We will hear how the early Christians lived out their experiences of the Risen Lord and proclaimed those experiences in the days following Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
Today’s First Reading is St. Peter’s first sermon just after he and the other apostles and disciples received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Peter boldly proclaims the fulfillment of the promises made by GOD in ages past. He focuses on the psalm of David, that is the psalm of this day. Peter shares with those who hear him that the David was not talking about himself when he spoke about GOD not abandoning the soul of the Chosen One to the nether world or allowing the Faithful One to undergo corruption. Peter points out that the words of this psalm are fulfilled in the Messiah/Christ, Jesus. Although Jesus was crucified, He also has been raised up on the third day. Peter remarks that he and the other apostles
are witnesses to the Risen Lord Jesus.
In the Gospel we once again hear the account of the women, who had come out to the tomb to perform burial rites for Jesus. Today’s passage begins as the women are following the directions given to them by the angel by running to announce the message of His resurrection to the group of believers who are still mourning Jesus’ death. The women are greeted by Jesus Who tells them to go to the apostles and to share the GOoD News of Jesus’ resurrection. We also hear how the religious leaders develop a plan to cover up Jesus’ resurrection and spread the false report that Jesus’ followers had taken the body during the night. [This is brought out in the movie, Risen. An interesting note is the translation of a word in verse 10: Jesus tells the women to tell the apostles to go to “Galilee.” The Greek words in verse 10 are: τὴν Γαλιλαίαν that can be translated as “Galilee” or “the Galilean.” According to John 20: 2 and 18, Mary lets Peter (the Galilean?) know that the tomb is empty, and that Jesus is risen. Peter and the other disciples are still in Jerusalem.]I am still joyful after beginning the Easter celebrations this past weekend.
I am still enthusiastic (en - “in” theos - “GOD”) after celebrating the Life of the Risen Lord. Easter is a lot different from what I celebrated as a child. It is not about eggs and candy, although they can be explained in ways that reflect Easter. Easter is the celebration of life – or better – of the Life, that is, the One Who is the Life and the Resurrection. It is what Christianity is all about. We celebrate that death has been conquered and sin has been destroyed. It is the day when GOD has reconciled all who have been a-theos (away from or against GOD), and who are now able to be ad Deum (moving “toward GOD”).
Jesus’ mission was accomplished in His death and resurrection. He did not come to establish a religion in the sense of formal institution. Jesus came to re-ligio (“bind again”) – that is, He came that He might bind all of us to GOD again, after we had broken the bond that GOD originally had with us.
We now have been re-connected with GOD through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We have life, even if we die physically. We are in communion – “union with” – with the GOD Who loves us and has sent us the very best
– the Son Who is our Life and Resurrection.
As we continue to celebrate Easter, and, especially as we continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit (as Peter and the other apostles and disciples were on Pentecost), let us stand up and boldly proclaim the message that Jesus came to bring to the world: We are once “again bound” with a GOD Who loves us – We are drawn into a closer relationship with an Abba-Father Who is GOD. Let us reflect on our own experiences of the Risen Lord Jesus and be witnesses to the Lord Who is alive and with us. Let us continue to proclaim that “He is Risen! Alleluia!”
The personal question/action for today: What difference does the Resurrection of Jesus make in my daily living? How can I continue to celebrate Easter today? all this Easter week? during the seven weeks of the Easter season? All year long? All my life long? All eternity? What can I do to bring the joy of the Risen Lord Jesus to those who are still living in dead relationships and are not bound with Jesus and His Abba, in the unity of the Holy Spirit?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever powerful and yet ever gentle. Through Your GOoDness, You have continually called Your Holy People into a closer relationship with You, but at times we have ignored Your message and turned our back on You. You never gave up wanting us to be bound to You once again. You have sent Your Son to live out the fullness of that relationship in His earthly life. His “dying and rising” event has restored the bond that unites us with You. You only ask us to turn our attention more fully to You and Your Son. You promise us a share in the new life of the Risen Lord. May we grow in appreciation of You and our relationship with You. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we give witness to this GOoD News by lives that reflect our following of Your Son, Jesus. For He is our Risen Lord, our Savior, the Bond which (Who) unites us to You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, now and for ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggg
April 22, 2025 BACK
Easter Tuesday
Saint Adalbert of Prague: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-adalbert-of-prague [Feast Day tomorrow, April 23]
Readings: Acts 2: 36-41; Psalm 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22; John 20: 11-18
Our Easter Day celebration continues. Jesus the Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Today we hear St. Peter and St. Mary Magdalen profess their faith in Jesus’ resurrection. After their experience of the Risen Lord, they were never the same. They could never go back to who they were before Jesus came into their lives.
Our First Reading continues St. Peter’s first sermon that took place on Pentecost Sunday. Peter has experienced the Risen Lord over the course of the last 50 days. He has been confirmed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Unlike his actions 53 days before, when he denied Jesus, his Lord; Peter is willing to step out in faith
and give witness to Jesus and His message. The passage today begins with these words of Peter: “Let the whole house of Israel know beyond any doubt that GOD has made both Lord and Messiah this Jesus Whom you have crucified.” Some of those who hear Peter’s proclamation ask what they are to do in response. Peter reminds his
audience that it was the Jewish people whom GOD first called to faith. Those who would believe in Jesus must reform their lives and turn to the Lord Jesus Who forgives sins. They are to have their relationship and their bond with GOD re-established and deepened through being baptized.
The psalm reminds us that GOD is the source of help for those who call upon the LORD. GOD is known for divine GOoDness and kindness. These words speak of GOD’s desire to be in relationship with all those who turn to GOD.
Our Third Day of Easter’s Gospel is St. John’s account of Mary Magdalen at the tomb. She weeps at the thought of her Lord being dead and especially when the body is not where it had been laid on Friday afternoon. Even though angels (messengers) in dazzling robes are seated in the empty tomb, she is still confused. She does not fully comprehend that Jesus is truly risen. As she sees a Person whom she takes as the Gardener, she asks where Jesus’ body has been taken. It is only when the supposed Gardener calls her by name that she realizes that He is Jesus. She professes her belief by saying, “Rabbouni,” a word that implies a personal
relationship with her Teacher. It is a word of intimacy and could be
translated as “My Own Dear Teacher.” Mary runs off to announce the message to the disciples: “I have seen the Lord!”
The readings today speak of the new relationship that both Peter and Mary have with the Risen Lord. Jesus is The Messiah, The Lord, The Teacher. Each of these titles manifest a deeper understanding of Who Jesus is in the lives of the believers, in the lives of those who have experienced the Risen One. Peter can speak from the events in his own life that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ. He is the One for Whom the Jewish
people have been waiting. Jesus has fulfilled all the promises of old and is truly the great Prophet Who speaks for
GOD because He is one with GOD; He is GOD.
Peter can thus profess Jesus is LORD. “LORD” is the translation for the Hebrew word Adonai, a word used by the Jewish people when they come to the word for the personal and proper name for GOD, YHWH (sometimes translated as “The One Who Is” or “I AM Who AM” or simply “I AM”). Peter is professing that Jesus is equal to, and one with, the GOD Who revealed to Moses the divine name of GOD. Peter has been able to spend time with “The One Who Is.” He has developed a personal relationship with Jesus and has come to “know” (not just have head knowledge, but personally experience) Jesus’ relationship with the Abba-Father. And since Peter has just been filled with the Holy Spirit, his understanding of Jesus has been enlightened and strengthened. It is thus that Peter can make such bold proclamation, not fearing those who seven weeks before put Jesus to death. Peter
is enthused (en = in, theu = GOD). GOD is in and with him. Peter will never be the same again.
Mary also goes through a transformation. On Easter Sunday morning she has come to the tomb to weep for her own dear Teacher, her Rabbouni. He has been put to death. She saw Him being nailed, bleeding, and eventually dying. She thinks that the least she can do is to come to the tomb to be one with Him in His death. Even when she sees the empty tomb and two beings in dazzling robes, she does not fully understand what it all means. It is only when Jesus calls her by name that she recognizes that “her own dear Teacher” is alive and with her, that her sorrow is turned to joy. She cannot wait to run and tell the other disciples that “her Teacher” is alive. Mary’s relationship with Jesus is deepened as the Risen One calls her by name. The disciplined learner (disciple) is once again united with “her own dear Teacher.” She will never be the same again. She is truly the apostle to the apostles - the one sent to announce the message of Life to those who are also sent.
As I reflect on how Peter and Mary changed as they experienced the Risen Lord and how they grew in their
understanding of Who Jesus is, especially by the power of the Holy Spirit, I realize that the more I come to reflect on the Risen One, the Christ, the LORD, my own dear Teacher, then the more I will be drawn into relationship with Jesus and His Abba through the workings of the Holy Spirit. I am challenged to spend more time reflecting on my connection with the Master-Teacher. Jesus continues to call me by name. I need to be open to His calling and respond with enthusiasm (en - in; theu GOD), for GOD is with me the more that I seek to follow Jesus’s calling.
Obviously, I must continue to spend time deepening my understanding of the Risen Lord. My time of
reflecting on the GOoD News of Jesus should not decrease just because Lent is over. My resolution to be more aware of GOD’s working in my life should be strengthened and renewed because Jesus is Risen. I can never be the same as I was. I can never go back to spending less time with my Master-Teacher. I have come to a new awareness of the relationship I have with Jesus and His Abba. My life is being transformed. It is something that enriches me and leads me to go out and share my experiences with others, with those whom GOD has placed along my journey. Just as Mary and Peter could not hold within themselves the GOoD News about their relationship with the Risen Lord, I also want to let others know the GOoD News. It may begin with sharing with other disciples, as did Mary on Easter Sunday. It may develop, with the further outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to my proclaiming boldly before non-believers, as did Peter on Pentecost. I need to be open to how the Master- Teacher wants me to give witness to my renewed relationship with Him – the Risen Lord – “my Risen Lord and teacher.”
The personal question/action for today: In what ways have I experienced the presence of the Risen Lord Jesus in my life? How can I give witness to the fact that I have changed from the person I was before to an individual who has been touched by the Risen Lord? To whom is the Lord Jesus sending me today to announce by my action (and words, if necessary) that Jesus is alive and with us?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever revealing Yourself to us, especially through Your Son and His Resurrection and the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. Through Your GOoDness, You have chosen to make us sharers in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus, our Master-Teacher, calls us to be His disciples. He reveals You to us. He draws us into relationship with Himself and with You. He wants us to go out and share this GOoD News with others. As we continue to become more fully aware of the presence of the Risen Lord in our lives and as we are further empowered by the Holy Spirit, may we give witness to the relationship that You have established in and through Jesus, the Risen Lord. Continue to strengthen us with the Easter message that Jesus is alive and with us. And may we give You all the glory and praise as others come to know Your love in their own relationship with You. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Risen Lord, the Christ, our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggg
April 23, 2025 BACK
Easter Wednesday
Saint George:
Saint Adalbert of Prague: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-adalbert-of-prague
Readings: Acts 3: 1-10; Psalm 105: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 24: 13-35
“We’re not our hearts burning inside us?” Can we say these same words that the two disciples did on Easter Sunday afternoon as they reflected on their experience of the Risen Lord Jesus and His sharing the Word and His breaking of the bread?
Today’s readings are very exciting and enthusiastic. Peter and John perform great signs in the name of Jesus, the Risen Lord (First Reading). Two disciples of Jesus are able to recognize the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread (Gospel). Jesus’ ministry continues in the members of the early
Christian community.
Today’s First Readings takes place soon after the Pentecost experience of the coming of the Holy Spirit. As Peter and John walk through the temple area, they see a beggar sitting by the side of their path. Peter attracts the crippled man’s attention. The invalid is hoping for a big financial donation. Peter remarks that he and John have neither silver nor gold, but what they have is a relationship with Jesus, the Risen Lord. In Jesus’ name they impart a healing upon the man. The man receives something more valuable than money – he received new life in the name of Jesus. He jumps around and praises GOD for his healing. Thus, the GOoD News is being proclaimed by the followers of Jesus, and Jesus is present in their ministry.
The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for the great things GOD continues to do through GOD’s chosen ones. GOD is faithful to the divine promises. GOD remembers the covenant relationship that GOD established with GOD’s servants, GOD’s chosen ones.
The Gospel account relates the story of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus (“warm springs”). They are saddened by the events of the last few days. They had hoped that Jesus was the Messiah (the Christ), and now He has been crucified and is dead, or so they think. They were not even joyful when they heard the news that some women followers of Jesus had reportedly seen a vision of angels telling them that their Lord is alive. Their hopes had not been lifted since they had not yet experienced the Risen Lord themselves.
As they journey along, they are meet by a Man Who does not share their sadness. They start to talk to the Man about what has happened over the course of the last few days. They relate Jesus’ crucifixion. Their traveling “Companion” begins to share with them the Hebrew scriptures that spoke about the Suffering Servant Who would have to experience pain in order to bring about glory. The two disciples start getting excited as they hear how the Word of GOD had spoken of the suffering of the Messiah. They begin to have hope again.
As they near Emmaus, they invite the Stranger and new “Companion” to come and share more with them. As they sit at table, the Stranger blesses the bread with a prayer of praise (berakah) and then he breaks the bread. The
disciples’ eyes are open and they recognize the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread. As the Lord Jesus
disappears, the two disciples run back the seven miles to Jerusalem to tell the other followers of Jesus that they, too, have experienced the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread.
This passage is one of my favorite Resurrection accounts. The events parallel our liturgical services with the
Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It reminds me that we can come to have a burning in our
hearts as we hear the GOoD News of Jesus. The more we listen and study the Word, the more we understand the ministry of Jesus and that Jesus’ mission and ministry had to include His suffering, death – and resurrection. It also says to me that we can come into a closer relationship with Jesus and realize His presence with us as we break the bread and remember, celebrate, and believe that the Risen Lord is with us. We truly have Jesus as our
“Companion” – a word that literally means “someone with whom we share bread.” And after we have once again been feed with the Word, and from the table of the Lord Jesus, we need to go out and share the Lord’s presence with others, announcing that we, too, have experienced the Risen Lord.
Every time we come together in the name of the Risen Lord, and hear the Word proclaimed and break bread, we experience Jesus’ presence with us. It is then we can reach out to others and give them a gift, not necessarily of gold or silver, but of healing in the name of the Lord Jesus. The healing we extend may not be as dramatic as the cure of the crippled man in the First Reading. It may be as simple as our smiling at them, bringing joy to them. We also need to realize that it is not ourselves who perform any “cure” that may take place. We are there to “care for” others and let them experience the presence of the Lord Jesus Who is the One Who cures. Great things can and will happen if we continue to stay focused on the Risen Lord revealing Himself in Word and the breaking of bread. We will be able to reach out to others because Jesus is our “Companion.”
The personal question/action for today: Is my heart burning within me when I hear GOD’s Word proclaimed to me or when I read Scripture? Do I experience the presence of the Risen Lord Jesus when I gather with other believers and break bread (either sacramentally and/or in shared meal)? Do I sense that Jesus is my “Companion” with Whom I share the Bread of Life - His Body? Am I willing to reach out a caring hand so that GOD’s curing hand can touch those who need a sense of GOD’s presence in their lives? To whom can I extend a caring hand today, and with whom can I share the GOoD News so that his/her heart can burn within him/her as that person senses GOD’s presence in Word and action and has Jesus as his/her “Companion”?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that all people come to salus – salvation, healing, and a close relationship with You. You have sent Your Son, Jesus, to proclaim the GOoD News of Your healing love. He continues to reveal His risen presence especially as we open up Your Word and reflect on it and also come to be nourished at the table with the Lord Jesus. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, continue to enkindle our hearts with the fire of Your love, so that they will burn with joy as we hear Your Word and feast on the Bread of Life – the Body of Your Son. Help us to develop the ministry of care for others so that You can bring Your Cure – Your Salus (healing, wholeness, holiness, salvation) – to those
who need it the most. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord, our Savior and Brother, our
“Companion,” Who comes to us in Word and Sacrament and Who is alive and living with You and the Holy
Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggg
April 24, 2025 BACK
Easter Thursday
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-fidelis-of-sigmaringen
Readings: Acts 3: 11-26; Psalm 8: 2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 24: 35-48
Today’s readings are a continuation of yesterday’s readings. After Peter and John healed the crippled man, all three go into the temple. The people are amazed at the restoration to health (salus) of the crippled man. Peter explains that they should not be amazed for GOD promised
complete restoration of the Chosen People and has begun to bring that
about in and through Jesus, Who is now Risen.
Psalm 8 proclaims the gloriousness of GOD and GOD’s choosing to bless humanity with special favor by lifting up humans to a place of honor above the rest of creation. GOD has taken a liking to humanity and desires to be in special relationship with men and women. The fitting response is to praise the name of GOD.
The Gospel picks up from where yesterday’s Gospel ended. As the two disciples from Emmaus finish speaking about their encounter with the Risen Lord and their recognizing Him in the breaking of the bread, Jesus appears to all the faithful gathered together on that first Easter Sunday evening. Jesus speaks the Easter proclamation in one word: Shalom! He manifests to them that He is not a ghost by showing them His marks of crucifixion
and eating food. He then continues His ministry by explaining that
everything has happened according to GOD’s plan.
All the scripture passages today speak of GOD’s relationship with people. It has always been GOD’s plan to have women and men relate in a special way with the GODhead. This special bond was promised to Abraham and his descendants and proclaimed by Moses and all the prophets, as Peter preaches in the First Reading today. It reaches its fulfillment in and through Jesus, the Messiah. And even though some of GOD’s Chosen People rejected Jesus and crucified Him, it still worked into GOD’s overall “Big Picture.” For it is through Jesus’ death – and resurrection – that GOD has blessed the people and restored them to salus (health, holiness, wholeness, and salvation). The healing of the lame man is just a sign of the restoration being brought about in the name of Jesus.
Peter did not cure the man; Peter was the means through whom Jesus brought salus (healing and restoration of health). This healing is just a sign of the salus – full healing of mind and body and soul – that GOD wants for the new Chosen People in and through Jesus.
Jesus speaks a similar message on Easter Sunday evening. He announces Shalom - peace. Shalom is much more than mere absence of contention. Shalom speaks of a bond of closeness, a reconciliation between two
sides. The disciples were fearful that the One Who is now appearing is a ghost who has come back to haunt them
for their desertion of Him on the past Friday (GOoD Friday). They had run away and hid and, in Peter’s case, had denied the relationship with Jesus. Jesus could start His Easter appearance with words such as, “I want to talk to you about your behavior last Thursday night and Friday.” His first word, however, is “Shalom.” He speaks of GOD’s desire that they be reconciled. [Cilia – means “eyelash” and thus reconciled means to be brought to a position of being able to look eyelash to eyelash with the One Whom they had deserted.] Jesus relates that all that has happened is according to GOD’s plan. He had told His disciples beforehand that He would have to suffer and die in order to bring about reconciliation. Jesus had to go through all this so that people would turn away from the sins and turn more fully to the GOD Who loves them and wants to re-establish the close bond of relationship with them. Jesus did all that He did to bring salus to GOD’s Chosen People.
As I ponder on all these readings, I am awestruck. GOD desires a relationship with us that raises us up to a life beyond our imagining. GOD desires us to be perfectly whole, perfectly healed, perfectly saved. Obviously, since we are not perfect, and never will be, we cannot do it ourselves. Jesus, being perfectly divine and perfectly human, has already done it. He has given us salus. His actions proclaim shalom to us. We are reconciled, we are made whole, we are in perfect relationship with GOD as far as GOD is concerned. On our part, we need to respond to Jesus’ saving actions. We need to acknowledge what Jesus has done for us. We need to live lives that reflect the perfect salus that Jesus has given us in and through His death and resurrection.
Our response comes from the last words of today’s Gospel. We are witnesses of Jesus’ saving acts. As
witnesses, as people who have experienced the salus and shalom that Jesus imparted to us through His death and resurrection, we are called to go out to all peoples and proclaim the GOoD News of reconciliation, restored relationship, salus, and shalom. GOD has raised us up to a level above all creation (Responsorial), not because
of what we have done. On the contrary, in spite of what we have done, GOD has lifted us to a place of honor,
because of what Jesus has done. Jesus has canceled out the harm we have done by our sinfulness. We are resurrected to a new life of perfect relationship with an Abba-Father Who is GOD. All because Our Abba, Who is GOD, loves us beyond our reasoning and comprehension.
Let us respond by continuing to give witness to this loving GOD Who has raised us up by raising the Son of
GOD. Let people come to know this loving GOD Who raises up and cures and reconciles by our being Easter people who live lives of shalom through our caring for others. This is how we show we have accepted the Easter gift of the Shalom of the Risen Lord Jesus. Alleluia!
The personal question/action for today: As I reflect on the Risen Lord’s message of Shalom, what thoughts go through my mind? Am I like the disciples coming back from Emmaus who have experienced the Lord Jesus and want to give witness to a relationship with Him? Am I like the apostles who are fearfully apprehensive about the presence of the Lord Jesus, doubting if He could truly be with us after our sinful actions? How can I share the experience of the Shalom of the Risen Lord with those whom I meet today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all-powerful and completely perfect. Through Your GOoDness, You have desired to have a relationship with us even though we have turned our backs to You and we have chosen to pursue our own paths. You constantly have sent spokespersons (prophets) to us, but we have failed to hear Your message of reconciliation and loving relationship. We have done nothing to deserve Your continued outpouring of love. You want us to be perfectly whole and united with You. In our imperfect beings, we can never attain
the perfection without Your help. You, therefore, sent Your Son Who was perfectly One with You, and perfectly human like us. He announced the GOoD News of Your love and brought about a restored relationship with You through His perfect obedience to Your will. After He had given up His life for our salus, You raised Him up as
a sign of Your desire to raise us up to renewed union with You. Open up our hearts and our minds to the
awesome message Your Son has proclaimed by His ministry, His death, and His resurrection. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, continue to inflame our hearts with Your love so we can go out as witnesses of Your GOoD News and help others come to a fuller experience of Your gift of Shalom as announced by the Risen Jesus. For it is in His name, we make this prayer. For Jesus is our Life and our Resurrection, He is the reason we are raised up. He is our Savior and Redeemer, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
April 25, 2025 BACK
Easter Friday
Readings: Acts 4: 1-12; Psalm 118: 1-2, 4, 22-24, 25-27; John 21: 1-14
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles continues the story of what happens to St. Peter and St. John after they healed the lame man by the power of the Name of Jesus. Today we hear how they are arrested and are made to answer the religious leadership concerning the healing that was done to the lame man. What upset the Sadducees was Peter’s and John’s proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe in any life after death. [It is “sad, you see,” that the Sadducees did not believe in eternal life – that’s how I remember their title and corresponding belief.] After a night in jail, Peter and John are brought before all the Jewish religious leaders. They are challenged to give credentials or some sort of sign of authority that enables them to heal and preach.
According to the passage, St. Peter is once again filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks to the assembled body of leaders. He proclaims that his credential is the Name of Jesus that he bears. It is the Name of Jesus that empowers him and brings salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) to the people. (Yeshua [the Hebrew form of Jesus] means “GOD saves” or “GOD’s salvation” or “GOD the giver of salus.”) It is Jesus Who has healed the crippled man. It is Jesus Who brings salvation. It is the same Jesus Whom the
religious leaders had crucified, but Who is raised from the dead and
continues to live eternally.
Peter goes on to quote part of Psalm 118 (our Responsorial
Psalm today). In the psalm GOD is praised for the divine mercy
that endures forever. Part of the plan of the eternally merciful GOD is that GOD will take what mortals have rejected and will take the One Who was rejected and turn the Rejected One into the
cornerstone of the House of GOD. This is exactly what happened in Jesus’ death and what continues to happen to the Risen Lord. Jesus is the salvation for all who are part of the Household of GOD. And today – this Day of Resurrection - is the day that the LORD has made, this is the reason that we should be glad and rejoice.
Our Gospel presents another account of Jesus’ appearances to His disciples after His resurrection. During the forty days after Jesus’ rising from the dead, He only appeared occasionally to His disciples. Jesus did not spend all the time with the disciples. He appeared a number of times to different people in different circumstances. Today’s account takes place at the Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee). The disciples are waiting for another appearance of their Risen Lord. Since they have time on their hands, they decide to spend the night fishing. The spring night is warm, and they have nothing better to do, so they set out to sea. After fishing all night (the best time to fish), they catch nothing. They approach the shore and see a Man tending a fire.
As is usual among fishers even to this day, the Man on shore asks how they did with their fishing. They reply that they have caught nothing. The Man tells them to lower their nets in the shallow waters (not where fish are usually found especially on warm spring days), and they catch a net full of fish. The “disciple Jesus loves” (John?) figures out that the Man must be Jesus. Peter, with his usual exuberance, puts on some clothes (he had been stripped down because of the warm night and fishing). With all his clothes on, Peter jumps into water and walks through the shallow water (not on
the water) , in order to be with Jesus. He forgets about the others in the boat with the net full of fish. It is only after Jesus asks for more fish that Peter remembers about the fish. He goes out to the boat and hauls in the big catch all by himself.
Our readings today show us the transformation that Peter goes through, not just because of the Resurrection of Jesus, but also because of the coming of the Holy Spirit, Who enlightens and gives wisdom and courage to Peter. Peter, even after the Resurrection of Jesus, seems to be a bit scatter-brained. He cannot stay focused on the full meaning of Jesus’ ministry, His death, and His resurrection. He doesn’t know what to do, so he goes fishing. When Jesus appears, Peter does not think about others or their load of fish. Peter puts on his clothes and jumps into the water to get to Jesus. He then tries to do what Jesus asks, without asking for help from the other disciples. He wants to be the one who brings in the load of fish, about which he recently has forgotten.
The Peter in the Acts of the Apostles is different. He is in-spired (the Spirit is in him – breathed into him, he has the Holy Spirit filling his heart and mind). He is enthusiastic in a GOoD sense, since GOD is in him, and he is in GOD (en theu). He is focused on the ministry that he is called to perform in the Name of Jesus. He is willing to stand up and face the religious leaders and to tell them “Jesus saves.” Peter has a new understanding of his
role in living out the call that Jesus gives him.
As I have reflected on the resurrection accounts, I have always wondered why Jesus only appears a few times over the course of forty days between His resurrection and His ascension. Also, I have pondered why Jesus only remains for forty days after His resurrection. I think the reason may be that He wants His disciples to start thinking about how they are going to continue His ministry. He also wants to prepare them for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that they cannot fully receive and appreciate while Jesus is still with them. They would not be able to focus on the gifts of the Spirit and their role in ministry while Jesus is around. He is their focus. He is the One Who, they think, should be doing the ministry.
I realize that I have been like Peter many times. I get excited with my experience of the Risen Lord, then I am not sure what I am supposed to do next. I have another experience, so I lose my focus of what I should be
doing. It is only when I ask for the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit that I can stay focused on the task that Jesus is asking me to do. I need to look beyond myself and my experiences and look at those to whom Jesus is calling me to minister. It is only when I am aware that the Holy Spirit has filled me, breathed into me, that I
can go out and proclaim in action the GOoD News of Jesus, the Risen Savior. It is then that I can do whatever I am called to do in the Name of the Lord Jesus. It is only when I focus on giving praise to the Name of Jesus that I can serve others fully and completely.
The personal question/action for today: How do I see myself like Peter? Am I focused more on my own immediate experiences without seeing the whole picture? How have I allowed myself to be inspired (to have the Holy Spirit breathe into me)? Do I do all that I do in the Name of the Lord Jesus? To whom am I being sent to proclaim that “Jesus saves”?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, overflowing in mercy and wisdom. Through Your GOoDness and through Your Son and His call of Peter, You have given us an example of a person with whom we can resonate. The choice of Peter as a leader-in-training enables us to see that not one of us is perfect. In fact, You often choose those who are the furthest from being perfect. You want to be able to receive all the glory and honor that is due You for bringing out Your message from our weakness. Continue to fill us with the Holy Spirit in the same way that You filled Peter. Help us to grow through our experiences of the Risen Lord so that we can become Your servants in proclaiming Your GOoD News. May our actions reflect Your love. May we care for others so You can bring Your salus to Your People whom You have made holy. Give us the wisdom and courage to stand up and show that what we do for others is in the Name of the Lord Jesus. We make this prayer through the same Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, our Risen Savior and loving Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
April 26, 2025 BACK
Easter Saturday
Saint Pedro de San Jose Betancur:
Readings: Acts 4: 13-21; Psalm 118: 1, 14-15, 16-18, 19-21; Mark 16: 9-15
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles relates the response of the religious authority to St. Peter’s bold proclamation in yesterday’s reading. The leaders do not know what to do with Peter and John. If they punish the apostles, the people will be upset, because many have come to believe in the Name of Jesus through the actions and words of the apostles. If they condone what the apostles are doing, then the people will ask why the religious leaders do not believe. They decide to give a strong warning to the apostles not to preach any more or even mention “that Name.”
Today, Psalm 118 continues from yesterday also. In today’s passage we hear that “the LORD is my savior and
that I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the LORD.” Today’s passage ends with “I will give thanks to
You, for You have answered me and have been my savior.”
The Gospel today is Mark’s brief account of Easter Sunday resurrection appearances. We hear how Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and to the two disciples on their journey to the country town of Emmaus (where Jesus is recognized in breaking bread). When the Eleven (the 12 apostles minus Judas) hear about these appearances, they do not believe Mary or the two disciples. It is only when Jesus appears to the Eleven that they believe. In this Gospel we hear about Jesus “taking them to task” or “rebuking them,” not for their desertion of Him a few days ago, but “for their disbelief.”
Again, we see a contrast between the Apostles on Easter Sunday and after the coming of the Holy Spirit (fifty days after Easter). The disbelief of the apostles on Easter Sunday comes from their experience of the death of Jesus. The death of Jesus is so overpowering that the apostles find it hard to believe that Jesus is alive. Jesus’ passion and excruciating death are so terrible for them to even think about it; thus, it is impossible for them to imagine that Jesus is alive. Besides, things would be different if He is alive. They have denied their relationship with Him, or at least have deserted Him in His hour of sorrow and pain. How can they still relate to Him if He is alive?
When Jesus appears, He chastises them not for their denial and desertion, but for their not believing Mary and the two disciples who have experienced His Risen presence. He then “apostles” them – sends them out on the mission of spreading the GOoD News. He commissions them – “sends them with a purpose” – to continue His ministry. In the verses following today’s excerpt, Mark has Jesus telling His apostles to baptize believers and give warnings to those who do not believe. Jesus promises that His apostles (those whom Jesus “sends” to continue His ministry) will be able to do great things in His Name.
“In the Name of Jesus” is a key phrase today for me. It is in the Name of Jesus that Peter and John speak the healing words to the crippled man in the readings we read earlier this week. In Peter’s speech before the religious leaders, which we heard on Thursday, Peter says: “It
is His Name and trust in this Name” that caused the man to be healed. In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the religious leaders avoid mentioning the Name, they say “that Name” or “this Name.” They, too, realized that there was power in the Name of Jesus, so they did not want to mention Jesus’ Name. They decide to give the apostles “a stern warning never to mention that Man’s Name to anyone again.” Peter and John respond by saying they cannot disobey GOD’s command. They
have to continue to spread the Name of Jesus and do great things in the
Name of Jesus. That is what Jesus has commanded them to do.
As I reflect on the readings, I think about my faith in the Risen Lord and my belief in the power of the Name of Jesus. It is easy for us
Christian, who live 2000 years after Jesus, to say “I believe in the Resurrection of Jesus.” This is partly because
we might not have fully been impacted by the death of Jesus in the same way that the disciples of Jesus were when they, from a distance, saw Him die on the cross. Also, we have a fuller view of the whole paschal mystery
– Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection. We know how the story turns out because we have heard the ending before.
The challenge for me is this: Have I experienced the presence of the Risen Lord? Is my belief based on a relationship with Jesus, not just head knowledge about His resurrection? The apostles, in today’s Gospel, find it hard to believe because they have had a relationship with Jesus and have experienced His death, if even only from a distance. They have felt an emptiness, a death in a relationship. It will take seeing the Risen Lord to fill in the emptiness and let them experience the relationship again. Sometimes, I know I take my belief for granted. I
don’t realize the relationship that I am called to have with Jesus. The more I grow in relationship with Jesus, the more the resurrection makes sense – the more I can experience the Risen Lord Jesus.
Yet I need to take the next step. I need to be “apostled” – to be sent out in the Name of Jesus – to announce GOoD News in the Name of Jesus – to minister and invoke the Name of Jesus, so He can reach out and bring salus (wholeness, healing, salvation) to those who need it. Yet how much do I use the Name of Jesus in the way GOD intends. (I know a lot of people who use the Name of Jesus, but not in the way GOD intends.) Because I am a believer, a member of the Body of Christ, I am called to serve others in the Name of Jesus. I need to minister to their needs and share the GOoD News that comes in the Name of Jesus. People need to know that I do not come in my own name or for my own glory, I come for the glory of the Name of Jesus. People should come to know Jesus through my caring for them. They should
experience the Risen Lord Jesus in my reaching out to them in the Name of Jesus. That’s what the readings say to me. That’s what it is all about – the Name of Jesus – “GOD saves” – “GOD, the One who brings salus – wholeness, healing, salvation.” Let us lovingly, frequently, and powerfully proclaim the Name of Jesus.
The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to me to do all things “in the Name of Jesus”? How have I experienced the Risen Lord in my life? How can I share the GOoD News of Jesus today? What can I do to remind people that they are loved by GOD in the Name of Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever caring and always healing. Through Your GOoDness, You sent Your Son to us. You decreed that His Name is Jesus – “GOD saves.” He proclaimed the GOoD News of Your love and Your desire for a renewed relationship to all who would believe in Him. He gave witness to that close relationship by His life, teaching – His suffering, death, and resurrection. He shared His power and mission with His disciples and gave proof of His continued relationship with them after His death by appearing to them in His glorified, risen state. Jesus commissioned His followers to carry on His mission and ministry, and He empowered them to spread the GOoD News through their ministering in His Name. We thank You for all who have proclaimed the Gospel to us, in the Name of Jesus. We also praise You for allowing us to share in the ministry of sharing the GOoD News of the Name of Jesus. Through the further outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, continue to inflame within us the desire to serve others in the Name of Jesus. We make this prayer in the Name of Jesus – “GOD saves” – Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
April 27, 2025 BACK
Second Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday
Saint Louis Mary Grignion de Montfort:
Readings: Acts 5: 12-16; Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24; Revelation 1: 9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20: 19-31
Today we continue our celebration of Easter. Our Gospel relates the events of both Easter Sunday and the Sunday after it. In the thought process of the Church, today is still Easter Sunday since this majestic feast cannot be celebrated in only one day. The readings speak of the response of those who experience the Risen Lord Jesus. They are changed individuals who are on a mission, being sent – “apostled” – to continue the ministry of the Risen Lord.
The First Reading describes the enthusiastic ministry of the apostles on the days after they have received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. They are
truly on a mission – to proclaim the GOoD News that Jesus has died, but He is risen. As part of their inspired mission, they welcome new believers and allow the Lord Jesus to heal those upon whom their shadows fall.
Psalm 118 is used frequently during the Easter Season since it is a joyful hymn of praise and thanksgiving to GOD, recalling the key attributes of GOD: enduring and perpetual mercy. It also refers to the rock rejected by the builders that becomes the cornerstone, alluding to Jesus’ death and resurrection, that become the foundation of the new edifice of GOD.
The Second Reading gives us a sense of what John (the author of the
Book of Revelation) sees as his mission. Because of his continued awareness of the Risen Lord Jesus, he is called to proclaim his vision, to be aware of what is happening in the seven churches (communities of faith), and to look forward to what will happen. His relationship with the Risen Lord implies his need to be vigilant and concerned for the
communities of faith that are entrusted to him, even though he is on the penal island of Patmos in the Mediterranean Sea. His apostolic duties require that he minister to (challenge and encourage) the growing (both positively and negatively) churches. He is to make sure that they stay focused on the Truth that/Who has been shared with them.
The Gospel spans the eight days from the Easter Sunday to the following Sunday. Jesus appears to His disciples and greets them with the message of Shalom. Shalom (peace) is His Easter gift to His followers. His death and resurrection were the
means of the divine Shalom being bestowed on them. Shalom is much more than the absence of tension and stress. It is the establishment/re-establishment of the relationship that was broken through sin. With Shalom comes the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gift of forgiveness of sins.
When the other ten apostles relate to Thomas their experience of the Risen Jesus, he demands physical proof. A week later, he is given the proof he demands when Jesus appears again and invites Thomas
to come and explore the nail holes and pierced side. Thomas proclaims his belief in Jesus as GOD. The Gospel passage concludes with the first ending of John’s Gospel, the proclamation that this book does not contain all the mighty signs that Jesus did, but it includes enough so that those who read it may come to a (deeper) belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of GOD and the source of life.
As I reflect on readings, I realize Easter cannot be just a day of joyful celebrating with rich and tasty foods. It is not just a day of
eating candy or other pleasurable treats we have denied ourselves for the preceding 40 days. It is not just a day when we remember that Jesus not only died but also rose again. It is an event that cannot be captured in just one day. It must be celebrated and made part of our daily lives, day after day, week after week, year after year. And the celebration must not just be a recalling of what has taken place, but also it must lead to our active response in our daily activities. Easter must be alive within us as we go out on our mission. We, like the apostles in the readings, are being sent out to proclaim the Easter message that Jesus has died, but that He is risen and active among us.
Some of us may still act like Thomas during the first seven days of Easter. We are not fully convinced that Jesus is alive and that it makes a difference in our lives. Oh, we can say, “Jesus had died, Jesus is risen.” Yet, we act like we are not fully assured of His presence in our personal life. We may be happy that others are experiencing the Risen Lord, but He really hasn’t touched our lives in a visible way because we were not there when the others had the Lord Jesus make His presence known to them.
Jesus’ words on the Second Sunday of Easter should bolster our faith: “Blessed are those who have not seen but have believed.” We must act with faith. We must fulfill our apostolic mission to go out and live the GOoD News that
Jesus has died and is risen. We must be people of Shalom – announcing the message that Jesus continues to manifest
– the healed relationship between GOD and mortals which He established through His death and resurrection.
Today is also called “Divine Mercy Sunday.” Mercy in Hebrew is rachamim. It refers to the quality a woman has for the child in her womb or for the child who came from her womb. Jesus and GOD the Abba-Father has even more love and mercy (rachamim) for each of us, since we are children of GOD.
We are to be the apostles of the Risen Lord to the people with whom we come in contact each and every day. People must experience the presence of the Lord Jesus as we touch their lives. We must live out our baptismal calling to preach the GOoD News to others.
We can do this by being instruments of GOD’s Shalom. That may involve speaking challenging words of truth (as John does in the Book of Revelation), but always in the love
of the Lord Jesus. We must seek to further the Shalom that Jesus created through His death and resurrection.
If we can do this, we may become other stones rejected by some builders, but we will be joined to the cornerstone of Jesus. We will experience the enthusiasm that comes from knowing that we are making every day a celebration of Easter Shalom. We will be able to say and experience each day, the verse in today’s Responsorial: “This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it.”
The personal question/action for today: How is my life a proclamation that Jesus is risen and has shared with us the gift of Shalom? Do I constantly need some sort of “proof” of the Risen Lord, or can I believe without “seeing”? Who might benefit from my sharing the gift of Easter Shalom – peace and reconciliation?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of Shalom and Divine Mercy. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son to us to establish Shalom through His death and resurrection. He came not to scold us for our sinfulness, but to raise us to a new consciousness of what life is meant to be as we turn away from our sinfulness and turn to You. His resurrection bestowed Your Holy Spirit upon His disciples, not just on that first Easter Sunday or on Pentecost, but upon all of His followers ever since. Because of our experience of His risen presence in our lives, we, too, are called to go out and proclaim His message as apostles to the people You have entrusted to us. We thank You for allowing us to grow in our faith in the GOoD News that Jesus, Your Son, has announced to us. May we be faithful to our
calling as modern apostles and may we proclaim the Shalom that Jesus brought to us. For our lack of faith and our sinfulness, we seek Your forgiveness and a new sense of the divine Shalom and Divine Mercy. As always, we give You thanks and praise on this Easter day, in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Redeemer and Risen Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
April 13, 2026 BACK
Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
Saint Martin I
Readings: Acts 4: 23-31; Psalm 2: 1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9; John 3: 1-8
The Holy Spirit makes things happen. Even when mortals plot against GOD and GOD’s will, the Spirit of GOD empowers those who are faithful so that they can fulfill GOD’s plan. Saints Peter and John are aware of this as they return from being questioned and rebuked by the Jewish religious leaders. The psalmist is aware also that even though some are working against GOD and the Anointed One of GOD, GOD will raise up the Anointed One to even greater glory. In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks about the power of the Holy Spirit Who enables one to be born from above.
In our First Reading, after their time before the religious leaders, Saints Peter and John rejoice that they were able to boldly profess the Name of Jesus. Peter then quotes Psalm 2 which speaks of plots against GOD and GOD’s Chosen Anointed One (Messiah = Christ). Peter interprets this psalm in reference to Jesus and His disciples. As they conclude their prayer, the powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit once again comes upon the disciples gathered in prayer.
The psalm that Peter quoted is used as the Responsorial. We hear how plots are being made against GOD and the Anointed One of GOD. The powers of evil, however, cannot overcome GOD’s plan. GOD will establish “the Son” as the ruler and king, in spite of plans of the wicked.
In the Gospel, Nicodemus (one of the religious leaders, a Pharisee) comes to Jesus at night. Nicodemus recognizes the holiness and specialness of Jesus, that is, that Jesus is from GOD. Jesus then speaks about the importance of being born ἄνωθεν (anothen), if one wants to be part of the Reign of GOD. The word ἄνωθεν (anothen) has two meanings: 1) “from above” and 2) “again.” Jesus takes it to mean the first, whereas Nicodemus interprets to be the second. Jesus clarifies Nicodemus’ misunderstanding by saying that it is necessary to be born “from above,” that is, by water and the Spirit. When one is born spiritually, (by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit), one is empowered by the Πνεμα (Pneuma = Spirit) and great things happen. Once again, a play on words is used. The Greek word Πνεμα (Pneuma) is similar in meaning to the Hebrew word Ruah. It can mean “spirit,” “wind,” or “breath.” It is that unseen Force or Power Which/Who can cause dramatic results. When people have the Spirit of GOD blowing into, and through, them, they are energized to do GOD’s will with the Force and Power of GOD. People can not see the Spirit (Ruah - Πνεμα (Pneuma), but the can see the effects caused by the Spirit.
I am reminded today as I reflect on the readings that the Church is in the midst of celebrating the Paschal Mysteries. These mysteries include Jesus’ death and resurrection, His ascension into heaven, and the sending of the Holy Spirit upon His disciples. Belief in Jesus, the Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ) requires us to accept what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection. Not only has Jesus brought us salus (healing, wholeness, forgiveness, and salvation), Jesus continues to empower us by the Holy Spirit to further His GOoD News. The Holy Spirit was not just given to the disciples of Jesus in a one-time event (Pentecost). The Holy Spirit came upon them frequently (as seen in today’s First Reading). And the Holy Spirit continues to come upon the disciples of Jesus today.
This is the time of year when many Catholic churches are used to celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation.
During the rite of Confirmation, the bishop reminds the young people and adults who are receiving this sacrament of initiation that this sacrament truly is just an initiation. For many Catholics, the reception of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation is thought of as a completion of their religious education. Yet the receiving of the Holy Spirit is
not just a one-time event. And participation in the life of the faith community does not end with this sacrament of initiation. This is the beginning (= initiation), not the end, of the mature Christian’s Church activities. The confirmed Christian receives the Holy Spirit so he/she can more fully take an active role in the community’s activities and spread the faith to which he/she has recommitted himself/herself. The Spirit comes again upon the apostles and earlier believers in today’s First Reading We who are born ἄνωθεν (anothen - from above, and again) must allow the Πνεμα (Pneuma = Spirit) of GOD to breathe new life into us again and again. We must let the Spirit blow into and through us with divine power and force. We must move out with the power of the Spirit to continue the announcement of the GOoD News of Jesus.
I am privileged to continue to work with the adults in the OCIA (formerly called RCIA). As I talked with those who have been “initiated” into the faith community by the reception of the sacraments of initiation
(Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist), I am impressed by what they share. Since they were received into the Church (the Body of Christ) or were confirmed in their faith, they have felt the power of the Holy Spirit acting in their lives. They sensed a new joy of being part of a community of faith and supported by the other members of the community. I recall how a few years ago on the Second Sunday of Easter one of those who had been baptized spoke of the most special part of event was her baptism and her being plunged (baptizo) into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Another mentioned receiving the Eucharist for the first time was truly uplifting. Still another mentioned she was very touched by members of the community whom she had never met coming up to her and welcoming her into the community of believers. Some years ago, one of the newly confirmed shared how her relationship with the Lord Jesus and her view of being part of the church had been enhanced through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit of the Risen Lord is still very active in the world. We may not always realize how the Spirit is working in our lives. Yet, the more we are aware of our being born ἄνωθεν (anothen - from above), the more the Πνεμα (Pneuma – Spirit) of GOD can work in us. And even if those who are opposed to GOD’s plans
work against GOD and us (the disciples of the Lord Jesus), we must realize that GOD’s Spirit, Who is with us, is more powerful than the force that is driving those who work against GOD. And if we allow GOD’s Spirit to
blow into and through us, we can join the prayer of Peter and John in today’s First Reading and pray: “And now, LORD, take note of the threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your Word with all boldness, as You stretch forth Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the Name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the Πνεμα (Pneuma) of GOD (Ruah YHWH - The Spirit of GOD) working in my life? Have I been open to being born ἄνωθεν (anothen = from above and again)? Do I see that I am always at a stage of new beginning and initiation in my journey of faith? What can I do to stand up with all boldness and speak GOD’s Word to others? How can I help others realize the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and powerful. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us a share in Your Spirit (Pneuma and Ruah) when we have been born ἄνωθεν (anothen = from above and again). You continue to empower us to go out in the Name of Your Son, Jesus, and to proclaim His GOoD News to those with whom we come in contact. For the times we have worked contrary to Your plan, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Renew our awareness of Your Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. May we give You all the glory and praise as we go out in the Name of Your Son Jesus, for He is our Lord and Savior, our Master-Teacher and Redeemer and He is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia. BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
April 29, 2025 BACK
Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena
(Readings from Tue. of the 2nd Week of Easter)
Saint Catherine of Siena: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-catherine-of-siena
Readings: Acts 4: 32-37; Psalm 93: 1ab, 1cd-2, 5; John 3: 7b-15
Our First Reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, relates how the early Christians lived a communal life and shared their possessions. The psalm speaks of the majesty of the LORD GOD, the Ruler Who is robed in splendor. The Gospel is part of the account of Jesus’ meeting with the Nicodemus, a Pharisee who comes to Jesus at night.
In the selection from the Acts of the Apostles, we see how the early Christians realize their call to be in relationship not only with Jesus and His Abba-Father, but also with all their sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus. They are to be more of a family under their Abba than blood relatives are a family. They are to listen to their “older” Christian siblings, the Apostles, proclaim the GOoD News and share about their relationship with their Brother Jesus.
These “older” Christian siblings have spent more time with Jesus than the “younger” ones who are just beginning
their relationship with Jesus. Then these “younger” siblings are asked to share all they have with all those who are also children of their Abba.
I would like to focus on the Gospel and start at the beginning of the third chapter of St. John’s Gospel (that
we heard yesterday). If you want to read it, go to this site: http://usccb.org/bible/john/3. The chapter begins with Nicodemus coming at night. He does not want to be seen as a person who is interested in talking to Jesus. Nicodemus comes alone. He says that Jesus must obviously be a GOoD teacher (rebbe – rabbi) because He performs signs and wonders. Nicodemus seeks to know more about Jesus. Nicodemus, later in John’s Gospel, is mentioned as trying to defend Jesus when He is brought before the Jewish leaders, although he does it in a round- about way (John 7: 45-52). Finally at the end of John’s Gospel, Nicodemus more publicly shows his relationship to Jesus by helping to prepare the dead body of Jesus for burial (John 19: 38-40). [By the way, the name, Nicodemus,
is from two Greek word: íéêç (nikç) meaning “victory” and äåìïò (demos) meaning “people” thus “People’s Victory.” An appropriate name for one who finally is committed to the One Who brings victory to the people.]
Our earthly (or fleshy) birth puts us in relationship with GOD as creature to Creator. It is a gift of GOD. It is
something for which we should truly give thanks and praise to GOD. We have life because GOD allowed us to be born. Yet an even deeper relationship is ours when we are born anothen (“again” or “from above”) by the Ruah [Hebrew] (Pneuma [Greek] – Spirit) of GOD. This makes us not just creatures of a Creator, but children of an Abba – a Father – a Daddy – Who is GOD. We are called into a personal relationship with this Abba – Jesus’ Abba, and thus we become siblings of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus reminds Nicodemus that the gift of the Holy Spirit of
GOD is not something which can be seen or predicted. It is pure gift. It is the gift that comes from the Son of GOD being lifted up. Jesus compares it to the salus – healing, life – that came to all the Israelites who had been bitten by serpents in the desert. If the Israelites looked up to the bronze figure of the serpent on the wood, they would be healed (Numbers 21: 9). So, Jesus, in today’s Gospel, says that the Son of Man will be lifted up on the wood. All who put their faith in the One lifted up on the wood will have salus – healing, salvation – and not just physical salus, but eternally spiritual salus.
My reflection leads me to think about the relationship that GOD offers us. GOD first gifted us with human
life. We can relate to GOD as Creator, the One Who gives life. That in and of itself is a beautiful and cherished gift. Yet, GOD wants an even closer relationship with us. GOD wants us to be born anothen (“again” “from above”), to have the Spirit of GOD (Ruah YHWH) blown into us, into our souls, and to share with us not only human life, but divine life. Human life only entitles us to life on earth, life here and now. It is limited and not complete. Divine life, that which comes from above (anothen - “from above” or “again”), entitles us to be with an Abba – and endearing Parent – Who is Ruler of Heaven and Who is GOD. We are made daughters and sons of GOD and we have been given the inheritance of our Abba-Daddy, the Ruler, Who is also GOD. What a more marvelous gift than just a limited, imperfect human life.
And our response is to live as children of the divine Ruler of Heaven, our Abba-Daddy. People should be able to look at us and to tell Whom we call Abba. There should be no doubt Whose children we are for we act as our Abba wills, we act like our Brother, Jesus, all because we have been born “again” and “from on high” by the
Ruah-Spirit of GOD. That’s the GOoD News that Jesus is sharing with Nicodemus and with us. And that
should lead us to share all things in common, just as the early followers of Jesus did in today’s First Reading. We are called to be one, big, joy-filled family who share all we have with our sisters and brothers, because we are all children of our Abba GOD, and siblings of the Lord Jesus, in fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
I was impressed during the pandemic of the last few years how the best in some people came out as they
offered their time, their talents (medical, first responding, food preparation and serving, other critical and essential talents), and their treasure (donating to those who need financial help because of being out of work, or not having money for rent, mortgages, food, and other essential items). I have also been blessed as I saw how people all over the world responded to the Crisis in Ukraine, with people opening their homes to refugees and sending aid to the Ukranian people. It reminds me of how the early Christians shared what they had with others in today’s First Reading.
The personal question/action for today: How often do I reflect on, and give thanks for, the earthly, human life that GOD has given me? When I reflect on the fuller life and more intimate relationship with GOD, the relationship that has come when I have been open to the Holy Spirit of GOD (Ruah YHWH), how do I show my appreciation for GOD calling me to be born (anothen) “from on high” or “again”? How do I manifest that I am a child of GOD? Do I only make my interest in GOD known in “the dark” – privately, so no one else will know? Do I defend the Lord Jesus, but only in roundabout way? Am I willing to publicly manifest my attachment to the Lord Jesus and minister to the Body of Christ Jesus (the members of His community living on earth) so they can experience the “victory of GOD’s People”? Am I willing to share all I have with others to show my unity with them, under GOD our Abba-Father, with Jesus, our Brother, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that we be in relationship with You, first as our Creator, and also as our loving and dear Father, our Abba. You gift us first with human life, and then through the power of Your Holy Spirit, You gift us with a share in Your divine life. We are often like Nicodemus. We are interested in what You offer us through Your Son. Yet, we often do not want others to know we are interested in the GOoD News You offer us. We come in darkness, so no one will see us. You ask us to accept the gift of divine life and be willing to share that GOoD News with others. Continue to fill us with Your Spirit – Your Ruah – Your life-breath, so that we can be strengthened and empowered to spread the GOoD News of Your loving relationship and share in the “victory for the people.” May we always give You thanks and praise for touching our lives in and through Your Son and the Holy Spirit. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
April 30, 2025 BACK
Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of St. Pius V)
Saint Pius V: Readings: Acts 5: 17-26; Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; John 3: 16-21
Our First Reading relates the arrest of some of the apostles. Even though they are jailed, GOD releases them. The next morning, they are back in the temple area preaching about Jesus.
The psalm reminds us that GOD hears the prayer of those who call out to the LORD. GOD brings safety to those who are in need.
The Gospel continues the account of Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus. Today we hear the often-quoted passage of John 3: 16: “GOD so loved the world that GOD sent the only begotten Son, so that all who believe in the message of the Son would not die and perish, but would share in eternal life.”
I am struck by a couple of things in the First Reading. After being arrested and imprisoned, the apostles completely have trust in GOD. When released by the messenger (angel) of GOD, they return to the temple precincts, the same place from which they had been arrested. They do not fear being arrested again. Most people, if they are released from jail, do not return to the place where they were apprehended (in loco delicti) and perform the same action that led to
their arrest. The apostles realize that it is GOD’s will that they preach the GOoD News and continue the ministry
of Jesus, especially in the House of GOD, even though that will most likely lead to their continued arrest and persecution. They are happy to be able to face their being apprehended and jailed, if it furthers the spread of Gospel.
The second thing that strikes me about the passage is the fact that the apostles do not put up any resistance nor do they cause a scene when they are arrested again. The guards realize that they must proceed carefully, or the crowds might attack the soldiers. The apostles could cause such a disturbance that they would not have been arrested. Yet, they are willing to be arrested without a commotion.
The attitude of the apostles reflects the message in the Gospel today: those who do wrong prefer darkness, while
those who do right, will act in the light of day. Thus, as the sun rises, the apostles come back into the openness of the temple and preach the message of Jesus. They do not fear the agents
of darkness and deceit, for they know they are in the Light, walking the Way – they are one with the Son sent by the Abba- Father GOD Who so loves the world. They do not fear condemnation by the religious leaders, or by anyone, for they know they have eternal life.
As I look at my own life, I realize that I am not as bold in
my faith as the apostles were in their faith. I often couch my words so as not to cause others to be alarmed by my beliefs. I am not always willing to walk fully in the Light. I keep my faith
close to my chest. I am challenged by the readings today to take a step of faith. I must be willing to risk persecution and mistreatment for my relationship with Jesus. I guess at times I am more like the apostles before the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Yes, I believe and have a relationship with Jesus and His Abba- Father, but I would rather it be a more private relationship without a lot of attention. If it ever came down to my being arrested for my belief, I am not sure that I would be able to handle the test. And if I was released, I am not positive I would be back at the place of my previous apprehension the next morning, continuing the very actions that caused me to be arrested the first time.
Two things happened a while ago that reinforced my reflection. I was attaining my usual Tuesday morning Bible Study. An issue came up. I was reluctant to share where I stood on a particular Biblical view and take a stand. Another one of the participants was willing to challenge the group from his perspective of the Gospel. I then had the courage to speak up and share my interpretation of the Gospel value. It took someone else’s stepping out in faith to present their understanding of the Gospel in order for me to speak up and share a similar understanding.
The second thing that happened was what I heard on a Christian radio station. The host of the show was speaking about people suffering for their Christian faith. The speaker went on to say, “It is interesting that some Moslem believers are willing to die for a ‘lie’ [the Moslem misunderstanding of life and GOD as seen by the speaker], while many Christians are not willing to die for the Truth.” Some people may think that commentary is a harsh criticism of the Muslim faith and an intolerant stand. The point I think the speaker was making is: as Christians, we must be willing to stand up for what (Whom) we believe and know to be the Truth. And there are Christians in the Middle East who are standing up for their faith and willing to undergo persecution for our common faith in Jesus. I recall hearing recently that in the 21st Century, 1 out of every 12 Christians is being challenged in their faith moderately or severely.
I guess I have a lot of growing in my faith yet to do. I take heart from knowing that Peter and the other apostles took some time and a further outpouring of the Holy Spirit to give them enough courage to risk it all for the Name of the Lord Jesus. Maybe there is still hope for me. I know I have come a long way, but there is still a lot farther I must travel in my journey of faith. With GOD’s help, I pray that I will be able to stand up for the Lord Jesus when it comes down to the real test.
Let us continue to pray for each other. Let us pray that we will be able to take a stand and boldly proclaim our relationship with GOD. With GOD’s help, and the support of our fellow believers, we will be faithful disciples of our Master-Teacher.
The personal question/action for today: How have I manifested my faith in the Risen Lord Jesus? Do I secretly profess my faith when no one else is around? Am I willing to come into the Light and boldly share my relationship with Jesus, trusting that GOD will take care of me? How can I inspire others to be bolder in their faith?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One Who so loves the world that You send Your only begotten Son into the world that those of us who live out our belief in You and Your Son, Jesus, will have eternal life. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to manifest Your love for us through our reflection on the words, life, and ministry of Your Son, Jesus. We are bolstered also by the examples of the apostles. As we see their earlier lack of faith and conviction blossom into boldness, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, we are given hope and encouragement that we too will become strong proclaimers of Your GOoD News. Continue to send forth Your Holy Spirit into our lives so that we can be faithful witnesses, not only in words and thoughts, but also in the actions of our daily existence. We give all the glory, praise, and honor to You, together with Your Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. And we make this prayer in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggg
April 30, 2026 BACK
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of St. Pius V)
Saint Pius V
Readings: Acts 13: 13-25; Psalm 89: 2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27; John 13: 16-20
Our readings remind us that Jesus is the pivotal point in history. Jesus came as the fulfillment of all the Hebrews scriptures, and He is the beginning of all that lies in store for us. We also reflect on the fact that Jesus was sent by His Abba-Father and He, in turn, sends out others to continue His mission/apostolate of announcing the GOoD News.
In today’s account from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul is on his missionary journey. He addresses a crowd of Jews and “GOD-fearing” individuals (non-Jews who have come to the synagogue to learn more about GOD and who desire to have a relationship with GOD). Paul asserts that all of Israelite history has been leading up to the coming of Jesus, the Christ,
the savior of the world. [John is John Mark, traditional understood to be the author of the Gospel of Mark.]
The psalm echoes part of Paul’s words in the First Reading. (Actually, Paul was quoting part of this psalm.) The psalmist praises GOD for choosing David and giving David power to lead the people, all for the greater glory of GOD.
In the Gospel, that takes place on the night before Jesus dies, Jesus reminds His disciples that He has come as the Master Who serves. Just as Jesus has washed the feet of His followers, so they must be willing to serve others. Jesus also creates a link between His followers and Himself that parallels the link Jesus has with His Abba. The concept of being sent (“apostled”) flows from Jesus’ own sense of mission/being sent by His Abba. It is a continued tradition (“handing down”) of authority. Jesus has been fully empowered by GOD, His Abba, and now Jesus empowers His disciples to be
apostles (“those who are sent”).
I am edified and uplifted by the readings today. I see that each one of us, as the modern disciples of Jesus, are part of the salvific plan of GOD. GOD has control over history. The Hebrew scriptures prepared the world for the coming of Jesus, the Savior Who is the Christ - the Anointed One of GOD. The Word of GOD, as spoken through the patriarchs and prophets, focused on the time when GOD would save the people. (Remember Jesus [Yeshua] means “GOD saves.”) GOD’s plan was to send the Son with the mission and the ministry of announcing salvation and bringing it about through His own death and resurrection. The plan has not been limited only to the thirty-something years that Jesus walked on this earth in His human body. It reaches out from that key moment.
The plan includes sharing the mission and ministry by “apostling” (sending out) others to continue the proclamation of the divine message of salvation. We are doubly privileged. Not only have we heard the message through the human voices of those who came before us in faith, but we are also being given the opportunity to announce the same message to others.
The main way we are called to preach the GOoD News is addressed in today’s
Gospel. We are called to be servants, just as Jesus served. We are called to be
willing to “wash the feet” of others. This “washing of the feet” can take many forms. It can be our unconditional love for our family demonstrated by our doing our regular routine tasks with a cheerful heart. It can be the way we treat those with whom we work (or have worked in the past). It can be, as I have learned from the experiences of the last three decades, the caring for a sick and/or aged person who needs our help. We can “serve others” by simply smiling at a person whom we encounter in our daily activities, including associating with others via social media.
Whenever we are willing to think of others before ourselves, (while not letting ourselves be walked on or run over), it is then that we are imitating our Master Who came to serve and not to be served. From our serving others and sharing the GOoD News with them (first in actions), people should be able to see our relationship with our Master, just as Jesus revealed His relationship with His Abba by His acts of loving service and His words. If we can do that, then the words of today’s psalm will resonate through our very being: “The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness. For You have said, ‘My kindness is established forever’; in heaven You have confirmed Your faithfulness.”
The personal question/action for today: What will I do today to demonstrate that I am a servant of the Lord Jesus as I interact with those whom I encounter? How can I be more of a loving servant with a particular member of my family, a specific co-worker, or a person who crosses my path today (even if it is only online)? What can I do to encourage others to proclaim the GOoD News by the way they serve the people around them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You have always wanted to share Yourself with mortals, whom You made in Your own image and likeness. We have not always understood Your willingness to care for us, even though You have proclaimed Your message through the prophets of old. In the fulness of Your time, You sent Your Son as the Incarnation of Your loving service. Jesus came as the Master Who serves and saves. Jesus has empowered those who accept His gift of salvation to be co-workers with Him in the process of proclaiming Your love. We thank You for those who answered the call and shared with us Your GOoD News. We also are grateful for Your allowing us to be a part of furthering the Gospel message by our loving service of others, always pointing back to our Master and His relationship with You. It is in the name of Jesus, our Master and Your Servant, that we make this prayer. For He is not only our role model of caring and loving, but also He has brought us Your salvation through His own death and resurrection. To You be all glory and honor and praise in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffffffff
May 1, 2025 BACK
Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker
(Readings from Thu. of the 2nd Week of Easter)
Saint Joseph the Workerr Readings: Acts 5: 27-33; Psalm 34: 2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20 ; John 3: 31-36
Our readings speak about testimony and the Spirit. The First Reading relates what St. Peter and St. John say to the religious leaders when they are brought before Sanhedrin (the council of religious leaders) to answer for their disobeying the council’s orders. Peter (speaking for the other disciples) replies that they must give witness to the truth of GOD and they do it by and through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus that He must continue to speak about the relationship He has with His Abba-Father because He has been empowered by the Holy Spirit for this very task.
In the selection from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter and the other apostles act boldly. Not only have they
returned to the Temple to continue to announce the GOoD News of Jesus, but also, they proudly proclaim Jesus’ Name, the very thing that the religious leaders have forbidden them to do. Nothing will silence them, since they have been “apostled” (sent) by GOD to speak GOD’s word. Obeying GOD’s command is more important than obeying the orders of mortals, even if they are the religious authorities. It is not just the apostles and disciples who testify that Jesus died and rose for the forgiveness of sin; the Holy Spirit – GOD’s divine Spirit – is also testifying to the Truth.
The psalm is a prayer of praise and trust in GOD. The words of the psalmist could easily be those of Peter and his companion. First, GOD is praised and given glory for all that the divine hand has done. Continuing on, the psalmist admits that there have been difficult and trying times, but with deep and abiding trust in GOD, everything works out for the GOoD of those who are faithful to LORD GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues His instruction of Nicodemus. Jesus announces that the One “from above” (–ἄνωθεν - anothen) can speak of His experience of GOD because He has been with GOD. Not only does Jesus Himself give witness to the love that GOD has for the people, but also the Holy Spirit gives witness to the eternal life that is the gift for all those who believe. With these two (Jesus and the Holy Spirit) as official witnesses, the Truth cannot be denied: GOD so loves the world that GOD sent the only begotten Son so that all those who believe in Him might have eternal life, and those who refuse to believe, after they have been given the opportunity to believe, will experience GOD’s wrath.
As I reflect on these readings, I am both excited and challenged. The excited feeling comes from knowing that when I give witness to the Truth, I am not acting alone, but speaking in the Name of Jesus and with the
power of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, I have to be authentic to the Truth and speak what Jesus has revealed in His word and His ministry, and through His Church. With this confidence, the same confidence that allowed Peter
and the other disciples to speak up, I can boldly lift up the Name of Jesus.
During Lent, I focused on the life of St. Peter quite a bit, as I shared with various individuals a scriptural reflection that I had put together about Peter. We had discussed the human qualities of Peter and the change that occurred in his life. The four Gospels portray him, in his pre-Pentecostal life, as a spontaneous individual who blurts out his immediate reaction without thinking of the consequences. On the night before Jesus died, Peter strongly and confidently proclaimed his allegiance to Jesus and he said that he was willing to die for Jesus, even if all
the others turned away. Yet, before the dawn came the next morning, he had denied any relationship with Jesus – three times. Even on Easter Sunday morning as he ran to the empty tomb, he could not bring himself to the full understanding that Jesus was risen and alive (John 20: 1-10). Even after experiencing his Risen Lord, Peter could not fully commit himself to loving Him unconditionally (John 21: 15-19). Yet within two months (that included Jesus’ appearance giving Shalom and the full empowerment by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost), Peter is actively proclaiming the Name of Jesus in defiance of the commands of the religious authorities.
The challenged feeling (that I have) comes from knowing that I am not only privileged to proclaim the GOoD News, but also, I am required to do so. This is my calling as a member of the Body of Christ, a disciple of Jesus. It also requires that I continue to deepen my own relationship with Jesus, His Abba, and the Holy Spirit with more reflection on the Word and with prayer. I still may not be at the point Peter and the apostles were when they walked into the Temple and openly defied the orders of the Sanhedrin. With continued graces from the Lord Jesus and further empowering by the Holy Spirit, I may have the courage to say the words that
Peter spoke to the Sanhedrin: “We must obey GOD, not people.” Hopefully, I will also then be able to join the psalmist today and declare: “Those who look to GOD are radiant; their faces
are never covered with shame. The poor called, and the LORD heard them; GOD saved them out of all their troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear GOD, and GOD delivers them.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my image of St. Peter? Can I identify with him and the continued changes that occurred in his life as a result of His experiencing the Risen Lord and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? How willingly am I to boldly proclaim my faith in the Name of Jesus? To whom can I proclaim the GOoD News today and help them know the power of the Name of Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and forgiving. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son into the world to bring the world into a closer relationship with You. Jesus announced Your message of loving forgiveness through His teaching, ministry, life, death, and resurrection. He came to give witness to Your GOoD News and has empowered His followers to continue His work, especially with sending of the Holy Spirit. May we realize the honor (and duty) You have given us in bearing witness to the Name of Jesus. For the times we have been reluctant to stand up for our relationship with You, we seek the pardon that Jesus has provided through His suffering, death, and resurrection. May we go out as today’s apostles and give witness to Your message. We make this prayer in the very Name that we are called to proclaim, Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Master-Teacher, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggggg
May 2, 2025 BACK
Memorial of St. Athanasius
(readings from Fri. of the 2nd Week of Easter)
Saint Athanasius: Readings: Acts 5: 34-42; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; John 6: 1-15
Both of today’s readings give us accounts of bad news and GOoD News. The bad news in the First Reading is the suffering of the apostles, whereas the GOoD News is the proclamation of Who Jesus is. The bad news in the Gospel is that people are suffering from hunger. The GOoD News is that Jesus takes, blesses, and distributes food to the hungry.
The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents an interesting episode. The apostles are sent out from the assembly of the Jewish religious leaders. A noted rabbi, Gamaliel, speaks up about how to deal with the apostles. He mentions that if the ministry of the apostles is not from GOD, then it will die out on its own. If their ministry is from GOD, then the religious leaders will not be able to stop them without fighting GOD. The leaders decide to have the apostles whipped and sent away. The apostles rejoice that they are found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus.
The psalm speaks of the loveliness of being in the house of GOD. Waiting for the fulfillment of the LORD’s promises is
worth the wait. Those who are blessed to come into the presence of the LORD experience a closeness to GOD –
that is GOoD News
The Gospel begins “The Bread of Life” chapter of St. John’s Gospel. Today Jesus feeds the multitude with a few loaves of bread and a couple dried fish. All 5000+ people eat until they are totally satisfied, and there is plenty left over.
As I reflect on the First Reading, I was struck by the wisdom of Gamaliel. How true are his words. If something is not of GOD, its importance will end someday. If it is truly of GOD, then there is nothing that can stop it. That is a GOoD way for us to know if we are fulfilling the will of GOD. Is what we are doing,
something that will have a positive and lasting effect and lead to the glory and praise of GOD? Or is it something that is going to wither away. Obviously, the Church has striven to carry on the ministry of Jesus. This has been done not only by the popes, cardinals, bishops, and priests, but also by the laity. The Church has survived nearly
2000 years. There have been some occasions when the Church has not been as faithful to GOD’s calling as it could have been. Yet, overall, the Church has continued.
I agree with the words of today’s psalm: “One thing I seek – to dwell in the house of the LORD.” During the time of CoronaVirus pandemic, it did mean that we just longed to once again gather as a community in our local churches, but it also meant to dwell in the eternal house of the LORD in heaven. That is what is most important. We need to keep our eyes focused on the Lord Jesus and doing GOD’s will and dwelling with GOD forever. It is important to be willing to wait for the time when we will be in the eternal presence of GOD forever. And that type of waiting demands more than just standing in line. It takes an active, disciplined life of service, to show
that we have accepted the gift of faith which has been offered us by GOD.
GOD’s abundant providence and desire to care for our well-being is manifested in today’s Gospel. Jesus has spent quite a bit of time ministering to those who sought His help and His preaching of the GOoD News of GOD’s love. After taking care of their emotional and spiritual needs and healing their afflictions,
Jesus wants to show His concern – His Abba-Father’s concern – for their whole well-being. The bad news is these people are hungry and the apostles only know of a few loaves of inexpensive bread and
a couple of dried fish. The GOoD news: Jesus knows the people are hungry. He has a plan to take care of their hunger. He first asks the apostles to meet the needs of the people. The bad news: obviously, as Philip points out, the apostles cannot take care of the needs even if they have 200 days’ wages (and a store or marketplace nearby).
The GOoD News: Jesus takes the few loaves of bread. He says a berakah – a prayer of thanks, praise, and blessing. He then provides nourishment for those who are hungry. And when the huge crowd had fully eaten, there were twelve baskets full of leftovers. [The number twelve implies completion and fullness, and GOD’s will of completing, e. g., twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles.]
As we face bad news – hunger and thirst for righteousness and have pains because things are not going right
or feel burdened by the terrible events and happenings, such as climate, or political tensions, or killing of innocent people – we need to turn to Jesus. The GOoD News is that Jesus will provide for our needs. Jesus knows our needs and He is concerned about our concerns before we even are aware of them. Jesus will take care of us. We just need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the Master- Teacher. If we remain in tune with Jesus, then nothing will be able to destroy our relationship with GOD, for that is what GOD wills. Even with all the concerns we have about bad news with our Church, with our spiritual leaders, with nations at war, with natural disasters, with our government, with various medical issues– nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of GOD. That’s the GOoD News that is more powerful than the earthly bad news in the world today. And nothing will overcome the GOoD News if it is GOD’s GOoD News.
The personal question/action for today: How am I affected by the earthly bad news that is broadcasted to me? Do I sometime lose focus and dwell on the earthly, often bad, news (such as the current health crisis, climatic change, or political issues and contentions) rather than on the GOoD News that comes from the Lord Jesus? For what am I willing to wait? Is the object of my waiting just a passing moment, or do I wait for that which will last for eternity? And as I wait, am I actively promoting the GOoD News of GOD? How have I experienced the abundant provision by GOD? How will I proclaim the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus to those whom I encounter today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of GOoD News. Through Your GOoDness, You hate evil and wrong doing, yet love the sinner. You want to bring healing and fullness to all peoples. We are surrounded by the bad news of pain, evil, and the harm inflicted upon ourselves and others. We find it hard to see any GOoD News in the midst of all the bad news. Yet Your will and plan will be done. The GOoD News which comes from You will prevail, and nothing will be able to prevent the GOoD News from being proclaimed. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, strengthen us so that we can bring GOoD News to those who have been shaken in their faith in the darkness of the current or past bad news. Give us the words to speak to those who have lost hope and have been broken by the evilness of those who are not faithful to the GOoD News. Help us to continue the ministry of Your Son, Jesus, Who came to satisfy our every needs and provide in abundance for all our needs. Keep our eyes focused on the GOoD News of Your love, so that we can continue to give You all the praise, glory, and honor while others are uttering curses. Let us see that being in Your presence is worth waiting for and worth putting up with the problems that come our way. And if we are called to suffer for the sake of the Name of
Jesus, may we, with the apostles of old and the modern martyrs, give You thanks for allowing us to bear true witness to You through our suffering. We make this prayer of praise and thanks and petition, in the Name of Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, our Risen Savior and loving Brother, Who provides abundantly for us and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
May 3, 2025 BACK
Feast of Saints Philip and James
(replacing Sat. of the 2nd Week of Easter)
Saints Philip and James:
Readings: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-8; Psalm 19: 2-3, 4-5; John 14: 6-14
Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Philip and St. James (the Lesser). Little is known about these two apostles. Philip is mentioned more often in the Gospels than James. St. James is not the James who is the brother of St. John the Apostle. Philip is often portrayed in scripture as the one who does not fully understand or grasp what Jesus is all about.
In St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, he mentions the key events in the life of Jesus: Christ suffered for our sins, died, and was raised up, and then He appeared to the apostles and other early believers, eventually
appearing even to Paul. It is upon the faith of these eyewitnesses that the Church has been built. The apostles
are the foundation of this edifice. We, the other building blocks in the Church, have all been built on these foundation stones and we become the support of those who are built upon us.
The Gospel relates Philip’s questions of Jesus at the Last Supper. Jesus has just told His followers that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to His Abba-Father except through Jesus Himself. Philip asks Jesus to show them the Abba. Jesus replies:
“Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?”
I continue to be in awe of the plan of GOD as revealed by Jesus. Jesus chooses as His apostles those individuals with whom we can identify. Jesus could have chosen people who were almost perfect, or at least individuals whom the world would admire as “superpersons.” Yet He selected persons who were just like us. James we only know by name and little else. Like James, after our lives, probably, most of us will be known by only a few persons of our generation, and only by our name, if that. Most of us will not have our names in history books. Yet, James was a disciple, an apostle, a follower of Jesus. In a similar way we are called to be disciples, apostles, and followers of Jesus, not seeking to have our names written in human history books, but in the Book of Life, that is known by GOD and all those who share in the eternal life in heaven.
Philip, when he is mentioned in the Gospel, is either being asked a question by Jesus (as we hear in the
John 6: 1-15) or asks a question of Jesus, showing that Philip has not yet fully grasped the mission and
ministry of Jesus. How often we are like Philip. Jesus asks us, as He did Philip, “How are you going to care for others?” (John 6: 6-7) We are often overwhelmed with the enormity of the situation of caring for
everyone. We think we have to do it by ourselves, rather than trust that Jesus already knows what He is going to do and is just asking the question of us to see if we trust Him enough to see us through the situation. At
other times we question Jesus. We want to see the full picture, just as Philip wanted Jesus to reveal His Abba
(John 14: 6-9 - from today’s Gospel). We do not realize, just as Philip did not realize, that if we keep our eyes
focused on Jesus, then we will see more than we can ever desire, hope for, or imagine.
The Gospel today ends with words which we must make part of our lives. Jesus address His disciples (the first apostles and also us), saying: “Whoever believes in Me will do the works that I do, and greater ones than these. . .And whatever you ask in My name, I will do. . .If you ask anything of Me in My name, I will do it.”
What a great promise Jesus has given us. How blessed we are. Yet, we cannot fully understand that
because we are still growing and developing. As we celebrate today’s feast of Saints James and Philip, we are once again reminded that following Jesus is not a one-time thing. We do not have it all as soon as we make the original decision to follow Jesus. The journey to Jesus’ Abba (the journey on which Jesus is the Way, the
Truth, and the Life) is a process – a life-long process. GOD is not finished with us yet, just because we say, “I
will follow Jesus.” We will continue to grow and develop as the apostles did. We will miss the point over and over again. We may not have our whole life stories remembered, but that is not the point of life. The point of life is to journey along with Jesus as He leads us to the home of His Abba, Whom He has given to us as our Abba, and Who happens to be GOD. As long as GOD “knows” us as belonging to the Lord Jesus, it does not matter if anyone else ever remembers us.
The personal question/action for today: When I think about my passing from this life to the next, for what would I like to be remembered by those whom I leave behind? When I struggle with understanding what the Lord Jesus wants of me, do I ask Him, and truly listen to the response that He gives me through scripture, my prayer time, and the words of others? How can I be a better building block for those stones who will come after me or who rely on me so that they can be built into the household of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and ever patient. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to call people to follow Your Son as He leads us to You. We often begin to follow, but we don’t understand the full impact of what Jesus has come to share with us. Jesus asks us questions to see if we are starting to
understand His message. We often ask questions that show we have not yet fully grasped the GOoD News that Jesus has come to bring to us. As we journey along, You continue to raise individuals as role models, as Your Son did in calling the apostles James and Philip. They are not role models because they had it all together, but because they grew in appreciation of the message of Your Son and His revelation of You to them. May we be edified by their example, and may we be lifted up by their being the foundation and role models of our believing. Through the continuing presence of Your Holy Spirit, inspire us to support those who come after us
as they are being built into the edifice of Your Church. We ask this in Jesus’ name, since He promised that He would give us whatever we ask in His name, for He is our Lord and Master, He is Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 4, 2025 BACK
Third Sunday of Easter
Blessed Michael Giedroyc
Readings: Acts 5: 27-32, 40b-41; Psalm 30: 2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13; Revelation 5: 11-14; John 21: 1-19
Following the Risen Lord Jesus can lead both to periods of great joy and to times of persecution, and sometimes to both at the same time. In our First Reading we hear how the Spirit-filled St. Peter rejoices in being able to give witness to the name of Jesus even if that means his having to suffer for doing so. The Responsorial Psalm is a prayer of one who realizes that GOD protects the faithful one even in the midst of one’s enemies. The reading from the Book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into the joyful celebration of GOD’s heavenly court.
The Gospel recounts another of the Risen Lord’s appearances to some of His disciples, this time at the Sea of
Galilee and the long form of the Gospel also focuses on Peter’s response to Jesus’ presence and His questions.
The passage from the Acts of the Apostles takes place within the first few weeks after the descent of the Holy
Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. The apostles (with a focus on Peter) are truly inspired and enthusiastic as they go out and boldly proclaim the GOoD News of Jesus, healing people in the Name of Jesus. Nothing will stop their mission. Even when they are arrested and brought before the religious high court and ordered to stop preaching the Name of Jesus, they respond by saying that it is more important to do what GOD has commanded them than to listen to the demands of mere mortals (even if those mortals are authorities in the religion). The last verses describe that they are joy-filled because they have been found worthy to be persecuted for their allegiance to Jesus and His Name.
The psalmist seems to have undergone a similar experience of having been persecuted for belief in GOD. The trust that the psalmist has in the GOD Who can “protect” him from the hands of his enemies would be words
that Peter and the other apostles could easily affirm. “Protection” does not necessarily mean “freedom from suffering” because one is faithful to GOD’s directives. It stems from being able to endure whatever happens and not giving up one’s trust in GOD.
John, in the Book of Revelation, gives us a peek into the heavenly home of GOD where the Lamb and His Abba-Father (the One seated on the throne) are worshiped with great joy and celebration. The celestial praise of the Lamb Who was sacrificed and yet Who was glorified is presented in a way that matches the most magnificent earthly pageants. Think of the most spectacular celebrations (crowning of a king, presidential inauguration, awards show, papal installation) and they are nothing compared to the majesty of the worship of the Lamb and the One seated on the throne.
In the Gospel, we continue with our post-Resurrection
appearances of Jesus to His disciples. Since Jesus is not with His followers each and every moment (in fact not even every day) after His resurrection, but only appears occasionally, the apostles have time on their hands as they await for another revelation of their Savior and Lord. Since the Lord Jesus told them to return to Galilee to await His next meeting with them and being fishers by trade (at least four of them), they spend the night fishing. Even though the night is the best time to catch fish, and the deeper part of the Sea is the best place to net a
load of fish, they catch nothing at all. As the dawn is breaking, they head back to shore. It is then that they see Someone preparing a fish breakfast on the shore of the sea. As is the custom among fishers, the Person on the shore calls out to see if the anglers have caught anything. When the apostles answer in
the negative, the Questioner tells them to lower their nets in the shallow (not usually filled with fish) waters and bring in their catch. After catching a huge amount of fish, the disciple whom Jesus loves realizes it is the Lord Jesus. Peter dons more clothing (since he had been stripped down to the bare minimum while fishing during the balmy spring night) and jumps into the water with all of his clothes on. Peter seems to have forgotten his
companions and the load of fish until Jesus requests that the disciples bring in the fish. Peter turns around and single- handedly hauls in the net loaded with fish.
The longer version of the Gospel continues with Jesus pulling Peter aside to talk to him. Scholars have debated over the use of two different Greek words for “love” in this passage. Jesus asks Peter twice, “Do you love (using a form of the verb agapas) me?”
Peter responds, “Yes, I love (using a form of the verb phileo) you.” Agapas-love is word which is often translated “unconditional love.” Phileo-love is referred to as “love of duty or because of a relationship.” The third time Jesus uses the phileis verb when
asking Peter, “Do you love me?” Again, Peter responds with the phileo form of the verb when he says, “You know that I love you.” Jesus tells Peter that love will require him to serve, feed, and care for the flock entrusted to him. It will eventually lead to the fact that he will be led away by others and have to do something he does not want to do – suffer and die – as a result of his love for Jesus and His flock.
As I reflect on the readings, I am reminded that being faithful to the Name of Jesus will be at times very joy-filled (especially in the eternal presence of GOD, but also even
now), but it may require that I suffer and be persecuted for my allegiance to the Name. As with many things on my spiritual journey, that leaves me with both an excited, uplifted feeling and a somewhat guarded, anxious feeling. I am reminded that following the Risen Lord is not always pure ecstasy and an upbeat experience. Jesus’ hour of glory included both the cross and the empty tomb. In this life we cannot expect to arrive at the glory of an eternal experience without having to carry and die on the cross.
I am also reassured as I look at Peter. Peter lived a life that could easily follow the pattern of a roller coaster. He at times was at the very bottom (after his three-fold denial of Jesus, or when Jesus scolded him for tempting Him to choose any easier way). At other times Peter was flying high (at the Transfiguration, on Easter Sunday evening, after receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost). Peter manifested in his life that following the Lord Jesus can entail both moments of intense joy and revelation, and also times of having to suffer for the name of Jesus. (Peter’s uncertainty is portrayed well in the movie, Full of Grace from ODB Films.) I can expect nothing more or less. Yet the key point I must remember is that Jesus is asking me as He asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” I must respond not just in words, but with my very existence, “You know that I love You.” And may the meaning of the word “love” be “unconditional, unwavering, and always enthusiastic total commitment to the Lamb of GOD and to the One seated on the throne.” It is then that we will be able to join the psalmist and pray, “Sing praise to the LORD, you GOD’s faithful ones, and give thanks to the holy name of LORD GOD.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced great joy in being a follower of the Lord Jesus? Have there been times when it was hard to be a witness for Jesus? How would I respond to Jesus when He asks me: “Do you love me?” How will I live out my response to that question? Who might be the most in need of my living out the love I have for the Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD ever to be worshiped and praised. Through Your GOoDness and the ministry of Your Son, You call us into a closer relationship with You. You invite us to give witness to that relationship by proclaiming the holy Name of You and Your Son. As we do as You have commanded us, we experience both the moments of excitement and enthusiasm and also the challenges associated with being faithful to You. Help us to show our love for You and Your Son, both when things are going well and when we face difficulties, especially for being faithful disciples of Jesus. For the times we have failed to love You and to tend to the needs of those who have been entrusted to us, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness, made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus. To You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit be all honor, glory, and praise for You in the Unity of the Trinity are our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggg
May 5, 2025 BACK
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Saint Hilary of Arles
Readings: Acts 6: 8-15; Psalm 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30; John 6: 22-29
Stephen, one of the first διακονοι (diakonoi - a word that means “deacons,” “ministers,” or “servants”), is the center of today’s First Reading. Although his main function is to tend to the physical needs of the people, we see him engaging in dialogue with certain Jewish sympathizers (gentiles who are leaning toward the teachings of Judaism). Stephen demonstrates his gift of the Holy Spirit by his speaking with wisdom and knowledge. Some people try to accuse Stephen of speaking blasphemy against the Jewish faith. Stephen is brought before the leaders in the Sanhedrin who hear the false testimony (fake facts) against him.
The psalm resonates with Stephen as he faces opposition. It speaks about the true believer remaining tuned to the will of GOD, even while other individuals plot against the true believer.
The Gospel today is a continuation of the sixth chapter of St. John’s Gospel. (This chapter began last week.) The crowd of people realize that Jesus and His disciples have left the seaside town of Tiberias and have probably rowed/sailed to Capernaum. They had seen Jesus’ disciples leave, but they had not seen Jesus leave. They head out for Capernaum also. When they arrive in Capernaum, they find Jesus and His followers. They question Jesus about how He has come to Capernaum. [They do not realize that Jesus walked on the water to join His disciples as we would have read last Saturday if we had not celebrated the Feast of St. Philip and James.] Jesus realizes they have come because of their being fed when He multiplied the bread and fish.
As I reflect on the First Reading, I realize that Stephen is truly a Spirit-filled individual. The Spirit gives him the words to speak in order to share the GOoD News with others. Yet, in performing his ministry with wisdom and courage, he meets opposition. There are people who are opposed to the Truth he is preaching. They want to silence him. Stephen, as we will see in the subsequent readings later this week, keeps his focus on the Lord Jesus even in the face of persecution.
As we turn to the Gospel, we see that Jesus is challenged by people who have come to Him for the wrong reasons. They want more miracles. Jesus tells them that they should focus not on their own immediate desires but on the important things of life – believing in the One Whom GOD had sent.
The readings today make me look at what is the center of my focus. At times I focus on having my cravings for worldly things satisfied. I am interested in being well received by others for my achievements. I don’t want to rock any boats or cause waves. Yet, I see that if I really let the Holy Spirit fill
me with wisdom and truth, I would turn my attention to where it should be – my relationship with Jesus and sharing that with others. The more I stay focused on Jesus, the more I will be given the words to speak, especially at times when I am being challenged about my relationship with Jesus.
I am reminded of the importance of the “Jesus Prayer.” It is simply: “Lord Jesus, Son of the Living GOD, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This was mentioned in a retreat in which I participated a while ago. I have also heard it in many homilies,
in which it was suggested that we should say the Jesus Prayer at least five times each day, especially when we are
facing challenging times, whether as individuals or as part of a large group of people. It might be when we are at an extra-long red light, or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, or being frustrated while at work, or dealing with the repercussions of illnesses (of ourselves or others), or at those trying times when a member of our family seems to be making a point of aggravating us, or when we are affected by world problems and higher prices, or
climate problems. I realize the purpose of the “Jesus Prayer” is to focus my attention back on what is important – my relationship with Jesus. It acknowledges Who Jesus is – the Son of the Living GOD. It also makes me conscious of the fact that I cannot do anything without Jesus’ help – His mercy. That’s all I really need.
I suggest that we pray the Jesus prayer not only for ourselves, but for others. There may be people with whom we come in contact who need prayer, such as those facing trials associated with illnesses, or tension from people who have a different political view from us, or weather-related issues. It helps each of us to be a servant- minister (diakonos) to them if we pray for them. And the more we pray for an individual or a group of individuals, the more we will be accepting of the person, without necessarily agreeing with her/his actions or all of her/his views.
As we continue to be attuned to Who Jesus is, we will not worry if our own desires are being or not being
met, because we will have the knowledge and trust that our needs are being taken care of by GOD. We will not be chasing Jesus so He can perform another miracle for us. Rather we will seek out Jesus because He is the One Whom GOD the Abba-Father has sent to us, and we will want to deepen our relationship with Jesus and His
Abba, in the unity of the Spirit. St. Stephen was well aware of his trust in Jesus. That is what empowered him to fulfill his ministry as a deacon (minister, servant). And it should be that on which we should focus.
The personal question/action for today: What motivates me to seek the Lord Jesus? Am I hoping for another sign or miracle? Do I want Jesus to meet my personal desires? Do I seek to develop the willingness to do GOD’s will and not my own? How can I be more aware of the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, guiding me particularly in those challenging times? In what ways might the Lord Jesus be calling me to be a διακονος (diaconos - servant) today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and always merciful. Through Your GOoDness, You have shown through the life of Jesus that You will provide for us no matter in what situation we find ourselves. You give us the gifts of Your Holy Spirit – especially wisdom and courage – so that we can face opposition and give witness to our relationship with You and Your Son. May we stay focused on the GOoD News that Your Son Jesus came to share with us. In this way, we will be able to give You the praise and glory that You are due. We make this prayer through the same Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, our Risen Savior and loving Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 6, 2025 BACK
Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Saints Marian and James:
Readings: Acts 7: 51– 8: 1a; Psalm 31: 3-4cd, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab; John 6: 30-35
All the readings speak of the relationship that exists between a believer and GOD. The more one draws closer to GOD, the stronger the relationship is. The believer knows that GOD will provide all that is necessary for life – life now – and also eternal life. All that is asked of the believer is to proclaim one’s relationship with GOD. Our First Reading is an account of the martyrdom of St. Stephen. He is the first Christian martyr. As he faces his death, Stephen places himself into the hands of GOD. The psalm echoes Stephen’s faith in the words “Into Your hands I commend my spirit.” It is a psalm of trust in GOD. Jesus, in the Gospel, describes Himself as the Bread of Life which nourishes those who receive Him – and this nourishment is forever.
Stephen is the first martyr. The Greek word for “martyr” is ìáñôõñïò (martyros) which means “witness.” Stephen gives witness to his relationship with GOD by the ultimate sign of witnessing – his death. As a Spirit-filled individual and a man of faith and wisdom, he knows the cost of giving witness. In his final speech, Stephen reflects on the role of the
prophets of old. They were persecuted by unfaithful individuals. Stephen is
willing to take on the role of prophet (to speak for GOD) and to give witness to the relationship that GOD wants to establish with those who believe in the Lord Jesus. Thus, as he is being dragged out of the city of Jerusalem (through a gate which to this day is called “Stephen’s Gate” by Christians) and stoned, he looks to the heavens and sees Jesus, his Risen Lord. He hands over his body to Jesus saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. . .Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” One of those to whom he gives witness is a young man named Saul (of Tarsus who will later become Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles).
Reflecting on the background of today’s Gospel, we recall that Jesus has feed the multitude on the day before – earlier in the same sixth chapter of
the Gospel of St. John. The people in today’s Gospel seek a sign from Jesus. They know Jesus is a great teacher and prophet like Moses of old. As GOD’s spokesperson, Moses “performed” many signs (from the ten plagues
to the feeding of the Israelites in the desert). Jesus reminds His listeners that Moses did not do the miracles. It was GOD Who provided for the people. Jesus continues by saying that GOD (Jesus’ Abba-Father) is now providing an even better Bread – a Bread that gives eternal life. The people cry out for this Bread. Jesus says that He is the Bread of Life. He is the One Who will nourish the believers in a way in which they will never want for any other food.
Bread is the staple of life. Different cultures have various forms of bread, but it still is the main food for daily existence. Jesus says that He is That Which (Who) nourishes, and He is the essential food for life – eternal life.
The readings today challenge me to look at what my relationship with Jesus is. I ask myself, “Do I really seek Jesus as the source of my life?” I need to come to my Master-Teacher and feed on Him – His Word, His Life, His Body. The more I deepen my relationship with Jesus, the more I will be able to be a martyr for (witness to) Jesus – the more I will want to be a martyr (witness). I will be like Stephen who was so overwhelmed by his
relationship with Jesus that he could do nothing other than be a martyr for (witness to) Jesus. I may not have to die by being stoned or even persecuted, but I should be willing to profess my faith relationship. And I will only be able to do that if I feed on Jesus, the Bread of Life. I need to come to my Master-Teacher and be nourished by Him, as I sit down at table with Him.
It is not easy to be a martyr/witness. It takes a strong conviction and committed belief. It takes a deep relationship with GOD. It takes knowing Jesus as my Master-Teacher, my source of nourishment. If I regularly come to be fed by Jesus, then I will be supplied with all I need to live a life of a witness – a martyr – not to a cause, but to the person of Jesus, my Lord and my GOD.
The personal question/action for today: What is the source of my strength to be a martyr (witness) for Jesus? How do I give witness to Who Jesus is in my life? To whom might I witness today and in what manner so that he/she/they might come into a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, worker of wonders. Through Your GOoDness, You have always provided for those who believe in You. During the time of Moses, You feed Your people with manna in the desert. You continued to call forth spokespersons for, and witnesses to, the relationship You wished to have with Your chosen people. You continued to nourish Your people through Jesus, Your Son. He came to share Your GOoD News and He fed the multitude with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. He then promised an even greater sign of Your love and Your desire to take care of our needs by feeding us with the Heavenly Bread – His very Self. We ask that You strength us, especially with the Bread of Life, so that we can be His faithful witnesses-martyrs. May our lives reflect the relationship that we have with You and be an invitation for others to draw ever closer to You. We make this prayer of praise and thanks and petition, in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, our Risen Savior and loving Brother, the Bread of Life, Who nourishes us for eternal life, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
fffffffffffffffffffffff
May 7, 2025 BACK
Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
Saint Rose Venerini:
Readings: Acts 8: 1b– 8; Psalm 66: 1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a; John 6: 35-40
What great joy can come from doing what GOD wills! For me, that is the theme running through our readings today. After the death of St. Stephen, the early Church faces persecution. Yet, even in the face of imprisonment and death, the people of the Way (an early name for the Christian movement) rejoice in the GOoD News as proclaimed by the apostles and disciples. The focus now shifts from Jerusalem to the other towns of Judea and into Samaria. The Spirit is moving the Church outward and the Spirit causes joy as the Church spreads out and increases in numbers.
The psalm echoes this in the refrain: “Let all the earth cry out to GOD with joy.” Joy is the natural feeling of those who experience the great deeds of our GOD. Joy is different than happiness. Joy is the feeling of knowing one is in touch with GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about doing the will of His Abba-Father. This is the food that nourishes Jesus, and Jesus, in turn, becomes our food that will
quench our thirst and end our hungry. Jesus promises to raise up those who believe in His relationship with His
Abba; and being raised up is what eternal life is all about.
As I reflect on my life and the life of other believers, I am continually amazed at the joy that comes to those who seek a relationship with GOD. Joy is not frivolous giddiness. It is a sense of inner peace. Even in the midst of the most challenging events in life, a follower of Jesus has a sense of fulfillment and can rejoice in the Lord Jesus.
I think of all those who are facing life-threatening sickness. I also call to mind all those Ukrainians and Russians who suffered and died with the conflict between the two countries, and all countries throughout Europe and the rest of the world who were willing to do reach out to those refugees from Ukraine and assist them. Others are going through family/marital problems. Still others are dealing with financial difficulties because of high prices of items including fuel and food as compared to six years ago. Some are dealing with changes in
jobs. People are also struggling with political and environmental issues. Some families are suffering the loss of loved ones, especially from gun-toting fanatics. Yet, as I talk to individuals who are struggling, the one thing they say over and over again is that their faith relationship with the Lord Jesus is what gets them through the trying years, months, days, hours, even seconds. They realize that without their close relationship with GOD and the strength they receive from friends who are praying for them and with them, they would not be able to handle the pressures in their lives.
Their source of life comes from being fed by the Lord Jesus, Who is the Bread of Life. They feel lifted up, edified, and supported. They know that Jesus is raising them up, not just on the last day, but every day.
One example of this joy in the midst of pain and sorrow is a friend of mine. This individual has lost loved
ones in death, had to put an aging parent in a facility for the aged and infirm, experienced financial problems, had adult children basically taking advantage of the person and not appreciating what was done for them throughout their lives, and this person also suffers from physical ailments. This friend said to me, “I am living my hell now
so I can enjoy the fulness of heaven in the next life.” This friend was aware that no matter how difficult things are now, they would be a lot worse in the next life without a relationship with the Lord Jesus, which can and should begin now. I am reminded of St. Paul’s words, “Nothing can separate us from the love of GOD poured out in Jesus Christ” (Romans 8: 39). Paul mentions that neither pain nor sorrow, neither famine nor flood, neither the past nor the future, nothing can separate us from GOD (Romans 8: 35-38). So my friend could also say, “Neither loved ones’ deaths, nor caring for family members who do care back; neither money worries nor sickness can separate one from the Love GOD poured out in Christ Jesus.” We could also proclaim that neither the illnesses, or our having to face political tensions, or global warming problems will separate us from GOD’s love. (At the end of the reflection [pages
3-5] are five more accounts of friends who have gone through rough times and yet have sensed the
Love of GOD as they look back upon their experiences. I have permission to share them, but I have left out references to real names.)
To me, one of the most important qualities of a Christian is Joy. I end most of my personal email reflections with “Enjoy,” which means more to me than just having fun reading. It means “In Joy.” Joy is also high on Pope Francis’ list of qualities. A few years ago, I read his book, The Joy of the Gospel. He challenges all Christians to be people of Joy, especial as we proclaim the GOoD News by our lifestyle and by our words. In retreats I have given, I speak about JOY and tell the retreatants that JOY is Jesus, Others, and You – all being in relationship.
The only thing that can separate us from GOD is our choice of refusing a relationship with GOD. That is
ultimately the only thing that will prevent us from experiencing the joy that comes from GOD. And that is our choosing. No problems, difficulties, challenges, nor any other happening will stop GOD from loving us. And with GOD loving us, we can cry out to GOD with that inner joy and peace that surpasses human understanding.
Thus, if we work on developing a deeper relationship with GOD, we will see GOD’s hand at work in our life. Our problems will not be over. We will still have challenges in our lives, but we will sense the joy of the Lord Jesus Who is our strength. We will be able to see beyond the difficulties of the here and now and start living the eternal life that Jesus promises to give us.
The personal question/action for today: What is my attitude when I am faced with challenging times? Am I able to keep a sense of joy in the midst of hardships? What strength do I receive from coming to the Lord Jesus, the Bread of Life, and feeding on Him? How can I bring the presence of the Lord Jesus and the joy of the Lord Jesus to another person who is going through rough times?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, joy of human’s desiring. Through Your GOoDness, You offer us a greater joy than we could ever imagine. Even in the midst of our greatest difficulties, You promise us eternal life, in and through Your Son, Jesus. We come before You, struggling with the problems of our lives. We ask for a further outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, Your Spirit of peace and joy, so that we will be strengthened as we walk through the valley of darkness. May we receive the nourishment we need by feeding on Jesus, the Bread of Life. We make this prayer of praise and thanks and petition, in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, our Risen Savior and loving Brother, the Bread of Life Who nourishes us for eternal life, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
May 8, 2025 BACK
Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
Saint Peter of Tarentaise:
Readings: Acts 8: 26-40; Psalm 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20; John 6: 44-51
We continue our theme of joy and life coming from GOD. In the selection from the Acts of Apostle, joy comes from hearing GOD’s Word and accepting Jesus. The Responsorial is a psalm of joy. Jesus, in the Gospel, proclaims that He is the source of life for all who come to Him and receive Him.
In our First Reading we hear how Philip, (mostly likely, one of the seven deacons of Acts 6), shares the GOoD News of Jesus Christ with a non-Jew. This Ethiopian gentile (heathen) accepts Philip’s explanation of Hebrew scripture and becomes a believer. He is baptized immediately and goes on his way, having joyfully accepted the message of Christ Jesus.
Our psalm continues the hymn of joyful praise of GOD from yesterday. Today, we are invited to rejoice in the GOD Who gives life to our souls and Who answers our prayers. This psalm unites the First Reading (which shows how GOD answered the prayers of the “heathen”) and the Gospel (where Jesus gives us life by being the Bread of Life for us).
In the Gospel, Jesus continues “the Bread of Life” discourse that we have heard the last few days. He relates the close relationship that exists between Himself and His Abba-Father. It is because of His wanting to reveal the Abba that He has become the Bread of Life that gives life, eternal life, to all who believe in Him and are fed by Him and on Him.
As I reflect on the First Reading, I am struck by the Ethiopian who is reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. Obviously, this non-Jew is searching for something in the Hebrew scriptures. Philip appears on the scene and asks him if he knows what he is reading – that is, does he understand that about
which Isaiah was writing. The Ethiopian’s response is very important: “How can I unless someone explains
it to me?” Some people will never come to understand the role of Jesus unless another person explains it to them. Philip realizes he is at the right place at the right time. The Spirit has led him to be available to someone who needs him to explain GOD’s plan – the sending of Jesus as the Messiah Who quietly
suffered in order to bring people into a closer relationship with His Abba. Once Philip has shared the GOoD News of Jesus with the Ethiopian and brought him into a closer relationship with Jesus (including being baptized), Philip is taken by the Holy Spirit
to another place to continue the ministry of
spreading the Gospel.
GOD has answered the prayer and
yearning of the Ethiopian by sending Philip to explain the Word of GOD. In a similar, but more emphatic, way, GOD sent the Son to reveal the great love GOD has for the world. Jesus is the best manifestation of GOD’s
love. Thus, Jesus can speak of people getting to know GOD by getting to know Him and being fed by Him and on Him, since He is the Bread of Life.
I am once again touched by the generosity and benevolence of GOD. GOD provides for us. GOD gives us the nourishment we need so we can have life. All GOD asks of us is that we take the GOoD News we have experienced and be willing to share it with those whom GOD places in our path. GOD wants us to be bearers of Glad Tidings (GOoD News) to others. There will be people in our lives who are hungering for GOD and want to be fed by GOD’s Word, but they cannot do it themselves. They say, as the Ethiopian in today’s reading, “How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?” GOD may allow us to be the ones who explain GOD’s
Word to others. We don’t need to be expert scripture scholars. We just need to have an ever-deepening relationship with GOD. That’s what we have the privilege to share with others. We share how our experiences of Jesus and His Abba have touched and transformed our lives. And the more we are in tune with Jesus and His Abba, Who happens to be GOD, the more the Holy Spirit (Who is also GOD) will guide us and lead us as we journey along the way with those who seek to know GOD. To help us in our being in tune with the Lord Jesus, we can continue to read and be nourished by the Word of GOD, join a Bible Study group or other group who share the GOoD News of Jesus, and be fed by the Bread of Life at the Table of the Lord.
We, like Philip, may not be on the journey for a long time with some of those whose paths we cross. It may
be only a short encounter. Yet, GOD can use our short time with another person to help that person understand how much GOD loves them. We never know whose lives we will affect or how it will happen, we just need to be ready to be GOD’s servants who (as St. Francis of Assisi said,) “proclaim the Gospel at all times, and, if necessary, use words.”
I was reminded of this when I was reading Pope Francis’ book, The Joy of the Gospel. The pope reminds all Christians of their duty of sharing the Glad Tidings – GOoD News – Gospel – with those we encounter in our daily living. (I used many quotes from the book when I led a Lenten Series of Reflections on Discipleship a few years ago.) We must share the GOoD News joyfully. People must see that we are happily excited about our relationship with Jesus and His Abba in the unity of the Holy Spirit. I know of an individual who speaks to the checkout clerks at the grocery store and says, “GOD bless you.” He says how touched the clerks are to hear these words. It can be an invitation for them to accept (fuller) the joyful GOoD News.
The personal question/action for today: Who has come at the right time in my life and shared the GOoD News that I needed to hear at that time? With whom might the Holy Spirit be leading me to share the GOoD News? How can I share the GOoD News with them? How can I feed on the Bread of Life more fully?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever conscious of people’s hunger for knowledge of Who You are. Through Your GOoDness, You satisfy our hunger by feeding us with Your Son, the Bread of Life. Once we have tasted of Your GOoDness, You ask us to go out and help others understand as they journey along the road to You and to the home You and Your Son have prepared for all. You entrust us with the ministry of joyfully sharing our knowledge and experience of Your great love with others. We thank You and praise You for filling us with that which nourishes and satisfies our hunger, and thus, allowing us to provide food for thought for others. We give You all the glory and praise as others are drawn into a closer, life-giving relationship with You. Continue to open us to the movement of Your Holy Spirit, so we can be led to where You would have us minister and to those whom You would have us serve. We make this prayer of praise and thanks and petition, in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, our Risen Savior and loving Brother, the Bread of Life Who nourishes us for eternal life, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
May 9, 2025 BACK
Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Saint John of Avila:
Readings: Acts 9: 1-20; Psalm 117: 1bc, 2; John 6: 52-59
Two of the qualities that are the hallmarks of GOD throughout the Bible are “steadfast (or loving) kindness” ([c]hesed) and “enduring fidelity” (emet[h]). These two qualities are reflected in the shortest psalm in the Book of
the Psalms – Psalm 117. In the second and final verse of this psalm we hear: “For steadfast is
GOD’s kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.” It is from these that I have two points to ponder today. The first (steadfast kindness or “lovingkindness”) comes from the selection in the Acts of the Apostles: the conversion of St. Paul. The second (enduring fidelity) flows from the Gospel according to St. John: Jesus’ insistence that His followers eat His Body and drink His Blood. Thus, we can say over and
over again: “For steadfast is GOD’s kindness to us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.” The First Reading gives us the account of St. Paul’s life-changing experience
on the road to Damascus. To understand how radical this encounter was for Paul, we need to think about who Saul of Tarsus was. Saul (a Jewish name) was a Pharisee, a strict Jew who followed the precepts of the law to the greatest
extreme. Saul was also a Roman citizen who was fluent in Greek, as well as Hebrew. Saul was so caught up in fulfilling the letter of the law that he was totally committed to the religious philosophy and legalism of Judaism. He believed in doing the legally right things (i.e., obeying the strictest adherence to all laws), even if it hurt relationships – relationship with others and even a relationship with GOD. Saul thought he had a duty to purge Judaism of anything and anyone who did not fit into his understanding of what the Judaic law prescribed.
Thus, it is that Saul is present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (“witness”). Saul proceeds to continue the persecution of “the people of The Way” (an early Christian term for followers of Jesus, Who is the Way).
Today’s First Reading relates that on his journey to arrest the Christians whom he considered to be “heretical” Jews, Saul is suddenly enlightened. When confronted with the Light, he realizes his blindness (not only physical blindness, but also blindness to the Truth). He is not just trying to exterminate the followers of Jesus, he is persecuting Jesus, Himself. This new insight is so overwhelming that he cannot see what he is to do. For three days (interesting number), Saul remains in darkness, unable to see. I’m sure he does a lot of thinking. He refrains from food and drink, purging himself of all aspects of his old way of life.
The Lord Jesus calls upon one of the Christian faithful in Damascus to go to Saul and to bring him healing and to empower Ananias to be the instrument GOD would use to open Saul’s eyes. Ananias obviously is concerned about going to the very person who has authority to arrest Christians. Yet GOD has chosen Saul for a very important work: the proclamation of the GOoD News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (non-Jews). What a switch Saul/Paul will have to undergo. From being so closed-mindedly Jewish that he wants to exterminate Jewish- Christians, he will become the champion of the non-Jews in their following Jesus. Saul has to go from a strict observer of the Law and rituals to a man fully committed to a relationship with a personal GOD. GOD’s
steadfast kindness/love ([c]hesed) is truly evident in the way GOD treats Saul. GOD does not desert him, even if Saul has misunderstood Who GOD is. Saul/Paul experiences the steadfast kindness of a loving GOD, of a benevolent Savior. Paul (a Roman name) now begins to know the steadfast kindness ([c]hesed) from the way
GOD treats him.
The second half of verse 2 of Psalm 117 speaks of the fidelity (emet[h]) of the LORD enduring forever. Thus, it is that Jesus gives Himself to His followers under the form of bread and wine. Jesus knows He will not stay with His disciples in His earthly body when He ascends to heaven. Yet, Jesus wants to endure faithfully with His disciplined learners (disciples). Thus, he promises to nourish them with His very Body and Blood. He will feed them with His very flesh. Yet, it would not be in the form of cannibalism. He will be giving His followers His very self as the Bread of Life. To me this sixth chapter of St. John’s Gospel is the strongest biblical basis for the mainline churches’ belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Jesus wants His followers to be able to be in communion with Him
and to feed on Him. This will give them life – eternal
life. It will enable Him to be with them, enduring faithfully as their source of nourishment and life.
As I reflect on the conversion of St. Paul and on Jesus as the Bread of Life, I realize that I have a chance for eternal life, not because of anything I do. For like St. Paul, I have not always understood the plan of GOD and,
at times in the past, have worked against GOD’s plan by being overly caught up in the religious philosophy, strict legalism, and academic theology, rather than in deepening my relationship with a personal GOD. GOD is also calling me, and all Christians, to be enlightened by the Truth rather than act in darkness and blindness. I have the privilege – and duty – of proclaiming the GOoD News to others, even if it is not to the extent Paul did. I need to continue the “conversion” experience as Paul did.
I also need to continue to come to Jesus, the Bread of Life, and be nourished by Him so that I can experience the enduring faithfulness of the Lord Jesus Who has chosen to feed us with His very Self. How much our GOD loves us that GOD would call us to conversion and full communion with Jesus. This manifests the steadfast kindness of our GOD. GOD continues to strengthen us and provide the very food that is our mainstay as we proclaim the enduring faithfulness of our GOD.
The personal question/action for today: How have I experience the steadfast loving- kindness and enduring faithfulness of GOD? To what aspects of my faith have I been blind and not open to see what the Lord Jesus would have me see? How can I deepen my relationship with the Lord Jesus Who desires that I feed on Him Who is the Bread of Life? How can I reach out to others and help them experience the steadfast loving-kindness ([c]hesed) and enduring faithfulness (emet[h]) of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, truly steadfastly and lovingly kind and enduringly faithful, even when we don’t understand these qualities of Yours. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to call us from being so overly concerned about precepts and rituals, philosophies and even the study of theology. You invite us into a relationship with You rather than with written human words and rules. We thank You for giving us the enlightenment we need to open our eyes to Your loving-kindness and enduring faithfulness. May we be strengthened by Your Holy Spirit as St. Paul was. May we be transformed and nourished by Your Son, Jesus, Who has given us His Body and Blood as our food and drink. We praise You for Your steadfast kindness and enduring faithfulness to us. This we pray in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Master and Teacher, Who nourishes and sustains us and leads us to the home You have prepared for us and where we will live with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggg
May 10, 2025 BACK
Saturday of the Third Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of St. Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i)
Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i:
Readings: Acts 9: 31-42; Psalm 116: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17; John 6: 60-69
Our psalm selection today begins with the words: “How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the GOoD GOD has done for me?” This should be a question we ask ourselves every day, in fact, every minute of every day. Yet so many people do not ask that question. Instead, they often ask: “What has GOD done for me?” or “Why has GOD allowed this terrible thing to happen to me?” They fail to see that every GOoD flows from GOD and that GOD can make GOoD come out of what seems like an apparent negative experience.
As we reflect on today’s readings, we see signs of GOD’s GOoDness. The passage from the Acts of the Apostles shows us that out of the persecution of the early believers, the Church grew. Yesterday we heard about the persecution of the early Christians by Saul. We also reflected how that turned out to be a blessing for the early believers as the
persecutor Saul becomes St. Paul the Apostle. Today we see what effect St. Peter had in the lives of people. Peter speaks the following healing words to Aeneas, a crippled and paralyzed man: “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you.” It is not Peter who heals. The GOoDness, health, and well- being (salus) comes from Jesus. As a result of this healing, many turned to the Lord Jesus and experience eternal salus (salvation). We also hear how Peter was instrumental in GOD’s raising of Tabitha (Dorcas - Gazelle)
from the dead. And through it, many more came to believe in the Lord Jesus.
GOD continues to do GOoD for us. Our response, as today’s psalm indicates, is to say to GOD, “O LORD, I am your servant.” We are called to service – ministry. This is a calling all of us have because of our being disciples and servants of the Lord Jesus. And the way we serve (and return to the LORD what GOD has given to us) is by taking up the Cup of Salvation and the Bread of Life – Jesus’s own Blood and Body that He gives us as our food and nourishment.
The verses from today’s section of Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse have always touched my heart. Jesus has just finished telling the crowds that they must eat His Body and drink His Blood. Some people start to leave, saying, “This saying is hard, who can accept it?” What strikes me is that Jesus does not call back those who are leaving. He does not say, “Oh, I was only speaking figuratively. You
don’t really have to eat My Body and drink My Blood.” Jesus lets them go. If they cannot accept His invitation and command to feast on His very Body and Blood – the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation – then
Jesus does not want them to follow Him, because they are not believing in one of the most important aspects of His teaching.
Jesus then addresses the Twelve and ask them if they also want to leave. Peter speaks up and says, “Master, to whom shall we go. You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that You are the Holy One of GOD.” Peter realizes that he
and the other apostles must accept all of Jesus’ teaching since He is the One Who has been sent by GOD, His
Abba-Father. Whatever Jesus says is Truth, even the need to eat His Body and drink His Blood.
Jesus’ giving of Himself to us as the Bread of Life is just another GOoD thing which GOD has done for us. We need to continue to “offer sacrifice of thanksgiving to GOD and call upon the name of the LORD.” We need to come to the Master and feast upon Him and be willing to serve others as servants of the LORD GOD. I am reminded of this during the pandemic that struck the world for years, since we were not always able to gather physically at the Table of the Lord Jesus and feast on His Body and Blood. During the time we are not allowed to gather at churches, I missed being able to celebrate Eucharist and receive Communion with other believers. I thank GOD that now we are generally able to return to the Table of the Lord Jesus.
As we continue our journey back to the house of our Abba, Who happens to be GOD, we need to stop and to reflect on the GOoD that GOD has done for us. GOD has touched our lives, even during the most trying times. GOD provides for us and brings us healing in the midst of pain and sickness. GOD feeds us as we hunger for Truth and Life, because Jesus is the Truth and the Life. Jesus raises us up when we are dead. Let us make a return to the Lord Jesus for all the GOoD GOD has done for us by taking up the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation, and also by being servants of the Lord Jesus and servants to GOD’s Holy People.
The personal question/action for today: What GOoD things has GOD done for me recently? How have I given a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving back to GOD? How am I nourished as I journey along my way back to GOD? How can I help others be open to the GOoDness of GOD in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever gracious and always giving. Through Your GOoDness, You constantly do GOoD for us. We often fail to see Your GOoDness manifested in the little events of our lives. We expect outstanding miracles and miss the minor signs of Your presence and healing. May we take the time to reflect on how You have touched our lives each and every hour of each and every day. May we take up the Cup of Salvation and give You thanks by calling upon Your name and the name of Your Son, Jesus. In His name we have salus – healing, wholeness, and salvation. It is He Who is the Bread of Life, Which/Who nourishes us and strengthens us for our journey to You. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, open our eyes, our minds, and our hearts to see, to understand, and to love Your GOoDness. May we offer You a return by our service of those who need to be reassured of Your loving presence. In the name of Jesus we make this prayer, for He is our Master and Teacher, Who has given us an example of loving service, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
May 11, 2025 BACK
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Saint Ignatius of Laconi:
Readings: Acts 13: 14, 43-52; Psalm 100: 1-2, 3, 5; Revelation 7: 9, 14b-17; John 10: 27-30
A relationship with GOD leads to care of others. In the First Reading, St. Paul begins his ministry to the Gentiles (obviously flowing from his experience of a relationship with the Lord Jesus). The psalm reiterates that we belong to GOD, just as sheep have a relationship with the shepherd, and, therefore, the LORD will take care of us. The vision in the selection from the Book of Revelation portrays the heavenly liturgical celebration of the Lamb Who sits on the throne. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the oneness He has with His Abba-Father that leads Him to continue to care for the flock that His Abba has entrusted to Him.
Today’s passage in the Acts of the Apostles is a turning point for Luke. The emphasis of the book switches from St. Peter and the original Apostles to St. Paul and his companions. There is also a change from ministry primarily with those who are Jews or who are leaning toward Judaism, to a concentration on the spread of the GOoD News to the Gentiles of all nations. We hear part of Paul’s first prolonged sermon in Antioch in Pisidia (central part of modern Turkey). Paul announces that GOD had first offered the message of salvation to those who practiced Judaism, but now that message is being proclaimed not only to Jews and to those interested in
Judaism, but to all people. Obviously, the Gentiles rejoice in this announcement, while the strict Jews are offended by
Paul’s message.
The Responsorial reminds us that all those who develop a relationship with GOD are sheep of GOD’s flock. We belong to GOD and with that bond comes GOD’s protection and gifts. That relationship should lead to the joyful praise of GOD.
The glimpse of heaven, that is presented to us today from the Book of Revelation, enables us to have an experience of the eternal celebration of praise that will take place. The heavenly worship will be celebrated by an innumerably large crowd of people from every place and time. Those participating will be wearing the white robes that they received when they were baptized into the death (blood) and resurrection of the Lamb (Jesus). It is not just those who are martyrs (suffered death as a result of their relationship with the Lord Jesus), but all who have given witness to their relationship with the Lamb by their way of living. It is the Lamb Who is the center of the worship and who provides for all the flock gathered around in praise. It will be a time of profound joy and peace, when there will be no sadness or pain.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter (in all three liturgical cycles) has readings from the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel which focuses on the role of Jesus as the Shepherd. He truly is the GOoD Shepherd (Pastor Bonus). Today’s pericope deals with the unity that exists between Jesus and His Abba and that flows out to the flock that His Abba has entrusted to Him. It is because Jesus is one with His Abba that He is certain of who the sheep are to whom He ministers. He tends the flock exactly as His Abba wills because He knows His Abba’s plan.
What strikes me about the readings today is that a relationship with GOD leads to the joyful care of others. Jesus was very much aware of that. Because He was in complete and perfect relationship (oneness) with His Abba, He ministers to the needs of all those whom He has been sent to serve. This is not just a single experience of ministering, but a life-long (a life-giving and joy-filled) mission He has. And it does not end here on earth with His death and resurrection and ascension. His sense of loving service, that takes Him to the cross and from the grave, flows into the next life where He, as the Lamb on the throne, continues to bestow blessings and joy on those who have made a commitment to Him and have clothed themselves in the white robes. The faithful hear His voice and follow Him, giving Him
eternal worship as He shares the heavenly blessings with them.
I am also challenged by the First Reading. Not only am I to have a relationship with Jesus, the Lamb of GOD, and His Abba, I am also entrusted to be a witness (martyros) to that relationship by joyfully announcing the GOoD News to others. The first and most important way that I am called to proclaim the Gospel (GOoD News) is by tending the part of GOD’s flock that GOD has entrusted to me. I am to serve those whom GOD has placed in my life. At times, my words and actions, like Paul’s in today’s selection from Acts, may be confronting to some and comforting to others. I may face rejection by those not open to GOD’s Truth, but mostly likely, I will also sense the joyful feeling of others who are excited about the message of salvation that flows from the Lamb.
I can only be faithful to the relationship I have with the Lamb and His Abba by tending to those to whom GOD is allowing me to minister. And conversely, I can only minister to GOD’s flock if I am in relationship with the Lord Jesus and continually seek to do GOD’s will.
Obviously, the first priority has to be to serve and to give witness to the members of my immediate family, and then my church family. The best way I can proclaim GOoD News to them is by being a servant-leader. I must model the role of shepherding by tending to their needs and protecting them and guiding them along the Way of the GOoD Shepherd. At times I may have to speak challenging words, but it should always be done in a loving, joy-filled, and caring manner.
I am also called to minister and serve those with whom I come in contact during my daily activities whether that be in my home, my faith community or in my work environment, or even in casual encounters. Yes, it may sometimes demand that I speak up, but more often I will be called to be a witness by what I do. I recall the words of St. Francis of Assisi who told his followers: “Preach the Gospel at all times; and – if necessary – use words.”
As I tend to those whom GOD allows me to encounter along my life journey, and I help them experience the love of the GOoD Shepherd, then I will be able to join the eternal praise of the Lamb, not just in the future in heaven, but right here and now. That means that I must seek to see every person as, at least potentially, part of the flock of GOD. I must joyfully serve them as belonging to GOD. I must not be their judge, even though I may be called to challenge their actions. It may be that my loving care of them will help them draw closer to the GOoD Shepherd and be part of the innumerable crowd who will praise the Lamb and His Abba, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the eternal celebration of heaven. It is then that I can echo the words of the psalmist today and say: “Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before the LORD with joyful song.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the loving care of the GOoD Shepherd, either directly or through the means of others who shepherd His flock? What was it like to know that GOoD Shepherd and His assistant shepherds were there to help, challenge, and protect me? To whom has the GOoD Shepherd called me to help lead and guide? How has my relationship with the Lord Jesus empowered me to be more loving and caring of those whom GOD has entrusted to me? Who might benefit from my pastoral (shepherding) care today, this week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Abba. Through Your GOoDness, You sent Your Son to be Your sacrificial Lamb and the GOoD Shepherd of Your flock. He lived, ministered, suffered death, and rose in loving service of You and for the sake of all Your flock. You desire that all people turn from their lives of sinfulness and actively and joyfully participate in Your worship and the worship of Your Lamb. In order to continue His acts of tender loving care for Your flock, Jesus empowered His followers to further His ministry by proclaiming Your GOoD News in word and action. We thank You for allowing us to not only be a part of Your flock, but also to shepherd that portion of Your flock that You have entrusted to our care. We have not always been faithful witnesses and caring shepherds. At times, we have failed to reflect the love of the GOoD Shepherd. For this we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. We ask that You continue to make us mindful of the gifts that You have bestowed upon us through Your Holy Spirit. Inspire us and makes us joyfully enthusiastic in our care of Your flock. We pray that we may join the eternal worship of You, the Lamb, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for You are our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggg
May 12, 2025 BACK
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of Sts. Nereus and Achilleus or St. Pancras)
Saint Pancras / Sts. Nereus and Achilleus:
Readings: Acts 11: 1-18; Psalm 42: 2-3; 43: 3, 4; John 10: 1-10
Today’s First Reading relates St. Peter’s entering the home of Gentiles and eating with them. Up until this point, all the Christians were either Jews or converts to Judaism. Peter defends his action by relating a vision he had and another vision that a Gentile had. This is a third “Pentecost” in that the Holy Spirit is being given to the Gentiles. [The first Pentecost was to the Jews in Jerusalem; the second was to Jews and Samaritans in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.]
The psalm today reminds us that what the center of our life should be – searching to know and follow GOD more and more. That is where true peace and happiness can be found.
The Gospel today is the first part of the section from St. John’s Gospel verses about the GOoD Shepherd, of which we heard later verses proclaimed yesterday. Today Jesus tells us that as the GOoD Shepherd, He calls His sheep, and they listen for His voice and follow Him. He is also the Sheep Gate, that which (Who) protects the sheep within the sheep pen and also lets them out to find safe pasture.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how often those called to leadership and positions of authority get caught up in the wrong ideas of what leadership is all about. Leadership means doing whatever is necessary so that those who are being led can arrive safely at their destination and can be provided for by the leader. The leader must be willing to do anything for the sake of those being led, as long as it fits into GOD’s plan. St. Peter found
this out in the First Reading. In his vision, he saw something like a large tarp being lowered down before him. In the canvas there were many animals that were considered to be unclean for Jews, and therefore, unfit to be eaten.
Peter is told to slaughter and eat the animals. Being the “faithful Jew” that he was, Peter refused to eat the “unclean” food. In response he was told, “What GOD says is clean, is okay to eat.” Typical for Peter, being told this once was not enough. He had to hear it three times.
About the same time a Gentile (non-Jew) had a vision of a man named Simon Peter coming to him so that he and his
household might have salus (healing, salvation). When Peter does arrive and starts to teach, the Holy Spirit is made manifest and bestows the divine gifts on the Gentiles, just as the Holy Spirit had done on the Apostles on Pentecost. Peter finally understands his vision of GOD telling him to eat the unclean animals. When GOD bestows the divine gifts on people, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, they are part of GOD’s Chosen and Holy People, part of GOD’s family. The relationship with GOD is what is important, not adherence to some particular set of rules and regulations. Those
called to lead must seek to draw others into a closer relationship with GOD and not put roadblocks in the way of that relationship.
In a similar way, Jesus, in today’s Gospel, says that He is the Sheep Gate. In the time of Jesus, shepherds would bring their sheep into something like a corral or pen at night. It was an enclosure with an opening. The enclosure would protect the sheep from wild animals and thieves. The shepherds would lead the sheep through the opening. One of the shepherds would then sleep in the opening of the enclosure and would be the “gate” to protect the sheep from leaving and also prevent anyone or any animal from coming into the pen in order to take the sheep. Obviously, if a thief wanted to steal the sheep, he would have to climb over the walls of the enclosure rather than try to pass over the human “gate” in the entrance.
First, the challenge for all of us is to look at our role as sheep and our role, if we have one, as shepherds-leaders.
Are we at peace knowing that Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, is laying down His life to protect us. He guards the entrance so that no one will come in to take us and also to prevent us from wandering away from His safety during the darkness of night. We can rest, having been assured that Jesus is with us and He is guarding us. He is aware of any dangers
that might try to sneak over the safety He provides. Thus, He protects us from harm, even to the point of laying down
His life for His sheep - that is, us.
Secondly, if we are in the position of being a leader, whether that be at home, at school, at work, at church, or anywhere else, we need to see how we are leading. Do we know the people who have been entrusted to us? Are we interested in their well-being as much as we are in getting the job done? Are we true leaders, that is, do we walk in such a way that invites others to follow? Do we set an example of what must be done and how to do it? Are we willing to lay down our lives for the sake of those whom we are leading, or would we rather “sacrifice” one of our flock, so that we don’t have to face the dangers of ravenous wolves or thieves? Do we stand guard to protect those entrusted to our care? And are we imitators of the GOoD Shepherd and His way of leading the flock?
Thus, the readings challenge us to look at what is the driving force behind our behavior. We are called to seek first the relationship with GOD (our own relationship and others’ relationship with GOD). That has to have a higher priority than rules and regulations. In seeking that relationship, we will follow the lead of our GOoD Shepherd – we will get to know His voice and allow Him to come into our lives. And if we are given the privilege of leadership, we will imitate the GOoD Shepherd and seek the well-being of those whom we are called to lead. And we will only lead in a way that leads to the one GOoD Shepherd Who seeks to have all in the one flock. We will not feel threatened by the true leadership of others who are also seeking to lead others to the one flock of the one GOoD Shepherd. And we will pray for the unity of all the sheep under the perfect leadership of Jesus, “The GOoD Shepherd.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of the flock of the Lord Jesus, where do I see myself? Am I a peace-filled member of the flock who follows the lead of the GOoD Shepherd, or am I the wayward sheep who goes my own way and gets lost? Do I see myself as a thief trying to snatch others away from the care of the GOoD Shepherd?
Do I pattern my leadership on that of the GOoD Shepherd Who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep? Am I willing to be a shepherd who will guard all those who are in the flock? How can I more faithfully shepherd and care for those whom GOD places in my care?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One Who is ever desiring a closer relationship with us. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us Your Son as our GOoD Shepherd. In His life and ministry, He wanted only one thing: that we become united with Him and with You and the Holy Spirit. He continues to seek our GOoD and wants to lead us to the best pasture where we will enjoy the fullness of life that You have in store for us. He protects us from those who would do us harm and is willing to lay down His life for us. We have not always listened to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd, but we have listened to false shepherds who offer false promises and who lead us astray. Yet, Your Son, the GOoD Shepherd, continues to search us out as we stray from the one flock. We come as sheep in need of the GOoD Shepherd. We also pray for those among us whom You have called to be leaders and shepherds in the name of the GOoD Shepherd. We ask that they may truly imitate the devotion and sense of service that the GOoD Shepherd has for the sheep. May all who take on leadership roles realize their blessed privilege in being able to lead others to the GOoD Shepherd. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our GOoD Shepherd, Who is our personal leader and Who has given His life for us, the members of His flock, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
May 13, 2025 BACK
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of Our Lady of Fatima)
Our Lady of Fatima:
Readings: Acts 11: 19-26; Psalm 87: 1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 10: 22-30
GOD works in strange ways. It seems like there have often been difficult times for those who believe in GOD. Sometimes it is from non-believers, sometimes it is from other so-called believers who do not understand how GOD works and who try to control how GOD works. We see examples of these in our readings today.
In our First Reading we hear about the continued persecution of the earlier believers. Because of this, the GOoD News starts to be preached to non-Jews. Many Gentiles come to believe and the early leaders of the Church, like Barnabas, begin to see how GOD can work in the lives of non-Jews.
The psalm builds on this theme with the refrain: “All you nations, praise the LORD.” It is not just the Jewish people, but all who come to believe in GOD who are called to praise GOD.
In the Gospel today Jesus continues the theme of the GOoD Shepherd. He reassures us that those who hear the voice of Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, will follow Him and He will give them life – eternal life. And He reminds those who hear Him that no one can snatch them away from Himself and His Abba-Father.
As we face trying times in the world, we can be strengthened by knowing that GOD will see us through. This
should motivate us to seek the Lord Jesus, especially as we have experienced trying times in the last few years with civil unrest, global tensions, earthquakes, droughts, flooding, the world-wide illnesses. Though we may not understand what GOoD can come from worldly strife and division, pain and suffering, we need to believe that GOD is in control, and GOD can make GOoD come out of the wrong doings of humans, both within and outside of the community of faith. Some people may blame world leaders for not acting quicker to prevent the worldwide spread of the Covid-19 virus or to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some leaders may have acted wrongly in handling the climate changes and dealing with foreign nations and local situations of shootings and other acts of violence. But that is not to say that our focus should be on the wrongdoings of some people,
including those who have not fully heeded the directives issued for the well-being of fellow humans. That is not to say that we should condone wrong doings, but we need to trust that GOD can give life and, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel, no one will snatch away the sheep who belong to the GOoD Shepherd.
As we look around, we need to realize that our community (whether the world or the Church) is simul justus et peccator – “at the same time, just and sinner.” The Church is made up of humans with human failings – sinners. Yet, through our connection with the GOoD Shepherd, we are made just and are given eternal life, or as it is said of Barnabas in today’s First Reading: “he rejoiced to see the evidence of GOD’s grace/favor.” GOD is still justifying (as only GOD can do) by pouring out the divine grace/favor on the holy (yet sinful) people of GOD.
We may ask the same question of Jesus that the people in today’s Gospel asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense?” We want to know why terrible, evil, and sinful things have been done by those who do harm to others, even by those who are called to lead and shepherd. We may want to know when all the negative happenings will end. We want to see how GOD is going to fix the messes all around and we want GOD to do it – and do it now. Yet, we must not lose faith, and we must not doubt that GOD can make GOoD come out of what is happening all around us. We also need to be honest and realize that the sins of some members of the Church and of the world are not what the Church or concerned individuals should have as their primary focus. What is important is that we listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd and follow Him. That is the only thing that can bring us life – eternal life.
Will something GOoD come of all this evil we see in the world? I believe it will. What will it be? I don’t know. Yet, my faith in GOD our Abba-Father and in the GOoD Shepherd, all under the direction of the Holy Spirit – that’s what keeps me going. Someone recently commented that Jesus chose twelve individuals to be His apostles. Out of those twelve, one betrayed Him; one denied Him three times; nine ran away and hid; only one was willing to stand beneath the cross as Jesus hung dying. Yet, after the coming of the Holy Spirit, eleven of those original twelve went out and were willing to lay down their lives for the flock of the GOoD Shepherd. What is important is not the messenger but the Message, not the “bringer” of Truth, but He Who is Truth.
Do we need to do anything? By all means. We need to pray. Pray for salus – healing, salvation, well-being. Healing for those who have been scared and hurt by the sins of the world. We need to pray for healing and reconciliation of those who have been sinful or lacked concern for others. We should lift our prayers for all who are sick and seek healing of their souls, as well as their bodies. We should also seek to pray and work for healing of our civil communities. We need to pray for those who are called to continue to shepherd the flock of the GOoD Shepherd and take care of all who live on this earth. We need to pray for an openness to the movement
of the Holy Spirit in all parts of the Church, from those in authority all the way down to the least of all individuals. We need to work for the unity of the flock of the GOoD Shepherd. We also need to edify, comfort, and build each other up, reassuring each other of GOD’s love and our care and concern. We need to be the Body of Christ reaching out to other members of the Body and to all peoples. GOD has worked marvelous signs in the past. GOD will continue to work in strange and great ways in the future.
The personal question/action for today: How do I respond to the evil that is present in the world? Do I condemn the sin (the sinful action) and still show concern for the sinner, praying and working for the sinner’s reconciliation? How do I work for the GOoD of the flock of the Lord Jesus, that includes all people? Am I doing all I can to build up the Body of Christ and seek a working together of all the parts of His Body? Am I open to various ways GOD might be acting in my life and the lives of those around me?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever wise and all knowing. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son as the GOoD Shepherd of souls to bring all who listen to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd into the one flock. Through Your Son, You have promised eternal life, healing, and salvation to all who follow the GOoD Shepherd. We know that we are simul justus et peccator – at the same time, just and sinful. We as individuals and as a whole are sinners. We have strayed from the GOoD Shepherd and have even caused harm to other members of the flock. We have turned our backs to the wrongs done to the flock, pretending not to see.
Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, open our eyes so that we can see as Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, sees –
not condemning the sinner, but condemning the sin. Help us to open our ears so that we may clearly hear the voice of the GOoD Shepherd Who calls us to follow Him, through the dark valley to verdant pasture beside a restful stream. We give You praise and thanks for continuing to challenge us to grow into faithful members of the Body of Christ. We make the prayer in the name of Jesus, our GOoD Shepherd, Who calls us again and again to be His flock, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggg
May 14, 2025 BACK
Feast of St. Matthias
(Replacing Wed. of 4th Week of Easter) saint-matthias
Readings: Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26; Psalm 113: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; John 15: 9-17
Today we celebrate the Feast of Matthias. Today’s First Reading takes place between the Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost. Since the suicide of Judas Iscariot, the number of apostles dropped to eleven. It is decided that someone should be appointed to make the number of Apostles be twelve again. Two men are selected: Joseph (a.k.a. Barsabbas, a.k.a. Justus) and Matthias. Lots are drawn and the one decided upon is Matthias.
The Gospel is part of the Last Supper discourse (and is specially chosen for the Feast of St. Matthias). In today’s pericope, Jesus commissions His disciples to keep His commandments, especially the commandment of loving one another. Jesus speaks about this key commandment and remarks that no greater love does anyone have than being willing to lay down one’s life for another.
Jesus in today’s Gospel also reminds us that the choice of being His disciple and apostle is not the choice of the one who takes on this role. It is Jesus Who has first chosen the person for this privilege and responsibility. Both GOD’s gift and GOD’s election start the process. This is what raises the chosen ones from the role of slave to that of servant-friend. The response of the one chosen is to be faithful to the calling that GOD has given.
The readings and feast of the day should speak to all who desire a relationship with the Lord Jesus. It begins and ends with GOD. GOD calls us to be in relationship. Jesus picks us to be His disciples (disciplined learners) who will sit at His feet and learn from Him. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be apostles (people “sent out” on a “mission”). What an awesome and privileged gift and responsibility we have been given – to be GOD’s chosen ones. It ends with our being one with Jesus, forever in the house of His Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD.
Once we accept this special relationship, this privilege of learning from the Master and the mission we are asked to undertake, then we will need to be martyrs (ìáñôõñïé – martyroi – “witnesses”) to what we have experienced. We need to live out the chief commandment that Jesus has given us and demonstrated for us: loving one another as He has loved us. That is the witnessing to which we are called – loving one another.
Loving one another is no simple thing of having “lovey-dovey” feelings for everyone. Loving one another is the willingness to do whatever it takes to bring the GOoD News of Jesus Christ to others. It means being willing to be a servant- friend. Jesus tells us that we are no longer slaves, but friends – servant-friends. A slave is under compulsion to do the work for the master. A servant-friend lovingly responds to the need of the Master-Teacher. The servant-friend wants to do whatever is necessary, so the work and mission of the Master-Teacher-Friend is carried on. The servant-friend will treat others just like the Master-Teacher- Friend: caring for others, working for their best physical and spiritual interests.
Twenty-two years ago, on the day before the feast of St. Matthias, I was reminded of what it means to be a servant-friend. That day (May 13, 2003) was a Tuesday. After leaving the house at 5:20 a.m., attending a Bible Study at 6:00 a.m., working at school from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., I decided to leave school “early” to get home early for a change, since the night before I had spent four hours
taking a friend to the emergency room at the hospital. As I prepared to leave school, I called the friend and could
not get hold of the person. I drove the 45-minutes to the house of my friend and the person was not home. I talked to neighbors and was informed that an ambulance had taken the person away. After a few more phone calls, I discovered the hospital where my friend had been taken to the emergency room. I picked up the friend. We drove 45 minutes to the friend’s doctor’s office. The staff at the doctor’s office asked that I take the individual to the local hospital and its emergency room. After another four plus hours, the friend was admitted to the hospital near the doctor’s office, different from the hospital where the friend had been in the afternoon. I returned home at 10:30 p.m. While I spent the hours waiting in the emergency hospital, the friend kept saying, “Why are you doing this for me?” I could only respond that GOD had sent me to do whatever was necessary since this friend did not have any relatives in California. I was sent (“apostled”) to be the servant-friend to this person in need.
During the pandemic, we may not have been asked to take friends to a hospital and sit with them in the waiting room for four hours. Instead, we might have been asked to pick up supplies for an elderly person who could not get out or know how to have things remotely delivered. We might have been “chosen” to reach out online or through other social media to bring a word of encouragement. Prayer might have been our calling, as we lifted up to GOD those who are in need of GOD’s protection and our prayers.
So today, we are reminded that the Eleven Apostles realized that they were being guided to continue the mission of Jesus. They were led to allow another person to complete their numbers so that the ministry of Jesus would continue. They were guided by the Holy Spirit to select one who could give witness to the life and teaching of Jesus.
This same process continues today – the process of recognizing the call of other witnesses, servant-friends, disciples, and apostles. It is the will of GOD to call and choose many others to be witnesses, servant-friends, disciples, and apostles. We should thank GOD for this election process so that the ministry and mission of Jesus can continue into the future. We should give praise that we, too, have been chosen by GOD to fulfill this special role of loving others as Jesus loves us. This is our calling, this is our election – elected by Jesus for role He wants us to do, this is our mission.
The personal question/action for today: To whom am I called to be a servant-friend today? How can I give witness to that person and let them know that I am loving them because I have experienced the love Jesus has for me? Can people tell by the way I treat them that I am disciple of the Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever conscious of those whom You have called. Through Your GOoDness, You want others to share in the ministry and mission of Your Son – to announce Your GOoD News. You have given all authority and power to Jesus so that His message will continue to the ends of the earth and for all time. He has chosen individuals who have experienced the GOoD News in their own lives. He commissions them to carry on His work by giving witness to His unconditional love. He has given us an example of love by His willingness to lay down His life for others. We thank You, LORD GOD, for the way You have continued the spreading of the Gospel through the ages, by calling others to the roles of disciples, apostles, and servant-friends. We particularly express our gratitude for those who have shared their witnessing and faith with us and enabled us to come to this point in our journey to You. We ask that You make us even more aware of the empowerment we have received through the Holy Spirit, so that we can be witnesses of Your love to others. May we always come to our Master-Teacher-Friend and learn even more from Him as He teaches us and commissions us to announce the GOoD News that He has received from You and passed on to us. May we realize even more fully the fact that You have called us and chosen us to share in the ministry and mission of Your Son, Jesus. May
we give witness to all that we have received from You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. May our lives reflect the love You have given, so that others may accept Your gift of love. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, our Master-Teacher-Friend, our Savior, Who has called us as witnesses, disciples, apostles, and servant-friends, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggg
May 15, 2025 BACK
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of St. Isidore)
Saint Isidore the Farmer:
Readings: Acts 13: 13-25; Psalm 89: 2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27; John 13: 16-20
Our readings remind us that Jesus is the pivotal point in history. Jesus came as the fulfillment of all the Hebrews scriptures, and He is the beginning of all that lies in store for us. We also reflect on the fact that Jesus was sent by His Abba-Father and He, in turn, sends out others to continue His mission/apostolate of announcing the GOoD News.
In today’s account from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul is on his
missionary journey. He addresses a crowd of Jews and “GOD-fearing” individuals (non-Jews who have come to the synagogue to learn more about GOD and who desire to have a relationship with GOD). Paul asserts that all of Israelite history has been leading up to the coming of Jesus, the Christ,
the savior of the world. [John is John Mark, traditional understood to be the author of the Gospel of Mark.]
The psalm echoes part of Paul’s words in the First Reading. (Actually, Paul was quoting part of this psalm.) The psalmist praises GOD for choosing David and giving David power to lead the people, all for the greater glory of GOD.
In the Gospel, that takes place on the night before Jesus dies, Jesus reminds His disciples that He has come as the Master Who serves. Just as Jesus has washed the feet of His followers, so they must be willing to serve others. Jesus also creates a link between His followers and Himself that parallels the link Jesus has with His Abba. The concept of being sent (“apostled”) flows from Jesus’ own sense of mission/being sent by His Abba. It is a continued tradition (“handing down”) of authority. Jesus has been fully empowered by GOD, His Abba, and now Jesus empowers His disciples to be apostles (“those who are sent”).
I am edified and uplifted by the readings today. I see that each one of us, as the modern disciples of Jesus, are part of the salvific plan of GOD. GOD has control over history. The Hebrew scriptures prepared the world for the coming of Jesus, the Savior Who is the Christ - the Anointed One of GOD. The Word of GOD, as spoken through the patriarchs and prophets, focused on the time when GOD would save the people. (Remember Jesus [Yeshua] means “GOD saves.”) GOD’s plan was to send the Son with the mission and the ministry of announcing salvation and bringing it about through His own death and resurrection. The plan has not been limited only to the thirty-something years that Jesus walked on this earth in His human body. It reaches out from that key moment.
The plan includes sharing the mission and ministry by “apostling” (sending out) others to continue the proclamation of the divine message of salvation. We are doubly privileged. Not only have we heard the message through the human voices of those who came before us in faith, but we are also being given the opportunity to announce the same message to others.
The main way we are called to preach the GOoD News is addressed in today’s Gospel. We are called to be servants, just as Jesus served. We are called to be willing to “wash the feet” of others. This “washing of the feet” can take many forms. It can be our unconditional love for our family demonstrated by our doing our regular routine tasks with a cheerful heart. It can be the way we treat those with whom we work (or have worked in the past). It can be, as I have learned from the experiences of the last three decades, the caring for a sick and/or aged person who needs our help. We can “serve others” by simply smiling at a person whom we encounter in our daily activities, including associating with others via social media.
Whenever we are willing to think of others before ourselves, (while not letting ourselves be walked on or run over), it is then that we are imitating our Master Who came to serve and not to be served. From our serving others and sharing the GOoD News with them (first in actions), people should be able to see our relationship with our Master, just as Jesus revealed His relationship with His Abba by His acts of loving service and His words. If we can do that, then the words of today’s psalm will resonate through our very being: “The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness. For You have said, ‘My kindness is established forever’; in heaven You have confirmed Your faithfulness.”
The personal question/action for today: What will I do today to demonstrate that I am a servant of the Lord Jesus as I interact with those whom I encounter? How can I be more of a loving servant with a particular member of my family, a specific co-worker, or a person who crosses my path today (even if it is only online)? What can I do to encourage others to proclaim the GOoD News by the way they serve the people around them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You have always wanted to share Yourself with mortals, whom You made in Your own image and likeness. We have not always understood Your willingness to care for us, even though You have proclaimed Your message through the prophets of old. In the fulness of Your time, You sent Your Son as the Incarnation of Your loving service. Jesus came as the Master Who serves and saves. Jesus has empowered those who accept His gift of salvation to be co-workers with Him
in the process of proclaiming Your love. We thank You for those who answered the call and shared with us Your GOoD News. We also are grateful for Your allowing us to be a part of furthering the Gospel message by our loving service of others, always pointing back to our Master and His relationship with You. It is in the name of Jesus, our Master and Your Servant, that we make this prayer. For He is not only our role model of caring and loving, but also He has brought us Your salvation through His own death and resurrection. To You be all glory and honor and praise in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ffffffffffffff
May 16, 2025 BACK
Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Saint Margaret of Cortona
Readings: Acts 13: 26-33; Psalm 2: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab; John 14: 1-6
The relationship between Jesus and His Abba-Father takes center stage in today’s readings. In the First Reading, St. Paul refers to Psalm 2 to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of GOD’s Promised Word to send One Whom GOD calls “the Son.” In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks of His connection with the GOD Whom He call His Abba.
St. Paul speaks to the people of Antioch in Pisidia (in
modern Turkey). He summarizes the paschal mysteries of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. He shows how these events fulfill the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament) and reveal the close relationship between Jesus and His Abba, Who is GOD. He quotes Psalm 2 (which is the psalm of the day): “You are My Son; this day I have begotten You.”
The Gospel today is taken from Jesus’ discourse with His disciples at the Last Supper. Today Jesus speaks about preparing a place for His followers in His Abba’s house. He tells His disciples that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one can come to the Abba except through Him.
Jesus is not only a prophet (spokesperson for GOD);
He is not only the suffering servant (cf. Isaiah’s four passages about the Suffering Servant: https://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/ Servant_songs); but also, He is the Son of GOD Who has an intimate relation with His Abba Who is GOD. Jesus is constantly aware of His relationship with His Abba. He knows that He is called to do the will of His Abba and lead His followers into a closer relationship with His Abba.
It is thus that Jesus is upset because Thomas and the other disciples do not fully understand His mission and purpose. They do not understand that He has come to bring them to the dwelling place He is preparing for them in His Abba’s house. He tries to get this across to them by saying that He is the Way to the Abba and that no one can come into a deep, intimate relationship with GOD unless they come to the intimate relationship through Him. He also emphasizes that all other information about GOD, His Abba, is second to what He has come to share because He is the Truth. Finally, Jesus says that any other purpose in life is unimportant unless it is tied to Him, since He is the Life.
I am challenged by the readings today, because I do not always focus on Jesus as much as I should. Oh, I know in my head that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, but I do not always live it out in my life. If I really believe in my innermost being that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, my life would be centered even more fully on Jesus and the relationship with His Abba that He has come to share with me, and with you. If I firmly had trust in Jesus, I would not worry about my problems, but come and sit at the feet of the Master-Teacher and learn from Him. I would keep my eyes focused on Jesus, for He is the Way. I would reflect on His words, for He is the Truth. I would live a Christ-centered existence because He is the Life.
Yet, being so wound up in my own concerns, I miss out on what my relationship with Jesus and His Abba could be. I settle for less because I don’t fully trust the Lord Jesus; it is not that I don’t want to, but I let other things get in the way. I put too much emphasis on the wrong things. I can relate to Thomas. I, too, ask the wrong question. I repeat Thomas’ question: “I don’t know where You are going, Jesus; how can I know the way?” If I would just open my eyes and ears, I would realize that Jesus’s way is simple: He is heading back to His Abba and He wants us to come along. After all, He is the Way. The understanding of Jesus is also simple, for He is the Truth. What I must do is also simple. I just need to live like Jesus, for He is the Life.
The personal question/action for today: What in my life keeps me from living out my belief in Jesus Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life? What can I do to more fully follow Jesus, the Way to the Abba? What element of the Truth do I need to accept and personalize and which I have been reluctant to do? How can I live in a way that manifests Jesus as the source and purpose of my life? How can I share Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life with others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever revealing. Through Your GOoDness, You want us to come into a closer, more intimate relationship with You. Since we get lost so easily and cannot find our way, You sent us the Way – Your Son, Jesus. Because we get confused with falsehoods and lies, You have given us the Truth – Your Son, Jesus. Because we make choices that lead to death and destruction, You reassure us of Life – eternal Life – Life with You and Your Son Jesus, for He is the Life. You are overly generous in Your dealing with us and giving us what we need: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. All we can do is give You thanks and praise as we draw closer to You through Your Son. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us so we can follow the Way, learn the Truth, and experience the Life that You have given us. We make this prayer through the only means we have to You – through Your Son, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggg
May 17, 2025 BACK
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Saint Paschal Baylon: Readings: Acts 13: 44-52; Psalm 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; John 14: 7-14
“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of GOD.” These words from the Responsorial Psalm today speak of the manifestation of GOD’s work. It is something that flows out for all to see, yet all do not see. Some refuse to see. Some do not fully understand and lack spiritual insights. GOD wants all to see and to give praise back to GOD.
In our First Reading, Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey into Asia Minor (modern Turkey). After preaching in the Jewish synagogue in Antioch, they are ousted by the Jews. The Jews cannot see,
or they refuse to see, the truth of their own scriptures that revealed the saving works in the person of Jesus. The Gentiles rejoice in the message that Paul and
Barnabas bring – the message of the saving works of GOD. The disciples sense the joyful presence of the Holy Spirit. The saving works of GOD
are seen in more and more distant places and by people who are not part of the Jewish faith.
In the Gospel today, Philip does not see clearly. Philip wants to see the Abba-Father. Jesus had been with Philip and the other disciples for quite some time, yet they failed to see Jesus clearly.
Jesus chides Philip for not seeing that Jesus and His Abba are one and if you see (“understand”) Jesus and His mission, you see the Abba and “understand” the will of the Abba.
How often we fail to see the saving power of GOD. We think we
see what GOD wants us to see, but we are blind to GOD’s true workings. We only see what we want to see. We close our eyes and minds to the greater things that GOD is doing. Jesus came that we might see and experience the fullness of GOD, yet sometimes we shut our eyes to what GOD is revealing to us.
We think we see GOD’s plan, but what we see is through our own
tinted glasses. It colors the world with false colors. We become myopic and only have limited vision. We want GOD to see things the way we see things, and we are not willing to see things the way GOD sees them. We say such prayers as “GOD, help others to agree with me about. . .” or “Lord, open the eyes of those who disagree with me so that they will see clearly (what obviously I already see clearly).”
We should be listening to the words of Jesus, “take the beam out of your own eye, so that you can see clearly to remove the splinter in your kinfolk’s eye” (Matthew 7: 5). If we really had the eyes of faith, we would begin to see GOD’s plan in the life and ministry of Jesus. We would come and learn from the Master-Teacher. We would become disciplined learners who seek to imitate our Master so that people would look beyond us to see the Master and His saving works.
As a response to today’s reading, I sense that I am being invited to spend more time with Jesus. As I spend
more time with the Master, I will see His Abba as I look at the Master, and hopefully I will not hear the words Jesus addressed to Philip, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you still do not know Me?” It is in my spending time with the Master that I will get to “know” Him and His Abba, that is, I will deepen my relationship with Jesus and His Abba, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. I will see the great signs that Jesus will do as I learn to ask for the right gifts. That’s the challenge before me today: To see Jesus and His Abba and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit – to see the saving power of GOD that reaches out to the ends of the earth, beyond my limited scope. It takes a continued metanoia – a looking beyond my own mindset and a seeking to put on the mindset of the Master-Teacher.
The personal question/action for today: How is my spiritual vision? Do I seek to see how my Master-Teacher sees or do I want Jesus to see things my way? What items/ obstacles are blocking my vision and preventing me from seeing as GOD would have me see? How can I help others to see with the eyes of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all powerful and all knowing. Through Your GOoDness, You reveal Your saving power through many signs and wonders. Of these the greatest is the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus. He came to reveal Who You are by allowing His followers to see Who He is. As Master-Teacher, He taught His disciples (disciplined learners) to draw ever closer to Him and imitate Him in proclaiming Your love to others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to keep our eyes open to Your saving power as manifested in and through Your Son, Jesus the Christ.
May we give glory and praise to You as we continue to experience Your marvelous deeds. In the name of Jesus, we make this prayer, for He is our Master and Teacher, Who has given us an example of loving service, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ffffffffffffffffffff
May 18, 2025 BACK
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Saint John I:
Readings: Acts 14: 21-27; Psalm 145: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13; Revelation 21: 1-5a; John 13: 31-33a, 34-35
There is a sense of transition in today’s readings. In the passage from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and his companions are completing their missionary journey, concluding their work by setting up a way by which the new faith assemblies can carry on without them. The Responsorial reminds us that even though things change, GOD’s reign will never end. The Book of Revelation assures us that GOD will create a new heaven and a new earth, for GOD is in the process of making all things new. Today’s Gospel takes place at the Last Supper when Jesus issues a revised, but new commandment to His followers before He physically departs from them, through His death on the next day, and eventually after His resurrection and ascension.
As Paul and Barnabas wind up their first missionary journey, they pass through some of the communities in which they have preached the GOoD News. In order that the churches can continue to be faithful to the Word that they have shared with them, the two missionary
preachers set up elders (presbyters - priests) to tend to the needs of the communities. The two then return to Antioch, the place from which they were commissioned (“sent out” - “apostled”). There they give an account of how GOD has opened the door so that the Gentiles could come into the household of faith.
The psalm today reminds us of GOD’s GOoDness and compassion and exhorts us to respond to GOD’s mercy and kindness by giving thanks and blessings to GOD since GOD is always in control and the divine rule and dominion endures through all generations.
Today’s Second Reading is from the last part of the Book of Revelation. In today’s pericope we hear the only words in the whole book spoken by GOD (the Abba-Father). GOD proclaims, “Behold, I make all things new.” As the end of time (as we know it) concludes and
eternity begins, GOD renews the divine creation by establishing a new Jerusalem, a new
heaven, and a new earth. This is the beginning of the complete and everlasting reign of GOD. It will be a time of joy and rejoicing as GOD is intimately united with those who do the divine will. It is the beginning of the eternal union of GOD and GOD’s beloved.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins His final
discourse (John 13-17) with His eleven disciples on the night of His hour of glory.
This is the climax of His mission on earth. He has come to give glory
and honor to His Abba and His Abba will glorify Him as He suffers,
dies, and rises. Jesus’ words to His disciples are those of establishing a
new commandment. Yes, it is patterned on words from the Hebrew
scriptures, but there is a new emphasis. The new commandment is
Love. They are called not simply to show a deep liking for those who
are nice to them, but to love (αγαπατε – agapate) each other just as
Jesus has loved them. Jesus has told them about this love and has given
them examples of His love. He, their Master and Teacher, has just finished demonstrating His willingness to serve them by washing their feet (John 13: 1-20). Later in His final words He will proclaim, “No greater love does anyone have than to lay down one’s life for another” (John 15: 13). And the final act of His love will be demonstrated within a few hours as He dies on the cross (John 18-19). And the culmination of His loving service will be His resurrection and ascension, and His giving of the Holy Spirit on Easter Sunday (John 20).
As I reflect on the readings, I am re-energized and renewed. The imagery that comes to me as that of working in an enclosed space, where it is hot and stuffy. All of the sudden, someone opens a door, and a fresh, cool breeze blows into the room bringing a restoring, fresh breath to all those who are there. That is what today’s readings are: a fresh breeze (ruah - wind, breath, Spirit) blowing in and renewing. Paul was aware of it as he saw the door of faith swing open to Gentiles to whom he preached. Our passage from Revelation refers to the newness that comes as GOD’s reign reaches its climax. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus has come to establish the new relationship between GOD and the people and among the people themselves. GOD will be ever present among humans.
That which renews is the love of GOD. GOD’s unconditional love is the creative force that brings a total newness. Yes, there is a continuum with what has happened, but there is also a newness in what GOD is bringing to completion. We are at the point of transition from what has been to what will be. We are part of the new dominion of GOD, even though we have not yet fully experienced it. The bridge between all the great things GOD has done and the ultimate and eternal reign of GOD is the bridge of love.
True love (agape) is not an emotion that makes us feel happy. It is the sense of participating in the very essence of GOD. It is that which flows between and from the three persons of the Blessed Trinity. It is the creative force that has brought existence to the universe. It is the very gift of GOD’s being in us. That love is what led to the Son’s becoming flesh and dwelling among us and giving of His very life in ministry and death. And it is that love that we are called to communicate and share with others by our own ministry (and ultimate death). Yet death, as we continue to celebrate in this Easter season, is not the end of the story. Death is only the final transition to the glory of eternal life and love.
GOD continues to renew the divine creation. GOD is revealing to us part of the process of making all things new.
We can participate in this process by our loving one another as Jesus has loved (and continues to love) us. It means that we must manifest that love by our care and service of others.
The question we must constantly ask ourselves, in every situation we find ourselves, is “How can I bring the
newness of GOD’s life and love into this situation?” We must contemplate and put into action what it is that we can do to make GOD’s presence felt by others (and by ourselves) in each circumstance. It means we must make decision that will not always be easy, but that will further GOD’s reign over us and others. We need to be aware of the fresh ruah (breeze, wind, breath, Spirit) blowing into our stuffy lives and then help others to experience that newness through our loving them. When we do that, we will be living out the words of today’s psalm: “Let Your faithful ones make known Your might to the children of Adam [including all people], and the glorious splendor of Your reign. Your reign is a reign for all ages, and Your dominion endures through all generations.”
The personal question/action for today is: What can I do to bring the newness of GOD’s love into a particular situation? Is there a situation today (this week) that can be renewing by my acting in a more loving way? Who needs to experience a sense of renewal that I can help bring about by my loving him/her/them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Ruler of all places and times. Through Your GOoDness You continue to renew Your reign as Your manifest Your love for all Your creatures. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son, Jesus, into this world to reveal Your love by His sharing in our human life, living among us, ministering to others, teaching and instructing them, and serving their needs. As a final demonstration of love, He willingly accepted death, death on the cross, in order to give You glory and praise. As He prepared for His death, He commanded His disciples to do as He did – to love one another. We thank You for allowing us to share in the ministry of Your Son and to proclaim Your GOoD News by our loving those whom You have placed along our paths to You. May we help to renew Your creation by our loving service of others, hastening the time of Your final establishment of the new heaven and the new earth which will be marked by a sharing in Your complete love. For the times we have failed to love others as we have been loved, we ask for Your forgiveness and pardon. Continue to breathe Your Spirit into our lives so that we can bring a freshness to the ministry You give us. And to You, Your Son, and Your Holy Spirit, may all glory, honor, and praise be given, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 19, 2025 BACK
Monday of Fifth Week of Easter
Saint Theophilus of Corte:
Readings: Acts 14: 5-18; Psalm 115: 1-2, 3-4, 15-16; John 14: 21-26
The theme that strikes me from today’s readings comes from the psalm refrain: “Not to us, O LORD, but to Your name give glory.” St. Paul and St. Barnabas today both realized that the GOoD that they are doing is not to be attributed to them, as the people of Lystra wanted to do, but to the one, true GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus, although He could take glory for what He is doing, passes on the glory to His Abba-Father.
In the First Reading, St. Paul and St. Barnabas meet all types of reactions as they make their journey through Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). In Iconium (modern Konya), they are rejected by both the Jewish people and the Gentiles. They journey on to Lystra where they
heal a crippled man. The Gentiles in the town want to treat them like Greek gods who have come to earth. Paul and Barnabas point out that they are only instruments in the hand of the one, true GOD. They continue to preach the GOoD News that comes not from the Greek mythological gods, but that comes from the one and only GOD. It is that GOD Who deserves all the
glory and praise.
In the Gospel today, Jesus continues to speak to His disciples on the night before He dies. Jesus tells them that if they truly wish to be His followers, then they must take to heart all that He has said, especially the commandments of loving and serving one another. If they do this, Jesus and His Abba will love them and make the divine dwelling place within them. They will have GOD in them – they will be enthusiastic (en – “in”, theu – “GOD”). Jesus points out that what He has said and done has not been for His own sake, but because He is doing what His Abba wants Him to do. Jesus also promises that He will send the Holy Spirit as “the advocate” or “paraclete.” This is a legal term that means “one who is an advisor on matters.” or “one who defends.” The Holy Spirit will continue the teaching and the informing of the disciples so that they will be even more “enthusiastic” as they come to know more fully what it means to have GOD within them.
GOD has chosen to work in and through us, humans. After having shared with us the divine message – the GOoD News – GOD ask us to continue to reflect on it and then pass it on to others. As we share the GOoD News, others may mistake the GOoDness and kindness that we extend to them as being simply our gift to them, rather than what it truly is – a gift from GOD. They may try to give thanks to us. We need to re-direct the gratitude – pass it on – to the GOD to Whom it is due.
I remember going to workshops and talks by Christian speakers who have truly motivated me and others. The most “enthusiastic” of them had the ability to take the appreciation of audience and pass it on, humbly, to GOD.
I remember one such speaker (Fr. Richard Rohr) who would constantly point up to heaven as the listeners showed their approval of his words by their applause. In his mannerism he would re-direct the praise where it belongs – to GOD.
Yes, we (every one of us who believes in the GOoD News of Jesus Christ) are called to take our faith and share it with others in action and, if necessary, by words. And
as people begin to accept the GOoD News and appreciate the GOoDness that flows from the GOoD News, we must rejoice with them and pass on their gratitude to the GOD Who is in us, working through us. We should truly be “enthusiastic” as we realize that GOD has made a dwelling place within us – that Jesus, His Abba, and the Holy Spirit are motivating us from within.
It is an awesome experience to sense the divine presence within us as we proclaim the GOoD News to others. We can rejoice that we are instruments of the GOD Who dwells within us. We can be pleased that we have been useful tools for bringing the GOoD News to
others. That should be enough for us. All the real glory and praise must be handed on to the Master Who has instructed us, to the One Who has sent the Master, and to our Advocate Who continues to be the source of our ongoing education and protection. To GOD be all glory, praise, and honor – the GOD Who has made the divine dwelling place in us.
The personal question/action for today is: For what actions do we seek to receive credit and glory that rightly belongs to the Lord Jesus, His Abba, and the Holy Spirit? How can I humbly and realistically redirect others to give the glory for the GOoD that I do, and redirect the praise to the GOD Who works in and through me?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all powerful. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to announce Your GOoD News to those who need to hear it the most. You, in Your infinite wisdom, have chosen to use human instruments as the means of announcing Your love. Jesus, Your Son, the GOD-Man, is the ultimate messenger of GOoD News. We thank You for sending Him to us. You wanted the divine message to continue after Jesus
returned to You in Heaven. Thus, You have empowered Jesus’ disciples to continue the ministry of GOoD News. You have sent Your Holy Spirit to be the Advocate, the Paraclete, the Advisor of all who would further the
spread of Your Gospel. We thank You for making each of us Your ambassador of Glad Tidings to others. It is a joy to experience the enthusiasm that comes from Your dwelling within us, empowering us to spread the faith in which we continue to grow. May we continue to pass on the faith to others and the glory, praise, and honor to You, Your Son, and Your Spirit. As always, we make this prayer in union with Jesus, Your Son, our Master- Teacher, our Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 20, 2025 BACK
Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of St. Bernardine of Siena)
Saint Bernardine of Siena:
Readings: Acts 14: 19-28; Psalm 145: 10-11, 12-13ab, 21; John 14: 27-31a
Today, we hear St. Paul and Jesus both give “farewell” addresses to their followers. They do this to encourage those whom they will leave behind, so that those left behind will be able to continue their journey without the ones who have been their physical traveling companions on the journey of faith.
St. Paul speaks to the faithful in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He has started faith communities all around the region. This was the purpose of the mission which he had undertaken – to announce the GOoD News, to get the assemblies (churches) started, and move on. He is concluding his first missionary expedition and heading back to the Christian assembly in Antioch who had sent him on the journey.
As we continue to hear the Last Supper Discourse in the Gospel today, Jesus also speaks to those who have followed Him. He reminds them of His mission – to be the GOoD News from His
Abba-Father. He is about to complete His earthly stay by moving onto His hour of glory – His death, resurrection, and ascension. He wants to encourage His disciples not to become anxious or worried, but to receive His gift of Shalom – Peace. The Shalom that Jesus gives is not the peace of which the world thinks – a time free from war and/or discord. Rather it is an inner sense of knowing that the work of GOD is continuing, and people are being reconciled to GOD through the GOoD News of Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings, what strikes me is that we are all traveling along a path that is constantly
changing. We are nomads or pilgrims journeying with others. There is constant changes in those who travel with us. There may be some who have been with us for quite a long time – members of our family, longtime friends, etc. Even they, however, will not always be our companions along the whole way. I am reminded of this as a close friend for over 40 years died twenty-two years ago this month. My friend and I had been “brothers” to
each other and had helped each other over the course of four decades. I also recall my parents, as my father passed away twenty-one years ago and my mother thirty-one years ago. My friend and my parents have now moved on to the next life, while I am still here journeying along, now without these close “family” members physically being with me.
That could make me feel insecure and unstable. We all want some sense of stability. Yet, life is ongoing and never stays in one place. I am reminded of another friend of mine (who has also passed on to the next stage of life) who continually said, “that we are going to pass this point in our lives only once. We have never been exactly here before, nor will we be ever here again.” That is because we are pilgrim people, always journeying along the way to our Abba Who happens to be GOD. Yes, we may have been at this exact longitude and latitude, but we are now in a different place in our faith journey than we were the last time we were at this physical location.
I was talking to another friend, and we were talking about the fact that we know where we are heading, but
we are not always sure of what will be around the next turn in the road. As Christians, we know that we are headed to be with GOD – we are, as we say in Latin, ad Deum (or Spanish A-Dios or French A-Dieu – “to/towards GOD”). We even know the Way – Jesus. What we are not so sure about is: how exactly we are to get there. It would be nice if GOD would just email or text us and say, “At the next fork in the road, I want you to take a left.” Or “I want you to travel with the next person you meet.” Or “You will be traveling along the path with this companion for a long time (or a short time).” The fact is, however, that GOD does not communicate the exact directions for us to follow, nor can we go to www.maps.net/yahoo-maps or
www.mapquest. com/ or www.google.com/maps/ nor is there Google Heaven like there is Google Earth where we can see where we are going. We do not have an electronic GPS that gives us step by step turns. Even though GOD does give us the Way (Jesus), the unknown twist and turns will still be there. We do, however, have a divine GOD Positioning Savior (GPS) when we look at Jesus, but we still have to make the moment by moments changes without always knowing the exact turns, especially if we encounter sudden changes.
Quite a few years ago, I was talking with another friend who purchased a vehicle with Global Position System, the first for him. The GPS was the
type that had to download maps into the unit. He found out that even the GPS system he had in the vehicle was not as perfect as the more modern GPS systems are today. It did not know when roads were temporarily blocked or when streets might have changed since the last time he downloaded the map file. But, as he found out, when he made changes not recorded in the GPS system, the system got him back on target to travel to his ultimate destination. The system voiced or flashed on the screen, “Recalculating” and then told him what must be done to get back on track to arrive at the destination.
So, it is with GOD. Our GOD Positioning Savior (GPS) helps us get back on track when we have made changes in our journeying. Jesus “recalculates” after we have missed a turn or chosen a different path from the one that GOD had planned for us. GOD wants us to be on track toward our ultimate destination with the Lord Jesus. We can then experience the joy and peace of being ad Deum – heading toward GOD and eventually in Deo (in GOD) or cum Deo (with GOD). As we go through the events of the last few years (with pandemic, climate changes, civil and political unrest, war in Eastern Europe, civil wars in places like Sudan), we are often unsure of where we are heading. But we have been given The Way as we travel along.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives the disciples His Shalom. He tells them not to be distressed or fearful. He knows that He will not physically be walking beside them as He has for the last years in their shared life on earth. Yet, He knows that He will be with them in and through His Holy Spirit. St. Paul also knows that he and those whom he has brought into the family of GOD will always be united in the Spirit, even if they might not ever see each other again on earth. By our faith, we are also told not to be scared during the troubling times we have experienced, because GOD will see us through. GOD is still with us. We may have lost loved ones to the virus or other causes of death, but we believe they are in the hands of GOD.
Life is full of many twists and turns, lots of changes. Yet in and through the Spirit, we are united as we follow the Way. We may have to say farewell to some of our traveling companions – for a while – but those who follow the Way will be re-united when we get to our final destination – the house of our Abba-Father Who happens to
be GOD.
The personal question/action for today: What is it that I fear most as I travel along toward the house of my Abba-Father Who happens to be GOD? How can I bring the gift of Shalom not only to myself, but also to others as we journey along the Way, especially when I have to say “farewell” or A-Dios to some of my traveling companions? Is there some people who need to receive the Lord Jesus’ gift of Shalom and with whom I can share that Shalom at this moment on their pilgrim travels?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, never changing, yet always new. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us a life that is not always straight and flat. There are often twists and turns, hills and valleys. You want us to arrive at the destination of Your House. It is then that we will finally be at home. We thank You for giving us the Way – Your Son, Jesus. Jesus has gifted us with His Shalom-peace, so that we will not be overly anxious, as we face the unknown beyond the next turn. May we be aware that even if we have to say farewell to some of our traveling companions, we will always be united in Your Holy Spirit. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Who is the Way to You, and Who is our Master and Lord and Who is the Life and Resurrection and Who is our GPS (GOD Positioning Savior) and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 21, 2025 BACK
Wednesday of Fifth Week of Easter
St. Cristóbal Magallanes and-companions
Readings: Acts 15: 1-6; Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5; John 15: 1-8
GOD gives growth to those who seek atonement (to be at-one-ment) with the Lord Jesus. [I like this definition of “atonement” better than the idea that we have to make up for our sinfulness. We are called to be “At One” with our Triune GOD. We can never “make up” for our sinfulness, but we can seek At-One-ment with GOD.] This at- one-ment may involve letting go of the old, and being attached more fully to what is life-giving. The First Reading presents the struggle of the early Church in trying to incorporate Gentiles into the Way (the name given to the early Church). The struggle involves whether the non-Jewish believers have to fully accept all of the old practices of Judaism or whether they can be just grafted onto that which (Him Who) gives life and thus produce a fruitful product of, and for, GOD. The Gospel uses the imagery of a vine dresser pruning the branches so that more abundant fruit can be produced.
In the passage from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas meet
opposition when they return from their first missionary journey. Some of the members of the assembly in Antioch (the community that had sent Paul and Barnabas on their journey) push for the full practice of Judaism by the Gentiles who have become believers in Jesus. As the dispute arises, the faith community
of Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas and others to the Christian leaders in Jerusalem. It is exciting to hear, as Paul and Barnabas travel through Phoenicia and Samaria and they share how the Gentiles have accept the GOoD News, the believers in those areas rejoice in the GOoD fruit that is being produced among the Gentiles. The dispute, that concerns whether the Gentiles need to fully practice Judaism, continues in Jerusalem as we will hear in the days to come.
Psalm 122 is a hymn sung by people on their way to Jerusalem, the center of Judaism and birthplace of Christianity. Going to Jerusalem was a special event for people of faith. (It continues to be today, even if it is a little more dangerous, in some ways.) It was also the seat of judgment for Jews and for the early Christian believers. It was the place to go in order to ask GOD to reveal the divine will for believers.
Jesus, in the fifteenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel, speaks about His being the true Vine Who gives life to the branches. Jesus’ Abba-Father is the Vine Dresser Who prunes the productive branches and removes the lifeless branches.
After hearing Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM a few years ago, my reflection today comes from a sense of our being made in the image and likeness of the creative GOD. We know that from the Beginning (Genesis), GOD is creative – producing life. GOD spends “divine time” making light, the world, and living creatures. In John 15, Jesus portrays His Abba-Father as the Divine Vine Dresser. The job of the vine dresser is to prune productive branches so they will bear more fruit and to cut away that which will not produce any fruit, but it will rob the fruitful parts of branches from the much needed nutrients. After the vine dresser has completed this work, the growth and production of fruit depends upon the branches staying in contact with the vine. This pruning of the branches is not meant to be restrictive or punitive, but to be life-giving.
I have fond memories of traveling to my father’s house in late winter/early spring to help him prune his grape vines. His having grown up as a farmer was evident as he taught myself and my other family members the importance of pruning. We would assist him as he cut away that which he knew would not produce any growth.
He would also cut some of the growth that was healthy, but it needed pruning. Then we would gather up the cut pieces and burn them. I also remember helping to graft some new shoots onto the healthy vine, so that they could become a part of the growing vine. Those experiences in the late winter/early spring of the year helped me focus on today’s readings. The readings also give me a connection to the past and my time with my father who is now enjoying the fruits of the heavenly Vine.
We are the branches. We are called to bear fruit. We cannot bear much fruit unless we are pruned in order to bear a fuller growth and produce abundant fruit. We need some of our old self cut away and renewed so we can receive more nourishment from the Vine and produce the richest harvest possible.
We also should rejoice as other branches are grafted on to the Vine and begin to receive nourishment from the True Vine and produce GOoD fruit. For me in my work in the OCIA [Order of Christian Initiation of Adults], it is truly a joy to see other branches being grafted on to the Vine as people come to know the Lord Jesus and accept what He offers to them. These new branches begin to receive the flow of life from the bonding with Jesus, the Vine.
Once we receive the flow of life from the Vine (Jesus), what kind of fruit will we bear? We must do our best; we must work to our fullest potential. If we do that, others will benefit from our fruit. They will be blessed by the fruit of the Vine. It is interesting when we speak about the product that comes from the growth, we speak about the “fruit of the Vine,” not the “fruit of the branches.” The fruit we bear is truly the work of the Vine and the Vine Dresser, not the product of the branches – us. We, the branches, must be the best vehicles for the life of the Vine to flow through us to produce the fruit. Yet the real source of growth comes from the Vine and the work of the Vine Dresser.
As I think about this, I see a connection to what happened in our world because of the pandemic of the last few years. The crisis should have caused us to ponder which aspects of our lives are really not bearing GOoD growth. I am not saying that those who were inflicted by the COVID-19 virus (and any of its strains) are evil, or unfruitful. I am saying what attitudes and actions in my personal life need to be pruned out, so that I can bear more fruit. All of us have activities and attitudes in our lives that do not promote positive growth. Those need to be removed so we can be more fruitful in our living out the GOoD News of Jesus.
The personal question/action for today: What in my life needs to be pruned away so that I can bear more fruit? What is the fruit which I produce and who is the primary beneficiary of my bearing fruit? How can I give better acknowledgment to the Vine (Jesus) as the source of my life-giving nourishment and to the Vine dresser (the Abba)?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Creator and Giver of life. Through Your GOoDness, You are the Vine Dresser Who prunes the branches so that the branches become the means through which the Vine gives life to the fruit. We thank You for choosing us and pruning us, so we can see a richer harvest of the fruit of the Vine. We thank You also for those who have gone before us to work in Your vineyard. Many have worked with You, the Vine Dresser, to prepare the ground, water, and tend the branches. Yet, it is Your Son as the Vine which/Who makes all growth possible. May we stay always united with the Vine and receive the nutrients we need to produce the richest fruit. May the fruit of the Vine go forward to make the wine that enriches and brings joy to others. As always, we make this prayer in the name of Jesus, the Vine, Who is our Master and Lord and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 22, 2025 BACK
Thursday of Fifth Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of St. Rita of Cascia) Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052225.cfm Saint Athanasius Readings: Acts 15: 7-21; Psalm 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 10; John 15: 9-11
“Proclaim GOD’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.” These words from today’s Responsorial tie the readings together.
In the First Reading we hear St. Peter and St. James speak about the spread of the GOoD News to the Gentiles. St. Paul and St. Barnabas are said to have shared the stories of their work among the non-Jews. The leaders of the early Church understand what Jesus meant when He commissioned His followers to go out to all the world and share the GOoD News. He was not sending them to invite the Gentiles to become believers in Judaism, but to have a relationship with the GOD of the Jews – the one and only true GOD.
Jesus in the Gospel today summarizes His ministry: keeping the commandments of His Abba-Father and inviting others to keep the new commandments. Those who choose to do this will have the joy of Jesus and that joy will be complete.
GOD’s deeds are truly marvelous. As Jesus reminds us today, GOD wants us to have joy – Jesus’ joy – joy that is complete. Joy is much more than happiness or giddiness. Joy is the sense of knowing we are doing what GOD wants us to be doing.
I was discussing with someone the mystery of salvation. We both agreed what is so magnificent about salvation is that salvation is all gift – gift from GOD. We cannot earn salvation. The joy comes from knowing how much GOD has gifted us. Keeping the commandments is not what brings us salvation. Salvation, and our realization of salvation, leads to our wanting to keep the commandments. Our “GOoD” actions show that we have accepted the gift of faith/salvation that GOD has given us.
In the book, A Hole in Our Gospel, the author (Richard Stearns) remarks that there are three commandments: 1) Love GOD with our whole mind, heart, soul, and body; 2) Love our neighbor as ourselves;
3) Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel, the GOoD News.
Part of the “GOoD” actions – the commandments – that we should want to do is to spread the GOoD News that we have received. We are called to share that with others. That’s what today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles relates.
I always chuckle at St. Peter’s words in today’s First Reading. In speaking about the Jewish rules and regulations, he says: “Why, then, are you (some of the Christian leaders) now putting GOD to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?” Peter realizes that the stipulations of the Jewish laws are impossible to fully keep. Besides, strictly keeping all the precepts of the law does not bring us salvation.
Jesus has brought us salvation. Peter reminds us: “We believe we are saved through the grace (gift) of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they (the non-Jews).” Salvation is a gift. It is not the reward for keeping the laws nor belonging to the “correct” religion.
Does that mean that all laws are meaningless? No, not at all. They are to be guides for us. Once when I was meeting with my sixth-grade advisory group at school, the question came up about whether we can disobey a law that is wrong. One student remarked: “I would if I knew I wouldn’t be caught.” After others shared their
feelings, I shared my view. There is a stipulation in Church teaching that “an unjust law is no law at all.” We, as followers of Jesus, are called to a higher plane than rules and regulations. St. Paul describes it as the “Law of Love.” This law demands that we, with formed conscience, can go, and are called to go, against mere mortal laws for a higher reason. We should be willing to go against unjust and bad laws, not just if we won’t be caught, but also even if we will be caught. In fact, we should be willing to face the consequences of disobeying a “bad” law, if we are motivated by a higher law of loving GOD and those whom GOD loves, and thus bringing the
GOoD News to others. If we are willing to live out this new commandment of Jesus (“love one another as I have loved you”), then we will know the joy of Jesus and that joy will be complete, even in the midst of any flack or persecution we may face.
I received an email from someone who receives my reflections. This person wanted to share a joyful experience with me. The joy came from being able to minister to a customer who came into the retail store in which the “friend” worked. After being able to witness about the Lord Jesus, the “friend” felt a deep sense of joy and wanted to share the joy with me by emailing me. A real sense of joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit was evident not only from the experience itself, but also in the very sharing of the experience with me. By
proclaiming GOD’s marvelous (or in the words of this person, “awesome”) deeds, at least three persons were edified and were made joyful. And I pray that you who are reading this reflection may be edified and have a sense of joy also.
What is important is accepting the gifts that come from Jesus. The gift of salvation, the gift of witnessing, the gift of joy, the gift of being “at-one” with Jesus, His Abba, and the Holy Spirit. The gift is being able to sit at table with the Lord Jesus, and also being able to share in GOD’s joy. Once we have accepted those gifts, we will want to live a life that proclaims the GOoD News we have accepted. We will live the life of Jesus (“love one another as I have loved you”), even if, or especially if, that means acting in a way that goes against rules and regulations that do not reflect Gospel values. Living as a follower of Jesus means standing up against ways that promote non-GODly points of view.
I am also conscious of all the people, like my friend who died a few years ago, who live out the GOoD News
of Jesus, while not feeling enslaved to the rules and regulations of societies, including religious organization. This friend was always conscious about loving everyone because he sensed the love he had received from others
– his family and ultimately from GOD. He would go out of his way to serve and minister to anyone who needed his help. Even as he was dying with his family surrounding him, he had a sense of joy and hope as he not only looked back on his life, but also looked forward to being with loved ones who had passed on before him. He was able to proclaim the marvelous deeds of GOD even in his dying.
The personal question/action for today: To what laws or prescriptions am I enslaved that prevent me from fully accepting the gift of salvation and the joy from the Lord Jesus? How do I manifest the joy of the Lord Jesus in my daily life? To whom can I proclaim the marvelous deeds of the Lord Jesus by the way I treat him/her/them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us gifts throughout our lives (both our individual lives and our lives as members of the human family). You want us to experience the joy that comes from following Your Son, Jesus. He has given us an example of what it means to do Your will – to love others through caring service. We thank You for the gift of salvation that flows from Jesus and His
death and resurrection. May we accept the gift You give us and reflect that joy as we proclaim the GOoD News to others. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who wants us to have His joy, a joy that is complete, for He is our Master and Lord Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 8, 2026 BACK
Friday of Fifth Week of Easter
Saint Gregory VII:
Readings: Acts 15: 22-31; Psalm 57: 8-9, 10 and 12; John 15: 12-17
Our readings give us insights into the early Christian community. In the Acts of the Apostles, the leaders of the early Church produce the first pastoral message from the first ecumenical council. “Ecumenical” literally means “inhabited world” or “whole household.” The ecumenical proclamation from the Council in Jerusalem is that Gentiles do not have to become Jews in order to become Christians. A convert to Christianity needs only to keep the basic commandments of avoiding idolatrous practices and remaining faithful to marriage vows. Being a Christian is much different than being a slave to rituals and rules. It is having the experience that one is truly now a friend of GOD and part of the Family of
the Trinity – an adopted son or daughter of GOD, brother/sister of the Lord Jesus, and inspired by the Holy
Spirit.
The Responsorial reminds us that GOD is to be praised in the midst of all people. A close relationship with GOD is not limited to the Jewish nation, but, through the spreading of the GOoD News, is to be made available to all people who come to believe in GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues His Last Supper discourse. He calls His disciples into a new and closer relationship. It is no longer a Master-Teacher/slave-apprentice relationship. Jesus is calling His followers into a friendship relationship based on a freely given response of love. On the night before He dies, Jesus proclaims that a true friend is one who is willing to give up one’s life for another. The hallmark of this new friend-relationship is that type of unconditional love – agape – that Jesus will demonstrate on the next day by His death on the cross.
One of the things that strikes me about the First Reading is the words of the Jerusalem Council as they proclaim the first edict. After a great deal of lively discussion, they say, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and ours, too.” Even though they have spent a great amount of time hotly debating what to do with Gentiles who want to follow Jesus, they realize that through their prayer, they are being guided by the Holy Spirit to issue a proclamation that will affect not only their time, but the future. This process of look
looking at the different sides of the issue and praying for a consensus is called the discernment of the Holy Spirit.
I’m sure that part of their decision and discernment flowed from Jesus’ commands on the night before He died. The early Church leaders realized that their setting policy was to be modeled not on the concept that they were the know-it-alls of the faith and had authority to force others to do what they wanted. They were called rather to love one another, not burdening others with laws that they themselves could not keep, but being willing to lay down their lives for the sake – the salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) – of others. Agape (unconditional love) is what Jesus called them to use in
making all decisions. If they openly discussed, prayed, and asked for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they would be led to do the most loving thing for those with whom they were called to be friends and whom they were called to serve.
A while ago I read a book on the Ignatian practice of the “Examen.” In this daily prayer form, there are five steps: 1) Adoration (Praise) of GOD, 2) Petition (presenting my needs to GOD), 3) Review of my actions of the last 24 hours, 4) seeking Forgiveness of my failings, 5) Commitment to doing the will of GOD more fully in the next 24 hours. St. Ignatius of Loyola spoke of this process as Discernment of Spirit – being guided to review, reflect, and make a decision.
The readings challenge me to examine what is the driving force in my relationship with other believers and with those to whom I called to proclaim the GOoD News. Am I seeking to have a loving friendship based on service – my service of others? Do I seek the GOoD counsel of other believers and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit? After thoughtful and prayerful reviewing of the issues in my lives, am I able to say, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and mine, too”? If I can answer “yes” to these questions, then I will know, to the best of my abilities, that I am seeking to do GOD’s will and I will be able to say with the psalmist today, “I will give thanks [to You] among all the peoples, O LORD.”
As a parallel, I have communicated (online) with many people who were sequestered during the pandemic. Many have said that they were finding more time to pray and were focusing more on how they can serve others. They felt the Holy Spirit was empowering them during the crisis to focus more on what GOD wanted them to ponder. They were seeking the blessings which GOD was willing to impart from doing the right thing during the global issue of the pandemic and crisis in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and climate changes and the effects of these crises throughout the world.
The personal question/action for today: How do I experience the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life? How do I “confirm” that experience? With whom do I confer so that I know that I am not just fooling myself? What is the guiding principle behind my decision? Is it the unconditional love I have for others, my willingness to lay down my life for another or is it some selfish pursuits?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You call us into a closer relationship with You. You have sent Your Son, Jesus, as the One Who invites us into this relationship. He is calling us, as He called His disciples of old, not to be slaves to rules and regulations, but to love and serve others as He has loved and served His disciples and all those with whom He came in contact during His early life and continues from His heavenly place beside You, in union with the Holy Spirit. When we are called upon to make decision affecting other people’s lives, He asks us to seek the discernment of the Holy Spirit, so that we can do what is best for others, even to the point of laying down our lives, as He laid down His life in His service, suffering, and death. We thank You and praise You for the gifts that come from a relationship with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. May we be willing to lovingly share those gifts with others. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Friend, Brother, Master-Teacher, Lord and Savior, Who has died, is risen, and continues to live and reign with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 24, 2025 BACK
Saturday of Fifth Week of Easter
Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi
Readings: Acts 16: 1-10; Psalm 100: 1b-2, 3, 5; John 15: 18-21
In the First Reading, St. Paul continues his missionary journey. For the first time we hear about Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish-Christian and whose father was a Greek (presumably non-believing Gentile). Paul is led to travel to Macedonia (Greece, and therefore present-day Europe) to spread the faith there.
In the Gospel today, on the night before He died, Jesus tells His disciples that they will continue His work and can expect to be treated just as Jesus is being treated – that is, being rejected and even persecuted by some, but also revered and respect by others.
As I reflect on the readings, I think about the call to discipleship. Jesus invites people to continue His ministry and mission by proclaiming the GOoD News. It can sound exciting (which it is), but also a bit scary, especially as
we hear such things as Jesus mentions in the Gospel today: “No servant is greater than his Master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you.” Also, we may be a bit apprehensive as we hear how Christians in the Middle East and throughout the world are being persecuted and martyred. Yes, we are called to do as the Master did, even to the point of being persecuted as He was. That’s the role of a disciple – to follow the Master and carry on the Master’s work.
Jesus obviously was guided by the Holy Spirit, since He was and is one with His Abba-Father and the Holy Spirit. He was Spirit-filled. The Spirit strengthened Jesus to do all that He was called to do. Yet it was not always easy for Jesus. He realized that part of the divine plan was His having to suffer and die, because He was announcing a message that did not coincide with the message of the world. Jesus reminds us today: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.”
Paul also was very much aware of the Spirit’s guidance. Although it may have seemed he should go a certain way, he remarks in today’s reading that he was prevented from doing so “by the Holy Spirit.” A few verses later it says that he could not go another direction because “the Spirit of Jesus did not allow.”
There is a conflict between being of the world and being guided by the Spirit. The world would have us be, or go, one way, whereas the Spirit is most often leading us to be something different and to go another way.
It is so easy to go the way of the world. We are constantly being bombarded by the world’s messages: “Buy this and you will be happy.” “Look younger, thinner, healthier by using this product.” “Pamper yourself.” We succumb to the world. And the world (especially those who will gain something from out being part of the world) loves us for being of the world, and they love even more what they gain from us being of the world. And if we dare step out in a different direction, we receive flack. We are considered fanatics if we live by Gospel values such as honesty, generosity, kindness, or servanthood. Being like the Master will lead to being treated like the Master – ridiculed, persecuted, despised, and even possibly being killed.
If we are disciples of the Master, we will follow the Spirit’s lead. And we are enabled to follow the Spirit’s lead only when we continue to come again and again and sit at the Master’s feet, listen to His Word, and put it into practice. That takes prayer and study. It demands discipline. It requires commitment on our part. It is not easy. And we will be tempted along our faith journey to take the easy way out. Yet, little by little we can make a difference.
An interesting thing happened to me a few years ago. One of my co-teachers was having computer problems
(or so he thought). He did not think that his email program was working. I went to his room and tested it out.
It was working fine. He remarked, “I didn’t think it was working because usually I have all sorts of emails, and when I clicked on the button to check if I had any new email, nothing happened. I didn’t think it was possible
that it would happen that no one would send me email.” Later that day, I made a point of sending him a positive, reassuring email telling him that I was thinking about him and appreciated him as a friend. He wrote me back and thanked me and said, “How pastoral of you to do that.” I took that as a compliment of my being a disciple of the Master, the Pastoral (“Shepherding”) One. It was a simple thing, but it made a difference. It let someone know that they were appreciated and cared for, because the Master, the GOoD Shepherd, the Pastor, loved and cared. By being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, GOD was able to touch the life of another person through my simple act of sending an email.
During the pandemic, I had heard of many people who had gone out of their way to bring hope and a smile to another, even if it was only through social media. Entertainers had given concerts while staying at home. Our first responders and essential workers had put themselves in harm’s way while serving others.
Another example of someone who reaches out with loving care is a high school and college classmate of mine who sends me a note on the anniversary of the deaths of my parents and other key events in my life of which he keeps track. He tells me that he is thinking about me and my loved ones.
We need to look at our lives and see if the Spirit is prompting us to reach out to others. It does not have to be as dramatic as Paul’s preaching to the Greeks. Little opportunities will pop up for us to share a little GOoD News with another. There are all sorts of ways we can make another person feel valued and appreciated. When we do, we are following the Master, we are being guided by the Holy Spirit. The world may say, “Don’t be ridiculous. That other person just wasted your time calling you to do something that isn’t important or that they should be able to fix on their own. You shouldn’t waste any more of your time making them feel appreciated or valuable.” Yet the Spirit prompts us and says, “Take the time to be present for the other person. Reach out to them in love. Help them know that they are valuable in your eyes (and therefore in GOD’s eyes).”
Let me give one more personal example. On my last birthday I received almost 100 Facebook greetings.
Most only said, “Happy Birthday, Bob.” I wrote back to each one who sent me a message. I wrote two or three sentences, thanking them and personalizing each response by recalling something I remembered especially about the person to whom I was writing.
The Master-Teacher prompts us to keep our eyes and ears – and heart – open to the Spirit’s prompting. We can make a difference in small ways. Some people (who are operating on worldly value system) will laugh at us and put us down for our Christian (Christ-like) attitude. Yet that’s what we are called to do – be Christ-like. If we are aware of the presence of the Spirit, we will also be prevented from going to places where GOD does not want us to go. All it takes is work, discipline, and a willingness to learn from the Master. (And maybe that last point should be first.)
The personal question/action for today: What is the guiding force in my life? Is it the ways of the world or the Spirit of Jesus? How can I be more attentive to the Spirit’s prompting rather than the world’s push and pull? What can I do to help another person be more in touch with the Spirit of Jesus and/or to sense they are loved by GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present and always seeking to guide us. Through Your GOoDness, You have first sent us Your Son as our Master-Teacher Who gives us an example of how to care for others with the love You have for them. As He preached the GOoD News of Your concern, He met opposition and ridicule. Yet, through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus kept going, even to the point of being hated and persecuted. Jesus calls His disciples to continue His ministry. Jesus has empowered His modern-day disciples (us) through the power of the same Holy Spirit. May we continue to respond to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask that, through the Holy Spirit, we may receive the strength, wisdom, and discernment to learn from the Master and continue His work. We ask this in Jesus’ name, for He is our Lord and Master, He is Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggg
May 25, 2025 BACK
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Saint Bede the Venerable
St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi:
Readings: Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8; Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23; John 14: 23-29
Today we are given a glimpse of the process that GOD puts into place to bring about Light – the divine plan of salvation. Our First Reading describes what leads to, and flows from, the Council of Jerusalem that deals with the issue of Gentiles becoming members of the Church. Even in the Hebrew Scriptures, as we see in the Responsorial
Psalm today, there is acknowledgment that all peoples and all nations will praise GOD. The excerpt from the Book of Revelation presents a view of the heavenly celebration of GOD’s beloved – the final and everlasting living out of GOD’s salvific will. In the Gospel, as Jesus gives His last will and testimony to His disciples at the Last Supper, He shares what His inheritance gifts to them will be: a sharing in the love that unites Himself to His Abba-Father, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the sense of true Shalom.
Our First Reading is taken from the fifteenth chapter of Acts. It begins with the Antioch
Christians sending representatives (Paul, Barnabas, and others) to the center of Christians in Jerusalem with the desire of having some light shone on the issue of what is required of Gentiles who become members of the Christian Community/Church. The actual discussion in Jerusalem is left out of our pericope today that concludes with the sending of envoys to Antioch with the result of the Council of Jerusalem. Yet in the letter that is to be proclaimed in Antioch, we hear how the Holy Spirit has enlightened the leaders in Jerusalem concerning what is to be asked of those who wish to come into the Light of GOD. Those who become members of Christian faith community do not need to be burdened by all the 613 prescriptions of the Jewish law. The only requirements deal with not partaking in pagan rituals, and dietary and marital issues. This decree opens the door more fully to the Gentiles who wish to embrace belief in Jesus and share in the salvation that He brings to all peoples – the Light that flows from GOD. GOD has revealed the total plan of salvation – the gift of relationship with the Divine offered to all peoples – even in the Hebrew scriptures. The psalm today is one example of that. Repeatedly the Responsorial speaks of all peoples and nations giving honor and praise to GOD. GOD desires to be in relationship with all individuals. And the prayer of praise includes a petition that GOD let the Divine face “shine” on all the people.
The selection from the Book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem – the heavenly one – and it shows how GOD’s plan of salvation flowed from the foundations of both the Jewish beginnings (the twelve tribes of the Israelites) and the foundation of the twelve apostles, and out to all peoples. This new place of GOD’s presence does not need a temple, for GOD’s presence can be experienced throughout. There is no need for lamps or lights, for GOD is the source of Light (GOoDness, joy, warmth, peace). GOD the Abba-Father, united with the Lamb (Jesus), enlightens all who come into this heavenly city.
The Gospel passage is part of Jesus’ last words to His disciples on the night before
He dies. He is giving them (and through them, us) what they/we will need in order to carry on His mission and
ministry. The words today reveal the unity of purpose within the Triune GODhead. Jesus is intimately united
with His Abba. And just as He has come to do the will of His Abba in love, so He is sending out (“apostling”) His
disciples to do the will of His Abba by their loving one another. Jesus realizes that they will need help in doing this. He knows that He has been empowered by His union with His Abba through the Holy Spirit Who is the completion of the GODhead. So Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit upon His disciples to enlighten them and
bring them the Shalom (Peace) that they will need to carry on His work. In John’s Gospel, Jesus fulfills this promise on Easter (Resurrection) Sunday when He greets the apostles with the message of “Shalom” and breathes the Holy Spirit into them. It is only when the disciples participate in the life of the Triune GOD that they are able to proclaim the message of salvation to others.
As I reflect on the readings, I am energized. I realize that
I have been given a share in the divine plan of salvation. Not only have I been offered a glimpse of what GOD’s plan is, I am being asked to help bring the message of salvation to others. I know that I cannot fully comprehend the “big picture” GOD has for the world, but GOD has shed Light on part of it and is asking me to reflect that Light to others.
The image that comes to me is that of a bright light shining. I realize that this light is shining on me. There are a few options I have in responding to this light. One is that I can turn away from the light and try to ignore it. Another is I can remain a black object that tries to absorb all the light myself. The third possibility is that I can be
a reflector and allow the light to bounce off me and shine somewhere else.
A reflector does absorb some light even in the process of allowing the light to be cast elsewhere. The real power of a reflector is being able to focus its beam in conjunction with other reflectors to wherever the designer of reflectors wants the light to go.
To think about this concept of reflecting light, I recall hearing how much work goes into creating the reflecting
surfaces of telescopes and also beams of light, such as in a lighthouse. They must be ground, polished, and bent so that the light they take in is almost completely beamed to a specific point. The reflecting surface has to be formed so as to be most perfectly in line with the plan of the designer.
My role is to reflect the Light where the Designer wants the Light to be focused. I may have to be rubbed hard
and reworked so that I can reflect more light. I may have to bend in a way that is not comfortable for me, so that I can allow the Light to shine where GOD wants it to shine. It is only when I am united fully with the source of Light and with other reflecting surfaces that GOD’s plan of enlightening the world can be accomplished to the perfection that GOD desires.
As I reflect on my being used by GOD to help enlighten the world, I am reminded of the words of today’s psalm: “May GOD let the Divine face shine upon us. So may Your way be known upon earth; among all nations, Your salvation.” The Light that shines on us is the face of GOD, the Triune presence of GOD Who wishes all to
be united in the love, life, and peace that flows between the Abba, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That is the plan of
GOD’s salvation. And that is what we are privileged to experience and reflect to others.
The personal question/action for today is: What areas of my life need to be rubbed and polished so that the Light of GOD can reflect more perfectly from me? On whom am I being called to let GOD’s Light be focused today? What can I do for that/those individual(s) so she/he/they can be more aware of the Light of GOD’s face shining on her/him/them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Eternal Light. Through Your GOoDness, You have desired to shine the Light of Your Face upon us, especially in the sending of Your Son and Your Holy Spirit. Yet we have often chosen to remain in the darkness of our sins rather than allow Your Light to shine on us. And even when we have been willing to come into Your light, we have sometimes tried to only absorb Your light selfishly rather than reflect it to others. Through the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, help us to follow the example of Your Son, Jesus, Who reflected Your Light upon all those who came to Him. Help us to accept the rubs that come into our lives to make us better reflectors of Your Light. And may we join with all those who will eternally give Your praise,
thanks, and glory, for You, together with Your Son and the Your Holy Spirit, are our Light, our Love, our Shalom,
– our one and only GOD – for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
May 26, 2025 BACK
Memorial of St. Philip Neri (readings from Mon. of 6th Week of Easter)
Saints Marian and James -
Readings: Acts 16: 11-15; Psalm 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b; John 15: 26 – 16: 4a
Our readings portray two contrasting images (both true) of what the early Church experienced. The reading from Acts gives us a glimpse of the positive spread of the Church in Macedonia. St. Paul arrives in Neapolis (meaning “new city” that was near Thessalonika/modern Thessaloniki) and travels on to Philippi. The Gospel warns the disciples that they will face persecution as they are called to give witness μαρτυρετε – martyreite) and testify concerning Jesus and His mission.
In the First Reading, the preaching of St. Paul takes effect in what is part of modern Europe. After arriving in Neapolis (near modern Kavala, Greece), Paul travels on to Philippi, where he converts the first “European Christian.” This is Lydia, who becomes a supporter of the missionary efforts of Paul and his traveling companions. The community of faith continues to expand as the Gospel (GOoD News) is preached.
The psalm is a hymn of praise sung by GOD’s people as
they experience GOD’s blessings in their lives. Praise is the appropriate response to GOD’s working in people’s lives. Praising in the midst of the assembled crowd is even more powerful, for that gives witness to GOD’s might deeds.
Jesus, as He continues His Last Supper Discourse in today’s Gospel, gives both a promise and a warning. He promises to send the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete (or Advocate or Helper). The role of the Paraclete is to legally and emotionally defend and protect, support and give testimony (witness) on behalf of Jesus, and later for His disciples. Jesus also warns His disciples that they will have to give testimony (witness - martyreite). Part of this giving witness will include being a martyr with their lives. Their lives will give witness, not just in what they say, or how they act, but also in the persecution and even death
they may experience because of their willingness to proclaim their relationship to Jesus and their commitment to His mission.
In some ways, things are much different today than in the early years of Christianity. We may not see the rapid growth of faith that St. Paul and his companions experienced. As Americans, we also may not experience the same type of persecution that Jesus warns His disciples they would have. We live in a country (the United States) where religion is seen as part of life, part of our freedom as Americans. We may be aware that there are many Christians who are being martyrs by dying for their belief in Jesus, as groups, like ISIS, move into certain areas of the Middle East. There were also reports that the Russian soldiers targeted some Christians during the Ukrainian War. In America, some Christian and Christian churches are facing challenging times, as we live in a culture that goes against the values proclaimed by the Gospel. There have been contentions (both legal and personal) between Christians upholding the Right to Life vs. others who push for the right for a woman to choose an abortion (Pro Choice). A couple of years ago, a California bill passed the Assembly (CA AB 2943). Some believe that if the bill were to become law, it could result in legal issues for preachers who discuss sexuality. Passage would lead to more harassment and possible legal challenges against preaching, literature, conferences and organizations that address sexual morality, and even make it possible to prevent the sale of Bibles. Another bill would force priests to share what they hear in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that is totally against the Catholic Church’s rule about the seal of confession, that forbids priest from revealing what was confessed to them in Reconciliation.
We are being called to be witnesses of the faith. The way we give witness may not be in the exact same way as Paul or the other early disciples did. We have to give witness by standing up for our beliefs and manifesting our way of life in a world that tolerates us and yet portrays values contradictory to a true Christian way of life. That is a challenge for us. It
implies that we have to set ourselves distinctively apart from the ways of the commercialized, self-centered world, and we must do it in a manner that invites others to accept the GOoD News. Our lives must be a joyful witness in a way that entices people to want to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Although our approach to witnessing (being martyrs to) the faith may be different than that of the first believers in Jesus or even those in the Middle East and other parts of the world today, one aspect that is not different is Who is our Supporter and Helper (the Advocate or Paraclete). The same Holy Spirit is willing and ready to guide us in our giving witness as much as the Spirit did for Paul, Peter, and the rest of the first GOoD News proclaimers. We just need to frequently (daily, hourly) call upon the Holy Spirit to be with us, to strengthen us, to guide us in our witnessing to the faith. The Holy Spirit will show us how we can live in a way that truly proclaims the GOoD News of Jesus to the modern world.
In this time of a world health crisis, climate concerns, world tensions between nations, the Holy Spirit can show us ways we can reach out to others and help them as they deal with the repercussion from these worldly
issues. We might be led to send messages and encouraging true news items. We can tell others that we are praying for them and their loved ones. We can support first responders, medical personnel, and essential workers, politicians working for true Christian values, scientists seeking ways to deal with the climate, and worldly political concerns. We can ask the Holy
Spirit to empower us to care in a positive way for others and we can focus on GOoD news instead of all the negative news of the last few years.
The Spirit may move us to be more understanding and loving to members of our family, especially with those with whom we may be having problems communicating. The Advocate may give us the fortitude to deal honestly and lovingly with the people with whom we come in contact in our work environment. The Paraclete will give us the wherewithal to treat others
in a way that shows we are in relationship with a GOD Who is Love. The Spirit of the Risen Lord will be with us, so that our lives give witness to the GOoD News in face of the bad news that is being proclaimed by the world around us. We may be guided by the Spirit to reach out to the less fortunate both whom we encounter directly and those living across the globe. We can make a difference in people’s lives in ways similar to the ways the early Christians did in their time.
Being witnesses (martyroi) requires that we become as committed to Jesus and His mission and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the first witnesses of the faith were committed to Gospel and the modern martyrs in some of Middle Eastern countries and into what is modern Europe. That takes time in prayer and reflection on the Word of GOD. It means we have to see how we can “proclaim the GOoD News at all times, and if necessary, using words” (paraphrase of St. Francis of Assisi’s words). Yet, if we are willing to make the decision to be His disciples and follow Jesus completely in our lives, then we will have the gift of the Holy Spirit. We will then be able to echo the words of today’s psalm and say, “Let the high praises of GOD be in [our] throats. This is the glory of all GOD’s faithful ones. Alleluia.”
The personal question/action for today: To whom am I being called to witness my faith in the Lord Jesus? In what particular area in my life do I need the help of the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) so that I can be a better witness? Is there some area in my life that needs to be brought more in line with Gospel values? How can I reassure others of the Holy Spirit acting in their lives as the Helper, Advocate, and Intercessor?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present with us. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to give witness to the GOoD News Your Son has brought into the world and shared with us – that You love us and want to have a relationship with us. We have sometimes failed to be witnesses to (martyrs for) this message because we have feared the reaction of others, or we have not been totally committed to spreading the Gospel – GOoD News. For this, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. We ask that You continue to pour into our lives Your Holy Spirit, the Advocate and Paraclete, Who gifts us with strength, wisdom, and power, so that we can proclaim our relationship with You, in and through Your Son, Jesus. Through the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, help us to spend the time we need listening to, and putting into action, the teachings of Jesus. Make our lives – the way we treat others – true testimonies to the Gospel. And may we always give You the glory and praise for what You have done, are doing, and will continue to do until we are one with you, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggg
May 27, 2025 BACK
Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter (Opt. Mem. of St. Augustine of Canterbury)
Saint Augustine of Canterbury
Readings: Acts 16: 22-34; Psalm 138: 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8; John 16: 5-11
GOD acts in mysterious ways. In the First Reading, GOD sets St. Paul and his companions free from their incarceration by means of an earthquake. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about His going back to His Abba-Father so that He can send the Advocate (Paraclete), the Holy Spirit. The early followers of Jesus must have been constantly amazed at the workings of GOD.
After St. Paul and his traveling mates are arrested and beaten, they are chained up inside the most protected jail cells (maximum security) in Philippi (in modern Greece). Even in their confinement, they sing praise to GOD. GOD allows an earthquake to shake the jail, opening the jail gates, and loosening the chains and stakes holding the prisoners. GOD also uses the whole experience to bring salus (healing, safety, salvation) not only to Paul and his ministerial companions, but also to the jailer and the family of the jailer. [In the summer of 2018, I was able to go to Philippi and see one of the possible sites of the imprisonment of St. Paul.
The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for the way GOD responds to the cries of those who trust in GOD. It is the right hand of GOD that brings salus to those who call upon GOD’s name.
In the Gospel, as Jesus continues His Last Supper Discourse, He
prepares His disciples for His going away. He informs them that it is necessary for Him to leave, so that He can send the Holy Spirit. The disciples must be quite confused by all the things that have been happening during these last few days and what will happen over the next few days:
Jesus has been welcomed into the city of Jerusalem as the Messianic hero; He has washed their feet
and given them an example of how the leader is to be the servant. His words to them about having to die are quite upsetting, but not as upsetting as what will happen during the next day when He will be arrested, tried, mistreated, crucified, and will ultimately die on the cross. Yet in all of this, Jesus promises to send them the Paraclete (the Advocate – the Holy Spirit) Who will strengthen them, give them knowledge and understanding, and guide them in what they will do to continue the mission and ministry of Jesus.
As we read today’s readings, we see that living as a follower of Jesus during the early years of the fledgling Church is truly amazing. GOD works marvelous deeds to reveal the divine love to those whom GOD is calling to further the Gospel message. I often wonder how I would have responded to all the happenings if I had lived at those times. I might have acted like St. Peter, who at times promised Jesus that he is the most faithful disciple, and then denies His Lord three times at the most crucial time in Jesus’ human life. I might have been like St. Paul, working against the spread of the GOD’s Reign, only to later change my direction and start to work for furthering of Gospel message.
I was once asked, “why don’t we see events as ostentatious as what happened in the first century of Christianity?” Maybe it is because we are not looking with the eyes of faith. Maybe it is because we have not asked for the further outpouring of the Holy Spirit which/Who has been promised not only to the early believers but also to us. GOD is still willing to work marvelous deeds. All we need do is open our eyes and expect to see the great deeds that GOD is doing. The medical profession heals people in ways that were undreamed of just a couple generations ago. They “created” a vaccine to the Covid19 virus in record time. Mass communication has made it possible for us to know and respond to world crisis (such as the pandemic and poverty and the War in Ukraine and civil war in Sudan) and natural disasters in record time and visually see each other via social media. These are miraculous signs of GOD’s hand at work. GOD is working through people during these troubling times of the world in which we live, but we have to look and see the Holy Spirit’s prompting in the actions of those who trying to help and serve others.
As I look back on my life, I can see GOD’s presence in the events that have happened. GOD has sent the Holy Spirit to me at key moments in my life, to inspire me and direct me. It is true, that like St. Peter, I have fallen into sin and failed to live up to the promises I had boldly made. Yet, GOD has seen me through and allowed GOoD to happen in spite of my sinful ways. GOD has placed me at certain times and places in my life that I might share the GOoD News with others who may not have heard the Gospel message unless I had been there to share it. Again, it is not my doing, it is GOD’s doing. It is when I reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life that I begin to see how GOD is still working marvelous deeds. The Holy Spirit is still active in the lives of believers today. The Paraclete is still strengthening those who are weak. The Advocate is still enlightening the minds of believers who need to profess their faith in the Lord Jesus.
The challenge before me (and maybe before you also) is to continue to pray for the further outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life (and your life). We need to ask that our eyes of faith be open, our minds be made receptive, our wills be directed to GOD’s action. The more we are aware of GOD’s Spirit with us, the greater GOD’s deeds will be manifested and the more we will be able to praise GOD. It is then that we will be able to pray with the psalmist today: “When I called, You answered me; You built up strength within me. Your right hand saves me. The LORD will complete what the LORD has done for me; your kindness, O LORD, endures forever.”
The personal question/action for today: What blocks or hindrances are present in my life that prevent a fuller outpouring of the Holy Spirit? How can I be more open to the marvelous deeds of GOD that are always around me? For what particular manifestation of GOD’s right hand during the last week can I give thanks to GOD? With whom will I share the GOoD News of that event?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever revealing Yourself to us. Through Your GOoDness and the words of Your Son, You have promised that You would send Your Holy Spirit upon us to strengthen, edify, give wisdom and understanding to us. We have not always taken that promise to heart. We have limited the influence of Your Holy Spirit by not fully responding to the gifts that have been offered to us. For our failures to respond to Your gift of the Holy Spirit, we ask for Your forgiveness and pardon. Continue to make us open to the working of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Inflame the fire of Your love within us. Fill us with wisdom, understanding, right judgment, and GOoD counsel so that we may serve those whom You have placed in our paths. And may we give You all the glory and praise for Your continued acting in our lives with marvelous deeds. As always, we make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who has promised us the Holy
Spirit and Who is faithful to His promises. It is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
Gggggggggggggggggggggg
May 28, 2025 BACK
Venerable Pierre Toussaint
Readings: Acts 17: 15, 22 -- 18: 1; Psalm 148: 1-2, 11-12,13, 14; John 16: 12-15
Once again, we are reminded that the GOoD News of Jesus is meant to be passed on, handed down (“traditionized”). It is something in which we have been invited to participate. We continue in our understanding of the GOD Who wants us to be joined with Jesus through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Then,
we are asked to share with others what we have experienced. In the First Reading, St. Paul speaks to the people of Athens. He speaks of the “Unknown GOD” for Whom the Athenians have built a shrine. Paul explains to them that the Divinity Whom they do not “know” is the one and only GOD Who is not far from them. In the Gospel, Jesus once again reassures His disciples (including us) that the Spirit of Truth will make “known” to them (and us) even more about Who GOD is.
St. Paul makes use of a shrine in Athens on the Areopagus Hill, which is below the Acropolis (see photo to the right which I took in July 2018). The shrine is dedicated to the “Unknown GOD.” Paul tells the Athenians that the GOD Whom they do not “know” is now being revealed to them. This GOD is the creator and giver of life. He also mentions that even though they continually search for this GOD, this GOD is actually as close to them as the breath they breathe, for GOD gives them their breath (Pneuma = Ruah = Spirit). And they are children of this GOD. This GOD has been fully made “known” by the One Who has been raised from the dead – Jesus.
St. Paul meets some opposition. Not many of the “intellectuals” of Athens are willing to listen to him because he speaks of things that they cannot fathom, such as people being raised from the dead. A few accept the GOoD News and become believers. It does not deter St. Paul. He knows that he must continue to announce the message of salvation. Paul is not distressed over the lack of response from the majority of the Athenians. Thus, he moves on to Corinth where he will find a more receptive audience. He realizes that sometimes those who claim to “know it all,” have no real knowledge of what is most important in life – “knowledge” – a relationship with a GOD Who is revealing the fullness of the GODhead to them.
In the Gospel, as He continues His Last Supper Discourse on the night before He dies, Jesus reassures His followers that they will come to a fuller “knowledge” (i.e., understanding of GOD’s plan and a relationship with GOD) when the Spirit of Truth comes upon them. The Spirit will pick up where Jesus leaves off and will add to their ability to understand and spread the seeds of faith that Jesus has given to them. That is because this Spirit, the Holy
Spirit of GOD, is one with Jesus and His Abba-Father. The Spirit is just a further revelation of the GOD Who is not fully known except through a continued process of divine self-revelation to us and our feeble minds and a growing in a personal relationship with Triune GOD and with other believers.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that in some ways, even though we have accepted the GOD Who is Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we still have an unknown GOD. We can never fully “know” GOD, at least intellectually. No matter how long we have been taught, studied, and had a relationship with GOD, GOD continues to make “known” to us even more about Who GOD is. In my own life, having been raised in the faith, educated in a Christian environment, and devoted myself to studying GOD’s Word, I am still in awe as I come to fuller “knowledge” (both “understanding of” and a deeper “relationship with” this GOD). This struck me when I was at a confirmation ceremony a few years ago and we ended the celebration with the singing of the song, Our God Is an Awesome God. The awesomeness of this GOD continually overwhelms me. I sometimes wrongly think that after all these years I would not come to new insights about Who GOD is, but I do. As I deepen my relationship with GOD, I see GOD in a new light. I experience in an even more powerful and mystifying way who I am in the sight of GOD. I am reminded of another song that says, “Humble [yourself] in the sight of the Lord. . .and He will lift you up.” As I am drawn even more into this mystery of GOD, the only response I can have is that of knowing how much I am loved and known by GOD, and how much I still need to love and know this GOD. The more I come to sit at the feet of the Master and learn from the Teacher and be guided by the Spirit of Truth, the more I am humbled, loved, and empowered. I sense the need to share this with others. I know that I can never fully express the awesomeness of this GOD Who is Love, but I want to try to help others come to a greater “knowledge” (awareness of GOD’s presence and further developing of their relationship with the GOD Who continues to want to be better “known” by us mortals).
“Our GOD is an awesome GOD. He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power, and love. Our GOD is an awesome GOD.” We cannot fully understand this GOD Who has not been, nor Who cannot be, known intellectually even to us who have been and are believers. Yet, we can “know” (in the sense of being in relationship with) GOD, but that, too, is an ongoing, never-ending process. This GOD is continuing to reveal the awesomeness that is GOD. This GOD only wants us (every one of the creatures GOD has made) to be in relationship with the Divine Awesomeness.
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the awesomeness of GOD? What caused me to sense this awesomeness? What did this experience do to help me better understand the GOD Who wants to be “known” by me? How have I shared, or can I share, the awesomeness of GOD with at least one other person today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, totally awesome. Through Your GOoDness, we can only begin, again and again, to understand You. You want us to grow in relationship with You Who are Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit. You have continually revealed Yourself to us throughout the ages. We, as individuals and as a community, have heard Your Word proclaimed. We are drawn into a deeper relationship with You, especially as You have let us “know” You, in and through the teaching, ministry, and life of Jesus. Yet even that was not enough. You (Abba) and Your Son (Jesus) have sent us Your Holy Spirit to expand our “knowledge” – understanding and relationship with You. No matter how long we have traveled along the path with the Son, we still do not fully know You. You have been the Unknown GOD Who wants to be “known.” Even in eternity, we will continue to be amazed as we grow in fuller “knowledge” – relationship, and experience of Who You are. You are truly awesome. We praise You and thank You for wanting us to come into Your presence and “know” You. May we always be open to Your further revelation of Yourself to us as Your children, individually and as a whole. We
lift up this prayer in the name of Jesus, Who is present with us, in and through the Holy Spirit, and Who is living and reigning with You, our GOD Whom we call Abba-Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggg
May 29, 2025 BACK
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat:
Readings: Acts 1: 1-11; Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1: 17-23 or Hebrews 9: 24-28; 10: 19-23;
Luke 24: 46-53
Just a note: In Acts 1: 1-11, it says that Jesus remained with His disciples for forty days after His resurrection. On the fortieth day Jesus ascended into heaven. Some communities celebrate Jesus’ ascension today (on the fortieth day after Easter). Others celebrated His ascension this coming Sunday (as many dioceses in the United States). If you are in a community which celebrates the Solemnity of Ascension on Sunday, you will use the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter today.
Jesus remained with His disciples only a relatively short period of time after His resurrection. In the passage from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke says it was forty days. The other gospels accounts relate that Jesus only was with His followers on some occasions during those forty days, not consistently day after day. Today, we have a couple accounts of Jesus’ last words to His disciples before He returned to His Abba-Father in heaven.
The question for us is, “what is the meaning of the Ascension?” Or more practically, “how am I going to live my life differently because of the Lord’s Ascension?” To be able to answer that, we need to look more closely at the readings for today.
In the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke remarks that after Jesus had spent forty days presenting His Risen Self to the disciples. He promised them that they would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” and be His witnesses starting in Jerusalem and spreading throughout the world. As Jesus ascends into heaven, the
disciples stare into the skies, shocked and perplexed until two white-clothed individuals ask them the questions, “Why are you standing there looking into the sky?”
The passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians speaks about GOD giving a Spirit of wisdom and revelation to believers so that they can have fuller knowledge of Jesus and they can realize the hope to which they are called – a hope of an inheritance with Jesus, a share in His glory in heaven, and a part in His Body, that is the Church.
The alternate Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus’ position now in the presence of His Abba in order to present our needs to His Abba and to wait until the end of time when He will return to take all “those who eagerly await Him” back into the heavenly presence where He is.
In the passage today from the end of St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of empowering His disciples so that they
could preach His name to all nations. In some of the other accounts of Jesus’ ascension, Jesus also promises that
He will be with His followers always, even until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28: 16-20).
What this says to me is that we are called and empowered to continue the work of Jesus. This is not just the call of the ordained clergy or parish staff. It is the call of each and every follower of Jesus. Each of us, as disciples of the Master, are given the ability, and responsibility, to further the spread of the GOoD News. As
members of the Body of Christ (the Church), we are gifted with what we need to further the mission of Jesus.
We often ask, “How can I serve in the proclamation of the Gospel?” We think that because we have not been trained or because we have not dedicated our lives to missionary work that we are not going to be responsible for the ministry of spreading the faith. In some ways we are like the disciples who today look up in the heaven as Jesus is taken from their sight. We are awestruck by what we have experienced. We often just spend time looking up to the sky with our mouths wide open.
Maybe we need beings dressed in white appearing to us saying, “Why are you standing there looking up into the sky?” We need to be challenged to quit standing around, doing nothing, and to get to work spreading the GOoD News.
We can take a little consolation in the fact that it took the disciples at least ten days to get motivated. And it was only after they received the further outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that they were able to get moving in their mission of furthering the Gospel. What we need to do is to continue to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives. The coming of the Holy Spirit, by the way, is not just a one-time thing. It is a
on-going process. The more we are open to the Spirit’s presence in our lives, the more we will be empowered to be Spirit-filled individuals and become the missionaries whom we are called to be.
Being missionaries does not mean we have to sell all our belongings and move to some far away land to
spread the faith, although some may be called to do this. Missionaries literally means “those who have been sent” or those “on a mission.” Maybe we are being sent as “far away” as our own home. We may be called to announce the GOoD News to our family members. The way we announce the message is by living lives of
GOoD News. It may be the hardest audience to whom we can be sent. We may truly need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to announce the GOoD News, because our family knows who we really are, with all our failings and all the times we have “missed the mark” (sinned) in living out the Gospel. It can be a real challenge to be evangelists (proclaimers of the GOoD News) to our family, because it is so easy to forget our mission, due to the day-to-day needs they and we face, both alone and together.
That is why we need to keep turning to the Lord and praying, “Send us Your Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of us who are trying to be faithful. Inflame in our hearts the fire of Your love.” What can help us is the realization that we have been given, and are continuing to be given, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation which enlightens us to
the hope of the call that Jesus has given us (see the Second Reading). If we strive to live out our missionary call, especially to those whom we encounter each and every day, then Jesus promises us a share in His inheritance, with the other holy ones, and the surpassing greatness of His power. We will share in His ascension at the end of our earthly life and even more so at the end of time when we will be raised up to be with Him in glory.
The personal question/action for today: In what ways am I like the apostles in my standing around looking up to heaven, wondering what is happening without doing anything? To whom in my life is it most difficult to be sent and to minister? Which gift/fruit of the Holy Spirit (knowledge, wisdom, understanding, peace, joy, discernment, hope, faith, love, endurance, being in awe of GOD) do I need the most at this moment in my life? How can I more faithfully proclaim the GOoD News to those to whom I am sent?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever desirous of our being with You. Through Your GOoDness, You have called us to share in the mission of Your Son, Jesus, Who has come to announce the GOoD News of Your love for each and every person. We often stand in awe looking at the glory of Jesus. Yet, You call us to not just stand looking up to heaven, but to begin the action of spreading the GOoD News we have received. You promise to enable us and empower us by the continual outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. We come into Your presence today and pray, “Come, Holy Spirit! Come with Your gifts of knowledge and wisdom, discernment and right judgement, with strength and humility.” We need to be inspired (“in Spirited”) and made enthusiastic (“in GOD”) so we can proclaim the values of the Gospel by our living Gospel lives. Give us the ability to be faithful to the GOoD News, especially as we proclaim it to those in our families, in our workplace, and wherever You lead us. As always, we make this prayer in the name of Jesus our Master and Teacher, Who has called us to be His disciples and Who has promised us the Holy Spirit, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
May 29, 2025 BACK
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Saint John of Avila:
Readings: Acts 18: 1-8; Psalm 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; John 16: 16-20
Nota Bene: It has been forty days since Easter. This is the fortieth day of Easter. In Acts 1: 1-11, we read that Jesus remained with His disciples for forty days after His resurrection. On the fortieth day Jesus ascended into heaven. Some communities celebrate Jesus’ ascension today. Others transfer the celebration to the upcoming Sunday. In this reflection, I have chosen to reflect on Jesus’ ascension this coming Sunday rather than today since this is what is done in Archdiocese of Los Angeles and other American dioceses, especially in the Western US. I will provide a separate reflection for the Ascension being celebrated on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Life is constantly changing. Today we hear about the changes the St. Paul went through as he had to adjust his life to his ministry. Some aspects remained the same, others changed quite dramatically for Paul. Jesus, in today’s Gospel passage from His Last Supper discourse, also speaks about change and how it will affect His followers.
We pick up today’s First Reading from where we ended yesterday. Paul leaves Athens and travels to Corinth. In Corinth he meets up with some fellow Jews who have left Rome after
the persecution of the Jews by Emperor Claudius. Paul makes friends with these fellow Jews who also practice the trade of tent-making. Paul feels at home with this married couple (Aquila and Priscilla) because they share their common Jewish faith and also a common skill. Elsewhere we hear that Aquila
and Priscilla are Christians. Paul and his message, however, are not equally received by other Jews in Corinth. In fact, some of the Jews reject Paul’s announcement of the GOoD News. Paul realizes that from this time forward his ministry is to focus on the Gentiles rather than his fellow Jews. That is probably very hard for Paul. He wants the Jews to accept Jesus as much as he wants the Gentiles to do so.
In today’s Gospel, during His final discourse before this death, Jesus speaks to His disciples about changes that will take place in their lives because He is going to go away to His death (and later, His Ascension). He promises that He will return in His resurrection (and eventually, His Second Coming), but in the meantime, they will weep and mourn while He is gone. He also promises that their sorrow and grief will turn to joy as they realize that He is once again with them, and through the presence of the Holy Spirit, He will always be with them.
My reflection turns to changes in our lives. Just as Paul, Aquila, Priscilla, and the disciples of Jesus had to adjust to changes in their lives, so we, too, must face, and adjust to, changes. This struck me a while ago as I chatted with a former co-worker. This colleague was speaking about the changes that needed to be made in the person’s life. My friend had become accustomed to a certain way of living, working, and relating to people. The individual had been happy being a teacher, but he wondered if there was more being asked of him, particularly by GOD. The friend questioned what GOD was asking of this person and whether it was okay to desire personal fulfillment from GOD, besides having the occupational satisfaction of being a GOoD teacher and a positive role model in the life of students. It seemed that there had been a great deal of spiritual growth, educational growth, occupational growth, but personal growth, particular in a long-term relationship was at a standstill. The individual wanted to know what GOD was asking the person to do.
I also remember talking to my cousin who sold his business, his home, and moved to his wife’s homeland of Thailand. He realized he could not continue living here because he could not afford the rent of his place of business nor fight against big stores that were undercutting his prices.
Another cousin communicated with me concerning the fact that our parents’ generation has now totally passed away and that we were now “the older generation.” My cousin questioned what was being asked of us as the“elders”or“senior citizens” of our family.
Obviously, we have all faced rough times over the last few years with the Corona Virus crisis, climate changes, conflicts throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Sudan, violence by individuals in our country, inflation rates on fuel, food, housing, etc. Many of us who still had jobs were working more than before either online or in our essential businesses. Others were facing financial issues due to being unemployed. For all of us, our lifestyle had changed in challenging ways during the global and local issues.
It is always difficult to face new circumstances and events that change our lives, whether that be the death of loved one, our own sickness, changes in our community, moving to new places, a new job situation, or realizing our position in society and in a family. A lot of my ministry as a Stephen Minister, has been helping people to deal with the changes they are forced to make in their lives. Change, even for the better, is not always easy. We have to adjust to new ways of dealing with circumstances and even different people. It can be very unsettling and even disturbing. We often ask, “why couldn’t things just remain the same?” It is particularly frustrating when we sense the changes are due to evilness or sudden, unexpected changes in the world, such as terrorists, environmental conditions, political upheavals, the pandemic, and/or circumstances beyond our control.
We need something, or more precisely, Someone, on Whom we can depend to be the Constant in our lives. GOD wants to be that stable element in our lives. The Lord Jesus wants us to depend on Him, after all, in the end that is all to which (or to Whom) we will be able to cling. Jesus speaks to us as He did to His disciples on the night before He died: “I tell you truly, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you will grieve for a time, but your grief will be turned into joy.” Truly, this is a vale of tears through which we walk. Yet, if we remain focused on our Lord Jesus, we will experience a joy that will never end. The difficult part is remaining focused on the Lord Jesus as we weep, and our eyes
fill with tears as everything seems to be changing. Yet, Jesus has to be the center of our attention. With Him as our focal point, we will be able to face all other challenges and changes that come our way. We need to realize that, with Jesus, we have salus – wholeness, health, well-being, salvation.
We have to be willing to let go of what we thought were our security blankets. Everything can change. Friends can go by the way through moving or death or change of attitude or worldwide conditions. The Lord Jesus, however, will be there if we lift up our eyes and hearts. We must proclaim, as our psalm today says, “Sing to the LORD a new song, for the LORD has done wondrous deeds.” We may not presently see the events of our lives as wondrous deeds of GOD, but the Lord Jesus will change the difficulties we face into wondrous deeds. All we need do is to keep our eyes focused on GOD. We will experience new happenings for which we will want to sing a new song.
The personal question/action for today: What is changing in my life that I am finding difficult to accept? How can I turn more fully to the Lord Jesus and trust that GOD is my strength and GOD will see me through the most trying and difficult transitions in my life? What can I do to help other people who are going through changes in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, our Rock in the midst of a turbulent torrent. Through Your GOoDness, You wish to bring us a sense of joy even in the midst of our trials and sorrows. You allow us to experience instability in our lives to remind us that You are the firm foundation to which (to Whom) we must cling. We ask that through the continued presence of Your Holy Spirit in our lives, we will be able to release that to which we had been accustomed, so that we can hold on to our faith and trust in You. You have sent You Son to us to remind us that we will have to weep and mourn, but that our weeping and mourning will give rise to joy as we experience His presence in our lives. We pray for all those who are facing changing times that can lead to frustration and even anger. We ask that they may sense Your healing presence in their lives, so that they will be able to sing a new song to You, giving You all the praise and glory that is due. We make this prayer through Jesus, our Lord and Master-Teacher, Who is Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 30, 2025 BACK
Friday of Sixth Week of Easter
Saint Joan of Arc
Readings: Acts 18: 9-18; Psalm 47: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 16: 20-23
Giving and sharing life can be a real pain. This thought runs through our readings. We are being called to give life to others, even if it means pain for us.
In our First Reading we hear that St. Paul stays in Corinth for at least a year and half. He seems to have a GOoD response from most of the Gentile people in the community, at least those who accept the faith. He does meet some opposition from some of the people in the Jewish sector. They go so far as to bring Paul to civil court accusing him of “influencing the people to worship GOD in ways that are against the (Jewish, and possibly civil) law.” The civil magistrate will have nothing to do with this dispute among religious groups. Paul eventually realizes that he must move on and continue his missionary travels. It is hard for him to say goodbye and have to start over somewhere else. It is a real pain for him, but he is willing to follow the Lord Jesus’ direction, so that others might hear about the life that comes from Jesus.
In the Gospel’s continuing account of His Last Supper Discourse, Jesus tells His disciples that they will go through an experience similar to a woman giving birth. The pain of labor is difficult, but the woman’s grief is turned to joy as she sees the life she has carried within her becoming a life separate from her. So, in a similar way Jesus’ followers will go through rough times as Jesus suffers and dies. Yet when He rises to life, His followers will experience a joy that no one will be able to take from them.
As I reflect on the readings, I think about my own life, and I ask myself a question: Am I willing to suffer rejection or pain in order that others might have a more wholesome life? It is not easy to put myself out in such a way that I might have to suffer. Yet, that is what I am called to do as a disciple of the Lord Jesus, my Master, Who was willing to suffer and die in order that I and all people might have life and joy.
What does it mean for me in a practical way? I must be willing to sacrifice a little more of my time and energy in order that others might experience the joy of the GOoD News of Jesus. Again, that does not mean that I have to preach the Gospel with eloquent words, but I must provide an atmosphere in which others can be in touch with a loving Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD. They need to be able to experience the joy and life of a loving Brother Who has already given His life for them. And sometimes the only way in which they will be able to experience that joy and full lifeis in the way I care for them.
I was talking to one of my co-workers. I mentioned that I personally found it hard to understand the attitude of some of the people in the Middle East. I know I have not had the lifestyle that they have had to endure. As we discussed the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, my co-worker said: “The Code of Hammurabi is alive and well in the Middle East.” [The Code of Hammurabi gave us the phrase “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”] It is obvious that the concept that flows through the Gospel of “turning the other cheek” [Matthew 5: 39] or “giving your shirt as well to the one who asks for asks for your coat” [Matthew 5: 40] is not the operating principle of so many people in the Middle East (or elsewhere).
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, writes about the Cosmic Egg, which has three domes or layers. The innermost layer is that of personal interest that he calls “My Story.” The next dome is that of group identities and loyalties, that Rohr calls “Our Story.” Most people, especially those whose only relationship is their tribe or group operate within this second dome. The third dome is “The Story.”
This is the level of ultimate truth that “saves us from the illusion of ‘we’ and the smallness of ‘me.’” (Richard Rohr, OFM, Things Hidden - Scripture as Spirituality, pp. 20-23)
I see that the GOoD News of Jesus is challenging me to think of giving to others before satisfying my own needs – not that I should never do GOoD things for myself, but that my first priority should not be selfishly placating myself. It is important that we become the best person we can be and to fulfill
ourselves, but it cannot be at the expense of others. This is operating within the third dome, “The Story.” We are to live life fully, but we are not to force others to suffer for our pleasure. It is not easy – especially in the world in which we live today when we are bombarded by advertisements that speak of self- indulgence - “My Story.” or following the party line - “Our Story.” You may have also experienced the news during the pandemic, of people not wearing masks or venturing out in large groups and not keeping social distancing, because they said, “I should make the choice for myself of what I do and not be forced to do what some mayor or governor or doctor says about doing what is best for others.” Yet the message I hear today is that I must be willing to give life and joy to others even if it means some pain for me. After all, look at the pain our Master-Teacher endured for our sake. And Jesus promises today that if we do His will, our hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from us, and our heavenly Abba-Father will give us what we need. Thus, we will be part of “The Story” that is “GOD’s Story.”
The personal question/action for today: To whom and in what way can I give a positive sense of life? How much pain am I willing to endure to bring that positive sense of life to that person? What loving service can I perform today that will enhance someone else’s appreciation for a GOoD life? How do I strike a GOoD balance between fulfilling my dreams and being of service to others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever desirous of what is GOoD for us. Through Your GOoDness, You promise to give us life and joy. We so often misunderstand this to mean that we should seek our own pleasure first. Yet, through the example of Your Son, You have shown us that giving life to others often means pain for us. We ask to be guided by the wisdom that flows from Your Holy Spirit so that we can know how we can more effectively bring Your message of joy and life to others. Give us the strength we need each day to be willing to share with others, in some way, the GOoD News You have given us. May others experience the joy and life You want them to have by our caring and serving them. We ask this through Jesus, our Master-Teacher, Who has given us an example of loving service, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia. BACK
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 31, 2025 BACK
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Replacing the readings of Sat. of the 6th Week of Easter)
The Visitation:
Readings: Zephaniah 3: 14-18A or Romans 12: 9-16;
Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4bcd, 5-6; Luke 1: 39-56
The Feast of the Visitation takes precedence over the readings for Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter. Today’s celebration recounts Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. It reminds us of the importance of personal relationships between people and the need to be positively and joyfully involved in the lives of others.
There are two options for the First Reading. I have chosen the passage from Romans (12: 9-15) rather than Zephaniah 3: 14-18a. The selection from Romans for the feast of the Visitation encourages us to share unconditional love (αγαπη - agape) to one another with mutual affection (φιλαδελφια - philadelphia - love of friend or relative), to show honor, to rejoice with those who are joy-filled, and to mourn with those who are sad. These words are reflected in the lives of both Mary and Elizabeth. Both women are concerned for the other. They sensed the presence of GOD in each other. They are willing to be joyful for the other person and to place the other person ahead of themselves.
People who are not self-centered seem to be able to detect the specialness of others. They are aware of
GOD’s movement in the lives of other people. From the first moment that Mary hears that her cousin Elizabeth
is pregnant, she knows that she should go and assist her aging relative. Even though Mary has just been told that she is to be the mother of the Messiah, she desires to help Elizabeth.
The Gospel recounts their meeting. As Elizabeth greets Mary, Elizabeth and the child within her experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth is in her sixth month of pregnancy, when a new mother often feels the movement of their baby in her womb. John the Baptist leaps within the womb of his mother, Elizabeth. Elizabeth, like Mary, does not focus on her own privileged position of having a child (a blessed and special child), but she acknowledges the specialness of her younger cousin. Elizabeth proclaims that Mary is truly blessed among all women because of the Child within Mary’s womb. (Remember that Mary was still early in her first trimester and would not be “showing” yet.) Elizabeth respectfully remarks, “And how could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Mary, in turn, praises GOD for the great things that are happening. She rejoices in the GOD Who comes to save. And she announces that her specialness is not because of her own doing, but because of the magnificence of GOD Who lifts up the lowly and the humble.
When we look at people today, we can find very few people whose lives are marked by the same sort of humble and gracious concern for others as exhibited by Mary and Elizabeth. Most people are concerned about self-esteem and self-betterment. They seek only what will benefit themselves. So few individuals, especially those who consider themselves as important, are willing to think of others before themselves.
As I reflect on the qualities exemplified by both Mary and Elizabeth, I call to mind the example of others who have lived an other-centered life. I think of people like Saint Teresa of Calcutta (aka Mother Teresa). I also think of an individual whose funeral I attended a while ago. This individual was remembered as a person who constantly tried to give to his wife, his children, and extended family, and to his community. He was well thought of by the members of his family who spoke at the service and obviously by many other people who also spoke about this man – this man who thought of others. One of the speakers talked about how this individual started his own business because he did not like the philosophy of most schools and businesses in which he had worked. The speaker said something like, “Most people develop contacts to improve their business – with people being a means to a better business and more money. His attitude was the opposite. He used his business to better people’s lives. His consulting business was a means for him to relate to, and to help people.”
I realize as I ponder the selflessness of individuals like Mary, Elizabeth, Mother Teresa and the friend who died, how much I personally have missed the mark. Sometimes I can be gracious to people, especially when it is my choice. It is much more difficult to give of my time and attention to others when they are expecting me to be generous in my concern for them. I find it particularly hard to think of others when others seem to have little regard for me and only want what I can do for them, especially when they could do it themselves. It is at these times that I have to be more conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the other person and within myself. It is important for me to be able to acknowledge andpraise GOD for what GOD is doing in the lives of the other person(s) and in my life.
St. Paul’s words in our First Reading are a GOoD examination of conscience. As I read over all the marks of behavior that are mentioned, I focus on the one which I need to work on the most. The challenge before me today is to do what St. Paul says in the letter to the Romans: “Anticipate one another in showing honor.” I need to be respectful of others, even when they are not respectful of me. That’s the issue on which I need to work. And with GOD’s help, I can be a servant to others.
The personal question/action for today: On which of the many marks of behavior that are mentioned in the selection from Romans do I need to focus? How can I anticipate another in showing honor today? Who in my family or in my work environment is in need of my help and reassurance and how can I “visit” them with my loving presence and attention and how can I remind them of GOD’s presence with them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever caring. Through Your GOoDness, You give us examples of women and men who are role models for our lives. Today we focus on Mary and Elizabeth. These two women manifested a true concern for others, even at a time in the lives when they could rightfully focus on themselves. We thank
You for the graciousness of these two individuals who cared enough to go out of their way to anticipate each other’s need and in showing respect. Pour within our souls the gifts of patience, mutual affection, and caring so that we can rejoice with those who are joy-filled and weep with those who are sad. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus (Your Son and the Son of Mary), Who has come to us because of Your great love and the obedience and graciousness of His loving mother, and it is He, Who is living and reigning together with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. BACK
gggggggggggggggggggg
June 1, 2025
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060125-sunday.cfm St. Justin: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-justin-martyr/ Readings: Acts 7: 55-60; Psalm 97: 1-2, 6-7, 9;
Revelation 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20 John 17: 20-26
Just a note: In Acts 1: 1-11, it says that Jesus remained with His disciples for forty days after His resurrection.
On the fortieth day Jesus ascended into heaven. Some communities celebrated Jesus’ ascension on the fortieth day of Easter, last Thursday. Others celebrated the Ascension of the Lord today. This reflection is for the Seventh Sunday of Easter for those who celebrated the Ascension of Lord last Thursday, May 29. 2025.
Unity could be called the theme of the readings today. Unity demands effort, but unity brings a sense of peace. In our First Reading, we hear of the first Christian being martyred. As St. Stephen is being stoned, he prays the first prayer addressed to Jesus in scriptures, a prayer to be united with Jesus through his death. The Responsorial Psalm speaks of the unity of all peoples as they praise LORD GOD Who is ruler of all the world. In our Second Reading, St. John shares the message of Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, Who is coming soon to unite all people. In the Gospel, Jesus prays to His Abba-Father and asks that His followers be one, just as Jesus and His Abba are one.
The stoning of St. Stephen is the first in a few ways. It is the first
martyrdom of a believer in Jesus. During his stoning, Stephen prays the first prayer addressed to Jesus. Stephen also, like Jesus before him, prays for those who are mistaken in their drive to martyr him, including a certain Saul who will later become St. Paul, the Apostle
to the Gentiles. Stephen senses a connection, a union, with Jesus and even with those who are part of his persecutors. His being a witness (martyros) unites him with all who will be martyrs after him,
including Paul.
The psalm today is a hymn of praise of the LORD GOD Who rules over all. Not only does GOD rule over all, but all peoples see
GOD’s glory and raise a song of joy over what GOD does.
In the Second Reading, St. John concludes the Book of Revelation with Jesus’ promise that, as the Alpha (Beginning) and the Omega (End), He is coming soon to unite all who call upon Him. The only response we can say is the prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
The Gospel is part of Jesus’ Last Supper Discourse (John chapters 13-17). Today’s pericope is part of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples. He speaks of the unity He has with His Abba and asks that the same unity include His union with His disciples, not
just at the time of the Last Supper, but all who will follow Him in
future, including us.
“Unity” does not necessarily mean “uniformity.” Yes, we are asked to put on the mind of Christ Jesus (cf. Philippians 2). The key aspect of “unity” is the focus of looking beyond oneself to GOD and to other humans and to all creatures. Our GOD is a union of three persons: Abba-Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. That union is always other-focused. That is that type of unity we must seek to establish with our One GOD, and with all
who are children of our One GOD, and all of GOD’s creation. We are not to think first of ourselves and what we
want or what we can get out of being joined with others. We must endeavor to reach out and assist others, especially those in need.
We have just celebrated the Ascension of the Lord Jesus. Jesus had to leave the earth. Some may say that might have caused a sense of being un-united. But the opposite is true. Jesus’ earthly departure was to lead to a greater sense of unity between humans and the One GOD, for at His ascension, Jesus promised to be with His
followers everywhere they went and for all time as they went out and shared His GOoD News with others and brought them into the Unity of the One GOD (Matthew 28: 16-20). And the sign of this continued Unity will be celebrated next Sunday on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus’ followers, empowering them to continue the ministry of Jesus by going out inspired with enthusiasm.
So, as we come to the last week of this Easter Season, we are called, commissioned, and sent to bring a greater sense of Unity between all humans and our Triune GOD, and between all humans, and with all of GOD’s creation. We continue the ministry and mission of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity Who has always been One with His Abba-Father in the Unity of the Holy Spirit. Jesus continues to pray for us and promises to be with us, especially as the Holy Spirit leads and guides us. We are to work for uniting of all peoples with the One True GOD so that we can share in the Unity for all times.
I am including a reflection on Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples (John 17) at the end of this reflection. I also suggest you read and reflect on Philippians chapter 2. May you be guided in your time of pondering these scripture passages and may it lead you to a great sense of the Unity to which we are called to have with our One GOD - Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit - and with all humans and all of creation.
The personal question/action for today: Do I sense the Lord Jesus praying for me so that I can go out and serve and bring unity to the people in my world without becoming worldly? How have I experienced the GOD being one with me and me with GOD? What has been the greatest experience I have had of feeling the Holy Spirit empowering me to reach out and to proclaim the GOoD News and work for the Unity of all? What else might the Lord Jesus be asking of me at this point in my life?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Abba-Father. Through the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Your Son, Jesus, You have shown us what it means to be One within Yourself as the Triune GOD and One with us. Jesus was always proclaiming His union with You and Your love for us by His actions and words. We pray that You and Jesus will continue to send Your Holy Spirit upon all Your faithful people so that we can continue the work of Jesus and share the GOoD News, first by our actions, and as needed, by our words. Help us to live out our union with You in a way that invites others to be One with You and with us. We make
this prayer in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who prayed for us on the night before He died and Who, together with Your Holy Spirit, continues to intercede for us and empower us to be faithful disciples. To You be all glory, honor, and praise, together with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD forever and ever. Amen. Alleluia.
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
June 1, 2025
Ascension of the Lord
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060125-ascension.cfm
St. Justin: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-justin-martyr/
Readings: Acts 1: 1-11; Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1: 17-23 or Hebrews 9: 24-28; 10: 19-23; Luke 24: 46-53
Just a note: In Acts 1: 1-11, it says that Jesus remained with His disciples for forty days after His resurrection. On the fortieth day Jesus ascended into heaven. Some communities celebrated Jesus’ ascension last Thursday (on the fortieth day after Easter). Others celebrated His ascension today, Sunday (as many dioceses in the United States).
If you are in a community which celebrated the Solemnity of Ascension last Thursday, you will use the readings from the Seventh Sunday of Easter today. I am sending a reflection on those readings.
Jesus remained with His disciples only a relatively short period of time after His resurrection. In the passage from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke says it was forty days. The other gospels accounts relate that Jesus only was with His followers on some occasions during those forty days, not consistently day after
day. Today, we have a couple accounts of Jesus’ last words to His disciples before He returned to His Abba-Father in heaven.
The question for us is, “what is the meaning of the Ascension?” Or more
practically, “how am I going to live my life differently because of the Lord’s Ascension?” To be able to answer that, we need to look more closely at the readings for today.
In the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke remarks that after Jesus had spent forty days presenting His Risen Self to the disciples. He promised them that they would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” and be His witnesses starting in Jerusalem and spreading throughout the world. As Jesus ascends into heaven, the
disciples stare into the skies, shocked and perplexed until two white-clothed individuals ask them the questions, “Why are you standing there looking into the sky?”
The passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians speaks about GOD giving a Spirit of wisdom and revelation to believers so that they can have fuller knowledge of Jesus and they can realize the hope to which they are called – a hope of an inheritance with Jesus, a share in His glory in heaven, and a part in His Body, that is the Church.
The alternate Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus’ position now in the presence of His Abba in order to present our needs to His Abba and to wait until the end of time when He will return to take all “those who eagerly await Him” back into the heavenly presence where He is.
In the passage today from the end of St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of empowering His disciples so that they
could preach His name to all nations. In some of the other accounts of Jesus’ ascension, Jesus also promises that
He will be with His followers always, even until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28: 16-20).
What this says to me is that we are called and empowered to continue the work of Jesus. This is not just the call of the ordained clergy or parish staff. It is the call of each and every follower of Jesus. Each of us, as disciples of the Master, are given the ability, and responsibility, to further the spread of the GOoD News. As
members of the Body of Christ (the Church), we are gifted with what we need to further the mission of Jesus.
We often ask, “How can I serve in the proclamation of the Gospel?” We think that because we have not been trained or because we have not dedicated our lives to missionary work that we are not going to be responsible for the ministry of spreading the faith. In some ways we are like the disciples who today look up in the heaven as Jesus is taken from their sight. We are awestruck by what we have experienced. We often just spend time looking up to the sky with our mouths wide open.
Maybe we need beings dressed in white appearing to us saying, “Why
are you standing there looking up into the sky?” We need to be challenged to quit standing around, doing nothing, and to get to work spreading the GOoD News.
We can take a little consolation in the fact that it took the disciples at least ten days to get motivated. And it was only after they received the further outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that they were able to get moving in their mission of furthering the Gospel. What we need to do is to continue to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives. The coming of the Holy Spirit, by the way, is not just a one-time thing. It is a
on-going process. The more we are open to the Spirit’s presence in our lives, the more we will be empowered to be Spirit-filled individuals and become the missionaries whom we are called to be.
Being missionaries does not mean we have to sell all our belongings and move to some far away land to
spread the faith, although some may be called to do this. Missionaries literally means “those who have been sent” or those “on a mission.” Maybe we are being sent as “far away” as our own home. We may be called to announce the GOoD News to our family members. The way we announce the message is by living lives of
GOoD News. It may be the hardest audience to whom we can be sent. We may truly need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to announce the GOoD News, because our family knows who we really are, with all our failings and all the times we have “missed the mark” (sinned) in living out the Gospel. It can be a real challenge to be evangelists (proclaimers of the GOoD News) to our family, because it is so easy to forget our mission, due to the day-to-day needs they and we face, both alone and together.
That is why we need to keep turning to the Lord and praying, “Send us Your Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of us who are trying to be faithful. Inflame in our hearts the fire of Your love.” What can help us is the realization that we have been given, and are continuing to be given, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation which enlightens us to
the hope of the call that Jesus has given us (see the Second Reading). If we strive to live out our missionary call, especially to those whom we encounter each and every day, then Jesus promises us a share in His inheritance, with the other holy ones, and the surpassing greatness of His power. We will share in His ascension at the end of our earthly life and even more so at the end of time when we will be raised up to be with Him in glory.
The personal question/action for today: In what ways am I like the apostles in my standing around looking up to heaven, wondering what is happening without doing anything? To whom in my life is it most difficult to be sent and to minister? Which gift/fruit of the Holy Spirit (knowledge, wisdom, understanding, peace, joy, discernment, hope, faith, love, endurance, being in awe of GOD) do I need the most at this moment in my life? How can I more faithfully proclaim the GOoD News to those to whom I am sent?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever desirous of our being with You. Through Your GOoDness, You have called us to share in the mission of Your Son, Jesus, Who has come to announce the GOoD News of Your love for each and every person. We often stand in awe looking at the glory of Jesus. Yet, You call us to not just stand looking up to heaven, but to begin the action of spreading the GOoD News we have received. You promise to enable us and empower us by the continual outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. We come into Your presence today and pray, “Come, Holy Spirit! Come with Your gifts of knowledge and wisdom, discernment and right judgement, with strength and humility.” We need to be inspired (“in Spirited”) and made enthusiastic (“in GOD”) so we can proclaim the values of the Gospel by our living Gospel lives. Give us the ability to be faithful to the GOoD News, especially as we proclaim it to those in our families, in our workplace, and wherever You lead us. As always, we make this prayer in the name of Jesus our Master and Teacher, Who has called us to be His disciples and Who has promised us the Holy Spirit, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 2, 2025
Monday of Seventh Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of Marcellinus and Peter)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060225.cfm
Saints Marcellinus and Peter: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-marcellinus-and-peter
Readings: Acts 19: 1-8; Psalm 68: 2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; John 16: 29-33
The life of a Christian is not always easy. Sometimes we think we have these faith ideas down pat, but then we are challenged. The challenge may be when we think we have it all together, but we still fail to be aware of what it really means to be a believer because we have
not let the Holy Spirit fully come upon us (as some of the people
in today’s First Reading). At other times, we may be tempted to turn our back on Jesus and other believers and run away by ourselves (as Jesus predicted
would happen to His disciples in today’s Gospel). No matter what, GOD is always willing to be there for us.
In the passage from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul speaks to some of the people of Ephesus. They thought they were believers, but they had only been baptized with the baptism of John the Baptist and had not received the Holy Spirit by being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Trinity. After receiving the Trinitarian baptism and having Paul lay his hands on them, they received the gifts that flow from the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (or presence) in them. Paul then remained with them for three months, continuing to teach them and trying to bring more people to the faith.
In the Gospel’s continuation of the Last Supper Discourse, Jesus deals with His disciples who think they have a handle on the whole issue of faith. They think they know it all. Jesus questions them, “Do you really believe?” He predicts that due to His upcoming arrest, trial, and execution, they will all run away and be scattered. Jesus, however, does not fear because He knows He is one with His Abba-Father. Jesus also reassures His disciples that even though they will eventually have to be martyrs (“witnesses” to the point of death), Jesus has ultimately won the victory for them.
The readings today challenge me to look more closely at my own faith. I
realize that I have not always allowed the Holy Spirit to fully work in my life. I have often thought, “Now I have it. Now I know what it all means.” It is then that something comes my way that shows that I don’t have it all together. It
maybe someone challenging me about an aspect of my faith. It may be when something does not go the way I expect. I start to doubt. I wonder about my relationship with GOD. I question the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Jesus never promised that being His disciple would be easy. There are movements in the world that make it difficult to be a believer. Sometimes we question or doubt. We are tempted to presume we have a firm grasp of what it means to believe, and therefore think we do not need any further guidance from the Holy Spirit. Or we may be tempted to say, “This is too much for me; I give up.” I have received emails during the worst days of the worldwide sickness, the change in climate and weather conditions from drought and massive storms, the upheaval
and war in Ukraine, the increased costs in almost everything we buy, and people scared of being victims of random killers. The people questioned how a loving and merciful GOD could allow such things to attack the world.
What I should do is once again come to the Master-Teacher and sit at His feet. I need to listen to His every word, anxiously straining to take in everything He says. I need to pray for the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit. My prayer, not just in this week before Pentecost but every day, must be: “Come, Holy Spirit.” [I am reminded that when I went to Catholic boarding
high school, we used to pray before every class, “Veni, Sancte Spiritus” - “Come, Holy Spirit.”] It is only when I am moved by the Holy Spirit that I start to put things back in perspective. It is only when I actively use the gifts and
harvest that flow from the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, discernment, patience, love, joy, peace, awe, reverence, kindness, gentleness, self-control, endurance in the face of suffering, etc.), that I start to have the courage to face whatever comes my way, for I will experience that Jesus has overcome everything that the world throws at me.
No, it is not always easy to be a faithful disciple. We are challenged
throughout our journey. We lack the full understanding of the ways of GOD. Jesus knew that it would happen. He predicted it. Yet, He also knew what would get us through – the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete, the Advocate). Let us continue to turn to our Abba Who happens to be GOD and to our Master-Teacher and ask for the continued gift of the Holy Spirit, today, tomorrow, on Pentecost, and throughout our life.
The personal question/action for today: How often do I consciously turn to the Holy Spirit and seek the rich harvest and gifts that flow from the Spirit’s presence in my life? Which gift or fruit of the Holy Spirit do I need the most at this time in my life (wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, GOoDness, faithfulness, gentleness, humility, or self-control)? How can I manifest and give witness today that I have received the Holy Spirit, and that the Holy Spirit is active in my life? What can I do to help bolster the faith of others and reassure them of Holy Spirit’s action in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all wise and all knowing. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that we come
to a further understanding of You and Your relationship with us, in and through Your Son, Jesus, by the working of the Holy Spirit. It is with the confidence that Jesus gave (and continues to give) us, that we can pray: “Send us Your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of right judgment and courage, the Spirit of knowledge and reverence, the Spirit of wonder and awe in your presence” (Isaiah 11:2). We ask that we may be given from the harvest that flows from the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, GOoDness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control [Galatians 5: 22-23]). We ask that as our Master-Teacher has taught us, and as He has promised us the presence of the Paraclete – the Holy Spirit, we may take what we have
learned and live it, share it, and teach it to others, so that we may all be inspired and enthusiastic as we seek to follow the Lord Jesus on our journey to You, our Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD. We make this prayer in the name of the same Lord Jesus, Your Son, our Master-Teacher, our Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 3, 2025
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
(readings from Tue. of the 7th Week of Easter)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060325.cfm
Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-charles-lwanga-and-companions
Readings: Acts 20: 17-27; Psalm 68: 10-11, 20-21; John 17: 1-11a
Our readings today parallel each other in that they are the final words addressed to followers of a leader who will soon be leaving them. St. Paul addresses the faithful in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), telling them that he will probably never see them again, at least on this side of death. In the Gospel, Jesus prays for His disciples on the night before He dies.
In the account from Acts, having been guided by the Holy Spirit, Paul realizes that his ministry-mission to the people in Ephesus and other parts of Asia Minor is over. He bids farewell to them, informing them that he does not fear the imprisonment and persecution that probably await him when he returns to Jerusalem and beyond.
The psalm ties the two readings together by saying that GOD “controls the passageways of death.” Both Paul and Jesus know that even though they face death, it is all for the greater glory and honor of GOD. Doing
GOD’s will, even if it is difficult, gives praise to GOD and is for the benefit of those whom they serve.
In the Gospel, Jesus concludes (over the course of this week) His Last Supper Discourse in chapter 17 of John’s Gospel. This chapter is Jesus’ prayer to His Abba-Father, asking GOD to be with His disciples as He takes leave of them through His death and eventual ascension back to the house of His Abba, Who happens to be GOD.
As I reflect on the readings, I recall the many times I have had to say “GOoD bye” to family and friends, some
of whom I knew I would not see again this side of death. It was never easy. What made it bearable was the trust I placed in a GOD Who loves. Separation from loved ones is part of life – part of death and new life. Coming to the end of loving service to those for whom we have cared is not a pleasant activity; even thinking about it can cause emotional strain. This has been brought forward during the pandemic of the last few years and world tensions, when people have not been able to say their proper farewell to loved ones because of the threat of spreading the virus or meeting their own death. Yet, if we can have the attitude of Jesus on the night before He dies, or that of Paul as he takes leave of those to whom he has given spiritual birth, we can move forward.
St. Paul is aware that earthly life is not the be-all and end-all of existence. He feels blessed if he has completed the course laid out for him by GOD. Sure, he would like to stay in a community of the faithful whom he had brought into a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus. Yet, guided by the Holy Spirit, he knows he must move on.
Jesus’ final gift to His disciple is the prayer of blessing for His followers. He prays that they (and we) will experience the closeness to GOD that comes from continuing His ministry of announcing GOoD News. Jesus gives glory to His Abba as He hands over His mission to His disciples (including us).
Because of the death of my parents and other
relatives, and close friends and colleagues during the past couple of decades, I have done a lot of thinking about those with whom I have been close. I realize that I will “soon” have to say more “GOoD byes.” I pray that my time with them has been a period of helping them realize the full extent of love that GOD,
our Abba, and Jesus has for them. What keeps me from breaking down is the realization that GOD will be glorified not only at the time of our separation, but when we come together again in the heavenly house of our Abba Who happens to be GOD.
I have been struck with strong feelings during the past few years as I touch bases with many people whose
paths crossed mine over the last seven decades. They have called back memories of times we shared as we journeyed along the path of life. They expressed appreciation for how the Lord Jesus had touch their lives through my ministry-service-friendship to them. I realized it was not my doing, but the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a powerful experience to see how the Lord Jesus had used the “mentoring” (or “discipling”) I did so many years ago affect the life of persons even years after I have had to say “GOoD bye” to the person in face-to-face encounters.
Let us continue to minister to those whom GOD has place along our path. Let us pray that they, and we, may come to a greater acceptance of GOD’s plan. Let us thank GOD for allowing us to journey with others as we head to the place that the Lord Jesus has prepared for all of us. And let us long for the day when we can give GOD everlasting glory and praise together in heaven. Let us join the psalmist today and proclaim: “Blessed day by day be the LORD, Who bears our burdens; GOD, Who is our salvation.”
N. B. I am attaching a link to my reflection on John 17. John 17 will be the Gospel reading through Thursday.
http://reflectionsbybob.weebly.com/reflection-of-john-17.html
The personal question/action for today: How well have I used the time that the Lord Jesus has given me when I have been traveling along with fellow pilgrims on the way to the heavenly house of our Abba Who happens to be GOD? Have I been able to bring GOoD News to them as they journey along with me? What can I do to bolster those who are with me on the journey now, even if we are only traveling together online or for a short time, and also to give glory and honor to GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving Parent. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that all of Your children will someday experience the fullness of Your reign. You realize that the path to You is filled with both joys and sorrows. You have blessed us with traveling companions as we have journeyed along the way to You. We thank You and praise You for those who have accompanied us for part of our pilgrimage. We thank You especially for sending Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher, Who prayed for us on the night before He died, and continues to lift us up to You from His place at Your right side. We, like our Master-Teacher, pray for
those whom You have placed in our care. May they continue to walk along the path that leads to You. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who is the Way to You, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 4, 2025
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051524.cfm
Blessed Angeline of Marsciano: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-angelina-of-marsciano/ Readings: Acts 20: 28-38; Psalm 68: 29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab; John 17: 11b-19
Again today, we encounter two individuals in our readings who have to say their farewells to their disciples. They realize their time with their followers is drawing to a close. They end their sessions with those who have been close to them for a rather lengthy bit of time by praying with and for them.
In the First Reading, St. Paul bids goodbye to the leaders and the people of Ephesus and Miletus. He asks the leaders to continue to watch over the flock that has been entrusted to their care. St. Paul speaks of the hardships and attacks they will
experience in the days ahead, once he is gone. He reminds them, as he says, of Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” With that, he prays with them and takes leave of them.
In the Gospel (part of the Last Supper Discourse [John 13-17]), Jesus continues His final words to His followers before His death. The whole seventeenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel is Jesus’ prayer for His disciples (which includes us). Jesus asks His Abba-Father to take care of those who have been called in Jesus’ name. He asks that those who will continue His ministry after He is gone will be made holy in the truth.
These readings, together with the experiences that I have had over the
past few years, has given me cause to reflect on saying “GOoD-bye.” It is never easy to say our last words to those for whom we have cared and those with whom we have shared so much time and thoughts. I have never done well at saying “GOoD-byes.” It is hard for me to realize that the relationships that I have formed are at a point that causes them to change because of death, people’s separating in distance by moves, changing jobs, retirement, or because others have chosen to do different things with their lives and thus will not be as near as they have been.
Over seventeen years ago at this time of the year, I changed my position at the school where I had worked. Although I was still at the same school,
I left the classroom (at least as much as I had been doing) and switched to an office. The room that has been assigned to me for the previous 23 years was no longer my “home” away from home. The teachings of certain lessons were the last I taught. I cleaned out items that I had accumulated for nearly a quarter of a century. It caused me to reflect on the end of a certain aspect of my life and the beginning of another. I also had to say my final greetings, or I was in the process of saying “GOoD-bye” to faculty and friends who have died recently or who are moving on to other jobs or to retirement. Now I am no longer working for the school, since I retired during the pandemic in the summer of 2020. Seven years ago, I had to say “GOoD-bye” to one of my fellow teachers who had been at the school for all the years I had been there. He was the last one who had worked at the school before I joined the staff.
The only thing certain and unchanging in life is not the proverbial death and taxes, but the love of GOD poured out in Christ Jesus. Yes, death (and to a certain extent, taxes) are also a fixed part of life, but the love of GOD goes beyond death and taxes. St. Augustine once remarked, “our souls are restless, until they rest in You, O GOD.” To put it another way, “Things are going to change; friends will come and go, but our relationship with GOD is a ‘for sure’ thing.” In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul list all the things that change in our lives or the things that change our lives: suffering, hardships, persecutions, famine, nakedness, danger, the sword, death, life, past, present, and the future. Then he remarks that none of those things or absolutely “nothing will separate us from the love of GOD” (Romans 8: 31-39).
One consoling thought for me is that even though I have to say “GOoD bye” and “farewell” to friends and
family who have not or will not be part of my life as they have been in the past, I believe that I will be re-united with them again, all because of the love of GOD. I have already experienced this. Thinking that I would never see some people again, we have had to say “GOoD bye” to each other, and then, later, have crossed paths in the strangest of circumstances. I received messages from former members of the youth group I directed over 40 years ago. The Lord Jesus allows us to sometimes make re-connection with those who had once been a very active part of life. Thanks to social networking, I have heard from many friends from whom I had not heard anything for a quarter of a century or longer. I have also re-connected with my elementary and high school classmates, some of whom I had not heard anything during the 57 years since our high school graduation.
A couple of years ago, our Stephen Ministry group had a guest speaker. She was a woman whose baby died during the last month of her pregnancy. Unbeknown to the mother, she had chosen her baby’s name on the night before her little girl died. She had given her little girl the name of Trinity. The
grieving mother continues to celebrate Trinity’s birthday every year and she and her other three children constantly recall Trinity at special holiday celebrations.
There are those who have already gone home to be in the house of our
Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD. Even across the door known as death, they are still close to me, sometimes even closer than before, because of our being united in the love of GOD. That does not take away all the sadness of having to say “GOoD-bye.” That is why I prefer not to say “GOoD-bye,” but rather say “A-Dios.” For as I bid others “A-Dios” I am say “To GOD” or “In your journeying towards GOD,” thus wishing them a safe journey to GOD. I
am saying also that “In GOD” we will be united, especially when we all finish our earthly, human pilgrimage, and
we are one with GOD for all eternity. So, let us not say our final departing words to others, let us pray “A- Dios.” For it is in our traveling “To GOD” that we are united “In GOD.”
The personal question/action for today: Who has/have been special traveling companion(s) in my journey of faith who no longer is/are able to journey with me in the same way as he/she/they once did? What have I learned and experienced during our pilgrimage together that will benefit me and those with whom I will travel in the future? How can I say “A-Dios” to them and demonstrate my wish that they complete their journey “to GOD”?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. You want us to be with You in Your house. At times on our journey there, we get too accustomed to our surroundings and traveling companions and lose focus on what our destination is – A-Dios (To [be with You, O] GOD). We find it hard to come to a point where we have to let go of a relationship with one or more people who have journeyed along with us and helped us on our way. Your Son, Jesus, at the end of His earthly life, also had to face changes in His relationship with the disciples. Although He knew He would always be a part of their lives, He also realized that the way He would relate to them would be different. St. Paul faced similar experiences in his ministry. Through the example of Your Son and St. Paul, You have reminded us that our focus must always be on heading to You. We must say “A-Dios”
to others to remind them and us that our orientation must be A-Dios – “To [be with You, O] GOD.” We praise You for giving us those special people in our lives who have made a difference to us as we have taken the sometimes difficult steps to You. We ask for strength to continue along without some of those who have touched our lives. We also ask that we may give inspiration (“breathe the Spirit in”) to others to whom You have allowed us to minister and serve. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, our Guide and Coach, Who has traveled along the way and prepared a place for us in Your House, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 5, 2025
Memorial of St. Boniface
(readings from Thu. of the 7th Week of Easter
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060525.cfm
Saint Boniface: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-boniface
Readings: Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11; Psalm 16: 1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; John 17: 20-26
Our First Reading find St. Paul on trial in Jerusalem. Being aware of the differences between Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul emphasizes that being a Pharisee means that he believes in life after death, and for Paul, he believes especially in the life of Jesus Who is risen after His death. This leads to an all-out dispute between those who believe in life after death (the Pharisees) and those who do not believe in life after death (the Sadducees).
[An easy way to remember which group believes what is “It is SAD, YOU SEE, that a Sadducee does not believe in life after death.]
The dispute almost ends in physical harm to Paul and some of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
Besides the wisdom that Paul exhibits in causing the members of the Sanhedrin (made up of both Pharisees and Sadducees) to disagree among themselves, this passage makes me realize how often groups who claim to be of the same basic faith can disagree about theological issues. It can be very frustrating, at least to me, that people argue over issues that are not the key aspects of their beliefs and miss the major point of being in relationship
with the One Whom they claim as GOD. The theological and philosophical differences are not what GOD wants. That is evident in Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper (part of which is today’s Gospel).
The key aspect of Jesus’ prayer is that Jesus is asking His Abba- Father, Who happens to be GOD, to bless those who faithfully carry on His ministry of announcing GOoD News of GOD’s love. Jesus also prays for those who will be touched by the ministry of Jesus’ disciples. The key point of belief as mentioned in Jesus’ prayer is that people come to believe that Jesus was sent by His Abba Who is GOD, and that Jesus and His Abba are one. It is also important to realize, as Jesus prays, that “You [, Abba,] loved them even as You loved Me.”
How often do we, who call ourselves “Christians,” miss the point
of Jesus’ prayer. We argue over issues that are not essential. Jesus speaks of His being one with the Abba and the Holy Spirit (the mystery of the Trinity). Jesus also emphasizes love as the driving force of GOD’s message that Jesus has been sent to announce. That
is the center of our faith. Instead, we argue about other issues, whether it be clerical celibacy, ways people are to
be baptized, the number of books in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) or how to translate certain passages. Even within our particular tradition, we have disagreements on the role of women in ministry, the importance of marriage, the participation of divorced and remarried persons, the way people are different from us in developing personal relationships. We miss the point of Who GOD is and how much GOD loves us. GOD loves us more than we can ever know. In a similar way that Jesus’ Abba has loved Him, so GOD, Who is our Abba, loves us. We are invited into the relationship that is GOD – Who is Love. Pope Francis’ work, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), reminds us that we must hold to the teachings of the Church, but we must care for all with love.
I become upset when we want to limit GOD’s love to our human standards. Some people think they know
GOD’s loving ways better than Jesus knows His Abba’s ways of loving. They want to make all sorts of hoops for others to jump through rather than helping them come into a closer relationship with a loving GOD.
To those people who want to waste their time and energy arguing about theological and philosophical issues, my response is that I try to love them as I think GOD loves them. I listen to them, I try to understand from where they are coming, but most importantly I care for them as sisters and brothers in Christ. I may not agree with all of their points, but I try to love them as I sense they are loved by GOD. It does not mean that I water down my own understanding and my position on my beliefs, but I am not going to allow our differences to prevent me from loving and caring for them. I will leave it up to GOD to set things straight when we are all
sharing in the fullness of joy and life that Jesus has gone before us to prepare for us. (I think some people may find things to be a little bit different than what they have come to “believe” when we arrive in the heavenly reign.)
I guess one reason I can say this is because of my work in Stephen Ministries. Stephen Ministries is an inter-denominational ministry. We work at serving the needs of people, not winning them over to our point of view. We seek to love and care with the same love we have experienced from GOD, or as C. S. Lewis describes it, “mere Christianity” (Christianity at its most basic roots). We leave it up to GOD to change the minds and hearts of those who have misunderstood GOD’s teaching. It is not up to us to force a theological tenet on them. Yes, we are called to be faithful to the Word of GOD Who is Truth.
Yet, our first call to faithfulness is to the faithfulness in the relationship that GOD wants with us and with each and every other person.
Let us continue to unite ourselves with the Lord Jesus, as He prays the prayer to His Abba. This should be the focus of our prayer. It is in prayer that we become one with Jesus, His Abba, and all our sisters and brothers in faith, all through the power of the Holy Spirit. We should pray for unity and not seek division. That is the point of Jesus’ prayer. It should be ours, too.
The personal question/action for today: What is the focus of the way I proclaim the GOoD News of Jesus? Is it just my understanding of tenets of belief, or is it the loving care that I have received and that I am been asked to share with others? Am I more interested in theological issues or ministry to people? Who could best benefit from my loving care today? How can I profess in action Who my Master is? How can I encourage others to look beyond difference in thought and see our unity in Jesus Who is one with His Abba and the Holy Spirit?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son to us to announce the GOoD News of Your love. You have not called us to argue about issues, but to work together to spread Your Gospel. Help us to join with Jesus, Your Son, in praying for those whom You have called to continue the ministry of Jesus. Let us all, together with Jesus, pray for all who come to faith in You through the ministry of others. You want us to serve our sisters and brothers by sharing the love You have for them. We are called to remind them that just as You love Your Son, so You also love those who follow Jesus. May we show
our care for those who particularly need to experience Your love. Through the Holy Spirit, may we have the wisdom and understanding of the Truth and impart it to others in a manner that does not condemn the person. May we love even the worst sinners, while despising the evil deeds they perform. May we be true disciples of Your Son, so that others will come to know Who our Master is by the way we act – just like the Master. We
make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, our Master-Teacher, Who prays for us, His disciples, and Who also prays for all those whom we are called to serve. It is this Jesus Who is our Brother, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 6, 2025
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Opt. Mem. of St. Norbert)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060625.cfm Saint Norbert: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-norbert/ Readings: Acts 25: 13b-21; Psalm 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; John 21: 15-19
In today’s First Reading we hear how events are coming together that will lead to St. Paul being taken to Rome. GOD has ways of getting people where GOD wants them to be and doing what GOD wants them to do. Thus, the circumstances in Jerusalem, Paul’s Roman citizenship, and other happenings provide the means for Paul’s being sent to Rome, the place where GOD will use him for the continued spread of the Gospel.
Today’s Gospel speaks about another man who will eventually end up in Rome – St. Peter. This passage takes place near the end of the Risen Jesus’ earthly time with His disciples. Jesus asks Peter about the love he has for Jesus and explains what that means for Peter’s life.
The Gospel passage has been interpreted in many ways. One way looks at the words used in the passage for terms that are translated with the English word “love.” Some scripture scholars say there is no difference to the way that two different Greek words for “love” are used. Other scholars see a great importance to which word is used at what time and by whom. I will present the position that the words were particularly chosen to stress the continuing of St. Peter’s development in his relationship with the Lord Jesus.
In Greek, there are four different words for what we in English translate as “love.” Two of these words are used in today’s Gospel passage. The two words used today are φιλεω (phileo - I love) and αγαπαω (agapao - I love). They both can, obviously, be translated as “love.” The word φιλεω (phileo) is usually understood in the sense of loving because one has a duty of being
related to another person, either a family member or friend. A form
of this word is used in Philadelphia, city of “brotherly love.” It is a very important type of love. This is the type of love that family members have for each other, even if they do not necessarily “like” each other. It is a love that comes from a sense of obligation because of a bond or being in a close friendship/relationship by choice.
The other word for “love” that is used in today’s Gospel is αγαπαω (agapao). This is often translated as “unconditional love.” In 1 John 4: 7, a form of this word is used in the phrase, “GOD is love.” It is the highest form of “love.” It is the type of love that Jesus says His Abba-Father has for us. It is the love that caused Jesus to be born, teach, minister, suffer, die, and rise again. Aγαπαω (Agapao) is the love that comes from a decision to do for another without expecting anything in return and without counting the cost to oneself. It is the type of love that Jesus speaks about when He says, “No greater love does anyone have than one is willing to lay down one’s life for another” (John 15: 13).
Having explained the words, let us see how they are used in today’s Gospel. Jesus addresses Peter and says,
“Peter, do you agapas (do you unconditionally love) Me?” Peter responds “Yes, Lord, I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family or a close friend).” Jesus issues a command, “Feed My lambs.”
Again, Jesus repeats the question, “Peter, do you agapas (do you unconditionally love) Me?” Peter again responds “Yes, Lord, I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family).” Jesus requests, “Tend My sheep.” A third time Jesus asks a question. The word for “love” changes in Jesus’ question. Jesus says, “Peter, do
you phileis Me (do you love Me as a member of My family or a close friend)?” Peter seems hurt. He has been asked three questions. He responds, “Lord, You know everything. You know that I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family or close friend).” Jesus gives the final imperative, “Feed My sheep.”
If the words were chosen particularly for their special meaning, this passage takes on an interesting twist, a
twist that may apply to us. One way of looking at this would be that Jesus is asking Peter to show his
“unconditional love” for Jesus. Peter, at this point in his life, can only respond with the love of a close relative or friend. Peter cannot make the full commitment of laying down his life for others. Jesus again asks for the total surrender by Peter in an act of selfless love. Peter again responds with the only type of love that he can promise at this point in his life. Jesus finally settles for the second type of love from Peter. Peter is hurt, not just by
Jesus’ questioning, but by his own lack of being able to give himself totally to Jesus.
After each of Peter’s responses, Jesus ask Peter to take care of His own flock that he entrusts to Peter. Jesus then goes on to say that Peter will later have to give himself totally, unconditionally, and ultimately as a witness (martyros - martyr) to Jesus.
From reflecting on this, I realize that I am often like Peter. I can
proclaim my love (philia) for the Lord Jesus. Yet I find it hard to
make the full commitment of agape love. I know Jesus is asking me to give that unconditional, selfless love (agape). Yet, I have not fully grown to the point where I can say that I will always love unselfishly. Yes, I love the Lord Jesus. I love my brothers and sisters in the Lord. The love, however, is still at the philia level. I want to give more, but
I am limited in my ability because there is still something in me that
prevents me from giving unconditionally. I expect some return on my loving others, especially the members of my family and those with whom I work or interact. My love must be deepened, i.e., changed from philia to agape type of love. Obviously, I cannot do it without GOD’s help, since GOD is agape-love. I must keep coming back to the Master-Teacher and keep learning from Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can strive to be more unconditionally loving. This is what I am called to do as a disciple of a loving Master.
And one way I can deepen the sense of unconditional love is the same way Peter did – by his tending to those
entrusted to his care. It was by feeding the lambs and tending the sheep of the flock of Jesus – the GOoD Shepherd, that Peter was able to change from philia love to agape love. In his service of others, he learned how to unconditionally love both the Lord Jesus and those under his care. In the same way I, too, can learn to love more unconditionally by my service of others.
The personal question/action for today: With what type of love do I love my family and friends? Phileo - love out of sense of relationship or duty or Agapao - unconditional love? Was there an opportunity in which I recently failed to show unconditional love? How have I recently demonstrated unconditional love for a member of my family or someone with whom I work or with whom I have come in contact? What can I do to strive to be more unconditionally loving to those whom I am called to serve?
Blessed are You, LORD and ever-loving GOD. Through Your GOoDness, You have loved us unconditionally, as seen especially in and through Your Son, Jesus. You have said that You have sent Your Son into the world because of Your love for each and every person. Jesus lived a life and died a death because of His unconditional love for us and for You, His loving Abba-Father. We ask Your pardon for times when we have not loved at all or not loved fully and unconditionally. We ask that You continue to send Your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may have the strength and wisdom to love as You and Your Son have loved us. As we strive to love others, gift us with the ability to love completely with agape type of love. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Unconditional Love Incarnate, Who has given us an example to follow, Who is Your Son and our Brother, and Who is living and reigning with You and
the Holy Spirit, our one and only loving GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 7, 2025
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060725.cfm
Blessed Franz Jagerstatter: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-franz-jagerstatter
Readings: Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11: 4, 5 and 7; John 21: 20-25
Today we come to the end. We read the last few verses of the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel according to St. John. It is also the last weekday (non-Sunday) of the Easter Season. We reflect on the end of a special time (the time of Easter, the time of the Apostles).
As we close out the Acts of the Apostles, we hear about the last part of St. Paul’s ministry – the last two years of his life, under house arrest in Rome. Paul addresses the Jewish community in Rome speaking about his being even more faithful to the GOD of the Jews than earlier in his life (when he was a strict Pharisee and was persecuting Christians). He asks his listeners to see Jesus as the hope of Israel.
The conclusion of the Gospel of St. John gives us a glimpse into the life of the author of the fourth Gospel. He was the beloved of the Lord Jesus, one who has testified (= gave witness = “martyrized”) to the truth of what has been revealed
in his Gospel.
What strikes me as I reflect on the readings is St. Peter’s
reaction in the Gospel today. When Peter asks Jesus about the beloved disciple, Jesus responds,
“What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You need to just follow me.” The “concern” of Peter reflects the human concerns a lot of us have about other people.
We so often want to know how we compare to other people. We want to make sure that we are being treated fairly and equally, or if there is any inequality, we expect it to be in our
favor, not the other person. We sometimes become upset when others are “apparently” liked by GOD more than we are liked by GOD. “Apparently” is from our perspective not GOD’s perspective.
Jesus’ response is important for us to hear: “What concern is it of yours?” We need to trust in GOD and GOD’s sense of fairness. Yet, as humans, we are so often concerned about ourselves and how we are treated. Rather than rejoicing in how GOD loves and gifts others, we get upset if one person seems to manifest more talents or gifts or blessings than we have.
We need to realize that it is GOD’s will that everyone uses the abilities and skills and blessings they have received from GOD for the edification of one another. We are not meant to be competing against each other, but to be working for the common GOoD. We also need to realize that GOD will expect more from those who have received more blessings from GOD (Luke 12: 48).
So, instead of always complaining about what we don’t have, or being envious of others who seemed to be more gifted, we should give thanks to GOD for what we have and see how we can use what we have been given for the benefit of others. We should also praise GOD for the talents and abilities GOD has given to others, especially as
they use those gifts for the GOoD of all.
St. Paul reminds us that we all have different gifts (1 Corinthians 12 and 13). He reminds us that the gifts are given to different people for the building up (edification) of the Body of Christ – the Church. We need to reflect on the gifts and abilities GOD has given us and see how we can use them more effectively in the bolstering of the faith of others. In this way we will all be enriched as we share with one another. This is what St. Paul did even as he was under house arrest in Rome. He continued to proclaim the GOoD News to all who came to hear him speak.
We should also listen to Jesus’s final message to Peter: “Just follow Me.” If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow where He leads, we will arrive at our destination – the dwelling place of our Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD. Yes, it is true that we may have to go through some intermediate places to which we would rather not go, such as Peter and Paul experienced in Rome. Yet, if we trust the Lord Jesus and follow where He leads, we will experience the joys of the place in heaven that Jesus has prepared for us for all eternity.
The personal question/action for today: When I look at the gifts that others have received from GOD, what is my reaction? Am I jealous or envious or do I rejoice in their receiving gifts that edify the Body of Jesus? When I reflect on my own GOD-given abilities, am I grateful for what I have received? How do I use what I have been given for the building up of the Body of Jesus (the Church)? How can I more faithfully follow Jesus today in the building up of His Body?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever caring and always giving. Through Your GOoDness, You have blessed each of us in unique ways so that we can help others along the way as we journey to You. Help us to appreciate the special talents and abilities of others and not question what they have or what You have called them to do. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, helps us develop the special gifts You have given us so that we can be of assistance to our traveling companions on the path of faith. May we give You all the glory and praise as we see the ways You have graced others. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Our Master Who leads us and asks us to follow Him. It is this Jesus Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 8, 2025
Pentecost
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060825-Day.cfm
Pentecost: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/pentecost-the-birthday-of-the-church
Saint William of York: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-william-of-york
Readings: Acts 2: 1-11; Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-30, 34; 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-7; 12-13; John 20: 19-23
N. B. I have chosen to reflect on the readings for Pentecost Sunday rather than the readings from the Vigil of Pentecost and the
Second Reading from 1 Corinthians rather than Galatians. For the Gospel I chose the reading from John 20: 19-23. .
Today we celebrate Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birthday of the Church, the end of the Easter Season. Our readings speak of the gift of the Holy Spirit and what that means for the Church, i.e., us. Today is all part of the paschal (Easter) mystery. In fact, the Gospel reading comes from a Resurrection appearance on Easter Sunday afternoon.
In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Luke relates the coming of the demonstrable presence of the Holy Spirit. The passage says that “they” [Mary, and the disciples of the Lord Jesus (including other women)] are gathered together behind lock doors as the image to right pictures the event. Their Master and Teacher left them ten days ago, when He ascended into heaven. They are not sure what they should do. They are scared and confused. They have been promised that something special would happen. They wait with guarded optimism. [I like the image showing Mary and other women besides the apostles. I believe the “they” includes all the disciples including Mary and other women.]
All of the sudden they hear something that sounds like a powerful wind. They sense the unseen power in their midst. They are enlightened with tongues, as of fire, appearing over their heads. Their fear fades away and they have renewed strength, courage, and wisdom.
A parallel event happens in the Gospel. John gives us another account of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus. This takes place on Easter Sunday evening. Just as in the Pentecost story in the First Reading, the
disciples of Jesus are gathered together behind lock doors. They sense an emptiness due to the absence of their Master and Teacher, Who was crucified three days before. They are confused and not sure what they should do. They are afraid to even go outside because they might be arrested. They have been promised that the presence of the Lord Jesus would be made manifest on this, the third day since His death.
All of the sudden Jesus stands before them. He comes in power and glory. They sense Jesus’ abiding presence. They start to put things together and realize they have nothing to fear, especially after Jesus speaks His first word to them: “Shalom!” Jesus then breathes on them and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What is amazing in both these accounts is the change that takes place in the lives of the disciples after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. They become transformed individuals who are willing to step out in faith.
There are other more subtle parallels in the two accounts. One of these subtleties is the concept of Ruah, the Hebrew word for “Spirit.” Ruah also has other meanings: “Breath” or “Wind” – a power that cannot be seen, but whose effect can be experienced. This Ruah is the Ruah of GOD, the Breath of GOD that GOD breathed into the hunk of clay – adamah – at Adam’s creation, giving him life (Genesis 2: 7). This Ruah is the Spirit of GOD that (Who) blew the Red Sea apart at the time of the Exodus (Exodus 14: 21). This Ruah is the breeze that (Whom) the prophet Elijah experienced when he was told that GOD was near (1 Kings 19: 12). This same Ruah is breathing new life into the disciples of the Lord Jesus making
them strong, bold, and determined to carry on the work of Jesus.
The Spirit of GOD (Ruah YHWH – Πνεύμα του Θεού [Pneuma tou Theou]) blows where the Spirit wills. The Spirit transforms and gives life. The Spirit is not seen directly, but the Spirit is powerful in the ways the Spirit manifests the presence of GOD.
St. Paul, in the Second Reading (from 1 Corinthians) today, speaks about how the Holy
Spirit affects the Church. It is by the power of the Spirit that believers can profess that
“Jesus is Lord.” It is the Spirit Who gives different gifts of service so the Body of Christ (the Church) can be edified (built up) and served. The different forms of service that come with the manifestation of the Spirit are for the benefit of the whole. We are all united in the common drink: the drink of the one Spirit ἓν πνευμα – hen pneuma).
As I continue my faith journey, I am more and more impressed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life and the people around me. I am aware of GOD’s Spirit with me at times when I am writing these reflections or listening to a person who is sharing their problems with me. I might write something or say something. I think to myself, “Wow! Where did
that come from?” I know it is not me who came up with it. I realize the power of the Holy Spirit has used me to provide the words to the person who needed to hear the words that came out of my mouth or onto the monitor as I write, but the words were not really my words.
Another example of the presence of the Holy Spirit is the gathering (assembly – ekklesia – church) of GOD’s people, not because we have to gather, but because we want to gather. Years ago on Pentecost Eve, I experienced that when the faith community gathered for a funeral. The church was filled to overflowing. We came together to lift up one of our members who had died and passed from this earthly life to the place prepared for him by Our Lord Jesus, in the home of our Abba- Father Who happens to be GOD. We also came together as a support to his wife and to the family of the one who had passed on. Through the tears and fears, we sensed the presence of the Ruah of GOD as we sang and prayed and rejoiced in the life of the one who was now joined with the Risen Lord. A feeling of empowerment and challenge came upon us to carry on the ministry of the Lord Jesus as was manifested in the life of the one who had died, the one who had reflected, in various ways, what being a disciple of Jesus is all about – loving and caring service of others. The Ruah of GOD was evident and alive in the gathering in the church. We felt the presence of GOD’s Spirit, comforting, strengthening, consoling, and inspiring us to remember and continue the work of Jesus, even as we grieved over our loss of, and physical separation from, one of Jesus’ followers here on earth.
These are only a few examples of my awareness of the Spirit’s presence in my life. There are many more. When I am
aware of the presence of the GOD Who is manifested in any one of three persons, it is then that I know what it means to be gifted by the Ruah (the Spirit) of GOD. The experience comes, and I know that I am in relationship with GOD. It is not my doing – it is gift from GOD. That is what it means to be spiritual. It has nothing to do with me (other than my being aware of it), it has everything to do with the Holy Spirit of GOD. It is transforming, empowering, enlightening. It is an awesome experience. And this awareness of the Spirit’s presence in our lives is something that each and every one has been promised. This is the gift that Jesus has left us. Let us continue to pray, “Veni, Sancte Spiritus! – Come, Holy Spirit.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the Holy Ruah–Spirit of GOD breathing life into me? How did I feel at that moment? What was the result of GOD’s Spirit being made evident in my life? What gift do I wish to receive from the Holy Spirit at this time in my life? How can I make use of this gift in the spread of Gospel (GOoD News)?
Blessed are You LORD GOD, ever one, yet also three. Through Your GOoDness, You manifest Yourself in so many ways, desiring that we be aware of Your presence in our lives. You come as Creator and loving Parent. You have come in flesh as our Master and Teacher, Who suffered and died for us. You come as the Ruah Who blows life into us and empowers us to walk the journey with others who are on the path to You. You breathe Your very being into our being and make us holy. We thank You for revealing Yourself to us so we can draw closer to You. We ask that You continue to come as Holy Ruah–Spirit so that we can use the gifts You have given us for the edification and building up of the Body of Christ. May we work together to help one another as we travel along the path that leads to You. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our
Brother, Our Master, Who is one with You for ever and ever, for You are our one and only GOD: loving Abba, Risen Lord
Jesus, and Holy Ruah-Spirit. Amen. Alleluia!
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 9, 2025
Mary, Mother of the Church
(Replacing Mon. of the 10th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060925.cfm
Saint Ephrem: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ephrem
Readings: Genesis 3: 9-15, 20 or Acts 1: 12-14; Psalm 87: 1-2, 3 and 5, 6-7 John 19: 25-34
Nota Bene: On March 3, 2018, Pope Francis formally announced that the from that year on, the Monday after Pentecost
would be the Required Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church with the readings listed above.
Our readings remind us of the role of Mary in the life of not only Jesus, but also of the Church – the Body of Christ. We see Mary’s role in giving birth to the One Who would defeat evil by His dying on the cross, the platform from which He gave His mother to His disciple (and to all disciples) and also gave His disciple and all members of the Church to His mother. We also have a glimpse of Mary’s role with the early Church as she prays with them.
In the reading from Genesis, after the sin of Adam and Eve, GOD speaks of the tension that will exist between the offspring of the serpent (the [d]evil) and offspring of Eve. One of Eve’s descendants will give birth to a Son Who will battle with the offspring of the (d)evil and He will be injured in the battle, but will win the ultimate victory over (d)evil.
The other alternate First Reading (from
the Acts of the Apostles) gives us one view of Mary’s participation in the beginning of the Church. She gathers with the apostles and other early disciples and prays with them.
The Responsorial is “Glorious things are told of you, O City of GOD.” Mary has been linked to the City of GOD because in her dwelled the GOD-Man, Jesus. As the psalm says, “One and all were born in her, and the One Who established her is the Most High GOD.”
The Gospel is the account of Jesus’ death on the cross from St. John’s Gospel. As Jesus looks down from the cross, He sees His Mother and His beloved disciple. He
gives them to each other. This symbolizes Jesus giving His mother Mary to the Church and the Church to Mary.
With this festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, we are reminded of Mary’s role in bringing forth the Savior of the World and her position in the Church. I am reminded of a movie that was co-produced by Jon Kondrath of ReKon Productions and ODBFilms. The film is entitled, Full of Grace. The writer of the script spent a lot of time researching the part Mary played in the early Church and how she must have had a positive effect in the Church’s growth. The apostles, especially St. Peter and St. John, went to Mary and listened to her advice on the early spread of the faith. Mary was
respected in her role of bringing Jesus into human existence and guiding His early upbringing. She is also sought
out for her thoughts on how the early disciples needed to guide the young Church in its early years.
The Church has always respected and honored Mary. Believers have called upon Mary to intercede with her Son, Jesus, since she has always been close to Him. It is the teaching of the Catholic Church that Mary was assumed into heaven with both her body and soul and is ever at Jesus’ side, and she presents her motherly concerns for all who believe in her Son and for all people.
We are blessed to be able to celebrate this new Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, on the day after Pentecost. How fitting is it that on the day after the celebration of the beginning of the Church and the descent of the Holy Spirit, that we gather and ask Mary to continue to guide us, the Church, in fulfilling our role of proclaiming the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, using words. Mary is a great example of one who did just that. As a priest I know reminds his parishioners, we only have four times in the Gospel where Mary speaks, but her actions model what it means to be the first disciple of the Lord Jesus. We can learn from the four occasions
of her speaking out.
The first time Mary is quoted is during the Annunciation when she says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1: 38). In this she humbly submits to GOD’s will of being the Mother of the Savior. She does not fully understand what it entails, but she is willing to do what GOD is asking of her.
The Visitation is the second time Mary’s voice is heard. After a short dialogue between herself and her aging cousin, Elizabeth, Mary then proclaims the beautiful prayer called the Magnificat. In the prayer she exclaims, “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord and my spirit rejoice in GOD my savior. . .” (Luke 1: 46-55). She declares how great is GOD and she gives thanks for all that GOD is doing in her life. She also demonstrates her gratitude to GOD and her profound sense of humility by staying and helping Elizabeth for three months. She
who is to be the Mother of the GOD-Man – Jesus, focuses not on herself but on assisting someone who needs her
help.
The next time we hear Mary speak is when her youthful Son stays in the Temple in Jerusalem while Mary and Joseph look for Him for three days. Her words to Jesus are: “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety” (Luke 2: 48). She demonstrates her loving concern for Jesus and willingness to help Him look intently on what He needs to focus.
Mary’s last quoted words in the New Testament are at the wedding feast at Cana. There she simply mentions that there is no more wine. She then speaks to the servants saying, “Do whatever He tells you.” She knows that Jesus will assist and that the servers need to do what is asked of them by Jesus” (John 2: 5).
Mary’s words and her actions throughout the life of her Son, Jesus, demonstrate her connection with Jesus and with those to whom He ministers and those who minister in His name. She is filled with humility and loving actions. These virtues continue to be manifested throughout the New Testament as we hear in today’s readings. And they do not stop there. Mary is still interceding for the Body of Jesus – her Son and all who are joined to Him. Thus, we can call upon Mary as the Mother of Church (the Body of Christ) as we celebrate today.
The personal question/action for today: How do I see Mary’s role as the Mother of the Church? What qualities of Mary do I seek to emulate: humility, servant attitude, praying for others, loving concern, obedience to the will of GOD, another quality not listed? For what do I seek Mary’s intercession with her Son?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, for in Your Divine plan, You chose Mary to be the Mother of Your Son, Jesus. She is the model of discipleship-servant-leadership in her willingness to do Your will and provide loving care for Jesus. From the cross, Jesus gave Mary to John, and all His disciples and all believers to Mary. We honor Mary as the Mother of the Church and call upon her to intercede on our behalf so that we can be faithful followers of Jesus. Help us look to Mary and her loving care and follow her example of humility, obedience, and acceptance of Your will. We make this prayer to You in the name of Jesus, Your Son and the Son of Mary, and through the intercession of Mary. To You, loving Abba-Father, through Jesus, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, be all honor, glory, and praise; for You, the Most Blessed Trinity, are our one and only GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 10, 2024
Tuesday of Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061025.cfm Saint Joachima: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joachima
Readings: 2 Corinthians 1: 18-22; Psalm 119: 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135; Matthew 5: 13-16
GOD wants us to respond by saying “Yes.” GOD is saying “Yes” to us in and through Jesus and His ministry. St. Paul tells the Corinthian community that GOD is the GOD of “Yeses.” The Gospel passage is a familiar passages. Jesus tells His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. . .You are the light of the world.” We are tempted to say, “Been there, done that, heard it before.” Yet, saying “Yes” to Jesus’ statement that we are salt
of the earth and light of the world means that our actions must reflect the “Yes” that we profess with our mouth.
In the First Reading, St. Paul recalls the Semitic language roots of certain words. The following English words used by Paul in today’s readings all have the same root (mn) in Semitic languages (Hebrew, Aramaic): faith, amen, security, yes, firm. Paul is saying that GOD is the GOD of mn. GOD is faithful, GOD is “yes,” GOD is firm, GOD is secure. GOD is the Great Amen. GOD is the “So Be It!” GOD always is positive in whatever GOD does. GOD has promised us a share in the divine life. We have received the first payment (the gift of the Holy Spirit through Baptism). GOD continues to say “Yes” to us through Jesus. Jesus is the Great “Yes” Person when it comes to responding to His Abba-Father. We are called to respond with our own “Yes,” “I believe,” “Amen.”
Turning to the Gospel, I hear Jesus’ words: “You are the salt of the
earth. . .You are the light of the world.” I am reminded that I can and should have a positive (“Yes”) effect on others. I should enhance the flavor of their lives, and help enlighten their journeying. Yet, so often we only leave a bitter taste with people and seem to cast a darkness and gloom over them. What can I do bring the richness of their flavor out? I can genuinely and positively affirm – say “Yes” to – them for the GOoD they do, or better, the GOoD they are, because of GOD’s love for them and in them. It takes work, but we can find something GOoD in others.
If we look, we can express our appreciation for their being who they are,
their living out, at least in some way, their being loved by GOD. Maybe a few examples will help. I try to thank people for doing what they are supposed to do. When a
student turns in her or his required work, I thank the student for doing that. When someone greets me as they pass, I acknowledge them and express my gratitude that they said “hello” to me. When someone does something, I try to honestly and authentically compliment them, even if it is only for the effort they put forth. I am acknowledging them for their existence – their being persons loved by GOD. When someone (parent, student,
co-worker, relative, friend) emails me, I usually respond with an email acknowledging the receipt of their email and thanking them for writing me, even if they are only requesting something of me, or sending me a complaint.
The readings are very affirming. They reminds us that GOD is the GOD of “Yes.” GOD desires our wholeness. GOD is willing to heal and forgive so that we will give the most complete affirmation of faith by our praise of GOD’s glory not only now, but also in the reign of heaven. GOD wants us to experience the divine Yes of salus (wholeness, health, well-being, salvation). The fullness of that salus awaits us in heaven, but we can begin to experience it right now. We need to turn to the GOD of “Yes” and ask for salus. Our bodies may have to wait to experience the fullness of physical salus, since they are locked into the limitations of life here on earth.
It is amazing how shining a little light on a situation can change a person’s attitude. Taking the time to ask
people how they are doing before I share my ideas or requests of them, can make a difference. How often we
have something on our minds, we walk up to a person, hardly acknowledge their existence, and start to tell him/her what we are thinking about, or we ask them to do something for us. How much more enlightening and affirming it is if we honestly check in with them to ask if they have the time to hear what we would like them to hear. There are all sorts of ways in which we can be light to others.
And the key phrase at the end of today’s Gospel is very important: “Your light must shine before others, that they might see your GOoD deeds, and give glory to GOD.” Our sincere, hospitable caring for others is a way of giving glory to GOD – of saying “Yes” to GOD. This is true, particularly if we say a little prayer or offer our attitude to GOD as a gift of praise. Others will be blessed by GOD because of our being concerned for them.
GOD wants to say “Yes” to what is most important in our lives – salus (wholeness, healing, salvation). GOD has promised that to us. All we need do is humbly come before the Lord Jesus with a contrite heart and a desire to be people of faith, people of saying “yes,” – Amen people. Let us confidently shout, “Amen, Amen! I believe! Let it be! Yes, Lord! Amen!” In this way we will be salt to the bitter tasting world and light in the darkness of people’s lives.
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced someone else’s being salt (enhancing the GOoD taste in my life) and light to me (enlightening me with loving care)? What was the experience like when they took the time to acknowledge me and make me feel that they cared about me? How can I enhance the GOoDness of another person and shed light on his/her being a person loved by GOD? Can I be more affirming (“yes-ing”) of the GOoDness in that person? When I am affirming, do I sense the glory being given to GOD?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD, source of all GOoDness and light. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to examine our lifestyle in the Light of Your Love. We so often hear Your Word and fail to reflect on how Your Word should affect our lives. We also take others for granted and fail to realize how we can be a source of light and enrichment to them. We say “No” to You and others and leave a bad taste in others’ mouths, we leave them in the dark rather than letting Your light shine through us. Yet, if we turn to You, You enable us to be salt and light to others, to be people who willingly say “yes.” In our being salt and light to others, we allow them to experience Your blessings in their lives. Our attitude towards others can also have an enriching and enlightening effect on us as we experience You in those whom we meet. Help us to take the time to savor Your Word and experience Your enlightening presence in others. May we be “Amen – Yes” people and follow the example of Your Son. For we make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, Your Son and our Brother, Who is the Great “Yes” to You, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD for ever and ever. Yes. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 11, 2025
St. Barnabas
(Gospel from Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061125.cfm
St. Barnabas: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-barnabas/
Readings: Acts 11: 21b-26, 13: 1-3; Psalm 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6; Matthew 5: 17-19
GOD’s plan includes the proclamation of the GOoD News to all who will listen and exert a willingness to reach out to others in a clear and firm way. Today’s readings give us an insight into that plan. Since today is the Memorial of St. Barnabas, our First Reading gives us an account of the call and ministry of Barnabas. In the psalm we hear that GOD’s message of salvation is revealed to all the nations. In the Gospel (for Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time), Jesus announces that He is the fulfillment of the old covenant and the institutor of the new covenant (testament).
Barnabas, an early believer in the Lord Jesus, seeks out Paul in Taurus and brings Paul back to Antioch where they minister together. After a year of sharing the Gospel in Antioch, the leaders of the assembly (church) in Antioch, directed by the Holy Spirit, send out (“apostle”) Paul and Barnabas to be missionaries and to spread the faith. There is also a comment that it is at this
place and time that followers of this faith for the first time are called “Christians”
– “Christ-like people.”
The psalm gives us a foretaste of the spread of GOD’s message to all the
world. Although the Israelites believed they were chosen by GOD, they also sensed (at least the psalmist did)
that through them, GOD’s message of salvation would be heard by all nations.
In the Gospel, Jesus announces that He has not come to destroy the Old Covenant and the Word of GOD as proclaimed by the patriarchs and prophets. Rather, He has come to bring all that was promised to fulfillment. Jesus condemns those who do not uphold the GOoD News that began in the Hebrew Scriptures. He also praises those who teach and share the Word of GOD with others. Yet with His coming, and particularly with His death and Resurrection, He has fulfilled the Old and can bring about the New Covenant (relationship) with GOD.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that GOD is sending
(“apostling”) us to be ambassador of GOD’s love, forgiveness and honesty. An ambassador must fully manifest the ideas of the
One Whom the ambassador represents. An ambassador is not to act in way that contradicts the intentions of the One Who has sent the ambassador. That means we are to “walk the talk.” We are to be people who act the way we believe, and we are to do it at all times. If we are Christians –
Christ-like individuals – disciples of the Lord Jesus, we must live in a manner that demonstrates our commitment to the teachings of Jesus. If we truly believe that we have received
forgiveness of sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus, then we should not only live grateful lives because GOD has forgiven us, but we should model and reflect that forgiving attitude in our lifestyles. Thus, if we sense there is any conflict between us and another person, particularly if the other person is a fellow believer, then we must resolve the conflict before we continue our proclamation of the GOoD News. If we don’t, people will see that we do not act like our Master-Teacher.
We, like Barnabas and Paul, are called to be ambassadors of Jesus and to realize that, through the Holy Spirit,
we are sent to continue to announce the GOoD News of Jesus. If Jesus is the Truth, we are called to reflect truthfulness in all we say and do. Our very lives should be messages of blessedness/joyfulness, light to others, and “enhancers” of the True Bread of Life. People should not have to try to figure out the Truth that we are
bringing to them. There should be no question from those to whom we are sent concerning what our mission and purpose is: we are ambassadors of GOD, we speak GOD’s message, even in the midst of the trying events of their lives and our lives, like the social unrest, killing of innocent people, or global tensions. We should not have to emphatically punctuate when we are speaking the Truth by swearing.
People should be reminded of the qualities of GOD when they encounter us and by the way we are treat them. They must know that GOD is comforting and merciful, and that GOD seeks peace (and reconciliation) in other people’s lives because we are willing to mourn with others, extend them kindness, and be peacemakers and reconcilers. We should manifest the fact that we aware that GOD has lifted our lives from our former ways of sinfulness to the higher level of sharing in the life of GOD, even if that means suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
That should also include our being understanding and forgiving of those who have harmed us. We should not live lives that imply that we are better or “holier” than others, especially than those who continue to sin. Yes, we should be willing to condemn sin, but at the same time show that we are humble and meek in the presence of our GOD and that we can live as the children of GOD and members of the Reign of GOD, because we have experienced the blessedness of being in relationship with the Lord Jesus and the forgiveness we need for our own sinfulness.
Being an ambassador demands that we are fully, honestly, and completely committed to the One Who has sent us. That is not always easy to do so, particularly if we still hang on to old ways of sinfulness and evil. Yet the One to Whom we owe our loyalty is asking for complete allegiance. We must commit our whole being to the Lord Who has commissioned us as His own ambassadors. We must never forget what our GOD has done for us as we bring GOD’s message to others. We must be people who speak the Truth in love at all times.
The personal question/action for today: Can people experience the blessedness of GOD by the way I treat them? How can I live out my calling to speak the Truth – in love – and be one who is sent as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus? Whom in my life might need me to speak the Truth in love and reconciliation to them today?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD, Most blessed and holy, ever compassionate and always Truth-filled.
Through Your GOoDness, You “apostle” (send) us to be Your ambassadors of blessing and joy, just as You sent out (“apostled”) Barnabas. Even though we have chosen to respond to Your invitation to bring Your message
to others, we sometimes display a lack of total commitment as we fail to be as merciful and peace-seeking and forgiving as You call us to be. For the times we have failed to be Your authentic ambassadors, we once again ask You to extend Your forgiveness to us and to continue to remind us of the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to be fully committed to the message of our Master- Teacher, Jesus, Your Son, Who is the Truth. Help us to bless Your Name with our whole being, especially after we have been reconciled with anyone who may have anything against us or with anyone against whom we have any disagreements. To You be all glory, honor, praise, and blessing, in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 12, 2025
Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061225.cfm
Blessed Jolenta (Yolanda) of Poland: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-jolenta-of-poland
Readings: 2 Corinthians 3: 15–4: 1, 3-6; Psalm 85: 9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Matthew 5: 20-26
We are reminded of two key aspects of being a disciple of the Lord Jesus. The first is to reflect the light that comes from Jesus, Who is the Light. The second is to be sure we are reconciled with others, and we do not cause conflict or division with others. In other words, we are called to be in proper relationship with others.
St. Paul speaks to the people of Corinth and compares the Gospel message he is preaching to the message proclaimed by Moses. When Moses approached GOD for a message, the glory of GOD was seen in the face of Moses. Yet, over time, the glory of GOD faded from Moses’ face. Moses wore a veil to prevent the people from both seeing the full impact of GOD’s glory on the face of Moses and from realizing when the glory of GOD over time was decreasing its hold on Moses. St. Paul describes the glory of the Lord Jesus is only veiled from those who are not able to believe because they have been prevented from doing so because of the
evil in the world. For those who believe, the full glory of GOD shines through the proclamation of the GOoD News. Thus Paul is not the source of glory, he only reflects the glory of the Lord Jesus.
The psalm picks up the theme of the glory of GOD shining upon others. GOD’s plan is that divine glory be manifested in the world. With that glory comes peace, kindness, truth, and justice. These attributes are ways by which the presence of the glory of GOD is known.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues His “Sermon on the Mount.” He challenges His disciples to a higher level of behavior than that of the religious leaders of His
time. Not only is murder unacceptable, but no sort of
division or conflict between a disciple and another person is not to be tolerated. And if some sort of discord occurs, it must be addressed, and reconciliation must be sought, before one attempts to come into the presence of GOD to worship.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that following the Lord Jesus is demanding. Being a disciple of Jesus requires us to live in a way that reflects Who the Lord Jesus is and what He desires from His followers – a positive, edifying relationship with GOD – and with others. If we are to reflect the glory of GOD, people must be able to see the love and compassion of GOD shining through us. If GOD is a GOD of relationships, then people should experience what a great thing a holy relationship is. It is then that people can
be in each other’s presence and have a sense of GOD’s glory because of feeling
peace, kindness, truth, and justice.
That requires that we exhibit those qualities in the way we treat others. It does not mean that we water down what we believe, but that we respect where
a person is in their faith journey and be willing to express the Truth in ways that will help the other come to
accept the full glory of the Lord Jesus. They must experience GOD’s loving care through us in the same way that people experienced it from the Lord Jesus as He walked on earth 2000 years ago. Jesus raised the standards of
caring and loving to a much higher plane than did the prophets before His time. He not only spoke words that called for a more caring approach of being in relationship with others, but also Jesus demonstrated that concern for others in His very way of dealing with others. His actions touched people where they lived, and His deeds were so inviting that people wanted to be a part of what He offered. This was true for most people, except those whose eyes had been shielded behind the veil of falsehood, deceit, and selfishness, whether the veil was self- imposed or imposed by others.
Thus, as disciples of the Lord Jesus, we must do as He did, so that others will experience Him in the way we act. If there are strained relationships in our lives (whether it be because of us or because of the other person[s]), we must seek to be reconciled. All this should be done before we attempt to stand before the Lord Jesus and offer worship to Him. For we would be as big a hypocrite as the religious leaders in Jesus’ time, if we go
through the outward appearances of rituals and inwardly harbor hatred of, or envy for, those who cross our paths.
Yes, being a disciple of the Lord Jesus is very challenging. It demands that we seek to be in a relationship
with others – establish a friendship that flows from our being in contact with the Lord Jesus. With some people it is difficult to have such a relationship, but with GOD, all things are possible. This is especially true if we are fellow believers and the Lord Jesus is the Lord of both of us, for we will be united in the Lord.
The personal question/action for today: Are there any relationships in my life that need to be healed and on which I can start the process of healing by taking the first step? Have I blocked the healing process by lack of forgiveness of someone who has hurt me? Is there someone whom I have hurt and with whom I must seek to restore a relationship? Do I reflect the glory of GOD to those whom I meet without my even saying a word? How can I be more proactive in reflecting GOD’s glory to others?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD, ever loving and caring, You invite us into a closer relationship with You in and through Your Son, Jesus. As we draw ever nearer to You, You also call us to be in relationship with those around us. Jesus has set a higher standard of being concerned for others than merely avoiding murdering or killing others. Jesus asks that we lovingly care for and relate to others, not just as passers-by, but as members of the same family. In order that we might be able to strive for such a level of behavior, You sent Your Son not only to proclaim the need for caring for others, but also to model the way of caring for others. Helps us to continually look to Him as our example. With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, may others experience Your glory in and through us as we reach out with justice, peace, joy, and truth. As always, we make this prayer in and through Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Brother, Who is in loving relationship with You and with all those
whom You have called to be Your daughters and sons. It is He who is living and reigning with You and the Holy
Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 13, 2025
Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua
(readings from Fri. of the 10th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061325.cfm
Saint Anthony of Padua: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-anthony-of-padua
Readings: 2 Corinthians 4: 7-15; Psalm 116: 10-11, 15-16, 17-18; Matthew 5: 27-32
Today’s readings speak about the weakness and frailty of human nature, yet the exalt position to which GOD’s love can raise human nature. Saint Paul uses the image of an earthen vessel that can contain a valuable treasure. The psalm announces that no human is dependable, yet GOD sees each person as precious in the divine eyes. In the Gospel, Jesus comments about the human laws that have been made to appease humans, yet the divine calling to which GOD calls mortals.
In comparing humans to clay containers, St. Paul emphasizes that what makes us valuable is not our outward appearance or our own intrinsic value – for we
are no more than hunks of clay (adamah – in Hebrew). Our preciousness comes from what we are able to have within us – the very life and love of GOD. Paul enumerates the difficulties he, as a human, has endured. Even in mentioning all the negative events (affliction, perplexing situations, and persecutions), Paul is not dismayed. He knows that he is united with the Lord Jesus Who Himself suffered. In some ways Paul bears Jesus in his suffering body and is united with Jesus through his suffering. It is Paul’s hope (not idle wishing, but conviction) that he will be joined with the Resurrected Jesus because he has been united with Him in his trials.
The psalmist looks at all that is happening with humanity. He sees that worldly values only lead to a sense of the lack of dependability from others. The psalmist holds out a word of encouragement, not from being in contact with other mortals, but from being faithful to the GOD Who sees each believer as precious because GOD’s life dwells within him/her.
In the Gospel, Jesus remarks about the Mosaic law allowing for divorce. Divorce is not a divine institution, but a human concession based upon the
inabilities of mortals to live up to GOD’s plan of permanency in marriage, a permanency that reflects the unconditional bond of love that exists between GOD and those who fully respond to GOD. Jesus once again raises the standard above that set by the Jewish ancestors in the faith. Relationship with GOD, especially the eternal relationship in the next life, is much more valuable than attachment to human bonds or even to body parts.
The readings leave me both saddened and also hopeful. Mere mortal existence is limited in what brings a sense of purpose and joy. Trusting in fallible human beings and their fickle ways leads only to disappointment
and pain. If all we have is what we experience in limited human relationships, we will be hurt. This bad news can be a source of disillusionment and despair.
There is, however, GOoD News. GOD enriches human life with divine life. Yes, we are earthen vessels, but we are able to have within us the treasure of GOD’s own existence. If GOD is dwelling in us, we become
valuable, not in and of ourselves, but because GOD has chosen to reside within us. This lifts us up from the base position of being only hunks of molded clay to being valuable vessels in which GOD abides. If GOD is with us, any negative experiences we encounter are insignificant in comparison to the joy and richness that is within us.
If we focus on the treasure we carry, we will be able to echo the words of the psalmist and say, “O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the child of Your handmaid; You have loosed my bonds. To You will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the LORD. My vows to the LORD I will pay in the presence of all GOD’s people.”
The personal question/action for today: When I hear Paul’s words describing himself (and us) as an earthen vessel, what thoughts go through my mind? What is it that gives value and meaning to the hunk of clay that I am? How can I give proper respect to the other earthen vessels in which GOD has chosen to dwell?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD, source of all richness. Through Your GOoDness, You have chosen to enhance our value by dwelling within us. Without Your being with us, we are no more than the hunks of clay from which our bodies have come and to which our bodies will return. As You have breathed Your Spirit within us, we become vessels of great value, for You enrich us with Your presence. We seek pardon and forgiveness for failing to appreciate the value You bestow on us by Your indwelling. We ask that we may be useful vessels in Your service and bring to others the wealth that You intend others to have. May we continue to offer You glory and praise and thanksgiving for the value You have given us in and through Your Son and the Holy Spirit. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior Who has died and is risen and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
June 14, 2025
Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061425.cfm
Saint Albert Chmielowski: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-albert-chmielowski
Readings: 2 Corinthians 5: 14-21; Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Matthew 5: 33-37
Being a disciple of the Lord Jesus requires many things of us. Our First Reading speaks about our role in the process of reconciliation of other disciples and non-believers to the Lord Jesus. The Gospel calls us to avoid swearing and challenges us instead to give simple affirmation or negation statements.
St. Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, that because Jesus has come and reconciled us to His Abba-Father, we are part of the process of reconciliation. Yet, we are called to be more than the recipients of reconciliation – we are commissioned as ambassadors of reconciliation. As people who have experienced forgiveness, we are sent out to announce and share the gift of pardon and forgiveness with others.
The psalmist describes the
reconciliation and pardon that come from GOD. GOD is full of kindness and mercy. Once GOD has forgiven us, GOD separates
us from our sins. As far as east is from west, so our wrongdoings are from us, and so should the gap continue to be.
Swearing, as a sign of honesty, has been around since ancient times. Jesus objects to people who swear by GOD and things related to GOD. GOD is not to be invoked as the guarantee of our honesty. We should be people who are dedicated to the truth at all times. Our affirmations or
negations should be simply stated and should be based on the fact that we are always speaking the truth and do not need GOD to be called upon only at times we really want others to accept our statements as being truthful and honest. The fact of our dealing honestly does not need to be punctuated by swearing.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that GOD is calling us to be ambassador of GOD’s love, forgiveness, and honesty. An ambassador must fully manifest the ideas of the one whom the ambassador represents. An ambassador is not to act in a way that contradicts the intentions of the one who has sent the ambassador. That means we are to “walk the talk.” We are to be people who act the way we believe at all times. If we are
disciples of the Lord Jesus, we must live in a manner that demonstrates our commitment to the teachings of Jesus. If we truly believe that we have received forgiveness of sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus, then we should not only live grateful lives because GOD has forgiven us, but also we should model and reflect that forgiving attitude in our lifestyles. People should be reminded of the forgiveness of GOD when they encounter us and experience the loving and Christ-like way we treat them. We should manifest the fact that we aware that GOD has lifted our lives from its former ways of sinfulness to the higher level of sharing in the life of GOD. That should also include our being understanding and forgiving of those who have harmed us. We should not live lives that imply that we are better or “holier” than others, especially than those who continue to sin. Yes, we should be willing to condemn sin, but at the same time reach out a forgiving and reconciling hand to the sinner, positively inviting the sinner to turn to the Lord Jesus and to accept GOD’s forgiveness, along with our willingness to be forgiving in our dealing with the sinner.
Not only are we called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, but we are also called to be ambassadors of honesty and of a proper relationship to GOD. If Jesus is the Truth, we are called to reflect truthfulness in all we say and do. We should not have to swear by GOD and all that belongs to GOD in order to emphasize our point. Our very lives should be messages of truthfulness. People should not have to try to figure out the Truth that we are bringing to them. When we mean something, we should say exactly what we mean, but in a loving way.
There should be no question from those to whom we are sent concerning what our mission and purpose is: we are ambassadors of GOD; we speak GOD’s message of Truth. Swearing by GOD implies that the only time we speak the truth is when we swear. If people know us as people of the Truth, we have no need to swear to indicate that we are speaking the truth.
Being an ambassador demands that we are fully, honestly, and completely committed to the One Who has sent us. That is not always easy to do so, particularly if we still hang on to old ways of sinfulness and evil. Yet the One to Whom we owe our loyalty is asking for complete allegiance. We must commit our whole being to the Lord Jesus Who has commissioned us as His ambassadors. We must never forget what our GOD has done for us as we bring GOD’s message to others. As we do so,
then we will be able to echo the words of the psalmist today and say: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless
GOD’s holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all GOD’s benefits” (emphasis added).
The personal question/action for today: Do I see myself as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus? Can people sense the presence of GOD when they are in my presence? Do I use swearing as a way to punctuate my messages so that people will listen to me and know that I mean what I say? Are others able to recognize me as a Truth-filled individual? How can I live out my calling to speak the Truth – in love? Who in my life might need me to speak the Truth in love to them today? This weekend?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD, ever compassionate and always Truth-filled. Through Your GOoDness, You apostle (send) us to be Your ambassadors of reconciliation and truth. Even though we have chosen to respond to Your invitation to bring Your message to others, we sometimes display a lack of total commitment as we
speak harshly and unmercifully to others or as we water down or interpret the Truth from our own perspectives. For the times we have failed to be Your authentic ambassadors, we once again ask You to extend Your forgiveness to us and to continue to remind us of the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to be fully committed to the message of our Master-Teacher, Jesus, Your Son, Who is the Truth. Instead of swearing by Your Name or that of Your Son, help us to bless Your Name with our whole being. To You be all glory, honor, praise, and blessing, in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 15, 2023
Solemnity of the Most Blessed Trinity
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061525.cfm
St. Marguerite d’Youville: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-marguerite-dyouville
Readings: Proverbs 8: 22-31; Psalm 8: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15
Our readings present to us a view of the Most Holy Trinity, whose solemnity we celebrate today. The First Reading describes GOD the Creator begetting Wisdom Who takes part in the process of creation. The psalm declares the magnificence of creation and the most blessed part of creation GOD has given to humans. In the Second Reading, St. Paul speaks about the gift of salvation that GOD (the Abba-Father) has extended to us in and through the Jesus Christ (the Son) and poured out upon us by the love that flows from the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel, Jesus promises a further share in the life of GOD by the presence of the Holy Spirit Who completes the relationship with the GOD Who is Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In Hebrew scripture, Wisdom is portrayed as the only-begotten essence of GOD, Who is co-existent with GOD from before the creation of the world. It is the person of Wisdom Who assists in the process of creation, joyfully and playfully participating in bringing life to the world. After the coming of Jesus, His disciples related the personification of Wisdom to the “Word made flesh.” Jesus, the only begotten Son, truly has been eternally part of not only the creation of the world, but the salvific recreation of humanity through His life-giving death and resurrection. Wisdom is also seen by Christians as one of the essential qualities and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The psalm praises GOD for so wonderfully creating the world and for taking particular care in the placing of humans as the care-takers and climax of created beings. Humans are not worthy of such an exalted position but have been graced and gifted by GOD with being in relationship with GOD. It is all gift on GOD’s part.
St. Paul in today’s Second Reading describes a further
“giftedness” bestowed by GOD upon humanity. Not only are we part, and the most gifted part, of earthly creation, we have been given the hope and promise of salvation (justification and peace) in and through Jesus Christ. Although humanity had been estranged from GOD through sinfulness, we now have the hope of having the peace (relationship) with GOD restored by means of Jesus’ saving act of death and resurrection. We have hope. This hope is not a wishful desire, but a standing firm in, and living out, GOD’s promise. GOD has established a new (peaceful) relationship with us, and GOD will bring this relationship to fulfillment when we
share in the ultimate glory of GOD. We can stand on this promise because we have received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit Who has come and continues to come, bringing the Love that flows between the three person of, and from, the Triune GOD.
In today’s Gospel, as part of Jesus’ last will and testimony, He
promises to share what He has received from His Abba. It is available
to us as we are open to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The
Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, guides us in the Truth (Wisdom). We continue to grow in our knowledge of Who GOD is, the very GOD Who is Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The mystery of the Trinity is both simple and complex. Simply
stated, it is that there is only one GOD, yet that one GOD is three persons: Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The complexity comes from the struggle our mere human minds have when trying to
adequately understand Who GOD is. Yet Trinitarian Life is not meant to be a problem to be solved or an
understanding to be figured out. The Trinity and our adoption into the life of the Triune GOD is a mystery to be
lived. We are invited to participate in the very being or essence of GOD and have our lives enriched and lifted up to the divine level. In the seventy plus years of my life I have intellectually known about the Trinity. But better than knowing about and trying to figure out how GOD is one yet three, I am called to “know” and “be known” by our Triune GOD. That “knowing” and “being known” comes only from living in relationship with our one GOD Who is Abba, Son-Jesus, and Holy Spirit.
The essence of GOD is the loving relationship. The relationship between the three persons of the Blessed Trinity is first and foremost a relationship within the divinity itself. The Abba relates to the Son and the Spirit, just as the Son relates to His Abba and the Holy Spirit, in turn the Spirit is the relationship between Abba and Son. Yet the divine loving relationship is so powerful it has chosen to spill out into creation.
Not only is all of creation the result of GOD’s loving relationship, but GOD has also taken an active role in the continuing relationship with humanity. Because GOD graced humans with free will (so they could freely choose to be in relationship with GOD), humans also have the ability to (and, in practice, often choose to) refuse GOD’s loving relationship. Once again GOD’s loving relationship spills out with a desire to re-establish the loving relationship with those who have refused to accept GOD’s gift through their human sinfulness. It is GOD’s desire for a loving relationship with each human that led the Son to become human in order to save us through His teaching, ministry, life, suffering, death, and resurrection.
GOD’s re-establishing the relationship between the Divine Supreme Being and redeemed mortals is not the
end of the story either. GOD has not only saved us through the Son’s paschal mystery (life, death, resurrection), but GOD has also called us into the very divine relationship by allowing us to be daughters and sons of GOD through the workings of the Holy Spirit. We are adopted into the very essence of GOD’s loving relationship.
This reflection is not meant to fully explain the Triune GOD. It is meant to give each of us the opportunity to
reflect upon the relationship GOD desires to have with each of us individually and as members of a faith family. We are being invited to not only think about what we have been given, but to live a life that reflects the gift of Triune GOD. We are called to immerse (plunge - baptizein) ourselves in the mystery of being blessed by the name of our GOD – Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I “know” and relate to GOD as Abba- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Am I constantly trying to solve the problem of what the Trinity is, or am I able to live the mystery of the Trinity by relating to GOD as Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit? What does my prayer life (how I address GOD) say about Who the Trinity is for me? Am I allowing myself to be “known” by (relate to, experience) GOD? In what way do I make my “knowledge” of the Triune GOD evident in my daily practice? Can people come to know GOD better by my living out my relationship with the GOD Who is Three-in-One?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, uniquely one, yet also a relationship of three. Through Your GOoDness, You reveal Yourself to us over the course of our human history, inviting us to come into Your relationship – Your essence. In Your loving parental care, You have created us. Yet because of Your giving us the freedom to choose, we have sometimes chosen to not accept Your love and therefore have sinned. In Your continuing love, You have sent the Son to reveal the relationship that exists within Your very being. By His life, ministry, death, and resurrection, He demonstrates Your mercy and graciousness. In His human nature, He freely chose to be fully in relationship with the fullness of Your Triune Being and to fulfill Your plan of salvation through His giving of Himself completely by dying on the cross and rising from the tomb. As a further sign of Your love for us, You have given us the Your gift of another facet of Your nature – the Holy Spirit – so that we could continue the mission of Jesus by helping to draw more people into relationship with You Who are Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit. We want to give You glory, honor, and praise and exalt in Your Name – Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit. We
make this prayer, calling upon Your Name from Whom all love and life originates, and that of Jesus, from Whom all grace and salvation flow, and the Holy Spirit, in Whom we have life, fellowship, and communion – our one and only GOD now and for ever. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 16, 2025
Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061923.cfm
Saint John Francis Regis: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-francis-regis
Readings: 2 Corinthians 6: 1-10; Psalm 98: 1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4; Matthew 5: 38-42
The cost of discipleship is the focus of the readings today as I reflect on them. St. Paul writes to the Corinthians to appeal to them to reflect on what gifts they have been given and at what costs. The psalm is exhortation to praise GOD for the wondrous deeds GOD has done. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges His disciples to give more than what is asked or expected of them by other people.
The first ten verses of chapter 6 of St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is one sentence in Greek. – talk about run-on sentences. The main verb of the sentence is “we appeal.” Paul is urging the Corinthians to
look at what they have been given by GOD – the gift of salvation that includes faith. This gift is to be taken seriously. It has cost Paul everything – even though, while giving up and suffering much, he has gained much and experienced great joy. In this way he is like the Lord Jesus, on Whom he
models his life. Jesus gave up everything: wealth, power, fame – even His life – so that we would be enriched and have eternal life. Paul expounds on what his (Paul’s) being a servant-minister (diakonos) entails. Paul, like his Master-Teacher (Jesus), has endured rough times. Paul has gone through afflictions, imprisonments, riots, labors, vigils, fasts, so that the Corinthians could experience purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, being in the Holy Spirit, sincere love, and truth. The paradox of being a Christian is exemplified in Paul’s life, for in dying to self, he is truly living in Christ. In suffering, he does not die; in pain and sorrow, he experiences true joy; in giving of all he has, many other people are enriched; and in his having nothing, he has everything.
The psalm urges singing joyful songs to the LORD. The purpose of this
rejoicing is so that GOD can continue to reveal justice and salvation to all peoples. GOD continuously demonstrates divine power in the wondrous deed that GOD performs. The psalmist, like Paul in the First Reading, urges believers to ponder the great things GOD has done in order to bring salus – healing, health, salvation – to all who will accept it.
In the Gospel, as Jesus
continues His Sermon on the
Mount, He enhances the teachings of Moses and raises them to a higher plane. Jesus calls His disciples not simply to act justly and fairly, but to act with compassion and love. If mistreated, instead of demanding retribution, one should be willing to accept the mistreatment. If challenged to give one item, one should give not only what is requested, but more.
Reading today’s scripture passages might lead one to wonder about the “wisdom” or sanity of being a disciple of Jesus. In earthly terms, it doesn’t make sense. In a world that finds it hard to even treat others
justly or fairly, we are being urged to go the next step and give more than what justice demands. We may wonder about the reason for this. I believe that one of the key words in the readings today is that of diakonos – servant-minister (used in one form or another in verses 3 and 4 of the First Reading). Each of us is called to be a servant or minister – to serve others. Servanthood is much different than slavery. Slavery is a forced doing for others. One does not have a choice as a slave. We are asked to freely choose to give to others above and
beyond the call of duty or equity. We, like Jesus (and like His servant Paul), are being challenged to do whatever
is necessary so that others will experience the GOoD News of salvation.
The paradoxical part of this concept of servanthood-ministry is that in being willing to give totally of ourselves, we will be given more than we could ever imagine. We may suffer, and even die, in the service of others, but we will live eternally. We may have to deprive ourselves of some of our wealth, but we be enriched beyond expectations. We may experience a certain amount of personal bad news, but we will be heirs of the everlasting GOoD News.
Yesterday (June 15) was Father’s Day in the United States. Many fathers expected to be treated as “king for a day.” Yet, I remember one Father’s Day, when one father who was willing to give up at least part of his day to go to a friend’s house and repair the friend’s kitchen
faucet. He realized a friend’s need surpassed his own “right” to be served on his “day.” He was able to spend some time with one of his children, who assisted in the repair of the kitchen faucet.
I am sure that there are many examples of servanthood in your life experiences. You probably have benefitted from others who have had a servant mentality and were willing to do something for you, so that your life would be easier and more manageable. There are times, also, when you have demonstrated the servant role in dealing with family members, friends, or even happenstance acquaintances. When you have been either the recipient or
the giver of acts of service, you probably sensed the joy, the peace, the patience, the power of the Holy Spirit that Paul mentions in his letter today. And that joyful experience of servanthood-ministry is only a foretaste of the blessings GOD has prepared for us in the fullness of the Reign of GOD.
Yes, being a disciple of the Master-Teacher is challenging, difficult, and sometimes unpleasant. Yet, the Lord Jesus promises that we will experience the GOoD News of salvation not because we have done those acts of service, but because GOD is loving and kind. It is because we know of the loving kindness, the acts of Servanthood-Ministry that GOD has done for us, especially in and through Jesus, that we have the strength and ability to serve others and minister to them. It is because we have experienced the wondrous deeds of GOD that we can go out and extend those same sorts of GOoD deeds to others. In that spirit, let us join the psalmist today and say, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our GOD. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.”
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced someone else being a servant/minister to me? When I have been the beneficiary of the loving service of another, how have I felt? What does it mean to me to be a servant-minister? Who might benefit from my being of loving service today? What can I do to go beyond mere justice and equity to unconditional compassion and love for others?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD, ever loving and compassionate. Through Your GOoDness, Your great love has led to wondrous deeds. You did not need to create us and gift us, but as a sign of Your continued, unconditional love, Your Son chose to give of Himself. As we ponder the divine acts of service to us, we are moved to thanksgiving and gratitude. As we reflect on Jesus’ service-ministry of salvation, You have once again revealed Your graciousness. Jesus asks us to do more than just express our appreciation for gift of salvation
that You have given us. He has called us, His disciples, to do as He, the Master-Teacher, has done. Jesus invites us to share in His servanthood-ministry. We thank You also for giving us examples of those who have answered Jesus’ call, such as St. Paul. May we respond fully to the invitation and be willing to give of ourselves in serving others, so that they too might experience Your gift of GOoD News. And may we always lift up our song of praise together with Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 17, 2025
Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061725.cfm
Saint Joseph Cafasso: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-cafasso
Readings: 2 Corinthians 8: 1-9; Psalm 146: 2, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a; Matthew 5: 43-48
Our readings encourage us to incorporate GOD’s attributes into our lives. St. Paul urges the Corinthians to be gracious (root word in Greek - χαρις – charis) just as Jesus performed a gracious act and gave up His wealth (His position in heaven) and became poor (by lowering Himself to be an earthly human), so that we might be enriched. Some of the magnanimous qualities of GOD are listed in the psalm. In the Gospel, Jesus exhorts His disciples to be “perfect” as His Abba-Father is perfect.
St. Paul address the people of Corinth, inviting them to give
graciously to those who are in need within the universal (“catholic”) fellowship of believers. He gives them the example of the Macedonians (churches in Neopolis [today’s Kavala], Thessalonika [today’s Thessaloniki], and Philippi - to name just a few) who generously donated to the needs of others. Paul, as typical of his writings, uses a play on words with the Greek root word charis. Different forms of this word can be translated into English as “thanks,” “grace,” “graciousness,” “gracious acts,” “gifts,” and “thanksgiving” (eu-charistia). Because they have benefitted from the graces given by GOD, the Corinthians (and all believers) are to act graciously in giving to the collection Paul is taking up to be sent to
the mother church (assembly) in Jerusalem. Paul describes the gracious act of Jesus, Who gave up the richness of
being in heaven at the right hand of His Abba-Father. Jesus became poor by limiting Himself to our human nature, so that those who believed in Him might be enriched by sharing in the fullness of the heavenly inheritance that Jesus was graciously extending to them. If GOD has so graciously and generously done that for believers, then they must show a similar act of kindness and give thankful graciousness to others. I am reminded of what one pastor says: “We must not just give to a need, we must give because we have a need to give.”
The psalmist lifts up a hymn of gratitude and thanksgiving to GOD in response to the way GOD has treated mortals. Some of the gracious acts of GOD are described: making heaven and earth, securing justice for the oppressed, giving food to the hungry, setting captives free, giving sight to the blind, raising the lowly, loving the just, and protecting strangers. Because GOD has performed such charitable and loving acts for us, we must give thanks (eu- charistein) to GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues
His Sermon on the Mount, raising the practice of His disciples to a higher level than what was required of the followers of the
Mosaic tradition. Not only must we love our neighbors (fellow believers), but also we must love our persecutors, for that is required of the children of a gracious Abba. We are called to be perfectly (unconditionally) loving as GOD was in the sending of the Son and in allowing the Son to be persecuted and killed as a sign of GOD’s graciousness.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that the standards to which
we are being held are quite high. We are being asked to be
“perfect” as GOD is “perfect.” That is an impossible task for us as mere humans. How can we be perfect?
The people of Islam have as part of the philosophy/belief, that humans can never be perfect, for only GOD is
perfect. So, intentionally in every work of art, they create an imperfection. Every Islamic masterpiece has a purposeful flaw in it so no one can say that it is perfect. Yet, in the Gospel, Jesus commands us to be perfect as His and our Abba is perfect.
Are we being doomed to failure since we cannot be perfect? I don’t think so. I believe that we are called
upon to reflect how perfectly gracious GOD is. We are – to the best of our own ability and more importantly aided by the grace of GOD – to reflect the GOD of all charis. We do not and cannot be perfect in and of ourselves. We can, however, enable people to experience a taste of the perfectly gracious GOD that we have come to know. GOD will fill our imperfections with GOD’s own perfection. People will have the opportunity to experience the perfection of a loving GOD even in the imperfect, yet genuine, way we treat them. GOD will supply the perfection of our reflecting GOD’s charis (gift) and charisma (gifts). We are to “incorporate” GOD’s graciousness, GOD’s unconditional love. I chose the word “incorporate” that means we are to show that GOD can be “in” our “corpus” (body) and manifest the divine attributes of graciousness through our body. Yes, we will be imperfect incorporation, but GOD can work through us to bring the divine perfection and graciousness to others.
Another important aspect of our reflecting and incorporating GOD’s perfection is that we need to be sure to
direct the praise, thanksgiving (eu-charistia) to the Perfect One. People must know that it is GOD Who is perfect, and gracious, and worthy of thanks. If we strive to bring GOD’s perfect charis to others, they will be blessed by the perfection of GOD and will be able to join the psalmist today in singing GOD’s praise: “Praise the LORD, my soul! I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my GOD while I live.”
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced the perfect graciousness of GOD? Which individuals in my life have reflected GOD’s graciousness and allowed me to sense the perfect and unconditional love of GOD? How can I better incorporate GOD’s graces into my life and mirror (although imperfectly) the perfect love that GOD has for others? Who might be most in need of experiencing GOD’s perfect graces through my caring for them today and/or this week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever gracious, perfect in extending Your graces to us. Through Your GOoDness, we can praise You and give You thanks for all that You have done for us individually and collectively. So often we have failed to reflect and incorporate Your perfect gifting to us. We have not fully appreciated Your gracious acts. We have failed to give thanks to You. Yet, You have not ceased to continue to pour out Your perfect graces upon us, especially in and through the life and ministry of Your Son, Jesus. He was, and is, the perfect reflection – the perfect incorporation, the perfect incarnation – of Your graciousness. As He reached out His loving and caring hands to others, He called them to a higher level of behavior, not just loving those who have loved or could love us, but also loving those who are graceless in their treatment of us. His death and resurrection were the perfect reflection of Your graciousness as He laid down His life in perfect obedience to You, His loving Abba. Through the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, help us to reflect and incorporate Your perfect graciousness, and we ask You to fill in the imperfections of our reflection, so that all
peoples – friends and enemies – might experience Your perfect love. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus,
Your Son and the Perfect Reflection and Incorporation of You. He is our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 18, 2025
Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061825.cfm
Venerable Matt Talbot: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/venerable-matt-talbot
Readings: 2 Corinthians 9: 6-11; Psalm 112: 1bc-2, 3-4, 9; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
GOD will not be outdone in generosity. This thought runs through the readings today. St. Paul urges the Corinthians to give abundantly to those who are in need and to do so cheerfully. The psalm speaks of the way GOD lavishly gives to those who are kind and merciful. In the Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples to give alms, pray, and fast in a way that does not call attention to themselves and their acts.
In the First Reading today, St. Paul continues to exhort the faithful in Corinth to be gracious in their care of the less fortunate. Not only are they to give, but they are to give abundantly and with a joyful heart. Giving should not be the result of an obligation. It should flow from having been graced with so much from a gracious GOD. Giving is not the cause of GOD’s favor, but GOD’s favor should be the stimulus to giving.
GOD is always the author of all GOoD. “Being GOoD” is not to win GOD’s blessings. Rather because GOD is kind and merciful and people have experienced the magnanimity of GOD, they should want to share what they have been given. This should be done with the same joy GOD manifests in divine giving.
The psalm praises the individual who is gracious, kind, and merciful. Blessedness – being one with the Blessed One – means manifesting GOD’s love to others. Being generous begins a cycle, a virtuous cycle (as opposed to a vicious cycle) in which the more one gives in response to having been gifted by GOD, the more GOD gifts the human giver. It is the ultimate example of “what comes around, goes around.”
The Gospel is the passage heard on Ash Wednesday. Jesus once again reminds His disciples that three marks (signs) of His followers are almsgiving, praying, and fasting. These three disciplines (practices of a disciple) are not limited to the penitential season of Lent, but they should be the regular training and practice of Jesus’ disciples at all times. Not only are the three activities important, but the spirit and
mode of implementing them are also important. One should perform these disciplines, not so that others will see the person performing them, but because they are fitting responses to a relationship with the GOD who sees and knows all.
As I reflect on the readings, I think about great athletes or truly outstanding entertainers. The amount of work, practice, and training that is involved in becoming a star is not usually seen. Yet the truly magnificent performers don’t just perform. They spend hours going over their routine until they are able to act gracefully with seemingly no effort. Yes, it is true that some individuals are given talents naturally, but it still takes practice and a great amount of repetitive work to develop their art into graceful presentation.
Some of the most remarkable individuals, such as the late
actor, Gregory Peck, were aware that their talents were gifts from GOD. Yes, they put a lot of work into perfecting their talents. The truly great individuals, however, are the most gracious in caring for others and inspiring others. Again, this flows from their awareness of having been graced by GOD.
What this means to me is three-fold: 1) I must realize the gifts and abilities GOD has given me; 2) I must enhance those gifts by my repeated training and discipline; 3) I must use those gifts, not just for my own benefit,
but for the benefit of others, helping individuals, and bringing them the GOoD News that GOD has gifted them also.
Being able to ascertain one’s gifts, talents, and abilities is an act of a humble person. A truly humble person is honest about the particular skills and abilities one has. At the same time, the sincerely honest person realizes that his/her talents are gifts from GOD, the ultimate Gift Giver.
Most skills, even those innate ones, must be honed and refined through practice. It takes time and effort to enhance one’s abilities to the point of being able to act gracefully and graciously. Training involves the whole person – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The spiritual part demands that we turn to the Giver of all Gifts and seek divine guidance in knowing when and how and with whom to use the gifts.
In 1 Corinthians 12: 7, St. Paul reminds us that gifts (charismata – talents, abilities, skills) are given for the common GOoD. We are gifted not so much that we can gain personal fame, wealth, or prestige, but that we can edify and build up others. Part of the responsibility of being gifted is that we pass on the gifts (or the result of the gifts) we have been given, so that others can benefit from them also. If everyone had this attitude there would be no despots, tyrants, or dictators. There also would be a greater sense of community and communal sharing.
Jesus promised that if we use a generous measure in giving to others because GOD has gifted us in the first place, then GOD will use an even more generous measure to give back to us. Talk about big dividends and exponential returns! GOD will not be outdone in generosity. I am reminded of Luke 6: 38 (“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”). The imagery is that if we use a large measuring cup in giving to others, GOD will use an even larger measuring container, so much so that not only our containers will be packed tightly with the gifts, but even the folds of our clothes will be inundated with the gracious gifts of GOD.
The result of our awareness of the gifts we have received, our disciplined training, and our sharing with others is that we and others will be aware of the abundance graciousness of our GOD Who will not be outdone in gift giving. Then today’s words of Paul will ring true: “You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, that, through us, produces thanksgiving to GOD.”
The personal question/action for today: What are some examples of GOD’s graciousness to me? What are the special gifts/talents/abilities I have received from GOD? How have a honed those gifts GOD has given me by practicing those gifts, through discipline and repeated use? How have I been able to enrich the lives of others through the gifts GOD has given to me? How can I be more conscious of giving thanks to GOD for GOD’s generosity and graciousness?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever gracious. Through Your GOoDness, You will not be outdone in graciousness. You continually gift humanity with Your gifts. You want us to not only enjoy Your kindness, but to share it with others so that they, too, can be blessed. It is in our acknowledgment of Your abundant gifts and
our using them for the benefit of the whole, that we give Your thanks and praise. Yet, too often we have failed to see You as the source of our talents and abilities. At other times we have failed to develop the skills and gifts You have given us because that would take too much of our time and effort. Sometimes we have failed to share the benefits of Your gifting with others and tried to hoard the gifts. For the times we have failed to respond to Your graciousness, we seek Your pardon and peace. Through the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, help us to look to our Master-Teacher, Jesus, Your Son. And through our proper use of the blessings that You have given us, may we work together for the edification and building up of Your Reign here on earth in anticipation of the fullness of that Reign in heaven. We lift this prayer of praise and thanksgiving to You in and through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Master-Teacher Who has given us the example to follow, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 19, 2025
Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Romuald)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061925.cfm
Saint Romuald: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-romuald
Readings: 2 Corinthians 11: 1-11; Psalm 111: 1b-2, 3-4, 7-8; Matthew 6: 7-15
The life of a disciple can be challenging. Being a follower of Jesus is much more than intellectual mouthing of some tenets of belief. In the First Reading, St. Paul expresses his strong feelings dealing with his ministry to the Corinthians. In the Gospel, Jesus exhorts His disciples to be devoted to prayer and to forgiveness.
In his Second Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul expresses why he is concerned for the people of Corinth (where he lived for about 1.5 years). He has invested a great deal of time and effort in ministering to them so that they could be in relationship with the Lord Jesus. He, as a loving father of a bride, has given his beloved
offspring (the members of the Corinthian Christian Community) into the hands of Christ, the Bridegroom. A parent does all he can to provide a joyful and peaceful life for his/her child, even if that means handing over the child to another and thus lessening (at least in time) the close relationship that one has with the child. Paul has labored for his beloved Corinthians, supporting himself and his ministry to them by means of the generosity of other Pauline communities, particularly in Macedonia (Philippi, Berea, Thessalonika, etc.). Paul also defends the authenticity of his proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus. He has been true to the teachings of the Lord Jesus and has not made himself superior to the Lord Jesus, as some other so called “super-apostles” have. Paul has been motivated by the love he has for the Corinthians because He knows GOD loves them.
The psalmist proclaims that the only fitting response to all the wondrous and loving deeds of GOD is to praise the name of the LORD in the assembly of the just. Once one has experienced the GOoDness of GOD, one is motivated to share that GOoDness with others so they, too, can experience GOD’s magnificence.
In the Gospel [which is the ‘meat’ in the sandwich of the two pieces of bread read yesterday], Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer and forgiveness. As He shares the “Model Prayer” [also known as the “Our Father” or “the Lord’s Prayer”], Jesus links prayer and
forgiveness. As His disciples are shown
how to call upon Jesus’ Abba-Father as
their own Abba, Jesus portrays the link that exists between them and His
Abba in heaven.
First comes three affirmations of Who GOD is: 1) the One Whose Name is holy; 2) the One Whose Reign is to be acknowledged, 3) the One Whose will/plan on earth should be done just as it is in heaven. Next, comes three requests that flow from the relationship with GOD as Abba: 1) the daily providence of what is necessary, 2) forgiveness, and 3) deliverance from evil. Expanding upon the role of forgiveness in the life of the disciples (including us), Jesus states that there is a condition of our being forgiven by GOD. GOD’s forgiveness is to be linked to our forgiveness of others.
Being a disciple of the Lord Jesus can be quite overwhelming. It means that we are called, as Paul emphasizes
in his letter, to be servants-ministers. We are not to be burdensome to those whom we serve, but we should go out of our way so that they can experience the holiness, the Reign, the will of GOD. We are to do what we can to show that GOD meets the daily needs (note: “needs” not “wants”) of GOD’s children. We are to extend the same forgiveness to those who wrong us as we know GOD extends to us. We are to help others avoid the evil that is in the world by our bringing GOoDness to them.
I remember what happened to me a few years ago at this time of year. I had to repeatedly remind myself that
I am called to be a servant to others. After processing all the middle school report cards and transcripts (by
11:00 am since I got to work about 4:00 am), I embarked on my ministry to the friend who was still hospitalized.
That included going to the friend’s bank and handling financial affairs, going to the friend’s house to check on things at the deserted house and checking in with neighbors. I also went to the post office and picked up mail before going to the hospital to deliver mail, requested items, and spend time visiting the recuperating
patient-friend.
I figured the rest of the afternoon would be busy, but I would probably be able to relax a little in the evening. When I arrived home, I started to install a new kitchen faucet. As I was working on that, the auto repair shop called and said the car was ready. So, I drove a family member to pick up the car. When I returned, I finished installing the faucet. I wanted to finish that before the others came to the house. I also started sprucing up the house because we would be having company soon (as it turned out sooner than I expected). After being down on my hands and knees to wash the kitchen floor, I vacuumed most of the rest of the house.
Shortly after the others returned, we took a different car into the repair shop. Upon returning, a little more cleaning. I also spent time debugging a computer problem that someone was having with a program she was using. As the evening of cleaning was starting to turn into night, another family member called from his cell
phone to announce that the vehicle he was driving would not stay in gear. After directing him what to do, and his informing me that he was having a gathering of his friends at our house, I awaited the arrival of his friends – the unexpected company I referred to above. I spent time listening to the first arriving guest describe his experiences in Europe for the last six months. When the family member called to say that he was at the transmission shop, I left the house and drove to repair facility where the tow truck had hauled the transmission-less vehicle. I returned home, the house full of young adults.
What is the point of the saga, you may ask. Simply, I sensed that the Lord Jesus wanted me to be of service to many people that day and I was particularly asked to do so in a manner that would enable others to know that GOD is a loving GOD Who takes care of us and provides for us. It was a challenge to reflect a positive attitude and not loose my patience (which I did for a couple of moments during the day, especially while working on the faucet). I had to remind myself that if others were to know that GOD is a loving Abba, I must be loving also. I also had to be forgiving of those who were not gracious to me. It gave me food for thought on how loving, kind, gracious, and forgiving GOD is when all of us expect so much from the Lord Jesus and His Abba. I recalled the Lord Jesus is there as the One Who came to serve and not be served. How truly grateful I am that Jesus has
given me yet another glimpse of His Abba and how I am called to reflect GOD’s love to others!
The personal question/action for today: In what ways has the Lord Jesus demonstrated that I must be willing to pay the cost of being a disciple? When I sense the needs of others, how do I respond? Do I extend my service cheerfully and patiently? How do I reflect the graciousness, forgiveness, and loving quality of the Abba, Who happens to be GOD? When I pray “The Lord’s Prayer” how conscious am I of sanctifying GOD’s name; desiring GOD’s Reign be done; and seeking to do GOD’s will in my earthly existence? Do I see how GOD is providing daily bread for me, extending divine forgiveness to me, and leading me away from evil?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and forgiving Abba-Father. Through Your Divine GOoDness, Your Son has allowed us to call You “our Abba.” Thank You for demonstrating the holiness of You and Your name, by giving us experiences of how loving You are. We seek Your Reign over us, and we desire to do Your will. Each day You provide what we need physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. Yet, we sometimes miss Your self-revelation in the events of our lives and in the message in Your Word. We seek Your forgiveness, realizing that we must also be forgiving of others. Guide us along the Way that leads us through the dark valley of evil. Help us keep our eyes on the Light Who shines upon the path we are to follow. May we continue to give You glory and praise in the assembly of our family, friends, acquaintances, and even our enemies. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 20, 2025
Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062025.cfm
Saint Paulinus of Nola: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paulinus-of-nola
Readings: 2 Corinthians 11: 18, 21-30; Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Matthew 6: 19-23
Life on earth, especially as lived by a disciple of Jesus, is not always easy. In the First Reading, St. Paul describes what he has endured for the sake of spreading the Gospel. The psalm is a reminder that GOD understands, knows, and rescues those who are going through difficult times, especially those whose hearts in the right place. In the Gospel, Jesus comments on what is truly valuable in life and how our actions and attitudes are affected by what we consider valuable.
In writing to the Corinthians, St. Paul wants them to know the reasons why he has labored so hard and suffered so much. It is because he wants the people to whom he ministers to know how valuable he considers their acceptance of the GOoD News of salvation. He boasts of the trials and tribulations he has experienced on behalf of sharing the faith with them and the other Christians with whom he has shared the GOoD News. The struggles, through which he has suffered, are gladly accepted if they benefit others and enable them to draw closer to GOD.
The psalmist remarks that GOD is
aware of the sufferings of the holy people. GOD hears the cry of those who call upon the LORD and GOD answers their prayers with salus – healing, salvation, and restoration to fullness.
In the Gospel, Jesus remarks that where our heart is, there will our
treasure be. If we seek to amass merely earthly possessions, we will eventually be disappointed, for the material things will reach their expiration and will not accompany us on our finally journey across the transitional door known as death. On the other hand, if we look to a
heavenly treasure house, we will be able to experience the wealth of GOD.
The readings make me look at what I find valuable. It is so easy to be influenced by the lure and advertisement of the world. The world urges us to seek great wealth, beauty, and fame, even at the cost of relationship with family, friends, (and GOD). GOD asks us what we are willing to sacrifice (“make holy”) in order to experience the everlasting relationship with GOD and all that that relationship entails.
St. Paul, obviously, is willing to risk everything including his health, welfare, and wealth. He treasures a relationship with GOD so highly that he will endure suffering, pain, and persecution. And he is willing
to do this not only for his own personal relationship with GOD, but
also for the sake of others and their relationship with GOD. Paul wants all those to whom he ministers to experience the blessings of GOD. He knows that, like his Master-Teacher, he must bring the message of GOD’s salvation to others even at great personal expense (financially, physically, and emotionally).
As I reflect on my life, I know that I do not always have my heart in the right place. I sometimes seek personal gratification in place of proclaiming the GOoD News to others. I sometimes become too attached to items rather than promoting a relationship with others for the sake of spreading the Gospel. I realize that it is okay to enjoy things, but if they prevent me from ministering to others, then I should re-think my attitude.
I am not promoting that we purposefully go out and get shipwrecked, or scourged, or seek out dangers (Paul did not seek those out). Yet, if hardships come our way as we seek to promote the message of salvation, so be it.
I feel challenged by the readings today. I need to reflect on what I truly find valuable. I can do that by examining on what I spend my energy and my time. I also realize that I must continue to develop my relationship with the Master-Teacher Who gives an example of caring and loving others in response to the relationship He has with His Abba-Father.
If we are able to honestly say that our treasure is with GOD, then we will be able to proclaim with the
psalmist today and say: “I will bless the LORD at all times; GOD’s praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD!”
The personal question/action for today: What do I consider my treasure for which I am willing to do anything, no matter what the cost might be? Do I sell myself out for things that do not have eternally lasting value? How do I give witness to the value of relationships with GOD and with other people as opposed to the mere value of things?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, giver of promises of life with You. Through Your GOoDness, You ask us to look within ourselves to see what we place as our number one concern and what we hold as truly valuable. You desire that we have our hearts rooted in You and Your gift of salvation. Yet, being in the world that does not value You or Your message, we are easily swayed to follow paths that lead to destruction and decay. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, help us focus on what is truly worth everything – a relationship with You and Your Son. Give us the strength to risk everything, not only for our own acceptance of the Gospel, but also for the furthering of its spread to others. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 21, 2025
Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga
(readings from Sat. of the 11th Week in Ord. Time) Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062125.cfm
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-aloysius-gonzaga
Readings: 2 Corinthians 12: 1-10; Psalm 34: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13; Matthew 6: 24-34
How often we miss the message GOD would have for us because we are focusing on the wrong issues. St. Paul, after continual prayer and revelation from GOD, realizes that the earthly problems and difficulties are nothing when one considers the awesomeness that GOD has planned for those who seek GOD. The psalm refrain is an invitation to “taste and see” the GOoDness that GOD has in store for those who are faithful. In the Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples not to be pre-occupied about earthly matters (such as food and clothing).
In today’s First Reading, St. Paul boasts of an individual who has experienced a special revelation of GOD. In the revelation, the individual comes into the presence of GOD and tastes of the GOoDness of GOD in a way that is indescribable and/or not permitted to be described. Many scripture scholars agree that Paul is the beneficiary of this manifestation of GOD. It has many parallels to the Near-Death Experience that many people who have clinically died and then come back to life. Yet the focus is not to be on the one who has experienced this other-world phenomenon, but on the One Who has been made it possible and was manifested through the experience. Paul also speaks about the fact that his worldly trials and tribulation help to keep his feet on the ground rather than just existing with his head in the clouds with its magnificent happenings. Paul mentions “a thorn in the flesh.” Some scholars think Paul was referring to some
individual who was a real pain in the you-know-where. Obviously, Paul had some really rough times with something, or more likely someone, which or who challenged his ministry. In the end, Paul realizes that in his hardships and
difficulties, GOD is being manifested even stronger, for GOD is the real center of Paul’s ministry (thus, the center is not focusing on his problems, his teaching, or himself).
The psalmist (continuing where yesterday’s psalm ended) presents a proposal: come to the LORD and experience the marvelous gifts GOD has for those who accept the divine invitation. Once one tastes (or tries out) the specialness of GOD, one moves on to a new plane in which GOD becomes the focus of one’s life. Being one with GOD brings divine prosperity which is beyond any expectations.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues the theme introduced yesterday
concerning a person’s heart and the treasure that they seek. He tells His disciples that they cannot have more than one thing/person at the center of their lives. If mammon (money, wealth, possessions) takes the focus of one’s intentions, then there is no room for GOD to sit
on the throne of one’s existence. Even focusing only on one’s physical appearance or having one’s needs met can de-throne GOD from the center of one’s life. If too much energy is spent on worrying, then there is not enough time to spend in being – being in relationship with GOD and with others.
Once again, I feel challenged by the readings. I sense that I am being asked to re-evaluate my priorities. Sometimes I become overly concerned about my hurt feelings or about financial matters. In doing so, I miss the special ways that GOD wishes me to be in relationship with the Trinity and with my fellow travelers on the journey of faith.
A while ago, I went through a real period of self-assessment. I had to face some of the aspects of my relationship with some other people. I realized that what I had been doing was wallowing in self-pity because someone had not understood what I was going through. I had internalized an event as a rejection of me and my worth. I had focused on my own hurt rather than trying to see if GOD was trying to give me a message or relieve me of some pressure. I had totally missed where the focus of some circumstances should have been. Instead, I thought only of myself and my hurt pride.
I also remember a time not so long ago when I became overly pre-occupied with financial concerns. Instead of realizing, as Jesus points out in today’s Gospel, that I am more valuable to GOD than the beautiful flowers of the field or the marvelous birds of the sky. I had been worried about how things were going to work out in some economic issues.
One more example may also help. I remember talking with a friend who is about the same age as myself. He was talking about his future plans of being able to retire. I realized that some people are more concerned about what the future has in store than living in the moment, meeting others’ needs right now.
I am not saying that I should not be conscious of my feelings or what may be ahead of me in the years to come. I am also not suggesting that I do not have to take financial responsibilities for myself and my loved ones. What I am saying is that I need to put it all in perspective – GOD’s perspective. I was emphasizing too much on the thorns in my flesh and emptiness in my pocketbook and what the unpredictable earthly future will be and not allowing myself to taste the GOoDness of the LORD right here and right now. The lesson that is being hammered home to me is that I need to be aware of, and responsible for, the events in my life, but that I cannot let the negatives aspects of life consume me. Instead of being consumed and devoured by worries and problems, I need to taste and see the GOoDness of GOD. When I come into GOD’s presence and shine the spotlight on the Lord Jesus being with me, then I can realize that GOD is looking out for me and cares for me more than I can ever imagine. It is then that I should be able to quote the words of the psalmist today and say: “Fear (being in awe
of) the LORD, you GOD’s holy ones, for nought is lacking to those who fear the LORD. The great grow poor and hungry; but those who seek the LORD want for no GOoD thing.”
The personal question/action for today: What are my biggest worries and concerns? How do these issues relate to my relationship with GOD and my relationship with others? Who or what sits on the throne of my being? Am I the center of my attention? How can I manifest the Lord Jesus’ concern for me and taste more fully of GOD’s GOoDness? What can I do to help relieve the undue anxiety in someone’s life this coming week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever caring and always loving. Through Your GOoDness, You desire the very best for us. Yet at times we settle for less than the very best and focus all our attentions on second-rate things. For the times we have wasted our time and energy worrying about things that were not of importance in the long term (eternal) plan, we seek Your pardon and peace. May we focus on the life of Your Son, Jesus, our Master- Teacher, Who tells us not to devote inordinate amount of concern on mundane things. With the guidance of
Your Holy Spirit, helps us to put You and Your Son in the center of the throne of our lives. And give us the strength, after we have spent the proper amount of energy on earthly matters of concern, that we may lift up our problems to You, knowing that You will take care of us with more love and attention than You do with the birds of the sky or the flowers of the field. We give You glory, praise, and thanks for touching our lives and helping
us to put things in perspective – Your perspective. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 22, 2025
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062225.cfm
St. Thomas More: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-thomas-more
Readings: Genesis 14: 18-20; Psalm 110: 1, 2, 3, 4; 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26; Luke 9: 11b-17
On this day, we celebrate the Lord Jesus’ giving of His Body and Blood to us, in reality, by His freely chosen death and resurrection, and sacramentally in the Eucharist. Years ago, this solemnity was called by its Latin name Corpus Christi – “Body of Christ.” Our readings remind us today that newer name for this celebration is the Body and Blood of Christ.
Our readings give very different insights into the celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ. The First Reading describes the gifts of Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem (Shalom - peace). The gifts were bread and wine. The Responsorial Psalm describes David’s Lord (his descendant who will be more important than David himself) who will be both king and priest. The passage from 1 Corinthians is the first written account of the celebration of the first Eucharist at the Last Supper and its application to the regular worship service of the early Christians. The Gospel is the pericope of one of Jesus’ multiplications of loaves in order to feed the people.
Melchizedek was one of the kings during the time of Abraham. He was King of Salem (king of Shalom/peace). Not only was he a king, but he also was a priest. Nothing is known of his origins or his history in the Old Testament other than the verses in Genesis. He offers Abraham, the chosen one of GOD, bread and wine. In turn, Abraham gives him a tithe (10%) of his possessions. Melchizedek is seen as a prefigurement of Jesus in many ways. Jesus is truly the King of Shalom/Peace, since He has come to re-establish the peace-relationship between GOD and us, the people.
Jesus is the priest, king, and prophet par excellence. Jesus takes the gifts of bread and wine, transforms them into His own Body and Blood, and gives them to us as our food. Jesus, like Melchizedek, has origins and history that are beyond the normal scope of knowledge.
The Responsorial Psalm is the prayer of David. In this prayer, David hears
the LORD GOD call upon one of the descendants of David and call him “Lord.” This person will be like Melchizedek of old – priest and king – and will rule as King of Jerusalem and more. This descendant of David will be able to be called not only descendant of David, but also the begotten one of GOD. It is no
wonder that this psalm is applied to Jesus, the King of Peace, and only begotten
Son of GOD, Who is the King and the Priest (and the Prophet).
Today’s Second Reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians was written less than 30 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus (circa 57 AD). It is the first written account that exists of what took place at the Last Supper and
what continues to be the core of the Eucharistic celebration of Paul’s day, and ours, too. Paul begins by saying that he is handing down (traditio) what has been handed down to him by Jesus. That tradition was what Jesus did at the Last Supper, on the night before He died. Paul describes the action with which we are so familiar: “that the Lord Jesus. . .took bread. . .giving thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is My body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’” Paul concludes this section by proclaiming, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” It is in our sharing in this Eucharistic (“thanksgiving”) celebration that we truly continue the proclamation of the death
and resurrection of Jesus.
The Gospel presents one of the many accounts of Jesus feeding the multitude by
multiplying bread. It is seen as a foretaste of His feeding His disciples with His own
Body and Blood. The actions of Jesus are the same as those related by Paul in today’s Second Reading, and to the actions we use in our Eucharistic celebrations today: Taking bread, looking up to heaven, blessing (saying a benediction),
breaking, and sharing. By taking the bread Himself, Jesus is personally involved in the action of feeding and nourishing the
people. In looking up to heaven, He shows His unity with His heavenly Abba-Father. In blessing the bread, Jesus demonstrates His “saying well” (Latin bene dictio) of not only the bread but also what is implied in the bread – the feeding of the people. And finally in His giving and sharing, He shows that He continues to bestow His gifts on others. Then Jesus
has His disciples be a part of His action by their distribution. [Side note about leftovers: the 12 baskets of leftovers would be over 300 dry gallons of food.]
As I reflect on the gift that Jesus gave us – the gift of salvation through His giving of His Body and Blood both sacramentally and physically on the cross – I am once again in awe at the magnificence and perfect plan of GOD. Jesus was very much aware of the Hebrew (and other nation’s) significance of a covenant – a relationship that binds people, often celebrated with a meal. He also realized the power of zikaron – remembering and re- enacting and making present again. Jesus wanted His disciples to celebrate His saving death and to remember
how He had brought about our salvation. Obviously, they could not offer another perfect sacrifice, since His perfect sacrifice was a “once and for all” sacrifice. Yet, in zikaron (remembering and re-enacting), they were able to make present the Lord Jesus’ giving of Himself – His Body and Blood. They were able to take up the bread and the cup and He would be present with them again as they proclaimed His death until He comes again. They would be able to be one with Him at His table and receive Him once again.
How awesome is our GOD Who allows us to bind ourselves again (re-ligio) by remembering and re-enacting the saving
moments of our salvation. We renew our blood covenant – the New Covenant in Jesus’ Blood – whenever we come together and give thanks (eucharistein). We proclaim His death and resurrection as we await His return. We zikaron (remember and re-member) Jesus’ gift of Himself and take Him into our very being. The words of Jesus in John 6: 53-57 become so meaningful to me: “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life, and I will raise that one
up on the last day. For My Flesh is real food and My Blood is real drink. Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Abba sent Me and I live because of the Abba, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me.”
The personal question/action for today: How well do I proclaim the death of the Lord through my participation in the Eucharistic celebration? Can people sense my communion (union with) with Jesus as I receive the Bread of Life and drink from the Cup of Salvation? When I leave church after participation in the Eucharist, do I continue to proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus by the way I treat others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all-knowing and full of wisdom. Through Your GOoDness, we come into Your presence and continue to marvel at Your awesomeness. You have always desired to be bound with people in a loving and life-giving relationship. Throughout history, You have offered covenants to those whom You call, binding them with sacrificial rites using blood and bread. Yet, because the participants in these covenant relationships were merely human, they failed to have a perfect bond. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son, truly divine and truly human, to make the one and perfect sacrifice – the sacrifice of Himself. In being both the perfect priest and the perfect victim, both human and divine, He established a new and perfect covenant with humanity through His giving of His very self – His Body and His Blood – on the cross of salvation. Yet desiring that His disciples be able to remember (zikaron) Him and proclaim His death and resurrection and be united with Him, He gave them a way. On the night before He died, while celebrating the Old Covenant feast of Passover, He took bread and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My Body.” And during the final cup of blessing at the Seder supper, He passed around the cup of wine while saying, “Take and drink, this
is the cup of My Blood – the Blood of the New Covenant, to be shed for the multitude. Do this in remembrance (zikaron) of Me.” We truly give You thanks (eucharistein) today for Your allowing us to be united with (communio) Jesus as we come to His table and share in His Body and Blood. We lift up this prayer of thanksgiving (eucharistia) in the name of
Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only
GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
June 23, 2025
Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062325.cfm Saint John Fisher: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-fisher Readings: Genesis 12: 1-9; Psalm 33: 12-13, 18-19, 20 and 22; Matthew 7: 1-5
“Blessed are those who are chosen by GOD.” That concept is obvious in the First Reading and the Psalm. The Gospel implies a proviso: “Along with blessing comes responsibility.”
For the next few weeks on weekdays, our First Reading (except for major feasts) will be from Genesis. Today we begin the story
of Abram (whose name will later be changed to Abraham) and the promise of blessing that GOD extends to him. Abram hears the LORD’s call to leave his homeland and journey out to a new land that GOD will show him. GOD will not only bless Abram and his descendants, but Abram will be a source of blessing for many other people and nations. GOD has chosen Abram. Abram responds in obedience and therefore is blessed even more abundantly.
Blessings flow to others because of Abram’s response to GOD’s blessing. Thus, GOD makes a triple promise: land, descendants, and source of blessings for others as he shares what he has (his
faith) with others. As we will hear in the days to come, this triple promise is repeated multiple times (Genesis 12:
2-7; 13: 2-3, 15-16; 15: 5-8; 17: 4-8).
The refrain from the Responsorial is “Blessed the people the LORD has chosen to be [GOD’s] own.” Obvious from the psalm is the thought that GOD has blessed the nation of Israel. A more subtle message that can be gleaned from the psalm is that GOD is willing to bless all nations. Any person or any nation who “fears” GOD will be blessed. “Fearing” GOD means to acknowledge Who GOD is and respond appropriately. GOD is awesomely almighty. Responding to the mighty LORD includes admitting that one is dependent upon GOD and needs GOD’s help. GOD will bless those who faithfully call upon GOD for help. And that becomes a blessing to others.
The Gospel presents Jesus’ admonition to His followers that they must be responsible – that is, they must be “able to respond” to the blessing that GOD has given them. GOD has already blessed the disciples of Jesus. Future blessings will depend on how they respond by extending their blessings to others. If they are understanding and gracious givers to others, GOD will continue to be understanding of them and will graciously give even more to them. They must also be aware of their own faults and failings and be willing to improve themselves before they can criticize the faults of others. With blessings comes responsibility.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how gracious GOD is. GOD is willing to bless and gift anyone (including you and me) who turns to the Lord Jesus. Yet, I cannot just take GOD’s blessings and be complacent with that. I must respond to the blessings I have received by extending those blessings to others. Blessings are meant to be shared. And when blessings are shared – used for the GOoD of the whole or at least some of the whole – GOD extends even more blessings.
How often people hoard “blessings.” They keep the GOoD things they have in a safe place, away from others, thinking that they have the blessings for themselves only. They store the blessings away, hoping to use them someday.
An analogy came to me. It is like someone receiving a special treat – a favorite pie, for example. So that the
person does not have to share it with others, the person hides the treat, waiting for the day when he/she will be able to enjoy the treat alone. Because the person is never alone, the treat begins to spoil. Eventually when a moment comes when the person is finally alone, the treat has become moldy and is not fit to eat. How much better it would have been if the treat had been shared with others so more people could have enjoyed the treat and it would not have gone to moldy waste.
GOD is always willing to give blessings. GOD is the GOD of all blessings. GOD is waiting to extend the divine gifts to people. Individuals must be willing to ask for GOD’s gifts. And once the gifts are received, they must be shared and used responsibly. GOD is more than anxious to give even more blessings to those who share what they have been given.
How much different the world would be if people realized that giving of gifts to be shared is how GOD acts. Yet, being caught up in the selfish nature of human existence, people think only of themselves and refuse to share the blessing that GOD has given them. GOD continues to watch for opportunities to shower divine blessings on people. All they need do is call upon the LORD and be willing to respond to GOD’s gifts. Thus, the psalmist says today: “See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear GOD, upon those who hope for the LORD’s kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.”
The personal question/action for today: What are some of the blessings I have received from GOD? How have I handled these blessings? Have I hoarded them and used them only for my own benefit or have I been willing to share them with others so others could benefit from the blessings also? Am I always being responsible for what the Lord Jesus has given me? Who could know better GOD’s blessing by my sharing a blessing with them today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever gracious and full of blessings, You desire to shower Your blessings upon people who call upon You. You desire to be for them the GOD of blessings, if they are willing to be Your people. You chose to bless those who seek Your blessings, and You expect those whom You bless to use their blessings not only for their own GOoD, but also for the GOoD of others. Yet, we have failed to accept Your blessings and use them as You would have us use them. We have sometimes sought to be self-sufficient rather than call upon You. At other times we have received Your blessings and selfishly stored them away until we could use them in ways that were not part of Your plan. We seek Your forgiveness for not being gracious receivers of Your blessings and not fully responding to those blessings. With the guidance of Your Holy Spirit,
help us to seek the blessing You desire us to have and to use them for the spread of Your GOoD News. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and Your greatest blessing for us, Who continues to bless us through His words and ministry, His death and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy
Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 24, 2025
Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist
(replacing Tue. of the 12th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062425-Day.cfm
Nativity of St. John the Baptist: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist
Readings: Isaiah 49: 1-6; Psalm 139: 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15; Acts 13: 22-26; Luke 1: 57-66, 80
Note: Today we celebrate the Birth of John the Baptist. Within the Catholic tradition, we celebrate the birthdays of only three persons: Jesus (December 25); Mary, His mother (September 8); and John the Baptist (June 24). These are the only persons who came forth from their mother’s womb sinless (without original sin). These are three key persons in the history of salvation.
Our readings speak about St. John the Baptist’s unique role of being called from before his birth to do the will of GOD. For John that role was as the person who was to prepare the way for the Messiah – the Christ. Isaiah 49 is the second of the
Servant of GOD passages in Isaiah. Although this passage is usually considered to be a reference to the Messiah, it also has obvious applications to John the Baptist and his being called from the womb of his mother, Elizabeth. Psalm 139 also speaks of GOD having “formed my inmost being” and having “knit me in my mother’s womb.” The passage from Acts reminds us of John’s role as herald of the coming of Jesus
and his baptizing as a sign of repentance. The Gospel gives us the account of the birth of John the Baptist.
In Isaiah 49, the Servant of the LORD realizes the unique position he has, having been called from before his birth and given a
special name by GOD. Before John was conceived in the womb of Elizabeth, his father, Zechariah, was told of GOD’s plan that the elderly, childless couple
would have a son whom they were to name John, (Hebrew, Yochanan meaning
“the LORD is gracious”) (cf. Luke 1: 10ff). Like the suffering servant in Isaiah
49, John was to be a servant through whom GOD would reveal divine glory. John would also be able to identify with the words of Isaiah 49: “Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, my reward is with the LORD.” As John the Baptist ended his ministry by being thrown in jail by King Herod, he sent some of his disciples to Jesus to ask, “Are You [, Jesus,] the One Who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Luke 7:
18-20). John ultimately was made glorious in the sight of GOD and raised to high position, just as the servant in Isaiah 49. Jesus spoke highly of John saying: “I tell you, among those born of women, there is not one greater than John; yet the least in the Reign of GOD is greater than he” (Matthew 11: 11). [I will discuss
the last part of the verse below.]
Psalm 139 (one of my favorite psalms) echoes some of the same themes as Isaiah 49, particularly the calling of the author from the womb of his mother. It speaks about GOD’s knowledge of, and design for, the person. John was truly known by GOD and designed for the unique position of being the forerunner (precursor) of Jesus.
The sermon by St. Paul (in the reading from Acts) speaks of the privileged position of John the Baptist as the herald of the coming of the Messiah – Jesus the Christ. It also emphasizes the recognition by John of his subservient role to Jesus (“Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of His feet”). John prepared the people by challenging them to repent before the Messiah came. And when the Messiah/Christ (Jesus) came, John
pointed Him out and took a back-seat role (cf. John 3: 30: “He [Jesus the Messiah] must become greater, I [John] must become less”).
The Gospel today relates the birth and naming of John the Baptist. It was truly a joyous time as the elderly Elizabeth gave birth. At the naming of the infant, the relatives think the boy should be called after his father (Zechariah) or another family member. Elizabeth, however, (being true to the announcement from the angel)
declares his name is to be John. When they communicate with the muted Zechariah, he writes, “His name is John.” As
Zechariah makes known his message, his tongue, which was muted for disbelief nine months before, is set free and he
proclaims his prayer of praise, the Benedictus (“Blessed be the LORD, the GOD of
Israel. . .and you, my child [John] will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way of the Lord, to give GOD’s people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. . .” Luke 1: 67-79 [omitted from today’s Gospel]). The Gospel ends by saying that John grew and became strong in the Spirit and lived in the desert until he began his public ministry to Israel.
John’s calling began before his conception in the womb of Elizabeth. The angel Gabriel announced his birth to his father, the old priest, Zechariah (Zachary). He was given the name of John. Biblical naming signified special calling. He was to be “the graciousness of GOD,” because he would announce GOD’s graciousness in the coming of the Messiah – Jesus. When Mary (pregnant with Jesus) visited her cousin Elizabeth at the beginning of Elizabeth’s third trimester, John leapt for joy within Elizabeth’s womb. The Church has taught that this event caused John to be set free from original sin, and thus be able to be born sinless. Jesus brought salvation to his cousin while both were still in utero.
What does all this mean for us? First of all, each and every one of us has been called
by GOD from before our birth. We may not have had an angel announcing our birth to our parents as John’s parents had. Yet, we are called to life by GOD and given a role to play in GOD’s plan. Unlike John, we are not the greatest person born of woman. Yet, we can be part of those who are greater than he was before he achieved his final place in the Reign of GOD. We are called to be a part, even if it is the least part, of the Reign of GOD, if we work at the mission that GOD has for us – preparing for the way of the Lord Jesus’ coming to ourselves and to others. John achieved his place in the Reign of GOD by living, and ultimately dying, for the Lord Jesus. That is our destiny also, if we help others come to know the Messiah, the Lord Jesus, the Christ. As we draw closer to our Master-Teacher and bring others to Him also, we will be able to say with John the Baptist: “Jesus must increase in the lives of people, while we decrease in importance and value.” Our value (as John’s value) comes only from Jesus and our relationship with Him. Let us realize our calling to be servants of the Lord Jesus, announcing forgiveness of sins, pointing to the Messiah.
The personal question/action for today: How do I see my role as a herald of the GOoD News of Jesus? What thoughts and feelings do I have when I realize that I have been called by GOD from before my birth? What can I do to remind others of the “graciousness of GOD” (Yochanan/John)?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever inviting. Through Your GOoDness, You called Your servant John the Baptist from before his birth to be the herald of Your Son, Jesus. He was willing to devote his life to helping others prepare to receive the Messiah. He proclaimed the need for people to reform their lives in order to follow the Christ (Messiah) when He came. We thank You for the example and ministry of John the Baptist. You have chosen us, also from before our birth, to share in the important mission of preparing others for the coming of Jesus into their lives. We are privileged to be called to this special role. We know that like John the Baptist, we, in and of ourselves, are unworthy to have any relationship with Jesus, but because of Your divine graciousness (Yochanan – GOD is Gracious), we can serve our sisters and brothers and help to lead them to Jesus. Through the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, continue to remind us of our need for repentance and strengthen us to be heralds of the GOoD News of Jesus the Messiah. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Yeshua-Jesus (“GOD Saves”), Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 25, 2025
Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062525.cfm
Blessed Jutta of Thuringia: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-jutta-of-thuringia/ Readings: Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18; Psalm 105: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 7: 15-20
Sometimes we don’t see the full and immediate effects of our faith relationship with GOD. It often takes time. If we have patience, GOD will fulfill all the promises made to us and will give us more than we could ever imagine. The First Reading is an account of the covenant (relationship) made by GOD with Abram. The psalm reminds us that GOD never forgets the covenant relationship that GOD has made. Jesus, in the Gospel, urges His disciples to bear the GOoD fruit that is the result of being in relationship with Him.
Genesis presents GOD making (literally “cutting”) a covenant with Abram (Abraham) in few different chapters. The covenant is basically the same: because of Abram’s acceptance of GOD’s promised inheritance, GOD will bless Abram and his descendants, and they will be become a great nation possessing the promised land, and Abram and his offsprings will be the
source of blessing for others. Today’s account of the relationship-covenant portrays the ritual of “cutting” or splitting animals in two. One or both of the two parties (in this case GOD and Abram) move between the split animals
signifying a similar fate (being split in two) will result to the
one who breaks the covenant agreement. GOD’s presence moving between the bisected animals is the smoking fire pot and flaming torch. Not told in these verses is that Abram probably walked between the “cut” animals also. Some scholars would say that if the covenant was unilateral – GOD alone being bound by the covenant – then Abram would not have to walk between the split animals.
The psalmist recalls that GOD is always faithful to the relationship- covenant that GOD made with Abraham and his descendants. GOD will remember the covenant forever (not just for a thousand generations (the Hebrew word can mean a time period longer than a generation). A “thousand” – a huge number in ancient times – would be comparable to “infinite,” a word that would not have been in ancient Hebrew.
In the Gospel, Jesus ask His disciples to look beyond external appearance. More important than superficial coverings or attitudes is the “fruit” of one’s action. If the “fruit” of one’s life is growth-filled and positive, it speaks loudly of the person’s real orientation and responsibility. The product of one’s action does not produce GOoDness or reward. It is the awareness of the source of life (GOD)
and the divine gifts already given that enable the GOoD fruit to be borne.
One key thought that strikes me from the readings is the starting point of all that is GOoD. GOD is the origin of all that is GOoD. GOD only produces GOoD. The covenant that GOD offers Abram is GOoD.
Abram’s response to GOD’s GOoD covenant produced GOoD fruit – not
just in Abram’s offspring, but in the world. GOD continues to produce GOoD fruit. The best fruit which GOD gave to us was the divine Son. Jesus is not just the fruit of the womb of Mary, He is the fruit of GOD. No greater fruit has been or could be produced.
GOD continues to invite us to “taste and see” the GOoDness that is offered. If we accept the GOoDness of the LORD, then we will also produce
GOoD fruit as a response to the GOoDness we have tasted and seen.
This continues to challenge me to come to the Lord Jesus and feast on all the GOoDness that Jesus offers. I do that by reading the Word, contemplating the Word, and receiving the Lord Jesus sacramentally. That is the Food that/Who nourishes me and allows me to bear GOoD fruit in response to the GOoDness I have received from the GOoD GOD.
The personal question/action for today: What GOoD allows me to bear GOoD fruit? What GOoD fruit do I bear? Can people experience the GOoDness of GOD through my bearing GOoD fruit? Who might benefit most from the GOoD fruit that I bear and how can I help them taste and see the GOoDness of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of all GOoDness. It is from Your GOoDness that You continue to offer a covenant relationship to us, even though we are not worthy of Your GOoDness. You ask us to “taste and see” Your GOoDness, especially as manifested in Your Son, Jesus, and His life, teaching, ministry, death and resurrection. Help us to acknowledge You as the origin of all that is GOoD in our lives. May we always give You thanks and praise as You empower us to bear Your GOoD fruit. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and Your greatest GOoD for us, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 26, 2025
Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062625.cfm
Blessed Raymond Lull: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-raymond-lull
Readings: Genesis 16: 1-12, 15-16; Psalm 106: 1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-6; Matthew 7: 21-29
A call for obedience to GOD flows through the readings today. The English word, “obedience” comes from the Latin words ob - audire that means “to listen to. . .” We hear about the obedience of Abram’s servant in the First Reading. The psalm calls blessed those who observe what is right and do what is just. In the Gospel, Jesus call His disciples to more than an intellectual consent to being in relationship with Him. He asks that they “listen to” Him and act upon what He says and teaches.
The account from Genesis, that is today’s First Reading, may
sound strange. Because Sarai (later to be called Sarah) could not bear children, she gives her servant (Hagar) as a concubine to Abram (later to be called Abraham). Through Hagar, Sarai would give children to Abram. This was a common practice of Abram’s day and age. Sarai seems to lack self-confidence and also to lack trust in GOD. She feels like a failure in producing children. Then Sarai becomes annoyed with Abram and Hagar because Hagar seems to be gloating in her position as the bearer of Abram’s child. Abram empowers Sarai with permission “to do whatever” she wants to Hagar. Sarai makes Hagar’s life so miserable that Hagar runs away, even though she is pregnant. GOD’s word comes to Hagar and
promises Hagar a special place in GOD’s plan for both her son and his offspring if she returns to Sarai. The name given to the son of Hagar is Ishmael meaning “GOD listens.” Obediently Hagar returns to Sarai and Abram.
What is interesting to me is that it is from Ishmael (the son of Abram and Hagar) that the Arabic and Islamic people trace their lineage back to Abraham. So, from the time of Abraham (the father of both the Jewish people and the Islamic people), the ancestors of the Jews and Muslims have been quarreling with each other. According to this passage in Genesis, GOD even describes Ishmael as “a wild ass of a man, whose hand is against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; in opposition to all his kin shall he encamp.”
The psalm seems to bridge the readings. It speaks about those who observe what is right. Hagar does what GOD commands in her returning to Sarai and Abram. Abram is also righteous in his obedience to GOD’s will. In the Gospel, Jesus will speak about what righteousness entails.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes what is essential to enter into the Reign of GOD. It is more than saying the right words and declaring an allegiance to the Lord Jesus. It requires the believer
to live out one’s belief by seeking to do GOD’s will. “Listening to” the Lord Jesus and acting (“obedience”) is what anchors one on the Rock (Jesus). If one has a foundation on the Rock, then even tough times and stormy conditions will not be able to destroy a person.
My reflection today centers on how important it is to obey GOD’s plan for one’s life. Seeking to do GOD’s will is more important than being able to trace one’s lineage back to Abraham, the father of faith in the one true GOD. Jews can do that, Muslims can also. Yet, it does not seem that they always “listen to” and act upon (“obey”) what GOD would have them do. GOD wants all of the children of the LORD to respond and do what GOD wants. GOD desires that all people accept the GOoD News and live it out by loving
others and welcoming them into the Reign of GOD. If the members of the three monotheistic (“belief in one GOD”) religions would really “listen to” their GOD, they would work together and care for each other and do GOD’s will. Yet, as typical with children in the same family, they can only see GOD’s plan from a very narrow perspective, their own perspective.
What does this mean to me personally? I sense that I must faithfully “listen to” GOD’s Word, particularly as proclaimed by the Son of GOD, and act upon that Word. Yes, I must be caring for others who also call upon the GOD of Abraham. If I have true love and concern for others, however, I will want them to come to know GOD as revealed by Jesus. I will work to make the GOoD News understandable to them. That does not mean that I will water down Jesus’ teachings, but I will be obediently faithful (and faithfully obedient) to them by living a life that reflects Jesus’ ministry and that invites others to listen and respond to the Gospel as Jesus preached it. I should strive to proclaim the Gospel in a way that others (whether they be nominal Christians, Jews, Moslem, or non-believers) can sense that I am not just mouthing words. They should be able to say of my convictions and
my authority (that are not mine at all, but the Lord Jesus’) that I, like Jesus, teach, live, and act with a power and authority that is not like that of others, but has true connection with one true GOD.
That is not an easy task. Yet, if we realize that it is GOD Who is calling us to respond and we can be faithful and obedient servants of the Lord Jesus, then we will be able to rejoice as more and more people draw into the true relationship with GOD, in and through Jesus. We will then be able to echo the psalmist today and say, “Visit me with Your saving help, that I may see the prosperity of Your chosen ones, rejoice in the joy of Your people, and glory with Your inheritance.”
The personal question/action for today: What type of listener am I? Do I only listen to what I want to hear and act only in ways I want? Do I truly listen to GOD and seek to do what the Lord Jesus wants, even if it leads to others’ mistreatment of me? Can people see my obedience to GOD’s Word by the way I treat them? Does my living out GOD’s Word invite others to come, taste, and see the GOoDness of the LORD? What can I do today to reflect to at least one other person the joy of being one of GOD’s people who hear GOD’s Word and respond accordingly?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the one and only GOD. Through Your GOoDness, You have called people to “listen to” and respond to Your plan from ancient times. You called Abraham to a unique relationship with You as the one and only GOD. Through Abraham, You have offered a special relationship to his descendants, both those of the slave woman (Hagar) and the free woman (Sarah). Yet, their descendants have often failed to truly hear You and obey Your divine plan. Through Your Son, Jesus, You have called others to “listen to” and obey Your will. Many, including us at times, have listened only to what they/we have wanted and not fully responded. For the times we have not been obedient to Your calling, we seek Your forgiveness and pardon. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, helps us truly open our ears to the Word, and act upon the Word, as spoken through Jesus, Your Son, for He is Your Word Incarnate. Enable us to live lives that invite others to come to Him as the Way to You. May we always obediently follow Jesus, for He is Your Son, our Brother, and our Master-Teacher, Who leads us back to You in Your Reign in heaven, where He is living and reigning with You and the Holy
Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 27, 2025
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart
(replacing Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062725.cfm
Sacred Heart: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/sacred-heart-a-symbol-of-love-and-mercy
Saint Cyril of Alexandria: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cyril-of-alexandria
Readings: Ezekiel 34: 11-16; Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Romans 5: 5b-11; Luke 15: 3-7
Just a note about today’s feast: It is a moveable feast in the Roman Catholic Church’s calendar. It is always celebrated on the third Friday after Pentecost. The purpose of the feast is to honor Jesus and His Sacred Heart. In most Western cultures, the heart is a symbol for love and devotion, so today’s readings focus on the love GOD has for those whom GOD has called to be in relationship with the GODhead. This loving relationship is linked to the image of the GOoD Shepherd Who not only makes sure that sheep are fed, and the lost and wayward sheep are found, but He is willing to lay down His life for the sheep.
The First Reading comes from the section of the prophet Ezekiel in which words are addressed to those who are entrusted with the care of GOD’s people. Since the culture was well aware of the pastoral role of shepherds, the imagery of shepherding the flock had a great significance. GOD is promising to take care of the divine flock since the local shepherds have not cared for the sheep as GOD ordered them to do (as seen in the verses that precede today’s verses). GOD will not only lead the flock to their homeland, but the LORD will be sure that the flock is well fed and protected from
anything that could harm the sheep. GOD provides rest, security, and healing for all the sheep. GOD promises that One will come Who will shepherd the divine flock as if the One was shepherding just as GOD would.
The Responsorial is the familiar Psalm 23 in which the psalmist declares that the LORD is the Shepherd Who leads the sheep to safety and allows no fear or harm to come upon the sheep. The sheep will receive plenty of food, even in the sight of the enemy of the flock. Nothing will be able to separate the sheep from the love that the Shepherd has for them.
The Second Reading describes the attitude of GOD toward those whom GOD loves in and through Jesus. St. Paul asks the Romans to think about what it takes for an individual to be willing to lay down one’s life for another. It is rare that
anyone risks his/her life for another. It might be possible for someone to give up life for the sake of a loved one. Yet, Jesus was willing to give up His life while we were enemies of GOD because of our sinfulness. This proves Jesus and His Abba-
Father’s great love for us. Jesus died for us and our sins in order that we might realize the great love GOD has
for us.
The Gospel is from Luke’s description of Jesus as the Shepherd Who is willing to search out the lost and bring them back into the safety of the flock. The image is that this Shepherd is willing to risk everything to rescue
those who stray away from the flock. The pericope also reminds us that we should rejoice when the wayward sheep is brought back.
As I reflect on Jesus and today’s feast of His Sacred Heart, I am reminded, through the readings, how much Jesus and His Abba love each and every person, including me. GOD has more than gone out of the divine way to search us out and bring us to safety, relaxation, and nourishment. Nothing can separate us from the love
of GOD poured out in Jesus. Jesus has been willing to lay down His human life in a painful death in order to bring me into a closer relationship with Himself and His Abba. I do not deserve the love that GOD has bestowed on me in and through the death and resurrection of Jesus. I truly have been out of sorts with GOD
through my sinfulness. Yet, it is because I have alienated myself from
the Lord Jesus that GOD has seen fit to send the GOoD Shepherd in search of me. The Shepherd risks everything to bring me back from the clutches of death, back into the life of the divine flock, and thus, we are given the best food and protection possible.
Not only should I rejoice in GOD’s saving me, but I should also take great pleasure that the Lord Jesus continues to search out all the
wayward sheep. What is even more unbelievable is that the Lord Jesus is asking me to not only rejoice in the return of all the strays, but also GOD is asking me to join in the search of those who are away from the divine flock. I am called to imitate the GOoD Shepherd and show His divine love for others. It is then that I need to echo the words of the psalmist today and address my Shepherd and say: “Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for You are at my side with Your rod and Your staff that give me courage.”
The personal question/action for today: How can I manifest the love that flows from the Sacred Heart of Jesus? What can I do to help shepherd the flock of the Lord Jesus and to lead them to a better understanding (experience) of GOD's love? Who is most in need of the love of the Lord Jesus today and how can I help him/her/them experience that love?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, our Father – our Abba. Through Your GOoDness, Your Son has come to us as the GOoD Shepherd Who seeks to restore Your flock to the close relationship with You. Jesus has walked
among us in search of all of us who have strayed from the security and safety of Your presence. For our wayward journeying, we seek Your continued forgiveness and pardon. Help us to hear the voice of Your Son as He calls out to us. Let us realize what He has been willing to endure in order to bring us to You. May we go out and minister and serve those whom You have entrusted to our care so that they will know the great love You
have manifested in and through Your Son and His death and resurrection. May we rejoice as more and more of Your flock return to the blessings of Your presence. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, Who has opened His Sacred Heart and poured out His loving blood for us. He is the One Who is reigning and living fully with You and Your Holy Spirit, in the realm to which we are called, for You are our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 28, 2025
Memorial of Immaculate Heart of Mary
(replacing the Gospel of Sat. of the 12th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062825.cfm
Immaculate Heart of Mary: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/sharing-the-word/sharing-the-word-for-june-20-2020
Saint Irenaeus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-irenaeus
Readings: Readings: Genesis 18: 1-15; Luke 1: 46-,47, 48-49, 50 and 53, 54-55; Luke 2: 41-51
[Just a note about today’s Gospel reading: it is taken from the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.]
Faith and respect by mortals can lead to great deeds being done by GOD. The First Reading is a prediction of the birth of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. GOD fulfills the divine promise to give an offspring to Abraham. The Responsorial is the prayer of Mary known as the Magnificat (the Latin word that begins the prayer “My soul magnifies [proclaims the greatness of] the LORD. . .”) In this prayer Mary praises GOD for fulfilling the promises made to Abraham. The Gospel shows both the trust and faith Jesus and His mother had in GOD’s plan and how Jesus continued to be obedient to His earthly parents, while Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Mary, in turn, demonstrates that she is the first disciple of Jesus and learns more about His role
while she demonstrates her other responsibility in caring for her Son — GOD’s Son.
True to the culture of his time, Abraham offers hospitality to three strangers who pass his tent pitched near the tree (terebinth - oak) of Mamre. At first, Abraham does not realize that the strangers are the LORD GOD and angels. Abraham goes out of his way to provided hospitality by providing “a little food.” He tells Sarah to take almost three measures of flour (about 90 pounds) in order to prepare rolls. Abraham, himself, chooses a tender choice steer to be slaughtered and prepared for the guests. Obviously, it would not be a fast food meal for Abraham’s guests, but more food than three visitors (together with Abraham and Sara) could have eaten at one meal. Abraham serves his visitors himself rather than have one of his own servants serve them. After the three have
enjoyed the generosity of Abraham, they issue a promise that the ninety-year-old Sarah will give birth to a son within a year’s time. As the hundred-year-old Abraham hears this prediction, he realizes that the LORD is the guest he has been serving. Sarah, who has been listening in the tent beside the place where the guests are feasting, laughs to herself and doubts the words of the strangers. Then when Abraham is questioned about her laughter, she denies her lack of belief in the prediction. In contrast to what we hear today, in yesterday’s first reading, it was Abraham who laughed and thus the son is given the name Isaac (which means “laughter”).
In contrast to the doubts of Sarah, the Responsorial presents the joyful affirmation of GOD’s power and fulfillment of promises as proclaimed by Mary. She realizes that GOD is to be praised for all the great things that happen, especially the ways that GOD brings the divine promises to life,
literally, in the conception of Jesus within her womb.
The Gospel demonstrates Jesus’ obedience not only to His Abba- Father’s will but to the human parents GOD has given Jesus to watch over Him as He grows up. Jesus is obedient. Jesus, Mary (His mother) and Joseph (His adoptive father) have learned how important it is to trust that GOD will take care of those who seek to do what GOD wants them to do. They realize that they must reflect and treasure all that GOD has done and will continue to do in their lives.
As I ponder the readings, I think of my life and how I am called to be like Jesus and Mary as they process what is happening in their lives and what it means for the mission of sharing the Word of GOD with others. He, in His youthful human exuberance, believes He should begin by interacting with the Jewish leaders in the Temple. He believes that He
should be about His Abba’s business. Mary and Joseph do not realize that Jesus is not traveling with the caravan. According to some scripture schools, Jesus is at the point of becoming a Jewish man and not just a child. As a child, Jesus used to travel with the women and young children when traveling to and from Jerusalem. Yet as a young man (a boy became a man around the age of twelve), Jesus can be traveling with the men in the caravan.
It is not until the end of the first day of travel, as the pilgrims gather in their basic family unit, that Mary and Joseph realize that Jesus has been traveling neither with Mary (and the women and children) nor with Joseph (and the men and older boys). At the dawn of the next day, Mary and Joseph hasten back the one-day journey to Jerusalem. After a probably sleepless night, they search for Jesus on the third day, and they find Jesus in the Temple.
After the experience, Mary reflects on what has happened and turns the events over in her heart. Probably, Jesus also reflects on His days in Jerusalem and begins to realize how and when He will begin His ministry of announcing the GOoD News of His Abba. He comes to the awareness that it is not the right time to fully proclaim the Word of GOD. When the time comes, He will announce the Gospel whether it is convenient or inconvenient.
I am reminded of a song that I have heard many times. The title is
Where Do I Go. Part of the lyrics say: “Where do I go when I need a shelter? Where do I go when I need a friend? Where do I go when I need some helping? Where do I go? Back on my knees again.” Falling down on our knees in the presence of our GOD and humbly
seeking GOD’s help is what we need to do again and again. It is then that we will be able to go forth and proclaim the Word by our
actions, and our words if necessary. And at some point, we will also realize, as St. Paul does at the end of his Second Letter to Timothy,
that if we have done all we could have done, then we will receive the crown of righteous that has been prepared for all who have shared the Gospel with others.
The personal question/action for today: How often do I fall on my knees in humble submission to the Lord Jesus and reflect on what GOD is doing in my life? Do I proclaim the Word of GOD only when it is convenient and comfortable, or do I give witness to the Word even when it is challenging? Am I willing to reflect on the events of my life and treasure how GOD is working in my life, as Mary did? To whom might I be called to minister today? This weekend? Do I rejoice and praise GOD that I have been chosen to continue to proclaim the Gospel to them even when it is inconvenient for me to do so?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever patient and always willing to share Your GOoD News with us. Through Your GOoDness, You call us, the disciples of Your Son, to preach His Word at all times, in GOoD times and bad. We often want to take the easy, glorious way of sharing the Gospel. Yet, we are called to announce the message and teach the truth particularly when we do not fully understand what we must do (as Sarah did in today’s First Reading) and we meet opposition. We need the guidance of Your Holy Spirit so that we will know the best way to correct, reprove, and appeal to others. We also need to take the time to reflect on how You are moving mightily in our lives, as You did in Mary’s life with Jesus. Continue to give us the patience we need, especially when we are faced with those who do not want to acknowledge Your truth. We give You all the praise, honor, and glory, as we sing Your mighty deeds. As always, we do all of this in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher, Who is to be praised together with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
June 29, 2025
Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul
(replacing 13th Sun. in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062925-day.cfm
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-peter-and-paul
Readings: Acts 12: 1-11; Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16: 13-19
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The First Reading and the Gospel focus on St. Peter, while the Second Reading centers on St. Paul.
Our First Reading gives us a glimpse of some of the trials that St. Peter experiences in standing up for His relationship with the Lord Jesus. We hear how he is imprisoned for preaching about the “Name.” GOD still has many plans for Peter, so Peter is set free from bondage to continue his ministry of leading the Church by his proclaiming the Gospel (GOoD News) of Jesus.
The psalm picks up on theme of the story of an angel (messenger) of the LORD rescuing the one who faithfully follows the LORD. We proclaim: “The angel of the LORD will rescue those who fear the LORD.” GOD answers those who seek to do GOD’s will. Sometimes GOD
literally frees those who are imprisoned. Even if physical deliverance is not provided, GOD always provides the strength necessary to face the challenges that accompany those who follow the path of the Master-Teacher.
St. Paul, in his letter to his apprentice (Timothy), declares the fact that he (Paul) has done what GOD has asked him to do. He senses the end of his ministry and realizes that he has kept the faith, in fact, he has spread the faith. Paul knows that GOD will reward him, not because Paul did a decent job, but because GOD keeps the divine promises and brings those who seek the Way of the Lord Jesus into the promised reign of heaven.
The passage from Matthew’s Gospel is St. Peter’s declaration of faith in Jesus and Jesus’ proclamation of Peter’s role in the edification of the Church. All those who, like Peter, profess their belief in the Messiahship and Divinity of Jesus will also be part of the building up of the Church – the Body of Christ.
I can remember as a child hearing the stories of St. Peter and St. Paul. I looked up to these super-heroes as much as I did to Superman, Hop-along Cassidy, Zorro, Davy Crocket, and the other heroes of my youth. In fact, I held them in higher esteem because they seemed almost perfect, after all they were saints! I almost believed that they were dropped out of heaven as perfect saints. Yet as I grew and began to read scriptures and biographies more closely, I realized that these two men, St. Peter and St. Paul, were quite flawed in their lives. They did not always act like super-heroes. That led me to wonder why Jesus would choose such individuals to be the key building blocks in the structure of His Church. Couldn’t Jesus have picked some other “more perfect” characters to be our role models?
The wisdom of GOD is once again manifested in the very fact of choosing sinful, errant individuals to be the cornerstone of the living, human and divine, edifice known as the Church. If Jesus would have chosen persons who were almost flawless, we would not have been able to as easily identify with them, thinking they and their lives of holiness were way beyond our reach. Jesus selected a rough fisher who often acted without thinking matters through, in order to show us that GOD can use even coarse stones to make a beautiful structure. In fact, it seems, that GOD prefers the rough rocks so that GOD can chip away at them and shape them into the form needed so that the edifice will have a firm foundation. Jesus, the Rock of Salvation, chose a man named Simon bar Jonah, and selected him to be part of the
structure’s foundation, upon which all the rest of us would be built. Jesus gives this fisher the name Cephas (in Greek Πέτρος [Petros]) meaning “the rock” – the rock on which the Church would be built.
So also, Jesus chose the ultra-conservative and traditional Jewish Pharisee and tent-maker (Saul of Tarsus) to announce the message of salvation to those who were not Jews and who were made out of a different material than the believers of old. Thus, Saul of Tarsus become Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Both Peter and Paul had to go through a lengthy process in order to grow in their understanding of, and their relationship with, the GOD Who had called them to be the foundation of this new structure of GOD’s revelation. That should give us hope and strength. We also have to go through a lengthy process. We need to have our rough edges chipped away and our hardness molded into a form and a shape that can build on the faith of those who have gone before us and become the stable layer upon which others may be added to this living building of faith known as the Church – the Body of Christ.
As we continue to come to know the Lord and Savior, whom St. Peter and St. Paul grew to know and proclaim, we, too, will become part of the Communion of Saints – for that is our calling and destiny. It is a process that takes a lifetime, yet a process that has already begun. We are saints, at least in the rough. We can have a similar effect on others as did St. Peter and St. Paul. Like them, as we grow in our relationship with the Master-Teacher, we will sense the need to share our faith with others so they too can be part of the edifice of GOD’s holy and living temple. Let us thank GOD for giving us the very human, and yet the very saintly, role models in the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The personal question/action for today: How do I see the life and ministry of St. Peter and St. Paul as compared to my own life and my call to be a servant to others? Am I strengthened in my faith as I realize how the Lord Jesus transformed these sinful individuals into useful parts of the structure of the Church of GOD? What rough edges in my life does the Lord Jesus need to shape into a form that GOD can use to continue to build up and edify the Church? How can I help inspire and affirm other people and their roles as building blocks in the edifice of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, full of wisdom beyond our understanding. Through Your GOoDness and the ministry of, and calling by, Your Son, You have chosen individuals like St. Peter and St. Paul to be instrumental in the spread of Your Gospel. You have selected individuals with whom we can identify, giving us hope and courage that we can share in the sanctity of a personal relationship with You as they did. They were not flawless or sinless, yet they were able to rise above their frail humanity and human limitations, with the help of Your grace. They were willing to follow the way of Your Son in announcing the GOoD News of Your forgiving and healing love. They proclaimed this message because they had experienced it firsthand in their own lives. We thank You and give You glory and praise for picking two very human persons to be the main building blocks of Your Church. We are grateful to You for transforming these individuals, and us, into usable parts of Your edifice. We lift up this prayer to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus, for He is our Savior and Lord, our Master and Teacher, the Foundation Stone and Capstone, Who is one with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
June 30, 2025
Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of the First Martyrs of the Church in Rome)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/063025.cfm
First Martyrs of the Church of Rome:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/first-martyrs-of-the-church-of-rome
Readings: Genesis 18: 16-33; Psalm 103: 1b-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11; Matthew 8: 18-22
The Genesis account of Abraham haggling with the LORD concerning the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah shows not only the Middle Eastern propensity to barter, but more importantly (as the psalmist today reinforces) the mercy of GOD. The Gospel, in an apparent contrast, presents Jesus as demanding a stricter adherence to His call than the filial obligation to bury one’s dead.
Abraham has a closer relationship with the LORD after he has
entertained the LORD and two divine messengers (angels). GOD reveals to Abraham the divine plan to destroy the “sinful” Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, concerned about his nephew Lot and his family, presents a case for the saving the people of the two cities if enough GOoD people can be found in the cities. Starting at the number of GOoD people being fifty, he works his way, politely yet respectfully, down to ten. Ultimately Abraham trusts in the mercy of GOD.
The psalmist echoes the sentiments of Abraham that GOD is merciful and kind. We are reminded that GOD does not treat us as our sins deserve, otherwise there would be no hope for any of us. Yet with confidence we can come into the presence of GOD knowing that GOD is full of compassion.
In the Gospel, as two prospective disciples seek to follow Jesus, He challenges them that being His disciples (disciplined and committed followers) demands more than what they may be willing to accept. They
give excuse about why they can not follow Jesus at this time. Jesus informs one that He has no place to call His own, thus there is no earthly fringe benefits promised for joining the Union of Disciples. To another, Jesus demands a higher sense of allegiance than that of taking care of the sacred family duty of burying the dead.
In seems that the readings are a bit at odds with each other. In the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) passages, we hear about the mercy and kindness of GOD and in the Gospel account, we experience the demands of being a disciple of Jesus. These readings seem contradictory to most people’s understanding of the GOD of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Jesus of the Christian Scriptures. As I was trying to make sense of the different readings, I came to the understanding that Jesus does ask a lot of His disciples, but He and His Abba are also merciful and kind. Jesus sets the goal quite high, yet, He also realizes that we may not always be able to achieve the goal.
I thought of my role as a teacher. I expect a lot of my students. Even though I have been a computer science
and a Latin and Greek instructor, I expect the students to use proper English, spelling, punctuation, etc. I demand ethical behavior. I set high demands, but I also am very generous and understanding of the mistakes and imperfections of the students. I may mark their errors so they are aware of their mistakes, but as long as they generally try to do their best, they should be able to earn an A in the classes. I usually challenge the more gifted students to reach a little further within themselves than the less enabled students. I am also willing to assist those who genuinely are seeking to do their best but are struggling with the understanding and/or the workload.
Jesus does set high expectations of His followers. He wants His disciples (including you and me) to do their
(our) very best. He is there to support us as we struggle through the hard times, but He keeps the goal high to
enable us to stretch ourselves to our full potential. And, when (not if) we fail, He is there to lift us up with compassion, kindness, and mercy.
The personal question/action for today: Do I think that the Lord Jesus sometimes demands too much of me? Do I see the demands as a goal to strive for, not necessarily something that I will always be able to attain? How have I experienced the compassion, kindness, and mercy of GOD, particularly when I have not been able to reach the high standards to which GOD is calling me? How can I challenge others to strive for the lofty goals that GOD places before them and yet also reassure them of the compassion, kindness, and mercy of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever kind and merciful. Through Your GOoDness, You desire to have an ever- increasing relationship with us. Through Your Son, You call us to a higher standard, to reach our potential. At times we have chosen the easy way out and not given our all to being disciples of Your Son. For those times we seek Your forgiveness and pardon. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower us to stretch ourselves to fully follow Your Son and make our relationship with You and Your Son the number one priority in our lives.
We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother, our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
July 1, 2025
Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Junipero Serra)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070125.cfm
Saint Junipero Serra: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-junipero-serra
Readings: Genesis 19: 15-29; Psalm 26: 2-3, 9-10, 11-12; Matthew 8: 23-27
Fear, lack of faith, natural/supernatural calamities – our readings cover all sorts of disasters. In the First Reading, Abraham’s nephew, Lot, is told to flee the city of Sodom before the LORD rains down sulphureous fire upon it and Gomorrah. In the Gospel, Jesus and His disciples are caught in a violent “storm” at sea. Failing to trust in the Word of GOD is manifested by those who face such disasters.
In readings of yesterday, we heard Abraham trying to bargain for the safety of his nephew, Lot, and Lot’s family. Thus, because of the faith and persistence of Abraham, GOD allows Abraham’s nephew and his family to leave the sinful cities of the Aqabah or the Plains – the region around where the Dead Sea is today. The LORD warns them to trust in divine providence and not to look back at the destruction that will be befalling Sodom and Gomorrah. Some scholars believe that an earthquake shook the area and caused the bitumen in the region to burst out in flames. It must have been a tremendous sound, smell, heat, and shaking feeling. Lot’s wife, either because of
curiosity or not being able to believe that she and her family would be spared, turns around and is turned into a pillar of salt. Even to this day, in the area to the south- east side of Dead Sea are geological formations made partly out of salty material which the indigenous people point to as what is left of Lot’s wife.
The psalmist, in a similar predicament to Lot, prays for mercy from GOD so that he will not have to deal with the sinful and evil people around him. With GOD
there is safety for those who seek to do GOD’s will. GOD is truly gracious.
In the Gospel, after a busy time of teaching and healing, Jesus heads down to the sea with His disciples in tow. After Jesus climbs aboard a boat, He falls quickly asleep, trusting that His Abba-Father will see Him (and His followers) through whatever He has to face. As the
disciples travel across the sea, a
terrific act of nature befalls them. The Greek word (óåéóìüò - seismos) used for the “storm” is the same as that for an “earthquake.” The tossing and rolling motion of the sea and violence attached to it is truly sea-shattering (as opposed to
earth-shattering). Yet, Jesus sleeps peaceful in the boat until His
disciples wake Him and beg Him to do something. Before doing anything, Jesus chastises them for their lack of faith. He then calms the angry sea, and the disciples are once again amazed.
As I reflect on the readings, I am reminded that natural disasters are often called “acts of GOD.” Does GOD really purposefully cause earthquakes, fire storms, hurricanes,
tornadoes, and turbulent seas in order to scare the “heck” out of us? Are we forced to experience such calamities so that we will trust GOD more? Will GOD punish us with such phenomenon simply because we don’t trust GOD?
My own thoughts are that these phenomena are natural, geological, meteorological occurrences that happen. Yes, the timing of them can be signs to us of awesomeness of GOD’s power. GOD has built in such phenomena
into the creation that GOD has made. Yes, GOD can use them to cause us to reflect, but GOD doesn’t cause them to be “mean” to us. GOD is a loving GOD Who wants us to trust in divine providence.
I am reminded of the fact that Jesus was able to peacefully sleep in the boat that was being tossed about in the storm. Jesus trusted in the ultimate protection of His Abba. He chides His disciples for not having the same sort of faith in Him and His Abba.
Yet, how often do we get upset and fearful when our boat (either physical or emotional) gets rocked with
little waves. When things get rough, we call on the Lord Jesus to help us by some extraordinary means, rather than trusting that GOD will see us through the tough times. We, like the disciples in the boat with Jesus, want to “wake up” the Lord Jesus and have Him do something – for us – and do it quickly.
We need to have the trust of the psalmist who knows where to stand – on the level ground of being in the
LORD’s presence. It is then that he is able to bless the LORD.
The personal question/action for today: Do I sometimes blame GOD for the natural occurrences that are part of living on earth? Am I overly fearful of storms and earthquakes betraying my own lack of trust in GOD? How can I deepen my reliance upon the Lord Jesus in the midst of physical, spiritual, and emotional tempests that affect my life? What can I do to bring a calming sense of trust in GOD and GOD’s presence as other are tossed about by the hardships that they face?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, always providing for us, even in the midst of our stormiest and most shaky times. Through Your GOoDness, You invite us to deepen our trust in You. For the times we have failed to place confidence in You and Your loving protection, we seek Your pardon and peace. Guide us and bless us through the direction of Your Son and the gifts of Your Holy Spirit. May we always stand amid the assembly and bless Your Name. We ask that we may be more faithful to living out Your call to bring the message of peace and justice to others. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother, Who is living
and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 2, 2025
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070223.cfm
Saint Oliver Plunkett: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-oliver-plunkett/ Readings: Genesis 21: 5, 8-20a; Psalm 34: 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Matthew 8: 28-34
The readings today remind us that the LORD GOD is in charge. Ishmael, the son of Abraham by the slave woman (Hagar), realizes how much GOD is in charge of Ishmael’s life. The psalm proclaims that GOD hears the cry of those who are the Anawim (poor, disenfranchised, outcasts). In the Gospel Jesus demonstrates His power over demonic forces.
The passage from Genesis is a parallel account to the story of the
Sarai being envious of the relationship between Hagar and Abraham and despising Abraham’s child from that relationship (Genesis 16). It seems a bit confusing in that according to some of the other passages in Genesis, Ishmael would have been in his early teens at the time of birth of Isaac. Yet in today’s passage, it sounds like he is still just a little child, hardly more than a baby himself. Hagar and her son, Ishmael, are banned from the family to which Ishmael rightly belongs. It is not because of Ishmael’s negative behavior that he is exiled and disowned by his father, Abraham. Ishmael seems not to have been harmful to his younger half-brother Isaac, but Ishmael played with Isaac, and in a positive way. Yet, because of the jealous rage of Isaac’s mother (Sarai/Sarah), Ishmael and his mother are separated from Ishmael’s father, Abraham. Abraham, too, is saddened to send
off his son. The passage demonstrates GOD’s love not only for the descendant(s) of Abraham through Sarah (formerly Sarai) but also for the descendants of Abraham through Hagar, particularly when they cry out in trust to GOD. GOD promises Abraham that Ishmael will be come the father of many people. The followers of Islam trace their relationship back to Ishmael and his father, Abraham.
The psalm is a reminder that GOD hears the cry of the poor
(disenfranchised, Anawim), and GOD comes to their aid. This is true of Hagar and Ishmael as they cry out to GOD in the First Reading. GOD cares for those who seek divine help. I recall the song that John Foley, S.J. created from this psalm. His song is The Cry of the Poor.
The Gospel account
presents Jesus traveling into a Gentile region (to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee). Here He encounters two demoniacs
(persons possessed by demon[s]). The evil spirits are somewhat aware of Who Jesus is. They fear His divine power and realize that, in the final scene of the drama
between GOoD and evil, GOoD is going to win out. They do not want the final scene to be played out at this time.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that GOD is in control. GOD takes care of those who need divine help. GOD will ultimately win the victory over evil. Those thoughts give me a sense of both hopefulness and a certain amount of trepidation.
The hopefulness comes from knowing that no matter how bad things are, GOD is still there with, and for, me. At times I may feel rejected and set apart on my own as did Hagar and her son, Ishmael. I sometimes don’t feel that I deserve the rejection I receive from others. It is then that I realize that GOD is with me in a way similar to the way Hagar and Ishmael were aware of GOD’s presence with them.
My feeling of trepidation comes from the fact that even though Jesus has won the ultimately victory, there are still going to be skirmishes between GOoD and evil. And I may be, if I am not already, caught in the midst of the conflict.
Providentially (not luckily), the hopefulness outweighs the fear. There is more power in GOD than in the forces opposed to the divine will. And, like the psalmist, Hagar and Ishmael, all I need do is call upon the LORD, trusting in the LORD Who is awaiting my prayer as the Responsorial proclaims today: “GOD hears the cry of the poor.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced being oppressed and at my wit’s end? Was I able to cry out to GOD, believing that GOD would respond to my call for help? How did I experience GOD’s presence at that time? What can I do to assist others when they are near the point of despair and call out to GOD for help?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all powerful and all loving. Through Your GOoDness, You never abandon those who call upon You with faith and trust. So often we forget about Your love for us and think we have to
face our worst trials alone, without help. Yet, You are always listening for our cry for help. If we trust You, You will demonstrate Your loving power in mighty ways, maybe not always the way we want, but in ways that are for our best. We thank You for sending us Your very best – Your Son, Who demonstrated Your care for others both in simple and profound ways, especially through His suffering and death and resurrection. With confidence in Your care, we lift up this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 3, 2025
Feast of St. Thomas
(replacing the readings of Thu. of the 13th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070325.cfm
Saint Thomas, the Apostle: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-thomas-the-apostle
Readings: Ephesians 2: 19-22; Psalm 117: 1bc, 2; John 20: 24-29
Today we focus on the Apostle known as Thomas, a.k.a. Didymus (or “Twin”). He is often referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” Our First Reading reminds us that it was on the foundation of such individuals as the apostles that the edifice of our common faith (the Church) has been built. The psalm urges praise of GOD for allowing the divine message to be proclaimed to all the world. Today the Gospel (presenting the account of Thomas’ reaction to the Rising of Jesus) uses the name Thomas four times (of the eleven times the name is mentioned in the New Testament).
In his Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul uses the imagery of an edifice to refer to the Church. The foundation of this building consists of the apostles and prophets – those who are “sent” (apostlein) by GOD and those who “speak for” (propheteuein) GOD. It is upon the bases of apostolic and prophetic tradition that the building of
GOD is laid. The crowning point of this building is none other than Jesus. He is the cornerstone (basis) and the keystone/capstone ἀκρογωνιαος [akrogoniaios] “high” or “extreme” and “corner” - culmination and what/Who holds together) of this structure. St. Thomas played his part in this edification.
It is interesting that as far back as the psalms (e.g., today’s Psalm
117), there was a sense that GOD was to be glorified by all peoples. Yet, the Jewish faith, as such, was very limited in its outreach. It was not until the apostolic days that monotheism (belief in the one and only true GOD) was spread out to all the world. The apostles took their title of apostle literally, for they recalled Jesus’ words to “go out to all nations. . .” (Mt 28: 19) and thus they believed that they were “being sent” to spread out from Jerusalem to all the known parts of the world so that GOD could be glorified by all nations, lands, and peoples. We,
as members of Church (the edifice of GOD), continue in the apostolic tradition. We need to realize that we, too, are being sent out to announce the GOoD News so that all peoples everywhere will give glory to GOD.
Not only in today’s Gospel, but also throughout the other parts of the Gospel, Thomas, rather than being doubting, is actually very pragmatic. He wants to have proof for his faith. He shows a similar practicality in John 14. In that chapter, Jesus informs His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for His followers. Jesus reminds the apostles that they know the way that He is going. Thomas remarks, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Thomas wants clear, exact directions. He wants to make sure that he really understands everything. It is not that he doubts what Jesus is teaching His followers. Thomas is saying, “Show me.” (Was he from Missouri - the “Show Me” state in the United States?)
In the end of today’s Gospel, Thomas proclaims his faith in one of the
most powerful statements about Jesus in the whole Bible: “My Lord and my GOD.” Thomas proclaims that
Jesus is truly the Master of his life and one with the LORD GOD of creation and salvation.
At a Bible Study I attend, we were discussing how people come to faith. Faith comes in different ways, at different times in different people’s lives. For some people, faith is something very concrete and real. It flows from personal experiences of the presence of GOD in their lives. Others are able to accept GOD’s word, confident that GOD will fill in the gaps in their understanding. The most important thing about faith is that it is a relationship with GOD. It is a result of GOD gifting us with divine life. Faith is not the product of our activity; it flows from the graciousness of GOD. Our activity should flow from our GOD-given faith.
When I read the readings for today, my thoughts go back to years past when I was a part of youth retreats. I
think, for many on the retreat, it was their first experience of the presence of the Lord Jesus in a deeply touching way. It was made possible because the staff of other teenagers (together with the adults on the team) were willing to be apostles and prophets (to “be sent” to the peers and to “speak” GOD’s Word). Faith became not just a list of things that they could rattle off, but faith was also a personal relationship with a GOD Who was manifested in the lives of other members of the edifice known as the Church.
I know at times in my life I, like Thomas, have wanted to have proof that Jesus was (actually, is) alive and active in my life. It is not that I doubt that GOD loves me, I just want a little reassurance. Yes, Jesus says that those are blessed who have not seen and yet believed. I, however, along with Thomas and many others, just want to have a little extra evidence of the hand of the Lord Jesus, even if I do not “see” the Lord. I want to experience His presence.
After Thomas was bolstered in his faith, he (along with the other spirit-filled apostles) went out to share this faith with others. [Thomas apparently went as far as India to share his faith.] He was able to testify about the risen Lord Jesus because he had experienced Him. We, like Thomas, should be willing to be “sent out” to share our experiences of GOD with those whom we encounter. Our own experience of questioning and coming to a confident recognition of GOD’s movement in our lives should fortify us as we let others know about our relationship with GOD. And GOD does provide the motive for our faith, just as GOD did for Thomas. There are certain events in our lives, especially as we look back, where we can say, “Yes, I was especially aware of GOD’s presence at that moment.” Those experiences can help in the building up of the house of faith. And it is those experiences that lead us to proclaim our faith in Jesus as we say, “My Lord and my GOD.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of my faith, do I see myself as a doubter, a demander of proof, or an unquestioning believer? How does my reaction to faith determine the way I see myself as part of the apostolic tradition – that is, a person called upon and sent out to proclaim the GOoD News? Does my own faith help me deal patiently, yet firmly, with those to whom I am being sent? How can I be more apostolic in my mission to others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, always desirous to reveal Yourself to us. Through Your GOoDness, You continually gift us with reminders of Your presence in our lives. We sometimes allow our stubbornness to block our full belief in Your touching of our lives. We often want proof to support our faith. Your Son, Jesus, reminds us that the more time we spend with Him listening to and reflecting on His words, the more we will be aware of Who He is and Who You are, for as we come to know Jesus, we grow in relationship with You. Jesus has come
to demonstrate Your divine caring and love for us. He, the Risen Lord, is the proof that You are alive and
active in our lives. We pray that we may be more aware of the gifts of discernment, knowledge, and wisdom that flow from Your Holy Spirit. May the Spirit inflame our hearts with the courage to be sent out (apostlein) to others to announce Your GOoD News. And we pray that we may join peoples of all nations, languages, and times in praising Your glory. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Risen Lord, the Master Who teaches us and sends us forth in His name, for He is living and reign with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 4, 2025
Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070425.cfm
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-elizabeth-of-portugal
Readings: Genesis 23: 1-4, 19; 24: 1-8, 62-67; Psalm 106: 1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5; Matthew 9: 9-13
Mercy, faithfulness, and relationship with GOD take center focus in our readings today. Abraham shows the faith he has in GOD and GOD’s giving to him the land in which he dwells. The psalm praises the mercy and kindness of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims that He has come to establish a relationship between sinners and GOD, the GOD of healing and forgiveness.
The First Reading combines a few stories together. First, we hear about the death of Sarah. What is important about this passage is it leads to the first owning of property by Abraham (and his descendants) in the land promised to him (and them) by GOD. Next, we hear about the dying
request of Abraham that a wife be found for his son, Isaac, not from the indigenous people of Canaan but from his ancestral people. This is important to have the separation from Canaanites. Although Abraham’s relatives in Ur and Haran were not necessarily monotheistic and believers in the one and only GOD in Whom Abraham
believed, they were of the same tribal lineage.
The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for the mercy GOD has shown to those who do the will of the LORD. Abraham was truly faithful and thus he and his descendants were blessed with mercy and the fulfillment of the promises made to him and them. The Hebrew word which is translated as “mercy” is [c]hesed. It is one of the two main characteristics of GOD. It can be translated as “loving- kindness,” “grace,” “mercy,” or “enduring love.”
The Gospel relates the
call of the tax collector named Matthew. In response to being called by Jesus, Matthew throws a
dinner party for Jesus and other tax collectors and known sinners. (Tax collectors were considered public sinners by their fellow Jews because they made money at the expense of their fellow countrymen and worked for the foreign government which was oppressing the Jews.) The self-righteous religious leaders complain to Jesus’
disciples about Jesus’ associating with known and public sinners. Jesus mentions that the sick, not the healthy, have need for a doctor.
As Americans, today we celebrate the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in, I am reminded of the blessings which we have been given by GOD to live in this country of freedom and democracy. I am also reminded (thanks to an old email with a commentary by Paul Harvey [the commentary appears after today’s reflection
on a separate page and also in Video for the Day]) that our country was founded by individuals who based their Declaration of Independence on their relationship with GOD and the religious and moral implications of that relationship with GOD. Our country was a new “promised land” to be given to those who were faithful to the
blessings bestowed by GOD just as Abraham of old was faithful and grateful to GOD.
I also recall that in many ways, we are like the religious leaders in today’s Gospel. We complain about the way our country is being run. We are often self-righteous in our attitudes and actions and forget that GOD is the source of mercy and forgiveness and that we should turn to GOD in praise and thanksgiving for what GOD has given us and given others. We forget that all of us, except the native Americans, have our ancestral roots in other places, yet we are not willing to allow other “foreigners” to come to this land and find the freedom that our ancestors found here.
GOD is faithful. GOD will continue to bless those who seek the divine will especially through the practice of peace and justice. We as individuals, and as a nation, are the ones who have been unfaithful. We think that freedom of religion means freedom from religion, and we want to separate church and state so far that we will
not allow the Ten Commandments to be publicly displayed and we desire to take “under GOD” out of our pledge of allegiance. We think that justice means we have to tolerate everyone doing anything he/she wants, even if it is destructive of family values and community well-being, or it goes against the religious values of our founding ancestors. We want to water down the principles on which this nation was built so as not to impose upon those who do not wish to have a relationship with GOD.
I am also reminded how much those who founded this nation relied on GOD in their determination of what this country was to be like. No, there was not to be an established religion in the sense that everyone had to be a Baptist, or a Lutheran, or a Catholic, or a Jew, or a Moslem, or an atheist. We were to be a people “under GOD” who could relate to our GOD from our various and rich traditions.
I feel a real need to pray today for our nation, the United States of America. It has been led away from the foundation on which it was founded. Yes, I am an American citizen, but I am first and foremost a member of the community of faith, the family of GOD. My first allegiance is not to the flag, but to the GOD Who overshadows the nation symbolized by the flag. I realize that I am in need of the GOD of mercy, and I pray that the GOD of mercy will extend that gift to me and to our country.
Even though today’s psalm spoke about the people of Israel, GOD’s first chosen people and nation, I will use the words of the psalmist to pray for the United States and its people: “Blessed are they who observe what is right, who do always what is just; Remember us, O LORD, as You favor Your people.”
The personal question/action for today: How have I been faithful to the GOD Who inspired the founding members of the United States to create one nation “under GOD”? How can I be more supportive of the principles on which this nation was originally created? For what personal and national sins do I need to continue to seek GOD’s forgiveness? How can I help others realize that this nation was conceived on the proposition that all people are created equal and have certain rights given to them by GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever merciful and always just. Through Your GOoDness, You have desired to gather Your people into a nation who would worship and praise You. You continually shower Your blessing on those who seek to be a nation “under You.” We thank You for calling Your people of old, the descendants of the faithful father of believers, Abraham. We also thank You for blessing the faithful founding fathers of our country who sought to provide a place where people could worship You in freedom. We have not always been faithful – we have sinned against You and others, both individually and as a nation. We come together during this week when we celebrate the anniversary of our political independence and seek Your mercy. Although we continue to declare our independence from other countries, we should also announce our dependence on You. May we realize that we are the sick who need the healing touch of Your Son, Jesus. For our true freedom and
liberty come ultimately from His death and resurrection. To You we offer this prayer of praise and thanksgiving in and through Jesus, Your Son, for He is the true Liberator and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You
and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
If I were the Devil I would gain control of the most powerful nation in the world; I would delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man’s effort, instead of God’s blessings; I would promote an attitude of loving things and using people, instead of the other way around; I would dupe entire states into relying on gambling for their state revenue; I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to leadership; I would make it legal to take the life of unborn babies; I would make it socially acceptable to take one’s own life, and invent machines to make it convenient; I would cheapen human life as much as possible so that the life of animals are valued more than human beings; I would take God out of the schools, where even the mention of His name was grounds for a
lawsuit; I would come up with drugs that sedate the mind and target the young; I would get sports heroes to take on the job to advertise them; I would get control of the media, so that every night I could pollute the mind of every family, the backbone of any nation; I would make divorce acceptable and easy, even
fashionable. . .If the family crumbles, so does the nation; I would compel people to express their most depraved fantasies on canvas and movie screens, and I would call it art; I would try to convince the people that right and wrong are determined by a few who call themselves authorities and refer to their agenda as politically correct; I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, and the Bible is for the naive; I would dull the minds of Christians, and make them believe that prayer is not important, and that faithfulness and obedience are optional; . . .come to think of it. . .I guess I would leave things pretty much the
way they are.
Paul Harvey. . .Good Day.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
July 5, 2025
Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070525.cfm
St. Anthony Zaccaria: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-anthony-zaccaria
Readings: Genesis 27: 1-5, 15-29; Psalm 135: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Matthew 9: 14-17
We should rejoice in the plan of salvation as GOD reveals it, through the apparently negative, and also the extremely positive, experiences of life. Our First Reading relates a story of dishonesty and cheating, yet GOD’s hand is seen even in such events. The psalm urges praise of GOD. The Gospel reveals a reason for being people of joy: because the Lord Jesus is with us.
The First Reading seems a bit strange to us as Christians. Jacob, the younger of the twin sons of Isaac, lies and cheats in order to receive the blessing of inheritance from his old, poor-sighted, and dying father. Jacob is led to do so at the prompting of his mother, Rebekah, who has always doted on the younger twin who is not as husky and strong as his older, tougher brother, Esau. A couple of things need to be said about the reading: first, the blessing of inheritance once given cannot be revoked; secondly, Esau had sold Jacob his birthright when Esau had returned unsuccessfully from a hunt and Jacob gave food from his pasture; thirdly, and most importantly, this story is not told to hold up dishonesty and cheating as models to
be imitated by the faithful, but to show that GOD’s plan of salvation can be worked out in spite of the weak, conniving, and sinful actions of mortals.
The psalm builds on the third point. GOD is to be praised for allowing Jacob to be the source of blessing for the ancestors of Israelites. (Remember that Jacob
went through a name change and became Israel, the father of the twelve sons [tribes of the Israelites].) GOD is able to use the misguided actions of mortals in order to bring the divine plan of salvation to the Chosen People.
The Gospel presents an encounter between the disciples of John the Baptist and Jesus. John (and some of the Pharisees) had preached an ascetical lifestyle of penance, fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. Jesus’ ministry seemed to focus on rejoicing and celebrating. When questioned about the difference in approaches, Jesus compares His presence among His disciples to that of bridegroom among friends. While the guest of honor is present, rejoicing should be the focus. Once the guest of honor leaves or is taken away, there will be time for more ascetical practices.
As I read the scripture passages for today, I am left wondering about my own life and its place in the plan of salvation. In some ways, I can see myself more like Jacob. I have not always done what was expected of me. Yet, the LORD has, at times, used me in
order to further the spread of the Gospel. GOD is able to manifest the divine plan even through, or may especially because of or in spite of, the weakness of the human instruments, like Jacob and others.
I do not advocate the Skoptsy philosophy made famous by Rasputin. According to that philosophy, only through sinning do we understand the forgiveness of GOD. Therefore, according to Rasputin and the Skoptsy philosophy, we should purposefully sin so we can be forgiven. And Rasputin was known for his perfecting (or should I say imperfecting) his sinfulness.
As I reflect on how GOD has worked in my life, I am able to join the psalmist today and praise GOD for allowing the divine plan to unfold in the lives of sinful individuals like myself. I realize the focus should not be on us, as instruments of GOD, but on GOD Who uses the imperfect tools in a masterful way. If we focus just on ourselves, then it would be equivalent to praising the pen that a skillful writer uses or praising the paint brush that a master artist uses. GOD can use us with all our imperfections to write the beautiful and moving story of
salvation in and through His Son, Jesus. GOD, the divine artist, uses us, imperfect brushes, to paint the Master’s peace/piece of salvation – the death and resurrection of Jesus.
I also feel challenged to strive to become an even better instrument in the hand of GOD. I should strive to better myself, not just for my own sake, but rather for the sake of GOD and the proclamation of the GOoD News. Then I can rejoice in the
presence of the Bridegroom Who is with me and I can lift my voice with the psalmist and say: “Praise the LORD, for the LORD is GOoD, sing praise to GOD’s name, which we love.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I feel when I realize that I am called to be an instrument that GOD uses to tell the story of salvation and paint the “Big Picture” of GOD’s work among us? What can I do to be a better instrument in the hands of GOD? What part of the “Big Picture” can I help bring to someone today? This weekend?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and forgiving. Through Your GOoDness, You enable us to see Your divine hand at work in spite of the sinful actions of mortals. We have been guilty of dishonesty and cheating, and yet You have been willing to forgive and still announce Your GOoD News story in the telling of our sinful episodes. You, the Great Writer of all history, perfected the storytelling in the person of Your Son, Jesus. He came to bring the Glad Tidings and the reason for rejoicing by His very presence among us. We thank You for never giving up on us and using us, the weak and imperfect instruments that we are, in the relating of Your Strength and Perfection. We lift up this prayer of praise in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, our Master-Teacher, Who gladdens us with His presence now and in the fulness of Your Reign in heaven where He is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 6, 2025
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070625.cfm
Saint Maria Goretti: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-maria-goretti
Readings: Isaiah 66: 10-14c; Psalm 66: 1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20; Galatians 6: 14-18; Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20
The call to, and the joy of, discipleship seem to play center stage in our readings today. The passage from Isaiah speaks of the joy that comes from a relationship with GOD. The Responsorial Psalm continues the theme of rejoicing as one contemplates the great things that the LORD has done for, and through, the Chosen Ones of GOD. In the selection from his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul writes of boasting in the cross of the Lord Jesus as he mentions that he has been crucified to the world and the world to him as he continues his ministry. In the
Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples on their missionary journey. The second part of the Gospel (which is part of the expanded reading) presents what happens when the disciples return from the mission and describe their joy.
In a beautiful use of imagery, the author of this section of the Book of Isaiah describes the joy of the inhabitants of Jerusalem at being nourished and nurtured first by the Holy City of Jerusalem and then by GOD. Just as a mother allows an infant to feed from her breasts, so the people of Jerusalem will be nursed and comforted by the City of GOD, and, in reality, by GOD. One is left with a sense of peace, security, joy, and comfort.
The joyfulness of the First Reading is echoed in the Responsorial as the psalmist urges the whole earth to rejoice as all people learn to reflect on the tremendous actions by GOD on behalf of those called by GOD. Joyful praise is the fitting response of those who have seen, and been a part of, the marvelous deeds that the LORD does for the people.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul declares that he can boast not because of what he has done, but because of what GOD has done in and through the death of Jesus on the cross. Not only has Jesus suffered and died in order to unite the world to His Abba-Father, but Jesus has thus united His disciples with the world, linking them as
a crucified person is connected to the cross through the process of crucifixion. Paul
experiences the unity of purpose of Jesus’ death and those who have been saved by His death. Paul even proclaims that he bears the mark of Jesus on his body. He has suffered for the cause of salvation and is therefore linked to the salvific event of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. This is not to say that Paul’s suffering causes salvation. That is only done by Jesus. Paul joyfully and boastfully experiences suffering as he furthers the message of salvation.
In the Gospel, Jesus commissions seventy-two of His disciples to go out in pairs to proclaim the Gospel (GOoD News) message to the towns where He will be visiting. They are to act with complete trust in GOD, not taking extra provisions, but relying on the power of the GOoD News for their sustenance. They will be taken care of by those who joyfully accept GOD’s message of salvation. They should also refuse to deal with any who reject the Gospel.
When the excited disciples return, they relate the experiences they have had in seeing “their” power over evil. Jesus refocuses their attention to what is important, not the marvelous deeds they have done (for it is not they who have done it, but GOD working in and through them), but on the fact that the signs that they have performed show that they have their names written in heaven, that is, they are in relationship with GOD and they are doing GOD’s will on earth just as it is being done in heaven.
As I reflect on the readings I am caught up with the joy and excitement of the call to discipleship. It can lead to a truly enthusiastic response as we realize and experience the marvelous deeds GOD works as Jesus’ disciples
(including us) go out in His name and proclaim the GOoD News. I am also reminded that the reason for celebrating is not the miraculous events that are being experienced, but rather the relationship that they signify.
A comparison might be useful. Two days ago, Americans celebrated Independence Day. In the evening people gathered to watch firework displays. The aerial flashes of bright colors led to the people’s expressing their awe. Yet the spectacular fireworks were really not what the holiday is all about. The fireworks were the ways we express the meaning behind the celebration of our independence. Our independence and freedom and our relationship to the ideals of America were what we should have been celebrating. The fireworks were just signs of who we were called to be.
In a similar way the deeds that are done in the name of the Lord Jesus, even though they may seem spectacular, are not (or at least should not be) the reason for our joy. The freedom as redeemed individuals and our relationship to the Lord Jesus and His Abba is what should be at the center of our joy. The fact that we are called to be united with the suffering and death and resurrection of Jesus and thus part of His saving work is what makes being His disciples so special. It should cause us to rejoice and be glad. We have been invited to be in
relationship with the Master-Teacher and His loving and nurturing Abba through the presence of their Holy Spirit in our lives.
The more we realize and actualize the relationship that GOD is offering us in and through Jesus, the more we can rejoice, and coincidentally, the more we will be able to see GOD’s hand at work in our ministry-service. We, as Paul describes, must continue to boast in the cross (and resurrection) of Jesus. We have been united with Jesus, and through our relationship with Jesus, we are called to go out and proclaim the GOoD News by our discipleship and ministry-service. We are called to be crucified to (be compassionate and suffer with) those
whom we are called to serve as we are united with Jesus Who has redeemed us and them. This should be the source of our joy. This should be the reason for our celebration. If there are “fireworks,” that’s okay, but that is not what we are about. We are being sent out to proclaim the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus. And in doing so, GOD will continue to nourish, nurture, and provide for us more than a mother does for her newborn. Let us “cry out to GOD with joy!” as we proclaimed in the Responsorial.
The personal question/action for today: What is my reaction when I see the marvelous “fireworks” which happen when the message of Jesus is being proclaimed? Do I focus on the spectacular displays, or do I give thanks to GOD Who has worked them in my life? How can I more effectively proclaim the GOoD News of Jesus to those whom I meet this day, this week? Do I trust GOD enough to proclaim the Gospel message without worrying about all the incidentals? Do I see GOD as a nourishing and nurturing Parent Who provides for me in all circumstances?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving provider of all that we need. Through Your GOoDness, You draw us to Yourself and allow us to be fed from Your very self. Once we have received what will sustain us, You send us out as disciples of Your Son, Jesus. We are called to announce His message of salvation. You provide signs of Your presence with us as we proclaim Jesus’ death and resurrection. At times we focus more on marvelous deeds that You work rather than on Your relationship with us and those whom we serve. For our misguided attention, we ask Your forgiveness. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit so that we have the wisdom to keep our focus on what we should be viewing and doing. We want to give You all the glory, praise, and honor as we unite ourselves with Your Son, Jesus. For He is our Master-Teacher and Lord, and He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggg
July 7, 2025
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070725.cfm
Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-emmanuel-ruiz-and-companions/
Readings: Genesis 28: 10-22b; Psalm 91: 1-2, 3-4, 14-15ab; Matthew 9: 18-26
Trust in GOD runs through our readings. Jacob has an encounter with GOD that leads to his affirming his trust in GOD. The Responsorial describes GOD as a refuge and a fortress, the object of one’s trust. In the Gospel, Jesus performs two miracles because of the trust/faith that individuals have in Him and His healing power.
On his way to find a wife from his ancestral clan back in Mesopotamia, Jacob comes upon a place, most likely a sacred place to the local people. Since the sun has already set, he decides to sleep at the place. During his dreaming in this “holy” place he has a vision of a “heap” or “ramp” or a “ladder” (similar to the Babylonian ziggurat) that ascends into the heavens. Angels (messengers) of GOD travel up and down the stepped structure. Jacob experiences the presence of GOD in this Beth El (“Abode of GOD”). Jacob promises to continue to trust in GOD and to erect a memorial at this place when he returns from his mission to find a wife.
The psalmist urges one of the faithful to have trust in GOD and then the psalmist
presents GOD’s response to that trust. The psalmist first urges the individual who is aware of the presence of GOD to trust in GOD and proclaim a relationship with GOD, Who is the only security one needs. GOD promises to be with the one who calls out in need.
Our Gospel passage presents a miracle sandwiched between two parts of another miracle. An official seeks Jesus’ help when his daughter dies. Obviously, he has faith that Jesus can restore the child’s life. While Jesus is on the way to the official’s house, a woman who has been suffering from bleeding for twelve years, approaches Jesus. She believes that if she touches the hem of Jesus’
garment she will be healed. Because of her faith in Jesus, she is healed.
When Jesus arrives at the home of the official, He is ridiculed when He implies that the girl will “wake up” from her death and live again. Even though the crowd lacks faith in Jesus, the official still believes, and because of that, the girl is restored to life.
As I reflect on the scripture passages today, I realize I need to examine my own level of trust. I am asked to believe that GOD is present and active in my life and that great things can (and do) happen the more I place my trust in GOD.
As we continue celebrating American Independence Day from three days ago, I think it is appropriate for us who are Americans to realize that we are never independent from GOD, and that we, as Americans, should be true to our motto: “In GOD we trust.” Trust is much more than saying particular statements. Trust implies that we act how we believe. It is then that we give witness to the relationship we are called to have with GOD.
I was listening to a radio broadcast a while ago that spoke about the healing power of faith. Yes, GOD can and does provide healing for those who cry out to GOD. Some people have experienced that healing during the pandemic that started five years ago. Faith is an essential part of divine healing, but GOD is not a vending machine in Whom you deposit a little bit of faith and out pops a miracle. First and foremost, faith is a relationship with the Almighty [that is, GOD, not Bruce nor Evan nor the Dollar]. If we approach our relationship with GOD with the sense that GOD will gives us what we truly need and what is best for us, GOD
will respond, and GOD will do it appropriately.
Expectant faith is what GOD desires us to have. We should expect (and look forward to) the hand of GOD moving in our midst, working wonders, often through the ordinary events and people in our lives. It is still GOD working, and the more we have the faith relationship with the Lord Jesus, the more we will be able to recognize GOD’s presence each and every day.
Do I have enough faith? No, I am still growing in faith. Do I expect to have GOD answer my prayers? Absolutely. Will I get what I ask for? Not necessarily. Faith is not necessarily something that is demonstrated by outward manifestations. Faith is the growing relationship I have with a GOD Who loves me and provides for me. Just as other relationships are fluid and not always measurable, so it is with my faith relationship with GOD. Yes, there are signs of the relationship, but how I interpret the signs may be different than the way the signs are given by the Other Member of the relationship.
GOD’s response to my faith is that which is given in the psalm today: “Because they [the individuals who
trust in GOD] cling to Me, I will deliver them; I will set them on high because they acknowledge My name. They will call on Me, and I will answer them. I will be with them in distress.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my trust level with GOD? How much do I really trust GOD? Does my life reflect the trust relationship I am called to have with GOD? Do I manifest my trust in GOD in the way I live as an American (or other nationality)? What can I do to help others to live out the motto, “In GOD we trust”?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever faithful and worthy of our trust. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to reach out Your healing hand to those who seek a relationship with You. You always answer our prayers, even though we may not get exactly what we ask from You. You always give us what is truly best for us. The greatest gift You have given us, was truly the very best – Your Son, Jesus. Throughout His earthly ministry, He demonstrated Your desire to bring us salus – healing, well-being, salvation. As with other relationships in our lives, our faith relationship with You is dynamic. We ask that through the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, we may grow in a positive way in that relationship. Give us the wisdom and strength to spend time with Your Son, our Master-Teacher, so that we can learn from Him and be His faithful disciples (disciplined learners). Bless us as a nation who not only have the motto, “In GOD we trust,” but who also live out that trust in our daily lives. We make this prayer in His Name, Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You
and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 8, 2025
Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070825.cfm
St. Gregory Grassi and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gregory-grassi-and-companions
Readings: Genesis 32: 23-33; Psalm 17: 1b, 2-3, 6-7ab, 8b and 15; Matthew 9: 32-38
GOD’s presence is manifested in various ways. In the First Reading, Jacob experiences the face of GOD after wrestling with a divine being, The Divine Being. The psalm reassures us that in justice we can see the face of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus reaches out with compassion so that people can know how loving GOD is and that GOD is with them, especially during times of hardship and difficulties.
Today’s passage from Genesis gives us the origin of the name “Israel.” Jacob wrestles with a Being who blesses Jacob with a new name: Israel – “one who struggles with GOD.” Jacob takes the encounter as a sign of GOD’s blessing, for Jacob/Israel has seen the face of GOD and is still is alive to tell about it. Jacob has struggled to understand and experience GOD. Now he has a better understanding of Who GOD is because he has seen GOD face to face. This was in opposition to the thought of the times that those who see GOD do not survive the experience. This passage is also used to explain the origin of why the Israelites do not eat the sciatic muscle of animals since Jacob’s sciatic muscle was injured in his struggle with GOD.
The Responsorial picks up on the words of seeing the face of GOD in the verse that says: “Hide me in the shadow of your wings. I
in justice shall behold your face.” Seeing the face of GOD could be taken as an euphemism for being in GOD’s presence or being in relationship with GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues to minister to the crowds because He had pity on the people who were like
sheep without a shepherd. From this passage and many other passages, Jesus is seen as compassionate, and His compassion is what moves
Him to perform miracles. He also realizes that in His short earthly ministry, He cannot physically reach out to all
those in need, so He asks His disciples to pray for more workers in
GOD’s harvest.
As I read the scriptures for today, what strikes me the most is the compassion of GOD. GOD truly cares for all creation, especially human beings. Although GOD has created humans and blessed them with life and with being made in the divine image, they need more
than simply having life. They need direction and guidance, like sheep needing a shepherd. GOD the Abba-Father has sent the best Shepherd, Jesus. Jesus sees people hurting, suffering emotional, physical, and spiritual ailments.
He reaches out His loving hand to bring them salus – healing, well-being, salvation. Jesus performs miracles not to “wow” the people, but because people need to experience GOD’s presence with them. Once their needs and concerns are addressed and they have no more stumbling blocks to their awareness of GOD’s presence with them, they are able to see the face of GOD and live.
Jesus’ compassion does not end with His death, resurrection, and His return to the right hand of His Abba- Father. Jesus wants all peoples to experience the reality of the presence of GOD. Yet, some people are not able to appreciate the presence of GOD because they need to sense being loved and cared for by human hands. Thus it is that Jesus implores His disciples to pray that more laborers are sent into the vineyard of GOD, since there were, and still are, so many people suffering and hurting and needing care.
I am reminded of the story of the little girl who is afraid of the dark. On the first night she is to sleep without a night light, her parents reassure her that she has nothing to worry about because GOD was with her. They turn off the light in her room and let her try to go to sleep. In a few minutes she cries out for her parents, who return to comfort her. After this cycle is repeated a few times, the parents ask her, “Why are you afraid? Don’t you know that GOD loves you and is with you?” The little girl responds that she knows GOD loves her, but she remarks, “I want to be loved and held by someone with skin on.”
Each of us at times in our lives needs to be the lover with skin on. We need to extend the compassion of a loving GOD, and enable people to experience the presence of GOD by the way we care for them. GOD is truly present with all people at all times, yet
sometimes GOD chooses to manifest the divine presence in the compassionate way people treat each other. Let us be open to GOD’s revealing of the divine presence both to us and through us, and let us continue to pray with the psalmist today and say to GOD, “Show Your wondrous mercies.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I struggled with GOD, wanting to be able to see GOD face to face? What have I learned from my struggle with GOD? How have I experienced the face of GOD when I needed to be aware of the divine presence with me? How can I best be a worker in GOD’s field, helping others experience the compassionate hand and loving face of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and compassionate. Through Your GOoDness, You not only have created us and given us life, but also You continue to care for those who call upon You. In the fulness of time You clothed Your Son with human skin and allowed Him to reach out His human (as well as His divine) hands in caring for Your people. As Jesus walked this earth, He was moved with human and divine compassion to help relieve the hurts and pains with which people suffered. He miraculously touched their lives with Your presence and allowed them to see Your face as Jesus smiled on them. Being limited in His human body, He
commissioned His followers to pray for, and be, workers in Your field, to bring the abundance that You desired all to have. We thank You for those who have touched our lives with Your compassion and we pray that we may be faithful laborers and compassionate care-givers so that all may see Your face and live the fulness of the life You intend. We come as Your children, sisters and brothers of Your Son, to give You all the praise and glory that is due You, in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Compassionate Master and gentle Teacher, Who gave us the example of loving service through His ministry, life, death, and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 9, 2025
Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070925.cfm
St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-augustine-zhao-rong-and-companions
Readings: Genesis 41: 55-57; 42: 5-7a, 17-24a; Psalm 33: 2-3, 10-11, 18-19; Matthew 10: 1-7
GOD can never be outsmarted or outguessed in the way of saving people. The passage from Genesis tells how GOD used the one-time slave to provide for famine-struck individuals and nations. The Responsorial Psalm praises GOD for thwarting the deviant plans of mortals. In the Gospel, Jesus selects and commissions twelve lower class individuals to lead a first-rate and most important process of announcing GOD’s gift of salus (healing, salvation).
Our First Reading is the encounter between Joseph and his brothers who had
sold him into slavery. Obviously, they do not recognize him because now he is not a slave, but second only to Pharaoh. They also do not realize that Joseph understands their conversations because Joseph speaks through an interpreter. Joseph is moved with love and forgiveness for his brothers, but he also wants to be able to see his younger brother, Benjamin. Today’s passage starts half way through, and omits quite a bit of, the story of Joseph. The key point, which is picked up by the Responsorial, is that GOD can use the negative plans of individual (and nations) and turn them around to further the divine plan. When Joseph was sold in slavery by his brothers, they thought they would never see him alive again and that they were thus free of the dreamer who had a vision of his brothers and other family members falling down in homage to him. GOD turned around the plight of Joseph and therefore raised up Joseph so that he would be a source of blessing for the children of Jacob-Israel.
The psalm urges a turning to GOD
for mercy. The psalmist aptly
proclaims that GOD foils the plans of people and brings about salvation for the chosen people, even those who have tried to work against the plan of GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls forth and commission His twelve apostles. He then completes the process and makes GOoD on their new function of apostles by “sending” (apostelein) them
out to announce the GOoD News to the house of Israel.
As I read the readings today I am touched by the simplicity, and yet awesomeness, of the plan of GOD. GOD is able to not only create something out of nothing, but to make what seems to make no sense into divine wisdom. What seems like a complete tragedy when Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers turns into a way that GOD
takes care of the Chosen People. No one would have dreamed that a slave would become second in command of Egypt and be responsible for the feeding of not only the Egyptians, but also the children of Israel, when a famine strikes the Middle East. No one would have dreamed that except GOD and the dreamer to whom GOD gave the vision.
Similarly, who would have thought that twelve men from diverse, mostly uneducated backgrounds, would
become the building blocks of GOD’s Church. Who would have picked four fishers, a tax-collector, and other individuals from the hill(billy) section of Galilee to lead a world-wide spreading of GOD’s GOoD News? No one would have picked such a band of misfits, no one except the Son of GOD in the flesh.
That gives me a sense of purpose. If GOD can transform a slave into a leader who saves at least two important nations, then GOD can transform me into a useful tool in announcing the Gospel to one or more individuals. And if Jesus can empower a bunch of low caste individuals to become key movers in the divine plan of salvation, GOD can empower me to do what I can to make the salvific plan known to others.
I am reminded that GOD is source of all GOoD. GOD can make even apparently negative or unimportant experiences turn into means of furthering the divine plan. I am part of GOD’s plan. Through me, GOD’s message of salvation can reach some people. The focus, however, is not to be on me, but what GOD can do, using me. GOD wants me to assist in this plan. GOD has empowered me and chosen to need me. For my part, I must do the best job I can in proclaiming the divine message, and then I must trust that GOD will sanctify my efforts and make people open to the divine message that is being presented by such a meager instrument as
myself. And once I have done my best to present the message, if the message is not accepted, it is not me they reject but GOD Who works through me. I must still praise and give GOD all the glory. The same is true for you.
The personal question/action for today: In what ways have I sensed GOD using me to bring the GOoD News to others? How can I be more attuned to GOD’s calling me to be an instrument in the spread of the Gospel? Whom can I reach today, reassuring them of GOD’s loving care?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, all-knowing and completely wise. Through Your GOoDness, You have a plan for people to share in Your love for ever. You are able to use imperfect, sinful individuals and negative events to bring about Your divine will. Although we have missed the mark (sinned) in many ways, and we have failed
to live up to what You have desired for us, You are willing to forgive us and start over as we turn ourselves more fully toward You, in and through Your Son. Continue to send Your Holy Spirit upon us to empower us to be the best instruments in Your divine hands. And help us always to point back to You and give You all the glory and praise as we see others draw closer to You. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother, Who continues to call workers into the field of salvation to announce the GOoD News. It is He Who is our Master-Teacher and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddd
July 10, 2025
Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071025.cfm
Saint Veronica Giuliani: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-veronica-giuliani
Readings: Genesis 44: 18-21, 23b-29, 45: 1-5; Psalm 105: 16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 10: 7-15
The benevolence of GOD is manifested in today’s readings. The story of Joseph continues as he reveals himself to his brothers. The psalmist retells the story of Joseph focusing on GOD’s fulfillment of the divine plan of providing for the Chosen People. In the Gospel reading, Jesus “apostles” the twelve with the “mission” to proclaim the GOoD News and He commands them to trust that GOD will provide for them.
Today’s reading from Genesis is the conclusion of the passage in which Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt with their youngest brother, Benjamin, Joseph’s full brother (son of Joseph’s mother). Today’s pericope is the Reader’s Digest version and conclusion of the whole passage. If one would read the whole story, we would hear that after the brothers have purchased the provision a second time, they leave. Joseph has ordered that their money be returned and that his own silver goblet be placed in Benjamin’s bags. When
the brothers are stopped and their bags searched, Joseph’s silver goblet is found in Benjamin’s bag. The brothers are shocked and dismayed. Judah, in whose care Benjamin has been placed, is willing to be punished in place of Benjamin, thus becoming a goel or “redeemer.” It is at this point that Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. He explains that he is not angry with them for their selling him into slavery. He recognizes the providence of GOD in the act, because if Joseph had not been led away to Egypt, the children of
Jacob/Israel would have suffered the effects of the famine striking their part of
the world.
The psalmist praises the forethought and kindness of GOD who was able to save the Chosen People even though the ten brothers of Joseph had sold him into slavery. GOD’s providence surpasses the evil plans of mortals. GOD is kind and merciful and forgiving.
In the Gospel, Jesus “apostles” (“sends out”) the twelve on their “mission” (job for which one is “sent”). They are to proclaim the GOoD News and trust in GOD. They are to take no extra supplies, money, nor travel accessories. Those to whom they are being sent will receive
them with shalom (peace) because they announce the message of the Prince of Shalom. Since they
come in the name of the Lord of Shalom, those who are open
to the message of Jesus will lovingly receive them and take care of the apostles’ needs. Those who are not ready to embrace
the Gospel, will face the consequences. Whatever happens, GOD will provide for those sent (“apostled”). GOD’s plan will be carried out. GOD’s message will be preached.
As I reflect on the readings I am once again bolstered by the magnificence of GOD. GOD makes sure that those who are on the divine mission will have their needs met. I again think back on the “Mission Impossible” show. Although our mission may
meet some of the oppositions and challenges as that of the IMF (Impossible Mission Force), we have one thing going for us that the IMF did not have. The IMF were told that if they fell into enemy hands, those who sent them would disavow any knowledge of, or connection with, them. The opposite is true for those sent to do GOD’s “mission.” GOD promises to not only acknowledge those who are on their divinely directed “mission,” but to provide for them in ways beyond their expectations.
What was true for the twelve “sent out” by Jesus is also true for us who continue GOD’s “mission.” We, the modern-day missionaries and apostles, are to continue the announcement of the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus. GOD will take care of us when we are doing the work of Jesus and His Abba-Father. That is the work we are to do. If we proclaim the Gospel at all times, even using words, if necessary, GOD will meet our needs and bestow blessings on us. That does not mean we will not meet opposition and rejection – non-acceptance by other people is part of the deal also. It may mean we have to suffer (even in jail) for possibly many years (as did Joseph after being sold as a slave by his brothers). Yet, all things will work together for those who are called by GOD and labor according to GOD’s plan (cf. Romans 8: 28). That is GOD’s promise and GOD never disavows the divine promises or those who seek to do GOD’s will.
There will come a time (maybe not until we are in the heavenly reign), when we, like Joseph and the psalmist
today, can look back and see the providence of GOD in the events of our lives. In response to all of this, I can only join the refrain of the Responsorial today and pray, “Remember the marvels the LORD has done.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I sense the call of the Lord Jesus to be “sent out” on a “mission”? To whom am I being “sent”? Members of my family? Co- workers? Friends? People in my worshiping community? Chance by-standers? How can I better give witness to the GOoD News by the way I deal with those to whom GOD is “sending” me? How can I support others who are living out their call to be “apostles” and “missionaries”?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and always providential. Through Your GOoDness, You have promised to be with and take care of those who do Your will. We have sometimes failed to trust in You as we have faced hard and challenging times. For those failures to trust You, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. You have “sent” Your Son, Jesus, to live on this earth. In His earthly existence He met opposition, rejection, and persecution, yet He relied on Your providence. Through the further outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, help us to learn from our Master-Teacher and trust completely in Your loving care for us. May we fulfill the “mission” on which You “send” us – to announce Your message to those whom You have entrusted to us. May we always give You thanks and praise as we remember the marvels You have done, not just in ancient times, but in our
lives today. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, our Master-Teacher and Lord, our Goel (Redeemer), Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 11, 2025
Memorial of St. Benedict
(Readings from Fri. of the 14th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071125.cfm
Saint Benedict: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-benedict
Readings: Genesis 46: 1-7, 28-30; Psalm 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-29, 39-40; Matthew 10: 16-23
GOD is seen as in control of everything, even though events happen that are opposed to how mortals often see the plan of GOD. In the First Reading Jacob/Israel leaves the land that was promised to his grandfather (Abraham) and his father (Isaac). The psalm reminds us that the salvation comes from the hand of GOD. In the Gospel, the dismissal of the Apostles on their missionary journeys includes a prediction of opposition and even persecution.
It must have been hard for Jacob/Israel to leave the land that he knew GOD had given to his ancestors. GOD reassures him that his son Joseph would bring his remains back to his homeland and that part of the divine plan includes the family of Israel going down to Egypt where they will become a great nation. Thus, Jacob and his family of almost 70 children and grandchildren travel to Egypt to be re-united with Joseph and begin a new episode in their journey of faith.
The psalmist urges trust in the LORD and a response of a righteous lifestyle so GOD could fulfill the promise of land and a great nation. It
is only by trusting in GOD and GOD’s ways that
GOD’s plan will be revealed in its fullness.
In the Gospel, Jesus sends out (apostelein) His apostles to begin their ministry in His name. Jesus forecasts that they will meet resistence even to the point of losing their life as witnesses (martyroi) to the GOoD News. To reassure His apostles that they can do what He is asking them to do, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will give them the
words to speak at the appropriate time.
As I reflect on the readings, I can only imagine what thoughts must have raced through the mind of Jacob and also the minds of the apostles. Jacob has mixed feelings about leaving the land that is part of his heritage from his father and grandfather. How will GOD restore Jacob/Israel to the land if they are heading out to Egypt for a length of time that only GOD knows? It would be a blessing to see his son, Joseph, whom he thought was dead. Yet, he is also conscious of the fact that he is supposed to be buried in the tomb of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebecca. Thus, GOD speaks to Jacob/Israel confidently urging him to have faith in the GOD of promises and promises of GOD.
In the Gospel, the apostles also must be a bit confused. As fishers, tax-collector, and other workers they are not trained to be motivational speakers. That, in and of itself, would be hard. Added to that, Jesus speaks about the abuse that they should expect to encounter as they proclaimed the GOoD News. How will they ever be able to know what to say, especially to their strongest and wisest opponents and most negative critics? Jesus promises that the “Spirit of your Father” (the Holy Spirit) will give them the words to speak.
GOD is a GOD of promises – and not false or empty promises. GOD is in control and asks only trust and faith on our part. Like Jacob/Israel and the apostles, I sometimes wonder how GOD is going to bring about the GOoD in the seemingly negative situations that I face. I question if I have placed myself in a position of being over my head. Yet, the Lord Jesus seems to say to me, “Trust me.”
I remember hearing the story of a man who sees a great land across a river. He begins to cross the river, which, in the beginning, seems quite calm. The farther he journeys into the river, the more he is battered around
in the current. He prays to GOD for help. Just about the time that he is about to give up hope, he spots a rock which is above the torrent that is now raging around him. He makes his way to the rock and climbs up to safety and thanks GOD for being “The Rock” in the midst of the rushing waters.
After a period of time, the waters start to rise, and the man wonders how he is going to get safely out of the new situation. GOD responds and sends a “flying carpet” to the man. The man reluctantly climbs on the carpet. As the carpet flaps in the wind, the man jumps back on the rock. GOD’s voice asks the man, “Don’t you trust me? Get on the carpet. I will protect you.” The man cautiously climbs onto the carpet again. As he does so, the carpet starts to travel across the waters. Half-way across the river, the carpet becomes snagged on a fallen tree branch. The man becomes even more terrified as he is almost thrown off the carpet and back into the river.
“Trust me,” thunders out in the roar of the river.
The man clings to the carpet as it begins to head to the banks of the river. As the carpet travels over the crashing waves in the river, the thread in the carpet, which was snagged on the fallen tree, begins to unravel. The carpet begins to become smaller and smaller. The man is even more terrified than before. “Trust me,” is once again heard over the crashing of the violent river waters. Finally, the man arrives safely on the shore just as the last thread of the carpet is unraveled.
GOD has promised to take care of us. It does not mean that we will always have smooth traveling on, over, and through the turbulent rivers of life. We must be open to the prompting of the Lord Jesus and trust in GOD as we meet opposition and turbulent times. It is only with faith in GOD that we will eventually reach the promised land and the house of our Abba-Father Who happens to be GOD. As we look back, we will be able to
see how the Lord Jesus has protected and guided us during our journey. We should then, and even now, strongly
voice the words of today’s Responsorial and say, “The salvation of the just comes from the LORD.” It is not because we are just and act rightly that we receive salvation from GOD. The salvation that comes from GOD makes us just, as we trust in GOD and in GOD’s promises.
The personal question/action for today: How have I handled turbulent times in my life when I seemed to have been battered about by the raging torrents around me? Have I sensed the presence of GOD inviting me to trust in the promises the Lord Jesus has made? How can I be supportive of others who are going through rough times in their lives? Do I sense the presence of the Holy Spirit giving me the words of GOoD News to speak to others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever faithful to Your promises. Through Your GOoDness, You continually remind us that You are in control. You sent Your Son, Jesus, to announce the fulfillment of all Your promises in the reign where He has gone to prepare a place for us. As we travel life’s paths, You continually ask us to trust in You and Your promises. Yet, when we encounter rough times and the going gets tough, we waver, and we doubt Your presence in, and Your control over, our lives. We seek Your forgiveness for our lack of trust, and we also seek reassurance so that we can move on confidently. To You we lift this prayer of praise and thanks for always watching out for us and guiding us along the Way. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, our Master-Teacher and Lord, the Way to You. It is He Who has gone before us, to lead us and to prepare a place for us, for He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 12, 2025
Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071225.cfm
Saints John Jones and John Wall:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-john-jones-and-john-wall
Readings: Genesis 49: 29-32; 50: 15-26a; Psalm 105: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7; Matthew 10: 24-33
The readings speak about knowing who is the Real Authority in life. Jacob and Joseph both realize their relationship to their ancestors and to their GOD. The psalmist urges praise of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus, as the Master-Teacher, reminds those whom He is sending (apostelein) that they are not greater than the One Who is sending them.
Today’s First Reading is the final verses we will read from the book of
Genesis. Jacob/Israel asks that he be buried in the family plot in the Promised Land. After Jacob’s death, the brothers of Joseph fear that Joseph will avenge the harm they did to him. Joseph directs their attention away from himself and to the GOD Who completes the divine plan even in spite of the wrong doings of mortals. Joseph reassures his brothers that GOD will continue to fulfill the divine promises and eventually bring the children of Israel back to the land promised to their ancestors (Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah). Joseph realizes that GOD is the One Who is the True Authority in these matters and no one, including himself, is mightier or greater than GOD.
The psalm is an exhortation to praise GOD for all the GOoD things GOD continues to do for the Chosen People. GOD’s judgment and plans will be fulfilled no matter what humans do.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues His commissioning address to those whom He is sending (αποστολή - apostle) out. He reassures the
apostles that they are
continuing the work of the Master-Teacher. They are not greater than the Master- Teacher, but they should
strive to imitate Him and His form of ministry. Jesus reminds them that they should not worry or feel inadequate since they are worth more than the birds of the air. He also tells them that He will stand up for them in the presence of His Abba-Father if they stand up for the Gospel message before others.
As I reflect on the readings today, I am reminded that I must be under authority. Yes, in some areas I may be
given a certain amount of authority. I have been an educator and role model for the students I taught, and I was on the administration team in the school. I also have responsibilities in a parish. I have been given power to fulfill my duties – to edify (build up) and educate students in the Truth. I am also a leader to other members of the church community. Yet, I am not the Ultimate Authority. I must first and foremost be under the authority and leadership of the Lord Jesus, the true Master-Teacher. I can never take a place of more importance in the lives of the people I serve than the place of importance that belongs to Jesus and His Abba-Father. Following Jesus’ example (and the way He related to His Abba), I must always direct those under me to the Supreme Authority.
Also, like Joseph in the First Reading, I must seek not my own revenge for hurts inflicted on me by others, but
I should realize that GOD may be using my painful experiences to bring about the divine plan. Ultimate judgment is to be placed in the hands of GOD.
Like the apostles, I am to go out and continue to do the work of the Master-Teacher. Any worry that distracts me from my “mission” is not to be the focus of my time and energy. GOD loves me and cares for me more than the sparrows. GOD knows every hair (at least what is left of them) on my head. The attention of my thoughts and actions must be on sharing in the ministry of the One Who sends me to my family, my students, my faith community, and those whom I encounter. If I am faithful to the Master-Teacher and remember that I am doing His work, then I will not fear or worry about what others may say to me or about me, or even what they may do to me. I am to exercise the authority given to me for the edification of those whom I am called to serve. If I can do that, I will be doing what the psalmist recommends when he says, “Give thanks to the LORD, invoke GOD’s name; make known among the nations the divine deeds. Sing to the LORD, sing GOD’s praise, proclaim all GOD’s wondrous deeds!”
The personal question/action for today: How do I view authority (both those who are over me and my authority over others)? What is my attitude when I am placed in a role of authority? How would I enjoy being under my own authority? Am I serving others and helping them know the Truth? Do I pray for those in authority over me (cf. 1 Timothy 2: 1-
2) and also for those over whom I exercise authority?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Ultimate Source of all Authority. Through Your GOoDness, You empower others with authority, not for the purpose of “lording” over those under them, but for the purpose of leading people to You. Your Son came in perfect obedience and taught with the authority that attracted respect and awe, unlike the authority of some of the religious leaders of His day. As He ministered to people, He always directed them to You, His Abba, and the focus of His attention. Knowing that in His earthly travels He would not be able to reach all peoples, Jesus empowered others to continue His work and to minister with His authority. He promised that You would take care of all who serve and minister in Jesus’ name. We thank You for those who have touched our lives because they used Your authority over us to edify us and educate us in the Way of Your Son. We also thank You for empowering us with authority to proclaim the GOoD News of Your Son to those whom You have entrusted to our care. May we always give Your thanks and praise and sing Your glory in and through Your Son, our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 13, 2025
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071325.cfm Saint Henry: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-henry
Readings: Deuteronomy 30: 10-14; Psalm 69: 14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37; Colossians 1: 15-20; Luke 10: 25-37
We see an apparent dichotomy between the awesome mysteriousness of GOD and the call to “know” what GOD wants for us. The First Reading reminds us that even though GOD is almighty and totally other, GOD can be “known” from what GOD has revealed and commanded. The Responsorial urges us to simply turn to the LORD GOD and we will live. St. Paul, in his Letter to the Colossians, presents Jesus as the visible and knowable image of the invisible GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus is asked about who can be defined as the neighbor whom we are called to love as much as we love ourselves. In sharing the familiar parable of the GOoD Samaritan, He informs His questioner (and us) that everyone, even our enemy, is our neighbor.
The Book of Deuteronomy is literally the book of the “Second Law.” In the verses of this book are a long list of do’s and don’ts. The Hebrew people were probably overwhelmed with the volume (613) of precepts that dealt with living out their covenant relationship with their GOD. We, like them, often wonder about how can we follow all the laws (civil, religious, social) so that we can have our names written in the Book of Life. Also, like our ancestors in faith, we wonder Who GOD is and how we can come to know the One Who is so totally awesome, almighty, and mysterious. Moses informs the faithful (both of old and of today) that the key commandment of GOD is quite simple and so is the GOD Who requires obedience. It boils down to – relationship. Those who want to know what GOD asks of them must be in GOoD relationship with GOD, GOoD relationship with others, and GOoD relationship with themselves.
The psalmist begins today’s Responsorial with a prayer of petition, asking for GOD’s help during a time of crisis. Relying on the great kindness of the LORD, the psalmist urges not only
himself, but all those who need GOD’s help, to trust in the promises GOD has made to take care of those who have been called by GOD. It is in turning to the LORD in times of troubles that GOD will answer and respond. It is in the expression of one’s relationship with GOD that the LORD demonstrates what relationship is all about.
The Second Reading seems to be a liturgical hymn that St. Paul shares with the people of Colossae. In it, Jesus’ role in both creation and salvation is expressed. Jesus is the visible (tangible, experiential) image of the GOD Who is invisible (intangible, totally beyond our experience). Jesus was with His Abba-Father from before, and throughout, the process of creation. And Jesus made the re-creation of the world possible through His human existence, ministry, death, and resurrection. It is thus that
Jesus is head of the Church, His Body, since He (in His physical body) has reconciled all creation and re-established the relationship with the Almighty.
In the Gospel, Jesus is “tested” by a Jewish legal expert. He is questioned about what is necessary for eternal life. Jesus, in turn, throws back the question to His questioner, “What is written in the law? How do
you read it?” The learned scribe responds with the great commandments of loving GOD with all one’s
being and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. After Jesus affirms the summary of all the laws, the tester tries to get Jesus to respond in a way that will be evidence against Him by asking, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus presents the parable of the GOoD Samaritan in which those who should have been neighborly are not, while one who is considered to be an “enemy” is the true neighbor to the one who falls victim to abuse.
As I reflect on the readings, I am struck by the breadth of topics presented, especially in the Second Reading. There is so much on which I could ponder that my reflection could take up many pages. Yet there is also a simplicity in the message throughout all the readings. It all focuses on relationships – relationship with GOD, and relationship with
others, and relationship to self.
GOD has gifted humans with ability to think and rationalize, that is, GOD has given us the ability to “know.” Yet in our cogitations, we have often overly thought and made mountains out of simple molehills. This is particularly true in our “theologizing” and “moralizing.” We have tried to explain Who GOD is and what GOD demands of us. We have argued on both sides of many theological and ethical issues. Yet we have failed to do what GOD desire us to do – be
in relationship with the Lord Jesus and be in relationship with all those who are loved by GOD, that is, everyone.
The truth about the Almighty and Omnipotent GOD is simple. GOD is love. GOD is relationship. The one, true GOD is a love relationship between three persons and that love, that flows between Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is so pervasive and powerful that it spills out into creation. GOD wants to share that love relationship with others, so GOD has created and continues to create life. Creation reaches a climax in the life that is able to consciously relate back to the Creator. Yet, in giving humans the ability to “know,” GOD also gave us the ability to reject “knowledge.”
I am reminded that in the Bible, the concept of “knowing” is much more than an intellectual activity. To “know” means to “be in relationship.” For example, in Luke 1: 34, when the angel Gabriel explains to Mary that she has been chosen to be the mother of the Savior, Mary responds, “How can this be, since I do not ‘know’ man?” She has not had sexual relations with Joseph or any other man. This expression of knowledge is used throughout scripture.
What GOD wants is for me to “know” the Triune Deity. I am called to be in relationship with the GOD Who has revealed the divine essence through various means: creation, scripture, and most importantly, the incarnation of GOD (Jesus). Yet “knowing” GOD cannot be just a vertical and intellectual relationship between myself and the GOD Who is above. It must reach out horizontally – to others. As I develop in my “knowledge” of GOD, I realize that if I am loved by the GOD (Who is my Abba, my brother Jesus, my Helper Spirit), then I am also called to “know” and be in relationship with all those who are loved into existence by GOD. I am called to love those whom my GOD has deemed loveable by giving them life. How can I refuse to love those who are in relationship with GOD (whether or not they “know” GOD as their creator and redeemer). By the very fact that they have life, they are in relationship with GOD.
For if GOD refused to relate to them in love, they would no longer be. Thus, I must seek to know and love them.
Thus, I show my “knowledge” of GOD and GOD’s directives for me by my loving GOD and loving others. I demonstrate my relationship with GOD by having GOoD relationships with those whom GOD holds in existence. It is in my experience of being loved and loving others that I “know” more about the GOD Who is love. While it may be difficult to put into practice, in reality it is as simple as that. Or to put it in the words of today’s Responsorial: “Turn to the LORD in your need, and you will live (and love and be loved).”
The personal question/action for today: When I contemplate the mystery of GOD do I struggle to understand and solve the mystery or am I content to just live the awesomeness of the mystery of love? How have I experienced the “knowledge” of GOD? What can I do to share this “knowledge” with others? Who is most in need of my loving today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, totally beyond and yet ever so close. Through Your GOoDness, You have revealed Who You are by Your acts of loving us into earthly existence. Even though we have refused at times to grow in our “knowledge” of You, You have continued to send us reminders of Who You are – the GOD Who is Love. In the fullness of time, You allowed Your Son to share our humanity so that we could better “know” You through His loving life, ministry, death, and resurrection. To continue this process of relating to You, You and Your Son have allowed us to experience the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our lives, giving us the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, and equipping us with the ability to not only “know” but to share this knowledge with others in and through love. May You continue to kindle in us the fire of Your love so that we can help others experience the flame
of Your love and develop an even more close relationship with You. To You we give all praise, glory, honor, and thanks as we relate to You, our GOD, and experience and share in Your love, for You are Love itself, as You live in
the fullness of life as Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 14, 2025
Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha
(Readings from Mon. of the 15th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071425.cfm
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-kateri-tekakwitha
Readings: Exodus 1: 8-14, 22; Psalm 124: 1b-3, 4-6, 7-8; Matthew 10: 34-11: 1
Difficult times are part of life, especially the life of those who are GOD’s Chosen People. The Book of
Exodus begins with describing the increasing problems for the children (grandchildren and great grandchildren
and descendants) of Jacob/Israel. The psalm directs the attention to the LORD as the source of help for those who are going through tough situations. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the life of His disciples as one that will include rejection, suffering, and the cross.
Our First Reading sets the scene for the Book of Exodus that will be used as the First Reading for the next few weeks (except when a major Memorial or Feast as celebrated with special readings). Joseph has died, a new dynasty has come to power in Egypt. This new dynasty does not value the work of Joseph and is afraid that his descendants and those of his brothers will overtake the new government. Thus, the children (descendants) of Israel are forced into slavery. Any boy born to Israelite family is to be killed by being drowned in the river.
The psalm speaks encouraging words that GOD is with those who are oppressed and will lead them out of their oppression into a new freedom.
The Gospel reminds us that following the Lord Jesus is not always a garden of roses, unless you remember that roses have thorns (my analogy). Being a prophet (one who speaks the Word of GOD) and being righteous (acting according to GOD’s plan) can, and often does, put us in opposition to those who seek the ways of the world.
Yet, Jesus promises us, if we seek to serve others (even doing as simple a task as
giving a cup of cold water), we can expect to be rewarded, yet that should not be the reason we do the kind deed.
It would be nice to live in utopia (a word that means “not a [real] place”) – a world where everyone always got along with each other, and things were peaceful and happy. Yet, this earthly world is not that way. Part of what makes the world imperfect is that we are created with free will and we can choose the easy and selfish way of doing what seems best just “for me.” GOD
challenges us to seek a way of service and doing “for others.” When we follow the plan of the Lord Jesus, we can expect to face opposition, ridicule, and outright rejection. Jesus knows this from personal experience. His ministry of loving service led Him to the cross – the end of His earthly human life. Today, Jesus predicts that we, too, are headed for the cross, although it may take a slightly different form than the cross of Jesus.
Being the GOoD guys puts us at odds with those who seek only what
serves themselves. The descendants of Israel realize this. They are GOD’s chosen people. Yet, when new leadership comes on the scene, seeing the increasing number of the Israelites and fearing losing the power that they only recently acquired, they decide to oppress the children of Israel. Even after the new pharaoh’s repeated steps to decrease the power and number of the Israelites, GOD is still blessing them with increasing number – and eventually (as we shall see in the days ahead) freedom and a return to the Promise Land.
My response to all of this is to realize that my journey of faith will not always be smooth and pleasant (not that it has been that way throughout my life so far). I should expect to face challenging times. I must keep my eyes fixed on the Master-Teacher and doing the will of His Abba-Father. By myself, I will not succeed. It is only with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit that I will be able to keep on going – to my cross and eventually to my rising from the grave.
During one of the Amazing Encounter retreats over the last few years, one of the talks was given by a then
college student. Throughout high school and her first years in college, she had been involved in various forms of community service. Many people complimented her on her kind acts toward others. Being praised by others and receiving acknowledgment for charitable acts became the driving force behind her charitable acts. She sought the attention that humanitarian acts brought her. She gave the impression that she was concerned for those whom
she served, but she performed her acts of kindness for the glory it brought her. In May of that year, she went to Rwanda on a missionary service program associated with the Christian college she attended. She met a six-year- old girl who transformed her attitude from seeking glory for her kind deeds to one of service of the little ones. She realized that what Jesus spoke about in today’s Gospel was the need to serve others, not to be rewarded, but because they were GOD’s little ones who needed to be loved for who they are. This young lady has been transformed as she understands what the life of a disciple of the Lord Jesus is all about: it is not about oneself and being praised by others, but it is about serving others, even if others mock the service that is performed for the little ones.
The personal question/action for today: What hardships have I endured that have made me question my relationships with the Lord Jesus? How has GOD revealed the divine, loving presence to me, to strengthen me in the midst of my problems? What is the motive for my reaching out to others? Is it merely to be seen as a “nice” person, or is it to minister to those who need my care, no matter what the personal cost is to me? How can I be a source of reassurance to others who are journeying through trying times in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all peoples and all times. Through Your GOoDness, You have called individuals to come to You and experience Your blessings even in the midst of the trying and difficult events in their lives. You promise to bring help to those who follow Your ways and the ways of Your Son. We have sometimes failed to see Your help when we have had to face situations that seemed humanly hopeless. We have also failed to see and assist those who are going through hard times, because we have been focused on ourselves. Through the ministry, suffering, death on the cross, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, You have shown us that our journey to You does have its painful and sorrowful moments, but that there is a glorious life ahead. Through the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, direct our eyes to seeing the full picture You have in mind – eternal life with You. Give us the strength to minister to the little ones who need our caring, not because we receive praise of others, but because we are following the example of Your Son Who came to serve and not be served. We continue to praise and thank You for fulfilling all Your promises in and through Your Son, our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 15, 2025
Memorial of St. Bonaventure
(Readings from Tue. of the 15th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071525.cfm
Saint Bonaventure: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bonaventure
Readings: Exodus 2: 1-15a; Psalm 69: 3,4, 30-31, 33-34b; Matthew 11: 20-24
GOD is just. GOD makes sure that the divine plan is brought about. Today’s First Reading from Exodus tells of the birth and raising of Moses and his adoption by the daughter of the Pharaoh, and his later killing of an Egyptian who was inflicting pain upon an Israelite (a Hebrew). The Responsorial Psalm plays on the images of being drawn out of the water (as Moses was) and GOD hearing the prayer of the one who called upon the name
of the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus condemns the people of the towns where miracles were done but where people did not believe in Him.
As the children (descendants) of Jacob/Israel are subjected to more restriction, they are told that any male child born was to be killed. The mother of one Israelite cannot bear to see her baby boy slain. Thus, she puts the boy in a wicker basket and has the basket float on the Nile River near the place where the daughter of the Pharaoh bathes. The princess feels sorry (is “moved with pity”) for the infant and decides to spare the baby’s life. Unbeknown to the princess, the child’s own mother is the one chosen to care for the child until the
boy is weaned. The princess calls the boy Moses. There are two play-on-words for the name. The Egyptian name “Moses” means “one who is born”
presumably of divine power. The Hebrew name for the Egyptian Moses is “Mosheh” and the nearest Hebrew word is mashah meaning “draw out.” Moses is then raised in the royal palace and enjoys life as member of the royal
family. Obviously, he also realizes his birth parents are Hebrew (Israelite). Later in his life (possibly when he
was 40 or so), he sees the mistreatment of an Israelite by an Egyptian. This enrages Moses so much that he kills the Egyptian, hoping that it would be the end of the event. Yet, his killing is not as unseen as he had hoped.
Word spreads about his action not only among the Israelites but also among the Egyptians. This leads to Moses’ leaving the land of Egypt to go to Midian, where (as we will hear in readings later this week) GOD will call Moses into deeper relationship and special ministry.
The psalm picks up on two key aspects of the early life of Moses: his being saved from the water and the prayer that was offered that GOD would take care of those who were in need.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ ministry to the people living in the towns around the Sea of Galilee seems to
have been less effective than Jesus would have liked. Because of the lack of faith, Jesus warns that the
people of Chorazin (Korazim), Bethsaida, and Capernaum will be held more accountable for not accepting the GOoD News than the pagan towns of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom (cities known for the sinful ways). Interestingly, the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are all destroyed within a few generations after the death of Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings today, I realize that GOD’s plan may be sidetracked by human action, but GOD has a way of bringing about the plan in spite of the doings (or more accurate, wrong-doings) of mortals. It seems to me that GOD often uses the worst scenarios to show the awesomeness of the divine
power and plan. As the Israelites were enslaved by the newly established Egyptian dynasty, it seemed almost impossible that a leader would arise after the law imposing the death of male children of the Israelites. Yet GOD heard the cry of the Chosen People and through the miraculous events of putting a baby into a basket in the Nile River, GOD raised up a leader who would be educated at the royal courts. It is interesting to me that Moses was saved through the waters of the Nile Rivers, just as he would lead his people through the waters of the sea years later at the time of the Exodus. Also, Moses, the son of an Israelite couple, is adopted as a son of the royal princess. Later Moses would lead the Israelites to freedom after the sons of the Egyptians are killed in the tenth plague.
The Gospel is challenging to me. I realize that since I have come to know the Lord Jesus through His teachings and ministry, I will be held accountable for believing (or failing to believe) in Him. I am reminded that to those who have been given more, more will be expected. The challenge put in the form of a question is: “Am I living up to the gifts that I have been given?” I will have to answer to GOD for the way I live out the faith I have been given.
GOD can bring the GOoD News to people without me. But GOD has chosen to use me (and all believers) and GOD has gifted me (and all believers) with knowledge and faith. In response to the gifts, we should want to do as much as we can to bring the Gospel to others. The response we should have is that of the psalmist today: “I will praise the name of GOD in song; and I will glorify GOD with thanksgiving.”
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced GOD’s answering of my prayers when I have called upon the Lord Jesus in times of difficulties? What gifts have I been given by GOD and how have I used those gifts in spreading the GOoD News (Gospel)? What can I do to help others experience the presence of GOD in their lives, particularly when they are faced with problems?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Divine Provider and all-knowing Divine Being. Through Your GOoDness, You have blessed Your people with a relationship with You. You have revealed Yourself to us even when we have worked against Your plan. In the most dire of situations, You have made Your presence felt by those who sincerely called upon You. In the course of time – Your time – You have brought about the salus (healing, salvation, wholeness) of Your people – in the Exodus during the time of Moses, but more importantly in the ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Your Son and His sending the Holy Spirit. We praise You for gifting us with this revelation. We ask that Your Holy Spirit continue to open our minds to Your wonders, so
that we may always accept the gift of faith. Empower us to go out as Your witnesses – to proclaim the message
of salvation. We make this prayer of praise and thanksgiving in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Redeemer Whom You sent to us, the Master-Teacher Who continues to instruct us, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 16, 2025
Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071523.cfm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-mount-carmel
Readings: Exodus 3: 1-6, 9-12; Psalm 103: 1b-2, 3-4, 6-7; Matthew 11: 25-27
GOD not only creates and provides for humanity, but also GOD reveals the essence of Who GOD is to those who respond to the gifts that GOD offers. In today’s First Reading, Moses is the recipient of GOD’s self- revelation. With that revelation comes an obligation. The psalm echoes the fact that GOD has been revealed to Moses. Jesus, in the Gospel, reassures His followers that if they are simple and willing to accept GOD, GOD will continue to be self-revealing, especially in and through Jesus, the Son of GOD.
Today’s reading from Exodus takes place after Moses has fled Egypt, has married a wife, and seems complacent to live out his life in the desert. GOD appears in a burning bush. GOD calls the place “holy” because GOD is being revealed there. Moses is told to take off his sandals because it is “holy” ground. After experiencing the manifestation of GOD in the burning bush, Moses is commanded to return to Egypt and set free GOD’s people (the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel). Obviously, Moses is not too excited to return to the land where neither any Egyptian nor any Israelite trusts him, since he is a murderer. As we shall see in the days ahead, Moses has to be convinced to live out the implications of GOD’s revelation to
him.
The psalmist proclaims the GOoDness and kindness of GOD. Part of that is seen in the revelation given to Moses that led to GOD’s setting the Chosen People free from their slavery in Egypt.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the recipients of GOD’s revelation. It is not the self-righteous and arrogant who will receive the revelation of GOD. It is the simple and humble. The greatest self-revelation of GOD is in and through Jesus. The mighty and sophisticated
cannot accept that GOD would become human and live on earth. Their understanding of the Almighty would not allow for the Omnipotent to be limited to the human condition. Yet, Jesus is the living proof that GOD loves humanity enough to share fully in human life, not just as creator, but as a mortal facing death. Jesus has come to reveal GOD as His Abba-Father. All who accept Jesus, will also accept His Abba
and they are drawn into a closer relationship with GOD, not just as creatures
but as daughters and sons of GOD and sisters and brothers of Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that revelation of GOD is much more than intellectually comprehending GOD or trying to figure out the divine plan. Revelation is GOD’s sharing life with us. First of all, GOD gives life, but GOD gives life to all animate creatures. GOD goes even further with mortal human beings, men and women. GOD wants humans to have a relationship
with the divine. Yet, being finite in nature, we cannot fully understand that. And being sinful, we are not worthy to accept that. That is why in the fullness of time, GOD allowed GOD the Son to become fully human – to walk in our sandals, to be like us in all things but sin. In Jesus’ sharing in our humanity, He is able to communicate and demonstrate GOD’s love in a way unbeknownst to humans before this. Jesus reveals GOD as a loving Abba
Who is willing to give the very best to others. But Jesus revelation of Who GOD is does not stop there.
Jesus tells us that we can become daughters and sons of His Abba, and His own sisters and brothers. All we need do is accept (not necessarily fully understand) what is being revealed to us. This lifts us up to the divine level. We are empowered to become part of the family of GOD and to have a share in the very divine life of GOD. What that fully means, we cannot even begin to imagine in our limited earthly state. Yet that is the essence of Who GOD is – that is the essence of GOD’s self-revelation.
Obviously, this is only a glimpse of what GOD wants us to experience, just as the burning bush was only the first of many first-hand experiences of what GOD was going to do for and through Moses. The more we take the time to meditate on this and allow ourselves to be a part of this divine revelation, the more we will come to know the majesty and wonder of GOD. And we will have all eternity to continue to deepen our experience and appreciation of GOD’s self-revelation. Thus, our response should be that of the psalmist today: “Bless the
LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless GOD’s holy name; Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forgot not all
GOD’s benefits.”
The personal question/action for today: Have I taken the time to reflect on how GOD continues to reveal to me the essence of Who GOD is? How have I experienced this revelation by GOD? Has this allowed me to develop a deeper personal relationship with GOD? What can I do to pass on this “knowledge” of GOD to others without sounding “preachy”?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all creation. Through Your GOoDness, You have created the universe out of love. As the crown of Your creation, You have breathed Your very life/Spirit (Ruah) into humans and made
them in Your own divine image. Yet that was not the end of Your dealings with mortals. You allowed them to
freely choose to follow You, or freely choose to sin against You. Even after sin entered the world (and repeatedly at that), You did not abandon mortals to a life devoid of You through sinfulness, but You offered hope and forgiveness through Your on-going self-revelation. In the fullness of time You sent Your only Son to continue the revelation of Your love and forgiveness through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. He came to reveal You as a loving Abba and a GOD Who wants to have a personal and eternal relationship with
humans. Through His teaching and life, Jesus invited us into an existence in which we share in Your divine life.
For this we bless You and thank You with all our being. Help us to never forget Your benefits, but praise You, in and through Your Son, for He is the fullest revelation of Your being, For He is One with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 17, 2025
Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Apollinaris)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071725.cfm
Saint Apollinaris: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-apollinaris
Readings: Exodus 3: 13-20; Psalm 105: 1 and 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27; Matthew 11: 28-30
GOD is always concerned for the people who are in relationship with the LORD. GOD realizes when people are in need of divine help. In the First Reading, GOD, speaking from the burning bush, informs Moses that the Chosen People will be set free from their slavery and will be led to the Promised Land. The psalm reassures us that GOD remembers the divine covenant and will keep the divine promises. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks comforting and inviting words to His disciples, especially those who find themselves worn out and burdened.
As GOD tells Moses about the divine plan to free the Hebrew (Israelite) people from their forced servitude to the Egyptians, GOD also reveals the divine name, YHWH. This name has been translated as “I Am Who Am” or simply “I Am.” The name implies existence and presence. GOD always has been and always will be.
GOD is particularly present with those who are connected
with GOD and those who are going through hard times. The LORD reveals not only the essence (the being) of Who GOD is, but GOD also forecasts the divine plan that includes that Moses be insistent that the People of GOD
be released from the slavery to the Egyptians. Also made
known to Moses is the opposition Moses and the Hebrew people will encounter from pharaoh and the Egyptians. Yet, GOD promises to use mighty and wondrous signs to bring about the freedom of the Israelites and their eventual entrance into the land flowing with milk and honey.
[The four Hebrew consonants YHWH is the name for GOD. Exactly how that is pronounced is a matter of discussion, because even when Hebrew started to be written with vowels, the name YHWH was never pronounced. When coming to the name YHWH, the Hebrews would substitute the word Adonai which is translated as “The Lord” or “The LORD.” To this day, devote Jews never vocalize the proper name for GOD and, in fact, many even spell the English word, GOD as G_D. It would be GOoD if we had the same respect for the holy name for GOD. The first consonant can be a Y or J. The third consonant can be a W or V. Using different vowels, some of the variations on the spelling of this holy name of GOD are YaHWeH and JeHoVaH.
The Catholic Church, in respect for the proper and holy name of GOD, have decreed that we do not use the name
YHWH in songs and in readings, but to substitute the title “The LORD.”]
The psalmist urges praise of GOD because of all the marvelous deeds the LORD does for the Chosen People. GOD is to be given glory for fulfilling the promises made to Abraham, promises particularly brought about by the Exodus experience. Moses (and Aaron) are instruments whom GOD chooses to bring about the covenant made with Abraham and his descendants.
In the Gospel today, Jesus speaks to His disciples (disciplined learners). Jesus invites His followers to come to Him and learn from Him. Learning from Jesus will lighten the
burdens and refresh those who are carrying a heavy load. Two of the things to be learned from Jesus are how to be 1) meek and 2) humble of heart. If His disciples faithfully learn the lessons that Jesus presents, their journey along the way of faith
will be lightened, because Jesus Himself will help shoulder some (in fact, most) of the load.
As I reflect on the readings, I am relieved. I know that we are not to slide through life without work. St. Paul reminds us that “those who do not work, should not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3: 10). So, we must do what we are called to do and do it the best we can. In Galatians 6: 1-5, Paul commands that we each carry our load, but also, he urges us to help bear each other’s burdens. The problem some people have is that they sometimes overload themselves or are overloaded by others. GOD does not want us to be so over burdened that we are not able to enjoy the “GOD Who Is.” When we become so overwhelmed with worries and work, we miss the GOD Who Is and the GOD Who Is with us. We do not spend the time with GOD Who promises to lighten our load and bring us to the Promised Land – the Eternal Promised Land of Heaven.
The lesson that I must learn is to allow myself to come to the Lord Jesus and be a faith-full disciplined learner (disciple). I must come sit at the feet of the Master-Teacher and become His apprentice, especially in the ways in which He is meek and humble of heart. For Jesus, being meek and humble of heart means that He knows His relationship with His Abba and He knows that spending quiet, restful moments with His Abba is what refreshes Him. He also knows how He must reach out to others. The only way I can learn that is by spending time with the Master-Teacher. I must be willing to be in the presence of the “Great I Am.” In that way, I will be yoked with the One Who Is – the One Who Can Be what I truly need.
The personal question/action for today: How have I experience the “GOD Who Is”? What burdens prevent me from being able to come to the Lord Jesus and receive the rest and renewal that GOD promises? What can I do to remind people that the Lord Jesus wants to be yoked with them to lighten their loads?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all creation. Through Your GOoDness, You have not only revealed Your love for us through the Exodus event, but You revealed part of Your essence in giving us Your name, YHWH. You continue to show Your concern for us by sending us Your Son, Who invites us to come to Him and learn
from Him, especially when we find ourselves burdened and overwhelmed. May we take the time to sit at His feet
and appreciate His shouldering our loads so that we can come to know You and Him more fully as the “GOD Who Is” – Who Is with us. We lift up this prayer of praise to You in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Master- Teacher and Savior, Who takes the greater part of the yoke with which we are joined to Him. He is the One Who Is the Savior of the world, and One Who Is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 19, 2025
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071925.cfm
Saint Mary MacKillop: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-mary-mackillop
Readings: Exodus 12: 37-42; Psalm 136: 1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15; Matthew 12: 14-21
The readings present some of the characteristics of GOD. GOD is seen in the First Reading as fulfilling the promises made to the ancestors of the Israelites. The psalm retells the Exodus story with the repeating refrain: “GOD’s mercy endures forever.” In the Gospel, Jesus embodies the characteristics that Isaiah attributed to the Suffering Servant of the LORD.
The First Reading continues the story of the first Exodus. The Israelites (Hebrews and those married to Hebrews)
leave Egypt. The view portrayed here is that of a hasty exit
(no time to let the leaven work into bread dough and rise). It is also seen as the climax of the story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob-Israel, and Joseph – their descendants are finally leaving Egypt to journey to the land that had been promised to them. This event is so significant in Hebrew history that
it is commemorated each year as the Feast of Passover. It celebrates the freedom GOD bestowed on the Chosen People and the fulfillment of GOD’s promises to give the Israelites their own land.
The psalm is a hymn of thanksgiving to GOD for setting the Chosen People free from their slavery by allowing them to pass through the sea that only moments later drowned the Egyptian army. The repeating refrain summarizes Who GOD is: GOD is continually merciful (“[GOD’s] mercy endures forever”). Two aspects are presented: GOD’s mercy (loving kindness - [c]hesed) and GOD’s everlasting faithfulness (emet[h]).
The Gospel presents Jesus’ response to the plots against Him. He continues
His ministry, but not in Jerusalem where His antagonists are. Another
important part of today’s reading shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Suffering
Servant verses in the Book of Isaiah. Jesus has come as the Chosen Servant of GOD. He is filled with GOD’s Spirit. He is humble, gentle, and caring. And He brings hope not only to the Chosen People but to the Gentiles (that is to all peoples).
What struck me about the readings today were the qualities of GOD: merciful, faithful, humble, gentle, and caring. Obviously, the Lord Jesus is the par excellence
of all virtues, but the characteristics mentioned today are particularly important. And, as a disciple of the Lord Jesus, these are attributes that I should strive to imitate.
In regard to being merciful, I must examine how I treat others, particularly those who have aggravated me or who have been a cause of irritation. If I recall how sin is an affront to GOD and yet how GOD has been willing to forgive not just the sins of past generations,
but also my sins, I begin to realize how merciful GOD is. GOD’s love for me is more powerful than my sinfulness. Jesus has been willing to be born, to live on earth, to die and to rise for me and my sins. And when I sin again, the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father are willing to be merciful again and again and again. Obviously, I should not go out and sin just so that the Lord Jesus can be merciful to me. I should not presume on the divine mercy. If GOD can be so merciful to me, a sinner, how much mercy should I show to those who just get on my
nerves or act in ways that annoy me?
When I think how GOD is faithful (consistently doing what is expected and has been promised), I know I fall quite short in being faithful. I make promises to others and to GOD, but I do not always live out my commitments. Being a disciple of the Lord Jesus means I must constantly do the GOoD I have said I will do. I must also trust others and expect them to do what they have committed themselves to do. And most importantly, I must be faithful – full of faith and trust – in my relationship with GOD. This means spending time and energy in trying to enhance and develop that relationship with GOD and with others.
As we heard in the Gospel a few days ago [on Thursday of this week], Jesus is gentle and humble of heart, and He invites us to come and learn from Him. Gentle and humble is not the false denial of who we are. On the contrary, being humble means knowing who I am and honestly living and acting in a way that demonstrates my GOD-given potential. It means treating others in a way that respects them as children of GOD, and inviting them into a closer relationship with GOD, just as Jesus did. Being humble also includes being able to give GOD all the glory and praise that is due for GOD’s empowerment of me to live out my full potential.
The Lord Jesus continually manifested caring (compassion, love) for others. Compassion (“suffering with”) should make me strive to sense what other people truly need and seek to do all which GOD enables me to do to meet those needs. That means I must be sensitive to others. I must also be willing to share the Truth with them in a way that, even though challenging to me, will be inviting to them and make them want to draw closer to the
GOD Whom I serve. Thus, this quality demands that I think of others and seek their ultimate GOoD, even if they may not like what that means for their lives. I must present them with the GOoD options in a way that does not come across that I am “holier than they.”
Being a disciple (a disciplined learner and follower) of the Lord Jesus, means I should strive to imitate my Master-Teacher and bring the GOoD News of salvation to them, not for my own glory and pleasure, but for the greater glory and honor of GOD. To help me stayed focused, I need to keep repeating the phrase that was used many times in today’s psalm: “For [GOD’s] mercy endures forever.” I must not just mouth the words but reflect its meaning in my relationship with others.
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced the steadfast mercy of GOD? How do I reflect GOD’s mercy and faithfulness to the people with whom I deal each and every day? In what ways can I be a better model of the loving care and compassion that comes from GOD? Who might benefit from my mirroring GOD’s attributes today?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all creation. Through Your GOoDness and mercy, that endure for ever, You manifest Who You are. Through Your Son, You invite us to participate in Your life and reflect Your qualities to others. We seek Your mercy and forgiveness for the times we have not been models of Your loving care and compassion for others. Continue to send Your Holy Spirit upon us that we may be Your servants (“suffering” servants, if necessary) and others may come to know You and Your Son. We lift up this prayer of praise and honor to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who is our Master-Teacher and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 20, 2025
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072025.cfm
St. Apollinaris: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-apollinaris
Readings: Genesis 18: 1-10a; Psalm 15: 2-3, 3-4, 5; Colossians 1: 24-28; Luke 10: 38-42
Some people would see both a connection and an opposition in the readings for this day. The connection comes from the theme of hospitality that is seen in the way that Abraham (and his wife and household) and Martha respond to their respective visitors. The opposition seems to be in the contrasting attitudes of Martha and Mary as one serves and the other sits and listens. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul mentions the driving force that enables him to see his sufferings as ways of serving the Lord Jesus and proclaiming the GOoD News.
In the First Reading, scripture scholars disagree on whether Abraham immediately recognized the three visitors as the LORD and two messengers (angels). What is important in the reading is how quickly, completely, and enthusiastically Abraham responded as a hospitable host to his guests. First, he invites them to sit in the shade of his terebinth tree (a welcome relief for travelers who are journeying under the scorching sun). He acts like (and I doubt if it is only an act but wholehearted belief) that it would be an act of kindness to him if the three individuals would enjoy his cordial reception. He begins by offering water both for drinking and for washing of their feet (a welcome relief for sojourners who are traveling on dusty roads with open sandals on their feet). He then invites them to partake of “a little food” that in
reality turns out to be a huge feast with baked goods made from three seahs (about 75 cups) of flour, a whole steer, plus all the trimmings. Some scholars believe that Abraham did not realize fully Who his guests were until the leader (GOD) predicts that the aged (nearly 90-year-old) Sarah would give birth to a child within a year (after her impregnation and gestation).
The psalm picks up the theme of the just individual who acts righteously and therefore enjoys being in the presence of the LORD. It emphasizes that the person who is aware of what a relationship with GOD is all about will in turn act in a hospitable, caring, and just way towards all the other creatures of GOD. In doing so, the just person will experience GOD’s presence more fully.
St. Paul, in his letter to the faithful in Colossae, continues to express, and even boast about, what are the signs of his commitment to proclaiming the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus – his own sufferings. He sees his physical torments as separating himself from the other preachers who are preaching false teachings and possibly gaining fame and fortune from their preaching. His misfortunes show that he is one with his Lord Jesus, Who Himself suffered and died for the sake of the GOoD News. Scripture scholars agree that Paul’s words about “what is lacking in the suffering of Christ” do not imply
that Jesus did not do enough to save us. Paul seems to be saying that his sufferings demonstrate Paul’s own living out and demonstrating that Jesus’ suffering was the means of salvation, and that the paschal mystery came from Jesus’ death and resurrection, not just His resurrection. Paul may be saying, as was believed at the time, that the disciples of the Lord Jesus would have to endure a certain amount of suffering before Jesus returned at the end of time.
The Gospel pericope is the familiar passage of Jesus’ being a guest at the home of Mary and Martha (in Bethany). The two sisters have different responses to the presence of their Lord Jesus. Martha, following the pattern of Sarah and Abraham in the First Reading, busies herself with the actions of hospitality. She races around preparing all that is necessary and fitting for dinner celebration with such an honorable guest as Jesus. Mary, on her part, takes a position of a disciple, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His every word. This action by a woman of the first century would have been unheard of in the Middle Eastern society of that day.
Both women seek to do what they think is appropriate in having a relationship to Jesus’ presence with them.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that there are a lot of actions that demonstrate that we have a relationship with the Lord Jesus. Three of
those are mentioned in today’s readings: hospitality, suffering, and sitting at the feet of the Master. In thinking over my
own life, I realize that I have experienced all three at different times in my life. I believe we must be aware of each situation we are in and decide what sort of response is the most appropriate at the time.
There are certain circumstances when it is important that we demonstrate hospitality to others, in order to share the GOoD News with them. Sometimes we proclaim the message in word, sometimes in action, or possibly a combination of both word and action. In our willingness to go out of our way in order that others might enjoy the fruits of our service, those whom we serve will come to a better understanding of the love GOD has for them. In acting joyfully, as we lavish extra
care on others, we may further their experience of the presence of GOD in their own lives and we will also experience that
GOD is with us.
At other times, we must be willing to suffer as a result of demonstrating our commitment to the Gospel. We may not experience the full persecution and physical torments that Paul experienced, but we may have to face insults, put-downs, or even abuses from those who are not willing to hear the message we proclaim in our actions and by our words. Being dedicated to a cause often means doing things that are not pleasant, but that must be done. And what better cause for which to suffer than the cause of Jesus?
The third action mentioned in the readings is that of sitting and listening to the Lord Jesus. As faithful, disciplined learners, we must come to the Master and learn from Him. Jesus calls this action as performed by Mary in the Gospel, “the better part.” It is the action that is essential for all true disciples, whether they spent most of the time in the service of hospitality or suffering for the cause. And yet, many believers are more devoted to action or passion than to meditation and reflection.
I am reminded of the life of Mother Teresa. Her ministry was marked by daily actions of serving the needs of those who were most in need of her care. Physically, she suffered from medical problems. But to her, the most important part of her day was the hours spent in prayer and meditation. Her time sitting at the feet of her Master is what energized her to deal with her suffering and to serve the needs of others.
We, as disciples of Jesus, are called to be people of hospitality and people who are willing to suffer for the Gospel. We
are only able to do that if we are in relationship with the Master Who has given us an example of being the Suffering Servant. We must spend time, each and every day, sitting, kneeling, and sometimes laying at His feet. We must listen to His Word and reflect on how we can apply it to our day of service and possible suffering. The Word of the Lord, taken, digested, and linked to our daily activities, is the food and drink we must partake each and every day. In doing so, we will truly “live in the presence of the Lord” as the Responsorial mentions.
The personal question/action for today: What do I see as my primary missionary activity (today, this week, during my life)? Am I being called to be a proclaimer of the GOoD News by acts of hospitality and service? Am I to give witness to the Gospel by my suffering? What is the source of my strength – on what do I feed in order to keep me going? Am I spending enough time sitting at the feet of the Master listening to His Word? How can I fit more time into my day so that I can be attentive to the Lord as He speaks to me? Do I need to get up earlier in the morning, or carve out a portion of the day to allow me to reflect on GOD’s Word? How can I then take what I have learned and be of service to others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One Who comes to us in many ways. Through Your GOoDness, You manifest Your presence in our daily lives, often without us fully recognizing the way You make Yourself known to us. You call us to be hospitable to those whom we encounter in our daily activities and in doing so You are present with us. You challenge us to be willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel as we share that message of Your love, both by our words and actions. You have sent us Your Son, Jesus, as the Master-Teacher Who not only taught by His words, but by His actions of service and by His suffering. As disciples of Your Son, we are asked to come to Him and learn from Him for He is humble and
gentle of heart, the One Who came to serve even at the cost of His own life. May we find the time to spend it with You and Your Son as Your Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom, strength, and courage to be faithful disciples. We make this prayer in union with Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who has come as the Suffering Servant, dying and rising, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 21, 2025
Monday of Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Lawrence of Brindisi)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072125.cfm
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lawrence-of-brindisi
Readings: Exodus 14: 5-18; Exodus 15: 1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6; Matthew 12: 38-42
How easy it is to fail to see GOD’s movement in our lives. The Israelites leaving Egypt start to complain against GOD as the Egyptians follow them in hot pursuit. After another manifestation of GOD’s power, Moses leads the people in a song of thanksgiving in the Responsorial today. In the Gospel, Jesus declares that the unbelieving individuals will be liable for their failure to accept Him and His message.
Today’s First Reading is the familiar account of the Israelites leaving Egypt, being pursued by the Egyptians and coming to the Sea (northern part of the Red Sea at the time). As the Israelites sense the danger of the approaching Egyptian army with the Pharaoh’s chariots and charioteers, they complain against Moses and against GOD. They want reassurance that Moses is a true leader and that he has been sent by
GOD. They fear for their lives. They would rather have died of old age as slaves than be slaughtered in the desert. Moses chides the people for their lack of trust in GOD. He reminds them it was GOD Who called them out of Egypt through mighty signs and wonders and that GOD
will continue to take care of them through even more miraculous signs and deeds. GOD first turns the divine cloud (which by day is normally a
column of smoke and by night a column of fire) into a cloud of smoke (smoke screen) to block the Egyptians’ view of the Israelites (in v. 19 which is not part of today’s reading). GOD then instructs Moses to extend his rod over the Sea which parts and allows the Israelites to cross over without any problems. Just as they reach the other side of the Sea, the waters (that have been separated) return to their normal levels upon the Egyptian forces, drowning all of Pharaoh’s soldiers (tomorrow’s reading).
The Responsorial is also taken from the Book of Exodus and is the hymn sung by Moses and the Israelites after their crossing of the Sea and their deliverance by GOD. It is a song of praise of GOD for the mighty deeds done by GOD as the Israelites cross through the Sea and the Egyptians are destroyed in the Sea.
In the Gospel today, the scribes and Pharisees seek a sign that GOD is with Jesus and that He has authority to do what He is doing. Jesus criticizes them for their lack of faith. The only sign to be given to them is the sign of Jonah – the prophet who was dead to the world for three days while he was in the belly of the great
marine creature. Jesus contrasts the faith of the Ninevites (to whom Jonah preached a message of impending doom) with the lack of faith of some of the religious leaders of His time. When Jonah, the restored-to-life prophet, preached the need for conversion (metanoia – change of heart), the people of Nineveh repented. Yet even when Jesus will rise from the dead, some of the religious leader of His time will not change their hearts, even though Jesus is greater than all other prophets and events of GOD’s self-revelation.
As I reflect on the readings today, I am challenged to ask myself, “Why is it that I keep seeking new signs
from GOD and I expect GOD to do great things for me before I fully put my trust in the Lord Jesus?” Oh, I
profess faith in GOD (but so did the Israelites and the scribes and Pharisees). Yet, when it comes down to really tough times, I bargain with GOD saying, “If you do this (or that), then I will continue to trust in You.” Or I say, “Lord Jesus, do what I want this time and then I will change my life around, or I will perform some sort of sacrifice, or I will donate to some charity.”
Our faith should not be based on what we want GOD to do for us, it should be based on what GOD has already done for us: GOD has given us human life; GOD has given us salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. That does not mean that we should not present to GOD our needs. We should. But we should not condition our further belief or trust in GOD upon something that we demand GOD to do for us. We should be in awe of what GOD continually does for us, not waiting for GOD to fulfill our every desire (which may not be according to GOD’s will). We should look at all the ways GOD shows the divine presence with us each and every day and thank GOD for constantly (many times each day) for those signs.
Our attitude should be that expressed by Moses and the Israelites in the Responsorial today, (but we should not have to wait until GOD parts the water for us). If we but look at how GOD has already acted in our lives, we would be able to sing GOD’s praises and join in the hymn of thanks, “I will sing to the LORD for the LORD is gloriously triumphant. . .My strength and my courage is the LORD, and GOD has been my savior. The LORD is my GOD, and I will praise the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I ever try to bargain with GOD before I put my full faith in GOD? Once I have had a prayer answered, do I always remember to thank GOD? Do my feelings of sorrow and/or desire prevent me from experiencing the presence of the Risen Lord Jesus with me? When and under what conditions have I experienced the glorious deeds of GOD in the last month? Last week? The last 24 hours? What can I do to help bolster the faith of others when they have a sense of doom or caught between a rock and hard place (or between the “Egyptians” and the Sea)?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all GOoD things. Through Your graciousness and GOoDness, You have created us and brought us safely out of the slavery of sin and through the waters to the new life, in and through Your Son, Jesus. Yet, many times we forget about Your loving deeds in the past and only focus on our present troubles, wants, and desires. We sometimes place limits on our trust in You, waiting for You to fulfill our requests before we believe more fully. We focus so much on our hurt feelings and pain that we fail to see the presence of You, Your Risen Son – Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. For those times when we have lacked complete trust in You, we seek You pardon and peace. Through the further inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see the mighty deeds that You continually do for us on a daily, even minute-to-minute, basis. May we always lift up a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to You, especially for all You have done through Jesus. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and Savior, the One Who has brought us salvation through His ministry, death, and resurrection and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 22, 2025
Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
(Replaces Tue. of the 16th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072225.cfm
Saint Mary Magdalene: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-mary-magdalene
Readings: Song of Songs 3: 1-4b or 2 Corinthians 5: 14-17; Psalm Ps 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; John 20: 1-2, 11-18
On this Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, our readings present an aspect of Mary Magdalene and her seeking the Lord Jesus and wanting to have a closer relationship with Him. The first of the two possibilities for the First Reading is from the Song of Songs. In it, the bride longs for her lover and, she goes out seeking him and asking people if they have seen him. The other choice for the First Reading is St. Paul’s words reminding us of the newness that comes from a relationship with the Lord Jesus. The Responsorial present the desire to be with the LORD GOD. The Gospel takes place on Easter Sunday morning as Mary Magdalene experiences the empty tomb and wants to know where the body of her Master-Teacher is. She then encounters a person she supposes is a gardener, but who is actually her longed-for beloved Teacher.
The book of the Song of Songs (or Canticle of Canticles or Song of Solomon) is a love story. Today’s passage presents the longing of a bride for her beloved. She travels throughout the city in search of her lover. She questions people about the whereabouts of the one for whom she longs. Finally, she encounters him.
Obviously, there is a parallel with Mary Magdalene’s search for Jesus after His death and burial.
St. Paul (in the second choice for the First Reading) speaks about his relationship with his Savior. Although he never met Jesus before His ascension, Paul’s first understanding of Jesus was of a human. Yet as Paul has grown in faith and belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus, he realizes that Jesus has died for all. Paul now has a deeper relationship with the GOD-Man
Who has brought a whole new meaning of what life is for all humans who embrace faith in the Lord Jesus.
The psalmist longs for a deeper relationship with GOD just as thirsty individuals pine for water that refreshes and gives life. Being connected with GOD renews the believer and empowers the one who finds GOD with a new life of joy.
The Gospel account focuses on Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Mary may have been the woman from whom Jesus drove out seven demons (Luke 8: 2). Whether having these seven demons means she was mental ill, possessed, or a simply a well-known sinner is not known for sure, all we know is that Mary turned her life around and became a follower of the Lord Jesus and one of His most dedicated disciples. She was of assistance to Jesus and the rest of His entourage. She was at the foot of the cross as Jesus hung dying. She, as today’s Gospel relates, is at the tomb of Jesus early Easter Sunday morning and finds the tomb empty.
After telling the apostles, she returns to experience two angels who speak of the Risen Lord. She then encounters a Person whom she supposes to be a gardener. As the Man calls her by name, she realizes it is the Risen Jesus. She proclaims her relationship to Him by calling Him, “Rabbouni – My Teacher.” Jesus then makes her the Apostle to the Apostles by telling her to go and share her experiences with them.
One of the thoughts that strikes me from this feast and from the readings is the concept of seeking and finding
the Lord Jesus. Like the bride in the passage from the Song of Songs and like Mary Magdalene on Easter Sunday, we should longingly seek out our Master-Teacher-Beloved. We may have to search in various places and asks others about where Jesus is. But in the end, we may encounter His presence in the least likely place and only after much effort has been made in being in relationship again with our Savior and Lord. We must be
willing, as St. Paul mentions, to see Jesus in a new, ever most truthful way – as our Master-Teacher-Beloved Lover. We must, as Mary Magdalene did, be willing to surrender our old “demon-possessed” life and go in search of a new and deeper relationship with our Lord Jesus. Again, I am not saying that we actually have the devil in us and need an exorcism. We all, however, are influenced by various evils that come from living in a world that is not promoting Gospel values.
If we are not longing for, and pro-actively searching for, a closer relationship with Jesus, there is something missing from our lives. We should want to deepen our relationship with a Beloved Lover by spending time developing the closeness we want with Jesus. It may take spending quiet time, sitting at the feet of Jesus, as Mary Magdalene did. We might have to be present to others as they suffer, as Mary did at the foot of the cross. And obviously, we should be willing to long for the deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus, even to the point of going wherever we need to go in order to find Him.
As we continue to deepen our relationship with our Rabbouni (personal Teacher), we should then, as Mary Magdalene did, be willing to go out and announce the GOoD News that our Lord Jesus is alive and wants to have a personal relationship with others.
The personal question/action for today: How often have I been willing to go in search of my beloved Lover – Jesus? How have I encountered the Lord Jesus at times when I have almost lost hope? Am I listening for Jesus to call me by name and reveal Himself to me? How open have I been to the Lord Jesus’ calling me to be the proclaimer of GOoD News to other? What can I do to announce that glad tidings to those who are still in pain, in sorrow, and in doubt?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all GOoDness. Through Your kindness, You put a longing in our souls to be with You and Your Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. You call us by name and desire us to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, Your Son and our Master-Teacher. We have not fully understood Your ways. Continue to extend Your healing and forgiving hand to us. May we follow the example of the women and men of faith, such as Mary Magdalene and Paul, and listen to the Word of our Master and Teacher and reflect on the newness that is being offered to us and to all people. It is in His name and through His ministry that we lift up this prayer. To You be all glory, honor, obedience, and praise, for You are our GOD, loving Abba-Father, redeeming Son, and sanctifying Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
July 23, 2025
Wednesday of Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Memorial of Bridget of Sweden)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072325.cfm
Saint Bridget of Sweden: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bridget-of-sweden
Readings: Exodus 16: 1-5, 9-15; Psalm 78: 18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28; Matthew 13: 1-9
GOD is a GOD Who provides for those who are prepared to receive GOD’s GOoDness. The passage from
Exodus tells how GOD responds to the murmurings of the Israelites who are at the end of their food supply.
The Responsorial Psalm relates the same event in the desert of Sin. The Gospel tells us about the providence of
GOD in the parable of the sower and the seed.
The First Reading takes place just one month after the Exodus from Egypt. By now the food that the Israelites had taken from Egypt is exhausted. They begin to complain to Moses (and GOD) that when they were slaves in Egypt, they at least had food to eat, now they are not sure from where their next meal is going to come. They seem to have forgotten how GOD worked mighty signs and wonders (the ten plagues, the “parting” of the Sea, the destruction of the Egyptian army) all within the last few months. Even in the midst of their complaints, GOD has compassion on them and shows divine providence by providing “manna” and quail to eat. “Manna” was a flour-like substance that appeared every day on the surface
of the desert of Sin (a name associated with
Mt. Sinai, not called that because of the grumbling of the Israelites – although their grumbling could be considered “sin” in our understanding). Manna was able to be made into bread. The word is often associated with the Aramaic word, man, that is a question (interrogative) word/expressing meaning “What the. . ?” or “What is it?” [The Jerome Biblical Commentary comments on the manna: “The manna is a honeydew excretion produced by two species of scale insect that infest the tamarisk thickets of the area, which, in fact, have gained the technical name tamarix mannifera [tamarisk bearing manna]. From the leaves of the thicket the substance drops to the ground where it becomes somewhat firm in the cool night air of the desert. It has, however, a low melting point (70NF) and hence must be gathered by 8:30 A.M. before the sun causes it to melt. To the Bedouins who still roam the area, it remains a delicacy because of its sweet taste.” 3:38, p. 55.] The quail, also another natural occurring phenomenon in the desert of Sin, gives the Israelites evening food. What is miraculous is not that manna and quail appear, but that the quantities of both that are present throughout the seasons of the year and for the many years of the
Israelites’ journey through the desert.
The psalm relates the same events as in the First Reading. We hear about the people raising their discontent against GOD and GOD providing for them with bread (manna) and flesh of birds. GOD’s care toward the people in spite of the people’s careless attitude toward GOD is evident.
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs the people using a familiar teaching tool – a parable. Today’s parable is that of the sower sowing the seed. Some of the seeds that fall to the ground and land on the hardened pathways where they are gobbled up by birds. Other seeds settle on rocky ground where they are not able to sink deep roots. The seeds that find themselves among the thorns are choked and prevented from growing. That seeds that end up in the rich, fertile
soil bear a rich harvest and return many times as much grain as is planted.
As I reflect on the readings, I am struck by the efforts of GOD in getting across the message of the extent of GOD’s love. GOD wants people to develop a relationship with the Divine Being. In the Book of Exodus, GOD has saved the Chosen People and led them out of slavery, and they begin to forget the GOoDness of the LORD. They cannot see beyond their immediate desires – for food. Because their supply of food is running out, they do not remember that GOD has promised to lead them to the Promised Land.
The Gospel also relates a message of GOD’s willingness to produce rich blessings within people, but because of the external circumstances of people’s lives, the fullness of GOD’s benefits are not always able to be produced. GOD wants the best for the people who are called, that includes everyone.
I realize that I am not much different than the Israelites of old. I, too, complain when things do not go as I plan. I worry about what is happening in my life rather than trusting in GOD’s providence. When my supplies get low (whether the supplies be physical, spiritual, emotional, financial), I start to doubt that my needs will be met. I forget how GOD has provided for me in the past and how the Lord Jesus has promised to not only give me a return on my investment of time and energy, but to do it thirty, sixty, and hundred times as much.
The difficult challenge for me is to focus not on what I don’t have or have in apparently small quantities, but rather to look to the Lord Jesus Who gives abundantly to those who are fertile soil for GOD’s gifts. This means that I must prepare myself to receive GOD’s GOoDness by turning over the ground of my life, letting the fresh air of GOD’s Spirit and the precipitation of GOD’s love sink into my depths. I must sometimes allow the stinky fertilizer (manure) of life make my life more ready to accept the gifts from GOD. That is not easy. It is not always a pleasant experience while I am being prepared as a soil ready to accept GOD’s seed – The Word of GOD. Yet, the more that I allow myself to be primed for GOD’s action, the more rich will be the harvest I will experience.
Let us reflect on GOD’s providence, not only in GOoD times (although all times are GOoD times, if we open our eyes to see GOD’s action), but in bad times as well. Let us keep our eyes focused on the benevolence of GOD. And let us realize that all experience can help us prepare for GOD’s planting the divine gifts in us that will produce a rich harvest for the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father in union with the Holy Spirit.
The personal question/action for today: How often have I forgotten the GOoDness of GOD because I have focused on what I seem to be lacking? How open have I been to GOD preparing me to be the recipient of GOD’s Word and GOD’s blessings? Do I see that the “stinking” times of my life can be fertilizer that better prepares me to make GOoD use of what GOD gives me? What can I do to help others be better ground into which GOD’s Word can come and produce a rich harvest?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all GOoDness. Through Your kindness, You provide not only what we need each day to survive (our daily manna), but You plant Your seed within us that will produce a rich harvest if we allow ourselves to be prepared for seed of Your Word. At times we have allowed Your gifts to be taken away by the enemy which/who swoops down to remove the precious deposits that You have given us. At other times we have hardened our hearts so that Your richness cannot take root within us. At other times we have allowed our desire for worldly pleasures choke out Your blessings. For our not being fertile soil for Your providential gifts, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the teaching and example of Your Son and the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, make us the best receptors for Your blessings and therefore produce a rich harvest for Your greater glory and honor and for the benefit those around us. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and our Master-Teacher, the Sower of Your Word and Your GOoDness, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 24, 2025
Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorial of Sharbel Makfluf)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072425.cfm
Saint Sharbel Makhluf: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-sharbel-makhlouf
Readings: Exodus 19: 1-2, 9-11, 16-20b; Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55, 56; Matthew 13: 10-17
GOD is mysterious. In the passage from Exodus, Moses is called to ascend the mountain of the LORD (Mount Sinai) in the midst of clouds, smoke, thunder, fire, and lightning. The Responsorial today comes from the Book of Daniel. It is part of the hymn sung by the young Hebrew men who are praising GOD even while being in
midst of the fiery furnace. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that the mysteries of GOD are shared with them but not revealed to those who are not open to the Truth of Jesus.
It has not even been a full quarter of the year since the Israelites left Egypt. They are now at the foot of Mt. Sinai. GOD informs the people that Moses is the chosen leader and to Moses will be revealed the mysteries of GOD and Moses will proclaim those mysteries to the people. After traveling through the desert, the sights at Mt Sinai must have seemed ominous and mysterious. The mountain is covered in clouds with lightning flashing and thunder clashing. Moses is called to climb the mountain while the people wait at the base camp (that is the camp at the base of the mountain). The Israelite are overwhelmed as they see their leader go into
the storm clouds to confer with
GOD.
The Responsorial is a hymn of
praise sung by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they walk amid the white-hot flames of the furnace into which they have been thrown because they would not worship the King of Babylon in the place of GOD. Even though the three young men were bound, they walk freely among the searing flames, unfettered and unburned. GOD mysteriously protects them and they in turn sing GOD’s glory.
In the Gospel, when Jesus’ disciples ask Him about His speaking in parables, He responds that mysteries of GOD are
meant for those who are in relationship with Him and His Abba-Father.
To the disciples is given the understanding of the mysteries, but to
those who are not ready to listen to the Lord Jesus, only confusion will be given.
As I reflect on the mysteries of GOD, I recall that mysterion (μυστεριον in Greek means “something that was not understood but is now revealed.” It can also mean “a sign of something yet to come” or “physical sign of a spiritual reality.” It does not mean a problem to be solved. In dealing with the mysteries of GOD, it implies that GOD is revealing a part of Who GOD is (or what GOD’s plan is) in a way that was not known before. GOD is truly
mysterious, but that does not mean we must remain in the dark about knowing GOD. GOD wants us to walk in
the Light and be enlightened.
Jesus truly came to reveal Who He is and Who His Abba is, all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Yes,
we must be in awe in the presence of GOD, but that should not cause us to dread GOD, but rather to seek to draw closer to the GOD Who is self-revealing. It also implies that we must spend time with GOD, not with the
purpose of coming to a great intellectual understanding of the Triune GOD, but with the purpose of developing a personal relationship with GOD. Thus, our prayer and reflection time is not meant to be a theological exercise in comprehending the essence of GOD, but rather time in which we live in awareness of the presence of GOD with us.
At times, GOD may seem shrouded in clouds, a Divinity Who is making the divine presence known with mighty sounds and sights, as the Israelites experienced at Mt. Sinai. At other times, we will be able to simply walk
safely in GOD’s presence while the flames of life burn all around us, just as the three youths did in the fiery furnace of today’s Responsorial. That for which we should strive is spending time as faithful disciples, sitting with the Master- Teacher, and having Him share with us the mysteries of GOD by our living in the presence of the Lord Jesus, as He shares about His Abba, in union with the Holy Spirit.
The personal question/action for today: When have I been struck by the mysteriousness of GOD? Has it led me to searching to know the GOD Who is self- revealing and Who wants us to come into a deeper relationship with the Triune GOD? How much time do I spend in reflecting on GOD’s presence with me, the Lord Jesus’ revealing Who GOD is, through the Spirit’s wisdom? What can I do to assist others in drawing ever closer to the GOD Who mysteriously calls us into a relationship?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all mysteries. Through Your GOoDness, we are privileged to experience Your mysteries as You enfold Your plan of salvation in and through Your Son, Jesus. He invites us to come to Him as disciplined learners who sit at His feet and hear Him as He reveals Your blessings and the essence of Your being. For the times we have failed to be open and not listened to Your message, we seek Your forgiveness and shalom-peace. Continue to fill us with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, especially wisdom, understanding,
right judgment, counsel, knowledge, discernment, and awe in Your presence, so that we may not only have
better knowledge of Your mysteries, but also be able to share that knowledge with others as we live our lives touched by Your mysteries. We make this prayer in the name Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and our
Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
July 25, 2025
Feast of St. James
(replacing Fri. of the 16th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072525.cfm
Saint James, the Apostle: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-james-the-apostle
Readings: 2 Corinthians: 4: 7-15; Psalm 126: 1bc-21b, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Matthew 20: 20-28
Today we celebrate the Feast of St. James, apostle. We know a little about St. James. He was the brother of St. John. The two were the sons of Zebedee, “sons of thunder.” They had been fishers before being called by Jesus to leave their nets and follow Him. St. James (as one of the chosen three, along with St. John and St. Peter) was privileged to be present for the Transfiguration, the raising of the dead girl, and the agony in the Garden, all of these events when none of the other apostles were present to the same degree.
Our readings remind us today that even though St. James was one of the three
disciples closest to Jesus, he was not perfect. In the First Reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, we hear that the followers of Jesus are vessels, not made of precious metal or priceless gems, but earthen, clay pots. Yet, they have the privileged of being something in which the Most Precious exists, they are vessels of the Lord Jesus.
The Gospel presents the mother of James and John asking a favor of Jesus, and Jesus’
response. The whole incident causes tension among all the apostles.
In the First Reading, St. Paul speaks about those who are followers of the Lord Jesus as being clay pots. They are made from the simple clay of the earth. They are common items. Yet in these earthen vessels, the Lord Jesus Himself is present. GOD uses these simple, earthen vessels to be the instruments through which the Most Precious Gift of all is brought and shared with all the peoples, in all nations and lands. Earthen vessels are more fragile than items made of metal. They are less valuable
than containers which are made of silver or gold, inlaid with precious stones. Yet GOD chooses just common, ordinary, breakable items (people) to be the vehicles through which Jesus comes to others.
The psalm today speaks about the rejoicing of those coming back from exile.
They are compared to the reapers who come back from the harvest fields carrying the product of the their labors. After all the work that has been done, they can rejoice to see the fruit of their work in the abundant harvest.
In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Salome (the mother of James and John) makes a request of Jesus. (In Mark’s account, it is James and John who make this request,
not their mother). She wants her two boys to have the places of distinction, sitting right next to Jesus in His Reign. Jesus asks James and John if they are willing “to drink the cup” that Jesus will drink – an illusion to sharing in Jesus’ ministry – even unto death. They assertively affirm their willingness. Jesus remarks that they truly will follow in their Master’s steps, even to the point of suffering and death, yet the place of honor in the Reign of GOD is reserved to be given by Jesus’ Abba-Father.
As I reflected on the reading today, I realized how “earthy” James was (and John and the other disciples also
were). The disciples of Jesus were not from some aristocratic families, not men of the priestly clan or royal lineage. They were people of the common working class, such as fishers and tax collectors. Jesus took these ordinary individuals and entrusted to them the continuation of His sacred ministry. They were truly human, with a human desire to be important. Yet, Jesus tells them what is most important is not to have a place where they can be waited on by others, but to be the waiters who serve others.
This causes me to reflect on my own attitude in being a disciple of Jesus. At times I have thought about having a special job of distinction, a place of honor in the divine plan. Yet I, like James and his companions, am merely a clay container that/who has the privilege of holding and bringing to others my vessel’s Precious Content
– Jesus. I, too, am fragile and able to be broken. Yet, it is my honor to be the instrument through which Jesus is
made known to others. I am not special myself. What I bear and bring to other is what is important.
The way I bring my valuable treasure to others is through my acts of loving service. Jesus is asking me to do what He asked James and John to do: to drink of His cup, to be willing to give myself fully in the service of others. That is what makes me a precious vessel in the hands of the Master. And if I can serve others, even to the point of giving of my life, it is then that I will be able to rejoice like the reapers returning from the harvest. Yes, I will have worked hard (similar to the workers in the Responsorial Psalm) to help bring in the rich bounty or harvest, but it is GOD Who gives the growth to the product. I am just privileged to have worked in the Lord Jesus’ field and to have experienced the richness and abundance of GOD’s harvest.
Let us take to heart today’s readings and rejoice that we,
ordinary and common vessels, are being permitted to be instruments in the divine plan of GOD’s salvation. Let us manifest our willingness to be a part by lovingly serving those who cross our paths. And may we rejoice that GOD’s preciousness is being brought forward for more and more people to enjoy. For it is the treasure of the Lord Jesus that we have had the privilege to carry within our simple, earthen vessels.
The personal question/action for today: When I think about my being a vessel that GOD uses to bring the precious treasure of the Lord Jesus to others, how do I feel? Do I consider myself a precious vessel, made of valuable metals and precious stones, or a simple clay pot? In what ways can I serve others as Jesus Himself came to serve rather than to be served? Who is most in need of my being an instrument of the Lord Jesus today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD, almighty GOD, yet “down to earth” LORD. Through Your GOoDness, You have chosen us to be the clay pots into which Your precious Son has come and continues to make His presence known to others. Our value comes not from who we are, but from Your Son’s presence in our lives. We often think so highly of what we do and what we have accomplished. We desire to have the places of honor. Yet, You have given us reminders of what is important through the examples of Your Son and His disciples. Today, as we reflect on the life of St. James, we give You praise that Your Son chooses ordinary individuals to whom He entrusted the precious gift of His ministry. He called them from catching fish to netting people and bringing them into Your Reign. They carried His message through their lives of service, even to the point of following their Master in death. May we realize the privilege we have to walk behind these people of faith who have preceded us. We give You glory and praise for allowing us – clay/simple hunks of earth – to be the vessels through which Your Son comes to others. To You we lift this prayer of honor and thanks, in union with Your Son, Who has called us, the One Who is our Master and Teacher, the One Whom we serve as we serve our brothers and sisters, and Who is living and reigning in Your Reign together with the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 25, 2025
Feast of St. James
(replacing Fri. of the 16th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072525.cfm
Saint James, the Apostle: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-james-the-apostle
Readings: 2 Corinthians: 4: 7-15; Psalm 126: 1bc-21b, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Matthew 20: 20-28
Today we celebrate the Feast of St. James, apostle. We know a little about St. James. He was the brother of St. John. The two were the sons of Zebedee, “sons of thunder.” They had been fishers before being called by Jesus to leave their nets and follow Him. St. James (as one of the chosen three, along with St. John and St. Peter) was privileged to be present for the Transfiguration, the raising of the dead girl, and the agony in the Garden, all of these events when none of the other apostles were present to the same degree.
Our readings remind us today that even though St. James was one of the three
disciples closest to Jesus, he was not perfect. In the First Reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, we hear that the followers of Jesus are vessels, not made of precious metal or priceless gems, but earthen, clay pots. Yet, they have the privileged of being something in which the Most Precious exists, they are vessels of the Lord Jesus.
The Gospel presents the mother of James and John asking a favor of Jesus, and Jesus’
response. The whole incident causes tension among all the apostles.
In the First Reading, St. Paul speaks about those who are followers of the Lord Jesus as being clay pots. They are made from the simple clay of the earth. They are common items. Yet in these earthen vessels, the Lord Jesus Himself is present. GOD uses these simple, earthen vessels to be the instruments through which the Most Precious Gift of all is brought and shared with all the peoples, in all nations and lands. Earthen vessels are more fragile than items made of metal. They are less valuable
than containers which are made of silver or gold, inlaid with precious stones. Yet GOD chooses just common, ordinary, breakable items (people) to be the vehicles through which Jesus comes to others.
The psalm today speaks about the rejoicing of those coming back from exile.
They are compared to the reapers who come back from the harvest fields carrying the product of their labors. After all the work that has been done, they can rejoice to see the fruit of their work in the abundant harvest.
In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Salome (the mother of James and John) makes a request of Jesus. (In Mark’s account, it is James and John who make this request,
not their mother). She wants her two boys to have the places of distinction, sitting right next to Jesus in His Reign. Jesus asks James and John if they are willing “to drink the cup” that Jesus will drink – an illusion to sharing in Jesus’ ministry – even unto death. They assertively affirm their willingness. Jesus remarks that they truly will follow in their Master’s steps, even to the point of suffering and death, yet the place of honor in the Reign of GOD is reserved to be given by Jesus’ Abba-Father.
As I reflected on the reading today, I realized how “earthy” James was (and John and the other disciples also
were). The disciples of Jesus were not from some aristocratic families, not men of the priestly clan or royal lineage. They were people of the common working class, such as fishers and tax collectors. Jesus took these ordinary individuals and entrusted to them the continuation of His sacred ministry. They were truly human, with a human desire to be important. Yet, Jesus tells them what is most important is not to have a place where they can be waited on by others, but to be the waiters who serve others.
This causes me to reflect on my own attitude in being a disciple of Jesus. At times I have thought about having a special job of distinction, a place of honor in the divine plan. Yet I, like James and his companions, am merely a clay container that/who has the privilege of holding and bringing to others my vessel’s Precious Content
– Jesus. I, too, am fragile and able to be broken. Yet, it is my honor to be the instrument through which Jesus is
made known to others. I am not special myself. What I bear and bring to other is what is important.
The way I bring my valuable treasure to others is through my acts of loving service. Jesus is asking me to do what He asked James and John to do: to drink of His cup, to be willing to give myself fully in the service of others. That is what makes me a precious vessel in the hands of the Master. And if I can serve others, even to the point of giving of my life, it is then that I will be able to rejoice like the reapers returning from the harvest. Yes, I will have worked hard (similar to the workers in the Responsorial Psalm) to help bring in the rich bounty or harvest, but it is GOD Who gives the growth to the product. I am just privileged to have worked in the Lord Jesus’ field and to have experienced the richness and abundance of GOD’s harvest.
Let us take to heart today’s readings and rejoice that we,
ordinary and common vessels, are being permitted to be instruments in the divine plan of GOD’s salvation. Let us manifest our willingness to be a part by lovingly serving those who cross our paths. And may we rejoice that GOD’s preciousness is being brought forward for more and more people to enjoy. For it is the treasure of the Lord Jesus that we have had the privilege to carry within our simple, earthen vessels.
The personal question/action for today: When I think about my being a vessel that GOD uses to bring the precious treasure of the Lord Jesus to others, how do I feel? Do I consider myself a precious vessel, made of valuable metals and precious stones, or a simple clay pot? In what ways can I serve others as Jesus Himself came to serve rather than to be served? Who is most in need of my being an instrument of the Lord Jesus today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD, almighty GOD, yet “down to earth” LORD. Through Your GOoDness, You have chosen us to be the clay pots into which Your precious Son has come and continues to make His presence known to others. Our value comes not from who we are, but from Your Son’s presence in our lives. We often think so highly of what we do and what we have accomplished. We desire to have the places of honor. Yet, You have given us reminders of what is important through the examples of Your Son and His disciples. Today, as we reflect on the life of St. James, we give You praise that Your Son chooses ordinary individuals to whom He entrusted the precious gift of His ministry. He called them from catching fish to netting people and bringing them into Your Reign. They carried His message through their lives of service, even to the point of following their Master in death. May we realize the privilege we have to walk behind these people of faith who have preceded us. We give You glory and praise for allowing us – clay/simple hunks of earth – to be the vessels through which Your Son comes to others. To You we lift this prayer of honor and thanks, in union with Your Son, Who has called us, the One Who is our Master and Teacher, the One Whom we serve as we serve our brothers and sisters, and Who is living and reigning in Your Reign together with the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 26, 2025
Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne
(readings from Sat. of 16th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072625.cfm
Saints Joachim and Anne: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-joachim-and-anne
Readings: Exodus 24: 3-8; Psalm 50: 1b-2, 5-6, 14-15; Matthew 13: 24-30
GOD is the initiator of the bond (covenant) that exists between GOD and humans. GOD gives the initial growth and GOD is also the purpose or end of the growth. Today’s First Reading describes the Old Covenant (Testament) that GOD established at Mt. Sinai and the people’s response – offering a sacrifice to GOD. The psalm describes the LORD as the judge who brings the faithful ones into the divine presence. In the Gospel, Jesus shares the parable of the wheat that grows together with the weeds until the harvest time when the wheat and weeds will be collected and the wheat will be brought into the presence of the owner of the field, while the weeds will be burned.
The First Reading takes place after Moses has received the Ten Commandments and other laws from GOD. He shares them with the people, and they agree to be bound by the rules and ordinances. A covenant ritual then celebrates the people’s acceptance of GOD’s commands and unites them to GOD. The ritual consists in the killing of bulls and the splashing of the animals’ blood (life force) on the altar (signifying GOD) and on the people. They are now connected by a blood bond. This means that the people are joined to GOD and GOD to them. If they break the union by disobeying the laws, then they can expect to face the same consequences as the bulls who were killed.
The psalm also speaks of being united with GOD in covenant relationship symbolized in a sacrifice not just of animals, but of praise of GOD. The result of the covenant relationship should not just be fear of the punishments to be inflicted for breaking the covenant, but more importantly, gratitude to GOD for uniting the people with the LORD. The people should offer a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for GOD’s establishing of this covenant (testament, relationship, bond) with them.
In the Gospel, Jesus again shares a parable with the crowd. This parable likens the Reign of GOD to the spread of weeds among the wheat. There are many aspects to this parable. First, the sower intends only growth of GOoD seed (wheat). An enemy works against the sowing of the GOoD seed by spreading bad seed of weeds. The word translated as
“weeds” is actually the darnel, a poisonous weed that in its early growth looks much like young wheat. Important to the parable is the wisdom of the owner (GOD) in not pulling the weeds (darnel or tares) up because it would also uproot the wheat. It is a reminder that the job of separating
the GOoD growth from the bad and making the final judgment about what is of GOoD seed and what is of bad seed is left to the owner of the field.
It is hard to distinguish the GOoD from the bad while they both are maturing and growing. It is only at the end of the growing season that they can be separated, with the GOoD coming into the presence of the owner and bad being bound and burned.
As I reflect on the readings today, I realize that I, too, am united to GOD by a blood covenant. The Blood of Jesus has made it possible for me to be in union with GOD in a way that surpasses anything I could do or expect myself. My response must be that of offering a sacrifice of praise. I am sacrificing myself (being made holy) by
thanking and praising GOD. It is not that what I do that makes me holy, it is GOD’s action in response to my being grateful for GOD’s action that makes me holy.
Secondly, I also see the importance that I do not make a judgment about the growth of others around me. Particularly I must not think that I am of GOoD seed while others are of bad seed. While we continue to grow in the earthly field, it is hard to tell the wheat from the darnel (or tare). We can identify certain actions as being sinful, but we cannot label the person as totally alien from GOD. GOD can still allow the darnel to be transformed into wheat, after all GOD turned water into blood at the time of the Exodus, produced manna in the desert, brought forth water from the rock. Jesus also changed water into wine. My job is not to condemn a person because of what outward signs are manifested at a particularly point in the life of the person, even though
I can point out actions that are not of GOoD (not of GOD). I also realize that I, too, have days when I might look more like darnel than wheat, days when I am more poisonous than GOoD.
Our GOD is truly loving and caring. GOD wants to have a relationship with us. GOD has acted first in a way to cause the possibility for us to be bound in a covenant. Our response should be that of being as faithful to the covenant relationship (and its requirements) as we can be – growing into as fruitful persons as GOD has intended us to be. We should seek to give to GOD the only thing we really can offer – our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. We should avoid the poison that may appear to be coming from some of the other growing life- forms around us, but we should not condemn those life-forms (people) because GOD can still transform them
into GOoD growth, if they choose to turn from their evil ways.
I believe the psalm, once again, ties the readings together and gives us a way of responding to the Word of GOD. “‘Gather my faithful ones before Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.’ And the heavens proclaim GOD’s justice; for the LORD alone is the judge. . .‘Offer to GOD praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High; then call upon Me in time of distress; I will rescue you and you shall glorify Me.’”
The personal question/action for today: What is my response to the bad growth I see around me? Do I tend to condemn the individuals and want to pull them out, presuming that I am the GOoD growth, that I am holier than the bad growth? Am I concerned about the poisonous seeds that can lead others to bad growth, and do I work to provide an example and environment in which the bad growth can be transformed into GOoD growth? Am I aware of the poisonous evil in my own life and seek GOD’s forgiveness and healing? Do I give GOD a sacrifice of praise and thanks? What can I do to edify (build up) the GOoD growth (people) around me?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all living beings. You have not only given life to humans by breathing Your Ruah-Spirit into them, but You have planted Your GOoDness within us. While Your enemy has sown poisons in Your field, You wisely allow Your GOoD seed to grow in the midst of bad, giving opportunity for the bad to change to GOoD. We thank You for establishing such a loving, life-giving relationship with us and calling us
to grow into the life form that can produce the harvest You desire and deserve. We ask Your forgiveness for the
times we have allowed the enemy’s poison to infiltrate into our lives, and failed to live up to the growth You expect from us. Help us to be sources of positive influences on those who are affected by the poisons of the enemy. And may we now and at the time of the final harvest, lift up to You our sacrifice of praise and thanks. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the One Who works among us to redeem us and transform us into the GOoD harvest for You. He is the Master-Teacher Who is living and reigning in Your Reign together with the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July 27, 2025
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072725.cfm
Saint Titus Brandsma: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-titus-brandsma/
Readings: Genesis 18: 20-32; Psalm 138: 1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8; Colossians 2: 12-14; Luke 11: 1-13
Our readings today speak of a couple of ways to relate to GOD – most obvious (from the First Reading and Gospel) is that of asking, even bargaining, with GOD for what we need, and secondarily (from the Second Reading) is that of reflecting on what GOD has done for us in and through Jesus. In the First Reading, Abraham is seen as bargaining with GOD in reference to GOD’s forsaking the punishment of the GOoD people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Responsorial is a prayer expressing the fact that GOD hears the petition of those who call upon the LORD. In the Second Reading, St.
Paul reminds the Colossians that they have been united to the Lord Jesus through their baptism for they have died (to sin) and risen to new life as they are linked to Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the Gospel, Luke has Jesus presenting the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples in response to their request to learn how to pray, and He goes on to say that they should lift up their needs to the GOD Who hears their prayers.
The Genesis account portrays the typical Middle Eastern act of negotiating a request by the process of progressive bargaining. When Abraham is told about the upcoming destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, he barters with GOD, trying to be sure that his GOoD nephew Lot and his
family are saved from the impending disaster that will befall the sinful citizens of the two cities. Abraham uses different appeals to GOD, first appealing to the divine sense of justice and not “punishing” the GOoD with
the bad. Abraham starts with the number 50 innocent people. Using humility and acknowledging GOD’s power and importance, Abraham in stages works
the number down to 45, 40, 30, 20, and finally 10. GOD hears, and then responds positively to each of Abraham’s request.
The psalm has been chosen to reflect the fact that GOD hears the pleading of those who seek GOD’s help. As typical of the Hebrew concept of prayer, the petitioning is linked to praise and acknowledgment of the wonderful things GOD has done and GOD’s gracious attributes.
In addressing his letter to the people of Colossae, St. Paul reminds them that in and through their baptism they have been united with Christ and His paschal mysteries. Just as Jesus has died and then risen, they, too, have died to their old sinful lives and been raised to new life. Their being joined to Christ Jesus has truly given them a new relationship with GOD.
In the Gospel, the disciples once again see Jesus absorbed in prayer. They want to have a share in the relationship that Jesus has with His Abba (Father). Responding to
their request to learn how to pray, Jesus shares with them the Model Prayer (Luke’s version of the “Our Father”). Jesus then continues to expound upon the importance of prayer by comparing how people, even sinful and uncaring people, respond to repeated requests. Jesus ends this pericope by inviting His disciples to be steadfast in prayer and to keep on asking, seeking, and knocking on GOD’s door. What is interesting is the form of the Greek verbs that are
used as Jesus tells His disciples to ask, seek, and knock. The verb form implies repeated, continuous action.
As I reflect on the readings, the theme of prayer comes through loudly. Most of us are quite familiar with the meaning of prayer that comes from the Middle English word meaning “ask.” If we use this connotation, it seems that Jesus is saying
that prayer is primarily a matter of asking, and asking again. Yet, the Hebrew concept of prayer (berakah) has a much richer connotation. Prayer (berakah) means first and foremost to praise. Abraham was aware of this in the First Reading as he acknowledges the greatness of, and he praises, the Person from Whom he is requesting a favor.
I like to think of the word ACTS when I think of prayer. To me, prayer should be a fourfold process. First and foremost, in prayer we Adore – that is we acknowledge GOD for Who GOD is – the Almighty and Holy One. Notice that the first part of the Model Prayer mentions “hallowed be Your name” and “Your kingdom come.” The next part of prayer is Contrition in which we acknowledge who we are – especially in relationship to GOD – we are sinful and unworthy.
Abraham models this aspect of prayer in the way he humbly “presumes” to bargain with his LORD even though he is “but dust and ashes.” In the Model Prayer we also pray that GOD will forgive us our sins (trespasses, transgressions). The third aspect of prayer is Thanksgiving. We give
thanks not only for what GOD has done (notice
the first verses of today’s Responsorial Psalm), but we also need to give thanks to GOD for what GOD will be doing (fourth stanza of today’s psalm – “The LORD will complete what GOD has
done for me”). Lastly, and appropriately so, is Supplication – asking and seeking and knocking on GOD’s door.
As I think of prayer as Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, it reminds me that prayer is all about relationship. The more that I spend time in prayer (as Jesus is doing at the start of the Gospel), the more I am in relationship with GOD. And the more I am in relationship with GOD (like Abraham in the First Reading) the more I can “presume to speak” to my Lord Jesus and His Abba. That relationship cannot be manifested just when I am in need. It must be a repeated, continuous, on-going action. I must recall my relationship with GOD at all times. This is why Paul tells us to
pray constantly (Ephesians 6: 18) with all sorts of petition paralleling what Jesus says in today’s Gospel.
If we spend time working on our relationship with GOD, conscious of that relationship at all times, we will be able to speak with the GOD Whom we are told to call upon as Our Abba. Being in GOoD relationship with GOD, we will know Who GOD is, and Who we are. We will be able to constantly thank GOD and we will lift up the needs, not only of our
own, but those of others (as Abraham did for Lot and his family). The challenge is to realize that we are in that relationship at all times – we have been united with GOD through our joining in Jesus’ death and victory over sin (our sin) and His rising and lifting us up to new life, as St. Paul reminds us in the Second Reading. If we are aware of that, then we can truly keep on asking, seeking, and knocking, and the Abba Who loves us and Who is GOD will continue to give GOoD gifts to us as
we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The personal question/action for today: What is my concept of prayer? When and how often do I pray? Do I spend at least as much time praising and thanking GOD as I do rattling off my list of petitions? How can I be more conscious of my need for a prayerful relationship with GOD? What steps will I take today in order to spend more time with GOD? What are some practical ways that I can remember to pray constantly?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Almighty and Loving Abba. Through Your GOoDness, You call us into a relationship with You, especially in and through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Your Son. We acknowledge and adore You as our GOD, Giver of life, Provider of all that we need. We are no more than dust and ashes, and we have sinned, but You have graciously called us to be Your children. We lift up our voices in praise and thanks of You. We express our
gratitude for what You have done throughout our human history and in our individual lives. We thank You for continuing to pour out Your love now and in the future. It is with this sense of adoration, contrition, and thanks that we can come to Your and lift up our petitions and needs. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us so that we can draw ever closer to You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. May we constantly express our relationship with You in every thing we do and say. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher, Who has told us how to be in relationship with You and made it possible through His saving acts, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
July 28, 2025
Monday of Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Stanley Rother)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072825.cfm
Father Stanley Rother, First American Martyr:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/father-stanley-rother-first-american-martyr
Readings: Exodus 32: 15-24, 30-34; Psalm 106: 19-20, 21-22, 23 Matthew 13: 31-35
GOD continues to reveal the divine essence (Who GOD Is) to people, but some are not open to that revelation, others act contradictory to that revelation. In the First Reading, while Moses is on the mountain of the LORD experiencing the revelation of GOD, the Israelites form a golden calf to represent GOD. The psalm retells the events dealing with golden calf. In the Gospel, Jesus shares two more parables with the crowd, yet some do not understand the meaning and the Truth contained within the parables, and therefore they miss what GOD is revealing to them.
During the month while Moses is up on the mountain of GOD – Mt. Sinai – GOD continues to reveal Who GOD is and what the LORD expects of the people. GOD writes the commandments and precepts on two tablets of stone. The verses before today’s reading from Exodus relate how the Israelites want
to worship GOD, but unlike the Egyptians from whose slavery they have escaped, they do not have any image of GOD. They beseech Aaron, the brother of Moses and the temporary leader of the people (while Moses is on Mt. Sinai with GOD). Aaron allows gold jewelry to be collected and a golden
calf is produced, not as a false GOD, but as a symbol of the one and only GOD. The problem is that GOD forbids any image be made of GOD. When Moses descends part way down the mountain, he and Joshua converse about the sounds that are echoing up the mountain. When they descend, they see the
people worshiping the golden calf. Moses, in anger, throws down the tablets of stone on which GOD had written the commandments. After angrily denouncing the people’s sin and Aaron’s allowing such disregard for GOD’s commands,
Moses promises to go back up the mountain and plead for mercy from the GOD Who has been transgressed.
The psalm retells the story of golden calf and Moses’ willingness to seek from GOD the forgiveness of the people’s sin. Moses is seen as defending the relationship that GOD established with the people, almost reminding GOD of the divine promises made to bring the people into the Promise Land.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues to preach to the people using parables. Today’s parables of the mustard seed and the leaven in the bread dough speak about the phenomenon that will take place in the
growth of the Reign of GOD. What Jesus begins with a handful of followers will spread throughout the world. Jesus uses parables to reveal GOD’s mysterious plan of salvation.
My reflection on the readings moves me to realize how much GOD wants to be known by people and to what extend Jesus will go to reveal the love of GOD for people. GOD desires people to be in relationship
with the GODhead. Yet, like the Israelites of old, how easy it is for individuals and groups to miss the point of
GOD’s self-revelation.
I know there have been times in my own life when I have misunderstood GOD’s plan for my life and what
GOD wanted me to do and to know. I have tried to convince GOD that my ideas are what should be happening.
I remember a few times when I prayed to GOD expressing my desires not to be in certain locations. Once I prayed that I would not have to work in San Francisco. I informed my supervisors that I did not want to be assigned to the “City” but would be happy to be anywhere else in the Bay Area. GOD had other plans. I was assigned to work in the Outer Mission district of San Francisco, not too far from old Candlestick Park. It turned out to be a blessing for me that I would never have experienced if I were assigned anywhere else.
Another time I prayed that I would be able to live in the mountains, but I put in an addendum, anywhere in the mountains except around Lake Tahoe. As it turned out, I ended up living in South Lake Tahoe for six years and I was blessed with friends with whom I still communicate today.
At other times, I tried to “theologize” about GOD and show my “expert knowledge” about scripture. Yet, I sometimes failed to develop my relationship with the GOD Who was trying to be known through my studies. It was when I was at a time in my life when I needed to have more than an intellectual knowledge of GOD, that I truly came to “know” GOD – have a more personal relationship with GOD. I desired a personal contact with GOD, and that is when I really began to learn Who GOD Is.
It is so easy for us to make our own image of GOD, maybe not a golden image, but our mental image of GOD. GOD does not want to be memorialized by some picture or symbol, although they can be helpful. GOD wants to be involved in the personal life of individuals. Yes, Jesus spoke in parables, that were symbolic images of the Truth, but the parables were meant to lead us to the Truth – Jesus, Himself – and to His Abba-Father. As we continue our journey through life, let us seek to remember that it is Jesus Who saves us, and let us give thanks to GOD Who is Abba, Son, and Spirit. And may they never say about us what is said of the Israelites of old in today’s psalm: “They forgot the GOD Who saved them.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my “image” of GOD? Do I seek to make GOD into what I want GOD to be, or am I open to truly come to “know” GOD through the various ways that GOD reveals to me? Am I spending enough time learning from the Master-Teacher through my time of prayer and reading of GOD’s Word? Am I willing to share my thoughts with others and be open to what others share with me? Do I positively encourage others to spend time with the Word of GOD and seek to develop a deeper relationship with GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all salvation, through Your GOoDness we have been given the opportunity to develop a relationship with You. Yet, in our excitement, fear, or misunderstanding, we have developed false images of Who You are. For our missing the mark and letting ourselves not deepen our relationship with You, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Jesus, Your Son, came as the Master-Teacher Who first spoke the Truth in parables and later revealed Himself as the Truth, all with the purpose of drawing us ever closer to You. Continue to enlighten us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may grow in appreciation and love of Who You are and have a personal relationship with You. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Master- Teacher Who is living and reigning in Your Reign together with the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for
ever and ever. Amen.
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
July 29, 2025
Memorial of St. Martha, St. Mary, and St. Lazarus
(First Reading and Responsorial from Tue. of 17th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072925.cfm
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-martha-mary-and-lazarus
Readings: Exodus 33: 7-11; 34: 5b-9, 28; Psalm 103: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13; John 11: 19-27 or Luke 10: 38-42
For me, a key word that flows from the readings is “patience.” In the passage from Exodus, Moses pleads for divine patience as GOD deals with Israelites and their unfaithfulness. The Responsorial declares the attributes of GOD that show GOD’s patience and understanding. In the Gospel from John, Jesus teaches St. Martha (and Mary in verses not read) about being patience as they wonder why Jesus did not come sooner to prevent their brother Lazarus from dying. In the Gospel from St. Luke, Martha is challenged to be patient and to look at the value of being in Jesus’ presence, not just as a servant, but as a discipline learner (disciple) as Mary is doing.
Today’s First Reading first pictures Moses going into the presence of GOD in the Meeting Tent. A little anachronism is present here, because it is not until a few chapters from this that GOD tells the Israelites how to build the Meeting Tent where Moses may be in the presence of GOD. In the first omitted verses in today’s reading, Moses is then pictured as climbing the Mountain of the LORD again to ask forgiveness from GOD for the people’s sin of being impatient with Moses’ not returning quickly from Mt. Sinai and their sin of building a golden calf to represent GOD. Moses once again ascends the Mountain of GOD (Mt. Sinai) to get a new copy of the Ten Commandments, since he had shattered the first set in anger when he came down from the mountain and saw how impatient the people had become. Moses pleads with GOD for patience with a “stiff-necked” people. Although the words of his prayer start off with the word, “If I
find favor with You, O LORD. . .” Moses realizes that it is not his own deeds that cause GOD to find favor. It might be better translated as “As a divine favor to me, O LORD. . .” He reminds GOD that the LORD is known for being merciful and gracious. I would guess that GOD also spoke to Moses about Moses’ need to be patient and to not throw down the stone tablets of the law in anger.
The psalm reiterates that fact that GOD is kind, merciful, and
gracious, not dealing with us as our sins deserve but being compassionate and forgiving. How patient GOD must be with us since we sin again and again.
We have a different perspective on patience with GOD in the accounts of the saints of the day – Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Martha becomes impatient as she serves Jesus without Mary’s help and by her concern for her dead brother. The two Gospel accounts that can be read on this feast show us how Martha is challenged be more patient and to look at what it means that Jesus is present with her and she must live out that presence.
The account from Luke 10 gives us the picture of Martha being busy about hospitality and tending to the needs of Jesus and His companions. Martha becomes impatient and complains to Jesus about Mary’s not helping with the chores, but Mary’s just sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him. Mary is truly a patient disciple (disciplined learner) who sees her role in listening to the Master-Teacher. Jesus commends Mary for her desire
to be with the Master-Teacher. Jesus teaches Martha that even though hospitality and serving others is
important, it is also important to just be patient and to be present with the Master-Teacher and allow Him to share His patience as He teaches. It is then one can take in GOD’s Word and then prophetically live it out in action and words.
In the Gospel account from John 11, Martha has obviously learned to listen better to Jesus. Although she begins by expressing her impatient disappointment or anger that Jesus did not come sooner to help her brother and prevent him from dying, she is able to put her trust in Jesus. She knows that Jesus is able to work wonders because of His relationship to, and His presence with, His Abba-Father - Who is GOD. She also professes her faith and patience in the resurrection of the dead. Lastly, she boldly affirms that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of GOD.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how patient GOD is. I recall also that the
word “patient” comes from the Latin word patiens that means “suffering.”
Another translation of the word “patient” is “long-suffering.” GOD “suffers” through dealings with us mortals. Although GOD could have designed creation and creatures differently, making everyone and everything have to do exactly as GOD wanted, GOD decided to create humans with free will. The LORD desired to have the consciously aware part of creation (humans) have the ability to freely choose to be in relationship with GOD. Yet having the ability to freely choose to be in relationship also means having the ability to choose not to be relationship. GOD “suffers” (is patient) as people choose not to be in relationship.
GOD is also patient in allowing people to change their disposition in regard to being in relationship with
divine. We are given chances again and again, to turn from being “away from GOD” (a theos) toward being “toward GOD” (ad Deum). GOD desires that all creation be ad Deum (heading toward GOD), thus given everyone multiple chances to repent (metanoia), to change heart, to change one’s direction and head “toward GOD”- ad Deum rather than “away from GOD”- a theos.
Metanoia (repentance and change of heart) needs to be present always. Yes, we can make an initial commitment to GOD, but there is also a bit of re-alignment we must do, because we get sidetracked and backslide. We need to constantly renew our commitment and ask GOD for the strength to be more faithful. That is what Moses did in the First Reading today. We must model Moses’ prayer and GOD will hear our prayer, as GOD heard Moses’ prayer. Let us make our prayer: “As a divine favor to me and Your people, O
LORD, do come along in our company. We are indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as Your own.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of the patience of GOD, what thoughts and feelings do I have? How have I tried the patience of GOD? How have I experienced GOD’s extending divine patience to me? How can I model that patience in dealing with others? What aspects of my life still need to be re-aligned so that they are more ad Deum (toward GOD)?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of patience, always merciful and gracious, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to extend Your love to us, even though we have turned away from You (a theos). For the times we have chosen to not be in relationship with You, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. We thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to remind us of Your loving kindness and patience through His life, ministry, suffering (passion or patiens), death, and resurrection. He modeled and demonstrated Your patience in the way He dealt with those to whom He ministered. Continue to fill us with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, especially the harvest where there is the fruit of patience and fruit of kindness, so that we can help others come to a greater appreciation of You as the GOD of patience. As always, we lift this
prayer to You, in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Master-Teacher and Model of patience,
Who was willing to be “long suffering” especially in His passion and death, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
July 30, 2025
Wednesday of Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Peter Chrysologus or Blessed Solanus Casey)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/073025.cfm
St. Peter Chrysologus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-chrysologus/ Blessed Solanus Casey: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-solanus-casey/
Readings: Exodus 34: 29-35; Psalm 99: 5, 6, 7, 9; Matthew 13: 44–46
Being in relationship with GOD changes everything. In the passage from Exodus, Moses’ face is radiant as he leaves the presence of GOD. The psalm praises GOD’s holiness and declares that those who are in a relationship with GOD are truly blessed. In the Gospel, Jesus relates two parables that speak about the superior value of being part of the Reign of GOD.
The First Reading describes Moses as he descends the mountain of the LORD. His face has become radiant since he was in the presence of the LORD and has looked on the face of GOD. Aaron and the Israelites notice the change in Moses. Moses covers his face with a veil because of the overpowering radiance that shines forth from his face. Every time Moses
re-enters the presence of the LORD, he lifts his veil to be re-enlightened and re-charged by GOD.
The psalm proclaims the holiness and awesomeness of GOD. Those, like Moses, Aaron, and the prophet Samuel are blessed because of their ability to call upon the
LORD and worship on the holy mountain of the LORD.
Both of the parables, that Jesus shares with the crowd in today’s Gospel, stress the great value of being part of the Reign of GOD. Being in relationship with GOD as members of GOD’s Reign is truly more valuable than all else. It brings joy to those who experience it, enabling them to sell all they have to be a part of GOD’s Reign.
As I reflect on the readings two thoughts come to mind: 1) how enormously valuable it is to have a
relationship with GOD; 2) how being in touch with GOD can transform a person.
At a men’s Bible Study I attended, I recall one of the gentlemen, who gathered at 6:00 a.m., discussed how easy it is to be caught up in the world’s value. Wealth, fame, even food can become the treasures we seek above all else. We sink all of our time, energy, and money into amassing treasures. Yet, those who have the most “things” seem to be the least happy. One of the members of the Bible Study group mentioned that he had once been on a trip to Alaska. He had the opportunity to visit some native Alaskans who live in remote areas of the state, with no electricity, no stores, no steady income. They got up each day and traverse the countryside
looking for food for the day, and hopefully a little extra to store for the long winter when temperatures drop to
30°F or 40°F below zero. Yet, the traveler noticed how truly joyful these individuals were, even though they do not know if they will be blessed with finding food that day, or even the next day. What they seem to value is a relationship with the Creator GOD Who provides for them, even in the worst of times.
I realize that I have not always placed my relationship with GOD as the number one priority of my life. Oh, I
spend time praying and putting in my time with GOD, but being in relationship with the Lord Jesus and His
Abba-Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit has not always been at the top of my list.
As I reflect on how being in touch with GOD changes people, I think about individuals whom I have known
or read about. Their lives have gone through such a transformation that they are almost diametrically opposite to what they used to be. And one of the most dramatic changes is going from being worried and angry to having a sense of peace and joy. Even though they are facing trying times, they exude a certain – well, the word used concerning Moses’ face fits – radiance. They are radiant. They radiate the presence of GOD and seem to enable those around them to be more calm and reassured. It is a relaxing and comforting feeling just being around these individuals.
Being aware of being in a daily, hourly, minute-by-minute relationship with GOD empowers an individual to know that GOD is in control. That does not free them from doing what they need to do, but it frees them from worrying about anything other than seeking to be in GOD’s presence. It also enables them to energize others with enthusiasm (“in GOD”-ism), peace, and joy.
A great treasure awaits us. We just need to spend some time pursuing that treasure. We must be willing to give up everything else in order to obtain that treasure of superior value. Yet when we have it, not only will we be enriched, but so also will those around us. Let us pray that we become radiant with the presence of the Lord Jesus.
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the enlightenment and radiance of being in a relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father that was truly life-changing? What were my feelings at that time? Was it something for which I was willing to do anything in order to experience? What have I done to re-enlighten and re- charge myself so that I could be open to similar experiences of the presence of GOD? How can I radiate the experience of being in GOD’s presence to others?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all relationships. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that all people be united with You, but You give us free will and enable us to make choices that are opposed to a deep and personal relationship with You. We thank You for allowing us to freely love You, since true love is not something forced, but a decision made. For the times we have placed other people and things in a higher position than our relationship with You, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. May we respond to the invitation of Your Son, Jesus, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit so that we will expend the time and energy to make our relationship with You the number one priority of our lives. May the radiance You shine on us also shine
through us to others. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
July31, 2025
Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola
(readings from Thu. of the 17th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/073125.cfm
Saint Ignatius of Loyola: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola
Readings: Exodus 40: 16-21, 34-38; Psalm 84: 3, 4, 5-6a and 8 a, 11; Matthew 13: 47–53
The readings speak about being in GOD’s presence – both GOD’s earthly dwelling place and the eternal dwelling place. In the First Reading we hear about the construction of the Tent (Tabernacle) of the LORD – GOD’s dwelling place among those who are journeying to the Promise Land. The Psalm declares how special it is to be able to spend time in GOD’s dwelling place. In the Gospel, Jesus shares a parable about those who will be welcomed into the eternal dwelling place of GOD and those who will not be a part of those in GOD’s eternal presence.
The First Reading takes place almost a year after the Exodus. GOD has given directions for Moses to build a tent into which the ark with the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments could be placed. It was the dwelling place of GOD among the Chosen People. Moses is pictured as not only directing but actually performing much of the fine details of the construction of the Tent of GOD. [In Latin the word for “tent”
is tabernaculum from which we get the English word tabernacle – the dwelling place of GOD, where in the Roman tradition the Blessed Sacrament (the Body of Christ) is placed.] Wherever
GOD is, that place is truly holy. In today’s passage, the LORD’s
presence is manifested in the cloud that hovers over the Holy Place. When the cloud lifts, the people pack up the Dwelling Place of GOD and their own tents and move out, following the cloud as it leads them across the desert.
The Psalm echoes the specialness of GOD’s dwelling place. It is the place to be. People long to be in the presence of the LORD. One day in GOD’s presence is better than a multitude of days away from GOD.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus completes his telling of the parables with a parable that compares the Reign of GOD to the haul of fish in a net and a parable that speaks about the wise persons who bring out both the new and old at the proper time. The first parable focuses on the fact that there are both virtuous and not- so virtuous (vicious) people in the world. At the time of judgment, GOD (or the divine messengers -
angels) will separate the GOoD people from the bad. Those who
have responded to GOD’s call will be welcomed into the eternal dwelling place of GOD, the others will be cast out because they have willfully chosen not to be in GOD’s presence. The second parable is addressed to the scribes of the Reign of GOD. These are not just the Jewish scribes, but especially the scribes (teachers) of early Christianity. They are to be versed in the old (Hebrew scriptures – the law and the prophets – the Old Testament) and the new (Christian writings – the New Testament). Their specialness is seen in being able to relate the new and old.
As I reflect on the readings, I am reminded of a not so easy task I had been assigned. I had to try to discern GOD’s will concerning a friend of mine who designated me as her durable power of attorney both for financial and also medical issues. This friend had been in and out of hospitals for six months. When this individual was in ICU on life-support pumping 100% oxygen into her lungs for over a week, I had to make a decision. I knew she had lived a full life of 73 years. I also talked to her during the last six months of her life about her readiness to go into the eternal dwelling place of GOD in heaven. There had been a mixture of old and new, GOoD and bad in her life. My faith in GOD told me that GOD was willing to welcome her in the Holy Place of GOD’s presence.
I knew if she would have been able to fully recover, she would have enjoyed living more years. Yet GOD wanted to take her home, and she preferred that to living in a skilled nursing home for the rest of her days, unable to function as she had for many years, especially when she was teaching children.
The readings and what happened to this friend have given me an opportunity to reflect on journeying. Yes, I know that all of us, like the Israelites in Exodus, are on a journey to the Promise Land. I also have experienced the fact that GOD is journeying with us, as GOD did with the Hebrew people of old. I know that we are privileged to be in GOD’s dwelling place(s) here on earth, but that is not the final destination to which we are being led.
I am grateful that I am able to journey along with other people as we head to the eternal Promised Land. I also realize that like the sojourners in the desert, neither I nor others are sinless. Yet, if our basic orientation is ad Deum (“toward GOD”), then, thanks to the grace of GOD in Christ Jesus, we shall not only see the Promise
Land, but enter into it. It is then that we will be able to join with the psalmist today and say, “My soul yearns and
pines for the courts of the LORD. . .Blessed are they who dwell in Your house! Continually they praise You.”
Let us all look forward to the day when we will be together in the House of our Abba-Father Who happens to be
GOD.
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced being in GOD’s dwelling place – the place (not necessarily a building) where I was aware of GOD’s presence? Did that experience lead me to long to be in GOD’s eternal dwelling place? How can I help others yearn and pine for the earthly and heavenly courts of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of life and presence. Through Your GOoDness we are given reminders of Your desire to have us be in Your presence. Throughout our history You have revealed Your presence in different places that were made holy by Your dwelling there, at least for a time. Yet all the places that You have made holy by Your presence are but signs of the perfect and eternal dwelling place where You reign for ever. It is to that Holy of Holies that we are journeying. We thank You for giving us reminders of Your presence not only in the holy places, but also in the people with whom You allow us to travel, as we make our sojourn to the final place of Your infinite and eternal dwelling. When the time comes, give us the strength to let go of our earthly, human dwelling so we can share in the place that You have made for us to live eternally with Your Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 1, 2025
Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori
(readings from Fri. of 17th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080125.cfm
Saint Alphonsus Liguori: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsus-liguori
Readings: Leviticus 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37; Psalm 81: 3, 4, 5-6, 10-11ab; Matthew 13: 54-58
Today’s readings have a common thread of “remembering” although it leads to opposite results, depending on how one is open to the hand of GOD in the act of remembering. In the First Reading from Leviticus, the
Israelites are told to remember and celebrate the key festivals throughout the year, so that they and their descendants will never forget what GOD has done for them, through the whole Exodus and journey to the Promise Land. The psalm reiterates this idea and adds the aspect of using instruments and song to celebrate the remembering of GOD’s actions. In the Gospel, the people in and around Nazareth can only remember the younger Jesus, the One Who grew up in their town and worked in a carpenter’s shop. They have a hard time recognizing that the preacher and healer is the same Jesus, because their remembering is selective, and thus they are not open to the presence of GOD in Jesus.
The First Reading deals with the Jewish calendar and its major feasts. From the time of Moses until the time of Jesus, the first feast mentioned and celebrated each year was the most important feast – that of Passover. Following Passover (and the Feast of Unleavened Bread) was Pentecost (“Fifty Days”) which celebrated the spring harvest and the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai. In the fall came the Day of Atonement and the feast of Booths (commemorating their sinfulness and also their traveling in the desert in tents [booths]. Most of the feasts spring from the “remembering” (zikaron) of the experiences dealing with the Exodus.
The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for taking care of the Israelites
and allowing them to celebrate their freedom from slavery. GOD decrees that they should not forget from where they came and thus should always give thanks to GOD for all that GOD has done for them. Using songs and music adds to the joyfulness of their remembering and celebrating.
In the Gospel, Jesus has a problem with people remembering Him as the son of the carpenter and the young man Who grew up in the vicinity of Nazareth and whose relatives were well known. For those who knew
Jesus during His private life before He began His public ministry, Jesus’s wisdom and doing of wonders was hard for them to fathom.
Remembering can be both productive and also destructive. If we remember the GOoD that has happened because of GOD’s working in our lives, it can lead us to a sense of appreciation and thanksgiving. If we only remember what seems ordinary and fail to see the hand of GOD in our daily activities, we will not be able to accept even the great signs of GOD’s blessings when they come. Our remembering only what once was, puts blinders on us and we see only from the narrow perspective of our limited view of the past and we thus fail to see how GOD is acting right now and will be acting in the future.
The correct sort of remembering involves our attitude and our openness to GOD. It consists in being able to
recognize that GOD is at work in our lives.
As I look back at my own life, I can see times when GOD was touching my life in ways that has led to my drawing closer to the Lord Jesus. This sort of remembering involves a sense of the divine. It is a means of holiness coming to me. It is a blessing from GOD. This is the type of remembering that GOD tells the Israelites to do as they celebrate the major feasts throughout the year.
Remembering with a closed mind prevents me from experiencing GOD’s continued action in my life. If all I can recall is the ordinary, mundane events of life, then I will not be aware of GOD’s presence – neither in what has happened in the past, what is happening now, nor what will happen in the future. This is the type of remembering that was done by the people of Nazareth. They could not grasp that GOD was in their midst in the person of Jesus. This blocked Jesus’ bringing them the GOoD News in word and in action.
What I feel called to do is to be in awe as I reflect on how GOD has touched my life, repeatedly, throughout my lifetime. I need to celebrate the events of my life when GOD was reaching out and touching my life. It means that I must be open to the fact that GOD has been with me, even in (or maybe especially at) the most trying moments of my life. That requires the gift of having the eyes of faith – the ability to see beyond the ordinary and merely human to the supernatural and divine. If I can do that, then I will be able to repeatedly and frequently do what today’s psalm urges me to do, even if I have no musical talents: “Take up a melody, and sound the timbrel, the pleasant harp and the lyre. . .Sing with joy to GOD our Help.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I take time to remember – to recall how GOD has touched my life or do I only remember the ordinary, mundane experiences without seeing GOD’s action in them? What was one of the most awesome experiences I had of GOD touching my life? How has remembering that event helped me be more open to GOD’s present movement? How do I celebrate GOD’s action in my life? Is there anything I can do to help others see and remember GOD’s touching of their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all history. Through Your GOoDness You have touched the lives of people. You call upon them to be open to Your movement in their lives and remember those times when You have manifested Your presence in so many ways. You continue to touch the lives of individuals today. Yet, we so often fail to see Your hand at work in our daily routine. For the times we have failed to be aware of Your actions in our lives, we seek Your forgiveness and healing. Continue to pour the gifts of Your Holy Spirit into our lives so we can remember, celebrate, and believe in Your presence in our lives. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Who walked on earth and continues to make our lives holy, our Brother and Savior, Who made You present in His teaching, ministry, death and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
August 2, 2025
Saturday of Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Eusebius of Vercelli or St. Peter Julian Eymard)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080225.cfm
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-eusebius-of-vercelli
Readings: Leviticus 25: 1, 8-17; Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 7-8; Matthew 14: 1-12
The First Reading portrays GOD speaking through Moses to announce the jubilee year. In the verses omitted in today’s passage (Lev. 25: 2-7), the LORD describes the seventh year known as a sabbatical year – a year when the fields are not sown nor reaped in the usual way. All the left overgrowth on the trees and plants are to be eaten, free of charge by anyone who wants the food. The seventh year was to be a year of rest and renewal for the land and a time of grace
for the poor. The twenty-fifth chapter of Leviticus continues with today’s reading describing the jubilee year. Jubilee comes from the Hebrew word, yobel, meaning “ram’s horn,” since the horn was blown throughout the jubilee year. The jubilee year actually occurred every
49 years, since counting the last jubilee and the next jubilee would be
50 (a week [7] of seven years = 49). During the jubilee year, all property rights returned to the original owner. Anyone who had purchased land in the years between the jubilees, in reality, rented the land in proportion to the number of years left before the next jubilee.
The Responsorial Psalm praises GOD for taking care of all the world and giving yield to the fruit of the land. This reminds the people that all life and growth come from GOD.
The Gospel begins by Herod wondering about Jesus. He wrongly believes that Jesus is
John the Baptist raised from the dead. The rest of the Gospel passage explains how Herod imprisoned and later beheaded John
the Baptist. This passage may have been included in Matthew’s Gospel to show the greater importance of Jesus over John the Baptist, especially to those who had been followers of the Baptist.
What strikes me in today’s readings is the concept of trusting GOD and realizing that GOD is the true force behind all of life. Part of the concept of Sabbath, sabbatical year, and jubilee year is the understanding that everything belongs to GOD and GOD wants us to take time to rest and rely on GOD and GOD’s power to provide for all people. It also speaks to me about the importance of allowing creation to be renewed. By not sowing and reaping the regular harvest in one year out of seven, the land is able to be rejuvenated. The idea of returning all land to its original owners every forty-nine years should also help the people realize that what they “possess” is not really theirs, but it belongs ultimately to GOD.
As I reflect on these ideas, I realize how true it is that everything is ultimately GOD’s. Being human, we worry so much about our possessions. We work hard to amass things. We think we have to do everything. The readings today challenge me to trust GOD more. Yes, I have to work 85.7% (6/7) of my waking hours, but I must rest the other 14.3% (1/7) of the time. [I am not really advocating being so rigid about the percentage of time, but I am challenging myself to take the 14.3% of the time to rest, be re-created, and trust that GOD will take care of things. By the way that means that just over two hours of my non-sleeping day should be devoted to re- creating and refreshing myself through
entertainment, reading, prayer, and relaxation.]
As many of you might know or figure out, I tend to work maybe a little (maybe a lot) too much. There are also others who might not work enough. The most important thing is that I must trust GOD and not overextend myself. I need to be sure that I take time to allow GOD to refresh me. For me, it is not that I don’t trust GOD, but, for some reason, I think I have to keep busy and work. The message from GOD that I am hearing today is: “Bob, take it easy. Learn to relax. Be still. I will make sure that everything that really needs to be done, will be done, and not necessarily by you.”
My response is, “But, GOD, I promised I would do this, that, and the other thing.” Instead of focusing so much on my overdone promises I have made to others, I am being challenged to think about the promise I need to make to the Lord Jesus – the promise to trust GOD above all else and to spend time just being in GOD’s presence.
Part of my reflections on taking time with GOD was precipitated in former years by the end of summer school and the anniversary of the death of the friend for whom I had been caring. What is most important is having a relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, that my friend has had while on earth and now has
forever. Over the course of her going in and out of the hospitals for the last six months of her life, she said that
she was ready to be with the Lord Jesus forever, if that were GOD’s will. Yet, she also said that if GOD gave her more time on earth, there were still a lot of things she would like to do. She was an educator by profession and touched the lives of thousands of students. One of her students ended up being one of her doctors during the last few months of her life. She also shared many a lesson with me, including the need to be patient, to take time with GOD, and to be open to the Lord Jesus’ calling at the end of her life.
I should realize that GOD makes GOoD on the divine promises to take care of us, not just in the heavenly reign, but here and now, if we are willing to do our share and trust in the Lord Jesus. I realize how GOD has touched my life through so many other people, especially those whom I have been privileged to serve. My response should be that of the psalmist today: “The earth has yields its fruits; GOD, our GOD, has blessed us.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I take sabbatical time – time to rest in the LORD? How do I allow the Lord Jesus to renew me so that I am better able to do what GOD is asking me to do? What can I do to trust GOD more and realize that GOD is in charge and will see to it (i.e., GOD is providential) that what needs to be done will be done? How can I help others trust in GOD more?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all creation, our GOD and Abba-Father. Through Your GOoDness You promise to take care of us and bless us. You ask us to take time to allow You to work in our lives and not act as if everything depends on what we ourselves do. For the times we have failed to trust You and rest in You, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. If we are the overactive types, remind us to be still and know that You are GOD, our GOD. If we are the passive types who expect everyone, including You, to take care of us, motivate us to do what You expect of us. Let us remember as we take a vacation or weekends off that at least part of the
time we must spend properly giving You thanks and praise. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, and
our Brother, the Master-Teacher Who spent time with You to be renewed in His ministry, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
August 3, 2025
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080325.cfm
Saint Peter Julian Eymard: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-julian-eymard
Readings: Ecclesiastes 1: 2; 2:21-23; Psalm 90: 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17;
Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11; Luke 12: 13-21
It’s time to take stock of ourselves. We are challenged today to see what our priorities are. In the First Reading the author remarks that life sometimes seems meaningless as people focus on their possessions and seek to get more. The psalmist prays that GOD will “teach us to number our days aright.” In the Second Reading, St. Paul addresses the Colossians (and us) and advises that all believers “put to death the parts of you that are earthly.” In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks about the futility of stockpiling things that will not be going with us as we transition from this earthly existence to eternity.
Qoheleth (a name which means “preacher”), the author of the First Reading, speaks about the frustrations that many people experience in life. They spend all their times accumulating wealth and possessions, just to leave them behind to others when they die. If all there is to life is material things and amassing fortune that
will not travel along with us when we leave this mortal existence, then life is truly meaningless. People end up worrying themselves to death about what they have or what they don’t have.
The psalm today reflects a similar theme. Humans get so wrapped up in their short-life existence on earth. Yet in GOD’s perspective, our lifetime is but a small, minuscule moment in eternity. We are challenged to pray to GOD so that the LORD will help us focus our attention on what is important (relationship to
GOD and doing GOD’s will – i.e., what is right) rather than wasting our time and energy on what does not matter in the eternal picture.
In his letter to the people of Colossae, St. Paul also demands his readers to seek what is above, not what is merely earthly. Through faith, believers have died to the mundane and risen with the Lord Jesus to the celestial arena. The earthly ways focus on the self – self-pleasure, self-rewards, self-worship, whereas the spiritual ways focus on service of GOD and others. We are to imitate the image that Jesus has presented to us during His earthly life.
In the Gospel, someone, who is unhappy with the way his sibling is handling their inheritance, asks Jesus to get involved in the situation. Jesus uses the occasion to remind His audience that the focus is in the wrong place. If people are merely interested in amassing wealth and possession, they will lose that what they treasure most when they are faced with death. Yet if one places value on developing a richer relationship with GOD, then death is a transition to fulfillment of one’s searching, and one will be rewarded far beyond one’s expectations.
I guess it is because where I am in life (in my seventies) that I have reflected quite a bit lately on the meaning of life. Having lost one of my closest friends and former classmates within the last decade or so, and my
parents, plus other people who were younger than myself, I have spent some time reflecting on what is the focus of my life. Over the last couple of years, I have had to look at the possessions that my parents left me and my own amassed items. I realize that I have not, like some people, been totally caught with seeking a lot of money and possessions, but I also have not always fully focused on my eternal inheritance. There have been times when my focus was on items that do not hold any eternal value.
It is so easy to allow the ways of the world to influence our daily activities. We are bombarded with messages
extolling the piling up of things and the search for personal satisfaction (whether that be intellectual, monetary, physical, sexual, or psychological). The underlying theme of the world is, as Jesus quotes the rich man in the Gospel, “eat, drink, and be merry” without thinking about death and to what death leads.
The words of St. Paul today need to be heeded: “Put to death the parts of you that are earthly.” He then lists some particular examples of earthly lifestyles: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desires, and greed. What is interesting is that he calls these idolatries, that is worshiping of false gods. To me he is saying: if our values center on selfish desires and pleasures, then we are making ourselves gods. There is only One Who is GOD. If our relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father are not our number one priority and value, then we are idolaters – we are worshiping false gods, and our eternal inheritance will be nothing.
At an early morning Bible study, we discussed putting Christ in the center
of our life. All other things and concerns must be farther from the center. Thanks to a friend and co-worker in Youth Ministry some 40 years ago, I am reminded of a wheel. The center of the wheel is the hub. Around it turns the other parts of the wheel. If the wheel is balanced and has all parts circling around the hub, the wheel turns very efficiently. If we move the center away from the hub, the wheel will be out of balance, it will lose its efficiency, and it can cause a very rough ride. The more the center shifts away from where it should be, the more bumpy the ride is.
We must, as St. Paul chides, put on the new self, that is being renewed in the image of its creator. We are not to make GOD into our image, but we are to remember that we are to be images of GOD. We are to reflect the love, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy of GOD to others in order to draw them
into a closer relationship with GOD. We must center on GOD, Who is the hub around which/Whom all life should turn. If we can do that, then we be able to enjoy the treasures of our heavenly inheritance and our ride will be smoother as we move toward that final destination. So let us pray with the psalmist today and say to GOD, “teach us to number our days aright that we may gain wisdom of heart.”
The personal question/action for today: What priorities and values control my life? What aspect of my old self must I again take off and replace with the new self that is renewed in the image of its Creator? What/Who is the center of my life? Do I need to get re-aligned and balanced by moving Christ into the center? Can people experience a smoother, more balanced ride with GOD by the way I treat them with my Christ-centered attitudes?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, almighty and majestic, Creator of all things, true inheritance of those who worship You. Through Your GOoDness, You have made us in Your image and after Your likeness. You have blessed us with all created existence. Yet, we have often focused on Your creatures, especially ourselves, rather than on You, the Creator of all. We have lost the balance in our life by moving the center away from the Lord Jesus. For our misguided direction and attention and lack of true focus, we seek Your forgiveness and pardon. Help us to follow the prompting of Your Son, Jesus, Who came as the perfect human image of Your love and compassion. Continue to send Your Holy Spirit upon us so that we can number our days aright and gain wisdom of heart as we shout for joy and gladness at having You and Your Son as the hub of our existence. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 4, 2025
Memorial of John Mary Vianney
(readings from Mon. of the 18nth Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080425.cfm
Saint John Vianney: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-vianney
Readings: Numbers 11: 4b-15; Psalm 81: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17; Matthew 14: 13-21
Although today’s readings are from different sources, they are similar to readings we have read and heard over the last few weeks. The First Reading gives another account of the Israelites complaining against GOD because of their hunger in the desert. The Responsorial Psalm urges the Chosen People to turn to GOD and GOD will give them whatever they need. In the Gospel, Jesus ministers to the crowd by preaching and having compassion on them. This leads to Matthew’s account of the multiplication of the loaves and fish.
Although this account from Numbers differs from the account in Exodus, the people are still complaining about their lack of food. They long for the food they ate while they were slaves in Egypt. They have not fully learned that GOD not only provides manna, but also will meet all their needs if they humbly come before the LORD and seek GOD’s care.
The Responsorial Psalm presents GOD’s response to the Israelites complaints. If they would come before the LORD with contrite hearts,
GOD would rid them from the attacks
of their enemies and give them rich food, the best wheat, and sweet honey.
In the Gospel, Jesus ministers to the crowds in a deserted area. After spending a lengthy time teaching, He sees that they need to be fed. With compassion, He multiplies the few loaves and a couple of fish to feed the crowd of more than 5000. And there is a lot of leftovers.
The readings cause me to reflect on what our response should be to the compassion of GOD.
GOD is always ready to care for us in ways far beyond our expectation, but so often we are like the Israelites of old. We complain and want things our way. The Gospel shows that if we listen to the Master/Teacher and learn from Him,
He will feed us with the best of wheat, and we will have our fill and still there will be some left.
As I reflect on the readings, I am moved by GOD’s loving care for us and by our (at least my) failure to appreciate how active GOD is in our daily experiences. So often we want GOD to manifest the divine presence
according to our understanding and desires. We want GOD to deliver what we want, not necessarily what we truly need or what is best for us. Complaining is as common to the “faithful” people today as it was to the Israelites in the desert. “Why, O GOD, did you let such and such happen, like the pandemic of the past few years or political strife, or the war in Ukraine, or climate change?” “Why, O Lord Jesus, don’t you do what I ask?”
“If You, O GOD, are really listening, then do such and such!”
Yet, if we trust that the Lord Jesus will care for us with the compassion, as He manifested throughout His earthly existence, and that His Abba-Father manifested to the people of the Hebrew scriptures, we will know that GOD will provide not only what we need but even more. GOD will multiple what we think is so little and give
us abundantly so that there will be a lot left over.
GOD also often asks us to take what we have and contribute at least the surplus to the common GOoD. We think we have so little, but if we are willing to give what we have, GOD will multiple it.
GOD is with us. GOD provides for us. The love of GOD is manifested to us, if we but open our eyes and ears and hearts and hands, and then GOD will fill our open and empty mouths and hands with more than we can handle. GOD is saying to us today as much as GOD did in the psalm, “If only My people would hear me and. . . walk in my ways. . .I would feed them with the best of wheat.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my reaction when things do not turn out the way I expect? Are my prayers more of complaints to GOD or submission to GOD’s plan? In what ways may the Lord Jesus be asking me to trust that GOD will provide for me? How can I reassure others of the Lord Jesus’ presence with them as they experience hunger of all sorts? What can I do to share what I have with others so that all will know the abundant GOoDness of our GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all kindness. Through Your GOoDness, we not only have our needs met, but receive even more in abundance. Yet, we have not always appreciated what You have provided for us and have complained about our present circumstances. For our lack of trust and gratitude we seek Your forgiveness.
May we be willing to go away into a deserted place where we can sit at the feet of the Master-Teacher and be ministered to by Him, both by His Word and the gifts that He supplies. Through the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit, may we be willing to share what You and Your Son give us, so that all may experience Your compassion and love. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Master-Teacher Who takes care of all of our needs, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 5, 2023
Tue. of the 18th Week in Ord. Time
(Opt. Mem. of the Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080525.cfm
Dedication of Saint Mary Major, Basilica: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/dedication-of-saint-mary-major-basilica/
Readings: Numbers 12: 1-13; Psalm 51: 3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7; 12-13; Matthew 14: 22-36 or Matthew 15: 1-2, 10-14
The readings today seem to portray a tension between the Chosen One of GOD and others who think they are as GOoD as GOD’s Chosen One. In the First Reading Miriam (and to a lesser extent Aaron) complain against GOD’s giving authority only to Moses. The psalm is a penitential prayer asking GOD to forgive the sins of those who have turned away from GOD. In the Gospel Jesus walks on water and bold Peter asks to be able to do the same, but wavers in his faith and sinks into the stormy sea.
Miriam seems to be jealous of her younger brother’s position of power. She wonders why she has not been given the same authority and honor. She convinces Aaron to join in her disapproval of Moses’ privileged status. She uses the fact that Moses married Zipporah, a non-Israelite, as an excuse why Moses should not be so blessed. GOD shows divine ire with Miriam for questioning the position that GOD has given to the humble and meek Moses. Because of this sin, Miriam is subjected to “white leprosy” – a temporary disease that causes the skin to be blanched. It is not true leprosy, but, as in other places in the Bible, leprosy can mean any skin malady.
The Responsorial is a prayer asking for GOD’s forgiveness. It
recalls the fact that GOD knows our very being and our sinfulness. It is a call to rely on the compassion and pardon of GOD.
The Gospel takes place after Jesus feeds the crowds in the multiplication of loaves. Jesus sends His disciples across the Sea of Galilee while He spends
time alone with His Abba-Father in prayer. As the disciples make their way across the Sea, a storm blows in, causing them to be thrown about in their boat. Later (somewhere between 3 am and 6 am – the fourth watch of the night), Jesus comes walking on the water toward the disciples. At first the disciples believe they are seeing things. Even after Jesus reassures them that it is He, Peter wants proof. He wants to be able to walk on water just like his
Master. Jesus beckons him forth with the simple word, “Come.” At first Peter does okay. But as he begins to sense the storm about him and realizes that he is walking on the water, he begins to doubt, and thus sinks into the water. Jesus lifts him up and accompanies him to the boat at which time Jesus then calms the tempest.
I can identify with both Miriam and Peter. I sometimes wonder why other people seem to have all the fun and get all the breaks. I ponder why they are so special. The ugly green monster, jealousy, raises its head. I guess it is part of human nature to want what others have, even though GOD has blessed them in ways that I am not blessed. I forget about the blessings that I have received from GOD. Like Peter, I sometimes want proof that GOD is Who GOD says GOD is. I want to have the privileges and skills of the Master.
The readings are challenging for me. They make me realize that GOD has free reign to bestow favors on certain individuals. My response should not be that of jealousy, which is sinful, but rather one of gratitude that GOD has graced certain individuals with certain abilities. If those gifts are used for the betterment of the whole community of faith and to give glory to GOD, then I should do just that – give glory to GOD.
I am called to deepen my faith by realizing that the Lord Jesus will support me with what I need in order to face the storms that toss my life here and there. I need to be trusting of GOD and believe that GOD knows what is best, not only for me, but also for all concerned. The reason Moses is chosen is that he is humble and GOD
has given him gifts – and responsibilities – that others might not be able to handle. Jesus, as the Son of GOD, was empowered with all the authority of His Abba-Father. He, in turn, shows that He can share His divine authority and power with those whom He chooses.
Our response to how GOD dispenses the divine favors is to join the psalmist today, particular in the words:
“A clean heart create for me, O GOD, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not off from Your presence, and Your Holy Spirit take not from me.”
The personal question/action for today: What has been my attitude when others receive the adulation, gifts, and abilities that I think I should have? How do I handle my feelings of jealousy? Do I praise GOD for the skills, talents, and positions of authority that GOD has given to others? In what aspects of my life can I pray that the Lord Jesus create a clean heart? How can I live more fully as a disciple of the Lord Jesus in my dealings with those I encounter today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all gifts. Through Your GOoDness You bestow divine favors on those whom You choose, primarily for the edifying and building up of the people You call to be Your own. We have sometimes envied those who have gifts we would like to have. We sometimes wish them harm or at least become upset that we do not have those gifts. For our sinful jealousy, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. May we look to the Master-Teacher to bless us with the gifts that He knows we can handle and use for the GOoD of
Your faithful ones. Through the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit, empower us to wisely minister to others with the abilities and talents You give us. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Master-Teacher Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 6, 2025
The Feast of the Transfiguration
(Replacing Wed. of the 18th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080625.cfm
The Transfiguration of the Lord: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/transfiguration-of-the-lord
Readings: Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1: 16-19; Luke 9: 28b-36
Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus. The First Reading describes the “Son of Man” coming in glory and light to the throne of the Ancient One (the LORD GOD). The psalm speaks of the LORD as the Ruler Who comes in glory and power. In the Second Reading from the Second Letter of St. Peter, the author recalls the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus on GOD’s holy mountain. It was an event that touched his life. The Gospel is Luke’s account of the Transfiguration.
In the book of Daniel, the “Son of Man” was seen as a pre-figure of the Messiah. In this passage, the “Son of Man” comes gloriously into the presence of the Ancient One (GOD [the Abba-Father]). The Son of Man is given glory and honor and power by the Ancient One. The Son of Man is to issue in a new time of dedication and glory for those who follow the LORD.
The psalm today is a hymn of praise to the LORD GOD for being the
majestic Ruler of all, the Leader of a time of glory for all GOD’s people. All of creation (earthly and heavenly) come in homage before the LORD.
The Second Reading is a passage
from the Second Letter of Peter, in which the author speaks of the glory that was revealed to Jesus’ three specially chosen disciples (Peter, James, and John). This experience of majesty enabled the disciples to proclaim the GOoD News of Jesus and to look forward to His glorious Second Coming.
In the Gospel, Luke relates the account of the Transfiguration. It takes place on a mountain similar to the revelation of GOD to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Moses and Elijah symbolize the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets from of old. They are a sign of the continuation of what has been
to the time of Jesus and the future glory at the end of time. The whole event enables the three disciples to be able to start to put things in perspective, but it is only after the death and resurrection of Jesus that they really begin to understand.
When I studied in the Holy Land, my favorite time and place of all was the two days I spent on Mt. Tabor, a mountain in the north of Holy Land. This mountain is traditionally accepted as the Mountain of the Transfiguration. From my busy schedule as a student, this was the longest break. It was a time of retreat and reflection. After riding up the twisty, switch-back road to the top of this mount, I was able to pray and be at peace. It was one of the only really quiet places in all of Israel. There was no traffic, no panhandlers nor beggars, no speakers blaring out their songs or prayers.
The church on the top is beautifully constructed to take advantage of the sun rising each morning. It is truly a place of glory.
http://www.vaspress.com/bibliya-bible/iisus-i-nazaret.html
I was able to reflect on the Transfiguration while on Mt. Tabor and many times since. It is interesting that three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) all place the Transfiguration between Peter’s profession of faith and one of Jesus’ predications of His death. It seems that after Peter professed his belief in Jesus, Jesus reveals the fullness of what it means for Him to be the Messiah, the Christ. Jesus has come to reveal the glory of His Abba-Father through His suffering, death, and resurrection.
To me what is striking are the parallels between the account of the Transfiguration and some people’s near-
death experiences. It is almost as if Jesus is experiencing what will take place after His death and resurrection. He has an “out of body” experience. The presence of bright light leads to meeting with two of those who had preceded Him in the eternal life journey process. The presence of Moses and Elijah are a confirmation for Jesus and His disciples that He is proceeding along the faith paths of the previous individuals and leaders of faith.
After Jesus’ Transfiguration, He – like most people who have had a near-death experience – is even more aware of His mission in life. He is even more dedicated to do what His Abba-Father (Who happens to be GOD) wants Him to do – to help people journey to the House of the Abba. Jesus realizes that His ministry will include suffering and death. He may not be crazy about dying, but Jesus has no fear of what lies beyond because He has experienced, in His human nature, the Transfiguration that will await Him after His own death and resurrection. The Transfiguration is also a reminder to me that if I strive to fulfill the mission that I have received from
GOD, that I will share in the glory of Jesus’ Transfiguration. By being more dedicated to my calling to serve
those around me, I can share in the majesty of Son of Man in the presence of the Ancient One. The feast of the Transfiguration should be a time of renewal and rededication for all of us. We are given a foretaste of the magnificence that awaits us as we journey to the home of our Abba, Who happens to be GOD.
The personal question/action for today: When I think about the Transfiguration, what thoughts, feelings, or questions come to me? What do I see as the meaning of the Transfiguration for Jesus, for the three apostles, and for me? How can I spend more time in the presence of the glorified Lord Jesus so that I can be renewed to continue the mission that GOD has given me? What difference can the Transfiguration be for me as I meet people today, this coming week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD ever empowering and always revealing Your glory. Through Your GOoDness, You shared with Your Son and His disciples a glimpse of what awaits them at the end of the earthly journey of faith. You show Your approval and blessings upon Your Son as He continues to fulfill Your plan for the salvation of the world. As we celebrate the Transfiguration of Your Son, may we be as enthusiastic as St. Peter. May we re-dedicate ourselves to the particular ministry You have for us. May we be source of strength and joy to others as they travel along their paths, heading to Your heavenly abode. We give You, the Ancient One, all the glory and praise and honor that is due You and Your Son, together with the Holy Spirit; for You are the Ruler of Glory, the Majesty of Light, the Most High over all. You, together with Your Son and the Holy Spirit are our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddd
August 7, 2025
Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Cajetan or St. Sixtus II)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080725.cfm
Saint Cajetan: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cajetan
Saint Sixtus II: https://www.newmanministry.com/saints/pope-saint-sixtus-ii#:~:text=Sixtus%20II%20was%
20the%20Pope,to%20stop%20Christianity%20from%20spreading
Readings: Numbers 20: 1-13; Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 16: 13-23
Our readings describe how people respond to Who GOD is. The First Readings describes the contentious Israelites responding to the GOD Who liberated them. They are faced with having no water, and so they voice their complaints against GOD and Moses and Aaron. The Responsorial urges the followers of GOD to listen to GOD when the divine Word is announced and not to turn against GOD as the Israelites did in Meribah. In the Gospel Jesus asks His disciples what people were saying about Him and then He asks them a very important question that has both personal and communal ramifications.
Once more the Chosen and Freed People of GOD complain against the LORD Who had chosen them and set them free. This takes place most likely in the third year of the journeying in the desert, although some biblical scholars place it in the fortieth year. They are at Kadesh in the desert of Zin where there are only a few oases. They are at a place where no water can be found. They remember how they had plenty of water to drink as they lived by the Nile River. Kadesh means “sacred” or “sanctified.” They cannot sense anything sacred about the waterless place in which they find themselves. They murmur against Aaron, Moses, and GOD. Moses and Aaron go to the Meeting Tent to speak to GOD. GOD promises them water that will flow from the rock if they strike it with the rod. Apparently, Moses’ striking of the rock twice means he is not
sure that GOD was going to let the water flow if he only strikes the rock once. GOD is upset not only with the grumbling people, but also with Moses and Aaron for their lack of trust and their striking the rock more than once. The place is called Meribah which means “contention.”
The Responsorial Psalm builds upon the account in the First Reading. The psalmist urges
the people of GOD to listen to GOD and respond with trust, not with contention as their ancestors had at Meribah (“contention”) and Massah (“testing” of GOD). The true response of GOD’s people should be praise and worship of the GOD Who is the Rock of their salvation. For from the Rock, Who is GOD, flows not just water (saving liquid in the dry desert), but also source of rest and refreshment.
The Gospel takes place in Caesarea Philippi, a place not far from the Jordan River
in the northern portion of Galilee. Jesus questions the disciples about what they have heard people saying about Him. They respond that some people believe that Jesus is
John the Baptist raised from the dead, or Elijah the prophet who was to return before the time of the Messiah, or Jeremiah, another great prophet. Jesus then addresses the all-important question to His disciples,
“Who do you say that I am?” Simon, soon to be renamed Peter, speaks up. Whether this is because he was already taken to be the leader, or because his profession led to his becoming leader is not the key point. They key point is his profession of faith and the source of his “knowledge.” He proclaims that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the Living GOD.” This statement is a much stronger statement than in the parallel account in Mark’s Gospel because it adds the phrase, “Son of the Living GOD.” According to Peter’s words, Jesus is not just the Chosen “Anointed” One (“Messiah” or “Christ”) of GOD, but also, He is GOD’s own Son and therefore one with GOD. Jesus declares the source of Peter’s declaration was not of human origin (of flesh and blood) but of divine origin. Peter had been gifted by GOD with the insight of faith.
Two other sections follow Peter’s profession: Jesus’ renaming and giving authority
to Peter and Jesus’s first prediction of His own suffering and death. Jesus renames the fisherman from Capernaum. Originally named Simon bar Jonah (Simon, son of Jonah or John), Jesus now calls him Kepa, the Aramaic word for “rock.”
Kepa is transliterated into Greek as Kephas or Cephas. Since the Greek word for “rock” is petra, the Greek name for the son of Jonah is transliterated and changed from the feminine word petra to the masculine form Petros or Peter.
Jesus alludes to today’s Responsorial Psalm in which GOD is called the Rock of Salvation and to other passages
referring to GOD as the Rock (Psalm 18, 19, 28, 31, 42, 62, 71, 89, 92, 94, 144; and Isaiah 48: 21). Jesus is also called the Rock or Cornerstone (1 Corinthians 10:4; Mark 12:10; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7). For Middle Eastern people, the rock was important in an environment of blowing desert sand. A rock was something firm, solid, unchanging,
and immovable. It was the structure on which buildings could be built. Paul describes Jesus as the cornerstone on which the foundation of the apostles is attached. From the foundation stones, the rest of the edifice known as the Church (ekklesia) will be built.
Jesus gives the Rock (or “Rocky”), formerly known as Simon bar Jonah, the authority to open and close the gates/doors to the Reign of GOD. He is empowered to welcome new members and to restrict participation in the building of the Church.
Right after Jesus affirms that He Himself is truly the Anointed One, the Christ, the Messiah, He describes what Messiahship is all about. It includes His suffering and His dying. For “Rocky,” this is too much to handle. He envisions the Messiah as a powerful figure Who will perform some mighty action to free the People of GOD from the Roman rule.
“Rocky”-Peter does not like Jesus talking about His suffering and death. He challenges Jesus. In a sense Peter says, “Jesus, You will not win people over to Your side if You talk about suffering. You need to give the view of power and authority.”
Jesus interprets Peter’s disclaimer as a temptation by Satan to take the easy way out (by being a worldly power rather the more difficult way of suffering and death). He tells Peter to get out of His way and stop putting stumbling blocks and temptations on His way to the cross.
The readings remind me how often I (and probably others) try to form my/our own image of GOD. We want GOD to fit into our understanding of Who we want GOD to be. At times we may be right on target in our understanding. We can
make bold proclamations of our faith in GOD. Yet at other times, we misunderstand Who GOD is and how GOD acts. We want the Lord Jesus to be the source of our strength, the mighty Redeemer. We want everything to be positive and upbeat. We become disillusioned when we face the dry and barren times in our lives. We wonder where the river of happiness is and why we don’t have the refreshment we need. We can accept the message of resurrection and new life, but we find the
concept of suffering and death a hard thing to swallow while our throats are parched from the dryness in the desert of our lives. Instead of murmuring and having contention (Meribah) or starting to test (Massah) GOD, we should follow the advice of the psalmist today: “Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. Let us come into GOD’s presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I react when I experience dry and barren days in my journey of faith? Am I contentious and testy of GOD? Am I able to proclaim GOD as the Rock of my salvation and Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living GOD? When I proclaim the GOoD News, do I focus more on the joy of resurrection or the pain and the suffering of the cross? Have I been a stumbling block to the authentic proclamation of the Gospel? How can I be a better building block in the edifice of GOD? What can I do to help others accept the full Gospel of suffering and resurrection?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all life. Through Your GOoDness we have been given a glimpse of Your glory throughout salvation history and particularly in the sending of Your Son to be the Messiah, the Christ. For the times we have tried to form You into our image instead of letting us be formed into the image of Your Son, we seek Your pardon and peace. Continue to fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so we can boldly and accurately proclaim that You are our Rock of salvation, and that Your Son, Jesus, is the cornerstone on which Peter (“Rocky”) and the other apostles are laid as the
foundation of Your Church. May we be faithful building blocks in the edifice that continues to be built for Your glory and honor. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
August 8, 2025
Memorial of St. Dominic
(Readings from Fri. of the 18th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080825.cfm
Saint Dominic: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-dominic
Readings: Deuteronomy 4: 32-40; Psalm 77: 12-13, 14-15, 16 and 21; Matthew 16: 24-28
The glory of the LORD can be seen in what GOD has done and allowed to be done in the holy name of the LORD. In the First Reading, Moses addresses the Israelites and asks if there has ever been reports similar to those describing what the LORD GOD has done for the Chosen People. The psalm is a prayer of zikaron – remembrance – of all the glorious and magnanimous actions performed by GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus informs
His disciples that the way to experience the glory of GOD is through self-denial, carrying one’s cross, and
following Him, the Master-Teacher, our Lord Jesus the Christ.
In the passage from Deuteronomy, Moses asks the Chosen People if they have ever known of wondrous deeds done, that have been related by any other people, similar to those performed by the LORD GOD for the Israelites. In asking this question, Moses was seeking to evoke a response that GOD is truly awesome and should be obeyed, worshiped, and loved.
The Responsorial reminds us that if we pause and reflect on the deeds of the LORD, our response can be nothing less than thanks and praise that should be given to GOD. It is
GOD who set the Israelites free by directing Moses and Aaron to care for them. Moses and Aaron were only reflections of the glory of GOD.
Following the announcement that what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah is to suffer, die, and rise again, Jesus today instructs His disciples that if they would really be that – His disciples – then they will have to do three
things: 1) deny their very selves; 2) take up their crosses; and 3) follow Him. If they do this, they will see the Son of Man (Jesus Himself) come in glory both at the time of His resurrection and at the end of time. Not only will
they see Jesus’ glory, but also, they will actually become participants in His glorious Reign.
The readings, especially the Gospel, lead me to realize how important it is share in the glory of the Lord Jesus. Yet sharing in the glory also includes being willing to suffer. The three conditions for a disciple are as valid for
us today as it was at the time Jesus walked on the earth.
Denying oneself [ἀπαρνέομαι (aparneomai)] means a total disowning of one’s very being. It means that one belongs to another (disciple), in this case, to Jesus. It implies that one’s first thought should always be how any action will further the cause of the Lord Jesus. It is a
total dedication to being one of the Lord Jesus’ disciplined followers.
Taking up one’s cross is much more than wearing a golden chain with a golden cross around one’s neck. In ancient times, the cross was a means of execution. The pain involved in crucifixion was unbearable, or quite literally excruciating (ex – from; crucis – the cross). Thus, carrying one’s cross means that one is willing to lay down one’s life for the sake of the Master and His beliefs.
Following Jesus demands imitating the Master in every aspect of life (and death). It involves doing everything that He did. It is being able to be known as one of the Master’s apprentices because one’s actions and words reflects that Master’s action.
I am reminded of the ancient practice of a master and apprentices. When individuals wanted to learn a particular trade or skill, they would go to a master-craftsperson. The master would not give the apprentice/ student a how-to book. The master would demonstrate the craft. The apprentice would watch and try to imitate the master. Not only would the apprentice spend a few hours with the master each day, but the learner would live, and share life, with the master. After years of apprenticeship, the student would produce a work that very much resembled the master’s art. In fact, when the apprentice would show the work to others, people would often remark, “I am not sure who you are, but I know who your master is, because your work reflects your master and his glory.”
It is only when we are willing to fully participate, to sit with the Master and watch what He does, and be emerged completely in the life, ministry, suffering, and death of Jesus, that we will be able to experience the fullness of the glory of His resurrection. The glory of GOD has been manifested in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it will come to its fulfillment at the time of Jesus’ coming at the end of time. What will allow a person to share in that glory will be how well one reflects the Master in one’s life and the way one treats others.
Would that someday someone say to me, “I don’t know who you are, but I know who your Master is, because your work reflects the glory of Jesus – the Master-Teacher.”
The personal question/action for today: Do people immediately know Who my Master- Teacher is, simply by the way I lead my life? Does my life give glory to the Master-Teacher and His Abba-Father? How can I spend more time sitting at the Master’s feet and learning from Him? Who might benefit most from my reaching out and touching their lives in the name of the Master? How can I more fully dedicate myself to the cause of the Master?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all glory. Through Your GOoDness, we have a share in Your glory and the glory of Your Son, Jesus. He came to reflect Your glory in all His words and deeds. He continually pointed to You as He reached out and touched people’s lives. I thank You for Your Son’s invitation to be His disciple. I know that I have not always reflected the glory of my Master. I have sometime sought my own glory. Continue to help me to deny myself, take up the cross, and follow Your Son wherever He may lead. And may I someday be able to experience the fullness of Your glory. This prayer is made in the name of Your Son, Jesus, my
Master-Teacher and Lord, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 9, 2025
Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080925.cfm
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein):
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-teresa-benedicta-of-the-cross
Readings: Deuteronomy 6:4-13; Psalm 18: 2-3a, 3bc-4, 47 and 51; Matthew 17: 14-20
Faith has many aspects. Faith involves remembering, loving, and acting. In our First Reading, Moses delivers what is known as the Shemah, Israel which is one of the keystones of the Jewish faith. The Responsorial is a prayer of praise of GOD for being the source and strength of faith. In the Gospel, Jesus performs a miracle that the disciples were not able to do because of their weak faith.
In the First Reading, Moses addresses the Children of Israel telling
them to hear and remember what GOD has done. He continues by urging them to reflect on how they are to respond to GOD’s action. First and foremost, they must love the LORD, their GOD with their
whole heart, soul, and strength. They are to be reminded of this duty by posting the Shemah, Israel (“Hear, O Israel”) prayer on their bodies
and around their doors. They should say the prayer frequently and
reverently. As they do so, they should also recall that GOD is the One Who is bringing them to the Promised Land where they will inherit bounty and benefits that they did not work for or earn.
The psalm today is a prayer addressed to GOD as strength, rock, fortress, and deliverer. It is GOD Who has bestowed abundant love upon the Chosen People. In return the only fitting response is to give thanks (berekah) and praise (hallel) to GOD.
In the Gospel, a man approaches Jesus asking Him to heal his son.
The son seems to be suffering from some sort of mental/spiritual abnormalities. The father mentions that he has already sought the help
of Jesus’ disciples, but they were not able to help the son. Jesus first addresses those standing around mentioning their lack of faith. He then casts out the evil (non-salus) from the son. Later, in private, the disciples question Jesus about their inefficiency in helping the son. Jesus responds by saying their faith is not strong enough, at least not yet. He remarks that
with greater faith, nothing will be impossible for them.
As I ponder the readings, I realize that the source and power of faith originates with GOD. GOD is the One Who provides the strength and the wherewithal to persevere. In order to have one’s faith grow, one must constantly recall all that GOD has done and then love GOD with every aspect of one’s life – one’s heart, soul, and strength (that is, emotionally, spiritually, and physically). One way to make GOD ever present in one’s life is to have little reminders of GOD’s greatness, similar to the Jewish custom of putting the scriptural reminders in their headbands and bracelets
and around the doors of their homes. Some Christians use the Sign of the Cross, blessing themselves and calling upon the name of the Triune GOD, all as a means of remembering the key beliefs of Christianity.
I also realize that faith, as the source of strength in one’s life, can be enhanced and deepened so that one can be an even better instrument of GOD’s healing to others. Faith is an on-going process that must be ever on the mind of the faithful. With faith and trust in GOD, great things can happen.
I remember hearing on a radio show, that when a person seeks healing from GOD and it does not happen, it does not always mean that there is a lack of faith. Part of being a person of faith is being able to accept that GOD does not always grant the prayers of people because it is not what is best for those involved (and therefore not according to the divine will of GOD). Yes, GOD does hear and respond to every faith-filled prayer, but GOD does not always respond in the way that the praying individuals request. GOD always responds in a way that is best for the deepening of faith in the situation.
My response to my reflection is first of all to admit that I am not as faith-filled an individual as I could be. It is not that GOD has not given me the opportunities to grow in faith, but I have not always remembered that GOD is the source of faith and strength. I have also sometimes asked for things that were not the best for myself or others.
My response to the gift of faith, that GOD is continually deepening within me, is to seek GOD’s will in all things – including salus (healing, wholeness, holiness, salvation). It also demands that I give GOD all the glory, praise, thanks, and love that I possibly can – emotionally, physically, and spiritual. Thus, I can pray the words of today’s psalm: “I love You, O LORD, my strength; O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I seek to love GOD with my whole being (spiritually, emotionally, and physically)? Is there a way to post or make little reminders of my faith so that I can recall GOD’s graciousness and kindness to me? Am I open to the way GOD responds to my prayer, especially when I do not always get that for which I pray? How can I help others recall the actions of GOD in their lives?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD of all GOoD gifts. Through Your GOoDness we have received faith. You
are the source and origin of our faith. You continually remind us of Your loving gift of faith through the events of our lives. You ask us to pray confidently in faith and always seek Your will above all else. Sometimes we have failed to appreciate and use the faith You have bestowed on us. At other times we have been misguided in
our faith relationship with You, demanding things that were not according to Your plan for our GOoD. We seek Your pardon and peace. Help us to be faithful disciples of Your Son, Jesus, and to sit at His feet and learn from Him Who is the Master-Teacher. Continue to fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can wisely and lovingly
live and share the faith You have given us. We make this prayer in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Brother and Master-Teacher, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 10, 2025
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081025.cfm
Saint Lawrence: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lawrence
Readings: Wisdom 18: 6-9; Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-19, 20-22; Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19; Luke 12: 32-48
We are reminded today of various aspects of faith. The First Reading describes the faith that the patriarchs and the Israelites have had — a faith in the promise that they will be set free from their enslavement in Egypt. The psalm is a prayer of faithful believers who realize that they are blessed because they have been chosen by GOD. The Letter to the Hebrews is a review of part of Hebrew scriptures and shows how the faith of Abraham moved him to follow GOD’s command, even though he did not understand all the ramifications of his actions. In the Gospel, Jesus uses parables to highlight another aspect of faith – the importance of being prepared.
The passage from the Book of Wisdom relates the faith that Abraham and his descendants have had. GOD has promised that the children of Israel will possess the Promised Land. Even while being slaves in Egypt, and later, exiles in Babylon, or under Greek and Roman oppression, the Israelites believe that GOD will make GOoD on the divine promises. Their faith gives them hope while they await GOD’s deliverance of them, allowing them to return to the Land of Promise.
The psalmist recalls that GOD has chosen the people to be the people of divine inheritance. Because GOD has
promised to do GOoD for the Chosen People, they can wait for the LORD with faith and hope.
The selection from the Letter to the Hebrews describes faith, not so much in the sense of theological definition, but by using the example from the life of Abraham. Abraham is truly the Father of Faith in the sense that he is the first
to completely trust in GOD’s promises. Abraham is willing to forsake his homeland and move out to a new land. He believes GOD’s promise that not only will he possess a land of promise, but that he will have many descendants who will live in the land. That takes a lot of faith on Abraham’s part, especially as he owns no land and he grows older without a child being born from his apparently barren wife, Sarah. And even after the aged couple give birth to Isaac, Abraham trusts in GOD when he is asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac, the one through whom he is to have many descendants.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the need for preparedness as His
disciples wait for the fulfillment of the Reign of GOD. They have been promised a place in the future Reign of Heaven, but in the meantime, they must act as if the Reign will be coming immediately, and in fact is already here. They are to live in the “already but not yet.” They are “already” part of the Reign of GOD right now and must act accordingly,
even if they do “not yet” fully experience the totality of it.
As I reflect on the reading, I am reminded of a phrase I use when I am working on youth retreats: “Participate, don’t anticipate!” The retreatants always wanted to know what was in store for them. The retreat team had promised them that they would have a special experience while on the retreat. Some of the youth wanted to know what was going to happen next. We had to reassure them that they were already a part of the process of what was going to happen, and they
should not anticipate what was going to happen, but just participate in what was happening right then, for their whole time on retreat was part of the process of the experience we had promised them.
In life, we believers are anxious about the promises GOD has made to us. We believe in what the Lord Jesus has told us about the Reign of GOD, but we want to know the details of what is going to happen next. We anticipate the future without participating in the present. We want the Master to return, but we don’t want to have to prepare for His return by doing what is expected of us right now.
Faith, as the author of the Letter to the Hebrews writes, is “the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11: 1). It means we live in the “already, but not yet” Reign of GOD. We have the confidence (literally “with faith”) to fully be in the present moment while we know that there is still more GOD will be giving us in the future. We are part of the process of GOD renewing the world right now as we proclaim the GOoD News to those around us by the way we live our lives.
We, like Abraham, move forward, not knowing all the details of how GOD is going to work it out, but we are sure that GOD has a plan for us, a plan that we do not fully comprehend at this point in our lives. We live with the assurance that GOD is going to work it out as we participate in what GOD is asking us to do right here and right now. We live as members of the Reign of GOD that is “already but not yet.”
Another way of saying this is that we fully engage ourselves in witnessing the coming Reign of GOD by our acts of service to others without worrying about all the details of how GOD is going to bring it about. We completely give ourselves to the spread of the GOoD News and trust that GOD will give us what we need on a “need to know” basis.
Another comparison comes to mind. In the planning for D-Day in World War II, the Allied soldiers knew that something big was going to happen. They did not know exactly all the details and they were not told when it would happen. They trained and they had to be ready for the time when the orders would be given. Even when the orders to move out were given, they were not given all the details. They had to go forward with faith in the plan that had been worked out by those in authority. Some of them “knew” that they would probably have to suffer and even die, but they were willing to commit themselves to the plan, even though they did not know fully what the plan was.
GOD is asking us to commit ourselves – our whole mind, our whole body, our whole soul – to the divine plan. GOD has promised us the ultimate victory and being part of the eternal Reign. All we need to do is prepare ourselves and do what we must do right here and right now. We should not worry and anxiously anticipate what is ahead of us
on our way to the final end, but we should be willing to do what is asked of us right now – proclaim the GOoD News to those who are around us and live out our call as disciples of the Lord Jesus. We must fully participate in the “already” part of the Reign of GOD and not anxiously anticipate the “not yet” aspect of the Reign of GOD. That is what faith is. That is the faith we are called to profess by our very existence. That is the faith that our GOD has given to us, and
GOD will fulfill according to the promises made in and through Jesus. Let us, together with the psalmist, proclaim: “Blessed are the people the LORD has chosen to be [GOD’s] own!”
The personal question/action for today: How do I live a faith-filled life? Do I overly anticipate with undue anxiety what lies ahead? Do I participate as fully as possible to bring about the Reign of GOD? In what ways can I be a more active participant in the process of bringing about the “already, but not yet” Reign of GOD. How can I help bolster the faith of those with whom I journey on the path toward the Reign of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, fulfiller of the promises You have made. Through Your GOoDness, You give the gift of faith to Your people and ask them to respond by following Your plan. You have sent Your Son, Jesus, as the model of being faithful to Your plan. He lived, ministered, suffered, and died so that Your Reign could be brought about.
He invited His followers to be a part of the process of announcing the Reign of Heaven that was already with them but not yet fully realized until His return at the end of time. For the times we have failed to participate in the process of living out Your plan, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to empower us by the presence of Your Holy Spirit so that we can fully commit ourselves to Your Reign, even when we do not know all the details. We look
forward to the ultimate celebration that Jesus has prepared for us through His suffering, death, and resurrection, and it is in His name that we lift up this prayer of praise and thanks to You, for He is our Master-Teacher, Lord and Savior, and He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 11, 2025
Memorial of St. Clare
(Readings from Mon. of the 19th Week in Ord.)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081125.cfm
Saint Clare: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clare-of-assisi
Readings: Deuteronomy 10: 12-22; Psalm 147: 12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Matthew 17: 22-27
The wisdom of GOD again refutes the ways of mortals. In the First Reading, the words of Moses urge the Israelites to recall (remember - zikaron) the great deeds GOD has done for them and to turn to the LORD instead of being stiff-necked. The psalmist urges the people to realize that no other GOD has done for any people what the LORD GOD has done for the Chosen People. In the Gospel, Jesus again predicts His death and it leads to confusion. Jesus also shows His wisdom and understanding concerning taxes.
The Israelites continue their journey in the desert. Moses tells the people
that they have not always been open to GOD’s gifts, and they have hardened their hearts to GOD’s movement. They need to circumcise their hearts – that is, be open to what GOD has done and is doing for them. If they reflect on the
blessings they have received from GOD, they will be able to continue to receive GOD’s favor. In their remembering, they are told to recall (zikaron) they were once aliens, and so they should treat aliens with care and compassion. This is something we should remember also as we encounter aliens (foreigners)in our midst.
The psalm builds upon the message of the First Reading. In pondering the way
GOD has dealt with the Chosen People, they will realize that no other nations have been as loved and cared for as they have been in GOD’s relationship with them.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ continued message of His impending death is met with confusion and disbelief by His disciples. They cannot grasp that GOD’s plan could include the death of Jesus. They are still thinking that
Jesus, as the Messiah, was going to manifest some sort of political power,
freeing people from their oppression by Rome. Jesus tries to help them to understand that GOD’s love will be manifested by His suffering and death – and resurrection. To show that GOD can make GOoD come from something apparently negative, He allows
Simon-Peter to catch a fish to pay the temple taxes. Again, Jesus’ wisdom and activity surpasses even His disciples’ grasp of what is happening.
As I reflect on the readings, I am also thinking about some events in my life over the last few years. I am being forced to think about earthly life, death, and what comes after death. With the deaths of close friends and my father two decades ago, I realize that human life does not last forever. As I continue to age and draw closer to my own death, death can seem like such a finality. Yet, with the open eyes of faith, I am understanding better that death is a transition to something even greater.
I, like the Israelites in the First Reading and the disciples in the Gospel, sometimes cannot fathom the realities that GOD is trying to teach. I need to look beyond my own personal desert experience and the trying events in my life to see how GOD may be moving in the lives of those whom I care about (including me).
Jesus’ followers were only able to see His soon-to-be death as a tragic event, inconceivable in their understanding of the Messiah. Jesus wanted them to try to understand that His death would bring about salvation and a closer relationship between His Abba-Father and His disciples. His conversation concerning paying taxes and His allowing Simon-Peter to catch a fish with tax money within its mouth showed that GOD has control of
everything and will make all things work out.
We may not fully understand all of GOD’s actions. It may take looking backward (not just now but in eternity) to see the greatness of GOD’s plan. What we need to do right now is to follow the words of the psalmist and “Glorify the LORD. . .praise your GOD.”
The personal question/action for today: In what areas of my life have I failed to try to understand the movement of GOD? What is my response when I contemplate the greatness and graciousness of GOD, as GOD acts in my life? What can I do to bolster the faith of those who are struggling with their understanding of Who GOD is in their lives and how GOD is acting in their everyday experiences?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD of all GOoDness. Through Your kindness, we have been blessed with earthly existence and the promise of eternal existence with You, if we but open our minds and hearts to You. For the times we have closed our understanding to Your plan for our lives and the lives of those for whom we care, we seek Your forgiveness and healing. Through the power and inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, open our minds to what You would have us know so that we can continue our journey to You. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddd
August 12, 2025
Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Jane Frances de Chantal)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081225.cfm
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-jane-frances-de-chantal
Readings: Deuteronomy 31: 1-8; Deuteronomy 32: 3-4ab, 7, 8, 9 and 12; Matthew 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14
GOD cares for us more than we can ever imagine. Our First Reading relates that before his death, Moses gives his final message of hope and encouragement to the Israelites, in which he asks them to remember that GOD has great plans for the people. The Responsorial is a continued part of Moses’ urging the people to accept
the plan of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the need to be humble and open as young children, for those who have those child-like qualities will experience GOD’s greatness.
In the reading from Deuteronomy, Moses, the leader of the Chosen People for the last forty years, speaks his last words to the children of Israel. He reminds them to realize it was not he (Moses) who led them and saved them, but it was the LORD Who was and is the only true Leader. He also asks them to realize that GOD’s leadership will be seen in Joshua. Moses also urges Joshua to follow the direction GOD gives to him for the sake of the people.
The Responsorial continues with more of Moses’ words of encouragement and admonition for the people of GOD. Those who are too young to recall all the events of the last forty years in the desert are to go to their parents and
have their parents relate how the LORD GOD was the real Leader Who brought the people out of
the slavery in Egypt and protected them during their desert journey. It is also GOD who will lead the people into the Promise Land.
In the Gospel, Jesus brings a child before His disciples and praise the openness and accepting
ways of children. He also tells His followers that they need to humble themselves and put aside the pretenses of being too sophisticated to have the simple faith of a child. He shares the message of the shepherd who will leave the ninety-nine sheep and will go in search for the lost sheep.
The LORD GOD truly cares for us. Even more than the fact that the LORD provides evidence of divine love for the people of Israel, GOD has poured out signs of love for all people in and through the ministry of Jesus. Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, will go out in search of us when we wander away from the safety of the flock.
I am reminded of a movie I once saw about a less-than-exemplar student who went with his class to the San Diego Zoo. Before the students climbed off the bus, the bus driver warned all of the students to stay together. As the group was led through the zoo, the boy became mesmerized by a helium balloon that drifted through the zoo. He followed the balloon, that led him away from his class. At the end of the day at the zoo, the bus-driver checked the students back on the bus for their ride back to school. He realized that the boy was not there. The bus driver left all the kids in the safety of the bus and went in search of the wayward boy, who by this time was
worried, scared, and sad. In the end, the bus driver found the boy and lovingly carried him back to the bus where all were reunited and filled with joy at the lost being found.
At times we are like the boy who follows the wind-blown balloon instead of staying where we should be, with the group. We forget what we have been told about staying on the right path and sticking together with those who are going the right way. GOD, like the bus driver (or GOoD Shepherd), will not leave us alone when we are
scared, lost, and saddened. GOD continues to search us out and bring us back to the safety of the group, who will rejoice when we are returned safely.
Let us realize that the Lord Jesus is our Leader and will continue to search for us when we have traveled off the right path. Let us realize, as the Responsorial verses say today, “The LORD alone was their leader, no strange GOD was with them.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced being lost in my following the ways of the Lord Jesus? What thoughts and feelings did I experience? How did I come to realization that GOD was searching for me? Who was instrumental in helping bring me back? What can I do to help others who may be lost in their path to GOD?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD of all love and protection. Through Your GOoDness, we are never beyond Your love and care. Even when we have wandered far from the way You have set out before us, You search us out and bring us back to Your presence. We can never give You enough thanks and praise for all You do in our lives. We thank You for sending us Your Son, Jesus, Who truly is the GOoD Shepherd Who has come to gathered the lost sheep and bring them back to You. For the times we have strayed, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. May we give You all the glory, praise, and honor that is due You, in and through Your Son, our Savior and Brother, Who draws us ever closer to You, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggg
August 13, 2025
Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorial of St. Pontian and Hippolytus or St. Michael McGivney)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081325.cfm
Blessed Michael J. McGivney: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-michael-j-mcgivney
St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus:
https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-13-saints-pontian-pope-and-hippolytus-priest-martyrs/
Readings: Deuteronomy 34: 1-12; Psalm 66: 1-3a; 5 and 8, 16-17; Matthew 18: 15-20
Like the Israelites journeying in the desert, we are part of a group heading to the land of promise. Today’s First Reading takes place near the very end of the Israelites’ sojourn through the desert at a time in which they (without Moses) will experience the presence of GOD leading them into the Promise Land. The Responsorial is an exhortation to the people to praise GOD for the wonderful things GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do as the divine promises are fulfilled. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the role of the community of the faithful in the fulfillment of GOD’s promises to bring salvation to the world.
We come to the end of the Torah – the “Law” – also known as the Pentateuch or the first “five books” of the Bible. Today’s passage describes the fulfilment of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. GOD is about to bring the Chosen People into the Promise Land – but without Moses. Moses, the esteemed spokesperson for GOD, is able to see the Promise Land but will not enter into it. After the traditional thirty-day mourning period, Joshua takes control of the Israelites and prepares them for their crossing of the Jordan River and entrance into the land flowing with milk and honey.
The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for all that GOD has done for the Chosen People. It is appropriate as we conclude the Torah or Books of Moses. The prayer
could have been said by
Moses as he looked across
the Jordan River and saw the land toward which he had been leading the people.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives specific instructions on how a wayward member of the faithful was to be handled. First, the injured party was to make a personal appeal to the erring person. If that did not work, then a group of two or three others would be called in as witnesses in the process. If the person at fault still did not repent (turn his/her ways around), then the whole Church (faith community) would be involved even to the point of excluding the sinner
from the midst of the assembly. Jesus ends this pericope with the promise that there is power when two or more believers gather together and pray – for Jesus is in their midst as partner (chief partner) in the prayer. [Pericope from the
Greek meaning to “cut around,” thus it means a “cut around” passage from scripture often used in liturgical services; an excerpt.]
As I reflect on the readings today, I am reminded of the purpose of a community of faith. It is multi-purposed in its goals: 1) to be the recipients of the promises made by GOD; 2) to give witness to, and to help, the wayward; 3) to be united in prayer for the GOoD of the rest of the group. I am conscious of the fact that GOD wants a personal relationship with each and every individual, but the Lord Jesus aids in that process by means of the faith community. The purpose of the Church is to give collective praise to GOD for all the divine deeds, that have happened in the past, are happening now, or will take place in the future. It is by the sharing of the story of salvation among a group of people that GOD has continued the process of revelation. Scripture, the Word of GOD, was meant to be shared within a communal gathering. As the assembly gathers in the name of GOD, they hear how GOD has dealt with the people from the time of first humans forward. The gathering of people also gives rise to singing and celebrating GOD’s
praise.
The Church (faith community) is also commissioned to be the final word on matters of unfaithfulness and sinners who refuse to repent. All sin has some communal effects. Even those evil deeds done alone in darkness cause the
body of believers to be weakened. The members of a faith community must take action to help the wayward to get back on the right path. If personal pleas to the wrong-doer do not have an effect, a small, less formal group of individuals can try to influence the sinner to make adjustments to his/her life. Although it was not mentioned directly in these verses concerning correction, the importance of prayer is critical and comes in the following verses. I have
known of a group of church people who acted without the benefit of prayer and tried to “correct” an erring individual. If it was not done with prayer, then it could lead to judgmental verdicts that may not always be of the Lord Jesus and could be harmful to all involved and to the whole community. The last resort in helping a fallen comrade to pick himself/herself up is the action of the whole community, even if that means banning the individual from participation in the group until she/he turns around and heads back to GOD.
The final role of the community of believers is that of prayer. When two or more of the faithful gather in Jesus’ name, He is present with them. A key aspect of that is that they gather in Jesus’ name, that is, they seek to do the will of Jesus and His Abba-Father. The purpose should always be for the edification (building up) of the community and its individual participants. The focus of prayer should center on being able to give thanks to GOD for what the Lord Jesus is doing in their midst, in order to
further the GOoD News. It is not meant to be some magical incantation that forces GOD to do what is being requested. The prayer should enable the pray-ers (those who are praying) to accept GOD’s will in the situation about which they pray. They should sense the presence of the Lord Jesus and be led by the discernment of the Holy Spirit.
Having been a part of a few, very faith-filled communities in my life, I can vouch for the power that is evident as individuals unite to further the spread of the Gospel. It would be great if we could always be a part of such groups, but since we are still on this side of heaven, we can only get a foretaste of the glory that will be in the future when GOD
will bring all of the divine promises to complete fulfillment. It is almost as if we are with Moses on the top of the mountain as he looked across the Jordan Valley and sees the land of promise, the land into which his people are about to enter. We can only strive to do what we can to let others know about, and experience, GOD’s presence among us.
It should lead us to give greater glory and praise to GOD. Hopefully, our hymn of praise will echo that of the psalmist today when he says, “Come and see the works of GOD, GOD’s tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. Bless our GOD, you peoples; loudly sound GOD’s praise.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my experience in being part of a community of faith? Have I sensed the fulfillment of some of the promises of GOD as I have been with other believers? Has the community been helpful to me and other sinners so that we could turn back to the right path? Have I experienced the power of the prayer of a community who seeks to do the Lord Jesus’ will? What can I do to help others have a better sense of the function of a faith community in edifying and building up the Church (the body of believers)?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD of all that is GOoD. Through Your GOoDness we are invited to be part of community of faith. It is in such a gathering of Your people that we can hear the stories of Your marvelous deeds. It is there that we can be supported and strengthened as we continue our journey of faith. It is there that we can have a glimpse of the fulfilment of Your glorious promises. We seek Your forgiveness for the times we have failed the community through our sinfulness. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit and help us to be aware of the presence of Your Son, Jesus, as we gather in His name and seek to do Your will. May we give You all the glory, praise, and
honor that is due You, in and through Your Son, our Savior and Brother, Who draws us ever closer to You, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
August 14, 2025
Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081425.cfm
Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-maximilian-mary-kolbe
Readings: Joshua 3: 7-10a, 11, 13-17; Psalm 114: 1-2, 3-4; 5-6; Matthew 18: 21 – 19: 1
GOD is generous and forgiving, performing great signs so that more people will come to put their faith in the LORD GOD. In the First Reading, as the Israelites are led into the Jordan River by the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the waters of the rushing river cease so that the Chosen People can cross through the riverbed on dry land. The psalm recalls not only this parting of the water but also that of the Sea at the time of the Exodus from Egypt and gives praise to GOD for the divine deeds done for the people whom GOD has chosen. In the Gospel, in response to a question by Peter about forgiveness, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Our First Reading takes place when the Israelites have finally finished their journey in the desert and are about to cross into the Promise Land. The only thing (and a mighty thing at that) preventing them from entering the “land flowing with milk and honey” is the mightily flowing Jordan River. And at the time of year (spring) in which they are about to cross, the Jordan is even more mighty than at other times due to the spring rains and the melting snows that feed the Jordan and its tributaries. Yet, as
GOD has promised, as soon as the priests bearing the Ark start to step into the rushing river, the water stops flowing and the riverbed dries out. In a parallel event to the parting of the Sea at the beginning of their journey out of Egypt, GOD has demonstrated Who is in control, even of natural phenomena.
The psalm recalls the two water events at each end of the Exodus experience. GOD is able to overcome the natural events of water flowing. Water, which can be a source of disaster and an obstacle to travel, is the means through which GOD saves the people and which are answerable ultimately only to GOD.
In the Gospel, bold Peter wants to show that he is righteous. He asks Jesus if he forgives a fellow member of the family of GOD seven times is he not being a righteous person. The Jews held that one should forgive another three times. Peter doubles the number and adds one (1) to make it seven times. The number seven signifies a perfect number, thus Peter is questioning, if he perfectly forgives the one who has wronged him, isn’t that enough. Jesus remarks by using the number seventy-seven, an even more perfect
number, that signifies unlimitedness.
Our Gospel pericope continues in the related parable, in which Jesus relates the parable of the servant who owes his master (a king) an enormous amount of money. Upon being begged for understanding, the master not only gives understanding to the debtor, but a complete wiping away of the debt. The forgiven servant then meets a fellow servant who owes a mere pittance to him. Even though the lesser debtor pleads for understanding and a little more time to repay his loan, the already forgiven servant will hear nothing of it and sends his debtor to jail until he repays the whole (measly) amount. Obviously aware of how the first
servant had been released from his debt, his fellow servants report the incident to the master. Rightly, the master is furious that the reprieved servant had not dealt as kindly toward a debtor as he
had been treated. He calls in the unforgiving servant and re-institutes the loan that will not be payable in the servant’s lifetime, thus sentencing him to the permanent imprisonment that he deserves.
The readings speak not only of GOD’s mighty acts of saving the Chosen People by means of going through waterways, but also of GOD’s forgiveness. Thus, two of the sacraments of the church are alluded to in today’s readings. GOD uses signs and symbols to demonstrate the overpowering love that the LORD has for those who are called and chosen.
The sacrament of Baptism with its water imagery is typified in the Exodus water events. Just as the Chosen People are facing death by water, or at least a hindrance from their passage to new life, the same death-producing water turns into be the avenue through which GOD brings them to safety and the Promise Land and destroys that which is evil in their past – a new life is born. So also in Baptism, the old, sinful life is destroyed by water and new life is given as one emerges from the water with a new life.
In regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are reminded in the Gospel that GOD is willing to write off our whole, enormously large debt of sin. Yet, in turn, the Lord Jesus expects us to deal as mercifully with those who offend us. In the frequently prayed “Lord’s Prayer” we ask GOD to forgive us as we forgive those who wrong us.
The challenge for me today is to live up to the new life I have received through the waters of Baptism (even if
that Baptism took place many years ago). I have crossed through the water and been led to the Promise Land. My response needs to be one of gratitude and remembrance for what GOD has done for me. Secondly, I must be willing to put into actions the words that I have prayed many times each day, “as we forgive those who trespass against us.” It is easy, and almost presumptuous, to expect GOD to pardon me. It is much more difficult for me to be as understanding and forgiving of those who wrong me.
I remember hearing about a brother and sister who were constantly fighting with each other. Their mother
finally pulled the older sister aside and related today’s Gospel about forgiving seventy-seven times. The girl took to heart her mother’s admonition. For days upon days, peace settled into the household relationships. After
quite a lengthy time of the older sister being willing to put aside the teasing and even hitting by the younger brother, one day the mother saw the older sibling get pushed to the limit as the girl took a swing at her younger brother. The mother asked her daughter, “Why did you not treat your brother as you have been for the last few months.”
The daughter responded, “That was the seventy-eighth time he bugged me!” Her “keeping count” missed the point Jesus spoke of as He told about being willing to always forgive. We need to recall the parable also and realize that the more grievous way we have sinned against GOD, and GOD’s unquestioning ability to grant us pardon, is in no way made up by our limited forgiveness of the minor offenses committed against us.
Let us reflectively pray the Lord’s Prayer and remember to focus not only on the words, “forgives us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses against us,” but also on the words “hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
The personal question/action for today: How much do I reflect on the graciousness and forgiveness offered to me by a loving and compassionate GOD? Do I extend the same sort of graciousness and forgiveness to those who have offended me? How might I be a better sign (“little sacrament”) of GOD’s love and compassion to others, especially those who have hurt me in any way?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD of all power and compassion. Through Your GOoDness we are brought into the new life through Baptism, and we are forgiven our sins as we seek Your pardon. Through Your Son, we are asked to be life-giving signs to others, particularly to those who have offended us. Yet, because of our weakness, we hold grudges and withhold forgiveness from those who have caused us hurt. Continue to remind us of Your signs and sacraments of new life and forgiveness. We lift up this prayer of praise and glory to You, in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who has died and rose to brings us into Your Promise Land of heaven, and Who is there now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only
GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
August 15, 2025
The Assumption of Mary
(replacing Fri. of 19th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081524.cfm
Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/the-assumption-of-mary or https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary
Readings: Revelation 11: 19a, 12: 1-6a, 10ab; Psalm 45: 10, 11, 12, 16;
1 Corinthians. 15: 20-27; Luke 1: 39-56
Today we celebrate the Assumption of Mary into heaven. The First Reading speaks about the woman who gives birth to a Son through Whom salvation and power come into the world. We also hear that GOD has prepared a place for the woman. The focus of the Responsorial is also a woman, a queen, who is to take her rightful and glorious place beside the King. St. Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians relates the order of things in heaven. There, Jesus comes into the presence of His Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD, and takes His position in splendor. After Jesus comes all those who belong to Him. The Gospel today shares with us the account of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth while both woman are pregnant – Elizabeth with John the Baptist and Mary with Jesus.
Today’s solemnity celebrates the tradition held since apostolic times that Mary at her “dormition” (“sleeping”)
is placed in a tomb in Jerusalem. When some of the faithful go to the tomb after a few days of mourning, the tomb is empty because, before her body decomposes, Mary (in her body) has been taken to heaven to be with her Son, Jesus.
The account from the Book of Revelation has linked Mary to the woman giving birth to the One Who comes as Savior. Both the woman and the child face opposition from the dragon (symbol of Roman government and demonic evil). A special place is prepared by GOD for the woman. Some people believe that this in some way relates to Mary’s privilege of having her body taken to heaven before it faced decay. [In Kay Murdy’s book, Song of the Dove, she has this vision while she is carrying Jesus. If this is true, it might have been Mary’s closeness to St. John that inspired him to relate this vision in the Book of Revelation.]
Mary is also associated with the queen mentioned in the psalm today. Just as
the queen takes her place beside the king in majesty and splendor, so Mary is taken to heaven to share in the glory of her Son, Jesus. Just as the king in the psalm desires the presence of the queen at his side, so Jesus wants His mother to be with Him, body and soul, in the glory of heaven.
As St. Paul writes to the people of Corinth, he inspires them with the words about the glories of heaven. He mentions that Christ has gone as the “first fruit” of GOD. Jesus has taken His place in the glory of heaven. After Him, comes all those who belong to Christ. Obviously, Mary, His mother, is on the top of the
list of those who belong to Jesus. It is fitting that she should be the first, after her Son, to share the joys of heaven with her human (but glorified) body, as all the faithful will at the end of time.
Although the Gospels never speak about the events of Mary’s Assumption, today’s account of the visitation of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth gives us a glimpse of Mary’s specialness. Because she has said her “Fiat” (“Let it be”), the child within her womb is the Son of GOD. Elizabeth recognizes the presence of holiness in Mary and the child in her womb, even though Mary is only at the very beginning of her first trimester. Even the child within Elizabeth’s womb jumps for joy as he senses GOD’s touching the lives of these holy women as they meet. Mary responds to Elizabeth’s greeting by praising GOD and GOD’s action in her life in the beautiful canticle of the Magnificat
– “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in GOD, my Savior. . .” This doctrine of the Assumption of Mary was dogmatically
defined by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950, in the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus by exercising papal infallibility. The Assumption of Mary had been celebrated since apostolic times. Although I had been raised with teaching of the Assumption of Mary into heaven, I had not experienced the full impact of the feast until I was studying in Israel in August 1978. In Jerusalem there is a
church known as “Dormition Abbey.” It is believed, especially
by the people in Jerusalem, to be one of the places where Mary lived the last days of her life. In the first half of August, an icon (painting) of Mary is taken from the that ich is greeted
by citizens of Jerusalem, be they Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. They celebrate that Mary’s body has not experienced decay but joyously has been assumed into heaven to be with her Son.
Mary is held in high esteem by many Jerusalemites. She is considered a Jerusalem girl who has done well for herself because she gave birth to Jesus, the great prophet. [Many Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem respect Jesus as a prophet, and Mary is mentioned in the Muslim Koran.] Catholic Christians (and members of some other denominations) believe that Mary’s position as the mother of Jesus gives her the privilege of being the first to share fully, i.e. body and soul, in the glory of the Reign of GOD with Jesus, her Son.
This solemnity should be a positive reminder for all of us who call ourselves disciples of the Lord Jesus. We, too, will share in the glory of heaven with Jesus our Savior, if we strive, as St. Paul says in today’s Second Reading, to be those who belong to Christ. We will one day experience the fullness of heaven with our re- created bodies and joyously celebrate with Him Who has put all of His enemies under His feet. This is our
destiny if we follow the Lord Jesus and say, “Fiat - Let it be” to what GOD asks of us, just as Mary did. We will then be able to be one with the Lord Jesus and praise GOD’s name as Mary did in her canticle of the Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in GOD my Savior. . .”
The personal question/action for today: When I reflect on Mary’s position as the mother of Jesus and her saying “Fiat” (“Let it be”) to GOD’s will, what thoughts do I have? How can I more fully respond to GOD’s call to work for the furthering of the Gospel by saying my own “Fiat” to GOD’s will? How do I react to the promise that, if I responded faithfully to GOD’s plan (that Jesus has shown us through His ministry, life, death, and resurrection) that I will share in the fullness of GOD’s Reign in heaven for ever?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving and desirous of sharing the glory of Your Reign with those who respond to Your will, we come before You as we reflect on the response of Mary to Your call. You have blessed her because of her willingness to say “Yes” to Your request. She gave birth to our Savior, Jesus, Your Divine Son. You have graced her with many blessings and allowed her to share in the glory of her Son, just as she shared in His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. May we look forward to the joys of heaven and being forever in Your presence and the presence of Your Son, Jesus. Through the overpowering of the Holy Spirit, helps us to respond affirmatively to Your will. We make this
prayer in the name of Your Son Jesus, the Son of Mary. It is He Who has opened the gates of heaven for us and prepared a place for us in Your home. It is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 16, 2025
Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorial of St. Stephen of Hungary)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081625.cfm
Saint Stephen of Hungary: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-stephen-of-hungary
Readings: Joshua 24: 14-29; Psalm 16: 1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11; Matthew 19: 13-15
We have two different views of GOD today. In the First Reading, Joshua asks the Chosen People if they will serve the LORD GOD and GOD alone. When they say they will, Joshua mentions that the LORD GOD is a jealous GOD and demands quite a bit from those who would be faithful. The psalm reminds us that GOD is the inheritance for those who serve the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus welcomes children to Himself and proclaims that it its to just such children that the Reign of GOD belongs.
Joshua has led the Israelites into the Promise Land and has helped establish them throughout the country that was bestowed upon Abraham and his descendants. At the end of his life of service of GOD and the people, Joshua asks the people if they will continue to serve the LORD GOD Who has saved them or if they will turn their hearts to one of the multitudes of gods worshiped by the indigenous people, or by the Egyptians, or by the ancestors of Abraham. The people re-affirm what GOD has done for them and they say they will serve the LORD. Joshua admits that it is not easy serving GOD because GOD demands total fidelity, but the rewards of serving the
LORD are the continued possession of the Promise Land. Joshua renews the covenant made by GOD with the Hebrew ancestors and then dies at an old age after faithfully serving GOD.
The psalmist proclaims that GOD is the inheritance of those who serve the LORD. GOD protects and takes care of those who are committed to the LORD. With GOD at one’s side, there is nothing to fear.
In the Gospel, Jesus welcomes the children who come to Him, even though the disciples were trying to keep the children away. Jesus mentions that the children, with their not overly sophisticated attitudes, are the reason GOD has created the Reign of Heaven. It is their simple
faith, their unquestioning trust, and their ability to love that makes them part of GOD’s inheritance.
The readings present both a jealous GOD Whom people find hard to serve and a loving, caring GOD Who reaches out to children and welcomes them and blesses them. Both images of GOD are accurate. GOD has gone to a great extent to provide a relationship that people could have with the Divine and Supreme Being, but many people have taken for granted what GOD has offered. Others have intellectually tried to reason that they do not need GOD. GOD is jealous and upset with those who want to fashion gods of their own
liking, rather than accept GOD and the terms that GOD has given. In some ways, it is very difficult to follow the
LORD GOD in all things. It means giving up some of our self-determination and personal wishes and desires.
Yet, on the hand, GOD is both a loving Abba-Father and a caring big Brother, Who reach out towards those who want to come to the Lord Jesus. The more sophisticated individuals often try to prevent those with simple, yet profound, faith from coming to the Lord Jesus. They put all sorts of obstacles in the way so that others cannot easily come to be blessed by Jesus. Yet, Jesus reassures all of us that it is those who are simple and desiring to come to the LORD GOD who will have a special relationship with GOD.
Today’s readings are challenging to me. I realize that I have often made having a relationship with GOD
more difficult that it is meant to be. I want GOD to be my GOD according to my standards. I also have hindered the easy ingress to the LORD for others by presuming to know what GOD wants and filtering out those whom I see as not worthy of a relationship with the Lord Jesus. In reality, none of us are worthy of the LORD, but GOD chooses to have a relationship with us anyway, and I am not able to block GOD’s desire to be in relationship with any person.
I sense that I am being called to be more child-like in my faith. I should want to come into the Lord Jesus’ presence and just spend time with Him. I need to seek a blessing from Jesus and be happy to spend time with Him. It is when I can humbly, simply, and lovingly come to the Lord Jesus and request His time and attention that I will receive blessings above and beyond what I could ever imagine. When I can do that, I will be able to echo the words of the psalmist today and say, “Bless the LORD Who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me; with the LORD at my right hand, I shall not be disturbed.”
The personal question/action for today: Which of the two images of GOD presented in the scriptures today do I most associate at this point in my life: The jealous GOD Who will not tolerate any deviance from the divine ways? Or the GOD Who welcomes those who come with simple and trusting faith? How does my view of GOD affect my attitude toward GOD and toward serving my sisters and brothers? If the Lord Jesus is willing to welcome me as a child of GOD, what should be my response to others who may not be on my level but who are seeking to be with the Lord Jesus also and who are welcomed by GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all relationships. Through Your GOoDness, we are invited to come to You, our loving Abba-Father in and through Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, give us the simple faith to come into Your presence as Your beloved children. Help us to long to sit at the feet of our Big Brother, Jesus, and learn more from Him. For the times we have failed to develop our relationship with You and also prevented others from coming to You, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness.
May we join all those who seek Your Reign and give You all the glory and praise. We make this prayer in the
name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, and our Brother, the Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
August 17, 2025
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081725.cfm
Saint Joan of the Cross: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joan-of-the-cross
Readings: Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40: 2, 3, 4, 18; Hebrews 12: 1-4; Luke 12: 49-53
In today’s reading, we are reminded that life is not always filled with happiness. Our journey is like a rose plant. Yes, it is sometimes beautiful to view, but there are sharp thorns attached that may cause us pain. Conflict and tension will exist, especially between those who seek the way of the Lord Jesus and those who are finding their own way, apart from Jesus. In the First Reading we hear of one
of the times that the prophet Jeremiah faced opposition for his preaching GOD’s message. The psalm echoes the faith of one who trusts in the LORD even while experiencing hardships at the hands of others. The Second Reading reminds us that Jesus paid a costly price in order to bring us salvation and we can expect similar demands and challenges in our journey on this earth. In the Gospel, Jesus remarks that His message will be a source of conflict between individuals, even
in the same family because His Gospel will be challenging to those who do not follow the ways of GOD.
Our First Reading takes place after Jeremiah continues to announce hard times for the oppressed nation of Judah. He has just prophesied
that the king will be taken away to Babylon. The leaders of the people are tired of hearing Jeremiah’s message of gloom and doom, so they seek the king’s permission to cast Jeremiah into an empty cistern (well). One court official comes to Jeremiah’s rescue and helps to pull him out of the pit of destruction.
The psalm echoes the plight of Jeremiah being sunk into the muddy mire of cistern, as the words of the psalmist proclaim that GOD hears the cry from the one in the pit of destruction and rescues the suffering servant. The response of the rescued psalmist is to sing GOD’s praise.
The Second Readings challenges us to turn away from sin since we have been rescued by the Lord Jesus and at a great price – the price of His own life. Jesus was willing to suffer and to die for us, so we must be willing to suffer also for the sake of spread of the Gospel.
In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims that His message is a source of conflict for people, even people of the same family. Those who are followers of the Lord Jesus will meet opposition from those who seek their own ways. This will have the effect of splitting the family.
Life as a disciple of the Lord Jesus is not always a comfortable experience. We can expect hard times, particularly as we are faithful to the Master-Teacher. People, even members of our own family, will oppose us as we share the challenging aspects of the GOoD News. Prophets of reform face resistance from those who do not want to reform their lives. Those who are complacent in their selfish lifestyles will want to silence the voice of those who challenge their self-centered ways.
As I hear these words, I sometimes wonder if I am doing enough to proclaim the Gospel. It may be that I try to surround myself with people who believe the GOoD News in a similar way to my beliefs. I ask myself, “am I willing to take a stand against those who live lives contrary to the Gospel?” I am a person who sometimes is silent rather than speaking words that would rock the boat, especially in stormy times.
I am blessed within my family and friendships and church community with people who have similar views of the Gospel message. Yet, if we take the message from the readings today, I can expect times of opposition, even more
so than I have experienced in the past. I must be up to the challenges that I might face. That does not mean that I must provoke and confront others just so that there is a sense of division between myself and another member of my family
or in my group of friends or just acquaintances. It means that I must stand firm in my giving witness to the GOoD News. I must always act in a manner that shows my love for the person I am confronting or who is confronting me, but even more love for my relationship with the Lord Jesus. I must boldly show my allegiance to the Master-Teacher. The opposition and division will come from the other person(s) not wanting to be
challenged by message of the Gospel. I must speak the Truth, but I must do it in a loving caring way.
We may face trying times, yet if we have the faith of the psalmist and of the Lord Jesus Himself, we will be able to turn to GOD and acknowledge from where our strength comes. We will experience the help from our GOD and be able to sing GOD’s praise, knowing that the Lord Jesus thinks of us and is our help and our deliver.
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced division and opposition as I have proclaimed in actions or words the Gospel of the Lord Jesus? How have I handled the conflict? Have I sensed the presence of Jesus with me as I have given witness to the GOoD News? Have I shied away from situations that might lead to confrontation simply because I did not want to be under the pressure of taking a stand for the Lord Jesus? What can I do to be better prepared to face the challenges of those who oppose hearing the Word of the Master-Teacher? How can I show GOD’s love for others while maintaining my allegiance to the Lord Jesus and His message of Truth?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of strength and deliverer in times of conflict. You have sent Your Son, Jesus, to proclaim the GOoD News of Your love. His message was met by those who opposed the Truth of His Word. Those who did not want to change their lives to be in step with His Gospel, sought to silence Him as He spoke Your Word. He accepted their opposition and forecasted that those who followed Him would meet similar conflicts. Continue to empower us with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit so that we can proclaim the Truth in love
by our actions and by our words, and we can give witness to You and Your Son. Reassure us with Your presence and help us to sing Your praise even from the pits of destruction in which we are cast. To You be all glory, honor, and praise, in union with Your Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggg
August 18, 2025
Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081825.cfm
Saint Louis of Toulouse: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-louis-of-toulouse
Readings: Judges 2: 11-19; Psalm 106: 34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43ab and 44; Matthew 19: 16-22
Complete obedience leads to a closer relationship with GOD. The First Reading describes the Israelites after the time of Joshua and how they turned from the LORD until the LORD raised up judges to get them back on track. The Responsorial Psalm reiterates the sinfulness of the Chosen People in following the ways of the indigenous tribes in Canaan. In the Gospel, Jesus is questioned about what must be done to gain eternal life. Besides
keeping the commandments, Jesus presents an invitation to follow Him more closely (especially in reaching out to poor) in order to have eternal life.
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites started to intermingle with the native Canaanites who worshiped an assortment of gods. The male god was addressed as “Baal” meaning “master” or “lord.” The female deity was known as “Ashtarte” and the plural of that would be “Ashtaroth.” Thus, the descendants of the Exodus started to deviate from the way of the LORD, the GOD Who had saved them. GOD sent “judges” to aid the
Israelites both in military and spiritual matters. The judges first role seems to have been to help overthrow the oppressors of the Children of Israel
and to show that GOD was willing to take care of them, especially if they returned to the LORD and followed the commands of the LORD GOD.
The psalm explains that part of the problems that the Israelites encountered was because they allowed the non-monotheistic tribes to
influence the religious practices of the Israelites. If they had removed all the pagan effects as GOD had directed them, they would not be tempted to follow paths leading away from GOD. Many times, they cried out to GOD for help, and GOD sent them the judges, but as soon as the judges died, they went back to the wayward paths and became subjected to the power of the other tribes and nations.
In the Gospel, a young, apparently wealthy or at least a well-to-do, man seeks out Jesus and asks him a question so that he can be justified in his mind and the minds of others around. He wants to know if he is on the right path to eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. Since the Jewish law included hundreds of laws and regulations, the youthful man inquires which commandments. When Jesus lists the latter part of the ten commandments, the individual feels righteous because he has faithfully kept those commandments. When he asks Jesus if there is anything more, he expects Jesus to say, “No, that’s enough.” Jesus, however, responds that if he wants to be perfect, he should sell
all that he possesses, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus. Since the man has many possessions, he finds this too much to accept.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how easy it is for me to accept the ways of the worldly people and of the enemies of GOD which are around me. I start “worshiping” the false gods that people lift up to me, whether they be riches, fame, power, or self-indulgent pleasures. I often put on a “righteous” attitude that I keep the commandments, while clinging to possessions and other personal
values that are not Gospel values. Jesus challenges me to let go of those false items and worldly ways and be willing to give everything I have to others and then follow Jesus wherever He leads.
I may not be asked to sell all that I possess, after all I am responsible for the other members of my family and certain friends and the support of my faith community, but I must not let my belongings weigh so heavily upon me that I value them ahead of my relationship with the Lord Jesus and my relationship to others. I am called to
follow the Lord Jesus and rely on Him above all else. Yes, I must be financially responsible for those whom GOD has entrusted to my care, but I also must set example of clinging most strongly to what is important in life – a relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit..
As we continue our journey to the home of Jesus’ Abba, we need to stop every once in a while, and to reflect on the values in our lives. It is easy to be influenced by the people around us who worship their own gods – gods named wealth, fame, possessions, and power. We are being challenged to make a commitment to the GOD Who has saved us and follow that GOD alone.
The personal question/action for today: Is following Jesus my number one priority, or do I learn and follow the works and values of the world? How much am I willing to give up so that I can follow Jesus more perfectly? How can I be an example and sign to others of the importance of making the Lord Jesus and His Abba Priority One?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all creation. Through Your GOoDness, we have all that we need. Yet, sometimes we forget that material goods are just for our use and not for total abuse. We allow things to take possession of us and use us for the glory of the false gods. For the times we have not been willing to let go of our earthly possessions or worldly attachments so that we could follow Your Son more completely, extend to us Your pardon and peace. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit so that we will have the wisdom, strength, and patience to forsake whatever hinders us from following the Way. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, and our Brother, the Way to You, and our Master-Teacher Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggg
August 19, 2025
Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Memorial of St. John Eudes)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081925.cfm Saint John Eudes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-eudes Readings: Judges 6: 11-24a; Psalm 85: 9, 11-12, 13-14; Matthew 19: 23-30
GOD is the GOD of (apparent) paradoxes. In the First Reading we see how GOD uses the weak and insignificant to bring safety and liberation to the People of GOD. The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that GOD is the giver of peace and justice even in the midst of trial and oppression. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the paradoxes of giving up everything to inherit that which is beyond all value and that the apparently first will be last, while the apparently last will be first.
Gideon is an insignificant member of a family that is a part of one of the less than important tribes in Israel. He and the rest of the Chosen People are once again oppressed by another nation – this
time it is the Midianites. GOD calls Gideon to be the champion of all of the tribes of Israel. After testing to see if it is really the LORD Who is calling him to this task, Gideon realizes how blessed he has been to see GOD (or the Angel of GOD) and not die. GOD speaks a
message of Shalom (peace) to Gideon and he, in turn, sets up a memorial to the GOD of peace (YHWH-Shalom).
The Responsorial Psalm picks up
on the theme of GOD being the source of peace and justice. GOD speaks, and peace and kindness happen. Even in the midst of the most trying times, GOD brings a sense of truth, justice, and peace to those who are faithful.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives a further explanation of how difficult it is for those who are controlled by their possessions to enter into the Reign of GOD. The more people are surrounded by riches and let their wealth dictate their actions, the less chance they have of being a part of the Reign of GOD. It is only with GOD’s help that anyone can overcome the
lure of possessions and be a part of GOD’s plan. This makes Jesus’ disciples question their
part in the Reign of GOD. Jesus reassures them that if they have prioritized their lives and put their relationships with GOD on the top and given up possessions in order to be
proclaimers of the Reign of GOD, then they will enter into that Reign ahead of others who think that they have done the right things by strict adherence to the rules and regulations.
As I reflect on the readings, I am once again reminded of
the need to evaluate what my priorities in life should be. They are not to amass a fortune or a lot of possessions, so that my first and only thought is how I can keep what I have and gain even more. Instead, my mission is to announce the GOoD News to others and reassure them of the presence of the GOD of peace. Through me, GOD is able to speak words of shalom-peace to those who are heavily burdened in life with financial, relational, physical, emotional, or spiritual problems. GOD speaks the same word to us who call upon GOD that the LORD spoke to Gideon: “Be at peace, fear not, you shall live.”
It helps me to reflect on the meaning of the word, shalom. Shalom means much more than “peace.” It means “fullness, completeness, health, tranquility” and more. It is similar in meaning to the Latin word, salus. It implies that everything is in proper relationship first with GOD, then with others, even though externally there is conflict and discord. It implies a belief that GOD is making all things right and want us to be a part of making
things right.
The problem most of us face is we focus our time and attention on that which is not of the Lord Jesus. I
know I have let concern over financial matters take precedence in my life at times. I have worried how due dates would be met. Yet, I know that if I am faithful to the Lord Jesus, then Jesus will take care of me. This thought was driven home to me when I read a book entitled Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. In that book, the single head of house, Jeremiah Land, seems to find peace in the midst of one of his sons’ being on trial for murder, his being fired from his job, and his being hounded while he searches for his escaped son. Throughout it all, not only does he find peace, but he brings a sense of peace and justice to his family, his enemies, and passers-by. It seems that his relationship to GOD as seen in scripture is the source of his peace.
Life can be very challenging and the ways of the world very alluring. Tension and pressure are all around us.
Yet, if we keep our eyes focused on the Lord Jesus, then we will be given the peace that is beyond understanding. Then we will be able to join today’s psalmist and proclaim to others, “The LORD GOD will give divine benefits.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced a profound sense of the GOD of Peace while living in a stressful situation? To what riches/possessions do I cling and which I must be willing to give up in order to inherit the Reign of GOD? How can I be a proclaimer of the GOD of Peace to others who are experiencing challenging times right now?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all blessings and GOD of Shalom-Peace. Through Your GOoDness You have bestowed peace upon us in the midst of the daily trials and tribulations that we face. You promise us a share in the Reign that Your Son established through His ministry, life, death, and resurrection. We have sometimes turned our focus to worries about finances, position, and prestige instead of realizing the blessing that You give to those who trust in You. Continue to strengthen us through the working of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Help us to particularly focus on Your gifts of kindness and peace when we feel most burdened by the pressures of life. And may we be the source of Your GOoD News of Shalom-Peace to those we meet. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, and our Brother, the Way to You, and our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggg
August 20, 2025
Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Bernard)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082025.cfm
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bernard-of-clairvaux
Readings: Judges 9: 6-15; Psalm 21: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Matthew 20: 1-16
The people most often emotionally hurt when dealing with their relationship to GOD are those who expect something different than what GOD desires for them. The First Reading describes how some of the Israelites seek to have a king like their neighbors, but this is not what GOD wants, as is obvious from the parable told by Jotham. The psalm speaks about a king whose is of the LORD’s choosing. In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about the justice and generosity of vineyard owner who hires day laborers at different times of the day.
In the First Reading, The Israelites look around at the neighboring tribes and nations and see that the surrounding peoples have kings ruling over them. They want to keep up with the Joneses (or Canaanites) and have a king also. Although this is not what GOD wants for them, the people of Shechem and Beth-millo choose Abimelech to be their king. A judge named Jotham climbs up a mountain (Mount Gerizim) where he can look down at the town of Shechem. From there,
Jotham tells the parable of the trees looking for another tree to be the king of the trees. Those trees that are doing what they should (the olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine) continue to produce what they are called to do. They are grateful that they can bring joy and
happiness to others by doing what GOD intends them to do – producing fruit. They do not seek to wave over
the other trees. The buckthorn, a prickly bush, agrees to rule over the trees and inflicts harsh times upon the other trees. Jotham is forecasting hard times for the people for their choosing to have a king which is not according to the plan of GOD.
The psalmist, living in a later period of time than the judges, describes the king whom GOD has blessed and established to rule over the Chosen People. If GOD chooses a king, GOD bestows on the king the wherewithal to do the work that GOD intends for the leader of the People of GOD.
Building on the last lines of yesterday’s Gospel (“The last shall be first and the first shall be last”), today’s Gospel is Jesus’ parable about the vineyard owner who seeks day laborers to work in the vineyard. The owner goes out at the first hour of the day (6 a.m.) and hires workers and promises to give them a just wage (a day’s pay). Returning to the city marketplace where laborers are hired for work, the owner sends out more workers at the third hour (9 a.m.), the sixth hour (noon), the ninth hour (3 p.m.) and finally at the eleventh hour (5 p.m.). At 6:00 in the
evening, the owner tells the foreman to pay the workers beginning with those who worked only one hour.
They receive a full day’s pay. Those who have worked all day under the scorching
sun and for twelve hours expect to be paid more. Yet, everyone is paid a day’s wage. The first hired
day-laborers complain to the owner about his unfair dealings. The owner said he did not cheat anyone because he gave everyone a day’s pay. He was just generous to those who worked less.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that I often expect GOD to act in the way that I want GOD to act. I am not that much different than the people of the First Reading who decide they want a king and expect GOD to bless the king, even though GOD does not want the people to be ruled by a king at this point in their history. I also complain when I don’t think GOD is fair in the way GOD treats people, especially me, when I feel like I am on the losing end of a proposition. GOD does not seem to be unjust, but at times GOD seems to be more just to some than to others. I see people who seem to be latecomers in their walk of faith. They receive blessings that I would like to have. Not that GOD has not been generous to me, but I envy what others have. “Why do some people get more ‘breaks’ than I get?” I ask.
GOD can never be accused of being unjust. Yet, the kindness and generosity of GOD sometimes astounds me. I am reminded of the line in Animal Farm that states, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” It seems that way with GOD. GOD seems to treat some people more equally than me. But who am I to complain about GOD’s generosity? I have received from GOD much more than I deserve. GOD has blessed me with life, with faith, with forgiveness, and with love. I don’t deserve any of those. I can’t earn those gifts
because of what I do. Instead, I should rejoice that GOD has gifted others. I do not know, nor might I ever
know, why GOD acts the way GOD acts. Yet, I am not in the position from which I can judge GOD. I am challenged to reflect on the gifts and blessing GOD has given me and praise and thank GOD for those gifts and also rejoice at the way GOD blesses others and gifts them.
The personal question/action for today: How do I respond when others seem to get special blessings from the LORD GOD and I do not receive what I think I should have? Am I always grateful for the abundant gifts I have already received from GOD? How can I reflect to others the joy of GOD’s blessing people other than themselves?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all justice. Through Your GOoDness we have received many blessings, more than we can ever earn or deserve. Yet, true to our weak human nature, we complain when we are envious of the blessings You bestow on others. We forget how kind and loving You have been to us. For the times we have acted out of jealousy rather than gratitude, we seek Your forgiveness. May we take to heart the teachings of Your Son, Jesus and be strengthened by the gifts of Your Holy Spirit so that we can praise and thank You for touching our lives with Your justice and mercy, that far exceed what we deserve. Also, help us to be joyful when others are beneficiaries of Your love. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son, and our Brother, and our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
August 21, 2025
Memorial of St. Pius X
(Readings from Thu. of 20th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081925.cfm
Saint Pius X: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-pius-x/
Readings: Judges 11: 29-39a; Psalm 40: 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Matthew 22: 1-14
The importance of keeping one’s promises (particularly promises made to the LORD GOD) are the focus of today’s readings. In the First Reading, Jephthah makes a promise to the LORD if the LORD GOD would give him victory over his enemies. The psalm speaks about the importance of trusting in GOD and being obedient to GOD’s will. In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable of a wedding feast to which those who were first invited refuse to come.
The passage from the Book of Judges may cause some people
a problem because of the results of the promise made by Jephthah. He had bargained with GOD to offer in sacrifice the first person whom he met after returning from a military battle, if GOD would give him and his fellow tribes’ soldiers victory over their enemies. As Jephthah returns to his home, he is greeted by his jubilant daughter. Even though Jephthah regrets having to sacrifice his only child, he keeps the promise he made to the LORD. To me, the story is not told to lift up the practices of bargaining with GOD
nor of offering people as sacrifices to GOD. The purpose of the inclusion of this account is to show how important it is to keep one’s promises, especially to the LORD GOD.
The psalm praises the one who does the will of GOD. Trusting fully in the LORD and being obedient to the LORD is more important than any sacrifices. One’s faith is demonstrated in one’s following the ways of GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus shares a parable concerning the Reign of Heaven. He compares it to a king who is preparing a huge banquet feast for his son. Those
who were first invited (the Chosen People of old) refuse to come to the feast, and they even mistreat and kill the royal messengers (prophets). The ruler punishes those who refuse to come to the feast. Since the feast is prepared, the king desires to fill the banquet feast and so he has his
servants gather all whom they can find (the Gentiles). The only condition is that those who come must put on the wedding garment (be reconciled, be baptized, and be clothed with Christ). One guest is found without a wedding garment (not having accepted the requirements of the royal leader). This one is to be turned out from the feast, just as those who were first invited were turned away.
I remember talking with a long-time friend who reminded me that it was GOD’s will that all people be part of the Reign of GOD (receive the gift of salvation). GOD desires our being saved more than we do. GOD does ask that we respond to gift of salvation and that we live our lives in a manner that shows that we are striving to be faithful to the promises we made when we accepted the gift that GOD has given us.
All of us need to be more “responsible.” We need to “be able to respond” to GOD in a more authentic and full way. All salvation and heavenly gifts come from GOD. We do not earn GOD’s benevolence. Our only response is literally that – being responsible – seeking to trust the Lord Jesus and do the Abba-Father’s will as best as we possibly can. Even our ability to respond is a gift from GOD.
What is important on our part is our attitude and intention. We need to make sure that we act appropriately upon the invitation we receive from GOD and not refuse the invitation as did those who were first invited into today’s Gospel. Our goal should not just be to make it to heaven, but to start celebrating right now at the feast that is laid before us. We should want to share the blessing we have with others so that they, too, can begin to feast at the banquet of the Lord Jesus. If we are able to do that, then we will be able to join the psalmist today and say, “I announced Your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as You, O LORD, know.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I respond to GOD’s graciousness and to the promises I have made to the Lord Jesus? What sort of promises should I make to GOD? What can I do to help others be more responsible to GOD’s plan for their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all graciousness. Through Your GOoDness we have been invited to Your royal banquet feast. At times we have acted in ways that have been either a partial or a complete refusal of Your invitation. For this we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Even Your forgiveness is another one of Your gifts to us, for we do not deserve that You extend Your shalom-peace to us. We thank You for allowing us to be a part of Your celebration at this moment in our lives and for all eternity. May our putting on and wearing of the garment of the celebration of Your Son, Jesus, symbolize our desire to do all that You have asked of us.
May we be a source of Your inviting others to Your feast. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus,
Your Son, the Bridegroom, and our Brother, and our Master-Teacher Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggg
August 22, 2025
Memorial of the Queenship of Mary
(Fri. of the 20th Week in Ord. Time) Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082225.cfm Queenship of Mary: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/queenship-of-mary
Readings: Ruth 1: 1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Psalm 146: 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10; Matthew 22: 34-40
Love is the key to the life of a believer. Love is essential for relationships. In the First Reading we hear how Ruth, a non-Jew, desires to go with her widowed mother-in-law back to the land of Israel, to the tribe of Judah. She does this because she is moved by love to accompany her mother-in-law, even though she herself is a widow, needing to be loved. The Responsorial Psalm praises those who trust in the GOoDness (and the love) of the LORD. In the Gospel, when Jesus is asked what is the most important commandment, He responds by saying loving GOD is the first and most important commandment and loving one’s neighbor as oneself is the second greatest commandment.
The First Reading sets the scene for explaining how one of the ancestors of King David was a non-Jew named Ruth. During a famine Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons crossed the Jordan River to the area east of the Jordan known as Moab. There the sons marry Moabite woman. While living in Moab, four key events happen: Elimelech dies, his two sons die, the famine ends in the land of Judah, and Naomi prepares to return to her tribal land of Judah. According to the law of the time, the two women who had married the sons of Elimelech were free to return to their own people after the death of their husbands, since Naomi had no other sons. Ruth decides to go with the widow, and now son-less, Naomi, and be part of her family in the area reserved for the descendants of Judah. It was the love
she had for Naomi that prompted her to go to Judah. And from Ruth
would be born the ancestors of King David. Tomorrow, we will have a reading about Ruth finding her new husband, Boaz, a relative of Naomi. Boaz and Ruth marry and have a son, Jesse, who is thought of as Naomi’s grandchild, even though there is no direct blood ties. This story of the selfless acts of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz is told because it explains the ancestry of King David, and also of the Messiah.
The psalmist calls blessed those who trust in GOD, for the LORD will take care of them. Part of the psalm describes the special love and concern that GOD
shows to widows and childless women. This is part of the link to the First Reading. GOD can truly make awesome things happen from apparently hopeless situations. Naomi was able to be one of the ancestors of the future King David even though her sons were both dead. Ruth, a non-Jew by birth, also becomes
part of the line that will produce a royal offspring. GOD loves those who love the
LORD and who love others.
In the Gospel, one of the religious leaders tries to trap Jesus by having Him describe what is the most important commandment from GOD. The scholar, together with his fellow religious and legal leaders, were hoping that Jesus would say something that was against the Torah or something that had been refuted by
other rabbis. Jesus summarizes and prioritizes all of the laws with the insistence on the law of loving GOD with everything one has and the law of loving others as one loves oneself. Jesus’ stress on love truly capsulizes the essence of all rules and regulations.
Love is an essential characteristic of a disciple of Jesus. In John 13: 35, Jesus describes the mark of distinction of being one of His disciples as the way His disciples love one another. Love is much more than an emotional outpouring of one’s feelings. Love is more than a pleasurable experience. Love is essentially the decision to think of another before one thinks of oneself. Our first priority is to love GOD with everything we have (our whole minds, our whole hearts, and our whole souls). Yet before we can love GOD, we have to be
made aware that GOD has first loved us. GOD, Who is Love, is the origin and source of love.
GOD first loved us. Yet most of us have not experienced the love of GOD first in a direct way, we first experienced love by other humans loving us. And once we have experienced love, then we can begin to accept the fact that we are loveable, not because of who we are or what we do, but simple because another chooses to love us. If we are loveable, then we ought to love ourselves. Yet true love of ourselves should not lead to selfish behavior, but to wanting to love others because we have been loved and we want others to experience what love is, because we also believe they are loveable. And it is in loving others that we demonstrate our love for GOD.
Thus GOD is the beginning and the end of the process and also the force behind the love throughout the whole process, for as 1 John 4: 8 and 12 state, GOD is love. Those who seem to be having rough times, if they are able to call upon the Lord Jesus, will experience the love that is GOD and the GOD Who is Love. It is when people need
to experience love that they should turn to GOD, and GOD will care and love them in a way that surpasses their expectation. Today’s psalm describes the way the LORD cares for those who need divine love, by providing for the needy and sustaining those who have no other means of sustenance.
The personal question/action for today: How did I first experience love? Which person(s) was/were instrumental in my knowing what it meant to be loved? How was I able to experience that I was loved by GOD not for what I did but merely because the LORD GOD has chosen to love me? In what ways have I demonstrated my ability to love others because they are also loved by GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all love. Through Your GOoDness, we are loved by You. As a sign of Your love, You have placed in our lives other individuals who love us. Yet, we have not always accepted the fact that we are loveable because You have loved us. We have acted in ways that denied our lovableness. We have sought to hurt ourselves because we failed to accept Your love. We thank You for sending us Your Son, Jesus, Who reminds us of Your love and calls us to share that love with others. Continue to empower us by Your Holy Spirit so that we can be sources of Your love flowing to others, especially those who are most in need of being reminded of how much You love them. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Who is Love personified. He is our loving Brother Who has demonstrated Your love by His freely choosing to teach, heal, suffer, die, and rise for us. He is the One Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only loving GOD, now and forever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffff
August 23, 2025
Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
(Mem. of St. Rose of Lima)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082325.cfm
Saint Rose of Lima: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-of-lima
Readings: Ruth 2: 1-3, 8-11; 4: 13-17; Psalm 128: 1b-2, 3, 4, 5; Matthew 23: 1-12
GOD blesses those who turn to the LORD. Today’s First Reading is just one example of that. Both Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, trust GOD and GOD provides for them, and they become the ancestors of the future king, and also of the Messiah. The Responsorial builds on the theme of GOD’s blessing of those who put their faith in the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks against the actions of the religious leaders and tells His disciples that they should be obedient to those in authority and, if and when they take positions of authority, they should not be pretentious as are some people in authority.
Ruth and Naomi are part of the Anawim. They are widows and childless, since Naomi’s two sons are dead, and Ruth has not yet had any children. Although they were to be cared for by the community, they were not held in high esteem. The law said they, and other outcasts and the poor, were entitled to the leftovers of the harvest after the main harvest had been collected by the owners of the fields. Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi’s dead husband, has heard how Ruth came back to the land of Judah with her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Boaz respects Ruth for her care and concern for Naomi. Boaz and Ruth marry and have a son, called Obed, who is thought of as Naomi’s grandchild, even though there is no direct blood ties. This story of the selfless acts of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz is told because it explains the ancestry of King David, and also of the Messiah.
The Responsorial Psalm describes how GOD takes care of the individual who fears (trusts) the LORD and is willing to follow GOD’s ways. Some of the blessings include a loving spouse, caring and obedient children, and prosperity.
In the Gospel, Jesus is aware of the hypocrisy of some of the religious leaders. They have an air of superiority because of their position and authority. They enforce the strictest interpretation of the law on the people, but they are not willing to assist those who struggle with their imposition of the requirements. They act in ways to manifest their importance by wearing ostentatious signs of their religiosity. Jesus tells
His disciples that they need to respect the authority of their leaders, but they are not to follow their example. He also warns against acting proud and seeking titles of distinction. They are to realize that the LORD GOD alone is the true authority, the ultimate teacher, the authentic loving parent, the true master. Everyone else is to be subservient to the LORD GOD. We are thus called to be humble, that
is not thinking less of ourselves (putting down who we are in GOD’s sight), but to think of ourselves less often (and of others more often).
The readings are challenging to me, as are most scripture passages.
I feel a call to look at my attitude towards others, especially my attitude towards those whom I may consider as under me, that is, under my authority. I also sense a need to be more GOD-fearing and loving in my approach to others. This leads me to reflect once again upon the model of leadership which Jesus exercises. Even though He is the Son of GOD, He does not demand special attention and privileges. His way of leading is by serving –
doing whatever is necessary to help others, particularly the less fortunate and outcasts. Jesus is the Master Who
came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for the sake of others. He is the Teacher Who instructs not just with words spoken with true authority, but Who models what He teaches by His very lifestyle. Jesus reveals His Abba-Father as the true, loving Divine Parent Who has been willing to allow the Son to die in order to save others. [An aside: the son of Ruth is names Obed, which in Hebrew means “servant.” Although the Latin word from which “obedience” comes is not directly connect to the Hebrew obed, a person who is a servant is obedient to those in authority.]
What should motivate us to do our best is the realization of Jesus’ doing the Best to bring us salus (healing, safety, wholeness, salvation). Although we should not look to the rewards of our being faithful to the calling we have received from the Lord Jesus, He will truly bless us. We will experience the fullness of life as we, obedient servants, serve Jesus by serving others. Yet the blessings we receive are not the purpose of our living lives modeled on our Master-Teacher. The blessings GOD bestows are just another sign of how much GOD loves those who seek to do the divine will. Yes, as the psalmist remarks today, we shall eat the fruit of our handiwork, but we should trust the LORD, because GOD has already given us more than we deserve.
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced the benevolence of GOD in my life? What is my attitude towards those in authority? Am I able to respect authority while not always agreeing with the negative and poor example set by some who are in power? What is my attitude when I am in a position of leadership? Who might benefit most from my acts of humble and obedient service of them?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all blessings. Through Your GOoDness we have benefitted in ways that are beyond our worth. Yet, like the religious leaders of old, we sometimes think more of ourselves than we should. We try to make our importance felt by imposing our thoughts and desires on others. Yet, Jesus, Your Son, has shown us what being in authority is meant to be – loving service of others. For the times we have failed to follow the example of Jesus, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to bless us by the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit so we may have the wisdom, strength, and patience to minister to those whom You have entrusted to our care. May we continually re-evaluate our lives in the Light of Your Son. It is in His name that we make this prayer, for He is our Master-Teacher, our Savior and Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, now and forever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
August 24, 2025
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082425.cfm
Saint Bartholomew: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bartholomew
Readings: Isaiah 66: 18-21; Psalm 117: 1, 2; Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13; Luke 13: 22-30
Today’s readings are challenging and at the same time reassuring. The First Reading may gives us a sense of reassurance as we hear that people from many nations will be welcomed into the presence of GOD. The Responsorial
Psalm has a similar theme in that it is an invitation for all nations to praise GOD. The Second Reading is on the challenging side. The author uses an analogy of a parent disciplining a child as a means of allowing the child to grow. Jesus’ words in the Gospel are also challenging because He speaks of the narrow gate through which not all will pass.
In the First Reading, Isaiah is addressing his countrymen around the time of exiles’ return. He mentions that soon GOD will not only invite the exiles back to GOD’s presence on the holy mountain (Jerusalem), but the LORD will also welcome various other people from distant lands. GOD’s dwelling place will be open to all who seek a relationship with the LORD. It will be a time of rejoicing as people worship the LORD GOD.
Today’s Responsorial is the shortest psalm. We have all of it (two verses) today. It is succinct and to the point. All people are invited to praise GOD and GOD’s
loving kindness and faithfulness. As GOD welcomes all nations into the divine presence, it will be a time of great rejoicing. Alleluia! Praise the LORD!
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds his readers (including us) that just as a loving parent disciplines a child using uncomfortable and even painful means (not necessarily physical, but emotional and mental) in order that the child develops into a mature individual, so also GOD allows us, GOD’s own adopted children, to experience difficult times in order to discipline us and helps us mature. It is interesting that the word “discipline” and “disciple” both have the same root. It refers to the process of on-going education and learning from experience. Those who wish to be disciples of the
Lord Jesus will need to be disciplined. Discipline is not always easy or “fun,” but it is necessary part of being formed into a disciple of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus, in the Gospel, is asked about who will be saved. His response may be a bit disconcerting at first glance. He uses the image of a narrow gate through which it is difficult to pass. He alludes to the fact that some will not march through the gate into GOD’s dwelling with the pomp and majesty to which they are accustomed. He also says that a time will come when the Lord and Master will close the gate and no one else will be admitted, even those who think they have a right to be there. He then concludes by saying that some of those whom other people have not envisioned as worthy of entering will be admitted, while those who believed that they had a sure passage will be excluded.
Some scripture scholars believe that Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are directed at the religious leaders of His time who presumed that they were the righteous ones who would be
blessed by being in GOD’s presence. That may be true, but they are also words for us. The readings speak to me about the two key positions that are opposed to GOD’s plan. One position is that of presumption and the other is that of despair. These are the two extremes we must avoid.
Presumption is the sin of thinking that one has GOD’s plan figured out. In a sense, the presumptuous person no longer needs GOD or a relationship with GOD because one can take care of the whole issue of salvation by oneself. Presumptuous persons are self-righteous. They believe that they have it made, and they look down on everyone else. They have a “better-than-thou” or “holier-than-thou” attitude. Their view is even more narrow than the Gospel’s description today. From their perspective, only they, and a
few others like themselves, are going to experience happiness, which they think is the goal in this life. They make others jump through all sorts of hoops and then tell them, “Not good enough; too bad you are not like us.”
The other extreme, that can be often brought about by the presumptuous attitudes of the self-righteousness of others, is that of despair. People in despair sees no hope of ever experiencing a relationship with GOD. They give up. They figure that there is no chance for them, so why try. They lack the desire and energy to try or keep trying.
The scripture passages for today helps us to have the correct perspective on GOD’s plans. Being welcomed into GOD’s Reign will take work and discipline on our part. It is an on-going process of learning who we are in relationship to GOD. GOD wants all of us to make it, but it will take personal effort, patience, and faith/hope in GOD. Although in the last sentence, I listed faith/hope in GOD last, it must be both the starting and ending point of our life. GOD gifts us with faith and hope. The Lord Jesus reassures us that we can make it with GOD’s help and that it is GOD’s will that we have a personal and communal relationship with GOD.
Effort is what we put into our journeying. We must do our part (with GOD’s help). We cannot sit back (like the self- righteous) and presume that we don’t have to do anything because we have already made it or we don’t need GOD’s help. This is where discipline begins. We must allow ourselves to be disciplined. We, the disciples-apprentices to the Great Master-Teacher, must do as our Master-Teacher directs. We must imitate Him in His earthly life – sharing the GOoD News, touching people’s lives with compassion and love.
Discipline involves enduring patience. Remember that “patience” comes from the Latin word for “suffering.” We must be patient with ourselves, with others, and even with GOD’s final plan. We may have to suffer as we follow our Master- Teacher. Another word that comes from the same Latin source as “patience” is the word “compassion” which literally means “suffering with.” We must suffer with others. We must try to help them along the narrow way and show that we are on the journey together.
Yes, the gate is narrow. It is not meant to prevent entry into GOD’s Reign, but to slow down the haughty who want to parade into the presence of GOD with the focus being on themselves. The gate is narrow to slow down and allow us to concentrate and help others. I am reminded of some of the paths I have taken as I have backpacked. Sometimes we would come to a narrow part in the trail. There may have been some hindrances to a quick passage through the trail. At times we had to help our fellow packers to get by, through, or over that which restricted our route. Once we had passed through the narrow passageway, we were able to experience together the joys of our journey and our final destination.
GOD is inviting us into the divine presence. GOD has given us the faith/hope to make it. We must apply ourselves with discipline and patience. Those who are presumptuous and unwilling to change will not make it. We must focus on being as compassionate as our Master-Teacher and assist those who journey with us. We may have to take the time to comfort the disturbed and also disturb the comfortable. But with GOD’s help, we will be able to rejoice with all those who are finally welcomed into GOD’s presence forever.
The personal question/action for today: What is my view of making it into GOD’s presence? Am I presuming that I have it made? Do I experience despair and almost give up? How much work and effort am I willing to expend, not only for myself, but also for my fellow travelers on the journey? Do I look to Jesus as the Master-Teacher, as the One Whom I must imitate? How do I respond to the discipline that I must go through in order to follow the Master-Teacher? Which disciplines do I need to practice more, and then learn from them? How can I be more of GOoD fellow traveler with those who are on the journey to GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD, ever loving and caring. Through Your GOoDness, You call us into Your Reign. You challenge us to follow the compassionate and disciplining Master-Teacher, Your Son, Jesus. He has shown us the Way to You, for He is the Way. For the times we have presumed we could do it without Your help or given up during the challenging trials, we ask Your forgiveness. Continue to pour into us the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, especially the gifts of faith, hope, compassion, patience, and love. We join the peoples of all nations whom You have called, in lifting up a prayer of praise and thanks to You. We proclaim Your glory in union with Your Son, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Who has opened the gate for us through His life of ministry, His death and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddd
August 25, 2025
Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Louis of France or St. Joseph Calasanz)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082525.cfm
Saint Louis of France: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-louis-of-france
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5, 8b-10; Psalm 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9; Matthew 23: 13-22
Our readings give a sharp contrast between the faithful believer and the persons of false religiosity. In the introduction of his letter to the faithful at Thessalonika, St. Paul praise their faith, love, and hope. The psalm reminds us that GOD is delighted by those who seek to do GOD’s will and that GOD is the source of joy for them. In the Gospel, Jesus chastises the religious leaders of His day who manifest their real spirit by their hypocritical behavior.
Around 51 A.D., St. Paul writes his letter to the faith community of the Thessalonians that he helped found a year or so before. He praises GOD for their response to his preaching and their acceptance of GOD’s gifts. He mentions, for the first time together, the three gifts of faith, hope, and love (known as the “theological virtues”). Paul is pleased at how well the believers in this community have embraced not only the teachings, but the practice of their newly found faith. He remarks how they have truly turned from their false worship of idols to the worship of the one, true GOD. They are anxiously
awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus, that he had told them was imminent, when Paul first preached to them. In his letters to the Thessalonians, he seems to realize that the Lord Jesus may not come back quite as soon as he first believed. He still edifies the faithful and encourages them to continue in their faith, their love, and their hope based upon Jesus’ eventual return, and to rejoice that the Lord Jesus is with them right now, even if Jesus has not yet fully returned as He will at the end of time.
The psalmist encourages the faithful to rejoice in their relationship with GOD, in a manner similar to Paul’s words to the Thessalonians. Expressing one’s joy in the LORD should mark the life of a true believer in GOD. For the LORD takes pleasure and delights in the faith of those who seek to do GOD’s will.
In the Gospel, in sharp contrast to the joy and praise of, and for, the truly faithful, Jesus criticizes the religiosity of some of the religious leaders. Their attitude of superiority prevents true believers from experiencing the Reign of GOD. Because of the fears and insecurities in their own lives, they put so many obstacles and stumbling blocks (skandaloi) in the way of converts to the faith.
They lead the new believer to disbelief. The new
converts become children of “Gehenna” – the place of the condemned. [Gehenna is a translation of “Ge Hinnon,” the Valley of Hinnom. The Valley of
Hinnom is to the west of Jerusalem. It was where the rubbish and trash of Jerusalem was thrown and burned. It was always aflame and gave off a terrible odor, thus it was used as a symbol of hell.] Jesus also declares a message of woe to the false leaders of the faith who wrongly give more value to the gold and the gifts that are used in the Temple and in worship than to the Temple and the altar that are the truly holy objects because they represent the presence of GOD. Jesus’ condemnation of the practices of the hypocritic leaders is a
warning also to those who would be His disciples not to misplace their priorities in being members of the Reign
of GOD, speaking especially to those who have positions of leadership in the faith community.
As I read the scripture passages today, I sense that the characteristics of a true believer can be easily discerned as different from those of someone who is misguided in their faith. The faithful disciple will have a life marked with joy and peace, in contrast to the sense of anger and frustration of a deluded religious person. This does not
mean that the life of a true believer is not challenging and difficult, in fact, a believer’s life is often marked by rough times. What is different is that one who is aware of GOD’s presence in her/his life is able to face the rough times with a sense of faith, hope, and love that is not as evident in the life of the misdirected person.
I have met individuals who seem to have everything going their way. Yet they exhibit an attitude of unhappiness and anger that implies that they do not have the true awareness of the Lord Jesus’ presence in their life. They also seek to make other people as miserable as themselves by exuding a negativity on others. They drain my energy and my positive feelings as I deal with them. They seem hopeless and unable to love or to accept love from others. The idea of GOD and GOD’s presence is so far from them.
In contrast, I have meet other people who are going through some of the most difficult situations I could imagine, yet they have such a positive attitude that I am aware of GOD’s presence with them. I am edified and built up by the way they handle their trying times. Their faith in GOD is what gives them hope. They are able to love and be loved because the GOD of love is evident to them.
Another thing that strikes me is how much delight GOD takes in the beloved of GOD. Part of this came from the reading of Henri Nouwen’s book, Life of the Beloved. The main point of the book, as I see it, is that we need to realize that GOD is saying to us, “You are My beloved. In you My favor rests. I take delight in you because you are My beloved.”
How do I respond to today’s reading and my reflection? Obviously, I want to do what I can to foster the
attitude of those who have the deep sense of faith, hope, and love. That means that I must be open to GOD’s being with me – GOD’s taking a delight in me because I am GOD’s beloved. I must spend time in prayer and the reading of GOD’s Word and reflection. I must also seek out those who exude the holiness of GOD in their lives, especially those who have weathered the storms of life and have kept the faith as they were battered about. I also must be willing to walk with those who travel through the dark valley, and who do not sense the presence of the Lord Jesus, and I must assure them that they are the beloved of GOD. I should strive to bring them the faith, hope, and love that they seem to lack. Again, as usual, it does not mean that I spend all my time with them “preaching” words, but rather I walk with them and let them know that I am willing to be there for them, reminding them that they are loved by GOD. Somehow, they may experience that it is not just I who am with them, but that GOD is with them even more than I am. They may not be able to dance and sing with GOD’s praise as part of today’s psalm suggested, but hopefully, they will be able to understand and accept the other
verse of the psalm that says, “For the LORD loves the people, and GOD adorns the lowly with victory. . .for the
LORD delights in GOD’s people.”
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced being the beloved of GOD and having GOD delighting in me? What difference does that have on my faith, my hope, and my love? What can I do to bolster the faith, hope, and love of others when they are plagued by the negativity of self-rejection and doubt?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all faith, hope, and love. Through Your GOoDness, we are graced with Your presence. You want us to be able to rejoice and to know You are with us, delighting in us, Your beloved
children, especially as we travel the rough roads in our journey to You. Yet, we sometimes are so overwhelmed by life’s tragedies that we are blinded from seeing You walking with us. We become negative in our attitudes and radiate negativity to anyone who comes near us. We draw others down to our level and refuse to be edified by the GOoDness in others. For the times we have let ourselves be unaware of Your constant presence with us, we seek Your pardon and peace. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, strengthen us and enlighten us so that we may not only be filled with joy in realizing Your presence with us, but also, we may boldly, yet compassionately, radiate Your presence to others who are traversing the hard paths in their lives. Inflame in our hearts a deeper sense of faith, hope, and love so that we may be faithful disciples of Your Son, Jesus. May we bring comfort and salus (wholeness, holiness, healing, a sense of GOD’s salvation) to others as Jesus did in His earthly life. We pray and act in His name, for He is our Master-Teacher and Lord, our Brother and Your Son, Who is both with us and also living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
August 26, 2025
Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082625.cfm
Saint Joseph Calasanz: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-calasanz (celebrated yesterday)
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8; Psalm 139: 1-3, 4-6; Matthew 23: 23-26
GOD’s care for us can be both gentle and also harsh. St. Paul speaks to the faithful at Thessalonika telling them that he is dealing with them as GOD has dealt with him, as a gentle and loving parent caring for GOD’s own children. GOD, the loving Abba-Father, knows what drives Paul to carry on his ministry. This concept of GOD knowing everything about us and still loving us is manifested in the Responsorial Psalm. In the Gospel, Jesus continues to chide the religious leaders who, like little children, focus on minor details instead of seeing the “big picture.”
St. Paul has a soft spot in his heart for the Thessalonians, that is not to say that
he does not have such a response to the other communities he helped raise. He recalls how after he baptized the first person, Lydia, in what today is Europe, the people of Philippi arrested him, jailed him, and then ran him out of town. He went back to Thessalonika (modern day Thessaloniki). [Aside: I was able to visit Philippi and Thessaloniki in the summer of 2018.] Yet, as a loving foster parent, Paul feels a specialness for those whom he has brought to spiritual life and who have responded well to his compassionate ministry. Paul stresses that what is important and salvific (saving) is not what the Thessalonians do, but GOD’s ability to see into their hearts as GOD sees into Paul’s heart. GOD knows what attitude everyone has, and GOD knows when we are trying to cooperate with the gifts that GOD bestows on us.
The Responsorial is from one of my favorite psalms (139). It speaks of GOD knowing us better than we know
ourselves. GOD knows what we are thinking and what we will say before we even open our mouth. GOD loves us and wants the best for us, even if we are not fully aware of the love GOD has for us.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ concern for the salus (wholeness, safety, salvation) of the religious leaders drives Him to point out their faults and their misguided ways. They are so concerned about the minute details of the law that they fail to see the more important aspect of having a relationship with GOD and with the other people whom GOD has put into their lives.
They worry about the tithe on the smallest herbs, but they fail to give to GOD what is really important, their love and devotion and their concern for others. They want to make sure that they do not eat a swarming creature (a tiny gnat) but do not see that the big picture of what they are allowing to enter their minds and bodies. They care more about external display (the polishing of the outside of the cup and the accouterments of their lives) and fail to realize how ugly and dirty are the insides (of both the cup and their lives).
As I reflect on the readings today, I am reminded of the life of a parent. As children grow up and they start to develop their own personality, parents can almost predict what their children are going to say and what they are about to do. That does not mean that the parents always like the choices the children make, but the parents have a sense of how the kids are going to act. And because the parents love the children, the parent sometimes has to be harsh in directing their offspring away from doing things that show the kids do not fully understand the repercussions of their thoughts and deeds. The children are not able to see the overall picture in the same way that the adult parents can because of my many more years of life experiences.
St. Paul, in the First Reading, describes himself (and GOD) as the parent who “knows” what the “young” believers are doing, in a similar way that a loving parent “knows” what her/his children are about to say or do. In the Gospel, Jesus, like a loving parent who needs to re-direct wayward offspring, challenges the attitude and behavior of those who should have known better. It reminds of the times when parent have to say to her/his children (as my parents said to me), “What were you thinking in doing that action?” Jesus chides the religious leaders out of a true concern for them and their being a part of His Abba’s Reign.
I feel called to examine my life and my attitudes to see if I am really in line with GOD’s plan for my life. The
question I ask myself is not only “am I doing the right thing?” but “am I doing it for the right reason?” – to reflect the love that GOD has for me and to share that love with others. I also realize that I need to be challenged in those areas of my life that still need to be re-adjusted so that they are compatible with the overall picture of salvation of which the Lord Jesus intends me to be a part. Yes, at times I have been a blind guide and hypocrite.
I need to re-examine my life and be sure that I am as much on target with GOD as I can be.
I need to realize that GOD is aware of my innermost thoughts and attitudes and that the Lord Jesus is there to channel me in the right direction, if I am but open to the divine prompting. Thus, I can repeat with earnest the words of the psalmist today, “Behind me and before, You hem me in and rest Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; too lofty for me to attain.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my response when I realize that GOD knows my every thought and action even before I think or do them? How can I make myself more aware of GOD’s plan by trying to see the big picture from GOD’s viewpoint rather than my narrow one? What can I do to show my love and care for others as they journey along the way to the house of our Abba, Who happens to be GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all knowledge. Through Your GOoDness, we have been loved by You in such a way that You care about us more than any earthly parent cares for her/his children. You know us through and through, and still, You love us and give us free will. You know what we do or say before it happens, because
You are the Creator and loving Parent. We, like all children, have sometimes chosen a path that is not what You would have us follow. You gently, and sometimes firmly, call our attention to our wayward acts. You correct us with enough force to re-direct our attitude and actions. For the times we have not taken Your loving correction, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to allow Your Holy Spirit to work in our lives so that we can stay on the right path to You. We thank You and praise You for the sending of Your Son, Jesus, and for His being our Guide, Master-Teacher, and Redeemer. It is in His name that we lift up this prayer, for He is one with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen..
ffffffffffffffffffffff
August 27, 2025
Memorial of St. Monica
(Readings from Wed. of the 21st Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082725.cfm
Saint Monica: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-monica
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 2: 9-13; Psalm 139: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12ab; Matthew 23: 27-32
All three of our scripture passages are continuation of scripture verses which were read earlier this week. Again, we see a sharp contrast between those who are faithfully aware of GOD’s Word and GOD’s presence in their lives, and those who act pious, yet all their actions are contradictory to the inward attitudes (which deal with their relationship that is away from GOD). St. Paul continues to praise the people of Thessalonika for living lives that manifest they have not only heard the Word of GOD but have put it into action in their lives. The Responsorial Psalm speaks of the presence of GOD always with people, and their never being able to escape GOD’s searching them out. In the Gospel, Jesus continues His criticism of the attitude and behavior of some of the religious leader of His day.
St. Paul speaks to the faithful Thessalonians as a loving parent to the children of whom the parent is proud. The Thessalonians have responded in a very positive way to the teaching of Paul, and Paul realizes that the faith that they received from his preaching is the work of GOD, not just the mere work of the human agent, even though Paul worked extremely diligently to share the faith with the community of new believers in Thessalonika.
The psalmist realizes that there is no place to escape the presence of GOD. GOD is always aware of each person’s place and seeks to be with everyone
who is open to the LORD. All one has to do is be disposed to GOD’s revealing the divine presence, and GOD will welcome even the wayward back with open arms.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus again speaks harshly to some of the leaders of the faith of His day. He compares them to white-washed tombs that look beautiful externally but are filled with decaying bodies and all sorts of other putrid items. Jesus’ second comparison today refers to how some of the
religious leaders of the past had persecuted and killed the prophets of GOD who spoke GOD’s Word and the same leaders who later built special tombs to honor the dead prophets. Those to whom Jesus addresses the sharp words are more like the leaders who killed the prophets than those who honored the prophets’ memory.
Having been to Israel and seen the white-washed tombs, I am quite familiar with imagery Jesus used to describe the false teachers of His time. The façades of tombs were painted white and decorated to honor the
dead, but inside the raised up and beautiful looking sepulchers were bodies that were starting to become like the dirt which covered them. Especially for the Jewish people of Jesus’ days who believed that touching the dead made them ritually impure, the comparison would have been quite powerful.
The challenge for me that flows from today’s readings is to see where I am in my relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father, in union with the Holy Spirit. Am I like the people whom Jesus chastises in
today’s Gospel, who only are concerned with the outward appearance and
looking pious in other people’s eyes? Or am I more like Paul and the
Thessalonians in trying to hear what GOD is saying and seeking to put my
faith into actions? It is easy to try to put on a nice show so that others will think well of me. Yet, if people look close at the false façade that I sometimes put on, they will see the filth which underlies my false external covering. It is harder to take the time to listen to GOD’s Word and see how it applies in my interaction with the people whom I meet on a daily basis, especially my family members, any of the co-workers I may have, and those with whom I come in contact in the parish or community.
One thing that can help in my hearing GOD’s message and putting my faith into action is the realization of which the psalmist spoke in today’s psalm. If I am conscious of the fact that GOD is always with me, no matter where I am and no matter what I am thinking or doing, then it becomes a bit more easy to do what GOD wills.
I am reminded of the poem by Francis Thompson entitled The Hound of Heaven (see Video of the Day below). In the poem the author speaks of how he tries to escape GOD Who always seems to be after him. He fears that GOD is chasing him because of what he has done wrong. It is not until the end that author realizes that it is because of GOD’s love for him that GOD is always pursuing him.
I also recall a song by Don Francisco entitled Adam, Where Are You? (See Song of the Day below.) That song quotes the words GOD speaks to Adam after the fall (Genesis 3: 9). The song not only is GOD speaking to the hiding Adam (and Eve) but to all of us, the descendants of Adam and Eve, and who are sinners like our first ancestors. Since all of us are also like Adam in that we are “human,” “clay of the earth,” “mortal,” GOD keeps asking the hiding sinner, “Adam, where are you?” It can be fearful to realize that GOD is always seeking us out, especially after we have missed the mark with our sinfulness. GOD is constantly pursuing us asking us, “Where are you?” And the reason GOD is vigilant in searching us out is that GOD wants to have a few words with us. The words that GOD wants to have with us are not the words we dread such as “Boy, you blew it again.” or “How many more chances should I give you?” or “That’s the last straw!” The few words that GOD speaks to us are “I forgive you. I want you to come back to me. I love you.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced “The Hound of Heaven” – GOD – searching me out? What “message” did I receive from GOD when I became aware of GOD being with me? What has been my experience of knowing how much the Lord Jesus loves me? Does becoming more aware of GOD’s presence help me to avoid sinning? What can I do to reassure others of the loving and compassionate care of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, omnipresent (“present everywhere”). Through Your GOoDness You have searched us out even when, or especially when, we have turned our back on You and deviated from the path You have set before us. You speak loving, yet challenging, words to us, to draw us back to the straight and narrow way, so that we can continue our journey to You. You have sent Your Son, Jesus, to us to be our Master- Teacher and to be the Way that/Who leads to You. He has given His life as a sign of Your and His love for us. For the times we have taken the wrong direction and tried to hide from You, we ask for Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, get us back on the right path and help us be aware of Your loving presence with us at all times. We lift up our prayer of thanks and praise to You together with Your Son, Who is our Brother and Master-Teacher and the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggg
August 28, 2025
Memorial of St. Augustine
(Readings from Thu. of the 21st Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/083123.cfm
Saints Augustine: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-augustine-of-Hippo
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 3: 7-13; Psalm 90: 3-5a, 12-13, 14 and 17; Matthew 24: 42-51
The readings today urge attentiveness to the responsibilities of being one of the faithful. St. Paul speaks to the believers at Thessalonika, urging them to be persistent in the practice of their faith until he has time to return to them or until the Lord Jesus returns. The Responsorial Psalm urges us to number our days aright so that we will be prepared to meet the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples, especially their leaders, to be prepared for the un-expectant return of the Lord Jesus.
St. Paul expresses his gratitude to GOD for the faith that the Thessalonians have demonstrated, but he is also concerned that they may not be living out that faith fully. This may be because his first visit to Thessalonika was brief (about three weeks according to Acts 17: 2). Paul wants the best for his inexperienced community of faith, especially since Paul believes at this point in his missionary experience that the Lord Jesus would be returning very soon.
The psalmist expects GOD to visit the Chosen People soon. With GOD’s revisiting of the people, their joy will be increased.
Whether the psalmist thought that GOD would come in human form is not known, but it is obvious that he believed that as the people were aware of GOD’s
presence, their lives would be enriched.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples to be awake and ready for His return. These words probably had a great impact not only for Jesus’ disciples during His earthly life, but also for
the early Christians as they awaited the Second
Coming of Jesus at the end of time (which many believed would be during their lifetime). Jesus wants all of those who invoke His name to be ready no matter when He returns. If they are prepared for Him, they will not be caught off guard. Being vigilant, however, takes thought and action, just as defending one’s house against thieves takes thinking and preparation.
As I reflect on the readings today, I realize that sometimes others and myself take the Lord Jesus’ coming as something in the future, the distant
future. It is similar to thinking about death. Yes, we know that death is part of life. We know, in some sort of mental way, that each of us will die, but we don’t act as if our death could come at any time, even today.
I don’t mean this reflection to be morbid. In fact, I think that being ready for death can be, as the psalmist today suggests, a time of great joy. With the death of my parents and close friends over the last few decades, and the discussion with a former classmate of mine about our aging and the effects on our bodies, I have had time to think about death. Recently I also thought about death, again, not in a morbid sense but in the sense it is another step in my life process. Having read the book, Heaven Is for Real, and the book, Imagine Heaven, I am even more sure of what lies beyond death. Heaven is for Real is the reflection of the father of boy who was almost four years old when he died and went to heaven and returned to share with his parents what he experienced, happenings which could not be explained in any other way than he actually went to heaven. The book, Imagine Heaven, is a reflection on the real-life experiences of people who have had NDEs (Near Death Experiences). I also watched the TV series Proof which relates a dying, rich man hiring a medical doctor to find out if there is
scientific proof of an afterlife.
Yet thinking about death, which is one way we will meet the Lord Jesus, should help us prepare for the next step in our existence. We should not be going around all gloomy and with long faces, but we should be preparing to live to the fullest way we can. It should inspire us to do our best and be ready to face the Lord Jesus, whether that be at the end of our personal lives or at the end of time (in case we live until the Lord Jesus comes back for all of us).
I am reminded of those about whom I read, and to whom I have talked personally, who have had a “near-death” experience or who have medically died and then have come back to life, like the young boy in the book, Heaven Is for Real. Their experience of death and what lies on the other side makes them more motivated to do GOD’s will and help others, and it removes any fear of dying. They “know” what is on the other side of death and that impels them to be more upbeat and positive in their living and in their service of others.
The way we can prepare for our end (personally and/or collectively) should be in a way that we would not feel
guilty if the Lord Jesus calls us home this very minute. I remember hearing a homily in which the preacher mentioned that he was asked by his superior what would he do if Jesus comes back again today. The response was: keeping on doing what GOD wants me to do.
Our lives should reflect the joy in knowing GOD’s love experientially and being able to share that GOoD News with others. Preparing for the eventuality of our meeting GOD is more important (and more sure) than preparing for an earthquake or hurricane or forest fires or a drought. We should be as prepared for the Lord Jesus’ coming, spending time with even more thought and determination than packing up supplies in anticipation of a natural disaster. It should not be a scary thing, but rather like preparing for a well-earned vacation to our favorite destination. The more we prepare ourselves mentally and do things in preparation for that vacation, the more we will have time to really enjoy it.
Let us join the psalmist today and prepare for the LORD’s return, saying: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”
The personal question/action for today: How often do I think about death and the life hereafter? What are my thoughts about my own dying? How am I preparing myself for my death and transition to eternal life? Would I live my life differently if I knew I was going to face death today? What can I do to help others face the inevitability of their deaths in a positive way?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all events in life. Through Your GOoDness we have our earthly lives. Yet, that is not the fullness of life that You want us to experience. You desire that we share the eternal life of joy with You and Your Son in the place You have prepared for us from the foundation of the world. We have sometimes focused and planned on the specialness and GOoD times of this life with the results that we have
failed to remember that this life is only a mere shadow of the GOoDness that awaits us in the next life. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, gives us the wisdom and strength to prepare for the coming of Your Son, whether that be at the end of our individual lives or at the end of the world as we know it. We lift up this prayer of
praise and thanks to You, together with Your Son, Who is our Brother and Master-Teacher and the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the One Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
August 29, 2025
The Passion of St. John the Baptist
(with First Reading and Responsorial from Fri. of the 21st Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082925.cfm
Martyrdom of John the Baptist: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/martyrdom-of-saint-john-the-baptist
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-8; Psalm 97: 1 and 2b, 5-6, 10, 11-12; Mark 6: 17-29
GOD desires our holiness. St. Paul reminds the people of Thessalonika of this fact. The psalmist describes this same idea in the words, “The LORD loves those who hate evil.” In the Gospel, we hear the account of the death of the holy man, John the Baptist.
In our First Reading, St. Paul urges the faithful Thessalonians to seek an even closer relationship with GOD by striving more diligently to live a pure and holy life. This exhortation particularly concerns the matter of chastity. Paul describes the importance of having a licit and valid marriage relationship and avoiding any sort of improprieties. This is not just Paul’s thoughts; it is what he sees as the will of GOD that brings us holiness (a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus).
The psalmist describes the reason to rejoice if one is doing what is right. Holiness is seen as being able to rejoice and be grateful for the blessings that GOD bestows. That should
lead to living a life in accordance with GOD’s will.
Since today is the memorial of the death of John the Baptist, the Gospel relates the imprisonment and ultimate death of John at the hands of Herod. Herod is a confused individual. He senses the holiness of John, but is also challenged because if he accepts what John preaches, he would have to change his royal lifestyle. When push comes to shove, Herod falls
prey to looking important in the eyes of his friends and acquaintances rather than looking
GOoD in GOD’s eyes.
The readings speak to me about what makes a person holy. Holiness is not primarily a reward for our actions. Holiness comes from awareness of how holy GOD is and the fact that Jesus has called us into a holy relationship with His Abba-Father. We are called to
reflect that holiness as we serve others. Paul was aware of that concept of holiness as he served the Christians in
Thessalonika, with whom he had prepared to share GOD’s life as a loving foster-father.
John the Baptist was a man of holiness also. Because he sensed the coming of the Messiah, he felt a need to bring that GOoD News to others and prepare them for the coming of the Messiah, just as loving spouses do for their spouses. John had experienced the closeness of the Lord Jesus while he was yet in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth, as Mary (pregnant with Jesus) visited and assisted her older cousin, Elizabeth. John’s closeness to GOD can also be seen in the parallels that existed between his death and the death of Jesus. Both came before civil authorities who were amused and confused by the person whose death they had the power to enforce. Both John and Jesus met their death because others hated them and their challenging Message. Both had friends who took their dead bodies and honored their holy bodies by seeking a proper burial. Their lifestyle was a result of the holiness they had received from GOD the Abba. They lived out their holiness as we live our lives with wisdom given to us by GOD.
Each one of us is called to holiness and wisdom. Again, this is not first and foremost a call to behave rightly or think correctly. It is primarily a gift from GOD to draw us ever closer to the Loving Parent Who bestows the gift of holiness upon us. Our behavior should flow from the realization of the relationship of being adopted daughters and sons - the relationship that we are being offered and the desire not to put anything in our lives that would strain or destroy that relationship with GOD our Abba, and our brother, the Lord Jesus. It takes
GOD’s wisdom to be able to act in holiness.
Thus, like Paul and John the Baptist, we are called to continue the
holiness offered to us by GOD, our loving Parent, by our continuing acts of charity, deepening our relationship with the Lord Jesus (our Brother), and being willing to offer our lives as witnesses (martyroi) to the GOoD News of having a relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
The personal question/action for today: When I reflect on my call to holiness, what thoughts come to mind? Do I perform acts of charity for my benefit (to make me look holy in other people’s lives or to get a tax break) or do I do it because of real concern for others and wanting them to experience a closeness to GOD, our loving Abba? What can I do to give witness to others of their call to holiness and to a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus, our Brother, and with our Abba?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all holiness, and our loving Abba. Through Your GOoDness You desire us to share in Your very life of holiness. Your gift of being able to be in relationship with You is what makes us holy. Yet, sometimes we have taken that gift for granted or chosen other things instead of the gift of Your life of holiness. For that we seek Your forgiveness. Continue to send Your Holy Spirit into our lives so we may reflect on the gift of Your holiness, especially as it was presented by Your Son, Jesus. May we gratefully accept the gift You give us and share it with others so that they may also enjoy the fullness of Your life. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother, Who is our Master-Teacher and Who has died and rose to demonstrate the holiness of life that You desire us to have. He is the One Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
August 30, 2025
Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/083025.cfm
Saint Jeanne Jugan: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-jeanne-jugan
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-11; Psalm 98: 1, 7-8, 9; Matthew 25: 14-30
GOD gifts us, we must respond. The First Reading describes how the Thessalonians are being urged to continue to develop in their love for others because they have been loved by GOD. The Responsorial Psalm speaks of the peace, justice, and equity which the LORD GOD bestows on the Chosen People that should lead to their singing GOD’s praise. In the Gospel, Jesus shares a parable with His disciples about a master who dispenses gifts upon his servants and expects them to use the talents they have been given and to give the master a GOoD return on his investments.
In the First Reading, St. Paul writes to the faithful in Thessalonika expressing his pleasure on how well they have learned about, and put into practice, the concept of love. Because GOD has demonstrated to them and taught them about divine love, they in turn have shown fraternal love (philadelphia) for one another. Paul urges them to continue to develop their ability to love each other and he gives them some practical ways to
live in love: by living in tranquility [the actual Greek word [hesuchazein] means
“not to be running around, but staying home”]; minding one’s one business; and doing one’s work with one’s own hands. Thus Paul wants them to show love for each other by not being busybodies.
The psalmist exhorts the People of
GOD to praise the LORD because GOD has already shown divine favor toward them in winning victories for them, dealing with them with justice and equity. GOD once again is seen as the originator of the action. The people must respond to the LORD’s action.
In the Gospel, Jesus compares the way GOD deals with individuals to the way that a master of an estate who commissions his servants to take care of things while he is gone. The master gives a different amount of money to his servants depending upon their ability. What is interesting is the English word “talent” comes from the Greek word (talantos) for the money given to the
servants. Each servant is given the freedom to use the amount of talents he is given to gain more talents for the
master. Two of the servants double their talents. The third servant fears the master and is afraid of losing the talent he is given, so he buries it. When the master returns, the servants are called to show how they have made GOoD use of the talents they have been given and can give the master a return on his investment in them. The master praises the efforts of the two servants who risked all they had been given in order that they might give back to their master upon his return and give it to him as double what they had
been given.
GOD invests a lot into each of us. GOD gives us talents and gifts. GOD expects some sort of return on the investment GOD has given each of us. Some of us use what GOD has given us and we develop in a way that enriches not only us, but also those around us. Others of us fear to take risks of using the benefits we have received from GOD. We hide our talents and abilities and do not use them. We think it is better to be able to return to GOD exactly what we been given, rather than to risk failing and losing our GOD-given talents. Yet it is when we are willing to expend our talents and gifts for the enrichment of others that we end up with more than we expected.
I am reminded of a song that I used to sing with a church choir. It is by Kurt
Kaiser and is entitled Pass It On (See Song of the Day below). What is key to this
song is that Love is what is given by GOD. That is the greatest talent, gift, or ability that GOD gives us because it is a gift of the very essence of GOD because GOD is love (1 John 4). GOD’s love begins as just a spark in our lives. As that spark begins to ignite into a flame, the flame can be passed on to others. The song reminds us, that if we share the spark of GOD’s love, “soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.” Yet, if we try to hoard GOD’s love, it dies out and loses its enlightening and enriching ability to touch our lives and the lives of those around us.
I also call to mind a song that was used by our youth group for retreats and other gatherings. It is a call, Don’t Let the Fire Die by Stephen Curtis Chapman. It speaks of the need to prevent the fire (which GOD has given) from burning out.
If we are willing to risk all that we have in order to pass on and enrich others with the love we have been
given by GOD, then GOD will say to us, as the master did to his two servants in the Gospel today, “Well done, my GOoD and faithful servant! Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you greater responsibilities. Come, share your Master’s joy!”
The personal question/action for today: With what talents has GOD gifted me? How have I used those talents for GOoD – both my own GOoD and the GOoD of others? Have I experienced the joy and enriching process of sharing what I have been given? Who might benefit today from my passing on what I have been given?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all gifts and talents. Through Your GOoDness, we have been given abilities and blessings beyond what we deserve. You have asked us to make GOoD use of what You have bestowed upon us. Yet, sometimes out of fear, sometimes because of selfishness, we have covered over the talents You have given us. For our failure to use the gifts You have given us, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to inspire us with Your Holy Spirit and the example of our Master-Teacher, Your Son, Jesus. Help us to risk all, so that we and others may be enriched by the flame of Your love. May we continue to accept the love You give us and pass it on, so that others may experience Your joy-filled love. Help us to never let the fire of Your love die in our lives. To You we give back all that You have invested in us, with interest and love, as we join Your Son in praising You. For He is our Master-Teacher and Lord, the dispenser of all Your loving gifts, our Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffff
August 31, 2025
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/083125.cfm
Saints Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-joseph-of-arimathea-and-nicodemus
Readings: Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68: 4-5, 6-7, 10-11; Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24a; Luke 14: 1, 7-14
Our readings today challenge us to look at our relationships in dealing with others. The passage from Sirach advises us to be humble in our relationships with others. The Responsorial Psalm describes the relationship GOD has with those who are lowly and needy. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes how the relationship between GOD and those who seek to have a relationship with GOD, has moved to a new and more intimate and attainable closeness,
in and through Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the humility that should mark the way we relate to others.
Humility is central to the pericope (excerpt) from Sirach. These words of a religious man to his son are powerful. Bestowing gifts on others is meaningless unless they are given in humility, that is, given in a way that respects the receiver and does not make the receiver feel belittled. The more gifted and an important a person is, the more he/she must be humble and act unpretentiously. A truly humble relationship is based on mutual respect and acceptance of the other person as an equal even when there is no apparent equality, except in the eyes of GOD.
The Responsorial describes the relationship that the almighty GOD has with those who are the least of the lowly. GOD is a loving parent to those who have lost their earthly parents. GOD is the source of protection for those who are without any resources for housing. GOD is the source of richness for those who are deprived of all freedom and value, even if the loss of freedom and values is the result of their own doing. The obvious conclusion is that if our Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD, can be so gracious to the outcasts, we must do likewise.
In this section of the Letter to the Hebrews, the author describes
that GOD was revealed to the Hebrews of old in awesome and terrifying signs: blazing fire, gloomy darkness, storminess, and loud sounds. The same GOD Who is revealed now in and through Jesus to the new Chosen People is known by other signs: festal gatherings, assembly of peoples, and renewed spirits of
people. The change in focus is based on a new understanding that
Jesus has brought – not one of terror, but one of awesomeness, not one of punishment, but one of mercy and joy.
Jesus’ presence at a dinner feast in today’s Gospel prompts Him to relate two teachings dealing with humility and relationships with others. The first focuses on where one sits at a
celebration banquet. It rings of practicality. By taking a highly prized seat, one may be asked to move to a less prestigious spot, whereas sitting at the least assuming position may lead to one being asked to move forward. [Is that the reason so many Christians sit in the back
pews in churches? Are they expecting to be asked to move up to a more privileged place?]
The second lesson, in today’s Gospel, commands that we should reach out to those who have need of our assistance and have no way of repaying us. We do not imitate the
GOoDness of our gracious GOD if we only reach out to those who can respond in quid pro quo (tit for tat) manner.
This second parable is not as easy and practical as the first. It demands we be humble, especially if we have been given much (which we have, particularly as we reflect on how GOD has blessed us with a relationship with the Lord Jesus). We are called to seek out
those who the Anawim - those who are “bent over” and “lowly.” The word humility comes from the Latin word humus that means “earth” or “dirt.” We are called to be down to earth and to be willing to get dirty as we reach out to others, just as our GOD has come down to earth and mixed with us “earthly” people in the person of Jesus. Yet how often do we get caught up with our desire to keep up with, or surpass, the “Joneses” and everyone else, and to live a
life marked by the pure and apparently clean surroundings. We want to be known by the sophisticated company that we keep and by the luxurious facilities surrounding us. [Keeping up with the Joneses is an idiom in many parts of the
English-speaking world referring to the comparison to one's neighbor as a benchmark for social class or the accumulation of material goods. To fail to "keep up with the Joneses" is perceived as demonstrating socio-economic or cultural inferiority. The phrase originated in a comic strip of the same name. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeping_up_with_the_Joneses]
Humility, true humility, is not hovering in a corner and falsely putting ourselves down. True humility is based on
honesty – acknowledging who we are in GOD’s sight and how the Lord Jesus has blessed us. It also requires that we have the same attitude that Jesus demonstrated by His compassion and His reaching out to those who truly needed to hear from His actions the GOoD News that He preached. To put it succinctly, humility is not just thinking less of ourselves (degrading ourselves), but rather, thinking of ourselves less (and thus, thinking of others more).
Jesus is our role model and teacher. He humbly and honestly spoke to His disciples saying, “Come to Me, and learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11: 29). Jesus also knew Who He was in the sight of His
Abba-Father and how His disciples should relate to Him and He to them as demonstrated at the Last Supper: “Rightly, you, My disciples, call Me Lord and Master, and that is Who I am, but if I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, so you must do for others” (John 13: 13-14).
As I reflect on Jesus’ humility and His willingness to serve, I realize I have a lot to learn from the Master-Teacher Who came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20: 28). The more I desire to be in relationship with GOD, the more I must be of service to those whom Jesus valued as loveable. I must not dwell on myself and my needs, but I must think more of others and their needs. In that way, I manifest that I am a disciple of the Master-Teacher Who humbly came to proclaim GOoD News and to die in service of others.
The personal question/action for today: When I think of humility, what words come to my mind? How do I manifest humility in my relationship with others? How can I more effectively reach out to those who are most in need of my help in a caring, and yet not condescending, manner? Who is most in need of my service today? This weekend? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD, Loving Parent Who cares for all of Your children, especially those most in need of Your help. Through Your GOoDness, You have continually manifested Your love and care for Your creatures. In the greatest sign of Your love, You allowed Your Son to humble Himself and take on the nature of us mortals. Not only has He come to us as one like us in all things but sin, but He demonstrates His compassion by His life of service. In the finest act of humility, He gave up His life on the cross to unite us more closely with You. He has called us to continue the proclamation of Your GOoD News by our humble and loving service of those whom You have places along our path to You. For the times we have lacked the true humility of acknowledging Your gifts to us and we have failed to care for others, we seek Your forgiveness and pardon. Continue to fill us with the empowerment of Your
Holy Spirit, so we may live out our callings as humble servants of others. We make this prayer in union with Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddddddd
September 1, 2025
Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090125.cfm
St. Rose of Viterbo: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-of-viterbo
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Psalm 96: 1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13; Luke 4: 16-30
Our readings speak of how quickly people’s view of things can change. In the First Reading the Thessalonians are upset because some of their beloved faithful have died before the return of the Lord Jesus. St. Paul speaks words of consolation to them. The psalm reminds us that GOD is the ultimate judge of all people.
In the Gospel, the people of Nazareth are excited to have Jesus, their home town boy, return to them. They are expecting great miracles just as they have heard have been happening elsewhere. Jesus ends His visit to His home town with the people wanting to kill Him.
When St. Paul had first visited Thessalonika for a only few weeks, he had told the people of the community that they should prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. He had said that Jesus would return soon and all who believed would never have to see the end of life. Since Paul left, some of the faithful have died and the Thessalonians are upset. They begin to question what Paul had said, and to weep and mourn like the non-believers in town who have no sense of eternal life. Paul writes words of consolation and hope to the Thessalonians telling them that those believers in Christ and who die will experience eternal life for they will be the first to follow the Lord Jesus back to heaven when He returns. Paul has obviously had to re-think his concept of the imminent (immediate) return of
the Lord Jesus since Jesus did not return as quickly as he had originally thought and some of the believers were dying. Paul’s words give some hope and consolation not only to the Thessalonians, but to all Christians who experience the death of a loved one. Paul urges all believers to mourn, but not to mourn like those who do not believe in eternal life, for life is not completely ended in death, and there is eternal life with the Lord Jesus, even when we experience physical death. Death is merely a transition from life on earth to eternal life.
The psalmist declares that the LORD will come and be the ruler and judge of all. Christians have seen in this passage an image of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. Jesus will return at the end of time to judge the living and the dead (as we say in the Creed). For those who have been faithful, it will not be a time of judgment, but a time of rejoicing as the Lord Jesus welcomes us into the place that has been prepared for us for all eternity.
Today we begin readings from the Gospel of Luke. For the rest of the weekdays of Ordinary Time we will listen to passages from this Gospel. In today’s passage, Jesus returns
from His first period of public ministry. He has been teaching, healing, and announcing the GOoD News in other areas in the Galilee. News of His miracles and preaching have reached Nazareth. Jesus enters the synagogue in Nazareth as all the local people gather to hear Him speak. After reading the scripture passage from Isaiah, He announces that He is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promises of the Spirit of GOD coming upon an Individual Who will perform mighty signs. They expect Him to perform some of the same miraculous events that He has been doing elsewhere. Yet, Jesus says that He cannot do what He has done in other places because the people do not accept Him for Who He really is. They just see Him as one of their own fellow
citizens. Angered, the people want to throw Him off the edge of the cliffs on which the town is built.
It is so easy to get locked into one’s own perception of how things seem to be. After Paul’s conversion, he believed that Jesus would return in the very near future. He began preaching that concept as he traveled around on his first missionary journeys. The Thessalonians seized on the idea of Jesus’ imminent return because Paul preached it so well.
The people of Nazareth believed that they knew Jesus because He had grown up in their midst. When something comes along that causes people to change their views, they find it difficult to relate to the new ideas. Rather than change, many people (like the citizens of Nazareth) find it easier to try to remove the source of the challenge to the new ideas. It takes a great deal of faith to alter one’s perspectives, especially when it means one has to come to a new realization of how the Lord Jesus works in one’s life.
The readings make me realize that I cannot lock GOD into my personal understanding and perception but
must allow myself to be open to GOD’s movement in my life and the lives of others. Part of this realization came to me when I attended a liturgical service at a Coptic Church, the church of Egyptian Christians. Even though
the liturgy was in Arabic and Coptic, I was able to be lifted to a different understanding of people’s faith in GOD. GOD is not limited to only being worshiped the way I worship.
I also realize that my view of certain matters of faith have grown as I have experienced the Lord Jesus’ touching people’s lives and my life. Faith is a gift from GOD. Yet, it is not a once-and-for-all type of gift. GOD continues to challenge me to grow in my relationship with the Lord Jesus. I am not in the same place in my relationship with GOD that I was as a youngster, a teenager, or even a young adult. I am constantly coming to new understandings of Who GOD is and how I can relate to the Lord Jesus. Sometimes I have had to change my whole approach to religion and my way of sharing my faith.
My relationship to GOD is a dynamic process. I am always having to reflect on how the Lord Jesus deals with me and how I deal with others. It is something truly awesome and exciting. As I spend time thinking about Who GOD is and how I can be in relationship with GOD, I am blessed. I can truly echo the words of the psalmist today and say, “Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; awesome is [GOD].”
The personal question/action for today: How have I handled changes that have come into my life? Have I been open to the opportunity to grow in and through the changes, or have I been dragged through the changes, kicking and screaming? Do I see GOD’s action in the changes? How can I reassure others who are facing changes in their lives, helping them see GOD’s presence with them as they go through the changes?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all growth-filled life experiences. Through Your GOoDness, we are able to deepen our relationship with You. Help us to see that even our earthly life span will not be long enough to fully grasp Who You are. You will allow us to grow in knowledge and love of You for all eternity. Yet, because of
our human weakness, we have tried to define and limit Your essence. We have tried to pigeon-hole our understanding of You so that You fit neatly into our comprehension. For the times we have not been open to Your continued touching of our lives, we seek Your forgiveness. We thank You for sending Your Son to us to help us better understand You and Your love for us as demonstrated by Jesus’ teaching, ministry, death, and resurrection. Continue to pour Your Holy Spirit into our lives with the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, so that we might not only grow in our relationship with You but also enable others to develop a deeper, personal relationship with You, not based on our limited explanations, but upon Your working in their lives. As always, we make this prayer in and through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Truth made flesh, Who is our Savior and Lord, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
September 2, 2025
Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090225.cfm
Blessed John Francis Burté and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-john-francis-burte-and-companions
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6, 9-11; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Luke 4: 31-37
Our readings today remind us that we must be prepared for the return (Second Coming) of the Lord Jesus. St. Paul urges the faithful in Thessalonika to be alert and ready for the Lord Jesus’ coming again, for the time of Jesus’ return could be any time and no one knows when it will be. The Responsorial Psalm describes the hope of one who waits for the end when the bounty of the LORD will be given to those who are ready. In the Gospel, Jesus travels to Capernaum and performs signs that are associated with the coming of the Messiah.
Although St. Paul’s view of the imminent coming of the Lord Jesus has changed a little bit so that he realizes Jesus may not come back as quickly as Paul had originally thought, he still urges the Thessalonians to be vigilant because Jesus will return at a time when some people do not expect. Paul also urges the believers to be people of the Light (GOoDness) and not people of the dark (evil) and to act as if their time of meeting Jesus may be at any moment.
He does not present this warning as something to be feared, but rather as something that should be consoling and reassuring as they joyfully act as if the Lord Jesus could return at any time.
The Responsorial Psalm has many parallels to the reading from
1 Thessalonians. The psalmist describes the light of comfort as the LORD, the source of all GOoDness. Although some seem to be fearful (scared) of GOD, the psalmist seems to be joyfully anticipating the time when all those who are GOoD, will
experience the bounty of the LORD and be among the living. Like Paul, the psalmist urges vigilance and waiting for the LORD with courage.
In the Gospel, Jesus has quickly left His hometown of
Nazareth (after being threatened with death) and He travels down to the area around the Sea of Galilee, to the town of Capernaum.
There He performs some key signs: preaching, casting out evil spirits, and healing. All three of these actions were believed to be necessary events before the coming of the Messiah and the end of time. According to many Jewish believers, GOD would win a victory of GOoD over evil, just at the time of the coming of the
Messiah. As the people see the authority of GOD present in Jesus, many would have thought that this signifies the occasion when GOD was going to restore the Chosen People through the coming of the Messiah.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that being a believer in GOD means to be alert and attentive to what the Jesus has promised. I must be ready for Jesus’ coming at all times. It means that I should be living a life that reflects my joyful hope that GOD will fulfill what has been promised. My deeds and thoughts should reflect that I want to accept the invitation the Lord Jesus has given, that I be a part of the Reign of Light forever.
I realize that my actions do not earn my way into the Reign of Heaven. Rather my behavior and attitudes reflect my belief that GOD has gifted me with the participation in the divine life. I am to be living as if Jesus could call me into the fullness of eternal life at any moment.
Whether the time of my meeting the Lord Jesus in the Reign of Heaven comes at the same time as His Second
Coming or my death precedes the Second Coming, it does not make any difference. I must be joyfully living a life that shows that I am a child of the Light and not of the darkness. I should be looking forward to what is to come when I am living with the LORD GOD in the true land of the living. With this attitude, my whole demeanor
should be positive, peaceful, and patient. People should be able to experience these attributes as I deal with them in a loving, Light-emitting, and caring way. Another way of saying that is that I, and all other believers, should
be living the “already but not yet” life of Reign of GOD. We should be aware that we have begun (“already”) to be part of the Reign of GOD, but the fullness of it is yet to be (“but not yet”).
It is not always easy to be people of the “already but not yet.” We are still required to live in the world that is filled with darkness (evil), the world that is “not even yet” aware of the Reign of GOD. The darkness of the world is so powerful and pervasive that it can seem at times to be overwhelming. Yet, as children of the Light, we must bring the Light of the Lord Jesus into the darkness and let it shine brightly.
In a practical way, it means that I must be a source of Light (joy, warmth, coziness, hope, energy) to others, especially to those who are enveloped in darkness. I must treat those I meet with compassion and concern, showing them that there is reason to have hope. I must radiate a sense of the coming of the Lord Jesus, not in any sort of “Pollyanna-ism,” but with real interest in helping them alleviate that which weighs them down. It means I must be willing to be involved in their lives.
I was reminded of this as I have attended funerals and sent messages of hope to other people who were burying some loved ones. The deaths span the ages from a baby to an elderly woman. At one of the funerals, the priest spoke about the importance of being supportive of those who mourn. He reminded those attending, that the funeral was primarily to help the family still living to cope with the death of their beloved. He urged the rest of the attendees to continue being there for the ones experiencing their great lost. Thus, we are all to be light to those experiencing darkness, whether that be the darkness of the death of a loved one or any other source of darkness, such as we have experienced in the last few years.
The promise (that the Lord Jesus gives us) is that if we live as children of the Light and are consciously striving to be vigilant for His coming more fully into our lives, then we will experience the GOoDness of GOD in the divine Reign. Let us act out in our lives the belief expressed in the lines of today’s psalm: “I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to me that I must be part of the Reign of Light? If GOD were to call me from my earthly life today, would I be prepared? What more can I do to wait for the Lord Jesus with courage and joy? How can I share this GOoD News with others today, especially those experiencing some sort of darkness?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all that is filled with Light. Through Your GOoDness, we have a share in that Light. It enables us to experience a foretaste of Your Reign of Light and Life, especially through the ministry, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, Who is the Light and Life of the World. Yet, sometimes we have allowed the darkness to overcome us and we have failed to spread the Light that/Whom we have received from You and Your Son. For those lapses, we ask for Your forgiveness and re-enlightenment. Continue to fill
us with Your Holy Spirit Who brings us faith, hope, and the strength to act in Your love. May we be ever vigilant and constantly aware that Your Son is returning. May our lives reflect our belief that You have invited us to be part of Your Reign of Life and Light. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, the Life and Light of the World. He is our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggg
September 3, 2025
Memorial of St. Gregory the Great
(Readings from Wed. of the 22nd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090325.cfm
St. Gregory the Great: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gregory-the-great
Readings: Colossians 1: 1-8; Psalm 52: 10, 11; Luke 4: 38-44
Today’s readings speak of ministry. St. Paul commends the Colossians for their faith which has begun not originally from Paul’s missionary efforts but that of Epaphras, who seems to continue to serve the community until he once more joins with Paul. The psalmist sees his ministry is to proclaim the GOoDness of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus first heals Simon’s mother-in-law and others in the area around Galilee and then He turns His attention to other Jewish towns.
St. Paul begins his letter to the faith community at Colossae (in modern Turkey) by recognizing the faith that the people have in the Lord Jesus as first preached by one of their own, Epaphras, a fellow servant-minister with Paul. Paul appreciates the fact that people are coming to believe no matter who is the first preacher of the faith in a community. They, like other Christians, are bearing the fruit of the faith, no matter who planted the seed.
The psalm urges deeper trust in GOD. It
is the vocation of those who have experienced
GOD’s GOoDness to proclaim that
GOoDness to others. If one is witnessing
GOD’s mighty deeds to fellow believers, it should be a source of edification and up-building for them.
In the Gospel we are reminded that Jesus’ ministry is never ending. After the healings and exorcisms we heard about yesterday, Jesus is invited to the home of Simon (this, by the way, is Luke’s first mention of Simon who will later be called Peter). Since Simon’s mother-in-law has a severe fever, Jesus heals her. (Could this healing be part of the reason for Simon’s following Jesus?) She immediately serves Jesus and the other guests. Jesus is then besieged by other people
seeking healing and being set free from demons. Jesus spends a great deal of time healing, only to be further sought after by more people. Jesus announces that His mission is to spread the GOoD News to as many different people as possible. [Just a side note: today’s pericope ends by saying that Jesus “was preaching in the
synagogues of Judea.” Many scripture scholars take “Judea” to mean “the land of the Jews,” and not just the southern region called “Judea” which is around Jerusalem.]
The ministry that Jesus, Paul, and the psalmist all perform is
that of proclaiming that GOD is GOoD. It is not important, as
Paul implies, who it is that is proclaiming the GOoD News, as
long as the preaching is done. (Obviously, if Jesus is the One Who is announcing the GOoD News, it does make a difference, since He is not only the Messenger, but also the Message.) The message of salvation must be preached both to those who have already begun to follow in the ways of GOD and those who have never heard anything about GOD’s plan of salvation.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that I, too, am being called to give witness to the Gospel (GOoD News) that Jesus came to bring us – that GOD wants us to share in divine life now and forever. The way I am called to announce the message of salvation may be different than that of St. Paul or the psalmist. I must first make people experience that I am believer in the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father and the Holy Spirit. I may not perform great miracles as Jesus did, but I can still touch people’s life with the same compassion I have received from GOD.
I must be open to whomever GOD sends my way or whom I encounter as I go out in my daily activities, so
that I can give witness to the faith with which I have been gifted. That does not mean I have to stand up on a soapbox and quote chapter and verses at any who passes me. I must, as St. Francis of Assisi is said to have preached to his followers, “preach the Gospel at all times, and – if necessary – use words.” My first proclamation of GOoD News must be in the way I relate to others.
My call to be a servant of the Word and a minister of the Gospel is something I received when I was baptized and given a share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal mission of Jesus Christ. I, together with all baptized Christians, am called to live a life that reflects my belief in the GOoDness of salvation as seen in the ministry, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes my preaching may be as simple as greeting someone I meet with a smile and showing a sincere interest in how they are doing. At other times I may have to spend a lot of time with someone who is struggling in their journey of faith. Still other times I may be the instrument GOD first uses to foster the seed of faith that has been planted in their hearts by the Lord Jesus. And although I should not seek to be padded on the back for my service, I should not be surprised if some day (may not until we are in heaven), someone shares their appreciation for my ministering to them. I am reminded of a song that I heard by Ray Boltz entitled “Thank You for Giving to the Lord.” (See Song of the Day below.) It reminded me that we can have an effect on people’s life, sometimes without our even knowing it. This came up at a Bible Study session when we talked about how we must always be modeling what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus, because we never know when what we say and do will touch someone’s heart.
No matter what happens, GOD will give us opportunities to share our faith with others, since that is what
GOD wants us to do. Then we will be able to echo the words of the psalmist today and say: “I will thank You always for what You have done, and proclaim the GOoDness of Your name.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced someone showing their appreciation for something I have said or done and I had not been aware of how much it had an effect on that person’s life? How did I feel when the person shared her/his gratitude for my ministering to them? How does the words of St. Francis strike me – “preach the Gospel at all times, and – if necessary – use words”? Who might benefit from my preaching the GOoD News by my actions today?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all GOoDness. Through that same GOoDness, You have given us a share in the ministry of Your Son, Jesus. We have been commissioned to proclaim Your GOoD News to others. At times we have neglected to be messengers of Your Message because of fears of failing, of being unworthy or not being able to do the task, or not wanting to do what You are asking of us. For the time we have failed to be servants-ministers of Your Word, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the guidance and direction of Your Holy Spirit, fill us with the wisdom, strength, and faith we need to be faithful servants of Your GOoD
News. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who has called us to share in His ministry, and Who has given us examples of how to serve, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
September 4, 2025
Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090425.cfm
St. Rose of Viterbo: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-of-viterbo
Readings: Colossians 1: 9-14; Psalm 98: 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6; Luke 5: 1-11
GOD wants the message of salvation to be spread throughout the world. St. Paul in his letter to the
Colossians remarks that he has continued to pray for that community of believers as they grow in their practice of the faith. The psalm refrain is a reminder that GOD has made known the message of salvation, and those who have received the gift of GOoD News should rejoice that GOD is bestowing salvation on them and on others. In the Gospel, Jesus first preaches from Simon’s boat and then allows the fisher and his companions to catch a load of fish. Jesus uses the miraculous catch to show how others will be caught up in the casting of the net of salvation.
St. Paul has taken a special interest in the Colossians, even though he had not yet visited Colossae. He rejoiced in the Colossians’ faith, just as he did in the communities he helped form. He continues to pray for them that they will develop and grow in their faith relation with the Lord Jesus. They must always remember that GOD has gifted them with salvation and that they must deepen the relationship that was established with GOD’s gift of salvation. Their actions (GOoD deeds) should flow from a realization of their being gifted by GOD.
The psalmist realizes that salvation is one of GOD’s greatest gifts. The response of those who receive the gift and see it being given to others should be to praise and thank GOD for the further outpouring of salvation.
In the Gospel, Jesus wants more and more people to come to an understanding of what a great gift salvation is. Today’s Gospel passage begins with Jesus instructing the people from
the boat owned by Simon (Peter). After announcing the GOoD News, Jesus tells Simon to lower his nets and to bring in the catch. Simon had been fishing all night (the best time to fish) and caught nothing. He was close to shore
(where fish usually do not gather, especially on a warm day). Simon shows his respect for Jesus even though he questions Jesus’ knowledge of fishing. When Simon catches so many fish that he needs help from his fellow fishers, he realizes that there is something even holier about Jesus than what he did before (remember in the previous chapter of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus had healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law from a severe fever). Simon proclaims that he is not worthy to be in Jesus’ presence
because he is a sinner. Jesus invites Simon and his fishing buddies to join him and cast the nets of salvation over people and pull them into the Reign of Heaven.
The readings remind me that salvation is GOD’s gift. We do not deserve to be blessed with salus (healing, wholeness, holiness, well-
being, salvation) since, like Simon Peter, we are sinners. Not only does the Lord Jesus bestow salvation upon us,
but He asks us to help spread the message of salvation to others. We are asked to throw out the nets, but it is GOD Who supplies the most important aspect of the process. We are privileged to help in the catch that GOD gives. Part of the way we can be partners in the salvation process (that comes only from GOD) is by praying not only for those who have not yet accepted the gift of salvation (been caught in the net), but also praying for those who have, that they might grow even more in the ways of faith and their relationship with the Lord Jesus, just as
Paul prayed for the believers in Colossae, even though he was not the one who first cast the net of salvation and announced the GOoD News of salvation to the Colossians.
Sometimes I find myself taking the gift of salvation for granted. I have been a follower of the Lord Jesus from the time of my childhood, even though I have sometimes fallen by the wayside, or fallen out of or through the net. Most of the time I forget that my ability to be in relationship with GOD is a blessing from GOD. I don’t deserve it, I don’t earn it. I can’t buy it. I need to be appreciative of the gift GOD has given me and respond in praise
and thanks to GOD.
Not only am I called to be grateful for the gift of salvation that I have received, I must be willing to do whatever I can so that others will also experience GOD’s gift of salus. I must model the fact that my life has been changed for the better because of my acceptance of GOD’s gift. I should be loving and caring to others because GOD has been that way with me. I must be forgiving and understanding of others, since Jesus demonstrated that forgiveness and compassion are part of receiving salvation. I should live a life that invites others to receive the GOoDness that GOD wants them to have.
Praying is one very important aspect of the process of responding to the gift of salvation. Through prayer I
am united with the Lord Jesus and with those who have or will accept what GOD is bestowing on them. I should pray to bolster and edify the faith that people already have. I should also pray for those who have not yet experienced how GOD’s salvation can affect their lives in a positive way.
Yes, salus (healing, wholeness, holiness, well-being, salvation – the sharing in the divine life of GOD) is truly
a marvelous thing. Once we have experienced it, we should seek to show our appreciation for it, work to allow it to enhance our relationship with GOD, and do all we can to make it more acceptable to others through our actions, words, and prayers. We should join with the psalmist today and say, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our GOD. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my understanding of salvation? When I contemplate my reception of salvation, do I express my thanks to GOD and appreciate those who were instrumental in sharing the GOoD News of salvation with me? What can I do to help “bring in” those who are being gathered in the net of salvation? How can I model my gratitude to GOD for sharing with me the gift of salvation?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all salvation. Through Your GOoDness, we are invited to share in Your divine life that has been made possible through the ministry, life, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus.
We seek Your pardon and forgiveness for the times we have taken the gift of salvation for granted, or even done things that have blocked a further deepening of our relationship with You and Your Son. Help us to look to Jesus in order that we might see, hear, and experience what You have prepared for us as part of our accepting Your gift of salvation. With the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, help us to not only deepen our relationship with You, but also to share the impact of Your gift with others. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who has saved us by His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
September 5, 2025
Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090525.cfm
Saint Teresa of Calcutta: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-teresa-of-calcutta
Readings: Colossians: 1: 15-20; Psalm 100: 1b-2, 3, 4, 5; Luke 5: 33-39
The role of Jesus in the plan of salvation is the focus of the readings today, for me. The passage from the Letter to the Colossians emphasizes Jesus’ role in both creation and redemption. The psalm describes the close relationship between GOD and the people GOD has chosen. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that He is the new gift from GOD which causes joy and celebration among His disciples.
Many scholars believe that St. Paul is quoting a liturgical hymn in this section of his letter to the faithful at Colossae. The words declare Jesus’ supremacy among humans and His equality with His Abba-Father, Who is GOD. Jesus, in His human existence, is the perfect, visible image of the GOD Who cannot be seen. Jesus Christ is also pictured as co-creator with His Abba in the beginning of all things (In some ways, the concept parallels the Prologue to St. John’s Gospel: 1: 1-4). Not only is Jesus the source of unity of all things, but He is also the head of the Church and the source of
salvation through His bodily death on the cross. This passage is also the basis for some of the statements in our
Creed. Thus, it is appropriate that Jesus’ resurrection is the reason we can hope in eternal life after own death.
The psalmist gives a glimpse into the joy that was experienced by pilgrims once they had arrived at the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. Being in the presence of GOD was a time of great excitement. It was something that was truly awesome for those
who were able to come to the House of the LORD, especially for the first time. I am reminded of this in a book I have read, Three
Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah, by Chris Stepien. Chapters 16 and 17 powerfully bring out how the pilgrims to the Temple rejoiced when they were near and in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
In the Gospel, the religious leaders question Jesus and imply that His disciples were inferior to the disciples of John the Baptist or the disciples of the ruling party of the Jews because Jesus’ disciples did not practice fasting and mortification. Jesus compares Himself to a bridegroom who gives joy to all those who are in attendance at the wedding festivities. While the bridegroom is present, there is no reason not to celebrate.
In the second part of today’s Gospel, Jesus also uses analogies of not joining new with the old, because it will cause disaster to link the two too closely. Jesus is obviously the new manifestation of GOD’s presence in even a more dramatic and awesome way than the Temple, the Ark of the Covenant, and rituals of old.
As I reflect on the readings, the supremacy (or “pre-eminence” spoken of in the First Reading) of Jesus is obvious. Jesus is the very presence of GOD in the world. Even more so than when Christ was with His Abba at the time of creation, Jesus (in His human existence) brings not only life and existence to those in the world, but He also brings
salvation – that is the gift of divine life for all eternity. The fact that Jesus
has come to share in our human life shows how close GOD wants to be
with us. Jesus shared in our humanity completely (except for sinning) even going to the point of sharing the end process of earthly life – death – and a painful one at that on a cross. Jesus’ resurrection is a sign of the new life that He intends us to have after our own death.
If we take the time to realize the closeness of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives, we would not be able to do anything but to have a deep sense of joy. That does not mean that we will not have painful, challenging, and really difficult days, but that we will have a sense of the presence of GOD with us and a deepening of our hope in the fullness of life in heaven.
It also does not mean that we should not mortify ourselves on occasions. Fasting and mortification help us to empty (kenosis) ourselves of that which just clutters up our lives and prevents us from being more aware of GOD’s presence with us. I remember talking with a Coptic (Egyptian) Christian. She mentioned that there are over 100 days of fasting each year in the Coptic Church. When it is time to fast, the people participate and do without food. Yet, the Coptic Church calls itself the Church of Joy, because when they celebrate the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, they really celebrate with huge feasts and copious amounts of fun and food.
The challenge for me is to get the correct balance between emptying (kenosis) myself of that which is not necessary and filling myself with the joyful presence of GOD. It takes will-power and determination, but the rewards are well worth the effort. When we are able to be more aware of our being in the presence of the LORD GOD, then we can express the same emotions that the psalmist does in today’s psalm: “Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before the LORD with joyful song.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I have a sense of GOD being with me, causing me to have joy, even in the midst of the most trying experiences? Do I sometimes practice fasting, to empty (kenosis) myself of that which clutters up my life, so that I can be more open to the Jesus Christ’s presence? Am I able to radiate to others the joyfulness of GOD’s presence with me and with them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all creation. Through Your GOoDness we have human life. Yet You have desired that we have more than mere life on this earth. You want us to be able to be in Your presence forever.
In order to reassure us of Your loving presence You allowed Your Son, Jesus, to share in our humanity as a sign of Your plan – that we share in Your divine life. Just as Jesus emptied (kenosis) Himself during His earthly sojourn so that He could relate more fully with us, You ask us to empty ourselves of anything that prevents us from relating more fully with You and with others. For the times we have failed to realize Your presence and have cluttered our lives with meaningless items and for the times we have not rejoiced fully in the presence of Your Son with us, we seek Your pardon and peace. Continue to enlighten us and enliven us with the wisdom, strength, and power that comes from Your Holy Spirit being with us. We lift up this prayer of thanksgiving and praise to You together with Your Son, our Brother and Savior, Who has given up His life so that we might live with Him Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
September 6, 2025
Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090625.cfm
Blessed Claudio Granzott: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-claudio-granzotto
Readings: Colossians 1: 21-23; Psalm 54: 3-4, 6 and 8; Luke 6: 1-5
We continue to reflect on the role of Jesus in the divine plan of salvation. St. Paul reminds the faithful in Colossae that Jesus has reconciled them to GOD through His death so that He could present them holy and unblemished to GOD, His Abba-Father. The psalm focuses its attention on the fact that GOD is the source of help and salvation. In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates that He is the Lord of the Sabbath as He defends His disciples’ breaking of certain Sabbath restrictions.
St. Paul writes to the faithful Colossians and reminds them that
they have been gifted by GOD and elevated from their sinful state in which they were alienated from GOD and during which they did not experience the divine love in its fullness. It is through the death of Jesus that they have been made holy and immaculate, and able to enter into the presence of GOD. Paul also mentions that he is a minister of the GOoD News because he also has been chosen to be part of the salvific plan of GOD.
The psalmist is aware that it is by GOD’s initiative that we receive the help we need. GOD is the One Who defends,
saves, and enables people. The response of the people should be praising the LORD GOD for the divine GOoDness.
In the Gospel, when Jesus is questioned about His disciples’ breaking of the Sabbath laws by plucking and milling grain (with their fingers), He first recalls how King David violated the laws of the Temple by sharing with his soldiers the bread reserved for the priests. His comparison is
meant to show that if King David could do such, then He could even do so, for He is more important than King
David. He ends his rebuttal to the challenge offered by the religious leaders by saying that the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath, that is, the need of Himself and of His disciples is more important than the Sabbatical laws. This is so since the purpose of the laws were meant to draw people closer to GOD and what He was doing with His disciples was making them
more aware of GOD’s presence rather than focusing on the mere observance of the law.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that Jesus and His Abba and the Holy Spirit manifest divine love for humanity by all that the Triune GOD does. GOD is always the originator of the means of our drawing closer. GOD desires that we be united with the GODhead, and thus Jesus became human to raise us to the divine life. GOD is able to rise above the traditional, human
enforced laws, if raising above the laws enables us to be more aware of the divine presence with us. Jesus exceeds the expectations of the Jewish faith by His incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection and can therefore exceed the strict observance of the law if it will make it possible for people to experience the GOoD News that He came to bring.
Obviously, that does not give me the right to abrogate laws that I don’t like or find confining. I must ask
myself not “what would I like to do in this situation and how can I justify not observing the laws I don’t like?” but rather “what will draw me closer to GOD in this particular situation, even if it means I might not strictly adhere to the law?” It makes me prioritize my life and see what thoughts and action will make me more aware of GOD’s loving presence and/or help others come to experience GOD more in their lives.
I am reminded of what one preacher told the congregation about their observing the regulations concerning fasting and abstinence: “If observing the law makes you more grouchy and impatient with those around you, it is better that you don’t follow the regulations concerning fasting.” The purpose of rules and precepts is to help form us into better individuals who can manifest GOD’s love for others.
I recall that GOD wants us to willingly follow the commandments as a sign of our thanksgiving for all that GOD has done for us. Yes, sometimes observing the law that we would rather not practice can be GOoD discipline for us so that we can learn ways that will draw us closer into the union with GOD. That, after all, is why Jesus came and lived among us and was willing to suffer, die, and rise – for us. Our response and behavior should be in thanksgiving to GOD’s GOoDness, or as today’s psalm says, “Freely will I offer You sacrifice; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for its GOoDness.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my understanding and practice of laws, rules, and regulations? Have I sometimes been a strict adherent to the law at the expense of my relationship with others and with GOD? Do I see the value of the discipline of keeping the rules as a path to draw me closer to GOD and others? How can I help others draw closer to GOD?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all rules and regulations. Through Your GOoDness, we are given guidelines to follow for the purpose of drawing us closer to You. Sometimes we have made the observance of the laws more important than the relationship that they were meant to enhance. For the times we have strictly enforced the guidelines while belittling our relationship with You and with others, we seek Your pardon and
peace. Through the preaching and example of Your Son, helps us to focus on the intent of Your commandments
– coming into a deeper relationship with You and through that into a closer relationship with others. Through the guidance and direction of Your Holy Spirit, inspire us to go beyond the letter of the law to its spirit, and work for the edification and holiness that come from a clearer sense of what Your presence should mean for our lives and the lives of others. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and Savior, Who is the Lord of the Sabbath and all other laws, Who has shared our humanity so that we might be lifted up to share in Your divine life, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggg
September 7, 2025
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090725.cfm
Blessed Frédéric Ozanam: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/blessed-fr-d-ric-ozanam/ - His liturgical feast is
September 9
Readings: Wisdom 9: 13-18b; Psalm 90: 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14: 25-33
Being a disciple of the Lord Jesus takes a conscientious decision on our part. Yet even the ability to make that decision is a gift from GOD. The passage from Wisdom extols the virtues of seeking to share in GOD’s wisdom and lifting oneself beyond the merely human level of action. The Responsorial Psalm describes the frailty of human existence when compared to the divine existence of GOD. In writing a letter to Philemon (today’s Second Reading), St. Paul lifts the relationship of slave and master to that of brothers in the Lord Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples that being one of His followers is a very demanding undertaking, which takes complete dedication of mind, soul, and body.
Today’s selection from the Book of Wisdom compares human wisdom to divine wisdom and remarks that there is no basis of comparison since GOD’s wisdom is in another dimension compared to human thought. Yet, GOD is willing to pour out the Holy Spirit upon mortals so that they can be lifted to a level where they can share in GOD’s wisdom. When guided by GOD’s Spirit, one can begin to consciously choose to align oneself with GOD’s plan and GOD’s will.
The Responsorial continues the contrast between human existence and divine existence. Our earthly life is only a very tiny section in the continuum that marks GOD’s being. Yet, if we seek to be filled with GOD’s wisdom, we can share in the work of GOD and GOD will bless the works of our hands and we can then give glory back to the LORD.
As St. Paul is confined by his imprisonment, he writes a letter to Philemon, a believer with whom he has had contact. Paul has been blessed to have Onesimus as a companion during his confinement. Onesimus (the name means “useful” or “beneficial”) had run away from Colossae where he had been a slave of Philemon. After converting Onesimus to the faith, Paul is now sending him back to his master, Philemon. Paul asks Philemon to look not at Onesimus as a “useless” slave but a “useful” brother in the Lord Jesus. Thus, Paul
is challenging Philemon to rise to a higher level and treat his slave in a way that shows their common bond in the Lord Jesus – a bond
marked by love and compassion. In the Gospel, Jesus addresses these words to those
who would be His disciples. Following the Lord Jesus takes more than merely listening to what Jesus says. It means a whole change of mind, heart, and soul. It demands renunciation of self, old ties, and a complete commitment – mentally, physically, and spiritually – to being like the Master-Teacher. A very important
aspect of this commitment is the mental resolve to act in a manner that reflects one’s relationship with the Lord Jesus.
I am struck with exhortations of today’s readings.
Being a disciple of Jesus is a call to rise above our normal human way of acting and to act in a “supernatural” way. “Supernatural” for me means what the etymology of the word implies “above the natural.” It does not mean “purely spiritual,” but implies a going beyond the normal, or being lifted to a higher plane of action. We cannot rise to this
higher level of acting by our own doing. We can only do this with GOD’s help, focusing on the life and ministry of our
Master-Teacher, and with the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
An example of one acting on this higher level is what Paul asks of Philemon. Philemon has every right to not only have his slave (Onesimus) back, but to harshly punish him for his running away. Paul is asking Philemon not to continue the acceptable practice of his time of dominating his slave, but to treat the once useless slave as a useful
brother and co-worker in the Lord Jesus and in proclaiming the GOoD News. For Philemon to do as Paul suggests will take an extraordinary amount of strength and commitment, and the help of GOD.
In a similar manner, Jesus is asking His disciples (including us living today) to rise above our normal way of relating to family, possessions, and living in general. We are to place our relationship with the Lord Jesus as the primary relationship in our lives. We must be completely dedicated to the mission of Jesus.
In part of a retreat which I have presented to groups before, I reflected on the Marcan parallel of today’s Gospel.
Two key words to Mark’s passage (Mark 8: 34-35) are ἁπαρνέομαι (aparneomai) [rejection of self] and ὁμολογέω (homologeo) [belonging to the Master and His cause, literally “same thought”]. As I view this aspect of discipleship, I am reminded of the relationship that existed between apprentices and master-craftsperson in ages past. When a young person wanted to learn a trade, he would go to a master craftsperson. The artisan would not just “teach” the would-be artist by giving him books or lecturing the youthful learner. The disciple of the master would live with the artist, day in and day out. The apprentice would learn not just the how-to aspect of the craft, but the apprentice would take on the whole attitude and personality of the master. The individuality of the disciple would dissolve as the learner would take on the whole attitude and activity of the master. The understudy would have to put his whole mind, soul, strength, and actions into becoming like his master-teacher.
After years of working under the master, when the young apprentice finally “graduated,” he would present his work to the public. The highest compliment that would be paid to the new artist would be for someone to say, “I don’t know who you are, but I know who your master is because your work is perfectly patterned on your master.”
What we need to do as disciples (“disciplined learners”) is to let go of our own prejudices (“making judgments ahead of time”) and selfish ways and imitate our Master-Teacher. We must apply ourselves fully to the work of the Master, consciously giving our all. Calling upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we must renounce anything that prevents us from fully following the Master. And hopefully, someday, someone will say to us, “I am not too sure of who you are, but I know who is your Master-Teacher, for your work is a reflection of Jesus.”
The personal question/action for today: In what ways do I reflect what is the most important aspects of my life? Have I striven to rise to the “supernatural” level of acting beyond the merely human way of acting? In what aspect(s) of my life do I still need to let go of my selfish ways? Can people see Who is my Master by my actions?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Creator and giver of all that is GOoD. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us the perfect example of how to live out our human life in a supernatural way. You have allowed Your Son, Jesus, to share in our humanity in order to be the Master-Teacher. He continues to invite us to be His disciples, His apprentices, and to continue doing His work. Through the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, raise us up beyond our merely human way of acting, so that we can be reflections of the Master-Teacher. Give us the strength, wisdom, and guidance so we can renounce all that is hindering us from being disciples of Your Son. We make this prayer in His name, Jesus, for He is our Lord, our Brother, and He has given us the perfect example of loving service through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection, and He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our
one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
September 8, 2025
Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(replacing Mon. of 23rd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090825.cfm
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/nativity-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary
Readings: Micah 5: 1-4a or Romans 8: 28-30; Psalm 13: 6ab, 6c; Matthew 1: 1-16, 18-23
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Birth of Mary. Although there is no scriptural account of her birth, the Church has celebrated her birth since at least the sixth century. An apocryphal account of her birth is preserved in the
non-canonical ProtoGospel of James. The tradition that has circulated since the first centuries of Christianity speaks of Mary’s parents (Ann and Joachim – Santa Ana y San Joaquin in Spanish) being old and having no children. They pray to GOD and are told that they will have a child who will be important in the history of salvation. The Eastern churches celebrate the feast of the Birth of Mary in September because that was the beginning of their calendar year at the time. The modern celebration of the Immaculate Conception is calculated from this date back nine months to December 8.
Our scripture passages today focus on the coming of the Messiah. That is
very appropriate since it is Christ Jesus Who is the key figure in salvation history. The position of Mary as His mother is related, in a subordinate way, as is fitting
to her subordinate place of honor to her Son, Jesus. The passage from Micah is the prophetic promise that a male descendant of David would be born of a woman and the male descendant would be the shepherd of GOD’s flock of people. The alternative First Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans rightfully places Jesus as the First Born (most important human) of all His sisters and brothers (fellow human beings who call upon GOD as Abba-Father). The psalm echoes Mary’s joyful submission to the will of GOD and GOD’s allowing her to be the mother of the Savior. The Gospel includes both the genealogy of Jesus and also the account of His birth according to Matthew.
Micah, a prophet of old, forecasted that One from the line of King
David would be born. This “Son,” or descendant, of David would
continue GOD’s plan for the salvation of GOD’s people. The One born of the woman (showing His earthly origins) would come to shepherd (take care of and protect) the flock of GOD. The birth would take place in Bethlehem, the city of King David’s birth. Thus the Promised One would be the care-taker and savior of GOD’s holy people.
In the alternative First Reading, St. Paul sees GOoD coming to all who love
GOD. Because GOD can see into the future, GOD can see how different individuals will accept the GOoD News of salvation and therefore GOD has predestination or foreknowledge of what people will do. That does not mean that GOD takes away free will from individuals, but GOD knows what choices people will make even before they are born. GOD can therefore bless and justify them in advance. Thus, it is GOD’s prerogative to grant certain blessings ahead of time to Mary because of her future total acceptance of GOD’s plan of salvation. It is only appropriate that GOD would
make the human vessel of the Divine Son’s human nature to be pure and spotless and honorable from the first moment of her life.
The Gospel (in its longer form) gives us the human ancestry of Jesus from Abraham down to Joseph, His
adoptive father. The end of (or the shorter) Gospel for today relates how Jesus’ birth came about. It presents Mary as the human woman whom GOD has chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. Mary conceives by the power of the Holy Spirit so that her Child has a human nature from her and a Divine Nature from GOD. This child is to be called Yeshua (Jesus) which means “GOD saves.”
As I reflect on the readings and the feast for today, I
realize that Mary is to be honored (not worshiped or adored) for her role in helping to bring forth the Savior of the world. Her consent to GOD’s plan enabled the plan of salvation to be implemented as the Son of GOD is incarnated (“fleshified”).
Mary’s role is an important one, but is always subordinate to the role of Jesus, the GOD-man Savior.
Obviously, Mary is a GOoD role model for all of us in her obedience to GOD’s will. She also exemplifies what it means to be a servant of GOD. Her plans always included doing whatever GOD wanted her to do.
Mary, in St. Paul’s words, is the best example of what it means “to be conformed into the image of GOD’s Son” even though she is Jesus’ mother. Another title used frequently in modern times is Mary is “the first and best disciple of Jesus.” After she taught her Son and raised Him, she learned from the Master-Teacher and lived as disciple (disciplined learner) of Him. She played (and still plays) an integral part in the plan of salvation. Let us join with Mary in praising GOD in the words of the psalmist today: “Let me sing of the LORD, ‘the LORD has been GOoD to me.’”
The personal question/action for today: How do I see Mary’s role in the plan of salvation? What can I learn from Mary and her submission to the will of GOD? What can I do to bring the message and ministry of Jesus into the lives of people today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all salvation. Through Your GOoDness You bestow Your graces upon those who seek to do Your will, not because their actions merit grace, but because Your grace empowers them to do Your will. We thank You for giving us the example of the obedience of Mary, the Mother of Your Son. We also thank Your Son, Jesus, for giving us His mother as our protector and intercessor. We recall how Jesus, dying on the cross, entrusted John (and all of us) to her care and how He gave Mary to John (and to all of us) to be our mother. We ask that we may call upon Mary as one of our intercessors to pray with us to Your and her
Son. As always, we give You all the glory, honor, thanks, and praise together with Your Son and the Holy Spirit. It is in Jesus’ name and by His power that we lift this prayer to You, for He is our Savior and Lord, our Master- Teacher and Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 9, 2025
Memorial of St. Peter Claver
(Readings from Tue. of 23rd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090925.cfm
St. Peter Claver https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-claver
Readings: Colossians 2: 6-15; Psalm 145: 1b-2, 8-9, 10-11; Luke 6: 12-19
The compassion and love of GOD are obvious from the readings today. St. Paul urges the Colossians to remain faithful to the preaching they have heard concerning GOD’s love for them. The psalmist proclaims the gracious compassion and mercy of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus appoints twelve individuals as His apostles (“sent ones”) and cures the illness and maladies of those who come to Him seeking help.
In the First Reading, St. Paul is concerned about what the community at Colossae has heard since he left them. It seems that some other “teachers” have come among them demanding that the Gentile Colossians be circumcised and forced to follow the Jewish traditions. They are also down-playing the divinity of the Jesus. Paul challenges the believers to stay faithful to the teaching that he gave while he was among them. Their baptism was more effective in allowing them to have a share in divine life than going through Jewish rite of physical circumcision. In baptism they died to their old, sinful ways and were
raised up with the Risen Lord Jesus. Jesus’ death and resurrection are the source of their new life. Baptism is a sharing in the life of Jesus, both His earthly life of service and His heavenly life with His Abba-Father.
The Responsorial Psalm is both a reminder that GOD is gracious
and compassionate, and also a call to return praise and thanksgiving to GOD for all that GOD has done. All GOD’s actions are demonstrations of how much GOD loves and cares for people. The rightful response is to extol and bless GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus spends the night in prayer. This is His re- creative time to be with His
Abba-Father. It renews Him after a busy day and helps Him focus on what He will do on the next day. A couple key events
happen after His night of prayer. First, Jesus calls twelve individuals and appoints them as apostles (literally “ones who are sent” or “people on a mission”). Secondly, after the commissioning of the twelve, Jesus continues His ministry to those who seek the GOoD News that He preaches, not only in word but in action. He demonstrates the compassion and healing that are the hallmarks of His Abba. He brings salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) to those who are in need.
As I reflect on the readings, I am once again reminded of two of GOD’s most enduring qualities – mercy-
compassion and love. It is for that very reason that GOD allowed (and sent) the Son to come into the world to give a more powerful example of the love that GOD has for all people. GOD is more interested in bringing salus to people than in having people perform rites and be enslaved by laws and regulations.
I realize that at times I have been insistent on following rules, not just as guidelines, but for their own sake. I
figured if I kept all the rules, then I would “earn” credits in my heavenly account. I also, at times, tried to enforce the laws and commands on others.
Over the years, I have come to the realization that there is no way that I can keep all the laws and rules, even though I should try to keep them. I have also been struck by the awareness that GOD does not want robots who automatically do what they are told without a sense of commitment, compassion, or gratitude. GOD wants to have a relationship with me. GOD has again and again demonstrated the divine compassion and mercy toward me and others around me. The LORD GOD desires that I accept what is being offered to me and respond in thanksgiving and loving praise.
To me, that does not mean that rules and regulations are not important; they are. They are, however, only to be guidelines that enable me to check on how I am responding to GOD’s compassion and love. What is important is that I reflect on the mercy and love that GOD bestows on me and respond gratefully and with thankful praise.
What that means in practical way is that I need to spend time in prayer, as Jesus did. It also means that I realize that I am called to be apostolic also – that I have been commissioned to continue Jesus’ mission of sharing the GOoD News with others, particularly in the way I treat them with compassion and care. The words of the psalmist need to become mine not just so I rattle them off, but so I can proclaim the words in my behavior: “Let Your faithful ones bless You. Let them discourse of the glory of Your reign and speak of Your might.”
The personal question/action for today: Have I allowed myself to be misled by people who preach a message that they say is as important or more important than Gospel that Jesus came to share with us in word and action? Do I see adherence to rules and regulations as a means to earn what GOD has in store for me or do I see my actions as a response to what GOD has already done for me? How do I see myself as apostolic – a person on a divinely inspired mission? How can I bring the GOoD News of GOD’s mercy- compassion and love to another individual today?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all mercy and compassion. Through Your GOoDness we have been given a share in Your life, and in the ministry of Your Son, Jesus. He continues to call individuals to be apostles – people on a divine mission. We who have been baptized and died to our old, sinful selves, are called to rise to the new life of grace and mercy. Regretfully, we have sometimes clung to our old ways rather than embracing the newness that comes from our being commissioned by Jesus. Or we have allowed ourselves to be misled by people who say they know more than what You have revealed in Your Word. Through Jesus, You continue to send us forth to proclaim in word and action Your GOoD News of salus (healing, wholeness, and salvation). As we reach out with compassion and love to those around us, You touch people’s lives and make them new. We raise our grateful and joyful praise to You in thanksgiving for all You do for us, especially in and through Your Son, Jesus. For He is our Master-Teacher and Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, Who has died and is risen, and is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 10, 2025
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinar Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091025.cfm
Saint Thomas of Villanova: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-thomas-of-villanova
Readings: Colossians 3: 1-11; Psalm 145: 2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab; Luke 6: 20-26
The readings today present quite a few practical guidelines for the life of a disciple of Jesus. St. Paul in his letter to the faithful at Colossae challenges the believers to throw off the vicious garments (clothing of vices) and be clothed with the virtuous apparel (clothing of virtues). The psalm calls for those whom GOD has blessed to praise GOD’s greatness in the presence of others. In the Gospel, Jesus addresses His disciples with Luke’s version of the Beatitudes that is more practical and physical (and shorter) than Matthew’s version that is more spiritual and mental.
In writing to the Colossians, St. Paul alludes to the baptismal rite in which those who are about to be “plunged” (baptizo) into the waters of salvation, disrobe and put behind them their old clothes. As they emerge out of the waters of Baptism and the new life that they have received in Jesus, they don new, white garments that
symbolize their sharing in the life of the Risen Lord. Paul equates the
old, soiled clothing with the life of vices that they should have left behind. They are not to return to wearing those dirty things, but to always realize the newness they have received in Christ. In particular Paul points out the earthly vices that must not be part of their new
life: immorality, impurity, passion (lust), evil desires, greed, anger, fury, malice, slander, obscene language, and
lying. Those are the characteristics of their former, worldly life. They are now clothed in Christ and are united with all those who are one with Jesus.
The psalmist reminds all those who are part of the Reign of GOD to act in a way that invites others to be a part of the divine Reign. That means they must model the presence of GOD’s reigning in their lives and proclaim the Lordship of GOD by both word and action.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus descends to the plain to deliver His sermon (whereas in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus ascends a hill to proclaim the Sermon on the Mount). Both accounts have Jesus beginning His preaching with the Beatitudes. Jesus, according to
Luke, addresses real economic and social conditions, whereas in Matthew’s account, Jesus speaks
about religious and spiritual attitudes. Both versions have Jesus proclaiming a reversal of fortunes: the rich become poor, while the poor are enriched; those who are filled become wanting, while those who are without the necessities of life are satisfied beyond expectation; and those who are experiencing hardship and sorrows are blessed with abundant joy, while those who are happy and content with their way of life are left in a miserable state.
As I reflect on the readings, I am led to ask myself, “with which image do I presently identify?” In some ways I find it hard to throw
out the old, stained garments to which I had become accustomed. I find it hard to keep the new garment, with which I have been clothed, free of being marred with filth. It is so easy to sell out to the values of the world that include greed, pleasure, wealth, and fame. I find it difficult to associate with the poor and outcasts, the sorrowing, and needy. I desire to buy into the philosophy that says that I should enjoy the benefits that I have “earned” by my hard work.
Yet, the Lord Jesus is saying to me, “Do you want everything the world offers you at the cost of losing the
out-of-this-world blessings I have in store for you?” I have been given a choice. I must choose with what values will I be associated. I can be part of the realm of this world, with its deceptive promises of having great times, power, money, beauty, and happiness. Or I can choose to be a proclaimer of the Reign of GOD and the real and eternal blessings which that Reign promises – joy, peace, and divine love.
It is only when I fully identify with GOD’s reign and live a life that promotes its value that I can praise GOD in the way which the LORD deserves. It means that I must link myself with the poor, the outcasts, the sorrowful, and the disenfranchised so that I can be a true member of the Reign of GOD to come. It is then that I can proclaim with the psalmist today and say, “Let me discourse of the glory of Your Reign, and speak of Your might, making known to others Your might and the glorious splendor of Your Reign.”
The personal question/action for today: What are the vestiges of the worldly ways to which I still cling? How can I be more aware of the newness that GOD is offering me as I enter the Reign of GOD more fully? What hope can I bring to those who are in need of my help?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all blessings. Through Your GOoDness we are invited to be a part of Your Reign. Our ticket into Your Reign comes from being one with those who are a part of it through their abandoning the ways of the worldly realm. You have asked us to discard the old, grimy garments that mark the people of the world, and to be clothed in the new, clean vestments of Your Reign. For the times we have chosen to cling to the ways and vestiges of the world rather than Your plans, we seek Your pardon and peace. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us so that we can follow Your Son in proclaiming Your Reign, in words and in actions. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who is now fully reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 11, 2025
Thursday of Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091125.cfm Saint Cyprian: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cyprian Readings: Colossians 3: 12-17; Psalm 150: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 6: 27-38
In the readings today, we are given some practical ways to live our life in gratitude to, and imitation of, GOD. St. Paul gives to the faithful at Colossae ways in which they can live out their faith. The psalm is a reminder that the most important way to respond to GOD’s GOoDness is through praise of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples to a higher level of behavior.
The passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians continues the imagery that was read yesterday: putting on new, clean, fresh, clothing. There are many different articles of apparel that are needed: heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiveness, peace, gratitude. Each of these marks how the “well-dressed” Christian should look and act. The outermost garment which summarizes and covers all the rest of the accouterments is love. This is what people should see first and foremost when they look at us. All of these virtues deal with how Christians reflects their thankfulness to GOD for the gifts that GOD has bestowed on them – in and through Jesus. Our treatment of others is a testimony to the GOoDness that GOD has bestowed on us.
The psalmist urges every living creature to use whatever is available to proclaim praise and to give thanks to GOD for all that the LORD has done for them. Every means should be used to express gratitude to GOD. Every action that is performed should give witness to GOD’s mighty deeds and sovereign majesty.
In the Gospel, Jesus demands that His followers exceed the prescription of the old covenant, that expected an-eye-for-an-eye treatment of others. According to the former commandments, it was important to love one’s family
and neighbors who believed the same things, yet one’s enemies should be treated with hatred and derision. Jesus urges His disciples to imitate the compassion, mercy, and love that GOD had shown towards the Chosen People. According
to Jesus’ directions, we should give without being asked, provide more than what is demanded of us, forgive without counting the hurt, love without counting the cost. For that is exactly how GOD has treated us, especially as demonstrated in and through the ministry of the Son.
This pericope (selection from scripture) ends with Jesus using the imagery of being generous and loving to others so that GOD could give even more back to us. The picture is of a merchant who uses a very generous measuring cup to fill a customer’s vessel with a desired commodity, such as flour. If the merchant uses a measuring device that is greater than normal unit of measurement, then GOD will not only fill the merchant’s vessels with the same benevolent measuring device, but GOD will pour the desired commodity into the folds of the merchant’s clothing.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize there are two aspects of the readings that are linked together. The first is GOD’s graciousness, compassion, and love.
GOD bestows gifts after gifts upon people. The Lord Jesus blesses individuals more than they could ever deserve. In response, GOD only wants us to acknowledge what we have received. That leads to the second aspect. The best
way to express our gratitude to, and praise of, GOD is by extending the same kindness, generosity, and love to
others.
What does that mean practically? It demands that we think of others more than we think of ourselves – that is, we must be willing to give unconditional love to them. We need to treat them with more understanding and compassion than we expect to receive from them. Jesus remarks in the Gospel that if the only reason we treat people nicely is that we expect them to return the favor and treat us nicely, then we are no better than non- believers. When we are willing to care for others who are our enemies or people who cannot give back to us, it is then that we best imitate the love and care GOD has for us.
In an episode of the series, Answered Prayers on TLC, a pastor is viciously attacked in his own home by a burglar. The pastor is stabbed 37 times and left for dead. He experiences a NDE (Near Death Experience), and in which, he is told that “they still need you.” He recovers from his bloody experience and forgives his attacker. The episode is called The Intruder. This is a great example of extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us.
Our relating to others with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance,
forgiveness, peace, and gratitude does not reward us with GOD’s love. Those GOoD qualities are the outflow of how the Lord Jesus has already dealt with us. We only imitate what GOD has done, is doing, and will continue
to do. To paraphrase an old idiom, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” and this is especially true when it comes to our grateful praise of GOD. We are called to be as loving and caring as humanly (and divinely) possible for us, because the human/divine person, Jesus, – and His Abba-Father in union with the Holy Spirit – has been loving and caring with us. If we can do that then we can echo the sentiments of the psalmist today in paraphrased words and say, “Let my every breath praise You, LORD! Alleluia.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I only do nice and kind things when I expect something in return? How do I show my gratitude to GOD for all that GOD has given me? Am I able to forgive those who have wronged me, even before they ask for pardon? How much does my attitude reflect the way GOD has loved and forgiven me? Can people get a glimpse of GOD’s GOoDness in the way I treat them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all love and compassion. Through Your GOoDness we have been blessed beyond what we deserve or could even imagine. You have loved us even when we were Your enemies through our sinfulness. You have used an even more generous measuring cup with us than we, at our most generous moments, have used with others. You continue to abundantly pour what we need, not only into our vessel (our life), but into the folds of our very being. We have not always appreciated and given You thanks for Your graciousness. For this we once again seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit, helps us imitate the unconditional love that Your Son has shared with us and to which He calls us. May we always and everywhere give You praise and thanks, not just in words, but by our reflecting Your love to those whom we meet, especially those who cannot or will not be able to respond in kind to us. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who reflected
Your love in a perfect way, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 12, 2025
Memorial of Holy Name of Mary
(Readings from Fri. of 23rd Week in Ord.Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091225.cfm
Holy Name of Mary: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/most-holy-name-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary
Readings: 1 Timothy 1: 1-2, 12-14; Psalm 16: 1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11; Luke 6: 39-42
It is easy to deceive oneself. With GOD’s grace, however, one can see clearly not only for one’s own benefit, but for the benefit of others. St. Paul begins his First Letter to his faithful follower, Timothy, by admitting that he (Paul) had been misinformed and acted according to that misinformation in persecuting the early members of the Christian community, but GOD had helped him to clearly see his sinful ways and had appointed him to bring the GOoD News of Jesus Christ to others. The psalm, likewise, proclaims that GOD shows individuals the path to life, joy, and heavenly delights. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples that they must not be self-righteous and think that they have all the answers and can solve everyone’s problems, since the self-righteous are blinded to the Truth.
St. Paul writes to his “true child in the faith” and co-worker, St. Timothy. Paul relates how he had practiced a false vision of faith, filled with misconceptions. In his desire to be righteous, he had persecuted those who were following the Truth (Who is Jesus). Thanks to the grace of GOD, Paul was given the opportunity to see the blindness of his ways as
Jesus Himself appeared to Paul (on the road to Damascus). After his period of blindness, Paul not only came to the Truth, but because he had been such an enemy of the Truth, he has been commissioned to preach the compassion and forgiveness of GOD to others. His personal experience of receiving pardon and peace from Jesus made him a fitting messenger of GOD’s mercy to others.
The psalmist realizes that only in GOD is there counsel, truth, and salvation. If one is willing to follow the ways of the LORD, one can experience the only right path to life, fullness of joy, and delights at GOD’s right hand forever.
In the Gospel, Jesus cautions His disciples against having a superior attitude. They are disciples
– disciplined learners, students – of the One and
Only Master-Teacher. They should not have an air of supremacy or superiority over others. They are sinful individuals who have experienced the forgiveness of GOD. Therefore, they must seek to aid others in drawing closer to GOD, not to put stumbling blocks in the way of others. If they persist in their misguided perceptions, then they are blind individuals leading other blind people. They must first correct
whatever is preventing them from seeing clearly, and then they will be able to be more effective in their aiding others who have minor “vision” problems.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how common it is for people to have vision problems, and I don’t mean myopia or other ocular problems. At many times in our lives, we fail to see what GOD would have us see. St. Paul was very much that way in his energetic persecution of those whom he believed were misguided. In fact, it was Paul who was not seeing with the eyes of GOD, but only with his own self-righteous eyes. Paul had to be struck blind so that he could see the vision that GOD wanted him to see. After his sight was restored (both physically and spiritually), he was able to see the divine vision (plan) better. This was a source of salvation not
only for himself but for all those to whom he would minister. He would be a fitting witness to GOD’s GOoD News of forgiveness, love, and healing, since he had been blind and now he sees.
Vision is so important, not only for ourselves, but for others. If we have sight, we can drive a car, do certain kinds of work. If we are driving, for example, and all of the sudden we lose sight, we endanger not only ourselves but those around us. If we insist that we can see when we can’t, it can cause all sorts of problems.
A GOoD question to ask ourselves is: “What is impeding my vision of GOD’s plan for myself and for others?” Obviously, sin is the biggest block to seeing the divine plan. Self-righteousness is another hindrance to seeing clearly. Riches can put blinders on our vision of what GOD would have us see.
GOD wants us to have better than 20-20 vision. GOD wants us to be so aware of the plan of salvation that we can enjoy the life, the joy, and the delights of GOD’s hand. The more we realize how blind we have been, the more GOD can use us in restoring the divine vision not only for ourselves but also for others. The first step, as the Gospel states, is to realize what is preventing us from seeing the sights that GOD wants us to see. Jesus, the Master-Teacher and Healer, is waiting for us to admit our vision problems. He wants to heal us and teach us, so we can go out and continue His ministry. We need to invite Jesus more fully into our sights and admit what the psalmist today says, “You, LORD, will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in Your presence, the delights at Your right hand forever.”
The personal question/action for today: What has been an experience in my life when I didn’t see clearly (either physically or spiritually)? Did I pretend that my vision was fine, even though it wasn’t? What enabled me to see more clearly? What does this have to say about my spiritual journey today? How can I improve my spiritual vision even more? What can I do to help enlighten others and help them to see more clearly?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of all vision. Through Your GOoDness, You lead us out of darkness into Your Light. You are willing to heal all of our blindness so that we can see Your plan more clearly. At times we have been mistaken in our ability to see clearly because we have failed to admit that there were things blocking our sight. For the times we have chosen only limited vision rather than the fullness of sight that You have promised, we seek Your forgiveness and healing. We thank You for sending us Your most precious vision in and through Your Son, Jesus. He has come to be the Light, the Truth, the Way, and the Life for us. Continue to empower us with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit so that we can have insight, right judgment, wisdom, and understanding, not only for our own sake, but also the for the sake of those whom You call us to serve. We
make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who is Your Vision for our lives, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffff
September 13, 2025
Memorial of St. John Chrysostom
(Readings from Sat. of the 23th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091325.cfm
Saint John Chrysostom: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-chrysostom
Readings: 1 Timothy 1: 15-17; Psalm 113: 1b-2, 3-4, 5 and 6-7; Luke 6: 43-49
Some people may think that the readings disagree with each other. St. Paul describes how he was the foremost of sinners because of his persecution of the followers of Jesus, yet now he has changed 180° from that direction and he is able to be one of the strongest proclaimers of the GOoD News of Jesus. In the Gospel, in an apparent contrast,
Jesus remarks that a bad tree cannot bear GOoD fruit, nor a GOoD tree bear bad fruit.
St. Paul once again shares with Timothy how he has turned from one of the most ardent opponents of message of Jesus (that He came to
bring salvation to all) to one of the most dramatic proponents of a relationship with Jesus and His followers, that is open to all who will hear the GOoD News. Paul’s remarks just go to prove how merciful the Lord Jesus is. He also praises GOD because he – Paul – can be a GOoD example of how GOD can change a person’s heart and bring new life to the most wayward of sinners.
The Responsorial Psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD. It urges constant worship and honor of GOD, especially because GOD can do the impossible by raising the poor and lowly, (and forgiving the most vicious [full of vice]
of sinners).
Jesus begins today’s Gospel by saying that a GOoD tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree bear GOoD fruit. Another saying of Jesus echoes this passage: “By their fruit you will know them” (Matthew 7: 16-20). Jesus expands this idea today in saying that a true disciple must do more than just cry out “Lord, Lord.” Words are not enough. One’s actions must reflect what one believes.
Some may wonder if Paul was a bad tree that bore GOoD fruit in contradiction to today’s Gospel. In my reflecting, I am coming to the conclusion that a bad tree could become a
GOoD tree, not of its own choice but by GOD’s intervening and extending forgiveness and
mercy. Then the former bad tree can bear GOoD fruit because it is no longer a bad tree. When I think about what Jesus is saying in today’s Gospel, I realize He is speaking of the relationship between a person’s words and her/his behavior. One ultimately acts in a way that is consistent with one’s beliefs and orientation. If people are in relationship with GOD, they will generally act as individuals who know they have been loved, forgiven, and empowered by GOD, as Paul did after his conversion. I am not saying that a person who is oriented toward GOD (ad Deum) does not sometime slip and commit sin. All of us are still in the process of growing into the holiness that GOD shares with us and to which GOD calls us.
The more we are aware, as Paul was, of how gracious (full of grace) the Lord Jesus is and how GOD has
reached out to us with the salus (healing, wholeness, salvation, forgiveness), the more we will want to have our lives reflect how GOD has dealt compassionately and lovingly with us. That is why Paul became such a strong
witness to the GOoD News that was announced and brought to the world by
Jesus.
There is no way we can ever give fitting thanks to GOD for the graciousness that has been extended to us. We can, however, do what the psalmist suggests today: give constant praise and glory to GOD (from the rising of the sun to its setting – that is all day). And one of the greatest ways we can praise GOD is to walk as the adopted children we have become. We should praise GOD by being constant witnesses of GOD’s GOoDness. Our very lives should bear the GOoD fruit because GOD has changed us from bad trees to GOoD trees. We have been empowered by GOD’s mercy, love, and tenderness to change from our former way of life (being bad trees that were against GOD [a theos]) to being able to be GOoD trees that are oriented toward GOD (ad Deum). Our lives should truly reflect our new orientation, that has come to us, in and through Jesus. Let us praise GOD as the psalmist suggests, for (in a paraphrase of the last verse of the Responsorial Psalm) “the LORD has raised us, the lowly, from the dust; from the dunghill GOD has lifted up all of us who were poor and sinful.”
The personal question/action for today: What sort of fruit am I bearing? Can people experience the GOoD fruit that GOD allows me to grow because GOD has made me a GOoD tree? How have I experienced the love, compassion, and mercy of GOD that transforms me from a formerly bad tree into a GOoD tree? How can I extend that GOoD fruit to a particular individual today? This weekend?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all love and mercy. Through Your GOoDness we have been transformed from bad trees bearing bad fruit, to Your GOoD trees with the capability of bearing GOoD fruit that reflects Your GOoDness. Through Your Son, Jesus, You have lifted us from the dust and dunghill and allowed us to be not only Your children (sisters and brothers of Jesus), but also His co-workers and witnesses to the GOoD News of salvation which He brought to the world. For the times we have failed to bear GOoD fruit, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to strengthen us through Your Holy Spirit. We give all praise, glory, honor, and love to You from our rising in the morning to our resting at night, for You continue to raise us up. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 14, 2025
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
(Replacing 24th Sunday in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm
Exaltation of the Cross: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/exaltation-of-the-holy-cross
Readings: Numbers 21: 4b-9; Psalm 78: 1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38; Philippians 2: 6-11; John 3: 13-17
Today’s feast takes precedence over the normal succession of readings (Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time). This is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross of Jesus. It is celebrated this day for this is the day that the basilica of the Holy Sepulcher was dedicated in Jerusalem over the site where many believed Jesus died on the cross. At this site, crosses were found, one of which may have been the cross on which Jesus died. Today is also the celebration of the return of the Holy Cross to Jerusalem after it had been taken by the Persians. This feast is sometimes called the Triumph of the Cross, but I like the connotation that is linked to the word “exaltation.” Note it is not the “exultation” but “exaltation.” Exaltation means “an elevation or lifting up, particularly to a place of honor and glory.” The cross was lifted up with Jesus on it and it became the means of Jesus’ being honored and our being lifted up to glory of GOD.
The readings allow us to reflect on the meaning of the cross in the plan of
salvation and Jesus’ being raised up and, consequently, our being raised up eventually to be with Jesus in heaven. The First Reading is seen as a pre-figurement of the crucifixion of Jesus. Moses lifts up the likeness of a seraph serpent mounted on a pole. This brings salus (healing, salvation) to those who had been bitten by seraph serpents as punishment for the people’s sins of complaining against GOD and Moses. The psalm reminds us not to forget the works of the LORD GOD. In the Second Reading, in one of the most powerful summaries of the life of Jesus, St. Paul reminds
us to what extent Jesus went in order to bring us salus (salvation). The Gospel today alludes back to the serpent on the pole and how it is a sign pointing to the even greater salus that GOD brings to all who look upon the One Who is lifted up on the wood of the cross.
In our First Reading, as the Israelites are journeying in the desert, they begin to complain about the poor conditions in which they are existing. They are tired of eating the manna (the “bread from heaven”) that GOD has provided for them. GOD allows the seraph (“fiery”) serpents to bite and inflict pain on the people who were forgetful of the great deeds of GOD in the Exodus events. When the people realize their own sinfulness in their not being grateful for what GOD had
done, they ask for healing. GOD commands Moses to make a bronze image of the serpent and to mount it on a wooden pole and to lift up the image. [The image of a serpent on a pole is one of the universal symbols for medical help. This imagery, that is used by medical corporations and agencies, is said to be taken partly from this passage in Numbers.] All who look at the raised
up (exalted) image on the wood with the serpent are given healing (salus) and are raised up from their sickness.
The Responsorial psalm is a call to remember GOD’s GOoDness. When attention is turned selfishly toward oneself, it is easy to forget about GOD’s loving protection and all the GOoD things GOD has done. Looking back over the past history, one can see how the LORD’s mercy and forgiveness have been more powerful than GOD’s wrath.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul may be using an early Christian profession of faith and/or hymn in his letter to the Philippians. This often-quoted passage gives a GOoD overview of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus, as the ever-existing Son of GOD, was equal to His Abba-Father. It would have been easy for Jesus to hold onto His position as one with His Abba and the Holy Spirit. Yet, the Son of GOD was willing to do whatever was necessary so that people could know the love of GOD. Thus, Jesus put aside His almighty, all-powerful divine nature and humbly limited Himself to the lower nature of being human. Not only did He become human, but he took on the role of a servant – one who waits on others and takes care of their needs. This was not the full extent of His humbling Himself (His êÝíïóéò –
kenosis – emptying of Himself) and His lowering of Himself. Jesus went even further, experiencing human death. And it was not just any death, but the most painful (excruciating - ex = from, crucis = cross), most humiliating death possible
at the time – crucifixion. Yet in doing so, He manifested His obedience to the will of His Abba. Thus, GOD raised up (exalted) Jesus and bestowed the greatest of honored titles on Jesus – that of being the LORD – Adonai – one with YHWH (GOD). And if GOD has raised (exalted) Jesus to this position (which He had before His incarnation), we too must exalt the name of Jesus – give glory and honor to Jesus and His Abba in the union with the Holy Spirit.
Part of today’s Gospel is often seen, and quoted, as the essential one-liner of the Christian faith: “GOD so loved the world
that GOD gave the only begotten Son (to the world), so that the ones who believe in Jesus might not perish, but might have eternal life.” The rest of today’s passage rounds out this GOoD News: Jesus, like the seraph serpent on the pole in our First Reading, is lifted up (exalted) on the wood. This being lifted up (exaltation) on the wood brings salus (wholeness, healing, and salvation) to all who look upon Him. GOD allowed His Son to be put to death by being lifted up (exalted) on the wood of the cross, not to condemn the world but that world might experience the salus of GOD and be exalted to sharing in divine life. And thus, after His salvific death, Jesus is raised up (exalted) in the victorious resurrection.
As I reflect on the Holy Cross (Santa Cruz), I am somewhat taken aback by this most holy symbol of our salvation. We are called to carry our cross. But that does not mean wearing a golden, jewel-embedded cross. Wearing a beautifully decorated cross may be a reminder to some of their faith, but it may also be just a nice piece of jewelry. Yes, it is important to have this most powerful sign in front of us at all times, but we need to realize what the cross was to Jesus. It meant
death. It meant excruciating pain. It meant humiliation. And because of this, Christians did not start using the cross as a symbol of their faith until about the fifth century. The cross meant being despised and rejected. Yet for Jesus it also meant obedience to His Abba and a means of bringing salus to those whom He came to serve and save. It meant glorification (exaltation) of His Abba’s plan and the lifting up (exaltation) of those who would see His being lifted up (exalted) on both the cross and in the resurrection as part of GOD’s GOoD News.
Crucifixion was revised by the Romans as one of the most painful and humiliating forms of execution at that time. It
was seen as the opposite of exaltation and honor. It was not allowed to be used in the execution of a Roman citizen, because they were too honorable to be subjected to such a ignominious and degrading death. According to some scholars, the condemned individual was humiliatingly stripped of all clothing, fixed to the cross beam (by being tied and/or nailed), and lifted up (exalted) onto the upright section. The feet were then attached to the upright wood. This death was truly excruciating beyond all comprehension. The word “excruciating” literally means “from the cross – ex cruce.” Some crucified people would hang on the cross for days before finally dying. Death came slowly and painfully. According to
some medical experts, the actual cause of death was not loss of blood, but affixation. As the body of the crucified dropped from its own sheer weight, the dying person could not breathe. The only relief for the one on the cross was when the condemned pushed up from the feet fixed below, allowing a breath to be taken once again. Eventually one could not relieve the pain in the chest any longer and died. To speed the death, the crucified person often had their legs broken so one could not push up and take a fresh breath.
As I reflect on the cross and the Crucified One, I begin to realize that Jesus chose this time in history to come and announce the love of His Abba. This particular time in history was chosen in order that Jesus could die on the cross in order that we might be saved by the “excruciating” death of One Who had given up His place in heaven and emptied (kenosis) Himself in order to share in our humanity to its fullest. His exaltation in glory came from his exaltation on the painful
means of death on the cross. We have received salus and exaltation from the One Who was lifted up on the wood of the cross. Let us continue to lift up glory and praise (exaltation) to GOD and to the One Who has been lifted up and exalted both on the cross and in the resurrection. Let us confess with our tongue that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of GOD His Abba.
The personal question/action for today: What images come to my mind when I think of the cross of Jesus? How can I lift up the cross of the Lord Jesus as a sign of my belief in the salvation that He brought through His death and resurrection? In what way can I carry my cross as a sign of my wanting to be united with my exalted Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all glory. Desirous of our knowing Your love, You have allowed Your Son, equal to You in all things, to forego His rightful and exalted place in Your Heavenly Realm. He willingly humbled and emptied Himself to share in our humanity so that we might understand Your love as spoken by One Who was like us in everything but sin. He demonstrated His complete union with all humanity by being willing to die. Not only did He agree to die, but He gave His life in the most profound, and excruciating way – dying on an uplifted (exalted) cross. We seek Your forgiveness for the times we have complained about our life, forgetting about what You have done for us, especially in
and through the life, ministry, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. May we continue to praise You and give You glory as we proclaim Jesus as our Master, our Teacher, our Savior, our Exalted Lord, Who is one with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 15, 2025
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
(First Reading and Responsorial from Mon. of 24th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091525.cfm
Our Lady of Sorrows: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-sorrows
Readings: 1 Timothy 2: 1-8; Psalm 28: 2, 7,8-9; John 19: 25-27 or Luke 2: 33-35
Today’s First Reading and Responsorial are part of the cycle of readings for Ordinary Time. The Gospel is chosen for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. In the First Reading St. Paul urges Timothy and the community he serves to lift up prayers not only for themselves and fellow believers, but for all people. The Responsorial is a prayer asking GOD to listen and be attentive to the needs of those who pray. As we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, in the choice of the two Gospel readings we have, we see how Mary suffered because of relationship with her Son, Jesus, but how she was willing to bear the pain and agony of having her heart pierced in order to bring more people to the love of GOD.
There seems to be some concern that in the faith community at Ephesus, where St. Timothy was shepherding the flock, that they only had to pray for their fellow believers. St. Paul urges Timothy to be sure to lead the assembled believers in prayers for everyone, including non- believers and particularly for those in authority – in both civil and religious. Paul reminds them that GOD wills that all people be saved, and that Jesus has come as the one and only mediator between
humankind and GOD. Jesus did not come just to save those who quickly
embraced the gifts of faith or those who were already “faithful,” but for everyone. When the faithful gather to pray, they are urged not to let resentment or bitterness prevent them from praying for those with whom they disagreed.
The psalmist beseeches GOD to hear his prayer. The later verses of today’s selection demonstrate the trust that those who pray should have in the GOD Who is their strength.
In the optional sequence (Stabat Mater), we are reminded that Mary stood at
the foot of the cross, compassionately suffering with her Son. In the sequence, we pray that we might be touched in a similar way as we reflect on the
suffering and death of Jesus.
On this day of the Memorial of Our Lady
of Sorrows, on the day after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we have a choice of two Gospels. In the Gospel from St. John, as Jesus hangs on His cross, suffering and
dying, He is aware of the presence of His mother and the beloved disciple. Jesus entrusts the care of His mother to His disciple, and the care of His disciple to His mother. Part of the salvific plan is that we are responsible for the continued care of others.
In the other Gospel option (Luke 2: 33-35), Mary is told that her Son will both be a source of blessings and salvation, but also a source of having to suffer. It is also revealed to her that she will have her soul pierced by pain as she travels along the Way of Life with her Son, Jesus.
GOD’s love is beyond all telling. Yet, since GOD in human flesh limited
His time on earth to thirty-something years, the need for human-to-human
caring was entrusted to His disciples and loved ones. This concern for others includes being willing to pray for one another and serve each other. GOD has willed that human-to-human touch be continued by those who invoke the name of Jesus.
Obviously, there are many ways that we share in the caring ministry of Jesus. It can include loving those
whom GOD has entrusted to our care (as Jesus entrusted His mother into the care of His beloved disciple, and him into her care). Today’s Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that caring for others may manifest itself by being compassionate and suffering with others even when we cannot do anything else except be there while another is going through pain and agony. Our presence with the hurting individual shows our willingness to bring GOD’s presence to the pained person.
At other times, we may be called to reach out and get involved in other people’s lives by helping them in some sort of physical way, for example as Mother Teresa washed the wounds of those who were suffering from leprosy or other maladies. It could also include donating some of our treasure to those who are less fortunate.
One other way that the disciples of Jesus carry on His ministry is through intercessory prayer. We show our
concern for others by our praying for them and with them. This apostolic ministry may be the only type of ministry we can show to certain individuals at this point in our lives due to our own limited capacities or
because those for whom we pray do not want us to be involved in their lives. Prayer is a very powerful tool we have as fellow servants of the Word of GOD. We can show our desire that all people will know the gift of salus
(healing, well-being, salvation) as GOD intends even if we are at odds with those for whom we pray, or we are not able to be with the physically. Sometimes just saying, “GOD, I don’t know what You want for this person,
but I lift them up to You.” This shows that we love them with the unconditional love.
I know I spend a lot of time praying for others. I have been praying for certain people by name for over
twenty years, even though I have not heard from them or about them at all during that time. At other times, a person’s name pops to mind while I am in intercessory prayer. While I pray for others, I am linked with them through the love that flows from GOD and from Jesus Who died on the cross. I usually end my intercessory prayers with words something similar to these: “I pray for all those who have asked me to pray, and I pray for those whom I have promised to pray. I pray for those most in need of my being united with them in prayer.”
In praying for others, we are truly being disciples of the Lord. We are showing our acceptance of the
responsibility to be concerned for the salus of others, especially those for whom GOD has entrusted us to care. We lift up and are lifted up by our intercessory prayer and we re-affirm our belief, as the psalmist says today, that “the Lord is my strength and my shield. In GOD my heart trusts, and I find help; then my heart exults, and with my song I give the LORD thanks. The LORD is the strength of all GOD’s people, the saving refuge of GOD’s anointed.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I view those who are different than me or who hold a different perspective of worshiping the LORD GOD or who do not belong to a faith community? Do I do all I can to work, and pray, for the unity of all believers and the welcoming of non-believers into the flock of the Lord Jesus? Do I submit to the complete authority of the Lord Jesus with the confidence that GOD can and does work in mysterious, yet wonderful ways? When I reflect on Mary as our Sorrowful Mother, what thoughts and feelings do I have? What can I do to make others aware of the true vision of the loving compassion of GOD, especially for those who are most in need of the gift of spiritual insight and forgiveness which comes from Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all peoples. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son, Jesus, as the Savior of the whole world. His death on the cross (and His resurrection) was the means by which salus is available to all. According to Your divine plan, Your Son entrusted the care of others to His disciples. At times we have failed to care for those whom You have entrusted to our care because we were out of sorts or upset. Please extend Your forgiveness to us for those times. Through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives, help us to minister to others, especially to those who need us to share Your loving concern. Make us aware of those whom we should serve in action and through prayer. We lift up this prayer to You, our Strength, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother, Who continues His ministry through us and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffff
September 16, 2025
Memorial of St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian
(Readings from Tue. of the 24th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091625.cfm
St. Cornelius: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cornelius
Readings: 1 Timothy 3: 1-13; Psalm 101: 1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6; Luke 7: 11-17
The readings today present particular aspects of what ministry is all about. In the First Reading, St. Paul gives advice to his protégé and colleague (Timothy) about how to choose and recognize those who are to be the
servant-leaders within the community at Ephesus. The psalm calls those who live lives of integrity (wholeness and holiness), to be blameless, since they are the chosen of GOD and to be in the service of the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus gives an example of what true leadership is all about in His compassionate raising of the dead son of a widow.
The Letter from St. Paul to Timothy seems to be setting guidelines for those who take on certain functions within the Church. Three separate offices are addressed in this passage:
1) the episcopos – “bishop” or “overseer”; 2) the male diakonoi – “deacons,” “servants,” or “ministers”; 3) the gynaikas – “women.” Certain similarities exist for qualities of the three types of ministries. They all must be dedicated, known for their living out the Christian faith, for practicing moderation in all behavior, and for being loving family persons (if they are already married). The episcopos should also be able to teach and administer, not only his family but the whole communities. It seems that the person who is able to have a strong and wholesome family life is to be considered a GOoD
candidate for an office in the community. Many scholars believe that the gynaikas – “women” – were woman deacons who had some sort of ministerial position in the early church, especially in all female gatherings.
The psalm parallels the First Reading in speaking about what makes a person
“blameless” and able to “walk with integrity”
in GOD’s “service.”
In the Gospel, Jesus restores life to the only son of a widowed woman. It is because Jesus is moved with compassion that He performs
this miracle. The widow, without a son, would be considered a social outcast. Jesus sees not only her present sorrow at the death of her son, but the fact that she would be held in low esteem by
others.
What strikes me the most in the readings is the concept of ministry – service. Jesus performs ministry not to make people think more of Him or to show His power. He sees a woman suffering the loss of her only loved one, who was also her only means of support. Jesus feels her pain – (“compassion” literally means “to suffer with another”). He does not think of Himself or how He will look better in other people’s eyes. He wants to be of service to the woman.
St. Paul informs Timothy that those who aspire to be leaders in the faith community must show a similar interest in the concerns of those whom they
lead. They must be individuals who know the value of true authority – caring for those who are under their protection. If an individual has already manifested the gifts of loving and compassion service to one’s family,
then that individual should be considered as a viable candidate for taking care of the family of believers, the members of the local believing community.
What also is important to me is the concept that official ministry is not limited to unmarried males. Women have a position of ministry within the faith community, and it is not limited to the role of being the chief cooks and bottle washers. They are called to recognized service of the whole community.
I have always been touched by the way the early Church called individuals to ministry. Those who already exhibited a sense of service to others (their families, particularly) were chosen to be officially “ordained” – given an order or rank – within the faith community. Those who were already performing “ministry” were recognized as servant-leaders of the whole community, because they acted with the compassion of Jesus. It seems different from the way ministers-leaders are chosen for Church ministry today. They are “educated” and then “ordained”
and it is hoped that they will somehow be graced to do the right thing after they are raised to a particular function within the Church.
The readings remind me that we must continue to look to GOD to call forth, and raise up, true servant-leaders who manifest the compassion of Jesus to the world. It also means that the faith community must recognize those who are living lives dedicated to the service of others and give them the authority to be recognized ministers (servants).
The psalmist reminds us today that GOD’s eyes are on the faithful of land and GOD is saying today as much as GOD said at the time of the psalmist: “Those who walks in the way of integrity shall be in My service.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my understanding of ministry within the faith community? Who has touched my life with compassionate service? Do I consider myself called to ministry (service) within the faith community to which I belong? How can I be more compassionate in dealing with the individuals who come my way today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all compassion. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to call individuals
to carry on the work of Your Son in service and ministry of Your people. By virtue of our baptism, all of us have the responsibility to be of service to others. Yet, sometimes we have failed to live up to the responsibility You have bestowed upon us. For our not being true servants and ministers of Your GOoD News, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. We also ask that You lift up individuals who will be recognized by the community
of believers as true servant-leaders and disciples of Your Son because of their compassionate caring for others. To You be all glory, honor, and praise for what You are doing in our faith community. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the ultimate example of loving and compassionate service of others. He is our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
September 17, 2025
Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Robert Bellarmine)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091725.cfm Saint Robert Bellarmine: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-robert-bellarmine/ Readings: 1 Timothy 3: 14-16; Psalm 111: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 7: 31-35
Vindication! A form of this word appears in both the First Reading and the Gospel. St. Paul in his letter to Timothy seems to be quoting an early Christian poem that says that Jesus was “vindicated” in the Spirit. The Gospel portrays Jesus addressing the complaints against both Himself and John the Baptist. He ends His response by saying, “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
The selection from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy urges the young leader of the faith community in Ephesus to remain faithful even if Paul does not get to Ephesus as quickly as he plans. Using a poetic style similar to a Hebrew poem, Paul presents the summary of the mystery of Jesus. The poetic form uses three groups of two lines. The first two lines are in contrast (flesh-Spirit); the second two lines are complementary (seen- proclaimed). The final two lines are once again contrasting (world-glory).
Jesus is vindicated in Spirit. The Greek word which is translated as “vindicated” is from the verb dikaiósei (participle – ἐδικαιώθη), which a Greek dictionary defines as “put into right relationship (with GOD); acquit, declare and treat as righteous.” After Jesus’ ultimate manifestation in the
flesh – His death and resurrection – He is declared as righteous and in the most right relationship with His Abba- Father. GOD restores the correct order in raising the Son to the fulness of glory and life that is rightfully His. The cross and resurrection is not only Jesus’ vindication, but also it is the source of our vindication – the means by which we are put into right relationship with GOD.
The Responsorial Psalm proclaims the greatness of GOD’s works.
It goes on to say that GOD has made known (revealed, manifested) the power through the divine works. It is in GOD’s self-revelation, which reaches its climax in Jesus, that GOD allows us to be vindicated – put into right relationship with GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus compares the opposition He faces to children who are always complaining about how things are. The children refuse
to rejoice and dance when they are played joyful music on a flute. The same children also resist being mournful when they hear a sad funeral hymn. The people are similar in that
they complain that John the Baptist was so out of his mind that he seemed possessed because he practiced a strict form of asceticism. In a similarly negative way, they talk against Jesus because He is always attending feasts and never seems to fast. Jesus ends the pericope by saying those who are children of Wisdom will declare
Jesus (and John the Baptist) as truly righteous (vindicated – past, passive tense of dikaiósei – ἐδικαιώθη), for GOD’s Wisdom reveals the GOoD News as manifest in the life, ministry, death of Jesus (and John the Baptist), and resurrection of Jesus.
What is vindication? It is being in the right relationship with GOD. The same verb (dikaiósei) is used in Luke 7: 29 which declares that those who followed the preaching of John the Baptist would “acknowledge the righteousness of GOD.”
To me, this means that if we seek to be in the Spirit and be one with the will of GOD, we will be vindicated. It signifies we will be in right relationship with GOD and all our sinfulness will be acquitted. Vindication is not due to our actions or deeds or desires. Vindication is the action or work of GOD. Our part is being willing to be the recipients of GOD’s graciousness.
Once we are vindicated by GOD, we are in right relationship with GOD and our very being (our words and actions) will reflect that we have been vindicated. We can be declared righteous (vindicated) not because of our actions, but because of majestic deeds of GOD.
Our response to GOD’s vindicating and making us righteous is to sing GOD’s praise and proclaim the great works of GOD, as the psalmist does in the Responsorial today. “Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights. . .[The LORD] has made known to GOD’s people the power of the divine works, giving them the inheritance of the nations.”
The personal question/action for today: What comes to my mind when I think of vindication? Do I seek to be self-vindicated by performing certain actions? Or do I realize that I am made right with GOD, not by my actions or words, but by the gracious works of the Lord Jesus? How do I manifest my vindication (relationship with GOD)? Do I live out the fact that GOD has declared me righteous through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus? Do I lift up a prayer of praise to GOD for all the GOoD that the Lord Jesus has done for me? Can people experience the righteousness of GOD by my living it out?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all vindication. Through Your GOoDness, You have made us righteous in and through Your Son, Jesus. He came to reveal Your desire that we be in right relationship with You. We have sometimes chosen to be like the people about whom Jesus spoke in today’s Gospel. We complain that You and Your Son have not always acted the way we have expected You to act. For our failing to see Your self- revelation, especially through Your Son, we beg Your forgiveness. Continue to vindicate us (make us righteous and in right relationship with You) through Your mercy and love. Make us one in Spirit with Your Son, the vindicated vindicator. We lift up this prayer of praise and honor to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffff
September 18, 2025
Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091825.cfm
Saint Joseph of Cupertino: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-of-cupertino
Readings: 1 Timothy 4: 12-16; Psalm 111: 7-8, 9, 10; Luke 7: 36-50
When GOD touches people’s lives, they are changed. Sometimes the Lord Jesus uses other individuals to touch people’s life, such as in the case of St. Timothy in the First Reading. After being a traveling companion of St. Paul, he is established and installed as overseer (episcopos - bishop) and leader of the faith community in Ephesus. The Responsorial Psalm remarks about the great deeds of the LORD that lead to prudent living and praise of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus remarks that the realization of GOD’s loving mercy motivates individuals to greater love because they realize that they have been touched by GOD.
In the First Reading, St. Paul reminds St. Timothy that the rest of the
community should not put Timothy down for his young age. He has been called by GOD to serve the Ephesians as their leader. With that call comes blessings and responsibilities. Timothy is to continue being a teacher of faith, both by his example of Christian virtue and his preaching. That ministry and mission was conferred on Timothy by the imposition of hands (a Jewish ritual of imparting power and authority that the Church still uses). Timothy’s
attention to his own growth in the Lord Jesus and that of the people will lead to a fuller realization of the gift of salvation for both Timothy and the people
whom he serves.
The psalmist praise GOD for the faithful way that GOD deals with the Chosen People. GOD’s steadfastness and honest keeping of the divine promises are just further signs of the magnificence of GOD. As the people realize how awesome GOD is, they should praise and thank GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus is invited to the home of Simon, a Pharisee. It seems that the Pharisee is more interested in impressing others by his having Jesus as a guest than in
seeking to have a relationship with Jesus. The Pharisee fails to perform the usual gestures of hospitality: welcoming his guest with a kiss,
washing the feet of guest, and anointing the guest with oil. In contrast, a woman, known for her sinful ways, enters the home and lavishly treats Jesus in a way that is above and beyond mere hospitality. The Pharisee, self-righteous as he is, is horrified that Jesus would let such a public sinner touch Him. Jesus remarks that love flows from the realization of GOD’s gifts. Because the woman has experienced the forgiveness that Jesus makes available to all sinners, she is able to gratefully express her love toward Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings I am reminded once again that GOD is the initiator of action. GOD gives the gifts
– forgiveness, salus (healing, wholeness, salvation), and faith – to name just a few. GOD is willing to give those gifts to all who will accept them. Some people, like the Pharisee, are not open to GOD’s graciousness because they see themselves as not needing to be forgiven, healed, or lacking in faith. Because they believe they are righteous by their own actions, they are not open to flow of blessings that come from GOD.
Others, such as the formerly sinful woman, realize how they have been gifted by GOD. They experience the freedom of having their sins forgiven, the specialness of being loved by GOD, not for their behavior, but in spite of their behavior. Because they realize how far GOD has gone to bring them salus – sending the Son to suffer, die, and rise in order save and redeem – they are able to be grateful to GOD for all the ways GOD has touched their lives. Their actions and behavior flow out of their experience of the GOD’s blessing of them.
Sometimes people misunderstand this passage and see that the woman is forgiven because of her love. That
would make the woman the initiator, not GOD. The emphasis in today’s passage (as can be seen in the parable of the creditor who first forgives the two indebted individuals) is that GOD is the initiator. The action by those who are graced is in response to GOD’s deeds. It is also the message in the letter from Paul to Timothy. GOD is the one who has called Timothy and chosen him to be the bishop in Ephesus. Since GOD has chosen Timothy, Timothy must perform the ministry to which he has been called and people must respect him as the minister who has been appointed by GOD to be the leader in the community, even if he is still young.
I am once again humbled. This message of today’s readings is that GOD does not forgive me and love me because of my deeds, but that I should want to do GOoD deeds to manifest my thankfulness for what GOD has already done, and will continue to do, for me.
Practically, that means that I care and love others so that they will come to a better awareness of how much GOD loves them. They are loveable not because of their own behavior. They are loved by GOD because GOD has chosen to take a liking to them. My loving them is because I see them as being loveable in GOD’s eyes, and I should love whomever GOD loves.
As disciples of Jesus, it is important that we realize how awesomely GOD reaches out to us. That should lead to our loving praise of GOD and our caring for others who are also loved by GOD. The psalmist today summarizes this in the following words: “[The LORD] has sent deliverance to the people of GOD; GOD has ratified the divine covenant forever; holy and awesome is GOD’s name. . . GOD’s praise endures forever.”
The personal question/action for today: In what ways has GOD touched my life? How have I responded to GOD’s gracious action? When I contemplate GOD’s movement in my life – not because I deserve it – but because GOD has chosen to do so, in spite of my unworthiness – how do I feel? Toward whom can I show a similar loving attitude, not because they are loveable in and of themselves, but because GOD loves them? What can I do to help them realize how much they are loved by GOD (and therefore also by me)?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all graciousness. Through Your GOoDness You pour out Your love and forgiveness on the world that does not deserve Your gifts. Your initiative of caring for us once again manifests Your greatness. At times we have focused on our own self-righteousness and have blocked Your graces from flowing to us. We once again admit our need for, and desire to have, Your pardon and love. We thank You for all Your mighty and awesome deeds, but most especially the sending of Your Son, Jesus, Who manifested Your love and forgiveness in His preaching and His actions. Through the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our lives, make us more aware of Your movement in our lives. May we respond, as did the sinful woman in today’s Gospel, by lavishly responding in loving service of those whom You love. We lift this prayer of praise and gratitude to You, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who has died for our sins, and is risen and living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 19, 2025
Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Januarius) Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091925.cfm Saint Januarius: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-januarius
Readings: 1 Timothy 6: 2c-12; Psalm 49: 6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20; Luke 8: 1-3
Our readings challenge us to take discipleship seriously. St. Paul urges St. Timothy to be faithful to the teachings that have been given to him and not to be overcome with a desire for riches. The psalm also urges caution in becoming too attached to worldly wealth and possessions. In the Gospel, we hear about those who were the main disciples of the Lord Jesus: the Twelve and a band of women who ministered to Jesus and His disciples from their means.
St. Paul is aware that worldly possessions can divert even the most fervent disciple from staying on the faith-filled track. Paul wants Timothy to recall all the teachings that Paul has shared with him. Personal gratification can lead to all sorts of distortion in practicing
the Christian life including jealousy, contention, and mistrust. Instead of being so concerned with the ways of the world, the true disciple and leader should focus on being content with what one has, being concerned for others, loving and caring for those whom the Lord Jesus has entrusted to the disciple’s care.
The psalmist reaffirms trust in the benevolence of the LORD. The LORD GOD cares for those who trust in GOD. All the worldly possessions that one seeks to amass will not follow a person into the next life. In fact, being burdened with worldly concerns can weigh one down and prevent one from attaining the riches of the Reign of GOD.
In the Gospel, we have an insight into the traveling companions of Jesus. He is accompanied by the Twelve (the Apostles) and a group
of women who had been touched by the healing presence of the Lord Jesus. These women seem to have used their wealth and abilities to help tend to the needs of Jesus and His band of Twelve.
As I reflect on the readings today, I am reminded of what my focus must be as I seek to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus and a servant-leader of others. The focus cannot be on myself or the wealth, fame, and prestige I can receive from others. Being a true follower of Jesus means to be concerned for the well-being (salus) of others.
When I focus on my own selfish desires, it is easy to get off track. If I put more energy in amassing money
and possessions, then I have less energy for spreading the GOoD News of Jesus. This can only lead to seeing others as my opposition who are out to take what I have or what I want. I become jealous, contentious, and at odds with others. It leads to further isolation and mistrust of others.
On the other hand, if I focus on others and seek to help them grow in the riches of GOD, then I am also enriched. Yet being concerned for others means I must be patient, helpful, loving, and full of faith.
I was impressed by the description of the women who accompanied Jesus. Yes, it is true that they had received salus (physical, emotional, and/or spiritual healing and well-being) from Jesus, but they were also willing to forsake their former ways and use their talents and wealth for the care of Jesus and His Twelve and for the spread of the GOoD News.
Sometimes the greatest ministry I can perform is to support and help equip others to do the ministry to which
they are called. I don’t always have to be in the forefront and be one of the key people who announce the GOoD News. True ministry is focused on being sure that Jesus’ and His message is proclaimed. If I am blessed with riches, then I should be willing to use that wealth in fostering the spread of the faith.
I remember reading about some students from La Salle High School in Pasadena who lived out their life as faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus. This group of young people, including at least one of my former students, went to Louisiana to help rebuild homes damaged in the aftermath of the Katrina hurricane. Even though it had been many years since the tragedy struck that area, there was still a need to rebuild homes in the area, especially since some areas have been struck by more recent hurricanes and storms. I was impressed that the students spent part of their summer doing such a project of supporting the spread of the GOoD News to people who have been experiencing bad news for many years. They may not have been the individuals who verbally proclaimed the Gospel, but their actions were supportive in the proclamation of the Message.
Discipleship takes many forms – preaching, living a righteous (GOoD example) life, supporting others in
doing their ministry. The most important aspect of discipleship is to know Who must be the center of one’s life – Jesus. When we can focus on Jesus, we remove ourselves from the spotlight and focus on being sure that the GOoD News is proclaimed in word and action and that Jesus and His Abba-Father are praised. As we heard in the readings today, we can never amass enough to earn our salvation, but Jesus has redeemed us. All we need do is be His disciples and spread the faith and the truth in loving and caring manner.
The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to me to be called to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus? How can I bolster the ministry of others and enable them to minister to people whom I cannot minister to directly or as well as others? What can I do today to help others in their ministry?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all richness. Through Your GOoDness, we are invited to share in Your wealth and to share Your wealth with others. Yet often we have sought our own riches rather than allow You to bless us and use us for the blessing of others. For our wanting to be self-sufficient and therefore selfish, we ask Your forgiveness. We thank You not only for giving us the gift of faith and salvation, but also for allowing us to be disciples of Your Son, Jesus. May we do all we can to foster the spread of the Gospel by sharing all that we have been given (physically, mentally, and spiritually). To You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit be all honor, glory, and praise for You are our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffff
September 20, 2023
Memorial of St. Andrew Kim Taegon and Companions
(Readings from Sat. of the 24th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092323.cfm
Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-andrew-kim-taegon-paul-chong-hasang-and-companions
Readings: 1 Timothy 6: 13-16; Psalm 100: 1b-2, 3, 4; Luke 8: 4-15
Jesus is calling us to a higher level of relationship with GOD. In the First Reading, St. Paul charges St. Timothy to continue to do what he has been called to do until Jesus returns to unite all the faithful with His Abba-Father. The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that we need to joyfully realize that we are in the presence of the LORD GOD. In the Gospel Jesus relates the parable of the sower scattering the seed, some of which falls on GOoD soil and produces abundantly.
As St. Paul comes to the end of this letter to St. Timothy, he urges his protégé
to remain faithful to the teachings and commandments that have come from the Lord Jesus, through Paul, to him. Timothy will be enabled to do so if he is always aware, through faith, of the presence of the Lord Jesus Who is coming again for the final revelation of the mystery of GOD.
The psalm is a pilgrim hymn recounting the joy of coming into the presence of GOD with joy. The gladness flows from a realization of the relationship the LORD has
with those who are members of the flock of GOD.
In order to teach the message of the power of the Word of GOD has in the life of one who spreads the faith, Jesus tells the parable of the sower who scatters seed. The full meaning of the parable is not given to all the crowd. Jesus reserves the explanation of the parable to His disciples. The seed is the Word of GOD that bears
abundant growth when it is planted in GOoD soil. Sometimes the Word falls upon individuals who are not prepared to fully receive the Word because of external or internal distractions or obstacles. Only the soil that is really ready for the Word will produce a hundredfold.
The readings took on new meaning for me after an experience given at the beginning of the academic year in a faith community. I attended an evening of reflection for people involved in ministry within a parish community. The pastor told all those who were present that they were not volunteers, but that they had been called by GOD to their ministry (whether it be instructing children in the faith, ministering at the altar, working with teens, serving those who are experiencing the loss of loved one, or any other caring of people). He went on to tell those who had gathered that they were being lifted up to a newer level of relationship with the Lord Jesus and in doing so the whole faith community was also being lifted up to a higher awareness of the presence of GOD.
As the session continued, all those involved in service of the community were reminded that they were called to model two very important aspects of the life of Jesus Christ: His incarnation and His exaltation on the cross. Through their
acceptance of GOD’s call, they were called, like Mary, to be the place where the Word of GOD took flesh again. Not in the sense of Jesus being physically born as a human, but in the sense of the Word of GOD coming to those in need, in the very flesh and skin of those who serve. For when the modern disciples of Jesus bring His Word to those whom they serve, the Word (Jesus) is enfleshed in the hands and mouth and being of the one who announces the GOoD News in speech and actions.
The pastor also spoke of the need for those who minister in the community to embody the crucifixion of the
Lord Jesus. They are to be physical reminders of the love that was manifested by Jesus in His death on the cross. Part of the way they could do that would be through their attitude of prayer. An attitude of prayer includes not just the awareness of GOD’s constant presence in their lives, but in the way they pray. A physical reminder of that was suggested: standing with arms raised up, in the form of Jesus hanging on the cross. While praying in
the cruciform stance, they were to be reminded of the total submission and surrender to GOD that they were being asked to do, just as their Master-Teacher completely surrendered to His Abba-Father on the cross.
As I reflect both on the readings today and the experience of that night, I realize that each one of us who
accepts the call of the Lord Jesus is called to be in the ever-expanding process of drawing further into the presence of, and relationship to, the Lord Jesus and His Abba through the working of the Holy Spirit. It should be a joyful experience not only for ourselves but for those whom we are called to serve; for responding to the Lord Jesus means serving those whom GOD calls us to serve (just as Paul reminded Timothy). When we say that we are the servants of the Lord Jesus, it means we must translate the experience of our relationship with the
Lord to others. The Word of GOD has been planted in the soil of our being, we are to allow it to produce
hundredfold not only in our lives, but also in the people whose lives we touch. The more we are willing to be in prayer, particular with the attitude of the Crucified One, the more we will be able to translate GOD’s Word so that others will fully understand the Word as GOD intends them to know the Word.
The sense of joy and excitement was very evident that evening as people realized that they were empowered with the Word of GOD and they were the chosen and holy instruments of GOD’s presence to others. As they joined with the choir, which led the singing, they echoed the words of the psalmist today: “Sing joyfully to the LORD; serve the LORD with gladness, come before the LORD with joyful song.”
The personal question/action for today: How open am I to the Word of GOD taking root in me and producing abundant growth for my own sake and the sake of others? What can I do to become more fertile ground in which the Word of GOD can produce its effect? To whom am I being called to share the Word of GOD and become an embodiment of the Word?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all growth. Through Your GOoDness You planted the seed of Your Word in the soil of human lives. Sometimes the soil of our lives has been hardened by people walking on it, other times we have let the worldly ways choke the Word before it can fully grow. For the times we have hindered the Word growing within us, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to allow Your Holy Spirit to till our soil with wisdom and understanding so that we can be the place where Your Son, the Word, takes flesh again as we live out our call to share the Word with others through our teaching and acts of service. May we continue to lift up our hands in the attitude of the One Who was crucified for us and may we share our experience of the love we have received from the One Who completely abandoned Himself to You for our sake. We join with Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Savior and Master-Teacher, as He continues to praise You. He is the One Who has died, is risen and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
September 21, 2025
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092125.cfm
Saint Matthew: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-matthew
Readings: Amos 8: 4-7; Psalm 113: 1-2, 4-6, 7-8; 1 Timothy 2: 1-8; Luke 16: 1-13
Being intent on achieving an end can lead one to expend time and energy on furthering the means to reach that end. In the First Reading, Amos chastises the dishonest merchants who seek the end of the periods of holy times when no business can be conducted and who weight the scales to their benefit when dealing with buyers. The psalm praises the LORD GOD Who will ultimately lift up the poor and downtrodden. In the Second Reading, St. Paul exhorts Timothy to have the faithful in the community at Ephesus pray not only for their spiritual leaders, but also for all who exercise authority over them and to have them work for the same purpose and with the same intensity as GOD does – for the salvation of all people. In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus telling the parable of the dishonest steward and concluding the parable with three lessons dealing with usage of what we have, fidelity of those in roles of responsibility, and the incompatibility of serving GOD and any other purposes.
The prophet Amos has seen the evil intent of some merchants of his era. They are so anxious to earn a profit that they cannot wait for the holy days (Sabbath and new moon feasts) to be over so they can get back to their cheating ways. They seem to observe the Sabbath and other Holy Days not because they are holy but because their customers are following the law and would be upset with their failure to observe the day of rest and days of holiness. Their plans for operating include lessening the size of the measurement of the product and the increasing of the value of the money they are to be paid. They are willing, according to the modern idiom, to sell the shirts on their own mothers’ backs, in order to put more money in their own accounts. Amos reminds them that GOD sees their actions and knows their plans and the LORD will not forget their evil intentions and practices.
The psalm builds on the final thought of today’s readings. GOD is to be praised because GOD sees the plight of the Anawim – the “bend over ones” – the lowly and disenfranchised – and GOD will lift them up and give them places of honor and respect, the very qualities that the dishonest have tried to take from them.
In his letter to his co-worker and protégé, St. Timothy, St. Paul urges continued prayers for all who exercise authority, both in the spiritual realm and in the material world. Paul reiterates the message that GOD desires that all people be saved, and he also reaffirms the necessity of the faithful doing all in their power to work for the spreading of the GOoD News of salvation. Yes, there is only one GOD and only one mediator – the Lord Jesus – but believers can further the Gospel by praying for others and doing all they can to give testimony to the Truth.
Today’s Gospel begins with the parable about the unfaithful steward. The steward seems to have misused that with which he was entrusted by his master. He has squandered what he was assigned to protect. Yet, the master gives a commendation to the dishonest steward for being willing to forsake his usual exorbitant handling fees in order to win favor from his master’s debtors. Jesus then links three teachings to the parable.
In the first teaching, Jesus challenges His disciples to be as clever in proclaiming the Gospel as the dishonest steward was in winning favor with his master’s debtors. If His disciples would work as diligently (and obviously in a truly honest manner) as the steward, then more people would hear and come to believe in the GOoD News.
In the second lesson, Jesus is saying that people will act in major decisions of their lives just as they do in minor issues. Thus, a person who is honest and responsible in small matters will also be honest and responsible in larger matters. The opposite is also true: a dishonest individual in small matters will also be dishonest in greater ones.
The third, and often quoted, message Jesus puts before His disciple is the notion that one can only be completely faithful to one commitment – either to GOD or to worldly ways. One cannot be completely dedicated to GOD and GODly pursuits and also be totally invested in non-spiritual pursuits. One ultimately has to make a decision of where one is going to channel one’s energies.
As I reflect on the readings, I am challenged to see where my true intentions are. Am I putting all my efforts into the furthering of the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus or am I selling out to worldly ways? If I am going to go with Jesus, then I must use every bit of energy and thought in working for the Gospel and the Reign of GOD. I must not be anxious about fulfilling my Sunday obligation so I can get back to doing my own thing after putting in my hour or so with the Lord Jesus. I must seek to bring the presence of Jesus to all those whom I meet. It also includes my spending time in prayer, seeking GOD’s blessing on everyone, even upon those with whom I disagree or who have been placed in authority over me. I cannot be just an hour a week disciple of the Lord Jesus.
As I reflect on my commitment (or lack thereof) to the Lord Jesus, I am reminded that I must follow the example of GOD and of the Lord Jesus in the concern for the lowly and outcasts. Yet, at times, I try to rationalize my not getting involved with the Anawim of today because I have seen how some dishonest individuals have used their proposed lowliness to work the system on their own behalf. I think to myself, “if they would use the same efforts to work at an honest job, they would succeed.” It is then that I remember Jesus’ words challenging His disciples (including me) to be as fervent and clever in spreading the GOoD News as the dishonest do in achieving the ill-begotten possessions.
I also hear Paul’s words to Timothy: “It is my wish that in every place people should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.” If I was really intent on spreading the Gospel, I would not try to analyze the behavior of others, but I would pray for and share the GOoD News with all with whom I come in contact. I would do all in my power, and with GOD’s help, to work for GOD’s plan “that everyone be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”
If I can keep those thoughts before me, I would be able to join the psalmist today and say, “Praise, you servants of the LORD. . .Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever.”
Today is Catechetical Sunday in many churches. We should continue to honor those who are willing to share their faith with others by being catechists (religious educators). We also realize that all of us are called to be involved in the catechetical ministry and be proclaimers of the GOoD News to those with whom we come in contact – our family, our co-workers, our friends, and those whom we encounter in our day-to-day lives.
The personal question/action for today: What or Who is the master Whom I am willing to expend all my thoughts, efforts, and actions in serving? How often do I pray for all people, especially those in authority (whether that be spiritual or secular)? How do I reach out to the lowly? What can I do today, this week, to proclaim the GOoD News to someone who needs to hear the Gospel?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One and Only GOD Who desires that all people be saved and share in Your gifts. Through Your GOoDness, You continually announce Your message to all peoples, especially to those who are lowly. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son, Jesus, in order to bring about the salvation of all the world. He proclaimed Your unconditional love through His teaching, His ministry, His death and His resurrection. Continue to empower us with Your Holy Spirit so we can work for the spread of the Gospel. We give You all the glory, praise, and honor in and through the One and Only Mediator, Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
September 22, 2025
Monday of Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092225.cfm
St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lorenzo-ruiz-and-companions
Readings: Ezra 1: 1-6; Psalm 126: 1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Luke 8: 16-18
GOD extends blessing to those who are faithful. In our First Reading, we hear that as the Babylonian exiles return to Jerusalem, they are given gold, silver, and other treasures by their former captors. The psalm expresses the joy of the exiles as they head home realizing how GOD has done great things for them. In the Gospel, Jesus remarks that those who have been enlightened must share their light with others, and in the process, they will receive even more light.
The Book of Ezra sees King Cyrus of Persia as not only the liberator of the exiles in Babylon, but also as the force behind the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The Jews would never have expected a foreign king to be the
GOD-sent source of freedom and rebuilding in their lives. As Cyrus releases the Jews from their slavery, he sends them back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. They are to be assisted in the rebuilding by their former masters who are directed to contribute gold, silver, and other gifts.
The psalm describes the joy of the exiles as they leave Babylon. GOD not only restores them to
their own land, but also in ways beyond their expectations, GOD
provides the wherewithal to rebuild the temple which the
Babylonians had destroyed. Their rejoicing is like that of the reapers who return with the harvest after having labored in the fields for a long time.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds the crowd that the purpose of a lamp is to give light. If one covers the lamp with a pot or hides the lamp
under the bed, then it cannot shine out its rays as it was intended. Jesus also remarks that those who have received blessings from GOD will be blessed with even more if they are willing to share with others, while those who are without, will have what little they possess taken away because of not sharing.
The readings made me think of the magnanimous nature of GOD. GOD is willing to bestow upon those who call upon the LORD in such abundance. All that is needed is the desire to have a closer relationship with the LORD GOD. The overly kind generosity of GOD may not always be at the time we would like, but the way in which GOD enriches us according to the divine timetable cannot even be imagined. We will experience the joyful light of GOD, particularly if we are willing to let that light shine on others.
This is a hard message to grasp for those who are going through rough times. As they struggle with financial problems, marital or other relational issues, physical conditions or illnesses, they cannot believe that GOD is pouring out the divine blessings on them. Yet, in time, as one looks back on one’s whole life, one can see how GOD has abundantly blessed those who seek to be faithful to GOD and enlighten others with the Light of GOD.
As I read today’s passages, my thoughts go out to the people who have suffered from the terrible events,
either “natural” or human causes. With the hurricanes, we have seen the almost completely wiped-out islands and caused damage along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Places have been cast in darkness because of no power and stormy conditions. People have died, and families have been destroyed by the losses of the homes and loved ones. Similarly, the people of Ukraine have suffered in both physical and emotional darkness, having to hid underground for long periods of time. Yet, like the people experienced in returning from the Exile in today’s
First Reading, I believe GOD will do great things in the lives of people who remain faithful to the LORD GOD. They will receive blessings from others, even people who may have been “foreigners” or strangers before.
We who are not affected as others by disasters are called to be light to those who are experiencing the darkness, not only because they may have no power in their homes and some do not even homes, but also they
were going through “dark times.” We can bring a sense of hope and reassurance to such people by our prayers, thoughts, communication, and contributions.
All of us are called to be sources of light for others. When we are willing to share what we have been given by the LORD, GOD does marvelous things for those involved. Let us continue to be open to the LORD’s using us to bring light, joy, and blessings to others, so that they can say with the psalmist today, “The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.”
The personal question/action for today: What have been my experiences of being in the dark and having someone shed some light on my situation, thus giving me hope? What can I do to be a source of light to others, so that they can see the great things the LORD is doing for them, even in the midst of their darkness?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all gifts. Through Your GOoDness we have been blessed in ways beyond our expectations. Yet, at times we focus only upon that which weighs us down and we forget that You continue to send unexpected persons into our lives to bring us light, joy and a sense of
Your love. We thank You for sending Your Son to us and also for allowing us to be Your instruments in sharing the Light of the GOoD News with others. Continue to enlighten us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to share Your light with others. We make this prayer in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Savior and Master-Teacher, the Light of the World, as we continue to praise You. He is the One Who has died, is risen and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
September 23, 2025
Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina
(Readings from Tue. of the 25th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092325.cfm
Saint Padre Pio: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-pio-of-pietrelcina
Readings: Ezra 6: 7-8, 12b, 14-20; Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5; Luke 8: 19-21
When GOD’s will is obeyed, great things happen. The First Reading describes how the returning exiles are aided in their rebuilding of the House of GOD and how they followed GOD’s orders exactly. The Responsorial Psalm is the hymn of the pilgrims and/or exiles coming to the Temple and rejoicing to be in GOD’s presence. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the members of His and His Abba-Father’s family as those who do the will of GOD.
Not only does King Cyrus of Persia support the rebuilding of the Temple by the
former exiles, but also his successor (Darius) does also. They not only permitted the reconstruction, but also told others to financially support the effort to restore the Temple to its former glory. After the completion of the Temple, the Jewish people rejoice and celebrate the feast days as described in Torah – Pentateuch – first five books of the Bible.
The Responsorial Psalm renders a picture of the great excitement and joy of those who are approaching the Temple of GOD. It was something for which pilgrims and/or returning exiles longed. It was not just a joyous occasion for those privileged to enter the presence of GOD, but also it was the fitting way for one to properly praise and thank GOD by being in the divine presence as they experience it in the Temple.
In the Gospel, Jesus is notified that His mother and relatives are
outside. Jesus responds not in a way of putting down His blood relatives, but rather of showing the importance of being part of His divine family. The sign of one’s acceptance of being a part of the family of GOD is doing the will of Jesus and His Abba. The foremost human-only individual in doing GOD’s will is Jesus’ mother, Mary. This is what truly makes her one with her Son.
It should be our desire to be in GOD’s presence not just now
and not just in a particular holy building. Our longing should be to be with GOD forever in the eternal dwelling place of GOD. We can
begin to rejoice at being in GOD’s presence right now as we become increasingly more aware that GOD is with us. The realization of GOD’s presence with us should motivate us to do the will of GOD.
As I reflect on that, I realize that the more I am conscious of GOD’s being with me at all times, the more I
want to do GOD’s will and avoid anything that would hinder my relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba
in the unity with the Holy Spirit. Yet, being human, it is easy to be distracted and forget that I am in the presence of GOD at all times. This is particularly so when we are busy with our normal routine or are burdened with the pressures of life. It is even more difficult when we are tempted by the enemy to doubt that GOD is with us.
I was talking with someone a while ago and the person said that with all the negative and evil things happening in the world and particularly in the person’s personal life, it was hard to focus on being in GOD’s presence. This person really felt attacked by the enemy and realized that the enemy was trying to cause a lack of faith. Emotional, physical, mental, and/or spiritual pain can make one question the presence of GOD. A similar experience seems to have plagued Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta during the last part of her life. Although she sought to do GOD’s will and spend hours each day in prayer, she did not always “feel” GOD’s presence.
A similar experience happened to the exiles while they were in Babylon. They had wondered if they would ever return to be in GOD’s presence. After a period of time, they not only were allowed to return to Jerusalem,
but also, were supported in the restoring of the Temple, the Dwelling Place of GOD. Something else happened during the exile. Many of the Chosen People came to the realization that GOD was not just in the Temple in Jerusalem, but also the LORD was present with them even in exile.
A similar experience may be that of the “exiles” from the natural disasters such as the recent earthquake or the hurricanes that have struck various parts of our world, or the pandemic, or those who have fled their homeland in Ukraine. With homes damaged or destroyed, they may wonder if GOD is with them. Yet, often many of these “exiles” are able to thank GOD for the gift of life, the gift of their families, and the generosity of so many people who make it possible for them to begin again and realize that GOD is with them.
As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we are called to keep our eyes focused on Him and to realize that the He and His Abba are with us. We are members of the family of GOD and we are sisters and brothers of the Lord Jesus. That should spur us to live as children of GOD and doing the will of the One Who loves us and has sent us Jesus as our Brother.
I am reminded of the slogan WWJD (which stands for “What Would Jesus Do?”). [At an early morning Bible
Study one of the participants said it should be WWJHMD – “What Would Jesus Have Me Do?”] If we are conscious of the Lord Jesus being with us and that we are sisters and brothers of Jesus, we would do what Jesus, our Brother would do – we would do His will and the will of our Abba, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit is leading us to do. It is then we could paraphrase today’s psalm and say, “I rejoice because they reminded me, ‘We are in the presence of the LORD.’ We are walking with GOD right now.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I forgotten or not felt the presence of the Lord Jesus with me? What reminded me of GOD’s presence? How can I help others experience the presence of the Lord Jesus with them, especially as they feel alone, forsaken, and/or depressed?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all time and places. Through Your GOoDness You remain with us at all times. Through Your Son, You invite us to be Your daughters and sons, and sisters and brothers of Jesus. You promise the presence of Your Holy Spirit in our lives to strengthen us and give us the wisdom to live as members of Your family. Yet, like wayward children, we sometimes have forgotten of whose family we are a part. We have even refused to be associated with Your family because it would require us to live as Your children. For those times, we ask for Your understanding and forgiveness. May we always seek to do Your will as our way of giving You thanks and walking in Your presence. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Brother and Savior, Who has died, is risen, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy
Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffff
September 24, 2025
Wednesday of Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092425.cfm
Saint John Henry Newman: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-henry-newman
Readings: Ezra 9: 5-9; Tobit 13: 2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8; Luke 9: 1-6
GOD has a plan for humankind, both for individuals and for humanity as a whole. In the First Reading today, Ezra, the priest of the Chosen People, realizes that GOD’s loving plan not only includes allowing the Jews to be taken into exile in Babylon, but also involves their return to the Promise Land and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Responsorial echoes the words of Ezra in giving praise to GOD for permitting the Chosen
People to return to their land. In the Gospel, as a continuation of His ministry, Jesus sends out the Twelve
(Apostles) to preach and heal as signs of the spread of the GOoD News of GOD’s love for the people.
After experiencing the exile, Ezra is privileged to see the restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland and the rebuilding of the Temple at the hands of Cyrus, King of Persia. Ezra sees the hand of GOD at work in the events that take place. He realizes that GOD can work through even non- believers, such as Cyrus, to bring about the divine plan.
The Responsorial is from the Book of Tobit and recalls the Babylonian Exile. GOD is praised even while the Chosen People are scattered among the nations. The final plan of GOD is revealed in GOD’s forgiving the sins of the
people and restoring them to their land.
In the Gospel, Jesus commissions (Jesus “apostles” – sends out) the Twelve to do the same activities He has performed: proclaiming the GOoD News in word and in action. The Twelve are not to take extra supplies but to rely on GOD to supply their needs in food, clothing, and every other way.
The readings remind me that GOD has a plan. GOD wants all people to come to know
the divine love that GOD has for them. Sometimes GOD’s plan is side- tracked by evil, sinfulness, and poor choices on the part of humans.
GOD’s plan, however, will not be undone or thwarted. Just as GOD restored the exiles to the Promise Land, so GOD will lead back all those who have strayed from the LORD GOD, as long as they are willing to cooperate with the will of GOD.
What still is unbelievable to me is the fact that part of the plan of GOD is to involve humans in the proclaiming of the GOoD News. It was not enough that GOD’s plan included the sending of the Son to evangelize the world and bring about the salvation of all. GOD went even further and commissioned mere mortals to continue the
work of Jesus. GOD empowered the disciples of Jesus with the same authority and power so that the GOoD News would be announced throughout the world and for the rest of time.
The most unbelievable part of GOD’s plan is that the Lord Jesus wants you and me to be heralds of the Gospel to those who cross our paths – to our family members, our co-workers, and to people whom we meet. GOD entrusts the ministry of Jesus to all of us, not just the ordained clergy or paid church staff members.
Some may say, “Well, we do not have the power to heal and cure like the original Twelve.” I would respond and say, “Yes, we do have the power, the power of the Holy Spirit, but we may have not realized it and put it into practice.” By our loving compassion and care for others, we are demonstrating the powers that we have been given. The miracles the Lord Jesus does through us may not be as dramatic as some we read about in the Gospel and the Act of the Apostles, but they are miracles, nonetheless.
Have you ever heard someone say that what you said or did was nothing short of miraculous? Have you so touched a person’s life that they sense the presence of GOD in their lives? Has anyone been lifted up (edified) by your words or actions?
If we but open our eyes and seek to respond to GOD’s plan, then we would be overwhelmed with how GOD is allowing miracles to happen. GOD’s plan of announcing the GOoD News to the world involves each of us. We share in the ministry of Jesus. We can be a part of GOD’s miracles still taking place. We, like the Twelve, must rely on the Lord Jesus and realize that GOD will not only take care of us, but also GOD will direct us in a way that will further the spread of the Gospel. If we turn to the Lord Jesus and trust that GOD is active in our lives, we will see the plan of GOD being unfolded, and then we can turn to GOD and praise the LORD as the Responsorial says: “Bless the LORD, all you GOD’s chosen ones, and may all of you praise the majesty of the LORD. Celebrate days of gladness, and give praise to the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the marvelous deeds of GOD happening in my life? How has that changed the way I reach out and proclaim GOD’s GOoD News? What can I do to be more pro-active in my living out the call to serve others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all times. Through Your GOoDness, the GOoD News is proclaimed to all who are open to it. In the furthering of the Gospel, Your Son, Jesus, sent forth the “Apostles” (“the Sent Ones”). We are part of the apostolic Church and are called to continue the ministry of Jesus in our time. At times we have been reluctant to proclaim the GOoD News. We have been fearful of what will happen to us. We have held back from fully trusting in Your providence. For the times we have failed to preach the GOoD News by our actions and words, we seek Your forgiveness. Continue to make us aware of the prompting of the Holy Spirit so we may minister to those whom You have placed into our care. And may we always praise and thank You, together with Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, the Master-Teacher Who has trained us and commissioned to work within Your plan of salvation. It is in His name we raise this prayer, for He has died, is risen, and now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggg
September 25, 2025
Thursday of Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092525.cfm
Saints Louis Martin and Zélie Guerin:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-louis-martin-and-zelie-guerin
Readings: Haggai 1: 1-8; Psalm 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9; Luke 9: 7-9
It can be easy to misunderstand GOD and the divine plan. In the First Reading, the prophet Haggai sees that the returning exiles are focused on their own issues rather than seeking to do what GOD wants. The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that the LORD takes delight in the people who do GOD’s will. In the Gospel, King Herod tries to see and figure out Who Jesus is.
The prophet Haggai is considered the first prophet after the Babylonian exile. The people have started to return to the Promised Land. They are intent on rebuilding their own homes while not devoting themselves to repairing the House of GOD (the Temple). Haggai challenges the people, especially the wealthy, to rebuild the Temple first. He points out that their own labors and efforts are not being fully realized because they have not given their attention first to GOD and the Temple – GOD’s dwelling place among them.
The psalm urges the
Chosen People to praise and thank GOD by singing and dancing joyfully for the LORD. The LORD will then respond by showing delight in the people who honor their GOD.
The Gospel shows both Herod’s interest in Jesus and confusion about who Jesus is. This paradoxical concern re- surfaces later in Luke’s Gospel (Chapter 13) and will reach its
climax when the arrested Jesus is brought before Herod (Chapter 23). The purpose is not to focus on Herod but upon the person of Jesus. Herod’s question (“Who then is this Person about Whom I have heard?”) is the
question that is answered in the rest of Luke’s Gospel. Today, it should also lead the inquiring person to a closer study of, and relationship with, the Lord Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings, especially the Gospel, I realize that I must answer Herod’s question. I must obviously answer that question for myself, but also for those who look to me for some sort of understanding of how Jesus affects me and my life, and also affects them and their lives.
In a retreat I led, I pictured the stages of becoming a disciple in three steps, all beginning with the letter C: Curious, Convinced, and Committed. People, even Herod, are curious about Who Jesus is and what He is doing. Curiosity draws us closer to Jesus. His teaching and miracles make Him a person of interest. Having curiosity is not the end, but just the beginning of being a disciple.
As I and others spend more time delving into His words, I become more convinced of Jesus’ message and mission. Jesus wants to bring us GOoD News. He wants us to know how much GOD, His Abba-Father loves us. It becomes obvious as we reflect on His ministry of preaching and healing. Yet being convinced is not enough, for even the devil is convinced about Who Jesus is (Luke 4: 34).
The third stage is that of being committed. It means we are willing to dedicate ourselves and our whole life to being a disciple of Jesus. It is a total commitment of our thoughts, words, and actions. We are ready to risk everything in order to further His Gospel. The third stage is both the most difficult and also the most rewarding.
It means that everything we say and do should be a reflection of what Jesus said and did during His earthly existence. Our lives should be a song to the Lord Jesus that attracts others to the Song Writer and Song Master. We should be singing the Lord Jesus’ praises in our every movement and thought (see Responsorial).
Curiosity is the initial attraction to Jesus and His mission. Being convinced is the mental affirmation to what we come to believe. Commitment, however, is the true mark of a disciple of the Lord Jesus. It is what empowers us to spread our faith and the Gospel. If we are willing to be committed disciples of Jesus, then we will sing to the LORD GOD a new song and we
will praise GOD and exult in GOD’s glory as the psalmist urges in today’s Responsorial.
The personal question/action for today: In which stage am I today in regards to my relationship with Jesus? The stage of being curious about Jesus and His life? The stage of being convinced of His position as GOD’s Son and the Savior? The stage of being totally committed to being His disciple? How do I profess my commitment to Jesus by the type of life that I lead? Does my life sing GOD’s praise? Can other people tell where I am in my relationship with the Lord Jesus? Does my lifestyle invite others to move into a relation that grows from being curious, to convinced, and ultimately to being committed?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all people and times. Through Your GOoDness, You have made known Your love for Your people by leading them through a process of being curious, convinced, and finally committed to You, Your Son, and Your Holy Spirit. Because of fears of what the commitment might entail, we have shrugged off the total giving of ourselves to the spread of the Gospel. As You touch us again with Your forgiveness, empower us to be committed disciples of Your Son and His mission of bringing GOoD News to others. We give You all the glory and praise that is due to You, for You are our loving GOD, our Abba through Jesus. We lift up this prayer in Jesus’ name for He is our Lord and Master-Teacher, our Savior and Redeemer, our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggg
September 26, 2025
Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of Sts. Cosmas and Damian)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092625.cfm
Saints Cosmas and Damian: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=471
Saint Pope Paul VI: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paul-vi
Readings: Haggai 2: 1-9; Psalm 43: 1, 2, 3, 4; Luke 9: 18-22
The role of the Messiah (the Christ) has been a source of reassurance and also confusion for people over the millennia. In the First Reading, Haggai prophesies that the future glory of the Temple will be greater than the former, not just because it is being rebuilt, but because the Messiah will come to the Temple. The psalm gives hope to those who feel oppressed, reassuring them that they will rejoice as they go into the presence of the LORD. The Gospel presents the account of Jesus questioning His disciple on what people think of Him, leading Peter to profess that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ) of GOD.
As the exiles return to Jerusalem, they are disillusioned at the Temple being in ruin. A few of the elders can remember the former, glorious Temple. They wonder if the Temple will ever be able to be as magnificent as it had been. The prophet Haggai tells the king, the high priest, and the people that GOD will not only restore the Temple to its previous, honorable state, but will make it better. This will come about not just with the adornment of the building with silver and gold, but with something better. The people of Haggai’s time and afterwards see this as a renewal of the promise by GOD to send the Messiah (Christos – the Anointed One).
Like the words of Haggai, the
psalm is meant to be a source of hope to those who feel burdened
and who need some sort of edification. The psalmist is besieged by faithless enemies. The only source of encouragement and uplifting is the LORD. Coming into the presence of GOD in the Temple brings gladness and joy. In Latin the phrase “ad Altare DEI” means “to the Altar of GOD.”
In the Gospel, after a time of reflection and prayer alone by Himself,
Jesus questions His disciples about what people are saying about Him. They respond that some think He is John the Baptist resurrected, or a prophet. Jesus continues the questioning by asking them, “Who do you say I am?” Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah – the Anointed One) of GOD. Jesus immediately links this concept of Messiahship to His future suffering, death, and resurrection, something that the disciples were not expecting.
As I reflect on the concept of the Messiah, I realize that the Jewish people were (and most still are) constantly awaiting the coming of the Messiah – the promised Anointed One of GOD. Their understanding of the role of Messiah varied over the centuries. Most of the Hebrew faithful believed that the Messiah would be a liberator who would throw off any form of oppression and set the people free of foreign powers. This vision saw the Messiah as a military leader. With great military might, the Messiah would also bring a new sense of healing for those who were sick, freedom for the captives, a sense of justice for those who were unjustly treated.
A few people were hoping that the Messiah would bring about a spiritual renewal and a return to orthodoxy. These individuals were of the opinion that the Jewish faith was becoming too watered down and not as authentic as it had been in the past. They wanted a return to the pristine faith of yesteryear.
Very few Jewish people envisioned the Messiah as a person Who would lift the level of faith to a new plane and empower believers to have a deeper and more personal relationship with GOD. It was beyond the imagination of almost all Jews that the Messiah would be divine – One Who is part of the deity, both GOD and human at the same time. And that the Messiah would suffer and die was totally beyond anyone’s understanding.
We, living in the twenty-first century, are blessed with 20-20 hindsight, at least from an historical perspective.
Most of us who have been followers of Jesus our whole lives know what we have been taught, that Jesus is the Son of GOD, the Christ (the Messiah – the Anointed One), Who was born, lived, ministered, suffered, died and rose again.
Yes, we have the understanding of Jesus that our Jewish ancestors could not even begin to fathom. The question, however, is still important for us to answer: “Who do we say that Jesus is?” The answer should be much more than a recitation of part of our creed. It should be proclaimed by our lifestyle. If we really believe that Jesus is the Son of GOD, the Christ, the Savior, the Anointed One Who announces GOoD News by His very life, ministry, death, and resurrection, then our lives should manifest that. We should proclaim that belief with
our actions even louder than Peter did in words in the Gospel. Our lives should be affirmations that Jesus is the
Christ and that we have been beneficiaries of His saving actions.
We are called “Christians” because we share the life of the Christ (the Anointed One), we are partakers of His name and ministry. We are also anointed (at our baptism and confirmation). We are called to continue the ministry of Jesus – announcing a time of divine favor and blessing, of healing and restoration, of salvation.
Think about Peter and his profession of faith. He had the right words at this point in his life with Jesus. Putting the words into action was something he had to work on the rest of his life. He did not have it “all- together” at the moment he said, “You are the Christ of GOD.” That should be encouraging for us. Most of us do not have it “all-together” yet either. Our lives are still being formed into the image of the Christ. We, like Peter, have sometimes denied our relationship with Jesus. We have misunderstood what we are called to do. Thank GOD, that GOD is not finished with us yet.
Yes, we must strive to be more Christ-like, yet, like Peter, we may slip and fall on our journey with the Lord Jesus. Yet, if we strive to profess our faith both in word and in action, then we can join the psalmist today and pray, “Send forth Your light and Your fidelity; they shall lead me on and bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling-place.”
The personal question/action for today: What do I understand as the meaning of the Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed One)? Who is Jesus to me? How does my life proclaim my belief in Jesus as the Christ? Is there someone with whom I can share my understanding of Jesus as the Christ, at least in my way of acting like Christ Jesus, with love and compassion?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all who seek to be with You in Your eternal dwelling place. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Anointed One, the Christ, the Messiah. It is none other than Your Son, Jesus. He continues to ask us, “Who do you say that I am?” We have at times been able to say the right words, but we
have often failed to live out our profession of faith in action. For this we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. By the power and guidance of Your Holy Spirit, help us to develop an even closer relationship with You through Your Son. Empower us through the Holy Spirit to profess by our way of life that Jesus is the Christ, Your Anointed One. We lift this prayer in His name, for He is Your Son and our Brother, the Christ, our Savior and Master-Teacher, Who has died, and Who is risen. He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
September 27, 2025
Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul
(readings from Sat. of the 25fth Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092725.cfm
Saint Vincent de Paul: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-vincent-de-paul
Readings: Zechariah 2: 5-9, 14-15a; Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12ab, 13; Luke 9: 43b-45
Once again, we are reminded of the role of the Messiah. The passage from the prophet Zechariah and the
Responsorial from Jeremiah are both reminders that the LORD GOD has promised to come in order to take care
of the Chosen People and extend the divine care to all peoples. In the Gospel, Jesus once again predicts His own suffering and death – the means through the Messiah is manifested.
The prophet Zechariah lived about the same time as the prophet from whom we heard yesterday – Haggai (mid sixth century B.C.). He is led to proclaim the Word of the LORD that speaks about the LORD’s coming to Jerusalem to dwell with the people and draw in, not only the Chosen People, but other nations. This will be a time of joy and happiness, especially to those who have just returned from the Babylonian exile and see their city in ruin.
The Responsorial is from the prophet Jeremiah and describes GOD’s role of shepherding the people.
Because the LORD will gather the
people who have scattered and will place them under divine protection and care, it is something in which to rejoice.
In the Gospel, as Jesus reiterates that His role as Messiah includes being turned over to His enemies and His suffering and death, the disciples are confused. They cannot, at this point in their journey of faith, understand why or how Jesus must suffer.
Following the Lord Jesus, I have come to experience and realize, is not always easy nor is it always fun. There
are times when I have not understood how GOD operates in my life or in the lives of others. Suffering, particularly, is something that is hard to fully comprehend. No wonder so many people question that if GOD is a loving, shepherding GOD Who comes to dwell with us, why does GOD allow us to suffer so much.
I remember being in indirect contact with a couple who went through the experience of losing their infant child. They wondered why GOD did not do
more to help them in their present suffering. I guess that is one of the reason that Jesus, the
GOD-man, was willing to undergo suffering Himself, so that we could realize that GOD is not above experiencing suffering, but
GOD is totally compassionate about (“suffering with”) our suffering. I was touched by the email they sent out a few weeks after the death of their baby, Christian. They still do not fully understand why Christian died, but their deep faith allowed them to accept it and
trust that GOD was going to see them through. In their email, they said that they were looking forward to GOD allowing them to conceive again and pray that they will then have a healthy baby to
whom they can give their love.
As I have ministered to people, it pains me to see GOoD people (and even not-so-GOoD people) suffer so much. It seems that some of the people who have had the strongest faith I have known are the very people who have also had some of the most tragic and difficult lives. They have striven to do the will of GOD and are experiencing some of the most excruciating (“from the cross”) physical, emotional, and/or mental pains.
As I was consoling a friend after a very tearful experience of dealing with relational problems, I was reminded of one saint (St. Teresa of Avila). She was traveling along a road and had all sorts of problems. She finally fell in the mud and asked GOD, “Why did You let me fall into the mud.” GOD answered, “Because you are my friend! I treat all my friends this way.” She reported responded, “No wonder You have so few friends if You treat them this way!”
The GOoD News of today’s readings is that the Lord Jesus has come to us as our GOoD Shepherd. Not only has GOD become human and shared in the limitedness of our humanity in the person of Jesus, but Jesus has shown that He was willing to undergo suffering and death, even the most excruciating death on
a cross, to demonstrate divine compassion. If His Abba-Father allowed Him to be in so much pain and made that pain a source of our salvation, then the
problems we face should not makes us doubt GOD’s presence with us. Our response must be that of Jesus during His agony in the garden: “Abba, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me; still, not My will but Yours be done” (Luke 22: 42).
If we are willing to be aware of the presence of the Lord Jesus, then the Word of GOD spoken through
Jeremiah in the Responsorial today will be the Word GOD speaks to us: “I will turn [your] mourning into joy, I
will console and gladden [you] after [your] sorrows.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I questioned GOD’s compassion as I have endured great suffering (physical, intellectual, financial, mental, or spiritual)? What reassurance did I receive that helped me through those painful times? Thinking about Jesus’ willingness to share in our humanity and suffer with us, what does that say to me about GOD’s compassion (“suffer” “with”)? How can I show more of GOD’s compassion to people who are suffering from any sort of distress or pain?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all compassion. Through Your GOoDness, You have demonstrated Your willingness to be with us during our most trying moments. Not only are You willing to shepherd us and care for us, but through Your Son, You have shown that You walk with us in our suffering and pain. For the times we have so focused on our pain that we have not realized Your presence with us – comforting us and healing us – we ask for Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to pour Your Holy Spirit into our lives with comfort, strength, and wisdom so that we will be bolstered in our faith journey. We thank Your for sending Your Son to
share fully in our humanity even to the point of suffering and dying for us. We make this prayer in His name for He is our compassionate GOoD Shepherd, our Master-Teacher and suffering Lord, Who has died, but is risen and living with us and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
September 28, 2025
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092825.cfm
Saint Wenceslaus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-wenceslaus
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lorenzo-ruiz-and-companions
Readings: Amos 6: 1a, 4-7; Psalm 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10; 1 Timothy 6: 11-16; Luke 16: 19-31
Wealth and poverty could be the focus of today’s readings, but so could the attitude one has towards possessions or the lack thereof. Amos condemns the complacency of the rich of his day who seek only fine
things for themselves at the cost of others. The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that GOD cares for the lowly, the poor, and the suffering. In the Second Reading, Paul encourages his protégé, Timothy, to pursue the virtuous
life. Jesus, in the Gospel, relates the parable of the rich man who fails to even meet the basic needs of the poor Lazarus, and then realizes, all too late, that Lazarus enjoys eternal riches while he suffers eternal want because of the attitudes each had on earth and their actions resulting from their attitudes.
Amos, the shepherd and caretaker of sycamore trees in the southern kingdom of Judah, responds to GOD’s call by addressing some castigating words against the wealthy people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Because of their attitude of seeking worldly wealth at the cost of the poor, they will experience the fall of their kingdom and the exile of the people.
Amos tries to shake the complacent people of Israel into repentance and to a change of attitude, but all he receives for his mission is ridicule and rejection. Yet, in the end Amos’ warning of the impending fall of the northern kingdom comes true.
The Responsorial Psalm emphasizes that GOD takes a liking to the poor and
the lowly, even though the world despises them. GOD is the champion of rejected and suffering individuals. The LORD sees into the hearts of individuals and raises up those who are bowed down (the Anawim).
In his letter to Timothy, St. Paul reminds
Timothy of what it means to be a person who has been chosen by GOD to be a leader. Timothy must search after, and seek to be, a person of righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and
gentleness. These qualities should affect Timothy’s ministry to the people of Ephesus as he lives out the calling he has received from GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lives a life of luxury while the poor Lazarus suffers from hunger and disease. After both die, Lazarus enjoys life with Abraham, while the rich man experiences torment in flames. The rich man seeks to receive some kindness from Lazarus, even though he failed to show any kindness to him while they were both on earth. When Abraham remarks that the abyss between the heavenly experience and that of hellish life cannot be bridged, the rich man asks that Lazarus be able to return to earth to warn the rich man’s brothers of what their fate will be if they continue to live the
lifestyle of the rich and famous. Abraham, referring to the coming resurrection of Jesus, remarks that people will not believe even if someone would rise from
the dead.
As I reflect on the readings, I am struck by the attitude of the rich. It is not so much that having wealth is bad per se. It is the attitude of choosing to keep one’s eyes closed to the needs of others that is wrong. The people of Amos’ day and the rich man in the Gospel sinned because they blinded themselves by their complacency.
They thought things were fine just the way they were. They failed to see beyond themselves.
This is the concern that Paul voices to Timothy. If one is to be a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, one must pursue virtue. The word “pursue” implies a conscientious exertion of thoughtfulness and energy toward a particular end. What is to be pursued are virtues that not only refer to our relationship with GOD, but also to our concern for, and awareness of, others. If one is conscious of being a person who is seeking devotion, love,
patience, and gentleness, one will see the needy and minister to them, since that is what the LORD GOD does as is obvious in today’s Responsorial Psalm and in the life and ministry of our Master-Teacher.
In a very practical way, today’s readings should cause us to examine our lives in regard to our attitude to possessions and in regard to helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. I think of my own attitude toward the poor. Yes, I donate to charitable causes. Yet I sometimes fail to go out of my way to really minister to those who are lowly and poor. I may not willfully hold back my “wealth” from those who are destitute, but I do not “pursue” (take proactive measures toward) those to whom I could make a difference.
Sure, it would be nice to have a load of many things and not have to worry about always paying bills. Yet, I cannot take all the paid bills with me to heaven and say to the Lord Jesus, “See I met all my debts.” More importantly I must “pursue” ways in which I can manifest my loving concern for those who are bowed down (the Anawim). I must consciously deal with those who need my help with patience and gentleness. I must not let my desire to have a comfortable existence make me complacent and blind to the needs of others. I must strive to be as faith-full and loving as the GOD Who, as today’s psalm says, “keeps faith forever and secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. . .sets captives free. . .gives sight to the blind. . . raises up those who were bowed down. . .loves the just. . .protects the strangers. . .”
The personal question/action for today: In what ways have I been blinded by complacency? How have I pursued the virtues that would be a sign of my living out my call as a disciple of the Lord Jesus? Who is the most needy person(s) in my life today and how can I tend to his/her/their needs?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One Who keeps faith forever by tending to the needs of Your people. Through Your GOoDness, You reach out to those who are in need of Your help. You also call others to pursue lifestyles that proclaim Your faithfulness as they serve the downtrodden. For the times we have been complacent and uncaring to those to whom we could make a difference, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Helps us to always keep the example of Your Son, Jesus, ever before us. Through the continued guidance of Your Holy Spirit, helps us to look beyond ourselves to those who are in need of Your loving help and our bringing that help to them. We continue to lift up a prayer of praise and thanks to You, in and through Your Son Jesus, our Savior and Master-Teacher, Who spent His earthly life ministering to the lowly, suffering with them, Who has died, is risen and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffff
September 29, 2025
Feast of Archangels: St. Michael, Raphael, Gabriel
(Replacing Mon. of 26th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092925.cfm
Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-michael-gabriel-and-raphael
Readings: Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12: 7-12ab; Psalm 138: 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5; John 1: 47-51
Today’s readings are chosen for the Feast of the Archangels (Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel). The first of the two choices of the First Reading is from Daniel and is part of Daniel’s heavenly vision. Later in Daniel’s vision (Daniel 10: 13) Michael, the chief prince, is mentioned. The alternate First Reading from the Book of Revelation is also a heavenly vision. In this passage Michael and the other GOoD angels fight against Satan and cast the Devil and the rest of the rebellious heavenly beings out of heaven. The psalm is a hymn of praise that is sung “in the presence of the angels.” Jesus, in the Gospel, pictures the angels of GOD surrounding the “Son of Man.”
Daniel’s vision of heaven focuses on the Ancient One (GOD – Abba-
Father) and the Son of Man (GOD the Son). It is only later in Daniel’s
vision that the angel Michael is mentioned. Michael is seen (as the word “angel” means) as the “messenger” of GOD who does GOD’s will. Michael is described as the chief (or “arch”) messenger (or “angel”), thus he is an “archangel.”
A similar view of Michael is presented in the Book of Revelation. Once again Michael is the leader (first, “arch”) of the
angels. He is pictured as leading the heavenly forces in a battle against Satan and the other rebellious spiritual beings. With GOD’s help, Michael and the angels expel Satan and his company out of heaven. The result of this angelic battle is that GOD and His Anointed One (“Christ”) receive the praise and glory that rightfully belongs to the GODhead without the mutinous cries from the opposition.
The psalm praises GOD in the Holy Temple. The psalmist joins the
choirs of angels who constantly sing GOD’s glory. Part of the “job” of the “messengers-angels” of GOD is to give GOD unending praise and thanks. This function is done not only in heaven, but also wherever GOD’s presence is manifested, thus in the Temple and elsewhere.
The Gospel passage shows a link between Jesus and the “Anointed One” of GOD Who comes with foreknowledge and Who is ministered to by the angels-“messengers” of GOD. Jesus’ being able to see Nathanael and “know” him even before Philip calls him is one link to the Messiah (“Anointed One” – “Christ”) Who was promised in Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus also forecasts that GOD’s messengers (angels) will tend to and serve the Son of Man just as they minister to GOD in heaven.
Today we honor the three “messengers” who are given names in Scriptures. The word “angel” comes from the Greek word angelos (αγγελος) and means “messenger” or “announcer.” Those who are the “chief” (Greek αρχ - arch ) messengers are the “archangels.” Michael is seen as the one who battles against the demonic forces. The name “Michael” is Hebrew for “One who is like GOD.” Gabriel is the messenger who is sent to announce the birth of both John the Baptist and Jesus. “Gabriel” means “Strength of GOD” in Hebrew. Raphael is only
mentioned in the Book of Tobit. As the name “Raphael” means “Healed by GOD,” Raphael brings GOD’s
healing to the family of Tobit by healing Tobit of blindness, uniting Tobias (Tobit’s son) with Sarah, and reuniting the family of Tobit.
As I reflect on the supernatural beings whom we call angels, I realize that their function is to serve GOD in whatever way the LORD GOD intends. Part of the function of these “messengers” is to announce and proclaim GOD’s glory, so that there is constant praise and honor given to GOD. Sometimes, it seems, GOD sends these “messengers” to humans to proclaim special messages or to help in the struggle humans have against the forces of the fallen “angels” led by Satan.
The most important thing for me is to realize that GOD is worthy of praise, not just by the angels, but also by me and all others who call upon the name of the LORD GOD. Linked to this is the concept that GOD wants us to be informed of the divine love and the heavenly care that is constantly flowing from GOD. If GOD chooses to send “heavenly messengers” to us to reassure us of this GOoD News, that is GOD’s prerogative. My part is that I must be open to GOD’s evangelizing (announcing “GOoD Message” to) me and others in whatever way GOD chooses. Obviously the most dramatic and best GOoD News came in the person of Jesus. Yet sometimes we miss the point of Jesus’ coming and we need to be reminded of message of GOD’s love through other “messengers.”
As we continue to grow in the understanding and appreciation of how much GOD loves us, let us join the
choirs of angels in singing GOD’s praises, not just eventually in heaven, but wherever we are. May we give GOD glory by helping to further the announcement of the message of GOoD News in our every action and word. Then truly we will be able to echo the words of the psalmist today and say: “I will give thanks to You, O LORD, with
all my heart. . .in the presence of the angels I will sing Your praise.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my understanding and thoughts about angels? Does my contemplation on angels draw me into a closer relationship with the GOD Whose message they proclaim and Whose glory they sing? How can I be more open to GOD’s self-revelations, primarily in scripture, but also through other humans and possibly supernatural creatures? What can I do to help announce the GOoD News message to others and thus be “angelic” in my actions and words?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all GOoD News. Through Your GOoDness You continue to send Your “messengers” to proclaim the announcement of salvation. We thank You for all those who have evangelized us whether they be fellow humans, heavenly beings, or (especially) Your Son, Who is Your Message or Word Incarnate and the true Messenger of salvation, in actions as well as in word. We have not always been open to Your message or Your messengers. For this we seek Your forgiveness. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit to inspire and give us wisdom so that we may know Your presence with us. We join the choirs of angels and archangels as we lift up this prayer of praise to You in the name of Your Son Jesus, our Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggg
September 30, 2025
Memorials of Saint Jerome
(Readings from Tuesday of Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/093025.cfm
Saint Jerome: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-jerome
Readings: Zechariah 8: 20-23; Psalm 87: 1b-3, 4-5 6-7; Luke 9: 51-56
GOD establishes a relationship with the chosen people and through them many others are brought into a closer union with GOD. The First Reading describes how people of various nations will be drawn to the LORD GOD by association with the Jewish believers. The Responsorial echoes the First Reading in mentioning that various countries and their people will come to the LORD GOD in Jerusalem. In the Gospel, Jesus turns His thoughts, attention, and direction toward Jerusalem and in the process comes across the Samaritans.
The prophet Zechariah addresses the Babylonian exiles who have returned to Jerusalem. Not only have they been privileged to return to the Holy City and rebuild the Temple, but many other peoples from various nations will also come to worship the LORD GOD.
The psalm reiterates the message of Zechariah. The people coming from various countries are primarily the Jews who have been spread throughout the world and who can now come back to the newly restored Temple and city of Jerusalem.
In the Gospel, Jesus leaves Galilee after having begun and ended His ministry in that area. As He journeys toward the climax of His mission in Jerusalem, He travels the shortest way from Galilee to Judea which takes Him into Samaria where He and His disciples are met with opposition due to the fact that they are Jews heading toward the Jewish Temple in the city of Jerusalem. The disciples want Jesus to punish those who are not open to their proclamation of the
Gospel and their passage through Samaria. Jesus challenges the disciple on their narrow mindedness and their hurt feelings because they have been rejected by the Samaritans.
As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we are to proclaim the GOoD News of Jesus Christ at all times. We sometimes meet with great acceptance and from people of various backgrounds who eagerly accept the message of Jesus as we share it in word and action. At other times, we get only a cold shoulder, or worse, from the people with whom we seek to share the Gospel.
Reflecting on the readings, leads me to the realization that at times, I have been like the disciples of Jesus in being upset when the message I have preached is met with opposition. I sometimes fail to realize that GOD’s ha a plan for all people. The divine plan is that all are called to come to a closer relationship with GOD the Abba- Father and the Lord Jesus in the unity of the Holy Spirit, even if it does not follow my time-line and my model. I sometime have taken it personally when I have been rebuffed by others, and I have forgotten what Jesus says in Luke 10: 16 – “Whoever rejects you, rejects Me and the One Who sent Me.”
Our role as evangelists – “messengers of GOoD News” – needs to
strike a balance between our efforts and GOD’s action. Yes, we must do the best job we possibly can in proclaiming the Gospel, especially in our actions. Yet, we also need to realize that GOD’s timing and GOD’s giving of the gift of faith is beyond our control, and beyond our experience of people’s free will in rejecting the GOoD News. Just as a skilled physician must uses the best surgical tools, so GOD can use us when we are the best tools. We are instruments in GOD’s hands. We have to be the best instruments, but GOD is the One Who will perform the ultimate procedure that will cause the desired effect.
GOD wants people from every land and nations, every background and experience to come to accept the gift of salvation offered and made possible through Jesus and His saving ministry. GOD desires the salvation of all souls more than we ever desire it or imagine it. GOD has allowed us to be instruments in the divine hands, who share what we have received with others. Yet the ultimate decision to respond is not ours. We must go to the places and people as we are directed by the Lord Jesus. What is important is that we keep our eyes focused on our Master-Teacher, the Divine Physician, with Whom we are journeying. He is the One Who knows where we should be heading. We must pray that we hear the words from the First Reading as we follow our Master- Teacher, the same words that others will hopefully say to us: “Let us go with you, for we have heard that GOD is with you.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I sense my call to be instruments of GOoD News in the hands of GOD? W hat can I do to be a better tool in the proclamation of the Gospel? Do I rejoice when GOD calls people of various backgrounds to receive the GOoD News? To whom might the Lord Jesus be sending me today and how can I be instrumental in sharing the message of the Lord Jesus with them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all peoples and places. Through Your GOoDness, we have been privileged to not only travel with Your Son, Jesus, but also to be sent out by Him to announce the GOoD News by our actions and words. Sometimes we have taken our privileged role and mission too seriously and have tried to direct You to work with us rather than following the lead of Your Son and do what You would have us do. Continue to forgive us and empower us by Your Holy Spirit. May our eyes always be focused on Your Son, Jesus, our Master- Teacher and Guide as we journey along with Him to our ultimate destination, Your presence in the Heavenly Temple of Your glory. Continue to form us into the useful instruments of the Gospel. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who has died, is risen, and now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
October 1, 2025
Memorial of St. Therese of Lisieux
(Readings from Wed. of the 26th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100125.cfm
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-therese-of-lisieux
Readings: Nehemiah 2: 1-8; Psalm 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6; Luke 9: 57-62
Being a follower of GOD takes a lot of fortitude. Nehemiah, a Jew and court official of Artaxerxes (king of Persia and grandson of Darius I), is willing to risk his life in order to further the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the strengthening of the faith of his people. The psalm is the prayer of the exiles in Babylonian who seek to remember the importance of Jerusalem and the faith relationship with GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus will not accept any excuse for delaying in becoming His disciple.
After the Persians conquered the Babylonians and released most of the Jews from their exile, some remained in Babylon as the new empire was established. Nehemiah, a Jewish lay person, served King Artaxerxes as cup-bearer, an important office in the royal court. Nehemiah was obviously trusted by the king, for he was permitted to be in the queen’s presence. Nehemiah turned to GOD in prayer so that he would say the correct words and that King Artaxerxes would be open
to GOD’s plan to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah risks his position and his life in asking Artaxerxes not only for permission to return to
Jerusalem to help rebuild the city and the Temple, but also for financial help in the process. GOD obviously blessed Nehemiah and moved the king to agree to Nehemiah’s requests.
The psalm recalls the lament of the Babylonian exiles as they reflect on their past life in Jerusalem and the holiness of the Temple. Even though their captors (the Babylonians) request them to sing the joyous songs that they had heard the Jews sing in Jerusalem, they refuse to do so because they are mourning their absence from the Holy Place of GOD.
In the Gospel, a few individuals declare their desire to follow Jesus, but first request time to take care of family business and saying their “good- byes” to their loved ones. Jesus demands an immediate leaving behind of their former lives if they are to be His disciples.
The readings, especially the Gospel, seems quite harsh. They are meant to stress the complete commitment one must make to being a disciple of Jesus. One must risk all and forsake all, if one is to follow the Lord Jesus. In some sense, GOD will not take any excuses that delay a complete dedication to being in the service of the Lord Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings and the commitment that the Lord Jesus is asking of me, I realize how often I have made unjustifiable excuses in delaying my total committal to being His disciple. I have made my relationship to my family or to my job take a higher priority than my willingness to do GOD’s will.
I believe Jesus is not saying that we should forget about our family or our obligations to our work, but that spreading the GOoD News of GOD must be the first and foremost thought in our minds. If we truly seek to be disciples of Jesus and follow Him, then we will be even better members of our family and more valuable employees at our places of work.
I know that there have been times when I have not spoken up about my faith
because I did not want to be a source of contention to family members. I placed the value of “family peace” over that of the Gospel value of proclaiming the GOoD News. Yet, in the long run, if I would “evangelize” other
family members, the true Peace of Christ would be present.
Being a follow of the Lord Jesus is challenging, to say the least. It demands that we think about what GOD is calling us to do in each and every situation. Our first priority must always be being faithful to GOD. If we can
put GOD first, everything else will fit into place.
Today’s psalm speaks about remembering Jerusalem. Jerusalem is much more than a city. Jerusalem (“City of Peace”) stands for the relationship one has with GOD. Thus, we could appropriately paraphrase the psalm today and say: “If I forget You, O GOD, may my right hand be forgotten! May my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember You not, if I place not Your will ahead of my joy.”
The personal question/action for today: What excuses have I made when I have been challenged to put GOD’s work and GOD’s will first in my life? How do I balance my commitment to family and work with my living out my faith relationship with the Lord Jesus? What is the most difficult aspect of living out this balance? How can I support others in their building up the dwelling place for GOD in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all. Through Your GOoDness we are called to be disciples of Your Son. Following Him demands that we never forget Him and You, His Abba-Father, while we do our normal routine. Your mission for us is to place Your will ahead of our own joy. For the times we have had our priorities wrong and put Gospel values in a lower position, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. We thank You for sending us Your Son as our Master-Teacher Who always placed His relationship with You as the first priority in His earthly life. That commitment to You flowed into His ministry to all with whom He came in contact. By the inspiration and strength of Your Holy Spirit, help us to follow Jesus and His example, without making excuses or rationalizing our behavior. May we constantly lift up to You our praise and thanksgiving, our loyalty and devotion. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, and our Brother, the Master-Teacher Who calls us to follow Him, as He leads us to be with Himself, You, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffff
October 2, 2025
Mem. of the Guardian Angels
(First Reading and Responsorial from Thu. of 26th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100225.cfm
Guardian Angels: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/feast-of-the-guardian-angels
Readings: Nehemiah 8: 1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11; Luke 10: 1-12
Sharing the Word of GOD should bring joy and a sense of fulfillment that no earthly rewards can match. Today’s First Reading describes how the “hidden” Book of the Law was read to the recently returned exiles. As the Book of the Law is proclaimed, the people originally feel fearful, but later joyous. Our psalm reminds us that GOD’s law is one means through which GOD communicates the divine message to us and that should be a source of fulfillment and joy. Since today is the Memorial of the Guardian Angels, the Gospel is not that of Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week, but the Gospel for this special day when we reflect on Guardian Angels. In today’s Gospel, Jesus places a young child in the midst of His disciples and tells them they must have the faith of a child and that they should be careful how they
treat children for they have angels in heaven who are in touch with GOD. Although it may seem impossible that we all have Guardian Angels, this is part of GOD’s plan.
According to earlier chapters in the book of Nehemiah, while the Temple in Jerusalem was being restored, a lost (at least one not seen before in their lifetime) copy of the Law of the LORD was found. At the re-dedication of the Temple, the Book of the Law (Deuteronomy? - “second law”) was read to the assembled people. At first,
they were saddened because they and their ancestors had not been as faithful to the Law as they could have been. Nehemiah and Ezra encourage the people to rejoice because their being joyful that GOD communicated with the people should be the source of strength for doing GOD’s will in the future.
The psalm recounts how
knowing and keeping GOD’s law brings positive effects. The message of GOD’s law produces refreshment for the soul, trustworthiness, wisdom, joy, insight, purity, and truth. Accepting what GOD wants us to do can be worth more than material wealth or sweetness in our mouths.
In the Gospel, Jesus shows not only His own love and care for children, but also the concern His Abba-Father has for all humans. Jesus first tells the arguing disciples that they are focusing on the
wrong thing. They should not be concerned about who is the greatest but should simply have the faith of a child. Jesus also reminds His disciples of the importance of not causing any hurt or confusion to children because their angels are in the presence of GOD; and therefore, part of GOD’s providential care is our having Guardian Angels.
It seems like in the last decades that angels have been the focus of interest by many people. I used to watch the TNT program Saving Grace with an angel named Earl who came to work with an Oklahoma police officer named Grace. Earl is seen as a middle age, slightly overweight man who is not only sent to assist the drinking, cussing, sexually active detective (played by Holly Hunter) but also to many other people throughout
the world include an African-American inmate in jail who is on death row. A few years later, Roma Downey show, Answered Prayers, showed different individuals appearing at key moments of a person’s life in response to the prayer of the individual going through difficulty. These responders to prayer, although looking like human, are considered “messengers” sent by GOD.
To understand the role of angels, we must look at the meaning of the word “angel” and how the concept is used in scripture. The English word “angel” comes from the Greek word
angelos (αγγελος) which means “messenger.” Scripture frequently mentions angels as messengers from GOD. In some accounts instead of GOD speaking directly to mortals, GOD uses angels as intermediaries. The role of the angels is to demonstrate GOD’s love for the people, and to lead them in developing a relationship with GOD and to guide them on the path
toward GOD.
As I reflect on angels, I am touched by how much GOD loves me. GOD is willing to do whatever it takes to establish a relationship with me and to bring me safely into the divine presence, not to a spectacular physical building, but in a personal relationship. GOD can use “messengers” who might be purely spiritual beings. At other times GOD has other human beings involved as divine “messengers.” The key thing is that GOD wants me to get the “message.” The message is that GOD cares for me and will use all means to remind me of how much the Lord Jesus wants to protect me, save me, and lead me to the heavenly home, all for the greater glory of GOD’s name.
Going further back in history, I was touched by the former Roma Downey broadcast show, Touch by an Angel. What impressed me was the message of the “angels.” They were not out to “control” people, but simply to bring individuals the reassuring words, “GOD loves you.” I have met many such “messengers” in my lifetime. Some may have been non-human creatures, I’m not sure. But when I needed GOD’s reassurance in my life, especially in response to my prayer to GOD, frequently there was someone there who spoke the words I need to hear: “GOD loves you.” Do
I believe that there are guardian (or guarding) angels? Yes. I believe GOD will use all means and creatures to get the message through to me. Do I have a personal guarding angel? I think GOD loves me enough to provide one for me.
The focus always has to be on the One Who sends the message, not on the messenger. GOD is the One Who sends the messenger with the divine message. If our focus strays from the source of the message to the messenger, we are missing the point. Yes, it is great to be “Touched by an Angel.” And it is true that GOD sends the message of “Saving Grace.” But what is greater is that GOD wants me to be touched by the divine hand stretched out by intermediaries,
and GOD has already provided “Saving Grace” in and through the death and resurrection of Jesus. GOD loves me enough to answer my prayers, often in ways I could never imagine. GOD desires that I am experiencing the loving, divine touch. For that I can only thank and praise GOD.
The personal question/action for today: What is my opinion on angels? Have I experienced beings (human or otherwise) who have announced GOD’s message to me? How have I responded to the message of GOD’s love for me? Can I bless the name of the Lord even when I experience losses in my life? Do I sense the presence of the love of GOD for me during those trying times? How can I reach out to others who need to be reminded of GOD’s love?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all who bring Your message to others. Through Your GOoDness, we have been touched by Your divine hand stretched out to us, sometimes through Your messengers (angels). Sometimes we get so wrapped up in ourselves that we miss Your touch and fail to listen to You speaking to us. Particularly when we get weighed down by the pressure of what seems to be an impossible life, we don’t focus on Your presence with us. Because of Your great love for us, You send us “messengers” to speak Your “message” to us. The greatest “Messenger” of Your love was Your Son, Jesus. Yet, You do not limit Yourself to speaking to us only through the ministry of Jesus, but You choose to send creatures (human and non-human) in order to remind us of the Message of You and Your Son and Your Saving Grace. We thank You and praise You for Your never-ending persistence in trying to get the message through our thick heads. You manifest Your love for us, especially when You answer our prayers, in ways that truly amaze us. May we realize how You have touched and continue to touch our lives. We make this prayer to praise the glory of Your name, all in the name of the same Jesus, Your Son and Our Brother. He it is Who
is the One Who is Saving Grace and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD
for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 3, 2025
Friday of Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100325.cfm
Saint Theodora Guerin: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-theodora-guerin
Readings: Baruch 1: 15-22; Psalm 79: 1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9; Luke 10: 13-16
The words of the Responsorial Psalm summarize the readings today: “Deliver us and pardon our sins, for
Your sake, O LORD.” The prophet Baruch shares the feelings of the Babylonian exiles while they were away
from the Promised Land. Sorrow for past sins was the cry of the exiles. The psalm also reflects the sentiments of the exiles as they realize how much they were in need of forgiveness and deliverance by GOD. The Gospel is an admonition to the unbelievers and sinners in Galilee.
Many Biblical scholars believe that the words of the Book of Baruch were written after the Babylonian exile and the words reflect the reaction of the people during the exile. Today’s passage expresses how the people felt during the exile. They pray to GOD with remorse for their sinfulness.
The psalm is also a prayer asking GOD to save the people from the suffering that they are experiencing. They invoke GOD as their savior. One key aspect of the psalm/prayer is the reason why they seek GOD’s
forgiveness. It is not for their own sake, but for GOD’s sake that they ask GOD to redeem them. For in forgiving, GOD demonstrates the compassion for which GOD is known and for which all people will praise and glorify GOD.
During Jesus’ ministry to people living in Galilee, He met a certain amount of rejection and disbelief. In the Gospel today, Jesus condemns the lack of faith of the people in spite of the fact that Jesus has performed great signs in
their midst. He comments that the known sinful people of old would have turned their lives around if they had seen and heard all that Jesus was doing and saying. The pericope ends with Jesus reminding His disciples that when they proclaim the GOoD News and are met with rejection, the rejection is not just of the disciples and their message, but of Jesus and His Abba-Father.
At the Catholic school where a relative taught a few years
ago, each month one of the classes was responsible for the First Friday liturgy celebrated with the whole school in attendance. A couple of years ago these readings were the ones for this day. It
was the turn of my relative’s class. As they were preparing for the celebration and reading over the readings, they found the assigned reading quite difficult and negative.
It is never easy to be reminded that we fall short of what GOD expects of us. We all “miss the mark” (the translation of one of the scripture words for “sin”). We are all in need of GOD’s forgiveness. Part of what it means to be a true believer in GOD is to realize Who GOD is and who we are in GOD’s sight. We are sinners in need of forgiveness. GOD is the Perfect One Who deserves more than our sinfulness.
We are in need of deliverance and pardon. As mere humans, we can never satisfy the wrong that we have
done by any of our own deeds. The One Who has been rejected by our sinfulness is divine and therefore the Only
One Who can bring about a restoration of the relationship with GOD is One Who is also divine, that is GOD. Yet, since those who have sinned are human, so the One Who heals the broken relationship must also be human. It is thus that the true Redeemer and Savior of the world’s sinfulness has to be both human and divine.
Jesus is the Savior of all. He has come to bring the message of GOD’s forgiveness to us not only by His
words and ministry, but especially by His own suffering, death, and resurrection. The only thing we can do is accept the gift of salus (healing, forgiveness, wholeness, salvation) that was given through Jesus’ saving acts. Part of accepting the gift of salus includes acknowledging our need for being saved and seeking forgiveness. Jesus was mostly upset with the unbelievers of His day because they would not acknowledge their need of His gift of salvation. Even though His offer of salvation was rejected, Jesus still did what was necessary to redeem even the unbelievers.
A while ago I received an email that I have included after the prayer and Song for the Day and Video for the
Day. It is called “Donuts.” It is an allegory. And as with all allegories, this one is not perfect, but it is helpful. It reminds us that Jesus has done whatever is necessary to save every person, even if a person does not ask for the gift or accept the gift that Jesus offers.
We need to be reminded of our need for GOD and the gift of salus that has come through Jesus. We must continue to seek GOD’s forgiveness and deliverance, not just for our own sake, but for the reason of giving all the glory and honor GOD deserves for being the saving, redeeming, loving GOD that GOD is. Let us join with the psalmist today and say: “Help us, O GOD our Savior, because of the glory of Your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for Your name’s sake.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think about what is being offered to me in and through Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection, what comes to mind? As I ponder my “missing the mark” (sinning) and the price Jesus paid to restore me to rightful relations with His Abba, how do I respond? How can I help others accept the gift of salvation that Jesus has gained for us?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all forgiveness and deliverance. Through Your GOoDness we have been offered the gift of Your salus. We have not always been mindful of the salvation and pardon You offer us. We thank You for allowing Your Son, Jesus, to share our humanity and make the ultimate sacrifice of Himself in order to re-establish the relationship You desire us to have with You. Through the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, help us to be conscious of our need to seek Your deliverance. May we always give You all the glory and praise that is due to You. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, Who has suffered, died, and is risen, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy
Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffff
October 4, 2025
Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi
(Readings from Sat. of 26th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100425.cfm
St. Francis of Assisi: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi
Readings: Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29; Psalm 69: 33-35, 36-37; Luke 10: 17-24
Our readings are a source of hope for those who turn to the LORD GOD. Baruch reminds those who are in exile that GOD will restore them to their land and give them hope. The Responsorial Psalm promises GOoD things to those who seek the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus reassures His faithful disciples that not only will they see great things happen because of their willingness to minister in His name, but also, they will experience the fullness of the Truth as He reveals it to them.
Baruch uses the experiences of the Babylonian exile as a reminder that GOD will restore those who are faithful to the relationship that they had been offered before the exile. The mourning and sadness they have undergone will be turned into joy and happiness as GOD brings back the repentant sinners. Their time of being physically away from the Temple (the House of GOD) has been symbolic of what sin does in the spiritual realm. Sin isolates the sinner from GOD. The contrite sinners will be able to once again come back into GOD’s presence (be reconciled) because of
GOD’s compassion and forgiveness, just as the exiles will be led back to the Promise Land and rebuild the Temple.
The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that GOD promises a full renewal of the divine relationship to those who are humble enough to seek GOD’s pardon. Acknowledging that one needs GOD’s help is the first step to GOD’s turning things around and establishing the covenant promises that the LORD has made throughout history.
In the Gospel, the seventy-two disciples return from their missionary experiences. They are excited about the signs that were worked during their apostolic endeavors. Jesus tells them to keep their focus in the right place. The key
point is not the miraculous happenings that have occurred during
their ministry, but that they are in relationship with Jesus and His Abba-Father and that they are doing GOD’s will. Jesus calls His disciples aside for prayer and reflection. He lifts up a prayer of praise to His Abba, expressing His gratitude that His Abba is empowering His disciples with wisdom, knowledge, and a relationship that others have not been privileged to experience because they have not lived at the time of Jesus or they have not accepted what has been offered to them, in and through Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that GOD desires to share the fullness of the divine gifts with people.
Those who are open to GOD’s self-revealing blessings will receive them. But there are blocks that we put in the way of GOD’s dispensing of the gifts. Our sinful actions and thoughts prevent, or at least hinder, the flow of GOD’s graces. It is only when we humble acknowledge our “missing the mark” (sin) that GOD can put us back
on target and restore the process of GOD’s abundant gifts.
It is true that we cannot earn, nor can we do anything, to deserve GOD’s graciousness. Yet GOD desires to lavishly pour out divine gifts upon us. All we need do is to open ourselves to GOD’s gifts as the Lord Jesus extends them to us. We can, however, put obstacles in the way of GOD’s action. Whenever we seek other values than the Gospel (GOoD News) values that Jesus shared with us, we limit our ability to receive GOD’s presents/presence (gifts and being aware GOD is with us).
Being a true disciple of Jesus means going out in His name and proclaiming the GOoD News. When we are willing to share the ever-deepening relationship that we have with the Lord Jesus, He empowers us with more insights into the Truth of GOD. In turn, great things – miraculous things – can happen, not because of our actions, but because we are open to GOD’s working in our lives.
Let us focus in on Jesus’ prayer at the end of today’s Gospel, realizing that He is praying for us, that we would be in an even closer relationship with Him and His Abba in union with the Holy Spirit, as He says: “Yes, Abba, such has been Your gracious will. All things have been handed over to Me by [You,] My Abba. No one knows Who the Son is except [You,] Abba, and no one knows Who You are, Abba, except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal [You,] Abba.”
The personal question/action for today: What obstacles have I put up to hinder or impede GOD’s gracious presents (presence) in my life? How have I experienced the flow of GOD’s graces in my life when I have been open to what the Lord Jesus pours forth? What can I do to help others experience the flow of GOD’s graciousness into their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all graces and blessings. Through Your GOoDness You bestow abundant gifts upon those who are open to Your presents (presence). At times we have thrown up hurdles and blockades to the free flow of Your generosity. Humbly and penitentially, we seek that You break through the hindrances we have put up in our lives by our own sinfulness. Helps us to be faithful disciples of Your Son and to share in
His ministry by serving those whom He has entrusted to our care. We lift up to You this prayer of gratitude and praise, as we invoke the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Brother, the Master-Teacher Who has taught us by His example, and redeemed us through His suffering, death, and resurrection, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffff
October 5, 2025
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100525.cfm
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-maria-faustina-kowalska
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-francis-xavier-seelos
Readings: Habakkuk 1: 2-3; 2: 2-4; Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14; Luke 17: 5-10
Being faithful is not always easy, but it is our duty as disciples of the Lord Jesus. Habakkuk, the prophet in the First Reading, begins his book by questioning GOD concerning the impending Babylonian forces threatening the kingdom of Judah. GOD responds by telling Habakkuk to faithfully await the coming of GOD’s saving plan. The Responsorial challenges the people to faithfully listen to GOD’s voice and not harden their hearts. St. Paul, in his Second Letter to Timothy, urges the young leader to remain faithful to the calling that was signed forth (symbolized - “sacramentalized”) by Paul’s imposition of hands on Timothy. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the power of one who is faithful and the calling of faithful servant to do what is expected and not to expect rewards for doing what is asked or what is required.
Habakkuk lives and preaches just before Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of the southern kingdom of Judah. He senses the foreboding disaster. He asks GOD why GOD would allow such happenings to befall the people.
In response, GOD instructs the prophet to clearly announce and make known the impending event. Though terrible things would be happening soon, GOD will ultimately be faithful to the divine promises made long ago and GOD will bring about salvation, even though those who are faithful to GOD will have to patiently await for, and experience suffering until, the fulfillment of the promises.
The psalmist today chides the faithful to listen to GOD’s message and be more faithful than their ancestors who heard GOD’s voice and
hardened their hearts to GOD’s message. Those who respond to GOD’s Word, even though it may be challenging, will bow down in worship rather than test GOD by turning away from the LORD.
In a second letter to his faithful protégé, St. Paul urges Timothy to recall the
rite of ordination when Paul imposed his hands on the younger man who was going to assume the role of overseeing (ἐπισκοποντος – episkopontos – “bishoping”) the faithful in Ephesus. Paul reminds Timothy that it was GOD’s calling of Timothy to be a servant-leader of the faith community and GOD is the One Who gives the Spirit of empowerment and will see Timothy through as
long as Timothy remains faithful to his calling from GOD.
In the Gospel, in response to the disciples’ request for a deepening of faith, Jesus counsels His disciples that as their faith deepens, they will see great things happen. Jesus goes on to remind them that they are called to be faithful
servant-leaders who do the will of their Master. They should not think that they will be rewarded just for doing their duty, for it is just that, their duty as servants of their Master.
As I reflect on the readings, I go back to a common theme I see in scriptures: being a faithful servant-leader. All who become disciples of the Master are called to be of service to others. It is our duty to listen to GOD’s voice and respond faithfully. The call to be a servant-leader is not just for those who are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops, or recognized as other ministers, but it is a call for all who are baptized in the Lord Jesus. Once we accept the gifts that are symbolized (“sacramentalized”) by our baptism, we commit ourselves to being faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus.
Part of being faithful disciples includes doing the ministry or service that GOD assigns us. Like Timothy, we are called to bear the hardships that come with this vocation. We are to serve those whom GOD commits to our
care. We may wonder when we will be rewarded for our faithful service. Jesus, in the Gospel, calls us to refocus our attention. Just because we do what we are expected to do – serving others and announcing to them the GOoD News of salvation – we are not going to be welcomed into the Reign of GOD and be waited on by GOD. Yes, GOD will lavishly bless us and will give, and presently gives, us gifts beyond our imagination, but it is not because we are dutiful and faithful servants. It is because the LORD is a faithful GOD Who has
promised to pour out abundant riches and life upon those who respond to the divine call. Our being faithful should flow from a realization of GOD’s GOoDness to us, not GOD’s GOoDness being the result of
our being faithful. We should want to do all that is expected of us, not
because we anxiously look forward to what we will receive from GOD, but in thanksgiving for what Lord Jesus has already given us – a closer relationship with GOD. Yes, it is true that GOD will continue to gift us, but we should be willing to minister and serve others and proclaim the GOoD News because of that with which we have already been blessed. Our calling (vocation) is to live out the fact that we have been invited into a relationship with a GOD Who loves us, cares for us, and has already blessed us with the greatest gift of all – Jesus.
GOD continues to call people to be faithful disciples who will announce the GOoD News by their loving service of others and their grateful praise and giving thanks to GOD. GOD is still addressing people with the divine Word. “Oh, that today you would hear GOD’s voice!”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of the fact that I am being called by GOD to service (ministry), how do I react? Do I feel burdened by the amount of work that is being expected of me? Do I think about the benefits that I will receive when I finish my work? Or do I respond obediently and faithfully, being conscious of all that GOD has already done for me? In what way(s) am I being called to service (ministry)? What gifts has GOD already given me and what gifts am I expected to use in my proclaiming the GOoD News to others? How can I affirm the ministry (service) that other people are doing and reassure them that they are responding to all the GOD has given them.
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, divine giver of gifts and caller of those who will share in the vocation of announcing Your GOoD News. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to lavishly pour out Your blessings upon people, expecting them to respond by faithfully sharing what they have received with others, through their loving service of those who have been entrusted to their care and by their proclamation of Your Word. At times we have heard Your voice calling us and we have hardened our hearts and turned away from what You ask of
us, choosing to pursue our own interests, rather than faithfully serving You by ministering to Your people. For the hardness of our hearts, we seek forgiveness and Your healing touch so that our hearts may become loving and soft as we do what You ask of us. Continue to send us Your Holy Spirit with the gifts of power, love, and self-control that we need in order to do our duty as Your faithful servants. May we always give our praise and thanks to You for what You have done for us, especially in and through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Your Son. It is in His name – Jesus – that we make this prayer for He is our Master-Teacher, Lord and Savior, and He has died for us, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffff
October 6, 2025
Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorials for St. Bruno or Blessed Marie Rose Durocher)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100625.cfm Saint Bruno: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bruno Readings: Jonah 1:1––2:1-2, 11; Jonah 2: 3, 4, 5, 8; Luke 10: 25-37
Human ways and attitudes do not always fall in line with GOD’s ways and the divine will. Today’s First Reading and Responsorial relate the beginning of the story of Jonah. Jonah tries to flee from doing GOD’s will and ends up in stormy waters and in the belly of a marine animal, yet he prays, and GOD hears his prayer. The Gospel presents the account of the “GOoD Samaritan” who is the one who truly cares for his neighbor.
The story of Jonah is familiar to most of us. Reading it carefully helps us to understand GOD better. Jonah is asked to preach a message to the people of Nineveh - a “heathen” city to the northeast of the Holy Land. If this book was written after the Exile, as many scripture scholars believe, it would be hard for most Jews to believe that GOD would want a Jewish prophet to go to Nineveh, a town near Babylon, and announce a message of the need of repentance to the
people in the area where the Exile took place. And even more dramatic response from the Jewish people would have followed the last part of the story that we will hear over the next few days. The sentiments of Jonah trying to avoid such a mission would have been very
understandable to the formerly exiled people. Thus, Jonah sails on a ship to Tarshish (to the west). GOD would use a stormy sea to get Jonah’s attention and make him repent and do an about-face. This is a sign of GOD’s desire that the
people have a true metanoia - change of mindset or turning about.
Jonah’s prayer (part of which forms the Responsorial today) is a penitential one, admitting his guilt and asking for GOD’s forgiveness. GOD rescues Jonah and forgives him, just as GOD is willing to “rescue”
and forgive any who turns away from their sinfulness and seeks to turn back to GOD.
The Gospel today has some similarities to other passages from the other Gospel writers, but it carries a
slightly different ending. A scribe acknowledges Jesus as a rabbi (teacher) and asks Him what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus asks the scribe a question about what is the greatest command. The scribe responds by summarizing all the laws into the two commandments of loving GOD with one’s whole being and loving one’s neighbor as one’s self. Jesus affirms the answer. The scribe questions further, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with the parable of the GOoD Samaritan.
As Jesus relates the story of the Jewish man who encounters robbers on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, the crowd would have expected the neighborly person to be one of the men of honor who are mentioned – the priest or the Levite. For whatever reason, both not only refuse to
help, but also, they visibly avoid getting near the beaten man by walking
on the other side of the road. The one who turns out to be “neighborly” is the religious enemy of the Jews, a Samaritan. Not only does the Samaritan supply first aid, but also, he takes the man to one of the inns that were located along the often traveled road and puts up the injured man for the night and provides money so that the inn-keeper will continue to care for the attacked man. The Samaritan even promises to reimburse the inn-keeper for any further costs should it become necessary. In His typical fashion, Jesus asks the scribe to answer the question that was put to Him, “Who is
the neighbor?” The scribe can only answer, “the one who took pity on the man.” Jesus concludes the passage, “Go and
do likewise.”
Doing GOD’s will does not always appeal to us. It demands a lot from us. Jonah found that out. When he was first told to perform his prophetic mission to the Ninevites, he tried to get out of it. Some of the prophets would begin to bargain with GOD or to present excuses to avoid doing what GOD wanted them to do. Jonah just flees in the opposite direction (heading west on the sea rather than east on the desert roads). GOD does not like to take “No” as a answer to the divine plan, particularly when GOD has revealed exactly what a person is asked to do. GOD has ways of getting
the attention of those who diametrically oppose the divine will.
In a similar way, people often interpret GOD’s Word in ways that fit into their own plans. The scribe has been faithful in “keeping” the two commandments, at least as far as he thinks. He has loved GOD and loved his neighbors, who are, in his opinion, his family and friends. Never would he have thought of a Samaritan as a person who could be understood to be a neighbor. How could one’s adversary be a person who should be loved, and loved as much as one loves oneself?
How often we are like both Jonah and the scribe. We are willing to do GOD’s will as long as it fits into our understanding and our plans. When we sense that we might be asked to do something that is against our liking or against our gut feelings, we will make excuses, or walk around the issue, or head in the opposite direction. Sometimes GOD will get our attention by making us face that which we are trying to avoid. I recall when I knew I had to work on being more patient, some of the most challenging annoyances came my way to make me have to deal with my being patient.
There is some GOoD News (as is par for the readings): GOD is willing not only to remind us what we are to do, but also the LORD GOD is willing to forgive us for turning away from what GOD has asked of us. If we cry out to GOD, as did Jonah, from the depths of our sinfulness, GOD will hear our prayer, forgive us, and give us the opportunity to do the divine will with even more “enthusiasm” (having “GOD within” or “in GOD”) than before. Let us take a GOoD look at our attitudes toward what GOD may be asking of us. Let us realize that we have sometimes avoided doing what GOD has planned for our lives. Then from the pit or deep spot in which we have sunk, let us cry out to GOD, as did Jonah, and pray the Responsorial, “You will rescue me from the pit, O LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: Have I ever responded to GOD’s plan by turning away or by purposely limiting my understanding of what might be asking of me? Was I challenged to face my failure to do GOD’s will? What was the final result of such an experience? Did it lead to a better understanding of what GOD was asking of me? How can I be a source of helping others come to know GOD’s presence in their lives and strengthen them to respond more fully to GOD’s call?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all plans. Through Your GOoDness You have included us in those plans and have desired that we play a part in bringing Your GOoD News to others. Yet, like Jonah and the scribe today, we have sometimes interpreted Your call and Your Word in our own ways or have even avoided Your request all together, walking around the issue or high-tailing it in the opposite direction. For the times we have not been faithful to what You have asked of us, we cry out from our sinful depths and ask that You would lift us up with Your mercy. Help us to realize that You desire that we not only love You with our whole selves (our heart, being, strength, and mind), but that we are to extend Your love to those whose paths we cross even if they seem to be our worst enemies. Through the example of Your Son and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, continue to strength us to do Your will. We thank Your
for Your mercy and compassion, Your patience and love. We lift this prayer to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother, Savior and Master-Teacher, Who has died, is risen, and now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
October 7, 2025
Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
(readings from Tue. of 27th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100725.cfm
Our Lady of the Rosary: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-the-rosary
Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 130: 1b-2: 3-4ab, 7-8; Luke 10: 38-42
Sometimes it is necessary to stop our regular routine and be attentive to GOD and wait on GOD. In the First Reading, we hear that at the preaching of Jonah, the Ninevites turned from their regular (and sinful) routines, and they waited on the mercy of the LORD. The psalm is the prayer of one who has been down in the pits and knows that by crying out to the LORD and waiting for GOD to respond, one will see the forgiveness and love of GOD demonstrated. Today’s Gospel relates the story of Mary and Martha, with Martha being seen “waiting on the Lord
Jesus” as the action of serving Him, while Mary understands “waiting on the Lord Jesus” means sitting patiently and waiting for Jesus to speak words of wisdom.
After Jonah’s experience at sea and in the belly of the marine creature, he decides to do what GOD has commanded him to do – go to the pagan and sinful city of Nineveh and proclaim a message of destruction because of the wayward actions of the people. After just traveling through less than a third of the city, the people (including the king) who have heard of Jonah’s announcement (either directly or indirectly) decide that maybe if they practice the traditional acts of
penance (fasting, wearing sackcloth and sitting in ashes), GOD might relent of the punishment that was planned for them and their city. All the people begin a fast and a period of penance while they wait to see if GOD will destroy them.
The psalmist today prays that GOD will listen to his cry as he calls out from the depths of his misery. There is an acknowledgment that the sins that have been committed do not merit any sort of forgiveness. Yet, the hope expressed is that if one should repent and wait, then GOD will respond with mercy, saving those who deserve to be punishment from the full force of the divine wrath.
In the Gospel, Jesus enters the home of Mary and Martha. Both women are excited to have the Master visit them. Martha believes that she must “wait on the Lord Jesus” by preparing a meal and being the hostess with the most-est. She busies herself with doing the proper things necessary to show hospitality to such great a guest. Mary, on the other hand, wants to wait on every word that comes from the mouth of the Great Teacher. She sits at His feet, listening intently.
The readings speak about “waiting on the Lord.” GOD is willing to act, but not always according to the timetable on which humans expect GOD to act. Sometimes “waiting on the Lord” means we must be actively involved in carrying on our duties, serving others as a way we serve the Lord. At other times, we must be willing to sit patiently and see what GOD will do, and listen for a message that
may come directly or indirectly from GOD.
The two ways we can “wait on the Lord” are by being active and by being reflective. Both are necessary at certain, but different, times. Rather than being contradictory they are very much complimentary.
Being active is not just doing things. It is doing the right things. The Ninevites had been active, but in the wrong way. They had done the wrong things – they had sinned. Jonah was sent to challenge the wrong activities of the Ninevites. If they continued in the wrong behavior, GOD was going to destroy them.
Activity that “waits on the Lord” is doing what is expected of a person at this point in her/his life, while being willing to acknowledge that one has not always done the right thing. It would include “waiting on others” as a true servant (just as Martha did). It means being a true waiter or waitress, and meeting the authentic needs of the people with whom one comes in contact.
The other type of “waiting on the Lord” includes listening and reflecting on what the Lord Jesus might be communicating. This type of “waiting” is what Mary did as she sat at the Master’s feet (something that was unheard of for a woman in the normal Jewish setting of Jesus’ day). Being attentive to the Lord Jesus sometimes means being still and not hearing anything. It is a joyful hope that the Lord Jesus will communicate a message in His own time. This is the type of “waiting on the LORD” that the Ninevites and the psalmist did in today’s readings. They were hopeful that GOD would speak a word of forgiveness, healing, and compassion.
One advantage we have over the Ninevites and the psalmist is that we know that GOD will hear our prayer and will respond with the graces that Jesus has produced through His suffering, death, and resurrection. The hard part is not knowing when and how GOD will communicate the answers to our prayer and reflections, that is when the reflective “waiting on the Lord” comes in play. In reality, GOD is constantly communicating with us and will not cease to share the fullness of the GOoD News until we are with the Lord Jesus in the heavenly reign where we will experience that GOoD News in its totality. Some may say that part of the heavenly reign will be enjoying and expanding our understanding of GOD’s communication for ever, thus we will be actively and reflectively “waiting on” the Lord Jesus for all eternity.
Thinking about the two types of “waiting on the Lord,” St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta comes to my mind. She actively “waited on the Lord” in her service of the poor, the sick, and the abandoned. She also “waited on the Lord,” in her daily hours of prayer. As has come to light in recent years, she also did not always receive what she might have expected, and she had to “wait on the Lord” to reveal the eternal message of the GOoD News.
Another example of the two types of “waiting on the Lord” is St. Faustina, whom we remembered on October 5. She actively served in her religious community as a cook, gardener, and porter. She also spent hours in prayer and reflecting on the Lord Jesus as He revealed Himself as the Divine Mercy.
One more person comes to mind. Rev. Richard Rohr, OFM, whose daily reflections I read, is the founder of the Center of Action and Contemplation. He and the other members of his community actively work for the GOoD of others,
and they also spend a great deal of time in contemplating GOD’s will through prayer and other spiritual practices.
As we continue our journey toward that heavenly reign, let us seek to “wait on the Lord” both in our actions and in our sitting at the Master’s feet. We should anxiously, yet confidently, wait for the Lord Jesus. The verses of Psalm 130 which were not part of today’s Responsorial give us a clue to how we are to wait: “My soul waits for the LORD more than sentinels wait for the dawn. . .for with the LORD is kindness and plenteous redemption.” (Ps. 130: 5, 6).
The personal question/action for today: When I think of myself as “waiting on the Lord,” which of the two types of “waiting on the Lord” do I think of the most: being of service to the Lord Jesus and His people, or patiently sitting at the feet of the Master and listening to His Word to me? How can I better “wait on the Lord” in both senses of that phrase? In what way will I “wait on the Lord” today both in the active sense of serving others and the reflective sense of patiently awaiting the Lord Jesus’ Word to me?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all things for which it is worth waiting. Through Your GOoDness You have promised to share with us Your kindness and the salvation that Your Son, Jesus, has gained for us by His death and resurrection. At times we have been impatient and have not waited for Your gifts. We have been overly active in pursuing our own interests and values. We have not taken the time to “wait on” You and the message of Your Son. At other times we have failed to “wait on” and serve Your people as a sign of our willingness to “wait on” You. From the depths of our
impatience and sinfulness we cry out to You. Continue to extend Your pardon and forgiveness to us. Fill us with the gifts of patience, hope, and joyful anticipation that flow from Your Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who is awaiting us to “wait on” Him, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffff
October 8, 2025
Wednesday of Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorial of Saint John XXIII)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100825.cfm
Saint John Leonardi: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-leonardi/ - actual memorial is tomorrow, the same day as St. Denis.
Readings: Jonah 4: 1-11; Psalm 86: 3-4, 5-6, 9-10; Luke 11: 1-4
Once again, we are presented with the contrast between human thoughts and the thoughts of GOD. In the First Reading, Jonah is angry because GOD will not destroy Nineveh and its people as Jonah had announced. The psalmist seems to grasp the proper attitude, praying not only for forgiveness of his own sins, but praising
GOD Who calls all people from all nations into a closer relationship with the LORD. In the Gospel, when Jesus is asked by one of His disciples for a lesson on prayer, Jesus shares with them the prayer to His Abba-Father and therefore their Abba, the prayer that includes petitions for the acceptance of GOD’s will and reign and the forgiveness of sins based upon the forgiveness of others.
Jonah, true human that he is, becomes upset that GOD is
so merciful with the Ninevites. Jonah has preached the “doomsday” message. He does not want to look like a prophet whose words do not come true. He believes that GOD should punish the sinful heathens (non-Jews). He really does not see the whole picture of the compassionate GOD Who wants to bring forgiveness and love to all who repent
and turn towards the Almighty. Even after GOD provides for Jonah by shading him under the leaves of a fast growing plant, Jonah still misses the point of GOD’s desire to have all people come to a relationship with the LORD. Jonah does admit that GOD is known for the divine mercy, but he believes it should only be for himself and the Chosen People (the Jews), not for heathens like the Ninevites.
The psalmist first prays for forgiveness for himself. Like Jonah, he realizes that GOD is known for clemency and kindness. The psalmist concludes the passage with praise of GOD Who is worshiped by people of various nations as they come before the LORD praising and glorifying GOD.
In the Gospel, after spending time with His Abba in prayer, Jesus is asked by His disciples
to teach them how to
pray. He shares with them a prayer in which they address GOD as “Father” or “Abba.” The version found in Luke’s Gospel is shorter than the one that we have come to use, which is from Matthew’s Gospel. The key points are the same: 1) an invocation of GOD as “Abba”; 2) a seeking of the extension of GOD’s will and reign on earth; 3) a prayer for daily sustenance;
4) a plea for forgiveness based upon how we extend
forgiveness to others; 5) a desire to be saved from the “test.”
It is so easy for us to get caught up in our own views of life. Sometimes, we, like Jonah, don’t want to do GOD’s will because we are afraid of the reaction we will get from people. Jonah first fled from GOD because he did not want to meet the fate of the prophets before him – being rejected and possibly murdered. When he finally
is directed back to doing GOD’s will and announces GOD’s message, he is not persecuted but is listened to by
the Ninevites. Then Jonah becomes furious because GOD sees the Ninevites repenting, and GOD decides to turn back from the promised destruction. Jonah does not rejoice with GOD’s mercy and forgiveness because it puts him, the prophet, in the role of not being believable.
How often we fail to do what we know is right because we are concerned about how people will respond to our actions! Then when we do GOD’s will, we become upset if GOD decides to treat people differently than we expect GOD to do. We cannot understand how GOD can show love and forgiveness to people who are obviously well-known doers of evil, or at least who do not believe as we do. We are not willing to forgive those who have consciously caused us pain, whether they be terrorists, drunk drivers, or serial killers, or even someone who speaks negatively about us.
Jesus directs not only His disciples’ attention, but also ours, to how we should relate to GOD. We are invited to call GOD our Abba – loving and intimate “Daddy.” And if GOD is our Abba, then we are brothers and sisters of each other. We are in relationship with all of GOD’s children, even those children who are not obedient to
their loving Abba. We must pray for the coming of the Reign of GOD, not according to our terms, but according to GOD’s will.
As we lift up this prayer to our Abba, we need to pray for our daily sustenance. That means that we are concerned not only for the personal needs we have as individuals, but also for the needs of others. We are required to seek the fulfillment of other people’s day-to-day actual needs. Also included in this “ideal prayer” is the need to be forgiving as a requirement for our being forgiven by GOD. Final we must pray that we are not tested beyond our ability, and that with the grace of GOD, we will be able to withstand the test.
This prayer which Jesus taught His disciples (and us) leads away from selfishness to a sense of relationship with GOD and with others. It takes us away from being focused on “me” to focus on “us” and the other members of the family under GOD, our Abba. Instead of being exclusive, it is inclusive. It should lead us to great praise of the GOD Whom we all can call Abba. Thus we can join with the psalmist today and pray: “All the nations You have made shall come and worship You, O LORD, and glorify Your name. For You are great, and You do wondrous deeds; You alone are GOD.”
I am struck by how the attitude of seeking GOD's will as loving children or a loving Abba-Father are not being manifested in our world today as we see the war going on between the Israelis and the Hamas terrorists in Gaza and the Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria. I pray that all turn to our loving Abba Who is Abba to all people and that they seek to be one in their searching for a relationship as children of GOD.
The personal question/action for today: Have I ever been mad at GOD because GOD did not act in the way I expected GOD to act? Do I sometimes become jealous of GOD’s compassion, especially to people whom I do not see as deserving of it? What implications are there for me that GOD is our Abba, not just my Abba? In my dealings with others, how can I demonstrate my acceptance of all that is implied in the Lord’s Prayer?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all peoples. Through Your GOoDness You extend Your forgiveness not only to us, but also to all those who seek You. We thank You for sending us Your Son, Jesus, Who has given us the ability to turn to You and call You our Abba. May we seek Your Reign over us, all Your children. Continue to provide for each and every one of Your children, each day, and with our being willing to help provide for others. Through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives, helps us to reach out in forgiveness and love as we have experienced the forgiveness and love You have offered us in and through Jesus, Your Son. It is in His name that we make this prayer, for He is our Brother and Master-Teacher, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffff
October 9, 2025
Thursday of Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorials for St. John Leonardi or St. Denis)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100925.cfm
Saint John Leonardi: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-leonardi
Saint Denis and Companions: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-denis-and-companions
Readings: Malachi 3: 13-20b; Psalm 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Luke 11: 5-13
Sometimes when we look around, it seems like the wicked are coming out on top. The readings today remind us that the GOD (Whom Jesus revealed) is truly a loving Abba-Father, Who cares for the children who seek to
do the divine will. In the First Reading from the prophet Malachi, the wicked boast that they don’t need to
follow GOD’s ways and they still have everything they want. The excerpt from Psalm 1 echoes the second half of today’s First Reading in saying that GOD blesses those who fear the LORD and who seek the LORD. The Gospel reminds us that we need to constantly show our desire to have GOD answer our prayer by being persistent in our requests.
The prophet Malachi experiences how some of the wicked, well-off people of his day seem to gloat over the fact that they do not keep the law or practice penance, but they not only do well, but seem to do better than those who seek to be faithful to GOD’s laws and ways. Through the prophet, GOD addresses the arrogant and tells them that they will eventually have to answer for their actions. GOD also speaks reassuring words to those who “fear the LORD” and do the will of GOD. GOD will be even more compassionate to the faithful than a loving parent is to the children who do what the parent asks. Many scholars see the last verses of today’s reading as a promise of the Messiah Who will come as the Sun of Justice with healing rays.
The psalm today continues the reassuring words that GOD will eventually lift up the faithful and hold the sinful responsible for their un-repented actions. In the end, those who have
“feared the LORD” will be shown the way to glory, while the way of the evil will end in a negative manner.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues to talk about prayer (which began yesterday with the disciples asking Him to teach them to
pray and His sharing the Lord’s Prayer with them). Today, Jesus remarks about the importance of being persistent in prayer. It is not that GOD does not hear our prayer the first time, but we need to show our desire to be in relationship with GOD through our on-going prayer. In the continued lifting up of our petitions, GOD is
not changed, but our attitude toward GOD grows in a positive way and we are more aware and open to GOD’s action as a response to our prayer.
The next section of today’s Gospel presents the familiar words: “Ask, and you shall receive. . .” What is interesting about the Greek verbs used (ask, seek, knock) is that they are present active imperatives – a particular form of the verb that implies repeated action. We could translate them as “Ask and keep on asking. . .seek and keep on seeking. . . knock and keep on knocking.”
The final verse of today’s Gospel pericope ends with Jesus using a similar comparison to the word from
Malachi. GOD is truly the loving Abba-Father Who provides the very best for the children who seek to do
GOD’s will and desire to have GOD’s blessings.
I am reminded of a “discussion” online by some of my relatives. This came after the Las Vegas Massacre in October 2017. Some were saying that prayer does nothing, so why pray. Others in the family were very adamant about the value of prayer. They said it was important to pray for the victims of the Las Vegas rampage and for their families. In praying we join them in their sorrow and offer them support as we lift them up to our loving Abba, His Son Jesus, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
The readings are very positive and uplifting for me. They give me confidence in my prayer life, and are
reassuring that GOD blesses my efforts, not because I did them, but because my actions reflect my continued desire to be in relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba (in the union with the Holy Spirit), and our desire to do GOD’s will. I realize that as I pray more, I am transformed into a better person who is in touch with the Lord Jesus. I am also more open to accept whatever blessings GOD shares with me, even if those blessings are
not exactly what I request. Part of my prayer is the deepening of the fact that GOD knows what is best and, as a
loving Abba, GOD will give me not only what I truly need, but even more than what I need and even better than that for which I ask. I must just “keep on keeping on” in my prayer relationship with GOD.
The personal question/action for today: What has been my attitude in prayer, particularly prayer of petition? Do I continue to ask, seek, knock, knowing that GOD will respond? Am I transformed as I remain persistent in prayer? How can I help others see the value of turning in prayer to our loving Abba, Who happens to be GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all blessings. Through Your GOoDness You pour out Your abundant gifts on all who turn to You and ask, seek, and knock – that is, on all who continually seek to develop their relationship with You. We thank You especially for sending us Your Son, Jesus, Who reminds us of Your care for us. He not only spoke of that compassion and love, but He demonstrated that loving care by His ministry, His suffering and death, and His resurrection. We thank You and praise You for all that You do as we turn to You in our
prayerful relationship. We lift this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, Who has suffered, died, and is risen, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffff
October 10, 2025
Friday of Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101025.cfm
Saint Francis Borgia: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-borgia
Readings: Joel 1: 13-15; 2: 1-2; Psalm 9: 2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9; Luke 11: 15-26
Today’s readings speak of the power of GOD. The prophet Joel urges repentance and a time of preparation for the LORD Who will be coming soon with full power and authority. The Responsorial Psalm describes GOD sitting on a throne, judging people with power, justice, and equity. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the power He has to cast out evil spirits and that power is a sign of the coming of the Reign of GOD.
Joel warns the people that they must be ready for the coming of the LORD. The LORD will come with power. It will be a time when GOD will condemn the evil and those who do not repent while at the same time the LORD will be mindful of those who have turned fully toward GOD. Joel advises the people that if they do not turn their sinful lives around that they will have to be held accountable for their wayward actions and the GOD of supreme power will judge them accordingly.
The psalmist is a bit more upbeat than the prophet Joel. Today’s passage is a hymn of
thanks and glory to GOD for GOD’s coming as a just, equitable, and powerful judge Who will set things straight, rewarding the faithful, and punishing the wicked. This judgment is a source of rejoicing for those who have been oppressed and repressed.
In the Gospel, Jesus performs an exorcism (casting out of an evil spirit). This leads some of the people to criticize Jesus saying that He has this power because He Himself is in league with the devil. Jesus refutes their charges and goes on to say that He
has the power of GOD within Him and He is doing His Abba-Father’s will. Everyone who does GOD’s will is part of the Reign of GOD, while those who oppose what Jesus is doing are working against Him and His Abba. Jesus also cautions that those who have been freed from the forces of evil must stay closely connected with GOD or they will be even more affected by the power of evil and things will be worse off than they were before Jesus’ coming into their lives.
It is so easy to misunderstand and misuse power. And
the worst part of it is that when one becomes obsessed with
power, that power ends up taking control of the person. The old adage is so true: “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely!” The desire for power can lead a person down the wrong path. It takes over a person and makes them unprepared for the Reign of GOD, Who will ultimate come and set things straight.
We can see this throughout history in people like Hitler, Mussolini, Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Kim Jung Un of North Korea, Putin of Russia. Yet we don’t have to look just to political leaders of other countries. The whole Enron scandal and even the scandal within the American Catholic Church in regard to clergy abuse can be seen as people in power trying to maintain their power and leading to lies, deceptions, and the destroying
of people’s lives. People might also point to the power of American political leaders over the past few years. We might also point a finger at the governmental officials who did not act fast enough and decisive enough after natural disasters or who downplayed the pandemic and looked to themselves as the chosen leaders, even though
they failed to address the problem of the pandemic, gun control, abortion laws, and the monetary problems.
Moving closer to home, it is important that we look at our own lives. Most of us can probably think of times when we were “power hungry” and let our desire for power overtake our sense of caring and loving others. It may have occurred when we were trying to get ahead in our jobs. We ended up doing things that were, at the very least, a bit underhanded or questionable. We may have so focused our attentions on what would be to our advantage that we didn’t realize how we were taking advantage of others. I know as a teacher, I was sometimes so concerned in showing my “superior” knowledge and authority that I ended up (even inadvertently) putting down a student’s answer and making the student feel belittled. At other times, I know I have driven my vehicle in a way that showed other drivers that I was “better” than they and that I deserved to bend the rules to my benefit and, in doing so, I endangered others, or at least made them very angry with me. Also, I have taken time
to reflect on how I have exerted my sense of power and sought forgiveness from GOD for misusing my authority.
Throughout His earthly ministry as portrayed in the Gospels, Jesus shows us what real power is. He only uses His power when it is for the betterment of others. This was obvious during His temptation in the desert. He would not exercise His divine power for His own sake. To Jesus, power is always used to serve others and to build them up, rather than the way most power-hungry people use power to lift themselves up and put down others.
In our readings today, GOD challenges us to look at our own lives and reflect on how we use power. GOD has given us a share of divine power, not just for our benefit, but for the GOoD of others. We are to use the power that GOD has shared with us for the building up (edification) of the people who are called to be part of the Reign of GOD. When we do this, then we can join the psalmist in singing not our praise, but more importantly, GOD’s praise, and realize that GOD will bless our use of the divine power and give us a great share in the Reign of heaven.
The personal question/action for today: How do I use the power that has been given to me? Do I tend to be self-centered with my authority or do I use it for the benefit of others? How often do I pray for those, including myself, who have some power over other people’s lives, asking GOD to send the Holy Spirit so that they (and I) use the power for the betterment of others? What concrete action can I perform today to show others that I seek to model the servant-leader style of the authority that Jesus lived?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all power. Through Your GOoDness You have allowed humans to share in Your power. Sadly, many people (including ourselves) have sometimes abused the power You have bestowed on us and used it for our selfish ends. For those perversions in using Your gift, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, help us look to, and reflect on, the way Your Son used power for the edification and salvation of others. Help us to be faithful disciples of the Master-Teacher and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble of heart, and yet masterful in His proper use of power. We continue to praise and thank You now and always for You are the Omnipotent (All-Powerful) GOD, Who invites us into Your Reign. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Master-Teacher, Who has demonstrated His power as He ministered, suffered, and died for us, and Who has been given the ultimate power through His resurrection and His living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggg
October 11, 2025
Saturday of Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorial of Saint John XXIII)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101125.cfm Saint John XXIII: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-xxiii Readings: Joel 4: 12-21; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Luke 11: 27-28
Doing GOD’s will should bring us joy. The prophet Joel proclaims the coming of the LORD Who will act like a reaper at harvest time, cutting down the infertile and bringing in the worthwhile produce. The psalm speaks of the joy that comes to the just. In the Gospel, Jesus pronounces another beatitude and calls blessed those who do GOD’s will.
Joel uses an agricultural image in order to bring out the importance and the imminence of the coming of the LORD. In the analogy, the prophet pictures the harvester as going out into the field and using a sickle to cut down the growth. Growing alongside the GOoD growth is a lot of bad growth. The reaper has to separate the weeds and chaff from the GOoD grain. The coming LORD is seen in the role of drawing the just and the GOoD close, while casting out the wicked as waste and debris. Obviously, there is joy for those who are gathered to the LORD, while
the rejected are left out.
The Responsorial Psalm portrays the LORD as the royal master Who comes in majesty and
glory. For those who are just and doing the will of the Master, there is great joy and gladness as GOD bestows divine blessings on them.
The Gospel’s words of Jesus may seem like a put down of the “womb which carried” Him and
the “breasts that nursed” Him, but it was not meant to be that at all. Jesus is not only saying that obedience to will of
GOD will create a closer bond with GOD
than mere blood relationships, but He is also saying that His mother is most blessed for her obedience to doing GOD’s will. It is her obedience that enabled her to care for her Son.
As I ponder on the readings, I am thinking of the doomsday view which the First Reading could convey. Yet, I believe, even GOD, speaking through the prophet Joel, did not mean to merely shake up the unjust with threat of punishment. The prophet of LORD also wanted to bolster and give hope to those who were seeking to do GOD’s will.
As I see scripture, the message is primarily GOoD News. There is a promise of joy and blessings to those who are faithful to GOD and GOD’s wishes. Yes, there needs to be a challenge given to those who only seek immediate self-gratification at the cost of others. The major emphasis, especially in the GOoD News that Jesus preaches, is that GOD has planned and prepared many joyful and great blessings for those who seek to be a part of the divine relationship. GOD desires to draw all people into the joyful, heavenly reign; but GOD will not have anyone be a part of that joyous reign if they have not shown that they want GOD to reign in their hearts.
Those who have made a conscious effort to discern GOD’s plan for their lives, such as Mary did, will truly be blessed with a close relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit – closer and more intimate than a child feeding from its mother’s breast. GOD wants to nourish us with a source of life more than a nursing mother desires the best for her child.
Thus, we are called to focus on the GOoD News that Jesus came to bring. That should be our aim. Some
people, however, need to be motivated by fear of punishment, otherwise they will only pursue earthly, selfish pleasures at the expense of others. Some people have not moved from the primordial level of doing what is right
because of fear of punishment for doing the opposite of the GOoD.
I am reminded of what I heard on a Christian radio station: “The GOoD News is not a matter of religious practice, it is a matter of relationship.” GOD wants to have a relationship with us. GOD wants us to act as divine daughters and sons, not out of fear of what will happen if we don’t act properly, but because our behavior should reflect the relationship we have with a loving GOD and Abba.
Our response to GOD’s gracious and loving care for us should be that of the psalmist today: “Light dawns
for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the LORD, you just, and give thanks to GOD’s holy name.”
The personal question/action for today: What motivates me to avoid evil and do GOoD, that is, do GOD’s will? Is it fear of the consequences of sinning? Or promises of rewards? Or is it in grateful response to what I have received from our loving GOD? How can I “purify” my intentions to do all for the glory of GOD? What can I do to help others be more conscious of the GOoDness of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all blessings. Through Your GOoDness You invite us to be a part of Your Reign. Realizing that some of us are only motivated by the fear of pain, You have warned us of the punishment that awaits those who do not do Your will. Yet the greatest punishment there ever could be, would be to not be able to enjoy being in relationship with You – in Your presence forever. You have promised and continue to reassure us of Your desire to love us not just now, but also for ever. Yet sometimes we have only focused on our immediate self-gratification instead of seeing how we can be a part of Your plan. For the times we have failed
to grasp the magnificence of Your love, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. As we lift up this prayer of praise to You, we thank You for sending us Your Son as the proclaimer of Your GOoD News. With the assistance of Your Holy Spirit, help us to stay focused on the message of Your Son, Who preaches to us in word, in action, in His ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection. We pray in His name, for He is Your Son and our Brother,
Who is our Master-Teacher and saving Lord, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffff
October 12, 2025
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101225.cfm
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-francis-xavier-seelos
Readings: 2 Kings 5: 14-17; Psalm 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4; 2 Timothy 2: 8-13; Luke 17: 11-19
GOD is gracious in touching people’s lives. The response to such graciousness should be prayerful worship and thanksgiving. In the First Reading, an Aramean army commander seeks healing from the GOD of Israel. After being granted his request, he desires to praise the GOD Who provided the healing. The Responsorial Psalm is a reminder that GOD reveals the divine, saving power to all peoples who in return should sing joyful songs to the gracious GOD. In the Second Reading, St. Paul writes Timothy reminding him of what Paul continues to go through in order that people may come to know the GOD Who is faithful to the promise of offering salvation to all peoples. In the Gospel, the graciousness of GOD, personified in Jesus, touches the lives of ten lepers, yet only one (a Samaritan) returns to offer thanks to Him.
The First Reading relates the end of the story of Naaman, the head of the Aramean army, who contracts leprosy (which could be any of multiple types of skin ailments). Earlier in the account and not included in today’s reading, Naaman’s wife’s servant is a girl from Israel who tells of the great healing done at the hands of the prophet of GOD in Israel. Naaman receives the permission of the king of Aram to travel to Israel in search of healing. Naaman is directed to the prophet Elisha. When told to do a simple plunging (in Greek, baptizein) in the dirty Jordan River, he at first refuses, since the rivers of his homeland are cleaner and mightier than the Jordan. When he is finally convinced to do what the prophet of GOD tells him, he is cleansed of skin disease. Today’s passage begins as Naaman plunges into the Jordan and then wants to offer gifts to Elisha, but the prophet refuses the gifts. The healed man requests some of the dirt of the land of Israel so that he may return home and he can still be a part of the land where there is GOD Who heals extraordinarily through ordinary means.
The Responsorial Psalm proclaims the GOoD news that
GOD continues to touch all people with divine, saving power.
GOD’s gift of salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) is given to any who seek it. In response to the salus which is given, joyful praise and thanksgiving is to be lifted up to GOD.
In a continuation of his Second Letter to Timothy,
St. Paul reminds his protégé of the GOoD News that Paul has preached and that has led to his (Paul’s) imprisonment. Even though Paul is physically not free and is suffering, he and all other believers have received spiritual liberty and salvation in and through Jesus. This gift of salvation demonstrates GOD’s
faithfulness to the promises made long ago – that GOD would bring salus to the people. GOD keeps the divine promises, even if mortals fail to respond faithfully to GOD’s gifts.
In today’s Gospel, which is unique to St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is entreated by ten individuals suffering from some sort of leprosy (skin ailment) and ostracization from the community because of their illness. They have heard about the divine healing power that Jesus has manifested in other places. Jesus sends them to the priests who were the officials who could lift their exile from others by declaring the former lepers clean and able to return to the rest of society. On the way, they realize the healing that has taken place. Nine continue their mission to the priests to be declared clean, while one immediately returns to Jesus to express his gratitude for the healing, and he is a Samaritan, a hated foreigner to the Jews.
As I reflect on the readings I am once again reminded of the different aspects of prayer. Prayer, above all, is how we
relate to GOD; it is our relationship with GOD. It includes what I like to refer to as the four aspects of prayer known by
the word ACTS – Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. All four are part of how we relate to GOD.
First and foremost, we are to Adore GOD by acknowledging Who GOD is and giving GOD the honor and praise that is due to the One Who reveals the divine, saving power and Who is always faithful to the promises made.
The second purpose of prayer is Contrition. This is also an
acknowledgment, but an acknowledgment of who we are – individuals in need of GOD’s salus. We are afflicted with all sorts of physical and spiritual ailments that need to be touched by the saving power of GOD. Some of the
ailments (especially the spiritual ailments – sins) are of our own doing. Yet no matter what is causing us to be suffering, we
must admit that we cannot heal ourselves and must seek the help that comes from GOD alone, in and through Jesus.
Thanksgiving is the third way we relate to GOD. As we reflect on all that GOD has done in touching and healing our lives and giving us the gift of salvation, we can only respond by expressing our gratitude to GOD. There is no way that we can adequately express our appreciation for what GOD has done, continues to do, and promises to do in the future. Yet, our time of relating to GOD and sharing that relationship with others is a sign of our gratitude and thanksgiving.
Last is Supplication. Although it should be last, it is often the first activity of many people (including the lepers in
today’s Gospel). Some people only spend time relating to GOD when they need GOD’s help and expect GOD to perform a miracle for them. They, like the lepers, want GOD to bring healing into their lives, but they often forget to return to thank GOD for the salus which is given. Some people only see GOD as a Divine vending machine, to pass out what is needed immediately if that currency (prayer of petition) is deposited.
GOD is faithful to the promises of salvation that have been revealed throughout scripture. GOD has revealed not only in words, but also in actions (particular the actions of Jesus) the saving and healing power that GOD desires to share with us. GOD extends salus (healing, wholeness, holiness, salvation) to us so that we would pray – have a relationship with Triune GOD. GOD wants a complete and total relationship with us, not just a relationship of our asking, begging, and expecting GOD to provide for us. GOD wants us to acknowledge the saving power that has been offered to us in and through Jesus and His teaching, ministry, death, and resurrection. Yes, GOD wants us to admit our need for help, but GOD also wants us to express our realization of all the saving and powerful ways that GOD has touched our lives. Our response should be to echo the words of the psalmist today and say, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our GOD. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands: break into song; sing praise.”
The personal question/action for today: How does my prayer reflect my relationship with GOD? How much time do I spend in prayer? What is the focus of my prayer time with GOD? Do I adore the Lord for Who GOD is, the faithful One Who continues to reveal the saving power to me? Do I acknowledge my need for GOD’s help and salvation, not just so that I can get more from GOD, but that I might deepen my relationship with the Lord Jesus? How do I express my gratitude and thanksgiving to GOD? What is my attitude about asking GOD for things? How can I more fully share with others my relationship with GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, always faithful and loving. Through Your gracious GOoDness, You continue to pour out on us Your loving gifts of salvation and to reveal Your saving power. For the times we have not developed a relationship with You and particularly for the times we have failed to express true thanksgiving and praise for all You do for us, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. May we continue to lift up our voice in grateful prayers of adoration, especially in union with Your Son, Who has demonstrated, in His living among us, how much You love us. We make this prayer in His name, for He is our Savior and Master-Teacher, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffff
October 13, 2025
Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101325.cfm
Blessed Marie Rose Durocher: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-marie-rose-durocher
Readings: Romans 1: 1-7; Psalm 98: 1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Luke 11: 29-32
GOD is revealing something great to all who are open to hear and see. St. Paul addresses his letter to the faithful in Rome, describing his mission to the Gentiles and the calling they have received to be beneficiaries of the GOD’s revelation and salvation. The Responsorial praises GOD for revealing the plan of salvation. In the Gospel, Jesus admonishes His listeners to pay attention to His teaching, because they are privileged to have the GOoD News preached to them by the One Who is greater than Jonah and wiser than Solomon.
For the next few weeks our First Reading (except for special feast days and Sundays) will be taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. This is his longest letter, and it differs from his other letters in the fact that he has not yet been to Rome, so obviously he has not been a part of the founding of the Christian community in Rome. Most of this letter presents his theology and his teaching. Since he is attempting to
encapsulate his preaching to show that he is an authentic apostle, we have a glimpse of what Paul has been led to believe and share with others. Today begins his epistle (letter) with the expanded formal greetings of a Greco-Roman letter. As typical for such a letter, he introduces himself and addresses the recipients of the letter. The seven verses which we
have today are actually one sentence in the Greek. As he describes his person, he also explains his mission (being sent [“apostled”] to the Gentiles) and a summary of Who Jesus is (Son of GOD, human descendant of David, risen Savior). He changes around the customary “greeting” (chairein) to “grace” (charis) and adds the customary Semitic statutory wish for peace (the Greek word eirene is a translation of the Hebrew shalom). In addressing his readers, he reminds them that they are called to be holy (“saints”). This opening sentence (verses
1-7) sets the theme and purpose of his letter, his call of being sent to the Romans to continue to assist them in
their call to be holy (saints). That is what it means to belong to Christ Jesus.
The Responsorial Psalm is a joyful hymn of praise of the GOD Who reveals the plan of salvation to people of all backgrounds. It carries on the theme introduced in the beginning of the letter to the Romans in that GOD desires to make known the GOoD News of GOD’s love for all peoples.
This message is to be a blessing for, and a source of praise from, all nations. Thus, it links to Paul’s mission to be the bearer of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
In the Gospel, Jesus chides His audience because they are not
responding to the GOoD News that He is preaching to them. He recalls the story of Jonah, and how the
heathen Ninevites turned from their sinful ways and sought GOD’s pardon when Jonah preached to them. Jesus informs His listeners that the message they are hearing is more powerful and more important than the message preached by Jonah. Jesus also recalls how the Queen of the South (Queen of Sheba) traveled to Jerusalem to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Yet, the wisdom of Solomon is inferior to the words of Jesus.
As I reflect on today’s readings, two thoughts come to me: first,
GOD’s initiative in wanting to share the message of salvation to, and for, all people; second, the need of a response from those to whom the GOoD News is given. GOD desires that all people not only hear about the love that GOD has for them, but GOD also wants them to accept and experience the salus (healing, wholeness,
salvation) that Jesus bestows upon them. GOD continues to make known this GOoD News, moving from the preaching of the prophets through the self-revelation in the life and ministry of Jesus, and to the continuation of the announcement by the disciples and apostles of Jesus (including the great Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul).
The greatest hindrance to the GOoD News comes from individuals who are not willing to accept the message of salvation that is shared with them. Although GOD’s will is for all to be saved, GOD desires a freely chosen acceptance of the divine gift of salvation. Forced acceptance is not to be tolerated. The gift of holiness must be desired and accepted by each individual. We are called to be holy (to be saints), but we are given the freedom to not answer the call (although there will be repercussions of such a choice).
There are a lot of reasons why people do not choose to respond to GOD’s invitation. Some people have never really heard the message presented in a way that is convincing. (This obviously is a challenge to us who believe and are commissioned to share the GOoD News.) Others have invested their time and efforts in pursuing other values and they are not willing to let go of those values in order to embrace the GOoD News. They cling
to their power, wealth, fame, beauty, or pleasures. (These individuals are overly indoctrinated in the “bad (false) news” being broadcast by the world.) Some individuals are too afraid that they may have to suffer or change, or not be who they think they are. (They also have not truly heard and understood the fullness of the Gospel message, or they would realize that they become the authentic persons GOD wants them to be, only by receiving GOD’s gifts of salvation.)
Today’s reflection leads me to a fuller realization not only of Paul’s mission as the Apostle to the Gentiles, but to my own calling in being sent to announce the GOoD News also. Part of each Christian’s acceptance of the Gospel is to make the Gospel what it truly is, “GOoD News.” Once we embrace the Truth, we cannot hold it within ourselves. It must be shared. It needs to be proclaimed. We must “shout it from the mountain tops.”
That does not mean we have to only announce it in words, but often, and more importantly, we must give witness to it by our life-style (recall the words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the GOoD News at all times, and, if necessary, use words”). It is through us and our living the GOoD News that GOD will announce the GOoD News, and that others will hear and accept the message of salvation. It is then that we will be able to say with today’s psalmist, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our GOD. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.”
The personal question/action for today: Who has been instrumental in my hearing and accepting the GOoD News? Have I thanked GOD and that person (those persons) for the sharing of the GOoD News with me? Is my life a proclamation of the GOoD News? To whom might I be an apostle of the GOoD News today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all GOoD News. Through Your GOoDness we have heard the message of salvation. You have sent Your prophets of old to prepare Your holy people for the coming of the Messiah. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to be the source of salvation by His teaching, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. So that the Gospel of salvation would be available to all people at all times following His return to You, He commissioned His disciples to be bearers of the GOoD News, and He empowered them by sending the Holy Spirit. We thank You for calling us to be Your holy ones (saints) who live the Gospel and assist in the process of bringing to others the message of salvation. At times we have failed to listen to the Word and have shirked our responsibilities in furthering the spread of the Gospel. We ask that You pardon us and, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, strengthen us in our mission to be proclaimers of Your GOoD
News. As always, we lift a prayer of praise and thanks to You in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is the embodiment of the GOoD News and the source of our salvation, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffff
October 14, 2025
Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Callistus I and Blessed Carlo Acutis)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101425.cfm
Blessed Carlo Acutis: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-carlo-acutis/ Readings: Romans 1: 16-25; Psalm 19: 2-3, 4-5; Luke 11: 37-41
How easy it is for humans to misunderstand and deceive themselves concerning the Truth of Faith. In the First Reading, St. Paul addresses the failure of people to accept the gift of coming into a relationship with GOD that was offered to the Jews throughout Hebrew scriptures and presented to the Gentiles through nature. The Responsorial Psalm proclaims the revelation of GOD through the beauty of creation. In the Gospel, as He dines with a Pharisee, Jesus chides the Pharisees for their over-stressing of laws and missing the point of being in relationship with the Creator.
In this part of his letter to the Romans, St. Paul boasts about his mission as minister of the Gospel. He is not ashamed of proclaiming the GOoD News as found in Jesus Who has died and is risen. He justifies his teaching because it is based on the gift of Faith he has received from GOD. Paul then proceeds to describe how both the Jews and the Gentiles have misinterpreted the Truth of Faith by trying to form Faith into what they want it to be, rather than the gift from GOD that Faith truly is. The Jews, the first to whom the gift of Faith has been extended, have transformed Faith into a set of rules and regulations that lead the believer away from GOD with its emphasis on rules and laws, rather than developing a relationship with GOD. The Gentiles have the opportunity to understand GOD as Creator as they look to the wonders GOD has created. Their misunderstandings flow from their trying to worship creation and creatures instead of the Creator. Because of mortals’ aberrations of the Truth of Faith, they have been “handed over” to impurity and idolatry.
The psalm is a declaration that even nature proclaims the majesty of GOD the Creator. Creation cannot be silenced as it gives honor to the One Who brought it into existence. Humans are the ones who have the free will to choose not to honor the Creator and they are the ones who have done just that, by twisting the understanding of the GOD Who creates out of love for humans.
In the Gospel, as Jesus dines at the home of a Pharisee, He is questioned
about His failure to observe the Jewish ritual washings. Jesus challenges His host and the other Pharisees for their missing the point of ablutions. The rituals of washing are to signify that the person is pure in intention and mind. Jesus criticizes the emphasis that some of the Jewish leaders put on legalistic practice while missing the relationship that the practices are meant to deepen the relationship.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that the heathens from the
Greco-Roman times and the Jews of Jesus’ time were not the only ones who have not accept the gift of Faith for what it is. There are many people today, myself included, who, at times, have tried to shape religion into a substitute for Faith. Faith is of divine origin. It is a gift that GOD gives to us. It is something that must be accepted and lived. Yet, because of our desire to “make sense” of this divine gift, we sometimes shape our practices to fit into what we want Faith to be. We build all sorts of structures, rituals, and regulations around the gift and say that all of those human additions are also what GOD intends.
The simplicity and Truth of Faith is that GOD loves us and wants us to share that divine love with others.
That is the GOoD News Jesus proclaimed in word and action. That is the Truth Paul preached and was proud to assert. That is the Faith that has been given to us to share with others. Yes, the Truth of Faith must be accepted and internalized and made visible by the way we live each day, but it does not need to be overly systematized and regulated. I believe that some framework can be helpful to the spread of Faith, but if the structure becomes more intent on preserving itself than in spreading the Faith, it is no better than the impure and idolatrous practices mentioned in today’s readings. Anything that enhances the relationship with GOD (and therefore with others), which Faith is meant to be, is to be appreciated. While anything that becomes a skandalon (scandal or stumbling block) to the true Faith relationship with GOD and with others must be abolished.
It seems that Pope Francis would agree. He has demonstrated that he is more interested in individuals and
their relationship with GOD than the overly strict observance of rules and regulations. He has challenged people to focus on what is important: relationships with GOD and with others and with all of GOD’s creation.
Obviously, we must be discerning in our use of rituals and structures. We must look to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of GOD. We must be willing to strive to be authentic to true gift of Faith that GOD has given us in and through the life and ministry of Jesus. Then we will be able to join with all creation in declaring the glory of GOD.
On October 15, we would have celebrated the Memorial of St. Theresa of Jesus (of Avila), if it had not been a Sunday. St. Theresa seems to have struggled with the same division in her life, particularly in her prayer life. For many years, she would practice the routine of recited prayers, but had trouble dealing with her Faith relationship with Jesus and His Abba-Father. Let us look at our own life of Faith and see if are seeking a deeper relationship with our Triune GOD and other people and creation, or we only trying to practice the rituals of our religion.
The personal question/action for today: Do I ever confuse Faith with religion? Do I seek to practice a religion rather than live a Faith relationship with GOD and with others? How does my Faith make itself evident in the way I live my life and interact with others? What can I do to enhance the Faith relationship of others with the GOD Who is seeking that relationship with them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all creation. Through Your GOoDness You have impressed Your image into all that You have created. You have made all for the purpose of drawing humans into a closer relationship with Yourself. We, however, have misunderstood Your self-revelation and have interpreted the reflection of You as Who You are. We have raised up aspects of Your creation to the objects of our worship. We have failed to see the Giver and focused on the signs of Your giving. For our sinful misconceptions and false practices, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the power and inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, help us to focus on the gift of Faith – Your true self-revelation – drawing us ever closer to You. We thank You and praise You especially for the greatest self-revelation and gift in the person of Your Son, Jesus, Who was born, ministered with word and action, suffered, died, rose and is once again with You in heaven. Continue to help us keep our eyes focused on Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, as we reflect on the gift of Faith and salvation that He
has shared with us and which we are to share with others. We make this prayer in the name of the same Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
October 15, 2025
Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila
(Readings from Wed. of the 28th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101525.cfm
Saint Teresa of Jesus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-teresa-of-avila
Readings: Romans 2: 1-11; Psalm 62: 2-3, 6-7, 9; Luke 11: 42-46
Today’s readings may leave some of us feeling a bit uneasy. GOoD! St. Paul warns the Christians in Rome that they should not judge others for their unfaithfulness, since all are sinners and deserve to be punished by GOD. The psalm offers a source of hope – hope in the GOD Who is stable, strong, and saving. In the Gospel, Jesus not only condemns the actions and attitudes of the Pharisees but also those of the scholars of the law.
In today’s First Reading, St. Paul is addressing the Jewish members of the Christian community at Rome. They seem to be acting with an attitude of superiority over the Gentiles who have become believers. The Judaic Christians find it easy to cast blame and accusations at the former heathens, pointing out all their actions that are contradictory to being a faithful believer. Paul warns the Hebrew Christians that they, too, are sinful and have been unfaithful to GOD in their lives. If they condemn the former
pagans for their sins of infidelity, they will also be judged for being unfaithful to GOD. The sinful and unrepentant Jews will be the first to be condemned because they had the advantage of knowing GOD long before the pagans. Yet, the humble and contrite Jews who have come to believe in Jesus will
receive GOD’s blessings first, since they have had a connection with GOD for a longer period of time. Yet, in the end there is no difference with GOD since GOD loves and saves all people through Jesus and all will enjoy life for all eternity if they are faithful to GOD.
The psalmist affirms the belief and trust in a loving, saving GOD Who is the source of stability and power in one’s life. Only with GOD can one find rest for one’s soul, since GOD is the source of all Shalom – peace.
Jesus, in the Gospel, continues His warning of the leaders of the Jewish faith.
Many of these so-called leaders are more concerned about how they look in people’s eyes than about their relationship with GOD. They want to be held in high esteem, but they are not willing to help those whom they have been called to serve. The “scholars of the law” are also chastised for their burdening the people with impossible tasks of keeping the laws. They impose the load without doing anything to lighten it for those who are struggling with adherence to the law.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that I have been too legalistic at times. I
have been a stickler for adherence to the rules and regulations, especially for others. I remember times when others would say to me, “Get a life, instead of trying to impose a life-sentence on us.” I recall times when I would try to do everything by the book. I thought
that if I did that then I would “earn” my way to heaven. I also tried to force others to adhere to my interpretation of the rules. I became uptight, tense, and unbearable. I made it hard for people to relate to me other than with fear.
As I have grown in my relationship with the Lord Jesus, I have come to appreciate how loving, understanding, and forgiving GOD is. I realize that I do not deserve the gifts and blessing GOD has bestowed on me. I have been as unfaithful, if not more unfaithful, than others. I have had the benefit of being given the gift of faith from my childhood. I should have known better and acted gratefully and grace-fully in response to the Lord Jesus’ graciousness.
With this renewed sense of GOD’s loving kindness, I have learned to be more understanding and forgiving of others. I need to be consoling and comforting to those who are struggling to get their lives together in GOD’s sight. Offering words of solace and affirmation, rather words of condemnation, can enable others to accept the forgiveness that GOD offers. It is with such a positive and edifying attitude that we can show our relationship with GOD and our acceptance of others and pray with the psalmist today, “Trust in GOD at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before the LORD; GOD is our refuge!”
The personal question/action for today: Have I ever shown an attitude of superiority over others? Are the faults I criticize in others the same faults of which I am guilty? How have I experienced the loving pardon of the Lord Jesus? What can I do to help others sense that GOD is willing to forgive them as they turn to the Lord Jesus seeking pardon?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all forgiveness. Through Your GOoDness, we have been offered a share in Your Reign. This offer is not made to us because of who we are or what we do, but because of Who You are and what You have done – the Lover Who loves us beyond our worth. As we have journeyed in faith, we have sometimes had a superior attitude over those who are more recent travelers on the path toward You. We have been willing to point out the errors of their ways, forgetting all the times we, ourselves, have gone off track. For our condemning attitudes toward others, we seek Your continued forgiveness. Following the example of Your Son, Jesus, help us to be loving of all individuals, while despising wickedness and sin. With the grace of Your Holy Spirit, let us turn to You, the Source of hope, strength, peace, and rest. We make this prayer through
Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Our Savior and Redeemer, Who has died for us, is risen, and now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 16, 2025
Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Hedwig or St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101625.cfm
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-margaret-mary-alacoque
Readings: Romans 3: 21-30; Psalm 130: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab; Luke 11: 47-54
Faith is essential to life with GOD. Saint Paul describes faith as the gift of GOD to which the Law and the Prophets testified, but is separate from the Law and the Prophets. The psalm reiterates the theme that the relationship with GOD (faith) has its origin with GOD, not with us. In the Gospel, Jesus continues His diatribe against the errors of some of the Jewish leaders. He is upset that not only are they performing sinful and hateful acts (similar to the killing of the prophets) and thus making themselves unable to receive the gifts of GOD, but also they are blocking the people, whom they are called to serve, from receiving GOD’s gifts.
St. Paul is quite emphatic on the importance of faith. Faith is the only thing that can lead to eternal life with GOD. Faith is first and foremost a gift from GOD. It is not anything we can earn or merit. Although it is distinct from the Law and the Prophets (the teaching and preaching of Hebrew scriptures), it is alluded to by the whole of Hebrew scriptures. The Law was original meant to be a guideline to demonstrate that GOD was gifting people with faith. Yet, throughout Jewish history, it became the be-all and end-all
of some people in Judaism. Paul states quite assertively that no one can obey the totality of the law, and that all have sinned. The law has become the vehicle of condemnation, not justification. The only thing that brings
justification and righteousness is GOD’s gift of faith which was made possible with the death and resurrection of Jesus. No one can boast that they have saved themselves. It is only GOD who saves (Jesus = Yeshua = “GOD saves”) and it is only GOD who gives the gift of faith. Once one has accepted the faith given by GOD, one can live as a person who knows the justification that has come from GOD.
The psalm reminds us that if GOD held against us the sins we have committed,
there would be no hope for any of us. Yet, the psalmist reminds us, the mercy and forgiveness of GOD lifts us up from the depths to which our sins have plunged us. GOD is merciful and forgiving so that we might give GOD the glory and praise which the LORD deserves. We may have to wait for a while before we experience the fullness of the life which GOD offers us, but GOD has promised to save and redeem all those who turn to the LORD.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues to condemn the actions of some of the Jewish religious
leaders. They have become so pre-occupied with their own interpretations and embellishments of the Law that they have missed the point of the Law – a sign of the gift of faith with which GOD has gifted the people. Their absorption in the details and ramifications of the Law have prevented them from experiencing the gifts that GOD has given, and therefore they have isolated themselves from the Giver. Jesus is even more upset that by their attitudes, they have not only made themselves unable to experience GOD’s
love and forgiveness, but also and more importantly, they have prevented others from growing in a closer relationship with GOD.
Faith is the key to eternal life. This key, however, is not something that we can purchase. It is not something that we earn or deserve. It is a gift from GOD. GOD wants us to use this key to enter into the divine presence and experience all that GOD has in store for us. Some people have refused the key. Others have taken the key but do not choose to use the key. And there are some who take the key and reshape it into what they want the key to open, which is not the passageway to GOD’s presence. Finally, there are those who gratefully accept the
key and demonstrate their desire to enter into the Reign of GOD by using the key the way it was meant to be used – for opening the door to life with GOD, not only for themselves, but also for others.
When GOD gives the key, there are directions attached. Some people have taken the directions and given their own interpretations to the directions. They have expanded the directions to such a point that to follow their interpretation of the directions, one is hindered in using the key and forced to burden oneself with a bunch of unnecessary items. All the additional baggage one is told to carry prevents a person from easily carrying the key and more importantly using the key in the way that GOD has proposed.
I see that I am being called to respond gratefully and lovingly to the key (faith) that GOD has given me. Yes, I must be attentive to the directions that came with the key. They are to guide me in the proper use of the key. I also realize that I have sometimes misused the key by flinging it around and hitting others with the key, rather than sharing the key of faith that GOD has given and helping others use the key. I need to acknowledge my own
sinfulness and need for the forgiveness that comes with the key. It is only then that I will be able to enter into the place that GOD has prepared for me.
Oh, by the way, the key is cruciform (cross-shaped). It is the cross on which our Savior has died, and from which He was taken down and buried, only to rise again on the third day. Embracing the cruciform key means to be willing to lift high the cross and point to it as the key that opens the door to eternal life. GOD has given us the key and has promised the fullness of life when we take and use that key of faith to enter into the divine presence. We must trust in GOD and believe that the Lord Jesus will give us all that is intended by the key. It is then that we will be able to join the psalmist today and say, “I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in GOD’s word. My soul waits for the LORD, more than sentinels wait for the dawn.”
The personal question/action for today: What have I done with the key of faith that GOD has offered to me? Am I aware of the directions that came with the key, and do I use the directions to assist me in my proper use of the key? Have I focused more on my interpretation of the directions and my desire to use the key in the way that I want rather than in the way GOD intends? How can I help others to be open to the gift of the key of faith that GOD is offering to them?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all GOoD gifts. Through Your GOoDness, we have so many gifts, of which faith is the key that opens us to the fullness of all You want to share with us. At times we have refused the key of faith, or have taken it and not used it. We have sometimes misinterpreted what You wanted us to do with key of faith and the directions that came with it. We have at times made our own view of the directions more important than the key itself. For our sinful ways, we ask for Your forgiveness. We thank You and praise You not only for the key of faith, but for sending Your Son, Jesus, to make it possible for us to have the key and all that is behind the door/gate that the key opens. We are appreciative of all that Jesus has done through His life, ministry, His death, resurrection, and ascension. He has demonstrated the salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) that is
behind the door that the key You have given us opens. Continue to empower and guide us with the presence of
the Holy Spirit in our lives. To You all glory and honor is given not only as we journey with the key of faith, but also when we arrive at the door to Your presence and enter into Your glory. We make this prayer in the name of the same Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 17, 2023
Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch
(Readings from Fri. of 28th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101725.cfm
Saint Ignatius of Antioch: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-antioch
Readings: Romans 4: 1-8; Psalm 32: 1b-2, 5, 11; Luke 12: 1-7
We are reminded, once again, that GOD’s will is that we experience divine favor. In speaking of what allowed Abraham to be the “Father of nations,” St. Paul refers to his faith, not his actions. The psalm links salvation not to our actions but to the forgiveness of GOD after we have acknowledged our sins. In the Gospel, we have a compilation of many ideas including the hypocrisy of some of the Jewish leaders, the proclamation of the GOoD News, and GOD’s loving care for us.
In expanding upon his thoughts about salvation through faith, St. Paul turns his (and his audience’s) attention to Abraham, the father of Jewish people and the “Father of nations.” What made Abraham special was his acceptance of the gift of faith that was offered to him by GOD. After Abraham believed (accepted the gift of faith), he was justified, and his actions reflected the faith alive in him. Paul also uses the comparison of wages and credits. When a person is paid because of the work they do, they are given a wage, they earn their pay. When someone extends credit/ gift card to an individual, it is not because of the work that has been accomplished by the individual, but because of the kind gift of the giver. Faith is a credit/gift card bestowed on an individual. After the gift card of faith has been given to an individual, they must respond to the gift by living in a way that shows appreciation for the gift given. It is never possible to “pay back” this credit/gift card, but our actions can be a sign of gratitude for the credit/gift card we have been given.
Since St. Paul quoted part of Psalm 32, today’s Responsorial is taken from that psalm. It is GOD’s act of forgiveness, freely
given, that is a blessing (a gift) from GOD. Forgiveness of sins should lead to rejoicing in the LORD. Psalm 32 is used as another example of GOD’s graciousness and forgiving nature.
Forgiveness is also a credit/gift from GOD, for the debit of sin run up by the sinner. GOD does not need to extend the credit of forgiveness, nor can an individual earn forgiveness. It is only the graciousness of GOD that allows people to have faith and forgiveness, and then to respond by trying to live a live that
reflects the awareness of the blessings that have been given by GOD.
In today’s Gospel pericope, we have a few unconnected passages, put together as words of advice to Jesus’ disciples and the people. Jesus warns them to avoid the leaven of the Pharisees. The bad (negative)
growth of Pharisees’ leaven produces only more bad growth or no growth. Their hypocrisy has been spoken about in the previous verses (the Gospel reading for the last few days). Next, Jesus foretells the spread of the GOoD News. What the disciples have been hearing during their private instructions from Jesus will need to be preached openly for all to hear. Following this, Jesus addresses their concerns about being persecuted, informing them that injury and death of the human body are not the worst thing that can happen. Worse by far is being deprived of eternal life with
GOD because of our unrepented sins. Finally, Jesus reassures His disciples that GOD, His Abba-Father, loves
them and cares for them more than the way GOD cares for the birds of the air.
As I reflect on the readings, I am touched by the love that GOD has for each and every individual, including you, and me. It is true that GOD is concerned about all of creation, but the climax and most important part of creation on earth is humanity. GOD has created us in the divine image, something that cannot be said as much of the rest of creation. Not only has GOD created us, but also the LORD gifts us with faith and forgiveness, things we can never earn. These are credits/gifts bestowed upon us by a loving and caring GOD Who desires us to not only have earthly, human life, but also a share in the eternal, divine life of GOD.
Carrying on the analogy of accounting used by Paul, we cannot work so as to have wages of eternal life. It is credit/gift put into our account. It is GOD’s gift to us. Yes, we can do things to show our appreciation and gratitude to GOD for gifting us, but faith and salvation (divine life) are gifts, pure and simple. Likewise, we can run up a debit. The debit that we encounter is from our sinfulness. Any and all sins are so huge a debit, that there is no way we can ever bring ourselves to the position of paying off the debit. It is only GOD’s gift of forgiveness, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, that allows us to be free from the debit we have amassed.
GOD is more than an eternal accountant Who wipes away our debit and gives us credit beyond our ability to pay back. GOD loves us and desires to have a relationship with us. So not only is GOD our “Sugar Daddy” who gifts us with an unlimited account, but also the LORD GOD is also our loving Abba Who cares for us more than we will ever know, but we will have an eternity to try to learn and experience that loving care and to give praise and honor to our loving Abba Who is so generous to us.
The only things that GOD asks of us in return is our acceptance of the divine gifts of faith, forgiveness, and
salvation, and the demonstration of our gratitude by admitting our need for a relationship with the Almighty and joyfully giving glory and praise, especially in a way that enables us and others to be reminded of the graciousness of GOD. Thus, we can pray with the psalmist today: “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice you who have been justified; exult, all you upright of heart.”
The personal question/action for today: When I reflect on the debit and credit account of my spiritual life, what reaction do I have? Do I realize the debit I have accumulated because of my sins? How do I respond to the limit-less credit that GOD has extended to me, and which I will never be able to repay? Do I use the gifts which that credit enables me to have in order to show my appreciation to the GOD Who has gifted me? How can I help others realize the graciousness of the GOD Who wipes out the debits and extended unlimited credits to us?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all gifts. Through Your GOoDness, we have been blessed beyond our ability to ever repay. You do not expect repayment, for that would diminish Your graciousness. We do not, nor would we ever be able to, make any sort of restitution to You. As we reflect on the debit account we have amassed because of our sinfulness, we come before You contrite and humble, asking for something that we do not deserve
– Your unconditional forgiveness, that has been gained by the death and resurrection of Your Son. As we continue our journey to the heavenly home You have prepared for us, help us to be mindful of Your graciousness. May we not only express our gratitude in prayers of praise and thanks, but also enable us, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, to share Your graciousness with others by treating them in a way that they may know Your loving gifts. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who revealed to us Your kindness and love by His life, ministry, His death, resurrection, and ascension, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
October 18, 2025
Feast of St. Luke
(replacing Sat. of the 28th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101825.cfm
Saint Luke: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-luke
Readings: 2 Timothy 4: 10-17b; Psalm 145: 10-11, 12-13, 17-18; Luke 10: 1-9
Today we reflect on the life and ministry of Saint Luke, physician, artist, and evangelist. Although only the First Reading speaks about St. Luke himself, we can gather a lot of information about him from the two works that he wrote in the Christian scriptures (the New Testament): the “third” Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. In our First Reading today, St. Paul writes that Luke alone was with him as he wrote from his imprisonment in
Rome. The psalm speaks about the spread of the Reign of GOD through the works of those called by GOD to be friends of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus commission His disciples to go out and proclaim the GOoD News.
In the First Reading, St. Paul, already in confinement for being a Christian, has sent some of his followers to tend to the needs of the people in the communities he has helped establish. Luke alone is left with Paul. Luke is obviously a trusted friend who brings comfort and compassion to Paul. Paul asks Timothy to do him some favors and to watch out for some of the so-called “believers” who are subverting the true preaching and teaching of Christ, as preached by Paul. [A GOoD movie which shows the interaction between St. Luke and St. Paul is called “Paul, the Apostle of Christ” from ODB Films and Affirm Films.]
The psalmist, centuries before Jesus, realizes that the Reign of
GOD is spread by those who consider themselves friends of GOD,
faithful followers of GOD. The LORD is close to all who call upon GOD and seek GOD’s help.
In the Gospel, Jesus “apostles” His disciples. He “sends out” those who have heard the GOoD News. Jesus wants the Reign of GOD to be announced to all the people.
As I reflect on the readings and the life of St. Luke, I realize that there is not a lot of direct (in the New Testament) information about St. Luke. Obviously, he was a learned Greek physician. He is well educated, not just because he was a physician, but also his writings show a highly polished style of writing. He probably never met Jesus in person. Yet, he apparently had close contact
with many eye-witnesses and followers of Jesus, possibly including Jesus’ mother, Mary and John and Paul (who only met Jesus on the Road to Damascus.)
I have always like St. Luke. Part of this comes from growing up in a parish with name of St. Luke the Evangelist. I also enjoyed reading Luke’s Gospel and the Act of the Apostles in Greek. I have studied Luke’s writings and am impressed not just with his style. but also with the flow of, and between, the contents of his two works. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Luke brings out points not present in the other Gospel accounts. Being a Gentile before becoming a Christian, Luke has a more universal theme in proclaiming the Gospel.
Luke is truly an evangelist, one who proclaims GOoD News. His infancy narrative (chapters 1 and 2) portrays the early life of Jesus and His family not only in a way that shows Luke’s knowledge of Jewish scripture (the Old Testament), but also in a way that brings out the more compassionate and “motherly” side of the events.
The beginning of Luke’s Gospel traces Jesus’ roots back to Adam and Eve. He thus begins at the very “beginning” [Genesis], including the full range of history down to the time of Jesus. All these things point to the compassion and caring of GOD, especially for the poor, disenfranchised, and lowly. Luke relates more accounts of women in his Gospel than the other evangelists (women including Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary Magdalene). Some of the passages found only in Luke are the GOoD Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37); the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:
11-32); the curing of the ten lepers with only the Samaritan coming back to thank Jesus (Luke 17: 11-19). Luke concludes his Gospel addressing Theophilus (“Lover of GOD”) and shares Jesus’ call to spread the Gospel to all nations.
As Luke begins his second work (The Acts of the Apostles), he continues his writing to Theophilus and he shows the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem, to the rest of the Holy Land and out to all the known world.
What impresses me about Luke is that he manifests the great compassion and loving mercy of Jesus for all people. [Because of Luke’s emphasis on the loving mercy of Jesus and His Abba-Father in unity with the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis choose the “C” Cycle (centered on the Gospel of Luke) as the Extraordinary Jubilee of GOD’s mercy.] Although educated, Luke never puts on an air of superiority. He is loving, caring, and a GOoD friend to Paul (and presumably many other people). Some scholars believe that he may have been close to Mary, the mother of
Jesus, because he shares more intimate details of the infancy of Jesus than the other evangelists. No matter what, Luke is an evangelist – a person who spreads the GOoD News.
I realize that I am called to follow in the footsteps of Luke. Like Luke, I must use my knowledge and skills to further the spread of the Reign of GOD. I must not be haughty or overpowering in my proclaiming the GOoD News. I must act with the same compassion and caring that is exhibited by Luke and the individuals in his writings, especially Jesus as revealed by Luke. If I can do that, then hopefully the psalm refrain from today will
be said of me as well as others who follow the Master, “Your friends make known, O LORD, the glorious splendor of Your Reign!”
The personal question/action for today: Do I see myself as an “evangelist” – one who proclaims GOoD News? How can I bring GOoD News to someone today? Is my life a proclamation of the Gospel (GOoD News) of Jesus? Do I show the same qualities of universal love and care for the lowly as Jesus does and as is portrayed in Luke’s Gospel?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever compassionate and universally caring for all people. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us an example of one who strove to be like You and Your Son. We remember the evangelist Luke today and reflect on his desire to proclaim Your GOoD News to all peoples. May we realize
our call to be evangelists to those we meet, not just in what we write and say, but also, and more importantly, in how we treat others. May we take a lesson from some of the parables of Jesus only found in Luke’s Gospel.
May we realize Your love and mercy as the Prodigal Son did from his father. May we be like the Good Samaritan and show compassion towards everyone we meet, even if they are our supposed enemies. By the power of the same Holy Spirit Who guided Luke in his ministry and writing, may we be empowered to spread the GOoD News to all we meet, especially the lowly, outcast, and humble. We make this prayer in the name of the Master and Lord Whom Luke proclaimed in his writing, Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 19, 2025
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfm
Saint Isaac Jogues, Jean de de Brébeuf and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-isaac-jogues-jean-de-brebeuf-and-companions
Readings: Exodus 17: 8-13; Psalm 121: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Timothy 3: 14-4:2; Luke 18: 1-8
Two aspects of prayer are presented in today’s scripture passages. The First Reading and the Gospel describe the importance of persistence in prayer. The selection chosen from the continued reading of St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy stresses the pre-eminent value of the Word of GOD in our daily prayer life.
As the Israelites confront the Amalekites, two actions are going on. The first is the activity of Joshua and his soldiers in the actual battle. The second is the attitude and posture of prayer by Moses with the help of two attendants. From atop a hill, Moses takes the position of lifting his hands up to the LORD, invoking GOD’s assistance for those who are fighting the GOoD fight below him. As long as Moses keeps his hand raised in praise of GOD and intercession for the troops, the Israelites have the upper hand. As Moses’ hands tire, he is assisted by Aaron and Hur, who position themselves on either side of Moses, holding his hands in the prayerful posture. In the end, the Israelites win the battle decisively.
The Responsorial echoes the thoughts that it is
GOD Who is the true source of help and victory in
the struggles of life. GOD continues to protect and care for all those who call on the help of the LORD.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul encourages Timothy to continue to center his ministry on the Word of GOD. The scriptures are the handbook and user’s manual that are necessary in the living out of one’s life. Since, as Paul tells
Timothy, all of GOD’s Word is inspired (GOD has breathed the “Spirit into” the Word and breathes out the Spirit through the Word), then within the Holy Writ can be found the instruction, the encouragement, the challenge, and the wherewithal to be equipped with whatever is necessary to continue our journey of faith. The Word of GOD must be
the source of ministry, as the faithful disciples carry on the work of their Master-Teacher with all patience and understanding.
The Gospel begins by saying that Jesus instructs His disciples in the necessity of praying without tiring. Yes, prayer must be filled with hope, with the knowledge that GOD hears and responds, but it also must be constant, non-stopped, even
if one is tired. It is the persistence in prayer that demonstrates our desire to have a continued relationship with our GOD.
As I reflect on the readings for today, I think about various aspects of prayer. Prayer is the constant relationship that I have with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit. I cannot limit my prayer just to an hour or so on Sunday, or even to my daily morning and night prayers, which are also important. Prayer has to be the attitude that I have that reminds me of the loving relationship I have with my Lord Jesus. I must, as St. Paul says, “pray constantly” (Ephesians 6:18). That doesn’t mean that I am continuously reciting rote prayers, although that is better than not praying at all. It means that I am always to be aware of my relationship with GOD and seek to develop and enhance that relationship by thinking more and more
about the Lord Jesus.
Tied into the concept of being “faithful in prayer” (Romans 12: 12) is the idea of the source of prayer being based on GOD’s Word. I must not just occasionally pick up the Bible and read it. Rather, I must devour the Word of GOD on a regular, daily basis. I must be formed and equipped with what I find and study in the scriptures. My life must be a living testimony to GOD’s Word. It is when I open the pages of GOD’s Word and apply it to my life that I become equipped to do battle with the enemies who are out to defeat me and all of GOD’s faithful people.
I am also encouraged by the realization that both in my prayer life and in my reading and understanding GOD’s Word, that I do not have to do it alone. Just as Moses had the assistance of Aaron and Hur, so I can call on the help and prayerful support of others who are desirous of GOD’s forces winning the battle against evil and ways of the world (as opposed to the ways of GOD). When I gather with others who are also seeking to deepen their relationship with GOD through prayer and the better understanding of GOD’s Word, it is then that I can be more assured that I am being authentic and faithful in my living out by relationship with the Lord Jesus. Our parish promotes the reading of the Word of GOD daily by distributing The Word Among Us monthly magazine, which gives the readings for every day and a Meditation on the Word. We also have many Bible Study groups that focus on the readings for the upcoming Sunday.
I was reminded of this at a Bible Study meeting. We were discussing how our prayer life/relationship with the Lord
Jesus must be more than just an hour a week. By the fact that we spend time at the Bible Study, and also time preparing for it, we make ourselves more open to GOD’s Word and to having a prayerful attitude more than just during the weekly assembly at church. Yet, even those extra hours preparing for and being at the Bible Study are not enough. We must pray regularly and have a mindset focused on the Lord Jesus each and every day, and throughout each day.
Prayer thus flows from the Word of GOD, (both that which we read in the Bible and the Incarnate Word of GOD). It is bolstered both by my own personal exercise of the discipline of prayer and in the sharing in communal activity of prayer. It is when I, both alone and in community, dedicate myself to prayer and the proclamation of GOD’s Word that I am equipped to fight the lengthy battle against all who would desire to destroy the awareness of GOD’s presence among the faithful and in the world.
My constant attitude must be that of being aware of GOD, being in relationship with the Lord Jesus through prayer, and being formed by GOD’s Word. It is then that I can join the psalmist today and proclaim: “I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; from where help shall come to me? My help is from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.”
The personal question/action for today: How does my prayer life and my study of the Word of GOD deepen my relationship with GOD? Do I pray constantly or is prayer just an occasional occurrence in my daily living? How does the reading of GOD’s Word enhance my prayer life – my relationship with the Lord Jesus? How can the activities of other believers enrich my prayer life and my understanding of GOD’s Word? What steps can I take to deepen both my prayer life and my devouring of the Word of GOD? How can I help others to delve into the Word of GOD and be in a prayerful attitude?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, desiring us to deepen our relationship with You. Through Your GOoDness, You provide two important means to enhance our life with You. You have revealed Yourself through Your Word, especially
the Word Incarnate, Your Son, Jesus. You have also taught us how to pray and have encouraged us to pray continuously. Yet, we have often spent more time pursuing earthly words and mere human relationships that are not beneficial to being in touch with You. We have used prayer as a tool to try to get what we want, not a constant means of being in
relationship with You. Continue to pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us that we might devote ourselves to those activities which bring us closer to You and to Your holy people. We make this prayer in union with the Word Incarnate, Your Son, Jesus, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 20, 2025
Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Paul of the Cross)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102025.cfm
Saint Paul of the Cross: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paul-of-the-cross
Readings: Romans 4: 20-25; Luke 1: 69-70, 71-72, 73-75; Luke 12: 13-21
“What really matters in life” is the central focus of our readings today, as I reflect on the readings. St. Paul in this part of his Letter to the Romans speaks about the importance of faith in GOD and the divine promises that GOD has made. The Responsorial is Zechariah’s praise of GOD for fulling the promises made to Abraham and his descendants. In the Gospel Jesus addresses the issue of wealth and possessions as being the wrong focus for
a person’s life.
In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul continues to stress the faith of Abraham. Abraham did not always understand the “why” behind GOD’s requests, but he believed, and did what was asked of him. This became a source of blessing not only for Abraham, but also for all of those who physically or spiritually have descended from him. Faith in GOD and the divine promises reaches it climax in the coming of Jesus, His life and ministry, His death and resurrection. It is Jesus Who is the fulfillment of all the promises.
The Responsorial today is part of
Zechariah’s Benedictus. As Zechariah
sees the fulfillment of GOD’s promise to allow his elderly wife (Elizabeth) to give birth to a son (John the Baptist) and as his tongue (which had been silenced because of his earlier disbelief) is loosened, he proclaims the blessedness of GOD Who is faithful to all the promises made to Abraham and all of his descendants.
The Gospel passage today begins with Jesus’ being asked to settle an inheritance dispute. Jesus uses the occasion to address the misplaced focus people have on wealth and possessions. If one is caught up in seeking earthly
things, one can miss the most important aspect of human life – preparing oneself for eternal life. Our attention should be on being with GOD forever in the heavenly reign not
on amassing worldly treasures.
As I reflect on the readings today, I realize how easy it is to get caught up in pursuing earthly values, whether they be money, fame, possessions, or any other transient aspirations. I know I become possessive of things, wanting to hold onto items that have value to me. I may not want a lot of new items,
but I find it hard to throw away what I have. This has become very obvious to me when I had to discard the possessions of the woman who passed away and for whom I cared and when I also to pack up some of my parents’ possessions. The woman (whose possessions I had to handle) had a lot of
things in her house which were never even opened, some still in the original packaging from the store, some with the price tags still attached. She did not take any of her accumulated items with her and left them for me to dispense (either to others, to charitable organization, or to the dumpster).
The First Reading today reminds us that what is most important is to trust in GOD and the divine promises. GOD has promised us a wealth that is beyond our wildest imaginations. It is not material wealth, but eternal life in the divine presence. It is hard to focus on heavenly treasure while we are surrounded by earthly possessions to which we become attached. Our world is constantly broadcasting messages that seek to keep our eyes focused on the here and now. The promises of an unending life, which is not in this world, seem so far away.
For Abraham, the promises GOD made to him must have also seemed nearly impossible. GOD promised
Abraham a land and many descendants who would become a huge nation. The LORD GOD also said that all peoples and nations would be blessed through a descendant of Abraham. Abraham never saw that happen during his sojourn on earth. Oh, he may have seen his two grandsons (Jacob [Israel] and Esau) being born, but he never saw the nation of Israel being formed. His only permanent land holding at the time of his death was the burial place he had purchased for his wife and himself. Yet, his faith in GOD’s promises was credited to him as righteousness. It was what motivated not only him, but also his descendants. The fullness of the promises did
not reach its climax until centuries later with the birth of Jesus. And Jesus spoke of new and eternal place where all the multitudes of GOD’s family would gather forever.
The challenge for me today is to keep my focus on the Lord Jesus and the promises that our faithful GOD has made. It means living with the conviction that life here and now on earth is not the most important thing in the “Big Picture,” but my participation in the heavenly Reign of GOD is. It means living a life that is centered on what has been promised, not on the things I now accumulate. This is exactly what Zechariah was able to make the focus of his prayer as he said, “This was the oath GOD swore to our ancestor Abraham: to set us free from
the hands of our enemies, free to worship the Lord without fear, holy and righteous in GOD’s sight all the days of our life.”
The personal question/action for today: What items do I treasure most in life? Do I become obsessive about things? In what ways can I simplify my life by letting go of things and focusing on the divine promises of eternal life? How can I give witness to my attention to heavenly values as I encounter people today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, of all promises. Through Your GOoDness, we are blessed with a richness beyond our human expectations and understanding. You have promised to give us eternal life in Your presence forever. Yet, because we sometimes cannot look beyond the here and now, we have sought to amass all sorts of earthly wealth and fill our present lives with things that have no lasting value. For our failure to see with the eyes of faith, we seek Your continued forgiveness and pardon. You have continuously spoken Your promises to us, reaching the fulness of those promises in the coming of Your Son, Jesus. He reiterated Your promises and continues to give us signs of what lies in store for us if we but follow Him. His whole earthly mission was to present the GOoD News of Your promises in ways we could better comprehend and accept. His death and resurrection were proof that human death is not the end of life but the transition to eternal life with Him and with You. We lift up this prayer of benediction (“Blessing”) to You as we focus on the faith in Your promises, and as we unite ourselves with Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 21, 2025
Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102125.cfm
Saint Hilarion: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-hilarion
Readings: Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21; Psalm 40: 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17; Luke 12: 35-38
In our readings today, obedience is contrasted with disobedience. In the First Reading, St. Paul shows the difference between the disobedience of Adam and the obedience of Jesus. The psalm praises obedience as being far superior to ritual sacrifices. In the Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples to be obedient and vigilant as they await the fulfillment of the Reign of GOD.
St. Paul describes how humanity was affected (negatively) by the sin (disobedience) of Adam. Yet, he goes on to say, that the obedience of Jesus far surpasses the disobedience of Adam. As I read the Greek text of these verses from the fifth chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, I am intrigued by the
word which is translated as “many” in some translations – in Greek it is πολλοὶ – polloi. In the “many” translations it almost sounds like not every one “died” because of the disobedience of Adam, and not everyone is saved by the obedience of Jesus. “Many” seems to imply “most, but not all.” The Greek word polloi can be translated as “the multitude” which would mean everyone. Thus, through the disobedient actions of Adam, death and sin entered the world for all humans. More importantly, however, through the
obedient life and actions of Jesus, salvation was granted to all. The human disobedience is overshadowed by the divine-human obedience of the Son of GOD. All people have the opportunity to receive the abundant graces that Jesus obtained by His submission to the will of His Abba-Father – even, and especially, by His suffering and death, and His resurrection.
The psalmist reminds us that GOD desires our obedience to the divine
will more than ritual ceremonies and sacrifices. It is not that rites and sacrificial offerings have no importance. They do, as long as it is done with the intention of being part of doing the will of GOD. Yet if all we are doing is performing certain actions that we choose, with no desire to be obedient to the plan of GOD, then it is all just superstitious and/or hypocritical activity.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents an imagery to His disciples. Just as the faithful, obedient, and vigilant servants are ready for their master’s return whenever the master arrives, so His
disciples must be ever ready to do GOD’s will and wait for the second coming of the
Lord Jesus.
What strikes me about today’s readings is the perfect example Jesus gives to us of how to be obedient to the will of GOD. Jesus not only tells His followers (including us) that obedience is important, He also demonstrates what obedience means. In His whole life, ministry, and especially in His passion and death, Jesus always seeks to do what His Abba-Father wishes. I am particularly mindful of this as I reflect on Jesus’ agony in the garden. As He prepares to undergo His passion, He prays to His Abba saying, “Abba, if it is possible that I do not have to drink of this cup [of suffering and death]. . .But, not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22: 42).
It is because Jesus is prepared for whatever His Abba asks of Him, He could pray this prayer of total
obedience. He manifests His complete unity with the will of His Abba. He also gives us the example that we should follow. It is because of His perfect obedience that He is able to undo not only the disobedience of Adam, but of every other human who has ever lived, is living, or who will ever live. We are made right with GOD because of Jesus’ obedience.
Our obedience does not earn us justification, since our disobedience (sins) break our relationship with GOD.
It is only Jesus’ perfect obedience that makes it possible for us to be in relationship with GOD. And our response to what Jesus has done should be our seeking to be obedient to GOD. When we understand our obedience to GOD as a sign of our gratitude for what the obedience of Jesus has done for us, it is then that we show our joyful appreciation to the Lord Jesus and His Abba and can voice the words of the psalmist today, “To do Your will, O my GOD, is my delight, and Your law is within my heart. . .And may those who love Your salvation, say ever,
‘The LORD be glorified.’”
The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to me to be obedient to GOD? Do I see obedience as the means of receiving GOD’s graciousness or as the response to already receiving GOD’s graciousness. In what area of my life do I find obedience the most difficult? How can my interaction with others manifest my obedience to GOD’s will? Is there anything I can do to help others be more obedient to the will of the Lord Jesus as a sign of their acceptance of GOD’s gracious righteousness and salvation?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all graces. Through Your GOoDness and the obedience of Your Son, we are granted the gift of forgiveness for our disobedience. Yet, when we are disobedient and sinful, we have demonstrated our lack of appreciation for what Jesus has gained for us by His perfect obedience, even unto His death on the cross. As we continue our journey to You, fill us with the graces that flow from Your Holy Spirit. Give us wisdom, courage, and strength to respond to Your kindness by seeking to do Your will in our lives. Inspire us to offer to You our sacrifice of obedient service and love. We make this prayer in the name of Your perfectly obedient Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who willingly came to earth, proclaimed Your GOoD News, demonstrated His obedience, suffered and died, but Who is risen and living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 22, 2025
Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Pope John Paul II)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102225.cfm
Saint John Paul II: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-paul-ii
Readings: Romans 6: 12-18; Psalm 124: 1b-3, 4-6, 7-8; Luke 12: 39-48
Today, we are challenged to examine who or what is the master of our lives. In our First Reading, St. Paul describes two contrasting individuals, one who is the slave of sin and the other who is a servant of GOD. The Responsorial Psalm focuses on what GOD has done to free us from slavery, allowing us to become servants of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the GOoD servant as the one who is always conscious of what the Master wants and seeks to do the GOoD thing even when the Master is not present.
In an expansion of a theme used elsewhere in his letter to Romans, Paul describes the person who is a slave to the law and therefore a slave to sin. It is only with the coming of Jesus and His obedience to His Abba-Father, that we have been set free from sin and free from slavery to the law. Yet that does not mean we have free reign to do whatever we want. We are called to be obedient servants of GOD through our service to others.
The psalmist realizes that if it were
not for the hand of GOD acting on the people’s behalf, the people would still be in slavery under their oppressors. What
GOD has done is set the people free to live a new and better life, just as an animal who is freed from a trap experiences a new sense of life.
In the Gospel, Jesus desires that His disciples be vigilant and prepared for whatever comes. They must be like GOoD servants who do the will of the Master even when the Master has gone away for a while. The unfaithful servant only performs selfish acts in the absence of the Master. The Master, however, will come at a time when the unfaithful servant will not be expecting. The GOoD servant is always living and acting as if the Master is about to return at any moment.
In the second part of today’s Gospel, Jesus, in a related pericope, describes the accountability that will be asked of all. Those to whom much has been given, will be held more responsible for their use, or misuse, of the gifts given to them by the Master.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that my response (to all the gifts with which GOD has blessed me) should be to live as a faithful servant. There is a big difference between a servant and a slave. A slave is one who is forced to do what the master wants, and therefore, when the master is away, the slave does not work. A servant chooses to be of service to the Master. Those who have fallen under the control of the law, of sin, or of worldly ways, will be forced to do things against their desires, for they are slaves of the wicked, and of the controlling masters
they have been raised over themselves. They are trapped by their circumstances.
As St. Paul reminds the Romans (and us), all who have accepted Jesus have been set free from the bondage to the law, to sin, and to worldly ways. We are called to be faithful servants of the Lord Jesus. Service should be the hallmark of our lives. We serve the Lord Jesus by being of service to others.
As one looks at her/his life, it is sometimes easy to see who or what is in control. Those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are not free to live the life that GOD intends. They have sold themselves out to their habit. All
their waking moments, and even their dreams, are plagued with false promises and a need to serve their master (drugs, alcohol, etc.). It is not, however, just the drug junkie who has lost their freedom. People who are so wrapped up in their desire for wealth, power, pleasure, or fame are also slaves to their passions.
I am coming to believe more and more that it is when we are willing to let go of everything and experience the freedom that comes from being a servant of the Lord Jesus that we really begin to understand what it is to be
free. Serving others and helping those who need our caring is very liberating. We sense a new emancipation, for we are not bound by the restrictions of our worries and bad habits.
I am reminded of the true life stories that I have heard about individuals. The stories deal with people who
had been in the captivity of bad habits. Once they experience the gift of freedom that GOD gives them, they seek to help other addicted people be set free from their restrictive behavior.
It is important to realize that true freedom is a gift from GOD. It has been given to us by the Suffering Servant, Jesus. Through His obedience to His Abba, He has set us free. He has broken the bonds of sin, death, and the restrictiveness of the law. Our response to our freedom is to let others experience that same freedom by serving them. It is in our freely given ministry (service) to others that we proclaim what GOD has done for us. It is then that we can echo the words of the psalmist and say, “We were rescued like a bird from the fowlers’ snare; broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.”
The personal question/action for today: To what or to whom am I enslaved? How does that prevent me from living the life of one who has been set free by the Lord Jesus? Am I willing to choose to be a servant of the Lord Jesus? How can I be of service to others to show my willingness to be the Lord Jesus’ servant?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of freedom. Through Your GOoDness You have gifted us with a profound sense of freedom – freedom from sin, freedom from eternal death, freedom from the bondage that strict adherence to the law can bring. Through Jesus, You have shown us what that freedom means – the ability to freely give ourselves in service of others as a response to what You have done for us, especially in and through Jesus, Your Son. At times, we have stayed in our bondage to sin. Yet, through Your mercy, You continue to extend Your forgiveness and freedom to us so that we might then share the GOoD News of salvation with others. By the power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit, continue to inspire us to follow the lead of our Master-Teacher, Jesus, Who came to freely and lovingly give Himself in the service of others. We make this prayer in His name, for He is Your Son and our Brother, our Savior and Redeemer, Who has died, but is risen and living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 23, 2025
Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. John of Capistrano)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102325.cfm
Saint John of Capistrano: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-of-capistrano
Readings: Romans 6: 19-23; Psalm 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Luke 12: 49-53
Following Jesus is not an easy thing. St. Paul reminds us that it is worth the effort because the consequences of being unfaithful (that is, sinning) is death, whereas the consequences of being faithful is eternal life. The psalm is reminder that trusting in the LORD leads to a life filled with growth. The Gospel presents Jesus’ warning that being His disciple can lead to division, even within one’s own family.
Continuing the imagery of slavery to sin leading to death, and believers being set free from sin through Jesus, St. Paul reminds the Christian Romans (and us) that the freedom they and we have as believers is a gift from GOD, and not any of our doing. We can claim sin as something for which we are responsible, but eternal life has been gifted to us through Jesus. We can accept the gift and then live a life that reflects the gift we have received. The comparison, that may be lost in our modern age, is to a slave. Slaves cannot free themselves. Freedom comes as a gift from their master who releases them. Once they have been released from their slavery, they are asked to live lives that reflect the freedom they have been given.
The imagery used by the
psalmist of those who trust in the LORD is that of a tree that is deeply
rooted near a source of water. Since the tree is able to draw water from its deep roots, it is able to survive whatever comes its way and produce a harvest at all times. The analogy is a reminder that those who sink their faith-roots deeply through their trust in GOD will be able to survive no matter what is happening in their lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds His disciples that following Him will lead to conflict and division. Families will be divided with some people being faithful and others being unfaithful.
As I reflect on the readings, what strikes me most is the imagery used in the psalm. It reminds me that we must be radical. The word “radical”
comes from the Latin word, radix, radicis, which means “root.” We must be rooted in our relationship with
GOD. It is only when we are able to sink our roots deeply into the place where there is the living water (into the gift of GOD) that we will be able to be sustained when hot weather, storms, or other challenges come our way. Jesus (in the Gospel) reminds us that we will face trying times, even from members of our own family or friends. The only thing that will allows us to bear GOoD fruit is being radical – rooted in the Lord Jesus. And even that is not something that is our doing – it is a gift from GOD.
The other analogy (that of the slave being set free), which Paul uses in the First Reading, is also powerful. We are slaves to our own vices –
sins. We cannot free ourselves, just as slaves of old had no power to free themselves from their masters. Yet freedom can be given as a gift,
sometimes a gift that comes with a very costly price in personal terms for the master. Sometimes, it was known to happen, that one master buys slaves from their former masters for the sole (soul) purpose of setting the slaves free. The more that the slaves were indebted to the former, evil task masters, the more the freeing master had to pay in order to give freedom to the slaves. The gift of our soul’s freedom came at a very costly price for our new
Master, Who has died in order to set us free.
Our response to the living water and the ability to sink our roots (hope and trust) in GOD should be bearing the best harvest (the harvest of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, GOoDness, humility, self-control) we can, in spite of the opposition we face. It is then that we show that we have accepted the new life of freedom that is ours because of the price that our new Master has paid through His death and resurrection. Let us turn to GOD with the confidence of the psalmist today and proclaim, “The LORD watches over the ways of the just.”
The personal question/action for today: To what “evil task master” have I been enslaved? What is my response to the new Master Who has paid the price for my freedom? How can I sink my roots more deeply into living water flowing from the Lord Jesus? What aspects of the harvest of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, GOoDness, humility, self-control) will I bear so that others can taste of the GOoDness of the Lord Jesus and begin to accept the freedom that He has won and given to them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all life. Through Your GOoDness, we have the ability to produce the GOoD harvest of the Holy Spirit. All that we do is only possible when we sink our roots deeply into the living waters that You have given us. At times, we have let sin rule our lives and lead us away from You and toward eternal death. We seek Your pardon and peace. With the inspiration that comes from Your Holy Spirit, helps us to focus on the life that Your Son has given us through His living out Your GOoD News in His earthly life, ministry, His death, and resurrection. We lift this prayer to You in and through Your Son, Jesus, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 24, 2025
Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of St. Anthony Claret)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102723.cfm
Saint Anthony Mary Claret: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-anthony-mary-claret
Readings: Romans 7: 18-25a; Psalm 119: 66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94; Luke 12: 54-59
The readings remind us that following the way of GOD is not always easy, since we are facing evil opposition. The passage of St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans speaks of how evil can control lives. The psalm is a hymn of praise for the guidance GOD has given to people so that they can do the correct thing. In the Gospel, Jesus
warns His disciples, and all people, to pay attention to the signs that are present and that speak of the coming of
GOD’s judgment and the Reign of GOD.
St. Paul’s words today probably ring true for most people.
There seems to be a power inside of us that draws us to do what we know is wrong and avoid doing what we know is right. It is the force of evil. As humans and descendants of the first sinful people, we have a native proclivity to sin. If left to ourselves, we would succumb to sin and be overpowered by it. There is GOoD News, however. In and through Jesus, we have been empowered to do the right thing as we accept the gifts that He gave to us through His ministry, life, death, and resurrection!
Psalm 119 proclaims the value of GOD’s rules and ordinance. They are what keep us on the right track. If we use them as our
guides (and not become slaves to them), we will be able to walk with the knowledge of GOD’s love for us. Again, they do not make us GOoD, but allow us to act out the GOoDness that only GOD can give to us.
In the Gospel, Jesus chides His listeners because they are aware of natural patterns, but they have failed to see the supernatural patterns of
GOD and to pay attention to the signs that point to a relationship with GOD.
Jesus has come to reveal the plan of GOD, but people have misinterpreted the signs (miracles and teachings) that He brought and performed and spoke. The second part of today’s Gospel is a warning to take care of things now, before they progress to a further state from which it will be hard to get back on track. Just as it is sometimes better to solve an issue with one’s opposition before it ends up in court, so it
is important that people heed the warnings of impending doom before the doom overcomes the persons and they cannot get back on the GOoD path.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that we are caught up in a constant struggle in following the ways of the Lord Jesus. Doing the right thing is difficult. Doing the wrong thing is quite appealing at times and easy to give into. Some philosophers would say we are drawn to the apparent “good,” which is not “GOoD” at all. We are deceived (by “the deceiver”) into thinking that what looks “attractive” or “pleasurable” is “good.” Yet, as with the fishing lure, there are barbs and hooks in that which attracts us and we end up getting “hooked” and reeled into where GOD would not have us be.
In and of ourselves, it is impossible to win our freedom from evil. We do not have the strength or ability to overcome the “prince of lies” and “master of deceit.” GOD, however, wants us to be in the divine presence.
Therefore, GOD first gave guidelines and rules to those who have been chosen. These regulations where to help people keep their eyes focused on GOD. Yet, true to the nature and plan of the “deceiver,” people were led into misinterpretations of GOD’s plan. Individuals made the humanization of the divine commandments ends-unto- themselves, rather than guideposts to developing a closer relationship with GOD.
In the fullness of time, GOD sent the Son to proclaim the perfect plan of salvation and provide the power to overcome evil. It would not come without a cost, though. Jesus not only had to demonstrate that being loved by GOD is the force that can enable a person to live a GOoD life and help avoid the entrapments of evil. Jesus also had to destroy evil and its most profound repercussion (death), by laying down His own life and rising from the dead.
It is only with the loving, selfless act of Jesus on the cross and from the tomb that the forces of evil have been overcome. The victory of the war has been won. There are still battles going on, even though the final outcome has been assured. We are the people on the front lines, continuing the struggle, day in and day out, against the forces of evil and of the “evil one.” We have been given the weapons and armor that will enable us to claim the victory that has already been won (Ephesians 6: 10-18). We may end up being hurt in the process, but the final results are not in doubt. Jesus has overcome the enemy, and we just need to accept (and live out) the victory that He has won. What is most important is that we surrender not to the enemy, but to the GOD Who saves (Jesus = Yeshua = “GOD saves”). That is the message of the psalmist today who says, “I am Yours, [O GOD,] save me.”
The personal question/action for today: Is there some particular area in my life in which I struggle to do what I know I should do, but find myself not doing it? Knowing that St. Paul also struggled in a similar type of way, am I bolstered to turn to the Lord Jesus, as Paul did? How can I claim the victory over evil that Jesus has already won, even while I am still fighting a battle against evil in my personal life? How can I help reassure others of the ultimate victory that has come through Jesus (Jesus = Yeshua = “GOD saves”)?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of the ultimate victory. Through Your GOoDness we have been invited to be on the winning team. Problems still face us. The “ultimate loser” wants to win us over to his side so that he can have company in his defeat and misery. At times we have given into the deceits and lies that the enemy has place before us. We have given into selfish ways and sinned. We call upon Your mercy and forgiveness that You have demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. It was through these very acts that Jesus won the ultimate victory, not for Himself, but for all of us who place our trust in Him. Through the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, inspire us to keep our eyes focused on the Victory Banquet that Jesus has prepared for us. Empower us to do what is right in response to the selfless acts of love that He has performed for us. We surrender to You, to Jesus, and to Your Holy Spirit. To You be all glory, honor and praise, as we lift this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 25, 2025
Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Optional Memorial of Saint John of Capistrano)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102525.cfm
Saint Antônio de Sant’Anna Galvão:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-antonio-de-santanna-galvao
Readings: Romans 8: 1-11; Psalm 24: 1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Luke 13: 1-9
The patience and forgiveness of GOD take center stage in the readings. St. Paul reminds his readers that things are different now for those who are “in Christ Jesus.” They now live by the Spirit. The psalmist mentions that those who seek the face of GOD will be blessed. Jesus, in the Gospel, first mentions that events (whether they be GOoD or bad) that come upon people are not the result of GOD’s hatred or judgment for or against individuals. GOD loves all people. In the second part of today’s Gospel reading, Jesus reassures His listeners that GOD is patient and will allow people even more time to repent and grow in the Lord Jesus.
Today’s First Readings is the beginning of my favorite chapter in all of St. Paul’s epistles/letters. Paul speaks about the power of life in the Spirit. Before the coming of Jesus, people lived by the flesh. Their actions were motivated by their carnal and worldly desires. With the coming of Jesus and the sending of the Holy Spirit, people are now enlivened by GOD’s Spirit. Living according to the flesh can only end in frustration and death. Living according to the Holy Spirit leads to peace and eternal life with GOD. It is GOD’s Spirit indwelling within the believer that enables the believer to experience not only life here on earth, but to be raised up with Jesus to eternal life.
The psalmist reminds the people that GOD has made the divine presence felt throughout all creation. Those people who respond to GOD’s gift live lives that
allow them to feel blessed to be in GOD’s presence.
In the Gospel, Jesus recalls the death of some Galileans and some people who lived near Siloam in Jerusalem. Some of Jesus’ audience were blaming these deaths on the lifestyle lived by those who died.
Jesus remarks that GOD desires all to repent and experience life. In the following verses, Jesus shares a parable that reminds His disciples that GOD is patient in forgiving and will give the wayward and non-productive another chance, especially if others intercede on their behalf.
Repeatedly reading over the eighth chapter of Romans, I am reminded again and again that GOD desires to share eternal life with people. GOD does not want to condemn anyone. Yes, being a just and equitable GOD, GOD will grant the wishes of those who desire to have nothing to do with GOD. Since some choose not to be a part of GOD in this life, GOD will allow them to experience the absence of the divine presence for all eternity, but that is not what GOD wants. As we focus on what GOD has done in and through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we can only be impressed with how much GOD loves us and wants us to accept all the gifts that are offered to us. With the acceptance of the gifts comes the ability to live in a way that gives glory to GOD.
As we continue (next week) with this powerful chapter in Paul’s letter to the Romans, we will be reminded of
how far GOD has gone to save us. All we need do is turn our attention more fully to the Lord Jesus and seek to view GOD’s face. That is what the psalmist shares with us in the words, “One shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from GOD the savior. Such is the race that seeks for GOD, that seeks the face of the GOD of Jacob.”
The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to me to live in the Spirit rather than to live in the flesh? How can I show my acceptance of the gift of living in the Spirit? In what ways have I experienced the patient forgiveness and understanding of GOD? Is there any way that I can help others become more aware of GOD’s desire that they live more fully the life that GOD wishes them to live?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all kindness. Through Your GOoDness, we have been offered the gift of eternal life with You. We have sometimes chosen to live the life of the flesh and travel the paths that lead to frustration and death. Through Your Son and the working of Your Holy Spirit, You continue to remind us that You desire to have us join You for all eternity. You do not desire to condemn us for our wrongdoing, but to forgive us and let us experience Your love. May we keep our eyes on Your loving kindness, and praise Your glory not only now, but also for all eternity. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who has died to save us, has risen to bring us life, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, Who together are our one and only GOD and Who have prepared a place for us, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
October 26, 2025
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102625.cfm
Saint Peter of Alcantara: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-of-alcantara
Readings: Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18; Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18; Luke 18: 9-14
The LORD hears the prayer of the humble-hearted. The First Reading reminds us that even though GOD plays no favorites, the LORD seems to be more attentive to those who humbly admit that they need GOD’s help. The Responsorial rephrases that theme in saying that “The LORD hears the cry of the poor.” In this last chapter of St. Paul’s letter to Timothy (which is our Second Reading today), Paul reviews his ministry and humbly proclaims that he has finished the race and kept the faith, and he awaits GOD to bestow the crown of righteousness on him, even if others of the faithful people seemed to have deserted him. In the Gospel, Jesus shares the parable of two individuals who come into GOD’s presence and pray. Jesus remarks that the humble prayer of the tax collector is heard while the proud prayer of the Pharisees is not heard.
In the typical style of the Wisdom Books, today’s reading from Sirach states a
truth which at first seems contradictory. He proclaims that GOD shows no partiality in answering prayer, yet at the same time GOD always hears the humble prayer of those who cry out to GOD in need. The LORD hears all authentic prayer. GOD responds to all true prayers, maybe not exactly as they are presented, but in a way that is a true blessing for the “pray-er” – the one who prays. The LORD does not turn away from the sincere prayer of those who acknowledge their need before GOD, while those who selfishly request things from GOD do not always have their prayers answered, at least not in the way they want. The key to this paradoxical theme is in the attitude of the one who prays. Those who can honestly admit their need for GOD’s help will receive it,
while those who only perfunctorily call upon GOD receive responses in proportion to their acknowledgment of GOD’s ability to help them.
The psalmist presents this same theme by pointing out that
GOD confronts the evil doers while reaching out the divine hand
to help those who seek GOD with sincere hearts. The LORD
hears the cry – the
pleading – of those who know that GOD is the Only One Who
can touch their lives with healing and well-being (salus).
St. Paul concludes his pastoral letter to Timothy by reflecting on his ministry that is drawing to an end. Paul has striven to do his best in what GOD has set him apart to do – announcing the GOoD News to others. Paul has exerted himself just as a runner in a race pushes himself to the extreme in order to cross the finish line. Paul knows what awaits him when he crosses the line from this life to the next. He realizes that it is not his doing nor the help that he sometimes failed to receive from others. It is the Lord Jesus Who has stood by him, giving him strength and Who will ultimate receive all the glory and praise that is due for calling and urging Paul on to win the unfading crown of life.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents a parable to those who proudly think that they are above the rest of humanity. According to Jesus’ telling of the parable, two individuals enter the Temple to pray. The first one is a
Pharisee who boastfully sees himself better than all other people, especially better than the sinful tax collector. After all, the Pharisee publicly does everything by the letter of the law so that he can be admired for his righteousness. The Pharisee does not really need GOD’s help since he is already justified in his own mind. Yes, it would be nice if GOD would agree with him, but even that is not necessary. The tax collector on the other hand humbly and contritely admits that he is in need of GOD’s help and forgiveness. He is a sinner who needs GOD’s spiritual healing. He can honestly confess that he is not perfect and wants a better relationship with GOD.
As I reflect on the readings, I am challenged to look at my own relationship with GOD – my prayer life – and see what is my attitude when I am aware of GOD as I enter the presence of the Lord Jesus through prayer. At times I have come with an attitude of superiority and self-righteousness. I have turned to GOD in prayer, hoping that GOD would pat me on the back and say, “Great job!” My attitude has been prideful. I figure that I am doing GOD a favor by my turning to the Lord Jesus in prayer. I have been no better than the arrogant Pharisee in the parable.
There have been other times when I have been knocked off my pedestal by physical or emotional or spiritual
challenges. It is then that I have had to humbly come into GOD’s presence, acknowledging Who GOD is and how much I am in need of GOD’s help. It is often at those time that I sense a closeness in my relationship with GOD.
The focus of prayer should be to admit our dependence on GOD. Yes, we should do all that we can do – with GOD’s help. Yet even as we do our best, we must humbly admit that it is GOD Who has empowered us, just as the Lord Jesus strengthened and provided for Paul throughout his ministry. Yes, we must all exert ourselves and run toward the finish line, always conscious that it is GOD Who has equipped us with energy and ability to cross the line. And if we fall as we run the race, it is important that we turn to the One Who can help us back up and get us headed in the right direction. We must constantly keep in the front of our mind for Whom we are running the race and Who it is Who makes it all possible. It is then that we can give GOD all the praise, thanks, and glory as we echo the words of the psalmist today: “The LORD redeems the lives of the servants of GOD; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: What has been my attitude when I pray? Do I use the words “I” and “me” and “mine” more than I do “You, Lord” and “Your divine will”? How can I more humbly come into GOD’s presence admitting my need for GOD’s help? In what part of the race am I at this point in my life and how can I keep the faith more fully as I run toward the finish line? Are there people who are running along with me that need words of encouragement as they struggle to keep going? What can I do to show that I am concerned for them and that I am there for them, as a reminder that GOD is with them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One Who empowers and gives strength to those who are running the race of faith. Through Your GOoDness, You answer all who humbly turn to You, seeking Your help. You are always ready to help people get back on their feet, especially as they have fallen off the right track. For the times we have lost sight of the finish line either by thinking we had already arrived on our own, or given up because we have not seen any possibility of finishing, we ask for Your continued forgiveness and strength. We thank You for sending us Your
Son, Jesus, as the Master-Teacher-Coach, Who has given us the example and continues to urge us on. We also thank You for the gifts that come from Your Holy Spirit, especially the gifts of humility, endurance, patience, and fortitude. May we continue to give You all the glory and honor as we draw ever nearer to You at the finish line. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 27, 2025
Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102725.cfm
Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-bartholomew-of-vicenza
Readings: Romans 8: 12-17; Psalm 68: 2 and 4, 6-7ab, 20-21; Luke 13: 10-17
Today’s readings focus on the freedom that comes from being an adopted daughter or son of GOD. St. Paul addresses the faithful in Rome and reminds them that they have been adopted by GOD. The Responsorial psalm speaks of GOD as the Father (Abba) of orphans and the defender of widows. In the Gospel, Jesus extends salus (healing, wholeness) to a “daughter of Abraham,” or better put, a “daughter of GOD.”
St. Paul is quite emphatic in his assertion that believers are
truly children of GOD. Because the Holy Spirit has entered into a person (beginning especially at baptism), an individual becomes a daughter or son of GOD. Adopted children are raised from their former ranks of being a slave and are given the full rights belonging to the family. They are heirs to the inheritance of the Parent. Since we have become daughters and sons of GOD, we are truly GOD’s children and have the rights to inherit all that GOD has – the divine Reign. We have a close, personal relationship with GOD. It is not just that GOD is our Master and we are GOD’s slaves or servants. We are truly part of the family of GOD. Yes, family members do have responsibilities to the other family members. The duties we have should not be considered forced (as if we were slaves), but willingly undertaken
because the other family members are our sisters and brothers, co-heirs of the Reign with us. Even our outreach to those who have not yet accepted GOD as their Abba-Father should be in a loving way with the hope that they will desire to be part of the family of GOD.
The psalmist declares that GOD cares for the oppressed and outcasts
because GOD is their loving Parent (Abba). This closeness and the love that GOD has for the lowly should lead us to rejoice that GOD is a loving Provider and Protector.
As the Gospel passage unfolds, Jesus extends compassion to a woman who has been suffering for many years. He sees her as one who needs the salus which He has come to bring. He wants her to be
set free from the physical bondage (illness) to which she has been enslaved for
eighteen years. Jesus reaches out and cures her. This action would be considered as work by the legalistic Jews, and therefore since healing is something not allowed on the Sabbath, Jesus is “sinning.” Jesus points out how some of the “legalists” bend the law in order to take care of their bound animals on the Sabbath and set them free and provide water for them. Jesus remarks that this daughter of Abraham (and therefore daughter of GOD) should be accorded a similar deed of kindness.
GOD loves us so much that GOD wants to share the divine Reign with us. GOD does not just want us to be a part of the Reign in some subservient role (slave of the Master), but as co-heirs of the fullness of the Reign.
Thus, GOD, through the Only Begotten Son and the Holy Spirit, has made us sons and daughters. As GOD’s children, we are entitled to whatever belongs to our Abba-Father-Daddy-Loving Parent. It also deepens our relationship not only with our Abba, but also with our brother, Jesus, and through Him with all the other adopted
children of GOD, our sisters and brothers.
With our adoption as children of GOD, our roles and responsibilities change. More importantly, our attitude toward those responsibilities should change. We used to have a duty to care for others because we were slaves. We were forced to be caring (and being forced, we sometimes did not live up to our roles). Now, we are members of the same family, with equal rights (and duties) and we should want to help our sisters and brothers in any way we can. Our loving care changes from obligation to desire. We should desire to be of assistance to our sisters and brothers (and future or potential siblings) in whatever way possible. This should come from a realization that the more of us who are part of Reign of GOD, the richer we will be. Some people may say (selfishly) that if there are more heirs, we will inherit less. As more and more children take their share in the Reign of GOD, GOD’s joyful riches multiply instead of divide. That is because the inheritance of the divine Reign is centered on relationships – relationship with the Triune GOD and with all of GOD’s children.
As we continue our journey to the eternal home of our Abba Who happens to be GOD, let us willingly and lovingly do all we can to share in the joys of our inheritance and welcome more sisters and brothers into our family by reaching out in loving service. That is when we will be able to proclaim the psalmist’s words today: “those who have been justified, rejoice and exult before GOD; they are glad and rejoice.”
The personal question/action for today: What implications do I see in being a child of GOD rather than a slave? How does being a co-heir of the Reign of GOD affect my relationship with the other co-heirs? How can I better live out my privilege and obligations as a child of GOD? What can I do to help others seek to be part of the family of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of love. Through Your GOoDness, You have brought us into Your Reign, not just as servants, but as Your adopted daughters and sons. You have made this possible through the life and ministry, death and resurrection of Your Son, Who empowered us to call upon You as our Abba-Father-Loving Parent, and to call upon Him as our Brother. At times we have not taken our privilege and responsibilities seriously and have only focused on our selfish desires. For those times, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to implant Your Holy Spirit within us so that we can live out our calling as Your sons and daughters. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who has gone before us to lead us to Your heavenly home where we will enjoy the inheritance of Your Reign. It is this Jesus Who is our Master-Teacher and Savior, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 28, 2025
Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude
(Replacing Tue. of the 30th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103025.cfm Saints Simon and Jude: http://www.americancatholic.org/saints-simon-and-jude/ Readings: Ephesians 2: 19-22; Psalm 19: 2-3, 4-5; Luke 6: 12-16
Today we celebrate in honor of the memory of two of the twelve apostles. In the scriptures, little is known of Jude and Simon other than their names (and nicknames) being included in the list of the twelve apostles. The readings would have us reflect on the role of the apostle – that of being “sent out” to continue the work of Jesus. St. Paul speaks about the role of the apostles as part of the foundation of the structure known as the Church.
The psalm is the common one used on feasts of apostles. It mentions that the message of GOD is to be proclaimed throughout all the earth. The Gospel pictures Jesus (after a night in prayer) calling forth the chosen twelve apostles. Included in the twelve are Jude (also known as Judas or Thaddeus in two of the other Gospels, son of a James) and Simon (referred to as “a Zealot”).
Obviously, the position of the twelve apostles was important in the early Church. The apostles had a special role since they were “eye-witnesses” of the ministry and life of Jesus. They were the first missionaries. (Both the word “missionary” and “apostle” have the root meaning of “being sent.”) Thus, it is that St. Paul calls them the foundation of the Church. Upon them and their teaching, the spread of Christianity depended. The Church has as one of its four “marks” that it is apostolic – that is, built upon the shoulders or
foundation of the apostles. Besides the foundation stones of the Apostles,
Jesus is the cornerstone, keystone, and capstone of edifice of the Church, all of which are associated with Jesus, upon whom the rest of the building (the Church) depends.
The psalm describes the function of the apostolic (which includes the modern) community of believers: to declare the glory of GOD and let its message be proclaimed throughout the world. The fact is that Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles to spread the
GOoD News to all corners (north, south, east, and west) of the world and this “being sent forth” is seen as the purpose of the Church.
Today’s Gospel begins by stating that Jesus spends the night in prayer. The responsibility of choosing the correct apostles is important. Yes,
even the choice of Judas, the betrayer, is all part of GOD’s plan. Jesus confers with His Abba-Father before publicly announcing the twelve.
As I ponder the readings for today’s Feast of Saints Simon and Jude,
I am once again reminded of the role of each believer. Each of us is called to continue the work of the apostolic Church. That includes two very important aspects: 1) being grounded and rooted in the biblical and apostolic tradition of the twelve apostles, with our foundation (cornerstone), keystone, and capstone (holding it all together) being Jesus; and 2) continuing to be missionaries by going out to the corners of our personal world and announcing the GOoD News.
It is important for me to realize that I am not a solo proclaimer of GOD’s message. I have not had a personal revelation from GOD. Rather, I am part of a tradition that goes back through the apostolic Church to Jesus and the Word of GOD as proclaimed in holy scripture. That means that I cannot “invent” new teachings about GOD. My belief and my sharing of the Gospel cannot be simply my personal thinking. I must be rooted in the Truth Who is Jesus. I can look not only to Jesus’ own words, but also to the inspired Word of the Bible (both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures [Old Testament and New Testament]). I must also be aware of how the Word of GOD
has been passed down through the centuries and presented by people of faith before me. I must be as informed as I can be about scripture and its interpretation. Yes, I can share my thoughts and reflections on the Word, but I must always explain from where my thoughts come: scripture itself, the teaching authority of the Church (tradition), or my personal ponderings. I must never pass off my personal reflections as equal to, or even somewhat as valuable as, the Word of GOD.
Secondly, I must continue the work of the apostles. I am called to be a missionary also. The world to which I must preach may not be as widespread as Paul’s or Peter’s, or Simon’s or Jude’s. Yet, I must
realize that I have been commissioned – “sent out” – to spread the GOoD News to the people to whom GOD has sent me.
I am aware of both these aspects of my being “apostolic.” 1) in my writing these reflections, I realize how I must proclaim the GOoD News, being sure that I let those who read the reflections have some idea of when I am speaking the “Word of GOD” or the teaching of the Church, and when I am sharing my personal thoughts and ideas. 2) I also realize that my missionary work includes reaching out to others throughout the
world by sharing my reflections. Every day, I have about a thousand people to whom I send the reflections or who read the reflections at my website. I am reaching out to all I can, even though I have not been out of my home turf as much for over the past three and half years.
This applies not only to me, but also to all who are a part of the Body of Christ, the Church. Each of us is standing on the shoulders of the apostles and their successors. We must be sure we are firmly rooted in where we have come from and we are prepared to support those who will stand on our shoulders. This is the way the Church continues to be apostolic – missionary. To use a catch phrase of the last few years, we are, individually and collectively called to be “missionary (or ‘missonal’) disciples.” And in this way, the psalm response from today will apply to us as much as it has applied to those who came before us: “Their message goes out throughout all the world,” or paraphrased, “The Message goes out throughout all the world through their/our proclaiming the Word.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I fit into the apostolic Church? What is my “mission” – to whom am I being sent – at this point in my life so that I can proclaim the GOoD News in word and in action? How can I better prepare myself to announce the Word of GOD to others? How can I present my own thoughts in a way that shows their connection to, and submission to, the Word of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever wise and all powerful. Through Your GOoDness, and through Your Son You have chosen to continue the spread of the GOoD News by those who are sent out. We thank You for choosing the original twelve “apostles” and for having Jesus send them out to all the world. We have been blessed by their missionary actions, for we are built upon the foundation of the apostles. We thank You also for allowing us to share in the apostolic ministry of the Church, as missionary (“missional”) disciples. Through
the power of Your Holy Spirit – the gift that/Whom Jesus has left us – may we be faithful to Your Word and to those who have passed down its authentic meaning to us. May we take seriously our role in being part of the Church, with Jesus as our Cornerstone, Keystone, and Capstone. We ask this of You in the name of Jesus, You Son, our Master-Teacher, and Guide, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
October 28, 2025
Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude
(Replacing Tue. of the 30th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103025.cfm Saints Simon and Jude: http://www.americancatholic.org/saints-simon-and-jude/ Readings: Ephesians 2: 19-22; Psalm 19: 2-3, 4-5; Luke 6: 12-16
Today we celebrate in honor of the memory of two of the twelve apostles. In the scriptures, little is known of Jude and Simon other than their names (and nicknames) being included in the list of the twelve apostles. The readings would have us reflect on the role of the apostle – that of being “sent out” to continue the work of Jesus. St. Paul speaks about the role of the apostles as part of the foundation of the structure known as the Church.
The psalm is the common one used on feasts of apostles. It mentions that the message of GOD is to be proclaimed throughout all the earth. The Gospel pictures Jesus (after a night in prayer) calling forth the chosen twelve apostles. Included in the twelve are Jude (also known as Judas or Thaddeus in two of the other Gospels, son of a James) and Simon (referred to as “a Zealot”).
Obviously, the position of the twelve apostles was important in the early Church. The apostles had a special role since they were “eye-witnesses” of the ministry and life of Jesus. They were the first missionaries. (Both the word “missionary” and “apostle” have the root meaning of “being sent.”) Thus, it is that St. Paul calls them the foundation of the Church. Upon them and their teaching, the spread of Christianity depended. The Church has as one of its four “marks” that it is apostolic – that is, built upon the shoulders or
foundation of the apostles. Besides the foundation stones of the Apostles,
Jesus is the cornerstone, keystone, and capstone of edifice of the Church, all of which are associated with Jesus, upon whom the rest of the building (the Church) depends.
The psalm describes the function of the apostolic (which includes the modern) community of believers: to declare the glory of GOD and let its message be proclaimed throughout the world. The fact is that Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles to spread the
GOoD News to all corners (north, south, east, and west) of the world and this “being sent forth” is seen as the purpose of the Church.
Today’s Gospel begins by stating that Jesus spends the night in prayer. The responsibility of choosing the correct apostles is important. Yes,
even the choice of Judas, the betrayer, is all part of GOD’s plan. Jesus confers with His Abba-Father before publicly announcing the twelve.
As I ponder the readings for today’s Feast of Saints Simon and Jude,
I am once again reminded of the role of each believer. Each of us is called to continue the work of the apostolic Church. That includes two very important aspects: 1) being grounded and rooted in the biblical and apostolic tradition of the twelve apostles, with our foundation (cornerstone), keystone, and capstone (holding it all together) being Jesus; and 2) continuing to be missionaries by going out to the corners of our personal world and announcing the GOoD News.
It is important for me to realize that I am not a solo proclaimer of GOD’s message. I have not had a personal revelation from GOD. Rather, I am part of a tradition that goes back through the apostolic Church to Jesus and the Word of GOD as proclaimed in holy scripture. That means that I cannot “invent” new teachings about GOD. My belief and my sharing of the Gospel cannot be simply my personal thinking. I must be rooted in the Truth Who is Jesus. I can look not only to Jesus’ own words, but also to the inspired Word of the Bible (both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures [Old Testament and New Testament]). I must also be aware of how the Word of GOD
has been passed down through the centuries and presented by people of faith before me. I must be as informed as I can be about scripture and its interpretation. Yes, I can share my thoughts and reflections on the Word, but I must always explain from where my thoughts come: scripture itself, the teaching authority of the Church (tradition), or my personal ponderings. I must never pass off my personal reflections as equal to, or even somewhat as valuable as, the Word of GOD.
Secondly, I must continue the work of the apostles. I am called to be a missionary also. The world to which I must preach may not be as widespread as Paul’s or Peter’s, or Simon’s or Jude’s. Yet, I must
realize that I have been commissioned – “sent out” – to spread the GOoD News to the people to whom GOD has sent me.
I am aware of both these aspects of my being “apostolic.” 1) in my writing these reflections, I realize how I must proclaim the GOoD News, being sure that I let those who read the reflections have some idea of when I am speaking the “Word of GOD” or the teaching of the Church, and when I am sharing my personal thoughts and ideas. 2) I also realize that my missionary work includes reaching out to others throughout the
world by sharing my reflections. Every day, I have about a thousand people to whom I send the reflections or who read the reflections at my website. I am reaching out to all I can, even though I have not been out of my home turf as much for over the past three and half years.
This applies not only to me, but also to all who are a part of the Body of Christ, the Church. Each of us is standing on the shoulders of the apostles and their successors. We must be sure we are firmly rooted in where we have come from and we are prepared to support those who will stand on our shoulders. This is the way the Church continues to be apostolic – missionary. To use a catch phrase of the last few years, we are, individually and collectively called to be “missionary (or ‘missonal’) disciples.” And in this way, the psalm response from today will apply to us as much as it has applied to those who came before us: “Their message goes out throughout all the world,” or paraphrased, “The Message goes out throughout all the world through their/our proclaiming the Word.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I fit into the apostolic Church? What is my “mission” – to whom am I being sent – at this point in my life so that I can proclaim the GOoD News in word and in action? How can I better prepare myself to announce the Word of GOD to others? How can I present my own thoughts in a way that shows their connection to, and submission to, the Word of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever wise and all powerful. Through Your GOoDness, and through Your Son You have chosen to continue the spread of the GOoD News by those who are sent out. We thank You for choosing the original twelve “apostles” and for having Jesus send them out to all the world. We have been blessed by their missionary actions, for we are built upon the foundation of the apostles. We thank You also for allowing us to share in the apostolic ministry of the Church, as missionary (“missional”) disciples. Through
the power of Your Holy Spirit – the gift that/Whom Jesus has left us – may we be faithful to Your Word and to those who have passed down its authentic meaning to us. May we take seriously our role in being part of the Church, with Jesus as our Cornerstone, Keystone, and Capstone. We ask this of You in the name of Jesus, You Son, our Master-Teacher, and Guide, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 29, 2025
Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102925.cfm
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-narcissus-of-jerusalem
Readings: Romans 8: 26-30; Psalm 13: 4-5, 6; Luke 13: 22-30
GOD’s plans will not only come about, but they will come about for the GOoD of those who seek GOD’s will in their lives. St. Paul reminds the Romans that all things work together for the GOoD of those who seek GOD’s will. The Responsorial Psalm is a prayer of hope in the GOoD that GOD does for those who trust in GOD. In
the Gospel, Jesus reminds His listeners that being part of the Reign of GOD is much more than a passing association with Him.
In probably my favorite passage in his writing, St. Paul presents the notion that GOD has a plan that will work out for our GOoD, if we continue to trust in the Lord Jesus. We, with our meager human minds, cannot comprehend fully what GOD’s plan is. Even when we pray, we cannot pray properly without the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. When we invoke the Holy Spirit, we not only pray in
accordance with GOD’s will, we also can accept that GOD can make GOoD things come out of the most trying and difficult situations. That is because we have been invited to share in the life of the Only Begotten Son, Jesus. If we accept GOD’s invitation, we become one with our Brother Jesus and things will fall into place for the ultimate glorification of GOD (and therefore, by inheritance, our GOoD).
The psalmist prays that GOD would be present during the difficult happenings of his life. Trusting in GOD leads to GOoDness in life, even in the midst of the most challenging events. We are called to praise GOD’s GOoDness in all things.
As Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem, He encounters individuals who think they have it made because they are members of the Jewish nation. They believe that since they are part of the Chosen People that GOD is obligated to take care of them. Jesus tells them that they may belong to the people who were the first to have a relationship
with the One GOD, but they have not been willing to travel through the narrow passageway into GOD’s presence. Because of this, they may not be a part of the ultimate Reign of GOD. Being able to claim an association with GOD through history is not enough to assure a
place in the establishment of the divine Reign. In fact, some of the former non-believers (the last) will enter into GOD’s Reign instead of, or at least before, those who were called first and refused to answer GOD’s call.
Overall, the readings are sources of hope for me. I have been able to weather very trying times by holding onto the hope given in the eighth chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Romans. A while ago, I was reminded of the fact that GOD can make GOoD things come out of the most seemingly disastrous happenings. At an early morning Bible Study, we were discussing the fires that have consumed many acres in California over the last few years (including the town of Paradise and Greenville) or the fire on Maui in 2023 or wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and similarly we could have discussed hurricanes, or the earthquakes, or the floods, or the
pandemic, or any tragedy that affects (or has affected) people. Some of the members of the group were saying that they appreciated hearing about the GOoD things that were reported during the “acts of nature” or acts of GOD or human-caused disasters. We shared the accounts of how people were thinking of others and assisting others in evacuations, or helping them after the fact. Others commented how people had to really contemplate what they valued most in their lives as they were forced to start new lives when their old lives were destroyed. Even some of the responses of those who had lost everything were uplifting as they shared how they felt blessed to “escape” with their lives. Similarly, those who were staying at home during the pandemic found more time to pray and reflect upon GOD’s Word. We continued to discuss how the disasters had made all of us reflect on the values we have in our lives. It seemed that the most depressing stories came from individuals who saw no hope or future beyond their present, tragic circumstances. They were so focused on the immediate that they could not see the “bigger picture” in which GOD promises an eternal home.
Being able to hold onto the hope that GOD will make all things work together for the GOoD of those who trust in GOD is what brings a sense of purpose to life (and even to death). GOD wants us to share in the blessings of the “Firstborn of many sisters and brothers.” Jesus has preceded us into the eternal home of His Abba. He has journeyed through the most narrow of ways, even to the point of death, dying the most excruciatingly painful death on the cross. Jesus’ resurrection is a sign of the glorious life that awaits all who follow their Brother.
As we face the tragedies that are part of our journeying on earth, we are given the hope that GOD is
ultimately in control, that Jesus has won the final battle, and that we are promised a share in the glory of the
Reign of GOD. We need to join the psalmist, not just in our heavenly home, but even now as we travel along the way, and say, “GOD has been GOoD to me.”
The personal question/action for today: What do St. Paul’s words mean to me: “All things work for the GOoD of those who are called by GOD”? Do I see that that applies to me? In retrospect, can I see how even the most difficult times in my life worked for the GOoD for myself and others? What can I do to help others who are going through rough times and need to be reassured that “all things work for the GOoD of those who are called by GOD”?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all GOoDness. Even in the most difficult of situations, You have promised to make GOoD things work together for us, if we but remain focused on You and Your Son, through the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We, however, have sometimes dwelt only on the bad and failed to trust You fully. We have sometimes failed to pray and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our prayer. For our lack of
trust in You and Your GOoDness, we seek Your healing and forgiveness. As we continue our journey toward the Realm that You have prepared for us as Your adopted sons and daughters, help us to seek Your will in all aspects of our lives and to believe that You will make GOoD things happen for us as we place our hope in You. May we someday join all those who call upon You and may we give You all the glory and praise that You are due. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who has preceded us in life and death and into the glorious Reign You have prepared, for He is one with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffff
October 30, 2025
Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103025.cfm
Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsus-rodriguez
Readings: Romans 8: 31b-39; Psalm 109: 21-22, 26-27, 30-31; Luke 13: 31-35
The unconditional love of GOD takes center stage in the readings today. St. Paul continues to assert that nothing can separate us from the love of GOD as demonstrated in the life and ministry (and death and resurrection) of Jesus. The psalmist asks for GOD’s help with the firm assurance that GOD will help because, by helping, the LORD GOD receives glory and praise. In the Gospel, Jesus draws ever closer to Jerusalem, the place where He will give Himself in complete and loving service for others.
St. Paul uses a couple of analogies to explain how much GOD loves the world. First, he uses legal terms to explain GOD’s love. He mentions that GOD is not going to be our prosecutor, nor even an unmerciful judge. GOD has already paid the cost of our being declared “non-guilty” through the death and resurrection of Jesus. If GOD has gone to such an extent to earn our freedom, nothing can be said to convict us and to sentence us to the eternal death penalty that we deserve. In a second comparison, Paul describes GOD’s love as more powerful than the celestial happenings of stars and planets that many of Paul’s listeners had formerly (and maybe
still) believed to be the forces with which to be reckoned. It was commonly assumed that the heavenly bodies (stars, planets, the moon, and
the sun) controlled great power over people and history. Paul asserts that GOD’s love is even more powerful than the astronomical happenings. Nothing can separate us from the love of GOD (with one exception – our sinfulness, and even then GOD will still love us, but we hinder GOD’s love from taking root in us until we seek reconciliation).
The psalm is the prayer of one who is encountering rough times. The author prays that GOD will assist him in his difficulty, not simply as a sign of mercy, but for the purpose of the person’s being able to give glory to GOD for all the mighty things GOD does for those who are loved by GOD and love GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus draws ever closer to Jerusalem. Some of the Pharisees, who are believers in Jesus, report to him that King Herod wants to kill Him. Jesus defiantly tells them to set Herod straight and shows that
He is aware that He must go to Jerusalem to meet His death. Yet, on the third day (not from the present time, but after His death), Jesus will rise. Jesus shows His unconditional love for Jerusalem (and the people who are represented by the city). He uses an analogy of a hen gathering the chicks under her wings to protect them. Just as the mother hen will do anything
for the sake of the chicks, so Jesus loves the people of Jerusalem (and all people) even though some of them are plotting against Him.
As I reflect on the readings, I am once again overwhelmed by the love of GOD. GOD did not have to create the world and humans. GOD willed to love humanity enough to give life. Yet, GOD’s love did not stop there. GOD gave human beings the ability to freely love. That gift is truly a share in the very image of GOD, for GOD freely chooses to love. With the ability to freely choose to love comes also the ability to refuse to love, and that is sin. GOD could have left mortals in the depths that their failures to love cast them. GOD’s love, however, was more powerful than the results of sin. GOD wanted to give sinful humanity yet a second (and third, and
fourth. . .) chance. Thus, GOD sent the Only-begotten Son to give the ultimate sign of divine love. In His incarnation and life, Jesus came to demonstrate that GOD’s love is truly unconditional, love with no strings attached. Because of the hardness of our hearts and brains, Jesus had to perform the ultimate sacrifice of love so that we could begin to fathom the depths, heights, and the power of GOD’s love. It is only through Jesus’ death and resurrection that people begin to understand the limitless characteristics of GOD’s love.
I have “known” the essential teachings of the Bible since I was young. I could quote passages such as John 3:
16 (“GOD so loved the world. . .”) and Romans 8: 31-39 (today’s First Reading) when I was in grammar school. I could use apologetics to present the teachings of church. Yet, having “head knowledge” was not enough. It is only when I began to have “heart knowledge” that I was blown away by the Truth of GOD’s love. Nothing can separate us from the love of GOD. GOD has loved us, still loves us, and will always love us no matter what. GOD, however, will never take away our ability to accept or reject the unconditional, divine love. GOD will do everything to have us experience that love, but GOD will not force us to love. And just as a loving parent still loves a wayward child, GOD will never stop loving us, even if we choose to eternally reject that gift of love.
As we contemplate the immensity and awesomeness of GOD’s love, let us realize that the most loving response we can have to GOD’s love is to lift up a prayer of praise and thanks to GOD for that love. Or, to use the words of the psalmist today, “I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD, and in the midst of the throng I will praise GOD, for the LORD stood at the right hand of the poor, to save them from those who would condemn their souls.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my reaction when I hear that “nothing will separate us from the love of GOD”? How does the statement affect my daily life? What have I allowed to be hindrances to the flow of GOD’s love in my life? What can I do to help others experience the unconditional love that GOD has for them?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all love. Through Your GOoDness, we have been clothed with Your countless gifts of love: earthly life, forgiveness, Your presence, and eternal life with You. We have sometimes taken Your love for granted or failed to reflect on how much You truly love us. We have, at times, refused to accept Your love. We seek the pardon and forgiveness that Your Son has gained for us through His death and resurrection. Through the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, continue to enlighten us so that we can more fully grasp the limitless extent of Your love. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who is Love Incarnate and Who is one with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
October 31, 2025
Friday of the 30th Week in Ord. Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103125.cfm
Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsus-rodriguez
Readings: Romans 9: 1-5; Psalm 147: 12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Luke 14: 1-6
The readings present the misunderstanding of some Jews who have failed to perceive GOD’s plan for salvation as revealed in and through Jesus. St. Paul finds it hard to believe that more Jews had not embraced Christianity after being familiar with all the Hebrew scriptures that pointed to Jesus as the Christ. The psalmist remarks how blessed the Jewish people are to have such a GOD Who continually interacted with them. In the Gospel, Jesus once again expresses His displeasure with some of the Jewish officials who were more concerned about the letter of the Law than about its spirit.
In the part of his letter to the Romans read today, St. Paul shares his sadness at the fact that many Jews have not accepted Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed One). Paul wonders how it is possible that
those who had been chosen to be GOD’s people from early in their
history could not accept Jesus as the fulfillment of all their prophets. I am sure he also remembers that he did not originally accept Jesus.
The psalm reiterates the point of the Chosen People have been blessed by GOD in ways of which other nations only dreamed. GOD has
revealed the plan of salvation to the descendants of Israel. In the Gospel, Jesus chides the hypocrisy of the some of the
Jewish leaders who take care of their own household and their animals on the Sabbath, but they are not willing to allow others to be healed by the hand of GOD through the instrumentality of others. Jesus shows His compassion for a man suffering from dropsy (edema), thus demonstrating GOD’s love for people, especially the sick and outcasts.
As I reflected on the readings today, it is easy to put down the lack of faith of the Jews who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. I wonder why they could not see the obvious references from the Hebrew scriptures that point to Jesus. It is then that I realize that at times I have not always been open to the “obvious” revelation of
GOD, in and through Jesus. Oh, I can point to passages from the Old Testament and give the textbook explanation of how they are linked to Jesus and His life and ministry, His death and resurrection. I, however, sometimes miss the Truth – Jesus – in my life. Jesus is present in my life in ways of which I sometime am not aware.
I recall once experiencing the Gospel in a way that was similar to being hit on the head with a brick. A beggar had come to a church to receive help from the church pastor and the associate pastor. The two members of the clergy brushed off the needy person. They had seen a lot of panhandlers pass by who only wanted money to support their “habits,” and not virtuous habits. The poor individual sat on the front steps of the church. When a parishioner came by to make a visit to the Lord Jesus in the church – the house of GOD, the parishioner saw the unfortunate person and the parishioner took the stranger to his own home where he and his wife fed the beggar with the meager provisions that the family had.
Some people would defend the action of the clergy who did not want to be taken advantage of by another person who might be using a “false need” to get money for another drink or to spend it gambling (since this took place in Tahoe near the Nevada stateline) or some other addiction. They would also say that the parishioner who
took in the stranger was taking a chance inviting the beggar into his home. Yet, from a Christian perspective, the parishioner was living out the Gospel with the firm belief that in treating the stranger with compassion, he was ministering to Christ (cf. Matthew 25: 31-46).
We (who are so caught up in the politically correct and legally right thing to do) can miss opportunities to experience GOD’s self-revelation through the experiences of life. Had the parishioner done what the law and society said was the “safe” thing to do, he would not have invited the needy person into his home. Yet, in doing the “Gospel” thing, the man and his wife became aware of the presence of Jesus in their midst in the person of an individual who needed help.
GOD is constantly making the divine presence known in our daily experiences. Sometimes we fail to see the Truth because we are so caught up in the rules and regulations, the precautions and warnings with which we have been indoctrinated. I am not advocating inviting every beggar into our home at all times. Yet, when we are motivated by the Spirit to reach out and share what we have, we might experience GOD in ways we least expect.
The personal question/action for today: When have I been aware of the presence of the Lord Jesus in a needy person I encountered? Have I failed to minister to the needy person out of fear of what might happen or what others might say about me or because I might have believed the “needy” person was seeking to use me to support his/her addictive behavior? When I have taken the risk to reach out to someone, was I more aware of presence of Jesus with me? What can I do today to be more aware of how the Lord Jesus might be revealing Himself to me, and through me to someone less fortunate?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all Truth. Through Your GOoDness You have revealed Your presence throughout all history. You made Yourself known to Abraham and his descendants. At times, they failed to understand Who You are and what You were trying to have them experience. In the fullness of time You sent Your Son as the perfect revelation of Your Being, because He is one with You in Being. Even though His coming had been foretold, many did not accept Him. You continue to reveal Yourself to us. Like the Chosen People before us, we sometimes have not been open to Your presence. We come before You, contrite and repentant. We ask that You continue to send Your Holy Spirit with gifts of wisdom and understand so that we can experience You in our daily living. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Master- Teacher and Lord, Who is present in the least of His sisters and brothers, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddd
November 1, 2025
All Saints’ Day
(Replacing Sat. of 30th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110125.cfm
Solemnity of All Saints: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/solemnity-of-all-saints
Readings: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6; 1 John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12a
Today is All Saints’ (All Hallows’) Day. This solemnity replaces Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time. The First Reading (from the Book of Revelation) gives us a glimpse of heaven where a great crowd of people are gathered around the Lamb (Jesus). It is a gathering of people from every land and nation. The throngs are there to give glory to GOD forever since they have lived lives
that gave witness to GOD. The psalm describes those who are privileged to ascend the mountain of the LORD and come into GOD’s presence. St. John, in his First Letter, remarks that we can’t fully comprehend the greatness of being in heaven. In the Gospel account of the Beatitudes, Jesus describes how blessed (joyful) will be those who live lives that reflect their relationship with GOD and others.
All the readings describe the glory that awaits those who are part of the heavenly Reign of GOD. A key element in the readings that leads to my reflection is the fact that heaven is the place where
people from all countries and backgrounds will be able to celebrate the glory of GOD. This will be especially true for those who have been witnesses (Greek: μαρτυροι - martyroi) to Jesus and His Gospel. The psalm (about those who are allowed to ascend GOD’s mountain because of their clean hearts) can easily be seen as an analogy for entering the presence of GOD
in heaven after a life that has manifested one’s relationship with
GOD. John’s reminder that heaven is far beyond even our greatest imaginations is an uplifting and exciting passage. The joy and happiness of heaven can begin here on earth if we follow the guidelines given in the Beatitudes.
I would like to share with you a little of my understanding of
what the Catholic Church calls the Communion of Saints.
῞Αγιοι- Hagioi in Greek) means “holy ones.” It is a term Paul uses for members of the faith community. It includes
not only those here on earth, but also those who have crossed from this earthly existence to the existence beyond earthly death. All who are united with Christ are members of the communion of saints.
There is a bond (interrelationship) between all those who are in the communion of saints. According to Church teachings, the Communion of Saints is divided into three parts: 1) the Church Militant; 2) the Church Suffering; and 3) the Church Triumphant, those who are rejoicing with the Lord Jesus in heaven. The Church Militant are those of us still fighting the spiritual battle here on earth. We are still in the struggle against the forces of evil. We are still facing opposition as we make our journey to the house of our GOD.
The Church Suffering are those who have passed from this life. They are not yet completely with GOD. As mentioned in Book of Maccabees (the Jewish writings of the second century before the birth of Jesus), the Jewish people (especially those who would become Pharisees) started to believe in the resurrection of the dead and life after death. In that book, we hear the words, “it is a GOoD and holy thing to pray for the dead.” Many Jews of that era and the ages after
it believed that there was a bond between those on earth and those who had died.
The Catholic Church calls this transitional state [in which people are (after death and before fully realizing the glory of heaven)] “purgatory.” I use the word “purgation” to refer not to a place but to a stage of transition. Those who have lived a life that was not eternally damning, yet still missed being right on target (ad Deum - towards GOD), may not “feel” comfortable with the awesomeness of GOD. It is the love that GOD has demonstrated in the death of Jesus that enables us
to make the transition from earthly existence to heavenly existence. Yet the awareness of that love may not be realized fully by those who are in transition.
Let me use an analogy. If one were invited to the White House to dine with the president (whoever he or she might be) at the president’s request, it would be a momentous occasion. If, on the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, one had a flat tire and had to fix it (presume that there was no AAA truck around to help), one would probably get a little dirty. As one approached the White House, one would probably want to get cleaned up a bit before going to meet the president. Yet, the president, being gracious and anxious to have one as a guest and share in the specialness of the White House, comes out to meet the guest, not caring that the guest has dirty hands because of having to change the flat tire.
GOD’s graciousness is even more overpowering. GOD wants us to share fully in the glory of heaven. Yet as we begin to fully understand the magnificence of GOD, we would want to get everything in order. We would want to be cleansed with the water of love and the blood of the Lamb (as mentioned in the Book of Revelation). The love that cleanses us ultimately comes from GOD (since GOD is love). Yet, the loving prayers and thoughtful petitions of other members of the Communion of Saints can make it easier for us to accept GOD’s love. Thus, we on earth (the Church Militant) can be a part of enabling those who have died to feel and experience the love that emanates from GOD. So also, those who are fully with GOD (the Church Triumphant) can be a part of extending the cleansing love of GOD to those who are in the stage of purgation.
Also, those who are sharing at the glorious banquet of the Lord Jesus in heaven can be sources of inspiration to us who are still fighting the GOoD fight here on earth. They can continue to be examples of what it means to struggle against the forces of evil. We are united with them and they with us, since we are all part of the Communion of Holy Ones (Saints). We on earth can invoke the saints in heaven to pray for us, just as we often ask some people (who are on earth and who exhibit a sense of holiness) to pray for us.
Again, we must remember that holiness comes from GOD. It is GOD’s gift to us. Our actions on earth are just signs of our acceptance of GOD’s gift of holiness. The more we live GOoD and GODly lives, the more we demonstrate our relationship with the GOD Who is the font of holiness.
It is exciting to think that we are part of the Holy Ones of GOD. That is our future destiny, yes. Yet, that is who we are called to be and live right here and now. We are called to be holy because our GOD is holy. We are saints right now, even though we have not realized, nor will we realize, the fullness of what that holiness is all about until we are one with the Lord Jesus and all of GOD’s Holy Ones for ever and ever in the heavenly Reign.
The personal question/action for today: What does the “Communion of Saints” mean to me? How do I feel when I realize I am called to be a saint? How do I live out my sainthood – holiness – right now? Can people experience the holiness of GOD when I interact with them? Do I draw them into the holiness of GOD by my relating to them in a GOoD, holy, and GODly way?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of all holiness. Through Your GOoDness, You invite us to participate in Your holy life. You have called us to be saints. This is what You want us to be, not only in the future, but also right now. As we experience our relationship with You through Your Son, Jesus, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we realize we are also united with other members of Your faithful, both those here journeying along our ways on earth and those who have passed from this life to the next. May we make ourselves even more aware of the bond that exists with all who call upon You as their GOD. We thank You for giving us GOoD examples of how to live out our relationship with You by the saints who have come before us. We know of many saints (holy ones), some still living here with us on earth and some who have “transitioned” to life with You in Your heavenly Reign, and who have reflected Your love to us. We give You praise and glory for allowing us to be part of all Your saints. We make this prayer through Jesus, Your Son, Who has called us to be one with Him in Your eternal and heavenly
home. It is there that we will be united with Jesus Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only
GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffff
November 2, 2025
All Souls’ Day
(replacing 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110225.cfm
Commeration of All the Faithful Departed:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed
Readings: Wisdom 3: 1-9 or Isaiah 25: 6-9; Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Roman 5: 5-11 or Romans 6: 3-4, 8-9; John 6: 37-40
Note: The readings for today’s celebration of All Souls are not reserved to the list above but can be taken from any of the readings for the Masses for the Dead.
As mentioned in the reading from the Book of Wisdom, those who have died are truly in the hands of GOD. The readings remind us that GOD wants the best for us and will provide more than we can ever imagine. Isaiah speaks of a time when every tear will be wiped away. The familiar Psalm 23 proclaims GOD’s protection and providence. St. Paul tells the faith-full people of Rome that GOD has always loved us (even when we sin) and that through baptism we share in both the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus promises to raise up
all those who believe in Him.
The passage from Wisdom was written about a century before the coming of Jesus, during a time when some of the Jewish people were developing the concepts of life after death. It is part of the Catholic listing of books of Old Testament, but Wisdom is not in all Protestant Old
Testament. It speaks about the hope for those who have died and their being in the hands of GOD.
Isaiah (http://usccb.org/bible/isaiah/25:6) bolsters the faith of the Chosen People who are struggling from oppression and war. Isaiah wants to reassure them that GOD will eventually provide for them in such a way that there will be no more mourning or sorrow. GOD will come to the people and save them from their persecutors.
The often quoted Psalm 23 brings comfort not only to the people at the time of psalmist, but also for the people of the millennia since then. GOD is pictured as a loving Shepherd who leads the wayward flock to safety. GOD will win a victory for the Chosen People and provide a victory feast that surpasses any before it. The cup of joy and happiness will be overflowing. Only the best will be given to those who have followed the lead of the Divine Shepherd.
In the fifth chapter of his Letter to the Romans Roman 5: 5-11, St. Paul reminds his readers (including us), that if GOD has gone so far as to send Jesus down to earth, to live as a human, to teach, suffer, and die for us, while we are still sinners (enemies of GOD), then GOD is showing how much we are loved and how much GOD wants us to be in heaven with the Lord Jesus. This message is repeated in the Gospel of John 6: 37-40.
The sixth chapter of St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans has comforting words to those who are going through rough times. Paul emphasizes very strongly that if we are
truly “plunged” (baptized) into Christ, we share in His sufferings and death. Death is part of our existence as mortals. The GOoD News is that, if we have been willing to share in Jesus’ suffering and death, then we will also share in His resurrection.
In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims that He has come to do the will of His Abba-Father. Part of the will of GOD includes His raising up all who believe in Him and share in His life (death, and resurrection).
With all this in mind, we turn to today’s celebration – All Souls (All the Faithful Departed). Today we show our union with those who have died and are making the transition to the fullness of GOD’s presence. Our prayers and love (both of which are gifts originating in GOD) are
part of what unites us with our loved ones on the final steps of their journey to the home of our Lord Jesus and His Abba- Father. Also it is important for us to realize that after death, the time-space constraints we experience on earth are gone. What seems like a thousand years to us on earth is only a brief “moment” for those who are no longer bound by time-space barriers but are beginning to live eternally.
I know there have been times when I have sensed the presence of my departed mother and father. It is not a negative feeling at all, but rather a warm, positive feeling. I know that they are with the Lord Jesus and also near me. We are still united in the communion of saints – GOD’s holy ones on both sides of the event we call death. And the bond of our union is love – the love of GOD – love that is GOD in the fullness of divinity.
Death, then, is a transition from earthly life to eternal life. Part of the that transition is a realization of what our life has been, and recognition of the times when we have not always matched up to the plan of GOD. In that transition known as death, GOD’s love purifies (purges) us so that we can enjoy the fullness of the eternal life that Jesus has gained for us through His death and resurrection. Death can be scary, particularly as we realize our own imperfections. Yet, the belief
we have as imperfect (but striving to be faithful) disciples of the Lord Jesus, is that Jesus’ obedience to the will of His Abba has raised us up and opened to us the fullness of eternal life. For those who have refused to acknowledge the life that Jesus offered to them, death is not a joyful transition to eternal life, but a sorrowful movement to eternal separation from the GOD Whom they have chosen not to accept or with Whom they have wanted no relationship.
As mentioned before, for those who are united in the love of GOD, there is a connection between those still on earth and those who are “transitioning” or who have “transitioned” to the eternal life in heaven. The bond that unites the faithful on both sides of the event known as death is the Love that/Whom we know as GOD. Since Jesus, the GOD-man, has lived on both sides of death and has gone through the death-experience, He is able to unite people on both sides of death. His resurrection is the way through which He intends us all to travel so that we can know, not just mentally, but experientially, the risen life that He shares with His Abba.
I think one of the things that is comforting as I reflect on the readings and this celebration of our union with those who had gone before us in the peace of the Risen Lord is the last words of today’s psalm. Changing the words slightly to reflect our common bonds, we can pray the words, “Only GOoDness and kindness follow us all the days of our lives; and we shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of those who have preceded me in making the transition from earthly life to eternal life, what thoughts and feelings come to me? Do I sense that there exist a bond of love between us, made possible by the One Who is Love? Am I strengthened by the hope of the eternal life that is offered me through the death and resurrection of Jesus? How can I reassure others of what awaits those who are in union with the Lord Jesus and His Abba?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD and giver of life, both earthly and heavenly. Through Your GOoDness, You have loved us into earthly existence and into eternity. You desire that nothing, even sin and death, should come between You and us, if we seek to be one with You. You want us to be united with all those who claim You as GOD, both those still struggling with burdens in this life, and those who have made the transition to the eternal life with You in heaven. May we always be reminded of those who have lovingly touched our lives while we and they were here on earth. May one day we be united with them as we celebrate with our Risen Lord, Your Son, Jesus. It is He Who has promised us eternal rest in Your
house. And it is in Jesus’ name we lift this prayer of praise and unity, for He has died, but is risen, and is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 3, 2025
Memorial of St. Martin de Porres
(Readings from Mon. of 31st Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110325.cfm
Saint Martin de Porres: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-martin-de-porres
Readings: Romans 11: 29-36; Psalm 69: 30-31, 33-34, 36; Luke 14: 12-14
GOD’s ways are so much different from human ways. St. Paul speaks of the incomprehensible thoughts of GOD in that GOD allows human freedom of choice, knowing that people will choose sinful ways, but this allows GOD to extend mercy to the wayward. The psalmist cries out to GOD, trusting that GOD will hear the prayer and respond lovingly. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges His dinner host by asking him to go against the human trait of only inviting those who can repay in kind.
As St. Paul ponders the plan of GOD, he is once again overwhelmed by the divine plan. GOD’s thoughts are so beyond human thoughts that they are not able to be fully understood by the limited human mind. GOD grants freedom of choice to humans. Yet, even after all of GOD’s mighty deeds toward the original Chosen People (the Jews), many of them used their human freedom to choose paths that were a-theos (against or away from
the concept of the GOD Whom Jesus preached). Paul realizes that GOD’s
foreknowledge of this experience has worked for the GOoD of not only the Hebrew people, but even the pagan people who had been a-theos. The disobedience (sinfulness) of both the Jews and the Gentiles enabled GOD to show mercy and forgiveness and to draw the wayward back to GOD (ad-
Deum). In the whole process, GOD is to be given glory and praise for the divine plan of salvation being worked out for the GOoD of all.
The psalm is a prayer of petition to GOD from one who is having a rough time (affliction and pain). It is also a prayer of
trust in GOD, knowing that the LORD hears the earnest requests of those who are in need. In the humble supplication to GOD, one admits the need for GOD and acknowledges the LORD GOD as the One Who saves.
As Jesus dines with a Pharisee in today’s Gospel, He addresses the human action of those who do
positive acts merely for the purpose of having others treat them in the same way. Jesus lifts up the bar above the normal “Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.” Jesus says that if the only motive for caring for others is so that others will respond in kind, one is not living up to the call of being His disciple. If one really cared for others, one would be like
GOD who responds to those who have no way of repaying GOD for the divine mercy and kindness shown to them.
The readings today make me look at my modus operandi (way of operating or m.o.). It is so easy to do things in the typically human, selfish manner – acting in ways that benefit me at the cost of others. We have free choice and often uses the freedom we have to do acts that will be for our immediate (or in the near future) pleasure. That is so different from the way GOD acts. GOD is always aware of the ultimate GOoD – eternal life with all those who are in relationship with the Trinity. GOD has gone to the greatest limits to do what is for the GOoD of others, not counting the divine cost.
GOD even uses human sinfulness to bring about GOoD. Because of sin, Jesus entered history, was born a human, lived, taught, suffered, died, and rose. This became a saving event not just for the Chosen People of old,
but for all people. GOD’s love is not limited to, but extends beyond, the Chosen People, reaching out to all who are willing to accept the divine gifts. This is so beyond human comprehension and understanding. Once in a while, we see demonstrations of unconditional, selfless love on the parts of some human beings at some times in their lives. GOD, however, has been, is, and always will be loving towards all of humankind. It was not enough for GOD to give mortals life. It was not enough to allow them to have free will and choose whether or not they would accept GOD’s graces. GOD took the steps to bring about forgiveness and eternal salvation in the incarnation, life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. No wonder Paul calls Jesus a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles. The modus operandi Dei – GOD’s way of operating – is total beyond human experience and understanding.
What is even more amazing to me, is how personal this divine modus operandi is. GOD did not perform saving acts just for humanity as a whole, but for each and every individual personally, including you and me. My personal response has to be to try to imitate the divine modus operandi and love and care for others as GOD has loved and cared for me. I must be willing to do GOoD to all people, not just those who can and will be nice back to me. I must reach out especially to those who cannot or will not reciprocate the kindness. It is then that I will be able to raise my voice with the psalmist today and say, “I will praise the name of GOD in song, and I will glorify the LORD with thanksgiving.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my usual modus operandi – way of operating? Are my own desires and pleasures the driving force in my life? Do I seek to do things according to the modus operandi Dei – GOD’s way of operating? How can I more fully model the modus operandi Dei?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of unconditional love. Through Your GOoDness we are touched by Your
modus operandi. We have been given a taste of Your unconditional love and been asked to share it with
others. Yet, in our humanness, we have fallen prey to the selfish pursuits and pleasures that are not reflective of
Your being. For our indiscretions and sins, we ask for Your forgiveness and pardon. Through the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, helps us to be ever aware of how Your Son, Jesus, manifested the divine modus operandi, and assist us in our imitation of His selfless love for others. We lift this prayer of praise and thanks to You together with Your Son, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffff
November 4, 2025
Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo
(Readings from Tue. of 31st Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110425.cfm
Saint Charles Borromeo: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-charles-borromeo
Readings: Romans 12: 5-16b; Psalm 131: 1bcde, 2, 3; Luke 14: 15-24
The community of the faithful, the Body of Christ, is recognized by their acceptance of GOD’s invitation to be part of the Body, and by their service of others in the Body of Christ. In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul describes the Christian community as the Body of Christ that works together for the GOoD of the whole. Being faithful to GOD should lead to humility, especially with regards to others, according to the psalmist today. In the Gospel, Jesus shares a parable of a festive banquet to which those who were first invited refuse to come. The
host of the banquet will not be disappointed by the rejection of those who do not accept the invitation.
What St. Paul has developed in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12), he reiterates here: the Church is the Body of Christ, made up of different members, each performing different tasks. People are gifted with different abilities, not only for their own benefit, but also for the GOoD of all the community. One
way that each member of the community can contribute to the GOoD of the rest is by being of service, acting with humility and compassion.
The psalm is the prayer of one who realizes that GOD has blessed the individual and the only fitting response is honest acknowledgment of GOD’s greatness and the humble admission that the ones who are proud and haughty are not relying on the LORD but only themselves.
In the Gospel, Jesus shares a parable which explains how some of the Chosen People have refused to accept GOD’s blessings. It also describes GOD’s love and care for all people. GOD’s plan for extending mercy and kindness to people will not be thwarted by
some people’s rejection of GOD’s gifts.
Reflecting on the readings today, I am challenged to look at my position within the community of faith. It is tempting to believe that GOD has gifted me with whatever gifts I have because of something I have done. I must overcome this temptation and realize that the blessing that I have received are not the rewards of my efforts nor are they reserved only for my benefit, but the gifts (charisms) are to be used for the GOoD of the whole community and in service of others. It is important for us to reflect on what gifts GOD has given
each of us and to see how we can use those gifts for the benefit of the rest of the Body.
I believe I have the gifts of teaching and listening. I am called to communicate the Truth to others. Obviously, the occupation of a teacher is not the highest paying job. I have also experienced educators who are more concerned in demonstrating their vast knowledge and ability to understand their subject matter, than they are in their students as individuals or their students’ grasp of knowledge. I see my role as an educator (both at school and at church) is to be of service in the process of people gaining wisdom and understanding. I also see my role in the school where I used to work, and in the church where I participate as part of my ministry of service, as my vocation from the Lord Jesus. Jesus has called me to be where I have been in the school, and to do what I have done and am doing and at church, all for the sake of others.
In my ability to listen to others, I am called to be there for them as they share their thoughts and struggles. Again, when I do this, I am not doing it for my financial gain, but to be of service to others. It is interesting how
people at work and in my faith community, or people I meet, seem comfortable sharing their concerns and troubles with me. My response of listening to them is also part of my calling from the Lord Jesus.
In contrast to my gifts, there are individuals of whose help I am in need, in order to help me as I continue my journey of faith. There are those who are clear thinkers and great organizers. Other people are the real people behind the scene who get things done without anyone knowing who they are or how they do it. They perform their ministry in a quiet, humble way, while myself and so many others are the beneficiaries of their quietly living out their gifts.
All are invited to the heavenly banquet feast of GOD. Some, sadly, want nothing to do with GOD’s plans. They make excuses that seem important, but they are just trying to act politically correct to cover their refusal to go along with GOD’s plan.
GOD has a desire to have a community of loving people, caring and serving each other, and enjoying each other’s companion in the divine presence. This divine desire will not be ruined by those who refuse to participate.
What is important is that each of us respond to GOD’s call, using the gifts that GOD has given us for the benefit of the whole community. Nothing should be beyond our concern. No job is too small or too big for us if we are called to do so for the GOoD of others. We must humbly draw closer to GOD and enjoy being in GOD’s presence just as a young child is pleased
sitting on its mother’s lap, as the psalm mentions: “Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me.”
The personal question/action for today: When I contemplate my talents and abilities, what do I see as the gifts that GOD has given me? How can I use those gifts for the GOoD of the community and in service of others? How can I help others to make proper use of their GOD-given gifts to help build up and edify the Body of Christ?
Blessed are You, LORD, Giver of all GOoD gifts. Through Your GOoDness You have graced Your people with all the talents and abilities necessary to grow together as a loving community since all of us are called to share in Your eternal banquet feast. You have blessed each of us with special abilities, not for our own selfish gains, but to be of benefit to others. At times we have misused the talents and gifts You have given us, seeking our own pleasure, gain, or fame. For our failure to use what You have given us according to Your “Big Picture,” we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to pour out the gifts that flow from Your Holy Spirit. Enable us to appreciate not only our own abilities, but also those of others who strive to edify and build up the Body of Your Son, the community of the faithful. We lift up this prayer of praise and glory to You together with Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Brother and Master-Teacher and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffff
November 5, 2025
Wednesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110525.cfm
Saint Elizabeth: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=344
Saint Peter Chrysologus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-chrysologus
Readings: Romans 13: 8-10; Psalm 112: 1b-2, 4-5, 9; Luke 14: 25-33
Love is the central to our readings today and central to our lives as disciples of the Lord Jesus. Saint Paul re- affirms that the whole law and all the commandments can be summed up in the saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The psalmist describes people who are blessed as those who show concern for others. In the Gospel, Jesus commands His disciples to love GOD above all others, including members of their own family.
In writing to the Romans, St. Paul maintains the supremacy of love. Having earlier in his letter to the Romans refuted the law with all of its commandments, Paul today asserts that all of the commandments (including those found in the Ten Big Ones) can be summarized in loving others as one loves oneself. If one truly loves those around, then one has fulfilled all the precepts of GOD.
According to the psalmist, great blessings are in store for those who keep the commandments of the LORD. The first line of today’s Responsorial is the key line. It is not simply because one is obedient to the commandments that one is rewarded. It is in having the right relationship with GOD (“fear
of the LORD”) that ensures that one is blessed. “Fear of the LORD” does not mean we are afraid to draw closer to GOD, but that we acknowledge the “awesomeness of GOD” and want to draw closes to the “terrific/terrifying” LORD of all. As people realizes how blessed they are and how “awe-filled” GOD is, they will continue to treat others well, thus following the precepts of GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the multitude who have gathered around Him wanting to be His disciples. Jesus speaks words which at first seem contradictory to the other readings today. He tells His would-be disciples that they must “hate” their mothers and fathers, wives and children, sisters and brothers. This includes being willing to carry one’s cross and follow Jesus. In saying this, Jesus challenges His listeners to make a relationship with Him and His Abba-Father the number one priority in their lives. GOD has to be the center (hub) of our lives and everything else will be the spokes going out from the hub. Nothing, including family ties, can come before a relationship with the Lord Jesus and the Abba and Holy Spirit. It means that one must be a “disciplined” disciple, and
calculating in living out a call to follow Jesus. If one’s emotional ties get in the way of making a commitment to
the Lord Jesus, then the ties must be broken. But if one focuses on the love of GOD, one will be a better and more loving son/daughter, mother/father, sibling to one’s blood relatives.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that I am called to love. Love is not just the warm “fuzzy” feeling of having everything just right. Love is ultimately a decision of the will. First and foremost, it is the determination to make GOD number one. Once I am totally committed to the Master-Teacher (that is I have true “fear” or appreciation of Who GOD is), then I will make choices that show where my priorities are. I will be able to commend all my efforts in bringing about the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus to all with whom I come in contact.
Loving GOD above all else provides the energy and strength and freedom to love others, especially when
loving others is difficult. It will mean making the tough decisions and planning ahead, even when it is uncomfortable to do so.
Almost two decades ago, my family and I have had to make a difficult decision based on love. It is because of the love we had for my father that we had to move him from his mountain home to a facility where he could receive the proper care for his worsening mental and physical conditions. For the few years before we moved
him, he had loving ladies take care of him in his house. It started with coming in four hours a day, five days a week. Because of his deteriorating mental and physical conditions, more caring and dedicated ladies were added so that during the last few months he was in his home, he had 24-hour a day attention. Yet the five women who ministered to him were not able to handle some of the increasingly more physical and mental needs that developed due to his decreasing abilities (or increasing disabilities).
Making the choice became even more difficult for my brother and myself especially as we realized that he would most probably never see his beloved home again. The most stress-producing times came when Dad would question why we were moving him. To compound the pressure, he would tell us that we did not understand
what he was going through and that we really did not love him if we were moving him out of his home (even though years ago he had promised to go along with us when he could no longer be cared for in his own home).
What motivated us and kept us going during the preparation, the move, and the subsequent transition to the caring facility was the fact that we had planned for it, done a tremendous amount of research, and made decision based on what would be the most loving and caring plan for Dad. We spent a lot of time in prayer and reflection, discussion, and planning. It was probably one of the hardest things we had to do, yet it was done because of our love for GOD and our love for our Dad.
It is when we are willing to make the hard decision for the ultimate GOoD of another that we are true disciples of the Lord Jesus. The difficult times with my Dad demonstrated to me what loving GOD and loving others is all about. I pray that my sharing of this reflection can be a reassuring light to you and that will strengthen you when you have to make tough decision. If it has been helpful to you, then I will be blessed by GOD, for I, like the psalmist today, will be able to say that I have been “dawn through the darkness, a light for the upright” because I am seeking to be “gracious and merciful and just” out of “fear [awe] of the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: What has been my primary, motivating force when I have had to make difficult decisions, especially when the decisions are related to persons who are special in my life? Have I avoided making the tough decision? Have I planned ahead, as much as possible, so that when I made the decision(s), I was prepared as I could be? Did I act in love – true compassion and care for others? Did I seek to be faithful to the GOD Who loves and Who calls me to love as GOD loves? Did my relationship with GOD help me to make the GOoD choice for all those involved? How can I be more supportive of others as they make the tough, but loving, decisions in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all love. Through Your GOoDness You have demonstrated what true love is: the willingness to do for others in spite of the personal cost. Your Son, Jesus, has called us to be His disciples and follow in His footsteps, to take up the difficult cross, and to put Him and You above all others. In His life, ministry, death, and resurrection He has given us an example of love that is beyond all human understanding. For the times we have failed to live up to the challenge He has given us to love others, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to strengthen us by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that we will make the right and loving decisions. We lift up this prayer of praise and glory to You together with Your Son, Jesus, Who is our Brother and Master-Teacher and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffff
November 6, 2025
Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110625.cfm
Saint Nicholas Tavelic and Companions: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-nicholas-tavelic-and-companions/
Readings: Romans 14: 7-12; Psalm 27: 1bcde, 4, 13-14; Luke 15: 1-10
The readings today speak of the judgment we all face at our death and/or at the end of time. St. Paul reminds the Romans that they are not to judge each other, but they should be conscious of the judgment they all face when they stand in the presence of GOD. The psalmist gives hope to those who trust in GOD, reassuring them that GOoD things await them if they look forward to the coming of the LORD. In the Gospel, Jesus relates two parables that speak of the joy of GOD and the heavenly company as sinners repent and turn to GOD for forgiveness.
St. Paul must have heard of bickering and criticism by certain members of the
Roman community of faith. He tells them they have been set free from slavery to laws and other masters once they claimed the mastery of Jesus over them. They are to be subject only to the will and desire of the Lord Jesus. Knowing that Jesus is the Master, they should not sit in judgment over their sisters and brothers in the Lord Jesus. GOD will be the ultimate judge, and GOD is the One to Whom they should look.
The Responsorial Psalm continues the idea of looking to the LORD. The psalmist urges people to await the coming of the LORD GOD. If one trust in GOD, then there should be nothing to fear, for the LORD is one’s life refuge, light, and
salvation. As one anticipates the final coming of the LORD, one can expect
GOoDness and blessedness. The fifteenth chapter of the Gospel according to Luke
presents three parables of Jesus, of which we hear the first two today. All three parables describe the joy that exists when sinners repent and turn back to GOD. It produces celebration for all those connected with the heavenly Reign. The first parable is that of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine faithful sheep and goes in search of the wayward one. The second parable describes the joy of a woman who searches for, and finds, the one lost coin of her treasured ten coins. Jesus concludes these two parables by saying there is more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner than over those who do not need to repent since they are walking the ways of GOD.
As I think about today’s readings, I realize that many people are worried about their judgment at the end of their lives. Some see the time of standing at the gates of heaven or before the throne of GOD as worse than standing in court before a stern magistrate. And, in some sense, all of us should be more concerned about our status before GOD than appearing in traffic court for a violation of some vehicular law. For the offense against GOD through sin is much more grievous than speeding or illegal parking.
The readings also give us a sense of hope and joyful anticipation, if (and that’s the keyword), if we are repentant and seek GOD’s forgiveness. GOD is more than willing to be tolerant with us, if we admit our guilt and fall on the mercy of the divine court. In fact, if we turn toward the Lord Jesus, GOD will completely remove any negative judgment against us, because GOD ultimately wants us to experience divine salus – healing, wholeness, and salvation – and Jesus, the Son of GOD, has already paid the price to allow us to receive that salus.
As a sign of our trusting in GOD’s compassionate understanding and forgiveness of us, we must, in turn, be
non-judgmental about the offenses of our fellow journeyers along the way of faith. That means we must not be critical of others’ transgressions or failings, pointing the finger of shame at them. Yes, we must stand up for what is right and condemn evil deeds and wrongdoings, but we must have as much compassion for the sinful person as the Lord Jesus has for us. It also means that we should rejoice when a wayward sheep returns to the fold, accepting him/her without being judgmental of the wayward journeying.
When we are able to be understanding and loving to others who have failed (as we all have), we will then be able to rejoice in the way that the Lord Jesus has searched out and brought back the straying members. It is then that we will be able to join the heavenly celebration as Jesus mentions in today’s Gospel when He says, “In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of GOD over one sinner who repents.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the loving and compassionate forgiveness from GOD? What was the experience like? Was I able to sense the joy of the Lord Jesus over my being forgiven? Am I able to celebrate when someone else seeks forgiveness, or do I distrust the person’s motives or actions? How can I help others to experience the joy that comes from a sinner returning to GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all compassion and mercy. Through Your GOoDness You go out in search of the lost and bring them back with great rejoicing. You invite us to be a part of Your heavenly celebration, both as repentant sinners, and “co-rejoicers” in the return of other wayward individuals. Yet, being human, we have often been critical of others’ faults, forgetting about our own transgressions and failings. For our judgmental attitudes and unforgiving actions, we seek Your pardon one more time. May we follow the example of Your Son, the GOoD Shepherd, Who goes out in search of the errant sheep. With the continued guidance and direction of Your Holy Spirit, may we have the courage to wait for the second coming of Your Son, when all will be judged compassionately and mercifully, but fairly, by You and Your Son. To You be all the glory and praise, especially as the repentant sinners turn to You. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Christ Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd and Master-Teacher, Who has died, and is risen and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddd
November 7, 2025
Friday of Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110725.cfm Saint Didacus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-didacus Readings: Romans 15: 14-21; Psalm 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Luke 16: 1-8
The readings today challenge us to examine the dedication we have to the mission we have received because we are disciples of the Lord Jesus. Saint Paul realizes his mission is to proclaim the GOoD News to the Gentiles. The psalm reminds us that the mission of all peoples in world who have seen the glory of the LORD is to praise GOD in song. In the Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples to be as ambitious
in their mission as the dishonest steward is in the parable that He tells.
As St. Paul comes to the close of his letter to the faith community in Rome, he summarizes his ministry, both what he has done and what he hopes to do. He is proud of his living out the call to preach the Gospel to the non-Jews, especially in areas where the message of Christ has
not yet been preached. He is looking forward to going through Rome on his way to preach to the people on the east side of the Adriatic Sea, and then on to the western end of the civilized Western world at the
time (modern Spain) cf. Romans 15: 24. Paul is invoking the missionary spirit of the faithful in Rome, hoping that they will support his missionary journeys. (Just a note, Paul never seems to have made it to Spain since he met his death in Rome.)
The psalmist acclaims the mighty deeds of GOD in making known the
divine saving power not only to the Chosen People, but also to people of all nations. In response to this action by GOD, the people are urged to
be a part of GOD’s mission by singing the LORD’s praise.
In the Gospel, Jesus shares the parable of the dishonest steward who is about to be fired from his job. According to the parable, the steward does what is allowable by law.
He reduces the amount of debt to the actual cost, thus not earning his excessive commission that he received.
The hope is that the debtors will remember his deeds and be gracious to him as he was gracious to them. Jesus praises the ingenuity of the steward. He challenges His disciples to be as energetic in their mission as the steward was in his.
Each of us has a mission from GOD. We are called and sent forth
(missi [Latin] / apostolein [Greek]) to do GOD’s biding. Being a
missionary is not just the job of a person who leaves his home country and travels to foreign lands. All of us are to be missionaries, or a more recent title, missional/missionary disciples.
As I reflect on how dedicated I am to the mission that GOD has given me, 633..I realize that I have not always had the enthusiasm that I should have in sharing the Gospel (GOoD News). I have not been as inventive, calculating, or dedicated in living out my mission as the steward in the parable was in planning for his future. I must be willing to put every thought and effort into proclaiming the message of salvation as far as I possibly can.
That does not mean I have to be “preachy” or “overpowering,” but I do need to think about how I can best bring the Truth of the Gospel to others. I can do this first and foremost by
the way I model the GOoD News in my lifestyle.
Each of us has opportunities each and every day to announce the GOoD News by the way we treat others. People should sense that we are committed to our mission of being heralds of the Gospel. It should be obvious that we are dedicated to what we believe, and we should want to share it with others, not in a judgmental way, but in a way that shows we are excited and enthused (“in GOD”) with our faith.
It is then that we can join the psalmist and pray: “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our GOD. Sing joyfully to the LORD,
all you lands; break into song; sing praise.”
The personal question/action for today: What are my thoughts about my being a missionary or missional/missionary disciple? Do I sense that I am called to the mission of sharing GOD’s GOoD News with others by the way I treat them? Is it obvious to others by my actions what my mission is: to share the Gospel? How can I be more enthusiastic in living out my mission?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all missions and missionaries. Through Your GOoDness You call us to not only hear and experience Your GOoD News, but to be sent out to proclaim it to others. At times we have failed to dedicate ourselves to the mission You have given us. We have not been fully conscious of how we can share Your message with others. Continue to challenge us as Your Son challenged His disciples in today’s Gospel. May we go forth as Your missionaries to those to whom You send us each and every day. We lift this prayer of praise and glory to You in the name of our Master-Teacher and Lord, Jesus, Your Son, Who sends us forth as His apostles/missionaries and Who has come to us as the One Whom You have sent. He it is Who has made the message of salvation possible by His teaching and ministry, His death and resurrection, and He is the One Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffff
November 8, 2025
Memorial of St. Martin of Tours
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110825.cfm
Blessed John Duns Scotus: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-john-duns-scotus
Readings: Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27; Psalm 145: 2-3, 4-5, 10-11; Luke 16: 9-15
Serving GOD is the call of all who follow the ways of the Lord Jesus. Saint Paul summarizes his whole letter: GOD has revealed the divine mystery to all who are willing to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus in faith. The psalmist urges all things and every person to praise the LORD in response to all that GOD has done. In the
Gospel today, Jesus urges His disciples to serve only GOD and not make money or fame their master.
St. Paul concludes his Letter to the Romans by sending greetings to the faithful in Rome, some of whom he has known and others about whom he only has heard. After this greeting, he goes on to summarize what he had written about in the rest of his letter: GOD, through Jesus, has made the message of salvation known. This GOoD News is able to be grasped by not only the Jews but by all people through faith. The purpose of the divine revelation is the glorification of the majesty and mastery of GOD over all peoples and things.
The Responsorial psalm today is a proclamation of praise of the majesty of GOD.
The only fitting response to the benevolence of GOD is to give thanks to the LORD especially by exalting the great deeds GOD has done.
Even though the words of Jesus in the Gospel today are addressed first to His disciples, the Pharisees also hear His message and are upset at His teaching. Jesus tells His followers that they can only have one thing (or Person) take the center stage
in their lives. GOD can be the only master they serve, otherwise they will be enslaved by whatever they make their priority. If they seek wealth or fame, they will have to serve that master and not be free. It is only when one completely submits to GOD that one has the freedom to live with a wealth that is beyond this world.
I remember when I worked in Youth Ministry over 40 years ago in Lake
Tahoe, one of the adult leaders used an imagery that has still stuck with me.
She asked the teenagers what did they value most in life. Some gave responses such as “family,” or “a future, good job.” Others responded, “doing well in school,” while some said, “having fun” or “friends.” The leader wrote down all the values that the various youth had mentioned.
She drew a circle and put a chair in the middle of the circle. She then asked the teenagers, “Who or what is on the throne of your life?” This
woman then rephrased the question, “What is the most important value in your life?” Whatever takes priority is what we place on
the throne of our lives and that is what or Whom we serve and that is what or Who controls what we do.
Anyone or anything that we place on the throne of our lives has power over us. It can lead us to serve that which or Who is in the center of our lives. We lose our freedom when we serve anything or anyone except the Lord Jesus. When we place Jesus on the
throne of our lives, we end up being liberated to act as disciples of the Lord Jesus. We are empowered to act like
Jesus and work for the GOoD of others and of ourselves.
There have been times in my life when I have enthroned certain people or values and therefore had to remove the Lord Jesus from the center of my life. One of the values that I put on the chair in the middle of my circle was popularity. I wanted people to like me. It forced me to be a people pleaser. I failed in that, at least in my own mind, because I could not make all people happy all the time. I ended up burning myself out as I tried to do things that would make other people like me.
It is only when I re-establish the supremacy of the Lord Jesus in my life that I was set free. I don’t worry about what other people think of me. I continue to be of assistance to others, not so that they will like me, but because I know that is what the Lord Jesus is asking of me. I am seeking to serve GOD by helping others and doing what is for their GOoD. As I continue to keep Lord Jesus on the throne of my life, I can act in a way that is pleasing to GOD and I can join the psalmist in praising GOD, “Every day will I bless You, LORD, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great are You and highly to be praised; Your greatness is unsearchable.”
The personal question/action for today: Who or what is sitting on the throne in the center of my life? What demands are made of me by whatever (or whoever) is the center of my life? Do I feel enslaved to that which or who is at the center, or do I feel liberated by placing the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father at the center of my life? What can I do to help others see that which they value most in their lives and help them center in on the Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all. Through Your GOoDness we are empowered to be not only Your servants, but also co-workers with Your Son in the service of others. Yet in our desire to please ourselves, we have placed other values on the throne of our lives and have become enslaved to seeking those values. Continue to extend Your forgiveness to us and help us to remove from the center of our lives all that is not of You. May we follow the example of Your Son, Jesus, the Master-Teacher and Lord. Fill us with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit so that we can have the strength, wisdom, and love to go out and serve You by caring for our brothers and sisters. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Whom You have set over us as our Master. He is the One Who is bringing us into Your presence through His life, death, and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddd
November 9, 2025
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
(replacing 32nd Sunday in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110925.cfm
Dedication of St. John Lateran: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/dedication-of-saint-john-lateran-basilica
Readings: Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6; 8-9; 1 Cor. 3: 9c-11, 16-17; John 2: 13-22
The readings today speak about GOD’s House or Temple. It is the place where the presence of GOD can be experienced in a very strong way. Ezekiel experiences it when an angel brings him to the Temple in Jerusalem, and he explores the House of GOD and sees the water flowing from the Temple. The psalm continues the theme of life-giving water flowing from the Temple of the LORD that was mentioned in the First Reading. St. Paul also speaks of life
coming from the Edifice of GOD as he reminds the community at Corinth that they are the living Temple of GOD built on the foundation of Jesus. In the Gospel, after Jesus cleanses the Temple of all the buying and selling, He relates the Temple to His Body.
Ezekiel’s vision of the Temple corresponds to the actual geography of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. The way the Temple is situated on the hills of Jerusalem, the main drainage from the Temple would flow out of the eastern side, down the Kidron Valley to the south, and make its way eventually to the Jordan River that flows into the Dead Sea. As the water flows from the Temple, it gives life to the plants and animals along its banks. It even refreshes the salty water of the Dead Sea at the point where the river empties into the Dead Sea.
The psalm reflects on
water as a source of joy for the
Holy City and Temple of
GOD. For Jewish people, whose ancestors traveled through the desert, water and sources of water were important, even sacred. Coming to a water source was truly a blessing from GOD. Thus, GOD’s Temple is appropriately linked to water, and water would gladden the city of GOD and make GOD’s presence felt.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul speaks about the new Temple of GOD, not built with inanimate stones, but with animated (Spirited) persons. The foundation of this edifice is Jesus Himself. It is in this Temple of GOD (the people of the Church) that GOD’s presence can be found.
In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates His respect for the physical building in which GOD’s presence can be experienced in a special manner. Merchants have taken over the outer courts of the Great Temple and have turned it into a marketplace. Justifiably, Jesus is angered by the desecration of the place where GOD’s presence strongly dwells. When Jesus is challenged to give a sign that will show that He has authority to cleanse the Temple, Jesus speaks of a different dwelling place of GOD’s presence. If this new Temple would be destroyed, Jesus will have it restored in three days. This new, different, and better Temple of GOD is Jesus Himself.
Today, the Church of Rome (not just the city of Rome but all the communities that are united with the Bishop of Rome) celebrate the dedication of the official Church of the Bishop of Rome – St. John Lateran. The Basilica of St. Peter’s is not the official church of the Bishop of Rome. The Church of St. John, that was originally built by the Roman Emperor Constantine on the Lateran Hill, is the main church of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. Its dedication marked a special time in the history of Christianity. Believers began to celebrate their worship service in a public and open building. This was one of the places where the first buildings were erected as a public place where the Church (“Assembly” of Believers) could meet and give open and visible praise to GOD.
As the universal (catholic) Church celebrates the dedication of this edifice, it recalls that the building is only a sign of the more authentic dwelling place of GOD – Jesus – and through Jesus, His Mystical Body – the Body of Believers. We are reminded that just as Ezekiel saw life-giving water flow from the Temple of GOD, so the life-giving water flowing from the pierced side of Jesus and from His Body, gives life to the new House of GOD (the Church - the People of GOD). The image of water as seen by Ezekiel corresponds with the cleansing water of Baptism that flows through the Church and gives life to all who are plunged (baptizo) into the life of Jesus.
Today we reflect not on a bunch of stones that make up a particular building in the city of Rome, but we think about all who make up the Church (the Body of Christ). We are the
living stones which/who have come together so that GOD may have a dwelling place on earth. Just as Jesus was the new Temple, destroyed and rebuilt in three days, so we, too, as members of Jesus’ Body, are the new place where GOD
makes the divine presence felt.
I remember one sermon that I heard that remarked that today is really the end of the Feast of All Hallows. It is the last day of the major celebration of the Communion of Saints.
Eight days ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Church Triumphant (those who are the heavenly branch of the Communion of Saints). Last Thursday, November 2, was the Feast of All Souls, when we reflected on, and prayed for, the Church Suffering, those in transition from this life to eternal life. Today we celebrate our feast day, the feast of the Church Militant. That is who we are. We are still on earth, fighting the battle, being part of the earthly living Church of Jesus.
Today we remember that we are saints (still in the process of being formed). The construction of the Church is not yet finished. We still need some of the finishing touches completed (some of us still have a lot of work that needs to be done by us and within us). We are the dwelling place of GOD as long as we are built on the foundation of Jesus.
All this reminds me of my obligation to be as GOoD a dwelling place for GOD as I can be. People should be able to experience the presence of GOD when they are near me, not because I am holy in and of myself, but because GOD is holy and GOD has chosen to make a dwelling place within me. I should be careful not to clutter up my life with “stuff” that has nothing to do with GOD (as the people in the Gospel cluttered up the Temple). I should be cautious that I don’t become involved in making GOD’s dwelling place a marketplace. It is when I am aware of GOD’s dwelling in me that I can
say with the psalmist today: “GOD is in [our] midst!”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of the “Church,” what images come to mind? Do I sense that I am part of the Church – the Body of Christ? Can people experience the holiness and presence of GOD when they meet me? How can I better reflect GOD’s presence to other? How can I be supportive of the other parts (people) in Temple of GOD and edify them as part of the Church?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, heavenly LORD. Through Your GOoDness, You desire to dwell among us because You want to be in relationship with us. Throughout human history You have manifested Your presence in many ways. We have tried to give You glory by erecting a physical dwelling place in which You could manifest Yourself. At times we have missed the point of having an edifice for You. We have constructed elaborate structures and have failed to recognize Your presence in our midst, even outside of the majestic edifices. The greatest sign of Your abiding with us is Jesus, Your Son. He came to make Your loving presence even more obvious and visible. Even with Jesus in our midst, we have still failed to see You by our sides. We ask that through the power of Your Holy Spirit we may be
more open to Your dwelling with us and in us. May we become part of the divine edifice, the Church, the Body of Christ Jesus. May people come to realize that You are with them through their being Your dwelling place on earth. We thank You for allowing us to be part of Your Communion of Saints. Form us into that part of Your Temple that can best give You all the glory and praise that You deserve. We make this prayer in the name of Your Ultimate Dwelling Among Us – Jesus. He is our Lord and Savior, He is the Foundation of Your Temple, He is one with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
November 10, 2025
Memorial of St. Leo the Great
(with readings from Mon. of 32nd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm
Saint Leo the Great: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-leo-the-great
Readings: Wisdom 1: 1-7; Psalm 139: 1b-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10; Luke 17: 1-6
The readings today are filled with wisdom and sound advice for living out our faith. Today we begin reading from the Book of Wisdom, and we are reminded that wisdom is a sign of a life that is in touch with GOD. The Responsorial Psalm describes the wisdom of GOD and GOD’s closeness to us at all times. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the need of His disciples to not only live a GOoD life, but also to also avoid scandalizing others as they grow in faith.
The Book of Wisdom, which is part of the Catholic Bible and which will be the source of the First Reading for most of this week, presents us with practical advice on how to live our lives. Wisdom can be seen as sharing in the life of GOD and having our relationship with GOD affect what we do. Justice flows from applying wisdom to our daily life. As one reflects on how GOD is present in one’s daily living, it changes how one should act. Wisdom is the living out of the awareness of GOD’s presence. The
opposite of wisdom, that is not being aware of GOD’s presence, leads to evil and injustice and sin.
The Responsorial Psalm parallels the line in the First Reading that says, “GOD is the witness of the inmost self and the sure observer of the heart and the listener to the tongue.” The psalmist is aware of how much GOD knows humans, especially himself as an individual and writer of the psalms. The LORD has more knowledge of us than we have of ourselves. We can never flee from GOD’s presence, for GOD is always with us, not to record every bad thought or deed,
but to guide us and protect us.
The Gospel today presents a few ideas for us to think about and implement. First, Jesus warns His disciples not to be the source of scandal for others. Occasions of sin are all around us in the world, but the disciples should not be such an occasion of sin for others.
Speaking of sin, Jesus goes on to inform His disciples that they should be willing to point out sin to another believer, not in a manner that condemns the sinner, but in the hope that it will move the sinner to repent. The mention of repenting leads to Jesus’ commanding His disciples to extend forgiveness repeatedly to those who sin against them. Summarizing what should be the driving force for the disciples, Jesus urges them to put their faith into practice, and great things will happen.
As I reflect on the readings today, I see a common thread being woven through them. It is the thread of the awareness of the presence of GOD. Just as a single thread is not always obvious in a tapestry, the removal of that thread causes the tapestry to lack wholeness. Being aware of GOD’s
presence may not always be obvious to the outside observer of our actions. Yet, if our awareness of GOD is not present, it will be obvious to the outside observer that something is missing from our lives, that we are not whole, that there is a falseness to our actions.
The more we can be conscious of GOD’s presence with us at every moment of our lives, the more we will act with the wisdom that comes from GOD alone. We must continually apply GOD’s wisdom to our actions. One such reminder of that is in the four letters, WWJD that stand for “What Would Jesus Do?” or “What Would Jesus Have Me Do? - WWJHMD?” If we can ask ourselves that question before we engage in an activity, we would be guided to do the wise, just, righteous, faith-filled deed. We would also avoid giving scandal to others,
for we would be conscious of how our actions would affect the faith journey of others. Thinking about WWJHMD would also makes us aware of the sinfulness of others and move us to be compassionate toward the sinner and willing to forgives those who sin against us, just as Jesus did and continues to do.
Finally, being aware of GOD’s presence in our lives can increase the faith, that is GOD’s life within us. A few years ago, a brother and sister in the same family (who are friends of mine) spoke at their church about what faith is. Although I was not able to attend their sharing their words of wisdom that they addressed to the community of faith gathered at their church, I was informed of what they said. These two, who were teenagers at the time, addressed the issue of faith in their lives from different perspectives.
The younger male spoke how he had just entered a Christian high school and his primary focus was not on his studies, nor being on the football team, but finding a girlfriend. He went on to say it wasn’t until another friend said that his focus was out of place (since he was not seeking first a faith relationship with GOD), that he realized he was not doing the right thing because his first and foremost concern was not realizing GOD was with him. If he focused on the GOD Who was with him, then he would realize that the GOD Who was with him would provide for him.
The older sister spoke about struggles she had in her life. She pointed out that faith is not always a comfortable thing. In fact, she compared faith to a war going on within her. When she lacked faith, she made poor decision about health issues and other aspects of her life. It was only when she “chose life” that she realized that choosing life meant being aware of GOD’s presence and GOD’s action in her life and that led to an increase in faith – a closer relationship with GOD and a more positive relationship with others and a better perspective on what focus she should have in life.
It is when we have the wisdom of knowing GOD is with us, that we can act in a way that gives glory to GOD. That is what true faith is. That is what is reflected in the words of today’s psalm, “If I take the wings of the
dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there Your hand shall guide me, and Your right hand hold me fast.”
The personal question/action for today: What is wisdom to me? Do I see a link between having wisdom and being aware of the presence of GOD? How often do I turn to the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit in order to seek divine wisdom before making decisions in my life? How can I be a source of wisdom and a reminder to others of GOD’s presence with them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all wisdom. Through Your GOoDness, we have the ability to partake of Your wisdom by our focusing our attention on Your presence with us. Yet, at times we have forgotten about Your always being with us. We have focused on foolish ways that lead us into sin. We ask that You continue to share with us the forgiveness that Jesus brought to us through His death and resurrection. As Your Holy Spirit continues to touch our lives, helps us to accept the gifts of wisdom, understanding, faith, counsel, and the ability to accept and give forgiveness. Help us to ask ourselves “What Would Jesus Have Me Do?” whenever we need to make decisions, whether they be big or small. And may we continue to give You all our praise, glory, and thanks as we journey along the Way to You. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Who is Wisdom Incarnate, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the One Who has brought us into Your presence through His life, death, and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffff
November 11, 2025
Memorial of St. Martin of Tours
(readings from Tue. of the 32nd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm
Saint Martin of Tours: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-martin-of-tours
Readings: Wisdom 2: 23-3: 9; Psalm 34: 2-3, 16-17, 18-19; Luke 17: 7-10
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we are called to be the servants of GOD and GOD’s people. The First Reading reminds us that if we are faithful to our calling of being GOD’s servants, we will be declared just and GOD will give us a better life after our life here on earth. The Responsorial Psalm proclaims that GOD hears the cry of the just and answers them compassionately.
In a passage that is often read at Catholic funerals, the author of the Book of Wisdom reflects on death and the transition that takes place at death for those who are just. It has always been GOD’s will that we should share in the eternal life that GOD lives. Yet, because of sin, death became a part of the life of humans. For those who have no hope and belief in eternal
life, death can seem a senseless tragedy. For those, however, who have been faithful to GOD, death is the transition to life with GOD. The author
reminds us that the just individuals are in peace – GOD’s peace (Shalom), not because of their deeds, but because GOD is the GOD of peace and shares that peace with those who respond to GOD’s call.
The psalmist praises the LORD because GOD cares for all people, especially those who are just and seek to do GOD’s will. When tragedy strikes the lives of those who trust in GOD, the LORD answers their prayer and tends to their needs. GOD identifies with the Anawim (literally, the “bent over” or “overburdened” people).
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples using a parable of a
master who has servants. The job of the servants is to do the will of their master. Even after working hard in the fields all day, the servants can expect to return to the master’s home and then prepare and serve the master his dinner, and only later eat themselves. Jesus
wants His disciples to be servants, not only servants of His Abba-Father, but servants of one another and all peoples. It is in service that we demonstrate how merciful and loving GOD has been to us.
As I reflect on the readings and American holiday of
Veteran’s Day that we celebrate today, I recall that we are asked to pause and remember those who lived, and in some cases died, in service of our country and all its peoples. Our veterans have been, and continue to be, people of service. They have fought for our freedom,
peace, and life. They were willing to go into battle with the hope that they would be victorious, in the long run, even if they lost some battles along the way. We owe them our gratitude and thanks.
Service, however, is not limited to the men and women of the armed services. It is the calling of everyone who wants to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus. The service into which we have been drafted, or voluntarily enlisted, is the service of the Lord Jesus. Just like the individuals who serve in military, we are called to prepare for being, and then be, semper fi(delis) – “always faithful.” We must be faithful to the GOD Who wants all people to experience true freedom, peace, and eternal life. Like the armed service men and women of our country, we can expect to face an enemy who will tax our abilities and stamina. Our battles may be difficult and costly. We are, however, assured that the ultimate victory is ours, or more exactly, the ultimate victory is the
Lord Jesus’.
If we can truly be semper fidelis, then the Lord Jesus will call us “the elect,” “the just,” the “GOoD and faithful servants.” Yes, like the servants in the Gospel today, we may say, we are only doing what we have been obliged to do. Our Master- Teacher, however, will then welcome us into the eternal
banquet hall where we will be served by our Master. It is then the words of the First Reading will echo in our lives, “Those who trust in the GOD shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with GOD in love: because grace and mercy are with GOD’s holy ones, and GOD’s care is with the elect.”
The personal question/action for today: Do I see my life as a follower of the Lord Jesus as a call to be in the service of others? What particular service can I do for the sake of others? When I think of my life and my death, do I realize that the Lord Jesus is calling me to be a part of the ultimate victory banquet and be at peace in the house of our GOD? Or does my life signify that I desire to be apart from GOD and the heavenly victory banquet? How can I better reflect to others my desire to be of service to the Lord Jesus by serving them?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all who give their lives in service of others. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son to be the Servant par excellence. He came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life in ransom for the multitude. Jesus calls upon all His disciples to be in service to others. As we recall all those who have been in the service, whether that be military service of our country or in the Lord Jesus’ service, we ask You to bless them for their willingness to do what is necessary for the GOoD of others. We can also recall times when we have failed to serve those whom You have placed into our care. We seek Your pardon and forgiveness for ourselves, and the peace for those who have sought to serve others. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Who is Your Servant and Son, and Who calls us to continue His service/ministry to others. He is the source of true freedom, peace, and life, which He has gained through His life, death, and resurrection, and He it is Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffff
November 12, 2025
Memorial of St. Josaphat
(Readings from Wed. of 32nd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm
Saint Josaphat: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-josaphat
Readings: Wisdom 6: 1-11; Psalm 82: 3-4, 6-7; Luke 17: 11-19
It is so easy to let life get out of the proper perspective. The First Reading today is a warning to those in authority that they must realize that they will be held accountable to GOD for how they used the power that they are given. The Responsorial Psalm is addressed to the “princes” of the people, reminding them that they are not more the children of GOD than the poor and lowly. In the Gospel, after Jesus has healed ten lepers, only one came back to express thanks to GOD, and that one was the foreigner among them.
The passage from Wisdom is addressed to rulers and judges of the world. Those who have been given authority must exercise it in a way that shows they are concerned for those who are under their care. GOD will be more lenient when it comes to pardoning the sinfulness of the lowly than in pardoning those who have usurped their power for their own sake rather than for the GOoD of those whom they are called to serve.
The psalm continues this admonition to those who are leaders.
The “princes” or tribal lords are challenged to act with justice and fairness, for GOD is aware of the needs of the lowly and will be upset if those in control do not meet those needs. The psalmist reminds the “princes” that they, too, are also children of GOD and are not more important than those whom they lead.
As Jesus continues His journey in the Gospel, ten lepers call out to Him and ask for His assistance. Knowing that they were not allowed to be where the “clean” or healthy people were, they keep their distance and hope that Jesus will do something to remedy their plight. Compassionately, Jesus knows their desire and tells them to go to the priests who can declare lepers “clean” and able to rejoin the people. Only one of the healed lepers returns to Jesus to say, “thank you.” And this one was a Samaritan, a non-Jew, in fact, one considered worse than a heathen.
In some ways we can probably identify with the characters in today’s readings. Many of us have been placed in positions of authority, whether that be in our families or at our work or at church or in community. It is human nature to attribute our being in leadership to our own abilities and talents, and to be tempted to use the authority we have for our own benefit and advancement. The warning spoken centuries ago applies to us just as much at it did in the time it was given. We will be held accountable for the way we use the positions we have been given. In fact, we who are in places of authority will be required to explain how we treat those under us more than those under us will be expected to give an accounting of how they responded to those in power.
Maybe some of us can more easily identify with the lepers, not because of any disease we have, but because we feel burdened by physical, emotional, financial, or intellectual situations we are in. We, like the lepers, call out for Jesus’ help. We want Jesus to perform some miracle to remove the conditions that restrict our feeling a part of the society from which we have been ostracized.
The challenge I see for myself (and others) is two-fold. First of all, we need to take the situation in which we find ourselves and use the situation in a way that shows that we realize GOD loves us and expects us to do the right thing. The second part is to be grateful for what GOD has done for us, whether it is GOD’s placing us in a position of leadership or touching our lives with the divine healing presence. Both aspects of the challenge deal with the realization of our relationship with GOD. GOD is with us and in control no matter if we are in authority
or in desperate circumstances. GOD is willing to bring us salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) if we but acknowledge the divine sovereignty over us. And the most important point is that we must be grateful for however GOD touches our lives. We must not just turn to GOD when we are in need. We must turn to GOD in thanksgiving at all times, for GOD is the ultimate authority in our lives and GOD desires the best for us and those around us.
When we can do this, we will be able to hear the words of GOD spoken to us as much as to the people in today’s psalm. It will not be words of warning to us as much as words of
endearment: “You are divine (you have the divine life within you), all of you children of GOD.”
The personal question/action for today: Am I always conscious of GOD’s presence in my life? Do I realize that any authority or position I have is because GOD has graced me and will expect me to deal compassionately with those who are placed in my care? Am I able to not only cry out to GOD for help, but also express my thanksgiving to GOD for acting powerfully in my life? For what blessings can I give thanks to GOD today? How can I help others to realize the presence of GOD in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all power and might. Through Your GOoDness You have shared Your power with those in authority. You have also allowed people to experience pain and difficulties so that they could be touched by Your compassionate and loving hands. Yet, because of our fallen human nature, we abuse the position in which You have placed us. We also only call upon You when we hope to have a miracle, and then we fail to express our gratitude. For our failures and sins, especially for not acknowledging Your sovereignty over us, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Through the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, helps us look to Jesus, Your Son, and our Brother, as the example of leadership and the One to Whom we express our thanks as He touches our lives with healing, compassion, and love. We lift up this prayer of praise, glory, and thanks
to You, together with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 13, 2025
Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
(readings from Thu. of 32nd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm
Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-frances-xavier-cabrini
Readings: Wisdom 7: 22b – 8: 1; Psalm 119: 89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175; Luke 17: 20-25
Today’s focus, for me, is on GOD’s presence as manifest first by Wisdom and then by Reign of GOD already among us. Both readings use lightning/light as a symbol of Wisdom and the Reign of GOD. The First Reading extols the qualities of Wisdom and links Wisdom to GOD. The Responsorial Psalm parallels the focus on Wisdom by speaking of the importance and effect of the Word of GOD. The Gospel presents the Incarnate Word of GOD (Jesus) speaking to both the Pharisees and His disciples about the
coming of the Reign of GOD.
Wisdom is seen as the handmaid of GOD. She is present with GOD and is treasured by those who seek to be in relationship with GOD. Those who are in Wisdom’s company exhibit such qualities as enlightenment, holiness, kindness, peace, stability. Thus, a person who desires to live a GOD-graced life will be accustomed to live with Wisdom. All admirable character traits flow from Wisdom. GOD blesses those who seek Wisdom.
Parallel to Wisdom is the Word of GOD as described in today’s Responsorial Psalm. The Word of GOD gives understanding to the simple and guides the way of those who seek to walk in GOD’s path.
In the Gospel, Jesus responds to the questions of the Pharisees concerning the coming of the Reign of GOD. J esus
announces that the Reign of GOD has already begun and is in their midst, if they but open their minds and
hearts to it. The fullness of the Reign of GOD will not come
about until the Son of Man returns in final glory. In the meantime, there will be trying days as the disciples of Jesus await His return. Pondering the readings today, I realize how important it is to
focus on GOD’s presence with us at this very moment. When we are aware of GOD-with-us (“Emmanuel”) we share in the Wisdom that flows from GOD. We act not with human intelligence (or lack thereof), nor out of our base nature, but we act motivated by knowing that GOD is at our side. That is the beginning of the Reign of GOD in our lives here and now. This is Wisdom.
Of course, the fullness of the Reign of GOD is yet to come.
We are in the “already, but not yet” time. We can experience the foretaste of the Reign of GOD right now. What can guide us in
our living within the Reign of GOD is Wisdom. Wisdom is not primarily an intellectual thing. Wisdom is the ability to keep our eyes focused on, and ears open to, what GOD is doing presently and then acting with the hope (assurance, not wishful thinking) that GOD will keep the divine promises and welcome us into the fullness of the Reign.
Practically, for me, that means I must act in a way that manifests my being part of the Reign of GOD – and acting with Wisdom. Obviously, the qualities discussed in the First Reading should be those that I try to practice in my life: holiness, kindness, peace, stability, enlightenment. I must hold up each of my thoughts and deeds to the pure Light of Wisdom. I must examine my behavior and discern what will most fully proclaim the Reign of GOD that is not only here for me, but also for others.
As I was driving home once, we had a terrific thunder and lightning storm. What excited me was the brilliance of the lightning flashes. The pure white light that illuminated the
sky and the land is a fitting symbol of way Wisdom can enlighten my life and remind me of the awesome power of GOD’s presence with me. The power and force of the lightning are obviously not as powerful as the sun, but its closeness to us and the way its thunder can rumble through the air can remind us of the fact that GOD’s power is ever present. Just as lightning is not as mighty as the sun, (that is not as powerful as GOD), and just as we could not draw as
close to the sun and still live as earthlings, so the Reign of GOD that we experience now is not as majestic as what still lies in store for us, and it is only once we leave this earthly place (or until Jesus returns at the end of time) that we will experience the fullness of the Reign of GOD.
The personal question/action for today: What is Wisdom to me? How do I see Wisdom linked to GOD? To the Reign of GOD? What relationship do I see between Light and Wisdom and the Reign of GOD? What can I do to show that I am part of the “already, but not yet” Reign of GOD? How can I help others to come to a greater awareness of this Reign of GOD in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all light. Through Your GOoDness You have enlightened us not only with visible light, but with the Light that has come from Your very being and has been enfleshed in Your Son, Jesus. He truly is the Light. Often, we have chosen to walk in darkness and gloom rather than experience the Light that comes from You. Continue to send Your Holy Spirit into our lives with the gift of enlightening Wisdom. As we grow in Your Wisdom, help us to be more conscious of Your presence with us. May the flash of lightning and the radiance of the sun remind us of the fullness of Your Light and Your presence with us. As we journey back to You, may we walk as children of the Light, members of Your Reign now. Help us to look forward to the
fullness of Your enlightening splendor in Your heavenly Reign. We lift up this prayer of praise and glory to You now and always as we join with the Light (Your Son, Jesus) Who continues to call us to follow Him. He is our Master-Teacher and Lord, Who has saved us by His death and resurrection, and Who is now living and
reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 14, 2025
Friday of Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111425.cfm
Saint Gertrude the Great: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gertrude-the-great
Readings: Wisdom 13: 1-9; Psalm 19: 2-3, 4-5b; Luke 17: 26-37
The readings present a challenge to us, as is very often the case with GOD’s Word. First of all, the Book of Wisdom questions us with the paraphrased words: “If we can admire the beauty, power, and awesomeness of creation, should we not even more admire the Creator?” The Responsorial gives testimony that all creation proclaims the glory of GOD. Jesus in the Gospel warns His disciples that the end times will come upon the world at a time when many are not prepared. The disciples, like many people today, wonder about Jesus’ words of admonition.
The author of the Book of Wisdom chides the readers of the book to look beyond the beauty, power, and majesty of the created world. If people can see the divine element in these works of nature, should they not look beyond them to the Creator of nature? This same sort of argument has been
used by St. Paul (in his Letter to the Romans) and St. Thomas
Aquinas in his writings, and St. Francis of Assisi.
The psalmist uses other words to get across the same idea as the First Reading. All creation, by its very nature, proclaims the glory of GOD. That which is created reflects the glory of the One Who created it and gave beauty
and power to it.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues His warning to His disciples about the end of time. Comparing the suddenness and completeness of GOD’s action at the time of Noah and the flood, and at the time of the destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah, Jesus says a similar swift and unannounced (at least to most people) happening will take place at the end time. Jesus’ disciples are left pondering and questioning His pronouncements.
As I reflect on the First Reading, I remember some of St. Thomas Aquinas’ descriptions of the way we can know about the existence of GOD from nature. One of his explanations is the order and design in the world that imply One Who orders and designs. I am reminded of great scholars of science speaking about the organization and patterns in nature, but refusing to acknowledge that such complex design means there must
be an Intelligent Designer. We even describe phenomena of nature as “acts of GOD.” Yet some people will not admit that GOD is the Creator of all creation.
In a similar vein, I am amazed by people who continually proclaim the imminent end of the world. They are willing to pinpoint the year, month, and even date. (Remember how many forecasts there were over two decades ago about the world ending in the year 2000?) There were even movies and a lot of television programs that said that ancient native people of the world and Nostradamus pointed to the year 2012 as the end of the world, and even more precisely they said it would happen on December 21, 2012. In regard to September of 2015, there were two predictions of the end of the world: one by an asteroid hitting near London, and another with the “Blood Moon” at the end of that month. Others said the Covid-19 pandemic was the beginning of the end. But, here we are in November 2023, and the world has not ended – yet. Yes, the world will end. Yes, some people
will not be prepared when it happens. More important, at least to me, is how is my relationship with GOD right now, and how I am preparing to meet the Lord Jesus when He comes for me at the end of my time on earth.
More realistic in my mind, especially after the experiences I have had over the past few years, is the fact that I realize that I will die. I have already lived longer than I ever expected. I presume that I have less time left on this earth than I have already spent here. The question I must ask myself each day, in fact every moment of every
day, is “Am I ready to meet the Lord Jesus right now?” I need only look around me at the ebb and flow of nature, summer changing to fall, with winter soon to follow, to remind myself that I will not live forever here on earth. Also, with all the weather-related problems due to climate changes, we may wonder if we are going to see the end of our earth during our lifetime. A few years ago, at this time of year, as I was driving home, I saw trees bearing the most beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges that I can ever remember in Southern California. It made
me give thanks to GOD, the Creator of the beauty in nature. The awesomeness of the changes of seasons and the beauty that can be seen are reminders that I can still give glory to GOD even in the autumn years of my existence on this planet, or the autumn years of our planet.
My whole life should be a proclamation of the glory of GOD. Just as people see creation (nature) and are awestruck, and hopefully think about the Creator, so my life should be an opportunity for people to come to a better understanding of Who GOD is as they reflect GOD’s essence and love. If we can be a source of people praising GOD, then we are ready to meet the Lord Jesus at the end of time (either our own personal time or the world’s time). May I join all of GOD’s creation in echoing the words of the psalm today: “The heavens declare the glory of GOD, and the firmament proclaims the LORD’s handiwork.”
The personal question/action for today: When have I been most struck by the majesty and glory of creation? Did it lead me to a greater understanding or appreciation of the Creator? Was I moved to give glory to GOD for what GOD has done in creation? Am I ready to meet the Lord Jesus when the time comes (either my own personal time or the cumulative time of all earthly creation)? What can I do to help others give glory to GOD as I give better witness to the Creator and to the need to be ready for the end time?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all You have created. Through Your GOoDness, we have been privileged to reflect on Your beauty, power, and majesty as we experience the world You have made for us. At times we become so enchanted with Your creation, but we have failed to see Your creating hand at work. We cling to and desire to stay attached to Your works and do not prepare ourselves for being attached to You, their Creator.
For our misguided attention, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Your Son has come among us to direct our attention to You and Your eternal Reign. Help us join all Your creatures in giving glory and praise to You, not just now, but also at the time we finish our journey here on earth, whether individually or as a whole. To You
we offer this prayer of adoration, praise, and thanks, as we join with Your Son, Jesus, Who has died and is risen to show His victory over the force of death, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 15, 2025
Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of Dedication of St. Albert the Great)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111525.cfm
St. Albert the Great: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-albert-the-great
Readings: Wisdom 18: 14-16, 19: 6-9; Psalm 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43; Luke 18: 1-8
GOD is attentive to the needs of those who call upon the LORD. The First Reading retells the story of the Exodus. The Responsorial Psalm describes the Exodus events as GOD fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and his descendants. In the Gospel, Jesus shares a parable and concludes it by saying that GOD responds to the pleas of the people not because of the continued supplications, but because GOD loves them and gives them what is best.
Today’s passage from the Book of Wisdom begins by describing the night of Passover when GOD sent death to the Egyptians. It then continues by relating the story of how GOD opened the waters of the Red Sea and allowed the Chosen People to pass through the sea. The reading concludes with the recounting of the people rejoicing that GOD had saved.
The psalm chosen for today parallels the First Reading in proclaiming the glory of the LORD for bringing the Chosen People to freedom through the events of the Exodus.
The Exodus demonstrates that GOD keeps the divine promises made to Abraham and his descendants, and that GOD has taken a liking to the people who call out in need.
In the Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples to be steadfast in prayer. To get His point across, He tells the parable of the dishonest judge who finally gives in to the pleading of a widow because of her non-stop pestering of the judge. Jesus ends the Gospel by telling His disciples that the Heavenly Judge is more
compassionate and loving than the dishonest judge and will respond to the pleas of the those who seek divine help much more willingly, and without the need for badgering like the widow had done against the earthly judge. Yet it also stresses the need for our consistent prayer to, and relationship with, GOD.
Contemplating the readings, especially the Gospel, I am once again reminded of GOD’s great concern for all people, but especially those who call upon the Lord Jesus for help. GOD is more loving and caring than any earthly parent or authority figure. GOD wants us to lift up our prayers of petition to heaven, not because GOD does not know what we need, but because it shows our reliance on the Lord Jesus and our acknowledgment of our need of divine help. GOD has promised to hear our prayers and to be faithful to the promises of attending to the needs of those who trust in GOD.
The second thought that crosses my mind as I reflect on the readings is the response that we should have as GOD answers our prayers. The response
should be heartfelt joy and grateful exuberance. Just as the Israelites danced and sang for joy as they were released from the slavery imposed upon them by the Egyptians, especially after they had crossed through the Sea that then drowned
the pursuing Egyptian forces, so we, too, should rejoice with thankful praise and song.
We are approaching the American holiday of Thanksgiving (five days from now). It is fitting for us to set aside a day on which we can celebrate with food, fun, and family as we give thanks. Thanksgiving should not be just an annual festivity celebrated only once each year. Rather, it should be the hallmark of our lives as disciples
of the Lord Jesus. Each and every day we should reflect how GOD has touched our lives and we should respond with thankful hearts, joyful voices, and responsive actions.
I am once again reminded of the meaning of prayer. We who use English as our mother tongue have a misunderstanding of the concept of prayer. Part of it flows from the derivation of the word “prayer.” The English word “pray” means “beg” or “plead” in such as phrases as “pray thee tell.” The Hebrew word for “prayer” is berakah, which can be translated as “bless” or “thank.”
The true purpose of prayer is four-fold, only one of which centers on asking GOD
for favors. Prayer is first and foremost Adoration – acknowledging GOD for Who GOD is. The second purpose of prayer is Contrition or Confession– admitting who we are in GOD’s sight – that is, that we are sinners, in need of forgiveness. The third end of prayer is Thanksgiving – praising GOD for what GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do for us. The fourth, and not most important, aspect of prayer is Supplication – presenting our needs to GOD and asking GOD to be faithful to the divine promises to care for us who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.
Even in our petitioning of GOD for help, we should adore and thank GOD as we
ask. We can praise the Lord Jesus for what we believe GOD will do for us in the particular needs we present. We can also acknowledge who we are in relationship
with GOD – people in need of GOD’s help. With expectant gratitude we lift up our concerns to the GOD Who answers our prayer, always conscious of what is best for us.
As we turn to Jesus’ and His Abba-Father, in unity of the Holy Spirit, we can truly offer our ACTS of prayer (Adoration, Contrition or Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication), confident that GOD hears our voice and responds lovingly and compassionately. It is thus that we can join the psalmist today and say, “Sing to the LORD, sing GOD’s praise; proclaim all the wondrous deeds of the LORD. Glory in GOD’s holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!”
The personal question/action for today: What is my understanding of prayer? Is it merely my sending my requests to GOD? Do I spend as much time adoring and thank GOD for Who GOD is and what GOD has done for me and for all humanity? Am I consistent and persistent in my time of prayer, not to win GOD over to my side, but to be in relationship with my Abba Who happens to be GOD? How can I demonstrate to others the adoration and thanksgiving aspects of my prayer life? Am I comfortable praying audibly with others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all praise. Through Your GOoDness we are invited to turn to You and present our prayers. At times we have focused on prayer as merely the way to get our requests granted, without acknowledging Who You are. We have made prayer a means to our end, rather than a vehicle to praise You and, in doing so, to draw us into a closer relationship with You. For the times we have misused the gift of prayer and not given You the adoration, praise, and thanks that You deserve, we are contrite and seek Your
forgiveness. We come to You, our almighty and loving GOD and Abba-Father, to give You praise and worship. We admit our sinfulness and failings. We lift up to You our gratitude for always being there to hear and
respond to our every need, even if it is not answered in the way we want. Through the example of Your Son, Jesus, and the guidance and direction of Your Holy Spirit, may we never cease to pray to You. We make this prayer of Adoration, Contrition, Thanks, and Supplication in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Lord, Who has died for us, is risen, and continues to live and reign with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 16, 2025
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/111625.cfm
Saint Margaret of Scotland: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-margaret-of-scotland
Saint Gertrude: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=424
Readings: Malachi 3: 19-20a; Psalm 98: 5-6, 7-8, 9; 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12; Luke 21: 5-19
“The end is coming!” These words could describe today’s readings. What is even more important than the fact that the end is coming? What is more important is what we do with the time we have until the end. Malachi speaks the Word of
the LORD and announces that the day is coming when all will met with, and receive, their just “rewards.” The psalmist announces that the LORD is coming to rule the world with justice. In his Second Letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul cautions the Thessalonians that although it is true that the Lord Jesus is coming, that does not mean that the faithful should sit around and do nothing, but rather they should do their fair share in the work that must be done before Jesus returns. In the Gospel, Jesus predicts the end of Jerusalem and also the end of the world, and He warns His disciples that they may have to suffer, even at the hands of family and friends, in their proclaiming of the GOoD News.
In the last book of the Hebrew Scriptures, Malachi (a name meaning “my messenger”) warns the people that the day of the LORD’s coming is near. When the LORD comes, the sinful will justly experience the results of their
wrongdoings, while those who honor and respect the name of the LORD will be justly blessed with healing (salus).
“The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.” This refrain for the Responsorial summarizes the words from Malachi. The LORD comes to administer true justice to all peoples. Those who have not lived a faith-filled life will be judged harshly while the faithful will know the mercy and justice of GOD.
As he writes to the believers in Thessalonika, St. Paul addresses the misunderstanding and misbehavior of some people in the community. Some have taken the position that because the Lord Jesus will be coming back (and quite soon, they believe), then they believe that they do not have to do anything. They have refused to work and have spent their time talking about others rather than working for
the GOoD of the whole. Paul points to his own actions while living with them. He, the Apostle to the Gentiles, never presumed to have others serve him, even though he was preaching the Gospel. He earned his way by working his trade as a tentmaker. If he, the preacher of the Truth and proclaimer of the Lord Jesus’ coming,
worked even while proclaiming the GOoD News, so should all other believers.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’ words about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world have a different emphasis than the parallel reading in Mark 13. [Part of the reason for this is that Mark wrote before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, whereas Luke wrote after the destruction of Jerusalem.] There seems to be a separation between Jerusalem’s end and the world’s end. The period before the final coming of the Lord Jesus will be marked by wars, natural disasters, and the persecution of the followers of Jesus. Jesus urges His disciples not to worry about how they will handle the suffering because He will give them the strength to deal with their hardships and the words to say in defense of the Gospel.
One could be led to be fearful by the apparent message of doom and gloom in today’s readings. Yet the message for those who are responding to the Lord Jesus is one of encouragement, hope, and even excitement. If one has accepted the GOoD News of salvation and patterned one’s life on living the Gospel, then one is reassured that the end of one’s existence on this earth (though possibly painful) is not the ultimate destiny and end of one’s life. GOD has promised an eternal life of salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) for those who respond faithfully to GOD.
It is true that Jesus will come to judge the world with justice. Justice implies that
those who have lived a life apart from GOD (a-theos) will be “allowed” to live all eternity apart from GOD. Those who have accepted the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father into their lives and have striven to reflect the gift of salvation that they have received will be blessed with a continued relationship with GOD as they move toward GOD (ad Deum), and for all of their lives, for ever and ever. GOD justly judges each person according to what they have freely chosen to do with the gift of salvation offered to them.
As I reflect on heaven and hell, I realize that heaven is being in relationship with GOD – being in GOD’s presence – without end. I can begin that heavenly experience of GOD’s being with me while on earth, even while suffering and going through all sorts of hardship. I begin my future destiny right now by the attitude I have and by the way I live my life in response to GOD’s graciousness.
On the flip side, hell is being separated from GOD. This is not GOD’s choice for our endless existence after death. Yet
GOD, just judge that GOD is, will give people what they have desired and lived in this life. If individuals have not
accepted the graces and gifts from GOD and have resolutely rejected GOD’s GOoD News, and have declared in words and in actions that they want nothing to do with GOD, GOD grants them their decision by keeping them apart from GOD for
all eternity. Although GOD continues to give mortals chances to turn to the Lord Jesus throughout their lives on earth, GOD will not force divine love upon individuals who freely choose to be without GOD. GOD will not drag people into the Divine Presence in heaven against their will. Hell is the living out of one’s choice to be GODless – forever.
The choice is ours. We can accept what GOD has promised and we can live a life faithful to the Lord Jesus Who loves us, or we can reject all that GOD offers and spend eternity without GOD. GOD, the eternal and just judge, carries out the sentence that we have chosen for ourselves.
To accept what GOD offers means we have to work at living it out in our lives. That is part of what Paul urges the Thessalonians to do. They must work at their faith. They must not be busybodies who sit around and criticize others. They must do their fair share in spreading the faith, for the Lord Jesus is coming, but may not be here immediately.
We must live our lives with the realization that we are facing the end. Our earthly existence is limited. We cannot take “it” with us. We are going to die and meet the Lord Jesus. That will be the end of our life on this earth as we know it. Do our lives demonstrate that we are working and living for the Lord Jesus, or do they show that we are only concerned about the here and now and what we can
get out of it? We have to make the choice, and our lives must, and will (now and forever), reflect the choice we make. And the Lord Jesus will confirm our choice when we are judged not only at the moment of our death, but also at the end of time when our choice will be evident to all. To quote the words of Deuteronomy
30: 19: “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
The personal question/action for today: How do I “picture” heaven and hell? Do I believe that I can begin the experience of heaven while still on earth (just as I begin to live a hellish life while on earth)? What choices have I made in my life that demonstrate that I have chosen to accept the gift of living in GOD’s presence? What further choices must I be willing to make? How can I help others make choices that reflect the desire to be part of the heavenly Reign of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, just judge of all who live on this earth. Through Your GOoDness You offer us a relationship with You through Your Son, Jesus. You have given us the choice to freely accept this gift or to reject it. At times we have been so concerned for our earthly existence that we have given little thought to what You have presented to us. For our lack of interest in Your gift and for our outright rejection of Your love, we seek Your forgiveness with contrite and humbled hearts. Through the empowerment of Your Holy Spirit, give us the strength, joy, courage, and wisdom to fully accept Your invitation and work to our fullest to further the spread of Your GOoD News. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Who has lived and ministered, died, and rose in order that we might be welcomed into Your eternal presence. It is He Who now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
November 17, 2025
Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary
(Readings from Mon. of 33rd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111725.cfm
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-elizabeth-of-hungary
Readings: 1 Maccabees 1: 10-15; 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Psalm 119: 53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158; Luke 18: 35-43
Faith is vision for the soul. The First Reading comes from the First Book of Maccabees and describes the persecution of the Jews by the Greeks. As this thirty-third week progresses, we will continue to hear more about the faith of some of the Jews who are willing to stand up for their belief, even to the point of dying. The Responsorial reiterates the thoughts of the faithful Jews in their hatred for those who abandon their faith. In the Gospel, a blind man, seeking to see, calls out to Jesus. His faith in Jesus leads him to vision and a new way of life.
Although not part of Protestant Bibles except as apocrypha, The Book of Maccabees relates the story of the faithful Jews during the time of the Greek occupation of Israel (second century BC[E]).
The Greeks, particularly Antiochus Epiphanes (the “Revealing One”), want to remove all local religions and establish a universal Hellenic culture based upon Greek mythology and practices. Many of the Jews in Jerusalem see that accepting the Greek way of life is financially and politically advantageous. They abandon their Jewish traditions and practices, and even cover over the sign of the commitment to the Jewish faith – their circumcision – so that they can participate in the Greek style of living. They profane the Sabbath by working and they eat pork and other “defiled” food.
On December 6, 167 BC[E], a group of ardent Jews decide to remain faithful to the belief and practices of their ancestors, even when doing so is a civil crime punishable by death. They are particularly vocal in their hatred of their fellow Jews who have abandoned the practices of the faith and sold out to the Greek way of living.
The psalmist today captures the sentiments of the faithful Jews in their loathing of the apostate fellow countryfolk. The defection from the true religion is seen as a direct affront against GOD and rejection of the salvation that GOD has given to the faithful.
In the Gospel, Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem and passes through the ancient city of Jericho. A blind man is aware of a large and excited crowd gathering along the road. He asks what is happening and is informed that Jesus of Nazareth
is passing by. Since he has heard of Jesus and His miraculous healings, he calls out to Jesus. At first the crowd tries
to silence the blind man. As Jesus hears the sightless one calling out, He orders that man be brought forward. Jesus asks the man what he wants Him to do for him. When the man professes that he wants Jesus to give him sight, Jesus speaks the healing words, “Have sight, your faith has saved you.” The now-seeing man follows Jesus, and praises and thanks are voiced to GOD.
Faith, a gift from GOD, is vision for the soul. It is the faith in Jesus’ healing power that enables the blind man to call out and seek salus (healing, wholeness, and salvation) from Jesus. He is given not just physical sight, but also spiritual insight that leads him to follow Jesus. In a similar way, the deep faith of the “Maccabean” Jews
leads them to see what they must do to experience the true salus of GOD. They are willing to put their lives on the line in order to preserve the traditions and practices of their faith. The psalmist also speaks about the relationship of salvation and the practice of faith in the one line “Far from sinners is salvation, because they seek not Your statutes.”
My thoughts on the readings cause me to be challenged to “see” the faith that I have. I am called to be “Epiphanes” – the “revealing one” – in the sense that my faith must be manifested and visible to others. Yes, faith deals with my personal relationship with Jesus. That personal relationship with Jesus, however, must be visible to others so that they know were I stand and to Whom I am committed. I should not cover over and try to hide my faith so I can blend in with the culture of the day (whether that be manifested in music, fads, clothing style, political alinement, or desire for wealth). I must be understanding of others (the persons themselves), but that does not mean I have to agree with their choice of lifestyle, especially if it is diametrically opposed to the vision of the faith that drives my life.
My life must be a clear declaration of the faith to which I am committed. I do not have to be “preachy” or confrontational, but I cannot be wish-washy in my assertion of the faith. I must be willing to risk persecution and rejection by others as I live out my faith. The faith I have in GOD should be obvious by the way I live my faith. And, like the blind man, I must continue to call out to the Lord Jesus and declare, “Have pity on me. . .Let me see.” For my spiritual vision can become clouded and I need to continue to have it corrected by the Divine Spiritual Ophthalmologist. And after my faith journey through this sometimes spiritually un-insightful world, may I join with the psalmist today and proclaim, “Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me, Your law I have not forgotten.”
The personal question/action for today: Have I ever tried to cover over the ways of my faith? Have I wished to join the ways of the unspiritual because it seemed financially or socially advantageous? When have I experience a blindness that has prevented me from seeing the ways of the Lord Jesus clearly? Once I have experienced spiritual insight, what have I done to show that I wanted to walk with the Lord Jesus? Can people tell to Whom I am committed and for what I am willing to suffer?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all vision, both physical and spiritual. Through Your GOoDness You have given us the gift of faith. At times we have refused to accept Your gift of spiritual sight, choosing to remain in our blindness rather than to see Your Truth. For the times we have chosen darkness as opposed to the Light, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Through Your Son, Jesus, You offer us clear vision, if we put our faith in Him. As You continue to guide us by Your Holy Spirit, help us to be visible signs of our faith relationship with Jesus and with You. May we boldly manifest our belief in a way that is both challenging and also inviting to those who do not yet believe. And may we always give You the glory, praise, and thanks You deserve for the
way You work in our lives and open our eyes of faith. We make this prayer through Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the Truth and the Light, Who visibly manifested Your love for us through His ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 18, 2025
Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of Dedication of Basilicae of St. Peter and St. Paul or St. Rose Philippine Duchesne)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111825.cfm
Dedication of Basilicae of Saints Peter and Paul:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/dedication-of-churches-of-saints-peter-and-paul
Readings: 2 Maccabees 6: 18-31; Psalm 3: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Luke 19: 1-10
Today’s readings give us accounts of individuals who were willing to publicly give witness to their allegiance to GOD. The First Reading presents Eleazar, an aged Jewish scribe, who is willing to die rather than defile himself by eating meat forbidden by the law of GOD. The Responsorial Psalm is a declaration of the faith in GOD, even in the face of adversity. In the Gospel, Zacchaeus, a tax collector, professes his new found faith and his purpose of amending the wrongs he had done.
The aged Eleazar is respected by his contemporaries. Yet, when it comes down to making a choice of adhering to the law or going along with his friends, he chooses to be faithful to his relationship with GOD. The Greek ruler had passed a law that all people had to eat pork, which is against the Jewish faith. Eleazar’s friends pull him aside and suggest that he substitute another meat for pork and therefore obey his conscious and still appear to be doing what the Greek oppressors requested. Eleazar stands firm in his being faithful. He does not want to give a false impression, especially to the youth who would think that he had deserted the ways of the Jewish faith. He is willing to be flogged to death as a witness to his relationship with GOD.
The psalmist seems to be in a similar position as Eleazar. His opponents are threatening him. Yet like Eleazar, he stands firm with his faith in GOD.
In the Gospel, as Jesus continues His journey to
Jerusalem, He passes Jericho. There, a short tax collector hears about Jesus’ passing nearby. The tax collector, named Zacchaeus, has heard about Jesus, and wants to see Him, but two things prevent Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus. First, he is short and cannot see past the crowd of taller people. Secondly, since he is a tax collector, he is despised by the people who refuse to let him get in a position where he can see Jesus. Using some of the cleverness he has as a tax collector, but doing something unbecoming for a man of his position, he runs ahead of the amassing
crowd and climbs a sycamore tree so he can see Jesus.
As Jesus pass under the tree, He looks up and spies Zacchaeus. He calls Zacchaeus by name and orders him to come down from the tree. Jesus then informs him that He will be eating at his
house that day. At the dinner, Zacchaeus professes his new found belief in Jesus and shows that he is committed to change in his
life. First, he promises to give half of his wealth to the poor. Secondly, he promises to refund fourfold anyone whom he has cheated.
I have always liked the story of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus seems to be a man who is determined. He must not have been that bad of a person, even if he was a tax collector. Mathematically at least, he could not have taken as much of an advantage of people
as some tax collectors (since he first gives half of his possession to the poor, and then with what is left, he still has enough money left to repay fourfold anyone he has cheated).
What strikes me about the Gospel story today and also the other readings is how important it is to be a witness to what we believe. We must publically stand up for our faith, as did Eleazar, the psalmist, and
Zacchaeus. What that literally means is that we have to be martyrs. The Greek word martyros means both “martyr” and “witness.” Obviously Eleazar gave the ultimate sign of martyrdom by being willing to die rather than go against his relationship with GOD. He was offered a way to apparently please the oppressing rulers of his day and still be true to his faith. He could pretend to eat the food required by the occupying forces, but he could substitute kosher food instead. Eleazar, however, did not want to give the wrong impression to anyone, especially to the youth. His commitment to GOD and his faith had to be honestly and publically witnessed.
In order to see Jesus, Zacchaeus had first gone out on a limb both literally and figuratively. After Jesus was willing to be his companion and break bread in his house, he also publically gave witness to his new found faith in Jesus by proclaiming his willingness to forsake his wealth in order to be a disciple.
In recent years, there has been a multitude of murders on our American school campus, theaters, shopping malls, and churches. In a few of these brutal attacks, the perpetrators have particularly targeted Christians.
Before the shooters have killed the victims, they would often ask, “Are you a Christian?” When the victim boldly replied in the affirmative the shooters raised their guns and shot the professing Christians. In these cases, these youthful victims were willing to stand up for their faith and give witness to others of what their faith meant to them.
The question before me is: am I at least willing to go out on a limb to show my relationship with Jesus? And since Jesus has demonstrated that He wants to be my companion (literally, to share “bread with”), I must respond at least as much as Zacchaeus, and maybe as much as Eleazar, or the youthful victims of gun-toting killers. I
must be a witness – a martyr – for my relationship with the Lord Jesus. I must be willing to die, if necessary, to show where I stand. I must profess my faith in the Lord Jesus as much as the psalmist did in today’s Responsorial when he said: “You, O LORD, are my shield; my glory, You lift up my head!
The personal question/action for today: How have I been called to be a witness (martyros) in the past? Have I been willing to publicly give testimony to my faith or have I tried to bluff my way? What can I do to stand up more for my faith? To whom can I give witness of my faith?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all who place their trust in You. Through Your GOoDness and the ministry of Your Son, You allow us to not only have a glimpse of Your might and power, but also You invite us to come and feast with You and share “bread with” You. In return You ask us to renounce our sinful past, make restitution (if necessary), and to publicly profess our relationship with You. Thank You for those who have gone before us as witnesses and martyrs and have made You known to us by their commitment and example. By the continued power of Your Holy Spirit in our lives, strengthen us and give us the courage to assert our faith. To You we lift up this prayer of praise and thanks as we invoke the name of Your Son, Jesus. He is our Savior and Lord, our Brother and Guide on our journey to You, and He has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 19, 2025
Wednesday of Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111925.cfm
Saint Agnes of Assisi: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-agnes-of-assisi
Readings: 2 Maccabees 7: 1, 20-31; Psalm 17: 1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15; Luke 19: 11-28
Today we are reminded that we will have to answer for the gifts and talents that GOD has given us. The First Reading relates the account of the seven sons of a Hebrew woman who sees all seven of her sons being executed on the same day. She urges them to be faithful to the gifts of life and of faith that GOD has given them, and she promises that they will experience GOD’s life in a new and better way. The Responsorial Psalm is prayer asking GOD to judge the psalmist justly and give him a share in the divine presence. Jesus, in the Gospel, tells a combined parable that speaks both of our need to use well the gifts that GOD has given us, and of the fact that GOD will handle those who oppose the divine rule in their lives.
During the Hellenic persecution of Jews in the second century before the birth of Jesus, many faithful Jews met their deaths because they refused to defile themselves by eating pork as they were commanded to do by the occupying Greek forces. Today’s account of one family of seven brothers and their mother gives us an insight into the lives of the resolute believers of that period in time. What strikes me in both the verses that are in today’s reading and the rest of the verses in this seventh chapter of the Second Book of Maccabees is the mother. Although she loves her sons very much, she realizes that GOD is more important than her wishes for a comfortable life for her sons. She urges each of them to remember that she carried them in her womb for nine months, but it was GOD Who gave them life and will continue to give life to them. Her pleas to her sons, especially the youngest (who is center of the pericope that is read today), are moving and powerful. The chapter ends (although we don’t have it as part of the reading) with the mother’s own death after seeing all of her sons executed.
The psalmist today prays to GOD, trusting that GOD will be a just judge when it comes to his own judgment. The confidence that he expresses in the psalm is reassuring. Just being in the presence of the LORD is comforting to the writer of this psalm.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues His journey
to Jerusalem. Since many faithful Jews believed that the Messiah would establish a new nation starting in Jerusalem, they were expecting Jesus to begin the process when he arrived in the
Holy City. Jesus shares two parables, intertwined with each other, in today’s reading. In both parables the ruler departs from his country. One of the parables focuses on the
reaction of the citizens of the nation who do not want to allow the ruler to continue his reign and, therefore, they plot against him. The other parable centers on the responsibility that the ruler gives to his servants, expecting some sort of return on what he has given them.
While the ruler is absent, the wicked citizens continue to make their plans against the ruler. The servants, meanwhile, work to multiply the money that the ruler entrusted to them. When the ruler returns, he first calls in the servants and sees
what each has done with the wealth with which they were entrusted. One servant has earned tenfold, another fivefold, while a third has hidden the gold coin so that he could at least return what was given to him. The ruler is pleased with the first two servants and sets them in places of authority over cities. The third servant is reprimanded for not at least earning interest on the money. The last part of the story has the ruler commanding that the rebellious citizens be put to death for their traitorous behavior.
Although some people might focus on the violence in the First Reading and the Gospel, the issue that caught my attention is the responsibility each of us has to respond to the gifts that GOD has given us, especially the gifts of life and faith – symbolic of our relationship with the GOD. GOD expects us to not only treasure the gifts of life and faith, but also to use those gifts in a way that gives praise to GOD by giving witness to the value of life and faith. Yes, it may mean we have to be witnesses to the point of martyrdom, just as the seven sons and their mother. It may also mean that we will have to spread the faith by drawing even more people into a relationship with GOD.
If we can use the gifts that GOD has given us to enrich the life and faith not only of ourselves but also of others, then we will be able to stand before the presence of the just and loving GOD and repeat the refrain of today’s Responsorial: “LORD, when Your glory appears, my joy will be full.”
The personal question/action for today: How have I used what GOD has given me for the spread of the GOD’s Reign? Have I fearfully hidden the blessings that GOD has given me or have I risked losing them in order to multiple the blessings for the sake of GOD and the blessings of other people? What can I do to make others aware of GOD as the giver of all GOoD things, including life and faith?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all gifts. Through Your GOoDness You dispense Your blessings upon people. Some individuals fear You and hide their gifts rather than risking the loss of the gifts, but in so doing, they actually fail to live in way that You intend. There are also those who work in opposition to what You desire. Others are willing to step out in faith in order to spread the gifts and thus become enriched by sharing what You have bestowed upon them. For the times we have failed to appreciate and use the gifts, especially life and faith, we seek Your understanding and merciful judgment, and pardon. Continue to inspire us by the example of those who have been witnesses (martyrs) to You and Your gifts, especially Your Son Who gave His life for us. We lift up this prayer of praise, glory, and thanks to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who has died, is risen, and now is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 20, 2025
Thursday of Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112025.cfm
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-philippine-duchesne/ Readings: 1 Maccabees 2: 15-29; Psalm 50: 1b-2, 5-6, 14-15; Luke 19: 41-44
The readings remind us that being aware of GOD’s will is not always easy. It can become very emotional and also very divisive. The First Reading describes the difficult choices Mattathias and his family and friends make in being faithful to GOD rather than giving into the enticements and demands of the Greek oppressors. The Responsorial Psalm gives hope to those who are faithful to GOD. They will experience being rescued by GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus makes His final approach to
Jerusalem and laments over the destruction that will fall upon the City and the people, partly because they failed to heed His message.
Mattathias, a noble man of the town of Modein (a small town to the northwest of Jerusalem), defies the order of
the Greek occupation forces. A decree had been proclaimed demanding all people under the Hellenic rule to forsake their native religion and worship the king. Mattathias is filled with a holy rage and not only kills a
Jew who starts to follow the royal command, but also slays the Greek official who is enforcing the decree. He destroys the altar set up by the Greeks to be used in the worship of the king. Mattathias then invites the faithful Jews to join him in a rebellion by first leaving everything behind and escaping to the south to the barren hill country. He realizes that he is now an outlaw according to the Greeks, but he is living in the law of GOD.
The Responsorial Psalm is a promise by GOD to take care of those who remain faithful to GOD by offering sacrifice only to GOD. If people worship the LORD GOD alone, GOD will rescue them from whatever forces rally against them.
In the Gospel, Jesus comes over the hill to the east of Jerusalem and starts to descend into the Kidron Valley. As He comes over the rise on which the town of Bethany is built, He can see the beautiful Temple and the walled city of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley. He laments the destruction that will take place in about
40 years. The Temple dedicated to the worship of His Abba-Father will be
destroyed and the Jewish people banned from the area. The ban will be in
place for nearly the next 1900 years. Jesus is saddened when He reflects how things might have been different if only the whole of the Jewish nation had recognized Him for Who He is – the Messiah, the Anointed One of GOD, GOD’s own Son.
Whenever I hear this Gospel passage, I recall the time I stood on the hill near Bethany and looked across the Kidron Valley. It is an awesome sight to see Jerusalem and the walls of the former Temple grounds and the walls
surrounding the Old City. There is a church built on one spot of the hill from which one can view Jerusalem. The church is called Dominus Flevit – “the Lord Wept.”
Figure 3"Jerusalem Dominus flevit BW 1" by Berthold W erner - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jerusalem_Dominu s_flevit_BW _1.JPG#/media/File:Jerusalem_Dominus_flevit_ BW _1.JPG
As I reflect on the readings, I am saddened by the failure to recognize Jesus, not just by the religious people of
Jesus’ time, but also by others through all times since then. I can only begin to comprehend how terribly touching it must have been for Jesus to ponder the sad fact of people’s conscious or unconscious choice not to accept Him and what He was bringing to them – salus (healing, wholeness and holiness, salvation).
I am reminded of the song from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar in which Jesus, almost in despair, prays to His Abba-Father because it seems that His mission was heading to an apparent tragic end. All that He had done to bring GOoD News to the people, and how few totally followed Him. In the days ahead of Him, Jesus would see the excited crowds of Palm Sunday turn into the rowdy mob of individuals who call for His death. One of
His chosen twelve would hand Him over to His enemies. His appointed leader would deny Him three times. All
would flee as He would hang on the cross except for a few women and the youngest of His disciples.
As I ponder further, I realize that in my life I have, at times, been no better than the mob who cried for His death, or the disciples who deserted Him. I have failed to fully accept Jesus and His message. It has been too hard or too challenging. I then recall that Jesus has not given up on me. He continues to offer me yet another chance (and another. . .) to repent and accept Him and His message. He invites me to be His faithful witness (martyr) and to stand up for my relationship with GOD, just as Mattathias and his family did.
What is so different about the GOD in whom we believe in is that our GOD loves and cares and emotes over us. I still believe there are times when Dominus flet – “the Lord weeps.” Hopefully, sometimes it is not just the crying tears of disappointment, but also tears of joy as more and more people turn to the Lord Jesus and accept what GOD offers – salus. Maybe then the words of today’s psalm will express the joy GOD has as people turn to the Lord Jesus: “GOD the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth. . .GOD shines forth.”
The personal question/action for today: What comes to mind when I hear that “the Lord weeps”? What does this tell me about Who Jesus is? Have I had the courage to stand up and defend my faith as Mattathias and his family did? In what ways can I be a better witness to the faith?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all emotions. Through Your GOoDness, You have shared Your essence with us, which includes the ability to express our feelings and make decisions with zeal. Your Son, Jesus, demonstrated His love and concern for people as He reflected on Your Holy City of Jerusalem and how the people of all ages have missed in their understanding Your great passion and compassion for us. For the times we have failed to be moved by Your care for us, we seek Your pardon. Following the example of Your Son, Jesus, helps us be aware of our feelings and make decision that are based not just on our emotions, but also on a fuller understanding of Your plan for our lives and the lives of the people around us. Continue to inspire us with the ever-present gift of Your Holy Spirit. We make this prayer of praise and thanks to You, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother and Savior, Who continues to cry both tears of sorrow and of joy as people reject or accept Your GOoDness, and what He has done when He died, rose, and now as He is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
November 21, 2025
Memorial of Presentation of Mary
(Readings from Fri. of 33rd Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112125.cfm
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/presentation-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary
Readings: 1 Maccabees 4: 36-37, 52-59; 1 Chronicles 29: 10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd; Luke 19: 45-48
Central to today’s readings is the Jerusalem Temple. In the First Reading we hear about the Dedication of the Temple, once Judas Maccabees and his companions had ousted the Greeks from the Temple. The Responsorial Psalm is a hymn of praise to the GOD Who is mighty and glorious. The Gospel is the Lucan account of Jesus’ cleansing the Temple that had become a marketplace instead of the House of GOD.
The Temple in Jerusalem had been desecrated when the Greek authorities took control of Jerusalem. The occupying forces had taken the valuable and valued furnishings of Temple and replaced them with pagan images. When Judas and those who were faithful to the ways of their Hebrew ancestors regained control of Jerusalem, they removed and destroyed all the pagan images and re-furnished the Temple. The date of the this was the twenty- fifth day of the Hebrew month of Chislev (December 14, 164 B.C[.E]). On the anniversary of the desecration, they celebrated the Dedication of the Temple with an eight-day festival of lights, that has come down to our current age as the celebration of Hanukkah. Hanukkah this year begins on the evening of Thursday, December 7, 2023.
The Responsorial today is a prayer of praise of GOD. It gives glory and honor as it blesses the name of the LORD for all that GOD has done and continues to do. It recognizes the awesomeness of the Almighty and express thanks for the grandeur of GOD touching human life and making the divine presence known.
In the Gospel today, Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem. He enters the Temple, the dwelling place in which His Abba-Father, GOD, has chosen to make the divine presence known in special way. The outer courts of the Temple were cluttered with money changers, sellers of the animals of sacrifice, and other people buying and selling items. Jesus becomes irate with the commercialization in the Temple. As He
drives out the merchants, the religious leaders (who
probably received a certain amount of financial gain from the “businesses”) use Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple as just another issue for which they want to silence Him.
As I reflect on the readings, I am reminded of the specialness and holiness of the House of GOD. Following the long-established pattern of the Jewish ancestors (including Judas Maccabees), Jesus desires that the House of GOD be a place where people can come into a greater awareness of the awesomeness of the GOD Who has interacted with humans to manifest divine love for them.
I am reminded of one of my experiences in the Holy Land. I was at the Catholic Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth (taking a break from my studies in the Holy
Land). I went into the church to spend time reflecting upon the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, asking her to be the mother of the Savior and the fact of the Incarnation of GOD in the person of Jesus. As I was in prayer, a Moslem “tour guide” (fingering his Moslem prayer beads), told me I had to pay him for the tour. I tried to explain to him that I was only in the church to pray, not to go on the tour. He kept insisting on being paid as my tour guide. I finally just stood up, and left the church and went to another smaller (Eastern Orthodox) church where I could pray and not be bothered by the self-imposition of “my tour guide.”
What is important is that we set aside a “holy place” where we can be conscious of being in the presence of our GOD. This “holy place” does not necessarily have to be a “church.” (I am not putting down going to a church, especially one where the Blessed Sacrament is. It is great to go to church, if we can, to be in presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.) This “holy place” does not have to be a specific geographical or structural location. It is the time and attitude that makes it a “holy place” because it is there where we are aware that we are with the Holy GOD, and GOD is with us.
Yet so often we desecrate the dwelling place of GOD, especially within ourselves. We put up false idols to which we bow: fame, fortune, feelings, and fun. We turn our “holy place” into a marketplace and clutter it with commercial products. We forget that we are Temples of the living GOD.
Today gives us an opportunity to cleanse the Temple – the Holy Place – where we are in touch with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father and the Holy Spirit. It allows us to once again focus on the presence of GOD. We need to realize that everyplace and everyone is called to be the dwelling place of the LORD GOD, for everything and anyone belongs to GOD. If we are more conscious of GOD’s ownership of all, and the divine presence in all, we can join the psalmist today and say: “Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory. For all in heaven and on earth is Yours."
The personal question/action for today: When I think of the “Dwelling Place of GOD,” what comes to mind? Do I sense that I am the Temple in which GOD dwells? How much time do I spend praying and being conscious of my being in GOD’s presence? What changes in my life flow from the awareness of my being the dwelling place of GOD and my call to bring GOD’s presence to others and the realization that they, too, are the place in which GOD dwells?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all places and people. Through Your GOoDness You have made Your presence known. In ages past, people erected buildings in which they could sense Your presence. When Your Son came to earth and was born in human flesh, He reminded us that You wish to dwell among us, not just in a building, but in each and every person. For the times we have forgotten that we are Your Temples, the dwelling places in which You reside, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. With the continued outpouring of Your Holy Spirit, helps us to cleanse all that is unholy within us and make ourselves Holy Places in which You can
manifest Your presence, not just for our own sakes, but also for the GOoD of others. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Divine One in human flesh, Who manifests You in His ministry, life, death and resurrection, and Who is living and reigning in Your heavenly Temple, with You and the Holy Spirit, our one
and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
November 22, 2025
Saturday of Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of Saint Catherine of Alexandria)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112225.cfm
Saint Cecilia: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia
Readings: 1 Maccabees 6: 1-13; Psalm 9: 2-3, 4 and 6, 16 and 19; Luke 20: 27-40
“GOD. . .is GOD of the living.” This phrase of Jesus from the Gospel seems central to the readings today. The First Reading is Greek King Antiochus’ realization that death is imminent for him and he does not face it with joyful anticipation because of what he had done to the Chosen People of GOD, the Jews. The psalm refrain is: “I will rejoice in Your salvation, LORD” and it describes the hope of those who believe and trust in the GOD of the living. In the Gospel, Jesus uses the question by the Sadducees to reinforce the teaching on the resurrection of the dead and GOD being the GOD of the living.
Near the end of the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes (d. circa 165
B.C.), he reviews his reign. Of particular concern to him is the mistreatment he had imposed upon the Jews. He had been responsible for the destruction of the Temple, the tearing down of the walls surrounding Jerusalem, and the forcing of the Jews to worship him. According to the reading today, the Greek king is hopelessly faced with death as he ponders his wrongdoings against GOD’s holy people. The rest of the books of Maccabees has emphasized the belief of some of the Jews in the resurrection of the dead. This passage reflects the fear of death that is experienced by the people who have opposed GOD.
The psalmist praises the GOD Who brings salvation to the people. Of particular
interest is the fact that GOD turns back the enemies of the just and destroys the forces who have inflicted harm and pain upon the Chosen People.
In the Gospel, Jesus is confronted by the religious group known as the Sadducees. In contrast to the Pharisees, the Sadducees did not believe in an afterlife. [One way to remember which Jewish group did not believe in the resurrection of the dead is by the phrase “it is sad, you see (Sadducee), that they had no hope in life after death.”] Hoping to trap Jesus, the Sadducees pose a question to Him. They ask about the Mosaic prescription that the brothers of a dead man had to marry the widow in order to
provide offspring for the dead man (Levirate Law - Deuteronomy 25: 5-10). They want Jesus to say to which
husband will the widow be married if all seven brothers had died without the woman bearing a child. Jesus turns the question into a discussion about GOD rather than about what life is like in the hereafter. GOD is the giver and sustainer of life, both on this side of death and on the other side. GOD is the GOD of the living. Therefore, those who are with GOD have life, even as they finish their earthly existence.
Two things strike me in today’s readings: 1) Jesus’ ability to use the supposed entrapping questions of His enemies as occasions to teach the Truth; and 2) the inability of Jesus’ listeners (include people today) to fully comprehend the GOD of the living and what the afterlife is all about.
Even after hearing scripture passages again and again over the years, I am still touched by the wisdom of Jesus in answering those who present questions to Him, particularly questions meant to trap Him into saying something that they could use against Him. Jesus makes every situation and every response a time
of preaching the GOoD News and instructing those who are open to the Truth. Jesus is able to see through the pretenses of His enemies and proclaim the message of salvation no matter what.
As Jesus gives witness to the Truth, He is misunderstood, not because of what He says is confusing, but because those who hear His words refuse to really be attentive to what He is saying. Jesus wants people to not only hear and understand what He proclaims, but He desires that they accept it, and let it change their lives for the GOoD.
The emphasis of the Truth today is that GOD is the GOD of the living. Yet how often people, including myself, fail to make that Truth effective in the day-to-day living out of the Gospel. If we would realize that GOD is not only eternal in the very essence of Who GOD is, but that GOD wants to share eternal life with us, we
would have to act in ways that proclaim life. GOD is the giver of life – all life. GOD decides when life should begin, and when earthly life should transition to eternal life. It is not up to us to decide whether there should or should not be life. We must embrace life that GOD gives us. We must foster the sanctity of life. We should do all we can so that people experience not only the joys of earthly life, but also the blessedness of eternal life to the fullest extent possible. We have to preach that GOD is GOD of the living – both now and in the hereafter.
One way we can be proclaimers of the living GOD is by publicly praising the GOD of the living. We should live in a way that gives glory to GOD, not only now, but also forever. We can also rejoice in GOD for giving and sustaining life. Our whole lives should echo the words of the psalmist today: “I will give thanks to You, O
LORD, with all my heart; I will declare all Your wondrous deeds. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High.”
The personal question/action for today: What thoughts come to my mind when I think about GOD being the GOD of the living? What is the full meaning of life for me, both life here and now, and in the hereafter? Does my life proclaim that GOD is the GOD of the living, Who is responsible for the beginning of earthly life and the end of that life? What can I do to support GOD-given life from conception to natural death?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all life and all who are living here on earth and in the hereafter. Through Your GOoDness You bestow life from its first moment of existence through the ending of the earthly journey, to the eternal life that awaits on the other side of physical death. Not only have You breathed Your Spirit into hunks of clay in order to give life to the sojourners on earth, but You have made it possible for all who accept Your message to experience eternal life – Your life – in heaven. At the perfect time in the life of the world, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to share our human life for the very purpose of making it possible for us to share in Your divine life. His whole existence, life, ministry, death, and resurrection pointed to the reality of You being the GOD of the living. Yet, because of our limited comprehension and our failure to accept His message in its entirety, we have sometimes limited Your life-giving graces flowing through us. Extend Your forgiveness and promise of life to us yet again. By the gifts that flow from Your Holy Spirit, may we be bold witnesses to You as the GOD of the living. We lift up this prayer of praise, glory, and thanks to You, GOD of the living, in and through Your Son, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Who has died and rose that we might have eternal life, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD of the living, now and forever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffff
November 23, 2025
Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm
Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-miguel-agustin-pro
Saint Columban: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-columban/ Saint Clement: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clement/
Readings: 2 Samuel 5: 1-3; Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5; Colossians 1: 12-20; Luke 23: 35-43
Today’s readings focus on the concept of kingship, particularly the Kingship of Christ Jesus. The First Reading declares the joy of the Israelites as they come to David, and they crown and anointed him their king. The Responsorial Psalm likewise proclaims the joy of those who are on the way to the city of King David. St. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, exults and exalts Jesus as co-creator, redeemer, and royal ruler of the Reign of GOD, His Abba-Father. The Gospel informs us that Jesus is crucified because He claims that He is the King. Although most people ridicule His kingship, Jesus promises
a place in His heavenly reign to the repentant criminal who is crucified with Him.
Reviewing a little of the background of today’s First Readings helps us to put things in context. The Israelites had petitioned GOD for a king and Saul was anointed as their first king. The prophet Samuel had warned the people about having a king. Saul turned out to be a poor choice as king. GOD then chooses a shepherd to be the next king of Israel. David begins his reign by defending the people from their enemies and setting up a kingdom that is only surpassed by his son, Solomon. Yet, David, showing his human weaknesses, sins against GOD and within a couple of generations, the kingdom of Israel
is split apart. He and the rest of the kings of Israel and Judah forget that they are only temporary signs of GOD
reigning over the Chosen People. It is only GOD Who is truly King.
To the Chosen People, a pilgrimage to the Temple of GOD in the royal city of King David is an exciting event. Jerusalem is seen as the place to be, because it is here that the Davidic line rules and here GOD’s presence is felt. There seems to be a link between the king and GOD. So, to go to Jerusalem is a double blessing – not only to be in GOD’s presence, but to be with the ruler who represents GOD’s choosing.
In his letter to the people of Colossae, St. Paul reminds the believers that GOD is the ultimate ruler. It is the divine plan that Jesus, the Son of GOD, be handed the
rule of GOD’s reign because Jesus as the
GOD-man brought about the salvation of the world. Not only has the Son of GOD been co-creator of the universe, but it was also for Him and through Him all things have come to be. Yet even earthly creation is not the summit of the Jesus’ work. He has come to lead His Body (the Church) into the everlasting reign where there will be unending and undimmed light.
The Gospel reminds us
that Jesus’ kingship has come at a great cost. Although the
Gospel tells us that people misunderstand His claim to be King, Jesus demonstrates His right to rule the Kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. His persecutors try to mock His assertion of His kingship by posting His crime on top of the cross: “King of the Jews.” He is reviled by His executioners and by one of the individuals who is crucified with Him. Yet, it is the other condemned criminal who professes his faith in Jesus’ kingship as he asks to be remembered when Jesus comes into His kingdom through His death. Jesus reassures the individual, “this day you will be
with Me in Paradise.”
People have often misunderstood the role of kings. The Israelites believed that having a king would make them equal to, or even better than, their neighbors who had kings. Yet, as often happens with many people in authority, the kings of Israel and Judah let power and honor go to their heads and they failed to rule the people as GOD would have them do. Yet true to GOD’s promise that a descendant of David would come as the true king of GOD’s Chosen People, One finally comes Who rules as GOD wills and Who ushers in the Reign of GOD through His service of GOD’s people, including all people. Even when Jesus comes as the fulfillment of GOD’s promises, most of His contemporaries, including many of His disciples (at least originally), expect Him to be the majestic individual Who will overturn the Roman occupation and restore the Chosen People to their rightful self-rule. Jesus demonstrates through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection, that reigning in the Reign of GOD means doing His Abba’s will and serving others so that they will realize how much GOD wants them to be part of the everlasting Reign of GOD.
As we end this liturgical year, I am reminded that the fulness of the Reign of GOD is not here on this earth. Yet, at the same time, I must begin to live as a member of that Reign right now. I must work for the spread of the Reign of GOD and live my life as a witness to what is yet to be when GOD recreates the new heaven and the new earth and Jesus reigns supreme with His Abba for ever and ever. I must be an active participant in the bringing about GOD’s rule of peace, justice, light, and joy.
Some of the ways that I can be proactive in celebrating the Reign of GOD is by imitating Jesus in His service of others. On the night before He died, after washing His disciples’ feet, He proclaimed, “You call me Lord and Master, and that is truly what I am, but if I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, so must you do for one another” (John 13: 13-14). Thus, I am called to treat people with respect, serving them, and helping lead them to the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus. I, like my Master, must be willing to die for them, so that they may be welcomed by the Lord Jesus and His Abba into the eternal Reign.
Yes, I have been invited to be a child of the King, and part of the heavenly Reign, but that does not make me better than other people. It is none of my doing that I am part of the royal family. I am inheriting something that I have not, and cannot, earn. As I sign of my acceptance of such a gift, I am being asked to bring others into the Reign of my GOD and King.
Another way I can do that is by living a life that is marked by peace, joy, and a sense of the eternal light that will mark the heavenly Reign. People should be able to experience a small taste of what lies ahead by the way I treat them. I must be as joyful as the pilgrims who enthusiastically headed to the city of the King; in fact, I must be even more joy filled as I journey toward the eternal Reign of my Lord Jesus and His Abba in union with the Holy Spirit. Thus, I should live a life that proclaims in action the words of the psalmist today, “Let us go rejoicing to the House of the Lord.”
The personal question/action for today: When I hear that Jesus is Christ the King, what thoughts do I have? How can I profess my faith that Jesus is King and Lord of my life? Can other people recognize that I claim Jesus as my Lord and King? What can I do to hasten the coming of the Reign of GOD in the lives of myself and others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, creator and ruler of heaven and earth. Through Your GOoDness, You invite us to be a part of Your Reign by first giving us birth and then offering to us the gift of being Your sons and daughters. In order for us to fully understand Your desire that we share in Your eternal Reign, You have sent Your Son, Jesus, to share in our humanity and to lift us up to sharing in the divine life. Yet, sometimes we have become too attached to our concept of living as rulers of this world that we have failed to keep our eyes focused on the royal mansion prepared for us by Jesus, our Redeemer and King. With the continued guidance of Your Holy Spirit, helps to proclaim the Kingship of Jesus by our actions and our words. We joyfully look forward to being with You, and Your Son, for ever. We lift up a prayer of praise and thanks to You, and to Jesus, our King and Savior, Who has come to serve us and saves us by His life, ministry, death, and resurrection and Who is now fully living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
November 24, 2025
Memorial of Saint Andrew ßng-L¹c and Companions
(Readings from Mon. of 34th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112425.cfm
Saint Andrew Dŭng-Ląc and Companions:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-andrew-dung-lac-and-companions
Readings: Daniel 1: 1-6, 8-20; Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55, 56; Luke 21: 1-4
Things are not always as the appear. In the First Reading, we hear about Daniel and his three Jewish companions who have been placed in positions of service to the king of Babylon. By their own choice, they subsist on a meager diet of water and vegetables and end up healthier than the other servants of the king who eat much more and drink wine. The Responsorial is part of the hymn sung by three of the Jewish youth as they encounter the hell-fire punishment of the king whom they were to serve. In the Gospel, Jesus relates the account of the widow who donates to GOD her whole fortune – two small coins.
When the nation of Judah fell to the invading Chaldeans/Babylonians (circa 597 BC), the conquering king demanded the service of the best youth of the conquered people. Into this service were four young Jewish men: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (who were given Babylonian names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the non- proclaimed verse 7 of chapter 1 of Daniel). In order to keep themselves free from defiled foods, they requested to eat only uncooked vegetables and drink water. (Any cooked food was mostly likely cooked over fires that came from wood from the Babylonian sacred trees which would make the food “tainted” by
sacrilegious practices for the Jews.) Daniel pleaded with the official who was in charge of the training of all the youth from conquered peoples, asking that he and the other three Jewish young men be tested for ten days to see if they could maintain healthy appearances under their limited, but religiously “kosher” diet. After the ten days, the four young Jews were healthier and more physically fit than the other men in training for the king’s service, so they remained on their kosher diet of vegetables and water. This diet is often called the “Daniel Diet.”
The Responsorial is taken from a later chapter in the Book of Daniel and is part of a hymn sung by the same Jewish young men as they are being tested by fire. Even in the midst of their torture and intended executions, their first thoughts are to praise GOD. Again, we see that things are not always as they appear. According to chapter three of Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Mechach) and Azariah (Abednego) refuse to worship the golden statue of the king of Babylon. The punishment for this direct violation of the law is the death sentence
– being burned alive. Because these three had been special servants of the king, their punishment is made more intense by heating the fires of the white-hot furnace “seven” times more than usual. The three are bound and thrown into the furnace. The furnace is so hot that the executioners who throw the young men into the flames are consumed by the fire, yet after a short while the faithful three are seen walking unfettered amidst the fiery flames, singing
the praise of GOD that are part of today’s
Responsorial.
In the Gospel, while Jesus is in the Temple in Jerusalem, He watches people giving their donations. Some wealthy individuals obviously attracted great attention as they make their contributions – excesses from their great fortunes. Jesus also notices a poor widow who drops a couple copper coins (not worthy much objectively). Jesus points out that she gave more than the rest, because she
gave all that she had.
The readings today made me realize that GOD sees into the hearts and minds of people and GOD does not judge by humanly objective standards. What seems apparent to human eyes, is not necessarily so. The widow only gives a donation worth a couple of cents, but in reality she gives much more, for she gives everything she has. The four young youth in today’s First Reading eat only a meager amount of food, and yet they are healthier than those who feast on royal food and wine. The fire that is meant to burn and kill the three Jewish men, becomes a place of worship of the one true GOD.
I am reminded of one of my favorite scripture passages, Romans 8: 28: “All things work for the GOoD of those who are called by GOD.” To me, what seems like tragedy or at least not the best, can turn out for GOoD for those who trust in GOD. It may not be immediately apparent how a seemingly negative experience can be considered to be GOoD, but with faith and time, we can see the hand of GOD at work.
A few years ago, I was reminded of this when a young lady experienced an emotional and psychological blow. Her whole athletic focus for a long time has been on basketball. She had gone through summer basketball camps and summer and fall leagues, training, and practices, all with the desire to be on the varsity basketball team her senior year in high school. One evening during her senior year, she received a call from the coach telling her she did not make the “cut” and was not on the team. It was devastating to her. As her mother and father tried to console her and comfort her, I thought of the passage from Romans 8: 28. Her mother kept trying to reassure her that there must be some reason that was not apparent for what happened, and she promised her that something GOoD would come of this tragic event.
If you are waiting to hear what GOoD flowed from this event, I cannot yet tell you, for it has not become apparent – at least not fully. The young lady did not give up her love for basketball. She ended up being a student manager of the USC Women’s Basketball team. Her first sports love is still basketball. I do believe, however, that this apparent negative experience will ultimately result in even more GOoD. It may not be revealed to this young lady or to me or to anyone else for many years, but I am firmly convinced that GOD is in control and sees what we don’t see and will make it work out for GOoD, her GOoD, and the GOoD of others.
The response we must make, even in the midst of the most hell-like experiences we encounter, is to give glory and praise to GOD, just as the three young men in the fiery furnace in today’s Responsorial. We must join them by saying: “Blessed are You, O Lord, the GOD of our ancestors, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;
And blessed is Your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.”
The personal question/action for today: How often have I encountered situation(s) which apparently seemed one way, but in hindsight and a GOoD perspective, turned out the opposite? What did I learn from such occasion(s)? Have I been able to praise GOD from the midst of such a fire-tested circumstance(s)? How can I bolster other people as they go through a hell-like time in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all time and experiences. Through Your GOoDness You make all things work out for the GOoD of those whom You call and who respond to Your gift of faith. You are able to make GOoD come of what seems to human eyes to be the worst of tragedies. You see deep within us, into our minds and souls, and know our orientation and desires. For the times we have not trusted You and Your love for us, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. You have sent Your Son as Your very best gift to us. He taught us about Your love and demonstrated Your concern for all people, but especially for those who were outcasts and suffering. In the most apparent contradiction of all, He suffered and died so that we might be healed and live. Continue to touch our lives with the strength, courage, hope, and wisdom that flow from Your Holy Spirit, so that we can persevere in the most difficult situations in our lives. And may we always lift up a hymn of praise and glory to You, even in the midst of most hell-like situations. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son,
Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who has died and is risen, and Who is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, GOD of the living, now and forever. Amen.
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
November 25, 2025
Tuesday of Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(Opt. Mem. of Saint Catherine of Alexandria)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112525.cfm
Saint Catherine of Alexandria: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-catherine-of-alexandria
Readings: Daniel 2: 31-45; Daniel 3: 57, 58, 59, 60, 61; Luke 21: 5-11
In this last week of the liturgical (and ecclesiastical) year, we continue to focus on apocalyptic readings that speak of things to come, and also what was happening currently at the time of the reading, and also now. The First Reading describes Daniel’s interpretation of King Nebuchadnessar’s dream. The Responsorial is also taken from Daniel and is the part of the hymn sung by the youths in the fiery furnace. In the Gospel, Jesus forecasts some of the signs of the days ahead.
Daniel, one of the four Jewish youth in the service of the King of Babylon, has been given the gift of the interpretation of dreams. The king’s dream is a vision of a statue composed of various materials. Daniel “sees” that each of the different materials is descriptive of a kingdom that will come. The golden head is the kingdom of the Babylonians, the silver torso is the next kingdom, that of the Medians. The bronze belly and thigh represent the Persian dynasty; while the legs of iron refer to the Greeks. Finally, the feet of iron and clay relate to the division of the Greek empire after the death of Alexander the Great when his empire was split. Only two (of the three) historical division of the Greek empire are mentioned because those two (the Ptolemy dynasty in Egypt, and the Seleucid dynasty in Syria) directly related to the Jewish nation. Finally, a mighty hewn rock rolls down from the mountain (place of higher importance) and destroys the statue. This signifies that the GOD will establish a new kingdom that will surpass the others and will last forever. This is the reign of the Messiah (“the Anointed One” or “Christ”) of GOD.
The Responsorial is part of the hymn of praise to GOD. It invokes all of creation to be part of praising GOD. Everything that GOD has made should bless the LORD of all. The key verbs that repeat themselves over and over are “bless,” “praise,” and “exalt.” These all refer to acknowledging GOD for Who GOD is: the Almighty Creator, the Supreme Being, and the Exalted One.
In today’s Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus’ description of the signs of the end times differs from Jesus’ words in Mark’s Gospel (chapter 13). This may reflect the experiences of the community to whom Luke addresses his Gospel. Mark wrote his Gospel prior to Luke and was influenced by the concept of imminent eschatology – that is, the end of
the world was just around the corner. By the time Luke sat down to record the life and teachings of Jesus, Luke and the Christian community in which he wrote realized that the end of the ages may not be as immediate as the very first believers had expected. Yes, there will be an
end time and believers must be prepared, but the faith community should not become overly worried by those who announced the impending end of the world. There are some people who are saying that the wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe are signs of the end times. The most important message for all people is that they must be prepared to meet the Lord Jesus, whether that be at the moment of their death or when Jesus returns again at the end of time.
A few things struck me as I reviewed the readings: 1) no one knows when the end will come; 2) the experiences that we have, should make us reflect on the Truth and apply it what is presently happening; 3) no matter when I meet my end, I must be prepared.
I firmly believe that some people, like Daniel, can be given special gifts by GOD that enable them to interpret signs and visions of GOD. The true role of a prophet of GOD is not necessarily “seeing” the future, but being able to proclaim the message that GOD wants announced. The literal meaning of the Greek for word “prophet” is “spokesperson” or “one who speaks for another.” Daniel’s message was given to inspire hope in the oppressed people of GOD. Daniel spoke GOD’s Word – that GOD would establish a time and place where the Anointed One (“Messiah,” “Christ”) would usher in GOD’s reign. The actual details were not known by Daniel. Daniel was not given the precise vision of the birth of the GOD-man, Jesus. The Book of Daniel was a means for GOD to prepare the people of GOD for the further manifestation of GOD’s glory.
The experiences of those who put their pen to paper in order to write down the Word of GOD influenced what they wrote. GOD used the life happenings of the individual to reveal the Truth. Some biblical scholars believe that the Book of Daniel took a written form during the time of the Greek invasion of the Holy Land two centuries before the birth of Jesus. If so, the final scribes would have known about the successive world powers: the Babylonians, the Medians, the Persians, and the Greeks (with the Greeks having a divided kingdom). What is important is not how or what was known by the scribes who put the words into writing, but that the Truth of GOD be proclaimed: GOD will establish an everlasting kingdom for those who were the Chosen People. Similarly, the audience to whom Luke addressed his Gospel had experienced the destruction of Jerusalem and knew of preachers who “announced” the immediate end of the world, yet obvious to us, the world did not end during the first century after the death of Jesus.
That leads me to my third topic of reflection: the need to be ready. That we all will meet our own end is a fact that cannot be denied. Mortal death is part of existence here on earth. The Truth is that we must be prepared not just for the end of time, but also for the fact of our own death. We must live lives that reflect that there is something after death – something that is even better than what we can experience and envision now.
The question is how do we prepare? Or to put it into other words, what should our lifestyle be if we want to reflect our belief that we will meet the end of our earthly existence and transition into the fullness of the Reign of GOD? I believe if we are conscious that we are GOD’s Chosen People, inheritors of the Reign of GOD, sons and daughters of GOD, and sisters and brothers of the Lord Jesus, then we are going to live in a way that proclaims who we are and to Whom we are “related.” Our lives should reflect to Whose family we belong. People should be able to see us and say, “I know the family of which you are member because you are just like your Brother (Jesus) and His Abba-Father. You act just like Your Brother. I can see Your Abba in you and
what you do.” If we can live that way, then we will be blessing, and praising, and exalting the Lord Jesus and the
Abba not just now, but forever.
The personal question/action for today: When I think of “end times” (whether my own personal end or the end of this world as we know it), what thoughts come to mind? Am I apprehensive? Do I look forward to it with joy? Do I sense my calling to share in the prophetic role of the Lord Jesus by being GOD’s spokesperson and proclaiming the Truth? Have my life experiences enabled me to be a better spokesperson for the Truth of GOD? Can people see, by my lifestyle, to Whose family I belong? Is it obvious to others what is my belief in my final destination in the Reign of GOD? How can I help others know and live out their call to be part of the Reign of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all Your creation. Through Your GOoDness You have invited us to be part of Your eternal reign and members of Your family. You have revealed Your Truth to those who experienced Your presence in different ways in their lives. You inspired Your prophets and evangelists to speak Your Truth to others. In the fullness of time, You sent Your only Son to be the Truth incarnate. We have sometimes failed to hear and experience the Truth and have sought false prophets who have not proclaimed the Truth. We seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, especially the gifts of wisdom, understanding, courage, and faithfulness so we can proclaim Your Truth in our lives. May people be able to see that we belong to You, by the way we act and live out the life and faith You have given us. We come to bless, praise, and exalt You as we join together with Your Son, Jesus, for He is our Brother and Savior, our Master-Teacher, and the Truth, and He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
November 26, 2025
Wednesday of Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm
St. Leonard of Port Maurice: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4247
Readings: Daniel 5: 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Daniel 3: 62, 63, 64, 65, 66; Luke 21: 12-19
Continuing with the concept of impending doom, today’s readings can be a bit scary. The First Reading is the account of the divine “writing on the wall” of the Babylonian palace. [The phrase, “seeing the writing on the wall,” is
an allusion to the passage in the First Reading.] The Responsorial continues the hymn of praise of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His audience that the faithful disciples will experience suffering and persecution, even from members of their own families.
In the First Reading today, King Belshazzar of Babylon throws a royal banquet for the nobles and leaders. He and his guests use golden, and other precious metal, vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Exile. While the party- goers are feasting, a hand is seen writing three words on the wall of the palace. MENE, TEKEL, PERES. Daniel, the Jewish dream and vision interpreter, is called in to explain what it means. Daniel uses the occasion to predict the end of the Babylonian rule (under King Belshazzar and his absent father, King Navbonidus) and the overthrow of his government by the Persians. Although the “writing on the wall” was a message of impending doom for the Babylonian
king, it was a message of hope for GOD’s people as they saw the end of the oppression with the fall of the Babylonian empire. [An interesting novel of the period is Return to Me by Lynn Austin.]
Our Responsorial once again comes from the hymn of the Jewish youth in the fiery furnace. It is a call to all of creation to join in the hymn of praise to GOD, the Creator. GOD is to be exalted above all else forever.
In the Gospel, Jesus is aware of His own impending passion and death. He wants His listeners to realize that suffering may be part of their allegiance to Him and to His Abba-Father. Not only can they expect to be persecuted, but the persecution may come from members of their close acquaintances and family. According to Jesus, they will be hauled before authorities, face trials, be deserted by family, even betrayed by loved ones. It seems that Jesus is predicting what will happen to Him in the very near future. He will be seized and brought before religious tribunals and civil authorities. He will be handed
over by members of His closest friends. He will be deserted by His followers. A key line in this passage is Jesus’ command not to spend time preparing an elaborate defense, but to trust that He will provide the correct words of testimony for His followers to speak as they face their opponents.
It is not comfortable to think that we may have to suffer, be persecuted, or even die for the name of Jesus. Yet, being His disciples means we have to be willing to be witnesses (martyroi = “martyrs”). Hopefully, we will see the handwriting on the wall, and it won’t be as disastrous for us as the message that was given to the King of Babylon. Just as Jesus advises His followers not to plan out what they are going to say, so we, too, must not worry about how we might have to give witness to Jesus and our relationship with Him. We should take Jesus at His word and realize that not only will He provide the words for us to speak, but He will also see us through any
difficulty we might face as we testify for and about Him.
At one of the Bible Studies I attend, we were discussing the readings for the upcoming Sundays. We talked about being a martyr. We said in some way those who had to give witness to their faith by dying had to do so once, and it was over. We, on the other hand, must constantly give witness to our faith in a society that asks us to join it in worshiping the false gods of fame, fortune, and fun. We are called to boldly stand up for our relationship to the Lord Jesus at all times. It may be more subtle, but more difficult. Maybe our society needs
“writing on the wall” to shake it up. Could it be that we are being asked to write a different “writing on the wall” by not just challenging our society by our GOoD example, but also by writing letters of affirmation to people who need to be supported in their living out their faith (and letters of challenge to those responsible for making decisions that do not reflect the Truth of the Gospel).
Just think how enriched and uplifted we could all be if we spent some time, especially during Advent that starts this weekend, writing letters of encouragement to others, and maybe including an edifying word in our Christmas cards. In those letters we could point out what GOoD points we see in the person(s) to whom we write and mention the fact that we are praying for the person(s) who is/are the recipient(s) of our message. Maybe that would use the positive “writing on the note” that would make someone’s day and help them get through some difficulties and hard times they were facing and give them the courage to be witnesses to their faith. It could also allow us to join with all of creation in echoing the Responsorial today by giving praise to GOD and exalting the Lord Jesus above all forever, for whatever we do to another, we do to the Lord Jesus.
The personal question/action for today: What “writing on the wall” have I seen and how have I taken the message from GOD? Am I scared by the warning or am I bolstered in the Truth? How do I feel when I realize that my life as a disciple of the Lord Jesus will include a certain amount of suffering because of my allegiance to Him? What reassurance do I experience when I hear that Jesus will give me the words to speak at the right time? How can I be a better witness (martyros) for the Lord Jesus by the way I live my life? What can I do to encourage others in the ways of faith by speaking to them or writing to them?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all peoples. Through Your GOoDness You have written Your message for us to see. For the times we have failed to pay attention to our actions, the writing on the wall may seem threatening, and reminds us that we must come before You with repentant hearts. In times of anxiety, especially as we give witness to our relationship with You and Your Son, the writing on the wall can be very re-assuring. Continue to pour out Your gifts from the Your Holy Spirit so we will have the wisdom, the strength, and the faith to stand up for our commitment to You. May we use the written word (including emails and postings on social media) to encourage and edify others so that they may realize Your concern and love for them. As always, we come as Your daughters and sons, brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus, and lift up this prayer of praise, glory, and exaltation to You, in the name of the same Lord Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who has died, is risen, and now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggg
November 27, 2025
Readings from Thursday of Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112725-weekday.cfm
Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francesco-antonio-fasani
Readings: Daniel 6: 12-28; Daniel 3: 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74; Luke 21: 20-28
As we close out this week and the liturgical year, we again hear readings chosen to give us strength and encouragement to faithfully be prepared for the end, whether our personal end comes first or the end of time happens before our personal death. The First Reading is the account of Daniel in the lions’ den and how he has faith in GOD and is spared from being devoured by the lions. The Responsorial is a continuation of the hymn of the four youths praising GOD while they are protected from flames of the fiery furnace. The Gospel is another of Jesus’ prophecies dealing with the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times.
Our First Reading describes what takes place when the Persian king, Darius, takes over the kingdom formerly held by the Babylonians. Darius decrees that for thirty days no worship is to
be given any person or GOD except to Darius himself. Those who have been out to remove Daniel from a position of favor are anxious to catch Daniel breaking the law. Once they have
evidence of his worshiping the one true GOD, they bring Daniel before the king to be executed by being thrown into a den of hungry lions. The king has taken a liking to Daniel, but he cannot save him because once a law is proclaimed, it cannot be revoked. Daniel trusts in his GOD (the truly one and only GOD) and is saved from the mouth of the lions. The next day, Darius approaches the lions’ den hoping that Daniel is still alive, and
Daniel is alive. Darius then has Daniel removed and praises GOD. Darius has Daniel’s accusers and their families thrown into the lions’ den where they are quickly devoured.
The Responsorial, also from an earlier part of the Book of Daniel, is part of the joyous hymn sung by Daniel and his three companions when they are thrown into the fiery furnace for not obeying the Babylonian king’s order. Even in the midst of the flames, that do not burn them, they sing GOD’s praise. Like other parts of the Book of Daniel, this reading is meant as an encouragement for the people of GOD when they face persecution. No matter what, they should sing GOD’s praise.
Jesus, in the Gospel, speaks of the calamity that will accompany the destruction of Jerusalem (that occurred when the Romans destroy the city in 70 AD). It, too, is meant to encourage the faithful to be strong in the face of opposition not only during the Roman destruction of Jerusalem but whenever they face trying times. Thus, the message
ends with the reassurance that no matter what tragedies face the believers, they must remain true to their relationship with the Lord Jesus and in doing so they will experience the salvation that has been given to them.
As we end this liturgical year, we are once again reminded to be aware of the finiteness of our earthly existence. We will die. There is no escaping death. Yet, as I reminded a group of people recently, death is not final. It is merely a transition to another form of life – eternal life. If we have been seeking to be a part of GOD’s Reign, we will experience the gift of eternal life that Jesus has earned for us through His death and resurrection.
If, on the other hand, people have chosen to refuse to be a part of GOD’s plan of salvation and worked against GOD, thus demonstrating that they want nothing to do with GOD, GOD will respect their choice for all eternity, and they will experience the absence of GOD forever.
Death and the end of our earthly existence may not be our favorite topic to think about or discuss, but it is a reality that we have to face. It does not have to be a morbid or scary thought, but a necessary
reminder that we are not meant to live in our present existence forever. GOD desires that we live forever
in heaven, experiencing the fullness of life that is available to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
I have had the privilege of being with people as they transition from this earthly existence to the one on the other side of the door of death. For those who had lived a life that developed their relationship with GOD, it has been a peaceful, yet also tearful, experience. As individuals who are in the dying process approach the end of their time on earth, they begin to let go of things and often seek to send their greetings of peace to their loved ones. The tears are those of loved ones who must say“good-bye” for now, since there will be a separation from the way they have been in relationship. It is sensed as not a permanent departure, but rather as “good-bye for now” with the expectation for a reunion on the other side of death.
Yes, death is sad, particularly for those left alone by their loved one’s departure. Yet, our hope and belief as followers of the Lord Jesus is that death is not final and the bonds of love that we experience in this life will be even better when we have all “transitioned” to life of love with the GOD Who is love. We must face death as a part of the process of existence. But death, for the faithful, is not tragic in the overall picture, but merely a transition to the better and fuller life that GOD has in store for us. We must have the same attitude of praise that is reflected by the youth in the fiery furnace as they give voice to the glory and praise to GOD.
The personal question/action for today: How do I view death? Do I spend time reflecting on the eventuality of the end of my earthly existence? How do I see myself preparing for my own death and the death of my loved ones? Am I bolstered with the hope of eternal life that the Word of GOD presents to me? Does my life give witness to my belief in life after death or does my life reflect the attitude that I must get as much out of living on earth since this is all I have? How can I encourage others with the message of hope in eternal life?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, giver of life both earthly and heavenly. Through Your GOoDness, You want us to experience the fullness of what You offer us while on earth, but not to become so attached to this short existence that we do not seek the even better life that You have prepared for us in heaven. Your Son, Jesus, has come to live among us to show us the importance of living on earth, but having our eyes also focused on living forever with You. His death and resurrection give us hope that we too can experience life beyond the grave.
For the times we have focused only on life in the here and now and not on the fullness of life with You on the other side of death, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. May we approach our death with assurance of eternal life and give You praise and glory for the relationship with You that Your Son has made possible through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. We lift up this prayer of praise in His name, for He is our Master-Teacher and Lord Who has proceeded us through death into the eternal life with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
November 27, 2025
American Thanksgiving
(replacings Thu. of 34th Week in Ord. Time)
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112725-thanksgiving.cfm
Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francesco-antonio-fasani
Readings: Sirach 50: 22-24; Psalm 145: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11; 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9; Luke 17: 11-19
Blessed Thanksgiving to you! In this reflection I am using some of the optional readings for Thanksgiving rather than readings for Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time. The selected readings speak of the importance of giving thanks. Thanksgiving is much more than just saying the words, “thank you” (although that is important and needs to be taught to children and adults). Our thanks must be demonstrated in our lifestyle. The passage from Sirach directs the faithful to bless (berakah) GOD for all that GOD has done. In blessing GOD, we will continue to be gifted by GOD. The Responsorial is from Psalm 145. In it, the psalmist promises to continue to give thanks to GOD and join the heavenly host in giving praise to GOD. St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds the faithful
that he always gives thank to GOD for GOD’s blessing of those who seek to follow the way of the Lord Jesus. The Gospel relates the account of Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers, of whom only one (a Samaritan) returns to give thanks.
The Book of Sirach (not found in most Protestant Bibles) was used in the early years of Christianity to teach those who were becoming members of the Church. It was used because of its moral directives. It was written in the second century before Jesus. It has been found both in Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, dating to pre-Christian times. Today’s passage is a prayer that blesses GOD for all that GOD has done for each individual from the time of his/her conception and throughout her/his life. Because
GOD has been active in everyone’s life, each person should berakah (bless/thank) GOD.
The Responsorial is expressing the intention of the psalmist to continue the praise and thanks to GOD for all that GOD has done. This blessing offered to GOD is both a personal and communal prayer, joined by all creation (GOD’s works) and especially the faithful followers of the LORD GOD.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul informs the believers at Corinth how grateful he is to GOD for
revealing the GOoD News to the Corinthians. Paul not only thanks GOD for what GOD has done, but he expresses his appreciation for what GOD will do for the faithful all the way until the Lord Jesus returns again.
The Gospel takes place as Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem. Ten lepers call out to Him and ask for His assistance. Knowing that they were not allowed to be where the “clean” or healthy people were, they keep their distance and hope that Jesus would do something to remedy their plight. Compassionately, Jesus knows their desire and tells them to go and show themselves to the priests who can declare a leper “clean”
and able to rejoin the people. Only one of the healed lepers returns to Jesus to say, “thank you.” And this one was a
Samaritan, a non-Jew, one considered the most despicable by a true Jewish believer.
Today’s holiday (holy-day) and the readings make me reflect on two aspects of Thanksgiving: 1) the blessing aspect (berakah) of thanksgiving; and 2) the connection of love and thanksgiving. It may seem strange to “bless” GOD. Some may say it is GOD Who blesses us, which is also true. We need to look at the Hebrew and scriptural meaning of the word
berakah. My understanding of this Hebrew word is that this can be translate as “pray to,” “bless,” or “thank” GOD. Many
Jewish prayers use this word (in an alternate form) in their beginning, “Blessed are You, O LORD (Baruk atah Adonai - [The English spelling of the Hebrew words may vary depending on the transliteration.]). . .” GOD is blessed! GOD is the Blessed One. GOD is to be blessed (praised, thanked) by us. It is our appropriate response to Who GOD is, and who we are in relationship to GOD. GOD is to be blessed for all that GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do for us. We
are to berakah (praise, thank, and show our appreciation to) GOD. It is really the only attitude we can have to a GOD Who is so compassionate, generous, and magnificent. It is the proper way for us to relate to GOD. We must have an attitude of gratitude to GOD for all GOD has done. We should be constantly saying, “Baruk atah Adonai – Blessed are You, O
LORD.” [This is the reason that I begin most of my reflection prayers with the words, “Blessed are You, LORD GOD. . .”]
The second aspect of thanksgiving I would like to share with you is that of our loving action in response to being grateful to GOD. In some ways we can never really thank GOD fully for what all GOD has done for us. Yet, we can live an attitude of gratitude so that others know we are grateful to GOD. The way we show (clothe ourselves with) thankfulness is by caring for and loving others as GOD cares for and loves us. That is what Jesus said to His disciples on the night before He died. It is interesting to me that Jesus prayed the traditional Passover prayers that night (John 15: 9-17). He would have frequently begun His prayers with “Baruk atah Adonai.” Jesus then told His disciples to do what He did, both in words and in action. They were to “bless the
LORD” by acting in the same loving manner as their Master.
For humans, besides praising GOD and giving GOD thanks in prayer, one of the best ways we can truly demonstrate our gratitude is by treating others with love and compassion. In that, we will be loving one another in the very way GOD has loved, and continues to love, us, especially as seen in the life and ministry of Jesus. We should do more than just say “thank you” to those who have been kind and generous to us. We should act in kind, gentle, compassionate, and loving ways
toward others.
In one of the last assembly at school before one Thanksgiving break, one of the teachers addressed the middle school students. The instructor told them to express their gratitude by helping their parents in the preparation for, and clean up from, Thanksgiving supper. This would be one way that they could demonstrate how thankful they were to their parents.
May this day be an opportunity for you to bless GOD especially as you serve those around you with loving care. May this day lead you to be even more compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forbearing, forgiving, peaceful, and loving. For it is in doing those things that you will be demonstrating your attitude of gratitude to the GOD Who has demonstrated all those attributes – and more – to you!
The personal question/action for today: For what gift(s) from GOD am I most grateful? Can others see my attitude of gratitude in the way I live my life? Does my life bless (berakah) GOD? Do I treat others in a way that manifest the thanks I have to GOD for what GOD has done for me? Do I sincerely express my gratitude to the people who touch and enrich my life?
Baruk atah Adonai! Blessed are You, O LORD GOD, for You have continually given us life, love, and gifts too numerous to even mention. Yet, like nine of the ten lepers whom Your Son healed, we often go about our daily activities without turning back to You and giving thanks. We come together today with members of our family and friends in order to celebrate our collective thankfulness to You for gifting us as a nation. You have shown Your love and compassion during our formative years and during our 247 years as a nation which claims to be “under GOD.” We thank You and bless You for guiding us. We seek Your pardon for the times we have taken Your kindness for granted. We also ask for Your forgiveness for the times when we have failed to show our appreciation to the countless people who have graced our lives, especially our parents and family members. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, we ask that You strengthen us so that we can put our attitude of gratitude into practice, not just today, but every day of our lives. May we fulfill the command of Your Son, Jesus, and love one another as He has loved us. May we be willing to be of service to each other as Jesus lovingly served His disciples and all people who turned to Him. It is in His name that we lift up this prayer of blessing to You, for He is our Master-Teacher. He has shown us how to bless You by His action. It is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
November 28, 2025
Friday of Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112825.cfm
Saint James of the Marche: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-james-of-the-marche
Readings: Daniel 7: 2-14; Daniel 3: 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81; Luke 21:29-33
Once again, the readings are apocalyptic. [Apocalyptic comes from the Greek words αποκάλυψις (apokalypsis) meaning “revelation” or “disclosure.” Not only does it refer to something that is being revealed, but also it is often associated with the end of time and, sometimes, a message of doom, particularly for the wicked.] The passage from Daniel speaks about the succession of kingdoms that rule over Israel until GOD establishes an everlasting kingdom. The Responsorial continues the hymn of all creation praising GOD. The Gospel is a challenge to be ready for the final coming of the Reign of GOD.
The passage from Daniel describes the four
kingdoms that existed between the Babylonian Exile and the time of destruction of the Temple by Antiochus Epiphanes. The first beast is a winged lion and symbolizes the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. The bear is the second beast and alludes to the Median kingdom. The quick moving leopard refers to the kingdom of Cyrus and the Persians. The fourth beast, the most terrible of the four, is the Greek kingdom under the ten Seleucid kings, of which Antiochus IV Epiphanes was the worst since he destroyed the Temple and killed many of the faithful Jews until the Maccabean Revolt. The reading is meant to inspire and encourage the faithful with the
promise of a new and everlasting kingdom
established by GOD in which the people of GOD would experience the joy of the coming of the Son of Man (the
Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ) as the one sent by the Ancient One (GOD the Abba-Father).
The Responsorial is another section of the hymn of praise sung by the Jewish young men as they walk amid the fiery furnace, and that has been our Responsorial for most of this week. It calls upon all of creation to join in exalting the Lord GOD forever.
In the Gospel Jesus uses the imagery of being able to ascertain the season by looking at the signs manifested by the change in nature and being able to realize that the final Reign of GOD is at hand when the signs that Jesus has predicted occur. These words are a call of vigilance for the disciples of the Lord Jesus. The followers of Jesus must be prepared for the final coming of the Reign of GOD.
As modern-day missional disciples of the Lord Jesus, we, too, are given a call to action. The readings today describe a two-fold response from us: 1) vigilance and 2) exaltation.
Vigilance is the awareness of what is happening or about to happen. It demands preparation and sensitivity. We must be ready for whatever happens, even if it means being willing to suffer for the sake of the Reign of GOD coming among us. It also means we must be concerned, not only for ourselves (fellow believers), but also for those who have
not yet accepted the coming Reign of GOD. It is a challenge for us to be prophets and evangelists – spokespersons for GOD and announcers of GOoD News. Again, we do not have to set up soap boxes on street corners and start preaching doomsday proclamation. Our lives should give witness to the “already, but not yet” coming of GOD’s presence in the world. Our lives must reflect that we have accepted, and live by, the GOoD
News of GOD’s presence with us.
The second part of the call to action is that of exaltation. We are called to praise GOD and joyfully acknowledge the mighty deeds that GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do in the establishing of the Reign of Heaven among us. Our very beings must magnify and praise GOD. If we are aware of how our actions proclaim GOD’s GOoDness, then we will exalt the Lord Jesus in everything we do. It is also important that we join with others who are also exalting GOD. After all, in the final coming of the Lord Jesus, all creation will exalt and praise and glorify GOD forever, as the Responsorial proclaims.
The personal question/action for today: When I read these readings, what thoughts come to mind? Do I sense foreboding or excitement (or both)? What do I think is my calling in response to the readings? How can I prepare myself and others for the coming Reign of GOD, that is “already, but not yet” among us? In what ways can I give witness to the GOoD News of the Coming of the Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD of all You have created – everything. Through Your GOoDness You have extended Your gifts to us. You invite us to be part of Your Reign that will reach its climax when Your Son comes again at the end of time. The invitation You have given us is not to be passive spectators, but to be actively involved in the coming of Your Reign. You call us to vigilance and exaltation. Yet, because sometimes we have failed to take seriously the immediacy of the need to proclaim Your Reign, we have allowed ourselves to become sidetracked into focusing on the secular and material rule of the world. We ask Your forgiveness and Your strength to repent and re-dedicate ourselves to being actively involved in the coming of Your Reign. With the continued graces that flow from Your Holy Spirit, helps us to stay attuned to our calling of proclaiming Your GOoD News to others and lifting up hymns of praise and glory to You. We praise You especially for the first coming of Your Son, Jesus, Who began Your Reign on earth and Who was, and still is, the great
Master-Teacher, giving us an example of how we can announce the message, not only through words, but also by actions. We join Him in making this prayer of exaltation as we not only joyfully anticipate, but also work toward, the final establishment of Your Reign, for You are our GOD, together with Jesus, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, the one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggg
November 29, 2025
Saturday of Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122925.cfm
Saint Clement: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clement [liturgical feast is on November 23]
Readings: Daniel 7: 15-27; Daniel 3: 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87; Luke 21: 34-36
Today is the last day of the liturgical and ecclesiastical year and the transition day to the new year that begins tomorrow. The readings are also both ending and transition. The First Reading is the end of our readings from the Book of Daniel and the end of the vision of Daniel concerning the four kingdoms that ruled over the Jewish people and their world from the time of the Babylonian captivity until the Greek occupation under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Responsorial are some of the final verses of the hymn of praise by the Jewish youth in the fiery furnace. The Gospel is a transition to Advent, since part of the Gospel will be repeated during Advent.
This final section of our reading from the Book of Daniel focuses on the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes. It was during his reign that, not only was the Temple in Jerusalem desecrated by having sacrilegious ceremonies taking place there, but also the Jewish people were forced to defile themselves or face persecution and death. The reading gives hope that the holy people, that is, those who remain faithful to GOD, will see and be part of the new Reign of GOD that will be an everlasting domain. The Son of Man is identified and
linked to all the holy people who experience what the Ancient One (GOD) does to rid the world of the beast.
The 3½ years of persecution alludes to half of the perfection number (7), thus signifying imperfection, and it also is approximately how long the reign of terror was inflicted by Antiochus upon the faithful Jews until the Maccabean revolt reached its climax and the Temple was dedicated on what has come to be known as the Feast of Lights or the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).
The Responsorial is the last part of the hymn of the young Jewish men who were cast into the fiery furnace. The hymn reaches its climax in the praise by humans, especially the holy ones of GOD. We have seen in the earlier verses (that were our Responsorials earlier in the week) that all of creation has been invited to praise, exalt, and bless GOD. Now, the crescendo of praise is reached as GOD’s holy people join the exaltation.
As we move from Ordinary Time into
Advent, today’s Gospel reminds us that we are to be vigilant so that we can be prepared for the rough times that will precede the return of the Son of Man – Jesus. Life on earth is filled with challenges and hardships (as we have experienced recently climatically [with extreme heat and stormy weather], pandemically, and politically); yet these are
not what await those who remain ready and who joyfully anticipate Jesus’ return.
Our readings, although a bit uncomfortable for me and others since they speak of difficult times of suffering, are also filled with joy. The trials and tribulations of this life will eventually be over and we will be part of the holy ones (saints) who share in the Reign of the Lord Jesus when He comes to establish His everlasting dominion.
As I took a little break from the hectic pace of the world last week on
American Thanksgiving Day, I reflected on how great it will be when we will be
able to sit at the heavenly banquet table and enjoy the unending feast that GOD has prepared for us. Jokingly I said to myself, “It will be great to savor a great meal without having to prepare it or clean up after it.” As I spent the time in the kitchen both before and after our family’s festive meal, I was reminded that I have not yet arrived at that point of endless feasting without work.
Yet, preparing food and cleaning up are not the worst of what awaits us before we meet the Lord Jesus when
He returns again. We face greater challenges when we will be called upon to demonstrate our faith commitments
to GOD. We can expect to face people who do not accept us or what we stand for – our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Some people see in the events of recent years (with laws allowing marriage of same sex individuals, abortion, mercy killing, and the persecution in the military of people who profess their faith, and social and political unrest) a sign of the trials for being a Christian. We must be willing to profess our belief in Who GOD is, even in the face of opposition. We need to live vigilant lives that manifest that our eyes are focused on the heavenly Reign, not just on earthly pleasures and happiness. That is not always easy in a world that is so caught up with itself and immediate gratification and narrow mindedness. Yet, if we can remain determined in our preparation for the return of the Lord Jesus, then we can join in today’s Responsorial verses that say, “Holy people of humble heart, bless the LORD, praise and exalt GOD above all forever.”
The personal question/action for today: What aspect of my life is coming to an end? Am I experiencing a time of transition in my life? What are my thoughts and feelings as I face the end of one aspect of my life or a transition in my life? What does that say to me about the end of my life and the transition to eternal life? How can I better sign forth to others the sense of joy in making the transition to the eternal blessing of GOD’s Reign?
Blessed are You, O LORD GOD of all times and peoples. Through Your GOoDness You have prepared a heavenly banquet feast for Your Holy People. This has been Your promise. It awaits all those who accept Your invitation and prepare for the arrival of Your Reign by living lives that give witness to You, and praise and exalt You above all forever. Yet, there have been times when we have chosen not to focus on what lies ahead for us, but we have become immersed in the pleasures and pursuits of this sinful world. We seek Your pardon for failing to prepare ourselves and joyfully anticipating Your promises. As we come to the end of one liturgical year and look forward to another, help us take the time to reflect on how our journey to be with You has been during this last year. With the guidance of Your Holy Spirit and the example of Your Son, Jesus, gives us the strength to make corrections to our orientation so that we can be more prepared for whatever lies ahead of us in the near future, so that we can joyfully bless, praise, and exalt You forever. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Our Brother and Savior, Who is the Way to You, and Who is coming again to take us to be with You, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
November 30, 2025
First Sunday of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/113025.cfm
Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francesco-antonio-fasani
Readings: Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 13: 11-14; Matthew 24: 37-44
Advent, that we begin today, comes from the Latin adventus meaning “coming.” The “Coming” of our GOD will have different results. The First Reading envisions the new world order that will be established when the LORD “comes.” The Responsorial Psalm describes the joy of those “coming” into the house of the LORD. In the Second Reading, St. Paul reminds his readers that they must be prepared for the time is at hand when the darkness will be turned into light as the Lord Jesus “comes” again. In the Gospel, Jesus foretells that the time of the “coming” of the Son of Man will catch some people off guard and some will be left behind while others will move on to be with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father.
Verse 4 of today’s First Reading is inscribed on a statue at the United Nations Building in New York (see image to the left) and gives us hope that, before our GOD “comes” again, nations will turn their instruments of war into tools of production of food for all peoples. Isaiah prophesies that
there will be peace, joy, and enlightenment as GOD “comes” to establish a new Reign over all peoples, even though GOD will judge and impose terms on people – on those who have not given their allegiance to GOD.
Today’s psalm is one voiced by pilgrims as they journey up to the house of the LORD – the Temple in Jerusalem. They are “coming” into GOD’s presence and great expectations and excitement fill them as they draw ever nearer to the time when they will actually be in GOD’s house. Being with the LORD GOD brings a sense of peace as people pray for each other’s GOoD.
In our Second Reading, St. Paul addresses his words to the faithful in
Rome. He urges them to be prepared and turn from the darkness they have been in and look toward the dawning Light. He tells them that the time for them to do it is right
now, because the time of salvation (the time when GOD fulfills all the divine promises) is “coming” nearer now than it has ever been. They are to live lives devoid of the dark deeds of their past. They are to put on armor of Light and be prepared for the Lord Jesus Who is “coming” again.
In the Gospel, Jesus predicts that the Son of Man will “come” at a time when some people do not expect. Those who are ready will be able to enter into the GOD’s presence forever, while those who are not ready will be left behind. Being prepared is crucial for the disciples of the Lord Jesus.
I always am excited during this time of Advent. It is not because I know that Christmas is less than four weeks away. It is because the readings of this first part of Advent remind us that the Lord Jesus is “coming,” not as a baby born as He was some 2000 years ago. The Lord Jesus is “coming” again to take those who are ready into the Light of the new world that He has prepared for us. Maybe my excitement comes from the realization that I am closer now than I ever have been to my meeting the Lord Jesus when He “comes” for me (either at the end of time or at the moment of my death). I particularly am
moved by this time of the year, as I get up in the darkness and cold and gradually begin to see the warming light of a new day dawning. I also notice that leaves are falling or have fallen, and the trees and plants are dying. It is almost winter in the Northern Hemisphere, when darkness seems to overtake the world. Yet in the darkness there are signs of light, both the colored lights of the season, and the natural light of a new day dawning. We will celebrate that the Unconquerable “Sun/Son” will win the battle against the force of darkness.
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the negativity and darkness around us. There always seems to be some people and nations fighting with others. We have been facing rough times over the last few years with illnesses and natural disasters, wars in various parts of the world, and with violence. Crimes and evil deeds are performed in the darkness. It can be scary. To what is our world “coming”? Yet this season of Advent reminds us that there will be joy, peace, understanding, and
hope when the Lord Jesus “comes” again, at least for those who are prepared for His “coming.”
The challenge of this season of Advent is to be ready for the Lord Jesus’ “coming.” We must work as much as we can to cooperate with the process of turning swords into plowshares. We must be people of the Light – the Light Who is Jesus Christ. Our former deeds of darkness must be left behind and we must put on the armor of Light and be clothed in Christ Jesus, or we will be the ones left behind as the Lord Jesus “comes” to claim the final victory.
I am also reminded that to do this, we must be Adventurous. We must exert our attention and efforts into doing the deeds of the Light. It is important that we take seriously this season of Advent and strive to put a little more into our living as disciples of the Lord Jesus. It might mean that we spend as much time bringing true peace and joy to others as we decorate our homes and purchase gifts for people.
The time is now for us to do all we can to be prepared for the Lord Jesus’ “Coming” for us. We cannot put off until
later our living as disciples of our Master-Teacher. For we may not have time later to show our allegiance to the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father. GOD has given us this chance to better prepare ourselves for Jesus’ “Coming,” not just the celebration of His first “Coming” when He was born in Bethlehem, but also for His “Coming” at the end (the end of the world or the end of our individual lives here on earth).
Yes, it is true that those who are not prepared will be left behind. But that does not have to be us. All we need do is accept the gifts that GOD has given us and live a life of Light, peace, and joy. The more we live out our faith, then the more prepared we will be to make the final steps into the GOD’s house when Jesus “Comes” to get us to take us to our eternal home-“Coming.” We will be able to rejoice as we journey toward the Lord Jesus Who is “Coming” to take us into
the heavenly home forever. You still have time, if you begin right now. And our living as pro-active and prepared disciples may help others to join us. Are you ready?
The personal question/action for today: How ready am I to meet the Lord Jesus when He “comes” for me? How am I furthering the Reign of God by working for peace and justice? What practical thing(s) can I do during this season of Advent to bring the true sense of joy and light into the life of those who are presently experiencing cold and darkness?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of peace, joy, and Light. Through Your GOoDness, we have the opportunity to accept Your invitation to enter Your house as You have sent Your Son to “Come” to us and brings us in. We have been out in the dark and cold at times in our lives. We have performed deeds of darkness. Yet through Your Son’s first “Coming” among us, You have given us the hope that we can leave the dark and walk into Your Light. With the continued guidance of Your Holy Spirit, helps us to prepare for Jesus’ “Coming” again by putting on the armor of Light
as we clothe ourselves with Christ the Light. Help us make GOoD use of this season of Advent to commit ourselves more fully to working for the spread of Your GOoD News as we meet and greet others during this season. We thank You for giving us this time, right now, to be Adventurous as we joyfully await the “Coming” of the Lord, Your Son, Jesus, Who first “Came” and lived among us, ministered to us, suffered and died, and rose for us. It is He Who is living and
reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only God, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 1, 2025
Monday of First Week of Advent
(Opt. Mem. of St. John Damascene)
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120125.cfm
Saint Charles de Foucauld: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-charles-de-foucauld/ Readings: Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 8: 5-11
The readings today give us another glimpse of the Reign of GOD to come. Isaiah sees what Jerusalem will be like in the future. It is also a pre-figurement of the Reign of Heaven. The psalm is one of the pilgrimage psalms said by those on their way to Jerusalem to be in GOD’s dwelling place. It, too, should be the prayer of those awaiting the final coming of the Reign of GOD. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the Reign of Heaven telling His disciples it may be a bit different than what some expect.
Isaiah’s words about the future rule by GOD in the Temple (the divine house) on the holy mountain (in Jerusalem) were words that the chosen people had longed to hear. They had been ruled by human kings who had led them down the wrong paths to sinful ways. They wanted GOD to establish the divine rule again. With GOD’s Reign begun, GOD’s dwelling place would be were people would come to live in peace as GOD would judge the nations. There, the implements of war would be turned into instruments of food production, benefitting all. The message is outside the United Nations Building in New York. This passage is seen by Christians to symbolize the coming into the Reign of Heaven at the end of time.
In the psalm
response, we sense that for faithful Jews it was a special blessing to be able to make a pilgrimage to the House of the LORD – the Temple in Jerusalem. As they approached the Holy City of GOD’s dwelling place, they would rejoice. Even though the believers were aware of GOD being with them everywhere, coming to the Temple was a unique and holy time of praising GOD in GOD’s special place of presence. Jerusalem was experienced as its name implied, a place “of peace.” This psalm also is seen by Christians as symbolizing the joy of entering into the eternal dwelling place of GOD in heaven.
In the Gospel, Jesus encounters a heathen (pagan, non-Jew) army officer who asks Him for a special favor – the healing of his servant. Jesus is willing to come into a non-Jewish home in order to bring salus – healing, wholeness, salvation. It was unheard of for a faithful Jew to enter into a gentile’s home, because Jews were considered better than the “faithless pagans.” The centurion professes his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his home and asks that Jesus just speak words of salus. Jesus praises the faith of this heathen and informs His disciples that many such “heathens” will find a place of honor in the Reign of GOD because of their faith, something hard to accept by supposedly “faithful” Jews.
As we continue our Advent journey, awaiting the Final Coming of the Lord Jesus, we should be filled with joyful anticipation of the Lord Jesus’ return and His taking us to the presence of His Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD. As the Jewish pilgrims anxiously journeyed to GOD’s presence in which they experienced peace, so we too should continue our pilgrimage as we await the Lord Jesus’ coming to take us into the fullness of the Reign of GOD.
A few years ago in the fall, I audited a class at Azusa Pacific University. The class was entitled “Terrorism, War, and Peace.” During the class, and again today, I was thinking about today’s passage from Isaiah that is quoted at the United Nations in
New York: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” As we face the continuation of the war in various place on our planet, and violent terrorism, and have soldiers fighting and dying throughout the world, and we hear of terrorists and
gun-toting individuals who are bombing civilian areas such as hotels, restaurants, schools, busses, churches, synagogues, mosques, and trains, and as we see people demonstrating against the war on terrorism, police brutality, and political leadership in our country, I wonder how faithful we are to GOD’s wishes to work for peace and to continue to work for the Reign of GOD.
I realize that Jesus said that there would be wars and insurrections before His final coming, but are we seeking to bring about His final coming by waging war? Or should we be seeking to establish a place where GOD’s peace has already begun and thus show that we are ready for the Lord Jesus’ coming? Sometimes the establishment of peace takes a great deal of work and effort, as we turn weapons of war into useful means of producing food. Sometimes it takes a policing force to make it safe to establish areas of food production and to create food and other necessities of life.
I am not condoning the evil deeds of war mongers, terrorists, and mass shooters. Evil doers must be confronted and made to pay for their injustices. That, too, is part of establishing GOD’s Reign. The question to be asked is: “Are we doing the right and loving things to help establish true peace and justice in the world?” I know there are scriptural passages that can be used on both sides of the issue of war and conflict. I am just trying to raise our consciousness of what it means to be a follower of the Lord Jesus as we await His coming again.
It is true that there will not be the fullness of peace until the Lord Jesus comes again and establishes the Reign of GOD forever. Yet, we are called to be a part of GOD’s Reign right now. We should be doing all we can to prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus. We need to realize that we are on the pilgrimage to the House of our GOD (that is in heaven and in the “new” earth), being led by the Lord Jesus. We must do whatever is necessary to help others also travel along the path to arrive at the dwelling place of GOD. We should do what we can to stop gun violence, whether that be by supporting gun control, or making sure that mentally unstable individuals have a way to be peaceful rather than violent.
As I read the last verses of today’s Gospel, I am reminded that many of us may be shocked when we enter the fullness of GOD’s Reign and see who else is reclining at the table of the Lord Jesus. Some people whom we thought were our enemies here on earth may be there along with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (I am not referring to people who are terrorists and who purposely inflict death and injury on innocent people, but people whom we might label “heathen” like the centurion in the Gospel.)
What does this lead me to do? Firstly, I must realize that I am on a pilgrimage. The place through which I am journeying now is not my final destination. I must not become too attached to what is here right now. Secondly, I must be ready for when the Lord Jesus returns (whether that is at the end of my personal life, or at the end of time). I must live a life of joyful anticipation of the Lord Jesus’ leading me along the final paths to the dwelling place of GOD. Thirdly, I must be active in bringing about the Reign of GOD by working for peace and justice in the world today. I must help raise my personal consciousness and that of others. I personally must see what I can do to turn weapons of war into instruments of peace and justice and rid the world of evil. I must work for the righting of wrongs, but in a just way, not a vindictive way. That is no easy task. Yet if I really believe that the Lord Jesus is the Coming One (Adventus), I must be proactive. And finally, I must say with the last verse of today’s Responsorial Psalm: “Because of the house of the LORD, our GOD, I will pray for your GOoD.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my understanding of the Reign of GOD? Do I see it only as futuristic dream? Am I working for the realization of the Reign of GOD right now? What can I do to help others focus on the still coming, but already present, Reign of GOD?
Blessed are You, O LORD, GOD of love and mercy. Because of Your GOoDness, You desire that we be with You in the Reign of Heaven. Yet, You have placed us here on earth at this moment in time, to journey towards You and make a difference as we make our pilgrimage to Your presence. You ask us to work for the establishment of Your Reign by following the example of Your Son, Jesus. He worked for peace and justice, that at times included challenging those who were leading others astray. We have sometime failed to accept Your invitation to journey along with Your Son. We have chosen to focus only on the pleasures we experience en route, and not on the end of our pursuit. We have refused to get involved in activities that promote Your Reign, because it would cost us too much individually or collectively. You continue to call us to prepare the way for the final coming of Your Son. It is He Who is our Guide and our Way, and it is He Who proclaimed Your Reign in words and actions. In His name we lift up this prayer of praise and honor for He has won the ultimate victory over evil and death by His own death and resurrection, and He now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
December 2, 2025
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120225.cfm
Blessed Rafal Chylinski: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-rafal-chylinski/ Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10: 21-24
The Reign of GOD has begun, but it is not yet completed. The readings speak about certain characteristics of
the Reign of GOD. Isaiah forecasts that when the Descendant of Jesse (who was the father of King David) comes, that Offspring of Jesse will be filled with the Holy Spirit and will establish a Reign of Peace (Shalom). The psalm also speaks about the peace and justice flourishing in the time of the Son of the great King. In the Gospel, Jesus shows that He has received knowledge, power, and authority from His Abba-Father and the Holy Spirit, and He can pass on those gifts to whomever He wishes, thus to all who
are open to the gifts.
In the First Reading, Isaiah tries to inspire the people of Israel with hope that GOD will continue to bless all the people through the Davidic line. GOD once gave the power and authority to rule the nation to David and his descendants. During the time of David’s son, King Solomon, the kingdom spread to its furthest extent and peace and prosperity reigned in the land. Isaiah promises
that even a greater Reign will be established when another Descendant of David comes. The new Reign will be as great or even greater than at the “perfect”
time of Adam and Eve when even the animals were not at odds with each other. It will be a time of GOD’s justice and peace being extended to all nations and to all creation.
http://sunsetparkchristianchurch.org/main/wp-co ntent/uploads/2010/11/lion-and-lamb2.jpg
The psalm picks up the theme of peace and justice coming through the royal lineage. In the prayer, the psalmist asks GOD to continue blessing the offspring of the king so that all people, especially the poor and lowly (the Anawim) will be treated not only fairly, but compassionately. The implication is that some of the rulers have not always reigned with GOD’s justice, but with selfish motives. Yet, a time will come when GOD’s Reign will be established and bring about fair treatment of all people.
In the Gospel, Jesus informs His disciples that His Abba- Father, Who is GOD, has entrusted to Him full authority to usher in the Reign of truth, justice, and peace. Through the power of GOD’s Holy
Spirit, Jesus is beginning the Reign of Heaven. He also confirms that many people before His time had longed to see the beginning of the Reign of GOD, but they were not fortunate enough to be alive at the time of Jesus.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that we are living during the interim between the beginning of the Reign of GOD begun by Jesus during His earthly, human life and the final days of the Reign that will come when Jesus returns again. We are privileged to exist at this time. We have benefitted from the beginning of the Reign and can look forward to its completion. We are more blessed than those who lived before Jesus because we are seeing the Reign develop and head towards its fullness.
Yet, with that privilege comes responsibility. Americans are a part of a country that is on the forefront of the world’s privileged. This position demands that we reach out to the people of the poorer nations, so being part of the Reign of GOD requires that we work to bring about GOD’s peace and justice and spread the benefits of the Reign to others. This is also true for all nations, even those of the “Third World.”
What does that mean for me practically? If I really believe that Jesus has begun the Reign of GOD, then I must do all I can to further the spread of that Reign. The readings today speak about the characteristics of that Reign: peace, justice, understanding, counsel, caring, compassion, and love. All of these point outward from me to others. Those are the very attributes that I should strive to make part of my own way of life. It doesn’t necessarily mean that I have to be an in-the-limelight activist who is trying to change the whole world. I must bring out GOD’s Reign in the part of the Reign in which I live – within my family, at my work or school, in my local community, and globally. I must treat everyone with the same compassion that Jesus does.
Since I am living in the “already, but not yet” time of the Reign of GOD, I also have to realize that I can make a difference, but I should not expect that I will necessarily see the fruits of my efforts. The final results will not be fully known until the Lord Jesus comes again.
I am reminded of this as an educator and catechist. I am in a unique position of helping young minds (and even old minds) come to learn and develop in the process of becoming all that they can be. Most of the time I am not sure what effect I make in the lives of those I have instructed. I have had the special blessing of having some former students, whose lives I have touched, get in touch with me and share with me how something I said or something I did for them made a difference in their lives. I
am also in touch with some of the members of the Youth Ministry of which I was leader over 40 years ago. Yet, I must keep on opening people’s minds even when I do not see the results.
Each of us can make a difference in other people’s lives. We can treat people with care, compassion, justice, and peace. We can bring about the Reign of GOD in other individuals’ lives. We can help them realize that GOD is reigning in their lives by letting them experience the joys of GOD’s Reign and by informing them the fullness of that Reign is yet to come in even greater ways when the Lord Jesus returns. We can point to fact that there will be a day when the Lord Jesus comes again and “justice will flower in His days, and profound peace till the moon be no more.”
The personal question/action for today: How have I experienced the Reign of GOD in my life when I have been treated with peace, justice, compassion, and love? Do I believe I can make a difference in the lives of others? What can I do to enable others to experience the characteristics of the Reign of GOD in their lives?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, origin of every loving and kind deed. Through Your GOoDness, You want all people to be a part of Your Reign. You have promised us a time of peace that is far beyond our imagination. You have sent Your Son to usher in that Reign of peace. Jesus has given us a glimpse of what lies ahead. He has asked us to spread the GOoD News of that Reign by being living examples of peace, justice, compassion, and love. At times we have failed to realize what Your Reign is all about. We have missed opportunities to share the message of
GOoD News with others. We ask for Your pardon and forgiveness. As Jesus was aware of the Holy Spirit’s power in
His life, so make us attuned to the gifts of wisdom, understanding, GOoD counsel, and right judgment that come from Your Spirit. May we go out as Your ambassadors of peace and justice and touch the lives of the people whom we meet. For this we give You glory and praise as we live in Your Reign that has begun and still waits to be fulfilled. It is in Jesus’ name we make this prayer, for He is the One Who has instituted Your Reign by His living among us, and it is He Who will bring it to completion when He comes again. He is our Lord and Savior Who is living and reigning in the Your heavenly Reign together with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 3, 2025
Memorial of St. Francis Xavier
(Readings from Wed. of 1st Week of Advent)
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120325.cfm
Saint Francis Xavier: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-xavier
Readings: Isaiah 25: 6-10a; Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Matthew 15: 29-37
The Reign of GOD is marked by celebration and feasting. Isaiah remarks that the LORD of Hosts will provide a banquet with choice food and fine drink. The familiar Psalm 23 portrays GOD as the Shepherd Who cares for each sheep of the flock leading them to a time of feasting in the sight of their foes. In the Gospel, Jesus first compassionately heals those who are ill and disabled. He then multiples the food for the hungry crowd, providing so much food that there was more leftover than was present before the feeding began.
In the First Reading Isaiah reassures the deposed people of Israel that GOD has not forgotten them but will lead them to the divine mountain where GOD will take care of all their needs. Not only will GOD provide the bare necessities, GOD will provide rich, choice food and the best drinks possible. GOD’s provision will lead to great rejoicing.
A similar theme comes in the psalm today. GOD will not only lead the Chosen People to a place of safety and security, just as a shepherd tends the flock. GOD will also provide a sense of peace in the face of
difficult times. Finally, GOD will spread out a banquet table for those in GOD’s care. Abundance of food and drink will also be present, while the enemies of GOD’s people can only look on while GOD’s Chosen Ones feast to their hearts’ content.
In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates the essential message of Reign of GOD not just in words, but also in action. Compassionately, Jesus first tends to those who are physically hampered from enjoying the blessings of the Reign of GOD. Jesus brings salus (healing, wholeness, salvation) to those who are less than whole. He heals the blind, lame, deaf, and dumb. Seeing the needs of all the crowd, Jesus shows GOD’s benevolence by feeding the throngs of people. Jesus first asks His disciples what they have in the way of food to feed the multitude. He then gives not only what is needed to survive the journey, but also more than enough, so that everyone is fully satiated and there is still plenty left over.
A couple of things run through my mind as I reflect on the readings. The first is the “already, but not yet” nature of the “coming” (adventus) of the Reign of GOD. Through the ministry of Jesus, the Reign of GOD has already
begun. We are already beneficiaries of GOD’s compassion. Yet the fullness of the blessings of the Reign of GOD are yet to be experienced. We have not yet come to know and see the extent to which GOD will go in letting us be a part of the “coming” Reign. To put it in a phrase, “we haven’t seen anything yet.”
The second thing that comes to me is tied to the first. There might still be some trying times ahead before we reach the house of our GOD where GOD will reign majestically forever. The psalm speaks of this when it says that peace comes even to those who are walking through the valley of darkness.
I am both excited and a bit apprehensive. I like the idea that the Reign of GOD has already begun and that even better things are in store for us. I am a bit un-eased at the prospect of having to travel through more darkness.
I was talking to friends who shared with me some of the struggles they were undergoing. Each of them asked me, in so many words, “Why am I going through these rough times when I already have experienced trying times and thought that I was finally getting over them and then this new stumbling block fell in my path? I have tried to be aware of GOD’s presence with me, but it is difficult as I am faced with new problems.” These thoughts may have struck many of us in these past few year as we have felt the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, disasters (such as fires and hurricanes and drought) caused by climate changes, wars, shooters in schools, theaters, parades, stores, etc.
I shared with my friends, and I now share with you, that, like Job, we often have to go through rough times because we are drawing closer to the Lord Jesus, or in reality, the Lord Jesus is “coming” closer to us. If we are not close to Him, the enemy will not attack us because we are no threat to the enemy. The closer we come to the Lord Jesus, the more the enemy attacks us to try to make us doubt the fullness of the Reign of GOD that is already here in some sense, but it is fully “coming” when the Lord Jesus returns again.
All of this leads me to keep my eyes focused on the “already, but not yet” Reign of GOD. Jesus has ushered in that Reign. He has reached out His compassionate arms and heart to us. He has begun the process of giving us salus (healing, wholeness, salvation). The fullness, however, of the Reign is not with us. We still have to go through some dark valleys and face trying times. We are not yet perfected in a way in which we will be when we enter the final Reign of GOD.
We are truly “in between.” We are between the beginning of the Reign of GOD and
its completion. We are still on the journey. We sometimes get glimpses of what is to come. We begin living the life of the Reign of GOD by our reaching out with the compassion of Jesus. If we stay on the path on which the Shepherd is leading us, we will arrive at the banquet feast in the Reign of GOD. It is then that we will be able to say with the psalmist today, “And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.”
I was reminded what it means to dwell in the house of the LORD on October 11, 2020, when the pastor of our church preached on the same First Reading and Responsorial
that we have today. The priest spoke about what it means to dwell in the House of the LORD. It does not mean we move into the church buildings and take up residence there. It means we live with the awareness that we are in the presence of the LORD. So our individual homes can be the House of the LORD if we realize that GOD is with us there
and in all other places we experience, and when we bring the experience to others of the presence of the LORD.
The personal question/action for today: When I travel through “dark valleys” (times of challenge), how much do I keep my eyes and ears open to the GOoD Shepherd? What am I doing, especially during Advent, to give witness to the Reign of GOD that is “already, but not yet fully” here? How am I providing something that the Lord Jesus can use to multiple the gifts of others and meet the needs of others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of compassion and generosity. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that we share in the banquet feast You have prepared for us. Through Your Son You have shown us that Your Reign has begun already, but is not yet fully experienced as it will be when Jesus comes again. Your Son, as the GOoD Shepherd, comes to us and leads us through the dark valleys to a place of repose, beside restful streams. He begins to feed us with not only our daily bread, but also with rich, sumptuous foods. He promises that His compassionate benevolence is only a small taste of
what lies ahead for us if we continue to follow Him as He leads us to You. We have sometimes failed to recognize Your divine kindness. We have focused on the darkness in the valleys through which we travel. We seek Your continued guidance from Your Son and through the Holy Spirit’s actions in our lives. May we work for the ongoing spread of Your Reign among us and look forward with joy and gratitude to the time when we will meet the Coming Lord Jesus and be able to experience the fullness of Your Reign. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, our Shepherd and Provider, Who has come and Who will come again, and Who is already living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 4, 2023
Thursday of First Week of Advent
(Opt. Mem. of St. John of Damascus)
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120425.cfm
Saint John Damascene: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-damascene
Readings: Isaiah 26: 1-6; Psalm 118: 1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Matthew 7: 21, 24-27
We continue to look forward to the coming (adventus) of the Reign of Heaven, that will be brought to its completion when the Lord Jesus returns at the end of earthly time. It is compared to a fortified city with walls around it and with large, heavy gates through which will come all those who are found worthy of entering. Isaiah continues by describing the coming Reign of the LORD as a strong city in which the lowly will be lifted above the proud and haughty. The psalm praises the One Who comes in the name of the LORD. This One will open the gates that will bring peace. In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims that more than mere words will make one eligible to enter the Reign of GOD and one must build on the rock so as not to be overcome by storms.
For those faithful, but lowly, believers of Isaiah’s time, as well as our time, Isaiah’s words sound great. They have had leaders who did not lead. They have seen their holy city attacked by their enemies. Isaiah promises that GOD will re-establish the city of Jerusalem as
the city of peace and justice. GOD will bring about a great reversal of fortunes. The well-to-do individuals will be knocked off their pedestals and the lowly will take places of honor. The Reign of GOD will bring justice to those who have acted justly or who have been treated unjustly by others.
Today’s psalm speaks of One Who comes in the
name of the LORD. This One will establish a Reign in which peace, justice, salvation, and prosperity will rule. It will be based on trust in GOD and GOD alone, not in armies or human treaties or charismatic leaders.
In the Gospel, Jesus has experienced too many people who think they have it made in GOD’s Reign. They have said the right words, they have pretended to do the proper
thing. Jesus remarks that it is only those who seek to do GOD’s will and act upon Jesus’ words who will be part of the safe and strong Reign of GOD. More than merely formalistic phrases are needed. Jesus uses the analogy of a structure built on solid rock that can withstand the onrush of powerful waters.
The justice of GOD’s Reign comes through, loud and clear. Jesus has proclaimed the beginning of the Reign of GOD. It will be marked by the righting of past wrongs. Those who have taken advantage of others will be held accountable. The disenfranchised and oppressed will be liberated.
By His compassion, Jesus shows that He has begun the process of lifting up the lowly (the Anawim) and bringing salus (healing, wholeness, and salvation) to those seeking it. The process will not be completed until Jesus comes again. In the meantime, we are to continue the work and ministry of Jesus. It is our participation in bringing about the just Reign of GOD that will open the door for us to the fullness of Reign.
I feel challenged by the readings. Just mouthing the right words is not enough to get me into the doors of heaven. Even acknowledging Jesus as Lord is not enough, if it is all mere words. My heart (decision-maker) and my actions must demonstrate that I want the justice of GOD’s Reign to be active in the world. I must do all I can
to act with the justice of GOD.
What does that mean practically for me? It means I must be proactive in establishing justice in the areas in which I live and work. A practical example: a few students at school were “jokingly” giving another student a hard time. I told them that I would not accept that type of behavior. They insisted, “We are only joking!” I responded by saying that it might be “joking” to them, but to the one who was the object of the “joke,” it was a very unpleasant experience. We must be willing to stand up for those who are being oppressed, even in a “joking” way.
Another way that I can help usher in the Reign of GOD’s justice is by sharing with those who have less than I do. It is the time of year when we are asked to give to charity to help those who would otherwise not be able to celebrate the joy of anniversary of Jesus’ birth. It is appropriate for us to be generous. At a men’s Bible Study group one Advent, one of the members shared how he and the other adult member of his family had agreed on what sort of gifts they were going to give each other for Christmas. Their gifts were the performing of some sort of kindness/charity for someone who would not be able to reciprocate the generosity. On Christmas they would share with the other adult members of their family what they had done during Advent to act justly and lovingly to someone from whom they expected nothing in return.
We must be about the ushering in the Reign of GOD. We show that we are preparing the way for the Lord Jesus Christ by acting as He would – reaching out compassionately, upholding justice, righting wrongs, giving hope to those who are down. It can be as simple as taking the time to show another person that we are concerned for them. We, as members of the “already, but not yet” Reign of GOD, must bring the message of that Reign to others by the way we treat them. They should be able to experience GOD’s Reign in their lives by the way we act toward them. If we do this, then no matter how strong the winds blow and the storm rages against us, we will be safe because we have built our house on the Rock of GOD and we will be able to proclaim with today’s psalmist: “Give thanks to the LORD, for GOD is GOoD, for GOD’s mercy endures forever.”
The personal question/action for today: In what ways have I given a false profession of faith in what reigns in my life? Do I only say that I am part of the Reign of GOD with my words, but my actions and lifestyle proclaim another realm to which I attach myself? How can I more pro-actively proclaim the Reign of GOD alive in my life and in the lives of others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all that is just and loving. Through Your GOoDness, You want all people to live in Your Reign where justice and peace are the hallmarks. By His teaching and ministry, Your Son, Jesus, demonstrated Your compassion and care for those who were downtrodden. Jesus has commissioned us to continue the bringing about of Your Reign by doing as He did. At times we have let other selfish values reign in our lives. We have sought the lordship of fame and fortune. We have ignored our fellow citizens in Your Reign, especially those on the fringes of society. For this we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. Continue to pour Your Holy Spirit into our lives so that we will have the strength and conviction to live as heralds of Your Reign. May we make Your presence known by the way we treat those whom You have placed in our paths. We give You all the praise and glory as we continue our journey toward the fullness of Your Reign of peace and justice. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, the One Who comes in Your name and Who is already living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 5, 2025
Friday of First Week of Advent Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120525.cfm St. Sabas: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-sabas
Readings: Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9: 27-31
Salvation is the theme that I see running through the readings. Salvation comes from the Latin salus or salvus and means “healing” or “wholeness” or “salvation.” The passage from Isaiah presents healing and wholeness in physical images. The psalm proclaims that the LORD GOD is salvation. In the Gospel, Jesus brings healing and wholeness to two blind men.
Through the prophet Isaiah, GOD promises great changes: the cedars will become trees that produce fruit, the blind will see, words on the page will shout out, the lowly will rejoice, wrongs will be made right, and most importantly, GOD’s chosen people will see GOD and praise the LORD for the divine deeds done. These are promises of healing and wholeness for all creation and all creatures who seek GOD.
The psalmist praises GOD as the source of salvation. Those who wait for the coming (adventus) of GOD with patience and trust, will have nothing to fear and they will be given signs of GOD’s saving graces: light, joy, and
great bounty. Patience and courage is required as one waits for the LORD.
In the Gospel, two blind individuals seek salus (healing) from Jesus. They cry out for Him to be compassionate. Jesus heals them and asks that they not spread the news of their healing to others. Yet, their
excitement prevents them for keeping it
quiet.
As I reflect on the readings, particularly the Gospel, I wondered about the mixed
message of Jesus. Jesus is moved to bring about salus (healing) not because He wants to be famous, but because He truly cares and has
compassion for those who are not whole (and/or not holy). At this point in His ministry, Jesus does not want His fame to spread because that will lead to His being arrested and being put to death or His being crowned as an earthly king. He wants to reach out His healing hands and touch people in a way that will draw them closer to
His Abba-Father. He desires to bring a personal experience of salvation to as many people as He can before His earthly life comes to an end.
Jesus’ wish to keep His messiahship quiet is called the “Messianic Secret” by some scripture scholars. It is
not that Jesus does not want to bring salus to people, but He does not want people to be enamored of His power and miss His message. He has come to usher in the Reign of GOD. If people focus only on His miraculous power, they will miss out on the healing and wholeness and holiness that He wants them to have in all aspects of their lives. Yes, Jesus has begun the Reign of GOD, but the fullness of the Reign of GOD is not yet.
In some ways, I am like children this time of year. I become anxious, not for presents on Christmas, but for the fulfillment of the Reign of GOD. I don’t want to have to struggle with earthly problems or have to work at bringing about the Reign of GOD. These past few years have been challenging for all of us with the pandemic, natural disaster, political and civil unrest, wars, etc. Yet, part of the message I receive today is that I have to be patient and wait. Yes, I can be excited about what the Lord Jesus has done and continues to do, but I should not get ahead of myself (or at least not ahead of the Lord Jesus, except to prepare His way). GOD is working in my life and the lives of others. Sometimes the Lord Jesus brings about an immediate experience of salus and other times we have to wait for it to happen.
What do we do while we have to wait? We have to be patient. “Patient” come from the Latin word, patior, which meaning “to suffer.” We have to be willing to suffer a little until the Lord Jesus makes His final adventus (“coming”) known. Another English word that comes from the verb, patior, is “passion” or “passionate. It does not mean that we sit back and do nothing. It implies that we must be passionate about our belief in Jesus and His coming (adventus) again. We must be pro-actively involved in helping to prepare the Way of the Lord Jesus.
We must bring about the message of salvation by compassionately reaching out to others as Jesus did. We must be willing to work, and pray, for the healing of mind, body, and soul of those who cry out to the Lord Jesus.
I continue to reflect on what Jesus’ attitude was in healing the blindness of the two individuals in the Gospel today. He gave them sight not to “wow” the people, but because He had compassion for them. He realized that they were not able to “see” the coming of the Lord Jesus until their blindness was removed. He wanted to make sure that they were ready for His coming. It seems like they did not fully “see” Jesus’ message. Yes, they had faith in Jesus, but they were so excited about their ability to see physically that, at least for a time, they missed
out on the need to “see” spiritually.
This is our time of patient and passionate waiting. We must wait for the final coming of the Lord Jesus. We must be vigilant and patient, while pro-actively (passionately) spreading the message of the salus of the Lord Jesus. We must take the message of the psalmist seriously and actively “wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.”
The personal question/action for today: What is my idea of salvation? How anxious am I to receive this gift from GOD? Am I only interested in physical aspects of salus – healing, wholeness – and not the spiritual aspects – salvation and holiness? In what areas of my life do I need to exercise more patience, and also be more passionate, as I wait for the Lord Jesus’ return? How can I be more proactive (passionate) in helping others await the Lord Jesus with courage?
Blessed are You, LORD, GOD of all salus. Through Your GOoDness, You have always desired our wholeness and healing. You alone know what that fully means. We often are misguided in our pursuit of wholeness. We think that if we are physically well or totally happy that we have Your gift of salus. Through Your Son, You remind us that what salvation really entails is being able to dwell in Your presence and gaze on Your loveliness. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us the courage to be stouthearted and wait for the fullness of the Coming (Adventus) of Your Son when He comes at the end of time. Help us to prepare the Way so that He can come to us and to others, and so that He can lead us to You and we can proclaim You as our light and our salvation. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Brother and Savior, Who has begun Your Reign, but Who will come again to bring us into the fullness of Your Reign, where He now is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 6, 2025
Sat. of First Week of Advent
(Optional Memorial of Saint Nicholas) Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120625.cfm Saint Nicholas: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-nicholas
Readings: Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26; Psalm 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Matthew 9: 35 – 10: 1, 5a, 6-8
We continue to hear about the glories of the Reign of GOD. Isaiah’s word of prophecy proclaims a time when there will be abundant food, peace, and joy. The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for all that the LORD does (and will do). The response is a reminder that those who wait for the LORD will be blessed. In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims the Reign of Heaven/GOD, yet He also expresses the need for people to be co-workers with Him in bringing about the GOoD News of the Reign of Heaven.
In the First Reading, Isaiah encourages the weary believers with the words that promise that GOD will establish the divine rule and with that will come a time of joy, truth, feasting, refreshment, and light. When we allow GOD to reign, life is always better. For GOD is a GOD of compassion and love for those who call out to heaven and to the One Who reigns there.
In our Responsorial, GOD is glorified for the marvelous deeds that the LORD has done
and will do. Some of the reasons GOD is to be praised is the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the gathering of the dispersed believers back in the Holy City, the healing of the sick and disabled, the control of the universe including stars, and the righting of wrongs done by evil doers. The refrain used between the stanzas reiterates the theme of Advent: “Blessed are those who wait for the Lord.”
In the Gospel, Jesus continues His ministry of announcing the coming Reign of Heaven. It has begun through His uplifting words and compassionate
works, but GOD has willed that it will not be fully experienced during Jesus’ earthly life, nor probably during our earthly life. It will only reach its climax when Jesus returns. Therefore, Jesus seeks fellow laborers to help with the harvesting of the fruits of the Reign of GOD. Jesus empowers His disciples with the authority to do what He has done: preach the GOoD News in both word and action.
Once again, we are reminded that Jesus has come to usher in the Reign of GOD. His first coming (adventus) was the beginning of His Reign. The completion of GOD’s Reign will not be until Jesus comes again. In the meantime, Jesus has entrusted His ministry to His disciples. Not only are the ordained clergy and the paid church employees called to work for the
expansion of the Reign of Heaven, but also all who are followers of Jesus must be about His ministry. The
harvest is truly huge. Yet those who are committed to the spread of the heavenly Reign are few in comparison. There is still a lot of work to be done.
Through my work in Stephen Ministry and other ministries, I realize how many people are in need of help and of the reassurance of GOD’s Reign. Their primary need is for someone to have compassion for them and be
there with them. They are, to use Jesus’ words, like sheep without a shepherd. They are so burdened that they cannot know which way to go in order to be a part of GOD’s Reign. For some, they cannot experience GOD’s loving care until they are touched by some human hands that show love and concern for them.
The more we are willing to work for the furthering of the Reign of GOD, the more we will be a part of it. I
am reminded of Saint (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta. She realized GOD’s power when she ministered to the sick,
the dying, and the outcasts. She did not care if people were Christian or not, she saw their pain and suffering. She knew that she could help bring about the Reign of GOD by her serving the poor and helpless. The more she ministered, the more she was aware of what the Reign of Heaven was all about.
As we continue our Advent journey, we are called to wait for the Lord Jesus’ coming (Adventus). Waiting, however, does not mean doing nothing. Waiting requires us to be pro-active in hastening Jesus’ coming. We must be preparing the Way for the Lord Jesus. We are called to be co-workers in the harvest. The sooner the harvest is completed, the sooner we will be able to share in the final fruits of the harvest. It is then that we will experience the fullness of GOD’s Reign as described in the readings: no more tears or suffering, a time of peace, abundant food and drink, the joy of being in the Light.
GOD has chosen to need our help. We are being called to be active in the bringing about the Reign of GOD. We all have a share. The more we work, and work together, the greater will be our joy as we wait for the Lord Jesus’ final coming. Blessed are those who actively wait for the Lord Jesus!
The personal question/action for today: When I think about the harvest of GOD being huge and the laborers being few, what thoughts go through my mind? Do I see myself in need of GOD’s laborers? Do I sense that I am being called to be a co-worker in GOD’s field and help bring the Reign of GOD to others? In what way can I further the Reign of GOD today? To whom can I minister so that they do not feel quite so alone and lacking in direction?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, divine Lover and compassionate LORD. Through Your GOoDness, You care for all people, especially those who cry out to You. You want all to experience Your reigning in their lives. You
have sent Your Son, Jesus, to usher in Your heavenly Reign. Jesus proclaimed Your love and compassion, not only in His words, but also in His reaching out and touching those who seemed to be wandering aimlessly without direction or those who were disabled from journeying along the Way to Your Reign. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, Jesus continues His compassionate and loving ministry by calling others to do as He did.
We who call ourselves His disciples are asked to assist in harvesting people into the Reign of Heaven. We have sometimes failed in our calling by choosing other paths or making excuses why we cannot serve. We ask for Your forgiveness and healing. Continue to pour forth Your Holy Spirit, so that we will courageously and lovingly work in the fields that Your Son has started. Give us the strength and wisdom and compassion so that we can touch lives like our Master-Teacher, and for our Master-Teacher. We make this prayer in His name, Jesus, Your Son and our Brother, Who works in and through us, and continues to lead us to the fullness of Your Reign, where He is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120725.cfm
Saint Ambrose: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ambrose
Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17;
Romans 15: 4-9; Matthew 3: 1-12
Our Advent journey continues. We see two different images of the Coming Reign of GOD. Both are true; both can speak to us. Isaiah speaks of a time when the Chosen One of GOD will come and issue in a time of peace and mutually cooperation. The Responsorial Psalm declares a time when peace and justice flourish. Paul urges the Roman Christians to manifest the unity to which GOD is calling them, in and through Jesus. The Gospel presents John the Baptist’s ministry of preparing people for the Coming of the One Who is mightier than he.
Isaiah sees a profound period of peace as the Chosen One of GOD comes. His Coming (“advent”) will be marked by the gifts that come from the Spirit of GOD: wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and fear (awe) of the LORD. The Chosen One will come in judgment, not based on appearances, but with justice and peace. A sign of the justice and peace are given in the
images of new life sprouting from barren branches; and animals that are normally enemies of each other, now eating together. It will be life totally different from that experienced presently.
The psalmist looks forward to GOD’s blessing of the Coming Ruler of the people Who will establish a
reign of true peace and justice. This Coming Regent will reach out to the poor and the disenfranchised and save them. All peoples of the world will be blessed by the One Who will come soon.
In his letter to the faithful of Rome, Paul points out that all Hebrew scriptures refer to the Messiah as the fulfillment of all
promises proclaimed about the One Who was to come. Jesus fits the description of Messiah fully. In and through Jesus, all are to be one. Thus, Paul exhorts the faithful to work for, and live in, the unity that Jesus’s First Coming began, and that will be completed by His Second Coming.
The Gospel gives another image of the Coming Reign of God. It speaks of judgment of those who have not reformed their lives; they
will face fire, wrath, and an ax. John the Baptist is a voice crying out in the desert. His voice is one of warning. He calls the people to repentance, in Greek, μετανοια - metanoia. Metanoia means a change of direction, a change of heart and mind. It requires people to change their lives and open their hearts to the One Who is
Coming.
These two images of the Advent (“Coming”) of the
Lord Jesus seem to contradict each other. Yet, if we look
closer, they are linked together. John the Baptist is preparing others for the Coming. He wants people to be ready when the Coming One arrives. The way they do this is by reviewing their lives and seeing what is out of line with vision presented by Isaiah. John calls for metanoia, particularly for those who are not living lives
marked by the gifts of the Spirit. If people are not acting with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and fear (being in awe) of the Lord, then they better shape up or they will be shipped out to the ax, fire, and wrath. John says he is not the One Who is to come, he is only the pre-cursor (the one who runs in front) to clear the path for the One Who is Coming. He promises the Advent (“Coming”) One will establish a reign that will be different. The waiting people, who are prepared and ready, will receive new life and joy, and will peacefully co-exist with their former foes.
So what is the message for us? Simply put, and borrowing the motto of the American Coast Guard, “Semper Paratus – Always Prepared – Always Ready.” The members of the Coast Guard know that the Latin phrase is more than a state of mind or a catchy motto. It takes discipline, changing their way of life, exercising and training, and practice. It means living a style of life that reflects that they are ready for whatever might happen. For us who are waiting for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus, it means discipline also. We must be disciplined learners of the Lord Jesus (disciples of the Master-Teacher). It means we may have to look at our lives and to change any aspects that do not fit the Gospel message. It means metanoia. Our training consists in spiritual activities and charitable exercises. We have to practice the peace, understanding, unity,
and way of life that will mark the Reign of God when the Coming One appears
again. It means modeling a life that proclaims the peace and justice of God. Advent is a time for getting ready. It is the Christian boot camp. We are being prepared to go out and
remove any obstacles hindering the path of the Coming Lord. Our lives should never be the same again. Once a disciplined follower of the Lord Jesus, one should always be a disciplined follower.
Are you ready?
The personal question/action for today: When I think about the Coming of the Lord Jesus, how prepared am I? Am I “always” prepared? Do I keep my mind on the fact that I must be ready at all times? What discipline(s) must I practice in order to be “Always Prepared” for the Lord Jesus’ Coming? What practical things can I do to work for the peace, justice, and unity of the Reign of the One W ho has come and is Coming again?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, provider of all that is needed. Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son as the One Who Comes in Your name. He has walked among us announcing Your GOoD News. Like the people of His days, many people today are not prepared or ready for His Coming. We find ourselves too engrossed in the ways of the world and failing to discipline ourselves so that we will always be prepared for His Coming again. For our failure to prepare and for our sins against peace, justice, and unity, we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. With the continued prompting of the Holy Spirit, motivate us to metanoia – change of heart. Strength us to discipline ourselves to always be ready and prepared. We make this prayer in the name of the One Who has come and is Coming again, Jesus, our Master-Teacher and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 8, 2025
Immaculate Conception of Mary
(replacing Monday of the Second Week of Advent)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120825.cfm
Immaculate Conception: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary
Readings: Genesis 3: 9-15, 20; Psalm 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4; Ephesians 1: 3-6, 11-12; Luke 1: 26-38
Today’s readings present us with two women, their actions, and the repercussions of their actions. We have a contrast today between Eve and Mary. Both women are key to the message of salvation, but from opposite perspectives.
In the First Reading, as we explore the story of the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden, we see some interesting events taking place. GOD has graced Adam and Eve with a beautiful place to live, no problems, plenty of food – a true paradise. Then enters the tempter, the serpent, identified often as Satan, the fallen angel. There is the temptation to eat of something that seems “good,” even though GOD command that it not be eaten. The woman eats and invites her mate to join her. Both realize their shame – they can no longer be freely open with themselves, or with GOD. They have the first recorded “cover-up” in “history.” When challenged by GOD, they do not want to admit their own part in the offense, but they try to blame some else: Adam blames Eve and GOD, Eve blames the serpent. A story that reflects the truth of the human condition: GOD graces us, we chose to go our own way; when confronted, we try to shift the blame onto others.
My reflection led me to think back at what my perceptions of sin and grace had been. As a youngster, I used to think that we earned grace when we obeyed, and we lost grace when we sinned. Grace, in this sense, was our reward for doing right. Yet, that perception, I think, was a misunderstanding on my part. Grace, by its very definition, means a gift. Grace is a gift from GOD, or better yet, the gift of GOD. It is GOD choosing to share the divine life with us. What we do with the grace is what is important. If we accept the grace, then we will want to obey. If we do not accept the grace, we will disobey. Grace is not the reward of obedience; obedience is the response to grace in our life. (Obedience by the way comes from the Latin for “hearing and responding.” Thus, disobedience is not listening and not responding, at least not responding properly.) And the more we “obey” GOD, the more GOD shares the divine life with us.
Adam and Eve were blessed with grace. They chose not to fully accept the grace. They wanted something of their own choice. The rejected grace, the life of GOD with them; thus, they disobeyed – they sinned. They hid from GOD because they were afraid because they had rejected GOD’s grace, GOD’s gift of divine life.
Yet GOD did not abandon them. GOD promised that through the offspring of the woman, the battle between GOoD and evil would be fought and GOoD would ultimately win. It would be a horrific battle. The offspring of the woman would be injured in the fight, but the offspring of the woman would be victorious over the offspring of the serpent (evil). People would again accept the gift of GOD’s grace, offered by the offspring of the woman.
The Gospel leads us to the woman from whom the Promised One would come. Mary is gifted with grace. GOD gives her an abundance of grace. The Angel Gabriel addresses her with greeting, “full of grace.” And she responds with her “fiat” – “let it be.” She freely chooses to accept GOD’s grace, GOD’s life within in her. In a sense she was offered the best grace, GOD’s life incarnate within her womb. This was a huge request that GOD
asked of her; the request came with a lot of repercussions. This would change her life (and also the life of all people).
To give us some idea of how big an invitation this was, we need to understand a few things. Jewish woman took the promise offered by GOD in Genesis 3 seriously. They wanted to become the woman from whom would come the Offspring – the Messiah – Who would become victorious over the serpent. They wanted to become the mother of this Messiah. This was something that was desired by most Israelite woman. Yet some church tradition says that Mary, as a young girl, had made a vow not to have children. Why she made this vow is not clearly understood. There were some Jewish girls who gave up their hope of ever becoming the mother of the Messiah. Yes, she would have a husband, since a Jewish woman needed a man for her protection under the law. She, however, would remain a virgin.
As today’s Gospel takes place, she is already betrothed to Joseph, but they are not yet married nor are they living under the same roof.
As the messenger (angel) of GOD appears to Mary, she is perplexed. The angel shares GOD’s invitation of grace. GOD wants Mary to accept GOD’s life within her so that GOD can become incarnate in and through her. She is asked to be the mother of the Messiah. Many things probably raced through her mind. How was this going to happen? What about her promise of virginity? The angel reassures her of GOD’s gift of grace. She is told it will be by the power of the Holy Spirit that she will conceive and give birth to the One Who will be called “Son of the Most High.” More questions probably ran through her mind: if she becomes pregnant and it is not by Joseph, Joseph will know, and by Jewish law, he has both a right and an obligation to have her stoned. How will she explain this?
Mary is willing to accept this grace, the gift of GOD’s life becoming human in and through her. She doesn’t reject the gift. She listens as the angel explains a little more of GOD’s plan. She is shown how GOD can work things out, since GOD has allowed Elizabeth, her elderly relative, to be with child. The angel assures her that with GOD, all things are possible. She is confident (a word that means “with faith”) that GOD will see her through (providere), if she but listens and responds (“obeys”). She responds to GOD’s grace, GOD’s gift of the fullness of GOD’s life within her. She obediently says, “fiat” – “let it be.” Her obedience leads to the birth of the One Who would counteract the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and all other acts of disobedience since.
So how does that fit in with today’s Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception? Today we celebrate that Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother (Anne - Hannah) without the sin with which all other humans are conceived. This was the beginning of Mary’s grace, the gift of GOD’s life within her. St. Paul, in today’s letter to the Ephesians, speaks about GOD’s plan and GOD’s foreknowledge. GOD always knows what will happen. GOD has always known that Mary would accept this special grace. Thus, Mary was allowed to receive the grace of redemption that her Son would bring through His death and resurrection. She received this gift before the act of redemption took place in time. It was something GOD the Abba-Father knew would happen. Mary was just graced with the gift before it took place. And
how fitting it is that GOD would prepare a human place, free of sin, in which the Son of GOD would take human form. And is not GOD free to grace people in GOD’s own way? Cannot GOD give the gift of redemption (that is the full sharing of GOD’s life with people) to one who would fully say “yes” to that
gift later in her life? Remember as the angel said in today’s gospel, “for nothing is impossible with GOD.”
How does all this “theologizing” have an effect on my daily life? GOoD question. It does not mean that Mary is fourth person of the blessed “quadrinity.” Mary is not GOD. Mary is only human. Yet she is the best role model of what it means to be a graced human. She gives us the best example of one who accepts the invitation of GOD’s grace. She so obediently responded to GOD’s offer of divine life, that GOD became incarnate within her. She brought forth the Word of GOD in human form.
Catholics are often accused of “praying” to Mary in the sense of making her divine. Yet, if we truly look at our prayers, they are asking (beseeching and in the English sense of the word “praying”) that Mary would intercede for us. In Catholic prayers, we use the phrase “pray for us” whenever we want others to join with us in prayer. Thus, it is that we often ask friends to pray for us. Most
often when we ask someone to pray for us, we often ask those whom we know are trying to live a GOD-centered life. Why not ask the woman who exemplifies what it means to have a GOD-centered life? We ask Mary to join our prayer and adoration of the GOD Who graces us.
In conclusion, what am I going to do differently today in my Advent journey? First of all, I am going to thank GOD for the grace that is continually offered to me. I am going to be grateful that GOD wants to share the divine life with me. I am going to respond to the gift of grace by living a life of grace, a graceful life, a life filled with GOD’s life. I will respond to GOD’s invitation with my own “fiat” – “let it be.” That means I am consciously going to look at my life and see what in my life is not reflecting the fact that GOD is within me and also see what sinfulness and disobedience is there within me.
Also, it means I am going to turn to those presently on earth living a life of grace and those who are living the fullness of life of grace in heaven and ask them (beseech, pray) that they join me in praying to (worshiping, adoring) our GOD as a part of my response to the gift of grace that GOD alone gives me. I will ask them to join me in adoring, thanking, and petitioning GOD. And I will thank GOD especially for the example of the woman who said the greatest “yes” to GOD and in whom GOD Incarnate took on flesh and from whom He was born.
The personal question/action for today: How have I thought of grace? Why was Mary addressed as “full of grace”? Do I sometimes limit GOD’s grace by my own (sinful) thoughts and actions? To what aspects of my life do I need to respond to GOD’s invitation by saying “Fiat – Let it be”? How can I help others realize that GOD wants them to receive the divine gift of grace?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all grace. Through Your GOoDness we are given the opportunity to respond to the gift of Your life within us. We thank You for using the “fault” of Adam and Eve, so that the promise of Your grace could be born in Mary, the new Eve. For without sin, there would not have been the need of redemption by Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for choosing Mary and allowing her to respond to Your invitation of grace and Your life within in her. Jesus, Your ever-living Son, took human existence in Mary. May we continued to say with her, “Let it be done to me as You say.” We make this prayer of praise and thanks to You, in
the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Word made flesh, the only Savior and Redeemer, our Brother, Who was born of the Virgin Mary, has died for us, is risen, and is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 9, 2025
Tuesday of Second Week of Advent
(Optional Memorial of Saint Juan Diego)
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120925.cfm
Saint Juan Diego: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-juan-diego
Readings: Isaiah 40: 1-11; Psalm 96: 1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13; Matthew 18: 12-14
Today’s readings continue the Advent theme of preparing for the Coming Day of the Lord Jesus. The First Reading has been linked to John the Baptist. All of readings are also filled with hope at the Coming (Advent) of our saving GOD. Not only should we be filled with hope, but we should also praise and thank GOD (psalm) for GOD’s willingness to go out in search of the wayward (Gospel).
Isaiah reassures the exiles that GOD will come and lead them along a straight and broadened highway, back to the Land of Promise. Even though the people are no more than grass and flowers that wither and die, GOD takes an interest in them, more
than a shepherd cares for the sheep. This should lead to all the cities of GOD (and all their inhabitants now and in the future) praising GOD for GOD’s benevolence and caring. GOD’s
chosen ones should want to joyously and loudly proclaim GOD’s praise, especially as GOD tends the divine flock.
The psalm urges all of GOD’s people to rejoice and sing praise to the LORD, because the LORD is keeping the promise of “Coming” (Advent) to the people in order to save them. When the Reign of GOD is established, justice and constancy will be evident.
In the Gospel, Jesus explains that GOD has more joy when the wayward turn back to GOD than when faithful “sheep” stay where they should be. GOD wants all to turn back (metanoia) to the Lord Jesus and be saved.
As I reflect on the readings, I recall the passage of 2 Peter 3: 8-14. We may be
anxious that the Lord Jesus will come again, especially if we are going through some rough times. We, like Peter and Paul, may at times be baffled because the Lord Jesus has not come back yet. Yet, Peter reassures us, the Lord Jesus is not delaying. GOD is just giving more people a little more time to turn back (metanoia).
I am truly humbled that GOD cares enough about me
(and everyone else) that the Lord Jesus is waiting to come until I (and the rest of us) get back on track. GOD wants us to be a part of the heavenly Reign. GOD wants us to enjoy the divine presence more than we may want it ourselves. GOD keeps giving us more chances. When will we run out of chances? I don’t know. So, we better be prepared now.
One of my nieces was working on a film script. She had written many versions of it and submitted it to the producers. Often they would send it back and say, “Re-write this part.
It isn’t right.” And she re-worked the script and re- submitted it to the producers who sometimes remark, “Better, but it still needs a little work in parts.”
GOD is like that. GOD gives us the starting script for our lives and wants us to finish writing the script. GOD
frequently looks at the script of our life and says, “It isn’t right. Re-do this section.” We then can re-think how our life is being portrayed and see if it is up to the standards GOD wants. We again turn it over to GOD and often GOD responds, “Better, but it still needs more work.”
It is overwhelming to me that GOD loves us so much. Our response to GOD’s great love should be obedience and praise and willingness to re-work our life-script to be more inline with what the Lord Jesus wants for us. We should give thanks to the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father for that abundant mercy, compassion, and love. It is no wonder that the psalmist expresses for us what our attitude should be: “Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless GOD’s name; announce GOD’s salvation, day after day.”
As we continue our Advent journey, let us take the time to appreciate GOD’s infinite love for us. Let us
reflect on what parts of our life may need to be re-worked so that it fulfills GOD’s thoughts and desires for us. May we be bearers of the GOoD News of GOD’s compassion to others through our actions and words.
The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced GOD’s gracious caring for me, especially when I have strayed away from GOD’s will? What has been my response to GOD’s searching me out and giving me another chance to re-work the life- script I have? How can I help reach out to others who are wayward and remind them of the graciousness and love of our GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD and our loving Abba. Through Your GOoDness, You care for us so much that You have gone out in search of us, just as a shepherd searches for a lost sheep. The sending of Your Son as the Good Shepherd reminds us of Your taking a liking to us. You have gone to the extreme in allowing Jesus to be born a human, to live and minister here on earth, to heal and restore people to salus (healing, wholeness, holiness, salvation), and to give the highest example of love through His own ministry, death, and resurrection. Help us to see how our wandering away from You is so sinful, not because it leads to our own demise, but because it is an affront to Your graciousness. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, open our minds to Your immense love. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, Who continues to come after us and lead us back to You. It is from Him that we have redemption, grace, and salvation. It is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 10, 2025
Wednesday of Second Week of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121025.cfm
Blessed Adolf Kopling: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-adolph-kolping
Readings: Isaiah 40: 25-31; Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10; Matthew 11: 28-30
There is a passage in Nehemiah that says, “The joy of the LORD is my strength” (8: 10). Today’s reading could be summarized in a play on those words: “The strength of the LORD is my joy.” Isaiah speaks of the strength of the LORD GOD. Not only does GOD have strength, GOD shares that strength with those who ask for it. Although the word “strength” does not appear in today’s psalm, the psalm presents some of the results of GOD’s strength: pardon, forgiveness, redemption, and compassion. In the Gospel today, Jesus promises His disciples that He will lighten their load and take their burdens upon Himself for He is strong and able to handle the load.
The exiles to whom Isaiah addresses his words were under a tremendous burden, not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually, as they suffered as exiles in Babylon. They needed to be given encouragement and hope. Isaiah portrays the LORD GOD as the unmatchable Force Who can win any battle. Not only is GOD strong, but also the LORD shares the divine strength with those who are weak and weary. GOD empowers them to soar like eagles (with lifted spirits) and run and not grow faint or weary. GOD is the source of strength.
The psalm presents the proper response to a GOD Who is strong enough to forgive, redeem, and have compassion on the broken people. The response is to berakah (bless, praise, give glory to) GOD. What great joy should fill those who have been touched by the strong hand of the LORD GOD that is being extended to all who are open to GOD!
In the Gospel, the ever-compassionate Christ Jesus looks upon His disciples
and sees that they are worn out and exhausted. He promises them relief and rest. All they need to do is allow themselves to be yoked to Him.
A yoke is a frame that is attached to two or more animals so that they can work together to bear a heavy burden. It is a well-established tool used in order to make effective power of couple of strong creatures. The beasts of burden share the load and work as a team. Jesus asks that we join with Him and work as a team.
Our heavy burdens, that we could not bear by ourselves, can be eased if we just allow the Lord Jesus to take the heaviest part of the work.
For some of us, one of the problems in being yoked is that we think we lose our independence. We have the misconception that if we become
linked with another, even if that “Other” is Jesus, then we cannot do our own thing. That is why a lot people refuse to be yoked with Jesus. There
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yoke_(PSF).png
is no way they can pull their burden, but they will not give up their supposed freedom to do what they want to do. They would rather die from exhaustion than give up doing it their own way. I am reminded of the song written by Paul Anka that Frank Sinatra sang, I Did It My Way. That is not Biblical.
Jesus promises to be our strength. The results will be a lighter burden for us, and a little time to rest from the
heavy workload. The work can be done more effectively and efficiently. And, in reality, we are assured of being on the right path because the One with Whom we are linked knows the path we should take and has traveled the way before us, in fact, He is the Way.
As we move through this Advent season and as we think about all the work we must do at our places of employment, or school, and/or at home to finish all of our deadlines before the end of the year or before taking a
break for Christmas or being able to celebrate with family and friends in the way we think it should be, we may think we can never do it. We may also be weakened by colds or the flu, or even a virus. Even the change in weather can affect us. “How are we going to get through the next week and half?” we may ask ourselves. The answer is, “very difficultly,” if we do not allow ourselves to be yoked up with Jesus.
To be yoked with Jesus does not mean that we give up our freedom nor does it mean we can sit back and do nothing, expecting Jesus to do all the work. We still have choices to make and work to do, but we do not have to do it alone. We can trust that Jesus will see us through. To be yoked up with Jesus means we take time to be with Him, reflecting on His words, learning from Him Who is the Master-Teacher – after all. Today He says, “Learn from Me.” It means we must be disciples of the Lord Jesus – disciplined learners who are willing to
follow the routine set up by the Master. It means a lot of work on our part, but we have the guidance and help of the One Who has come through it all before us.
And as we allow ourselves to be yoked with Jesus, we will notice how much easier it is for us. We can then appropriately say that “the strength of the Lord Jesus is our joy.” We will be moved to give praise and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ and to His heavenly Abba-Father. We will say, in the paraphrased words of today’s
Responsorial Psalm, “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless GOD’s holy name. Bless the LORD, O my
soul, and forget not all GOD’s benefits.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think of being yoked to Jesus, what are my thoughts and feelings? Is there anything that prevents me from surrendering my burden to the Lord Jesus and asking Him to lighten my load? Is there some way that I can join with the Lord Jesus in helping others who are overburdened and need relief?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all compassion. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to be our ever compassionate and caring Abba-Father. You do not want us, Your children, to be overly-burden to the point that we lose hope and faith in You. For this reason, You sent Your Son, Christ Jesus, to be not only our Savior, but our Master-Teacher, and the One Who is willing to help carry our heavy loads. He has come to bring us relief and rest, if we but allow Him into our lives. We must be willing to give up a little of our independence in
order to be yoked with Him. Yet, Your Son, our loving Master-Teacher, promises to teach us what we need to do
in order to get through the exhausting moments in our lives. Not only does He teach us, but also, He willingly bears the brunt of the burden so that we can find the refreshment and strength to continue along the path to You. For the times we have taken too much upon ourselves without trusting in Jesus, our Master-Teacher, we ask for Your pardon and forgiveness. For the times we have not given ourselves over to the wisdom, guidance, and strength of Your Son, we beg Your understanding and compassion. For the times Your Son has pulled us
and our burdens to the safety and place of rest and renewal, we give You thanks and praise. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit helps us never forget all of Your benefits. We make this prayer of praise and thanksgiving
in the name of Christ Jesus, Your Son and our Master-Teacher, the One Who invites us to allow Him to be yoked with us. He it is Who teaches us the paths to rest and refreshment. He it is Who journeys along with us, but Who is also living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 11, 2025
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
(Opt. Mem. of St. Damasus I) Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121125.cfm Saint Damasus I: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-damasus-i
Readings: Isaiah 41: 13-20; Psalm 145: 1, 9, 10-11, 12-13ab; Matthew 11: 11-15
There is a phrase that is repeated twice in the first verses of today’s selection from Isaiah. It is “Do not fear” or “Do not be afraid.” This phrase is repeated at least 365 times throughout the Bible. And at the same time another phrase that repeats itself in scripture is “Fear the LORD.” How are these phrases reconciled with each other? And what does that have to do with the rest of the readings today?
“Fear of the LORD” or “Awe of GOD” means acknowledging the LORD for Who the LORD is: The LORD is the faithful and just GOD. It means reverencing GOD for Who GOD is. It is part of our prayer of Adoration. It is also part of our prayer of Contrition, for we also acknowledge that we are sinners and in need of GOD’s grace and salvation. “Fear of the LORD” is being in right relationship with a GOD Who loves and challenges us, a GOD Who comforts us when we cry to GOD for help, and a GOD Who expects more of us when we are not living up to our full potential.
In the selection from Isaiah GOD is speaking the other words to us, “Fear not. . .Do not be afraid.” GOD wants to reassure us that the LORD is in control and GOD will right all the wrongs and will restore life to those from whom it has been taken. The imagery of the desert rocks being sources of water and of the dry and barren land blooming with new growth would be comforting images to people who were experiencing dry times during a time of exile and oppression. The outcasts and poor (the “Anawim”) will be restored and lifted up to not only their past high point, but even higher. This is a message of comfort for people who have experienced nothing but hardships. They were at the point of despair. Their lives were filled with fear: “What else will happen to us? Will our enemies destroy us further?”
Many people are asking similar questions during our present era. Some people have seen their “retirement” go down the financial sewer. Others who have heard and believe the messages of doom about the collapse of the United States and end of the world. The pandemic, social and political unrest, war in parts of the world, senseless shootings at cars and people in schools, stores, and at supposedly happy celebrations, natural disasters of hurricanes and fires makes us fearful and unsure of what will happen next. Our lives are filled with fear.
GOD is speaking through Isaiah to the Jewish people some 2550 years ago. GOD’s message is also being proclaimed to us: “Do not be afraid.” Fear can be destructive. Fear takes away our ability to love. St. John in his first letter speaks of this. 1 John 4: 18 says: “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear.” Fear and love are opposites. If we love and
sense that we are loved, we will not fear. If we are fearful, we are not able to fully love or to be loved fully. That is because fear puts us on the defense, it prevents us from trusting. When we are “fear-full,” we are controlled by the unknown lack of control, rather than realizing that GOD is in control.
Unfounded fear is debilitating. It takes all our energy and channels it in unproductive worry. Fear is often a bunch of lies.
GOD is reminding us today that we should allow GOD’s own divine life and love control our life. It will set us free; it will be the refreshing water in our arid lives. GOD is comforting us and giving us hope. GOD asks us to trust in the Lord Jesus and believe that He will take care of us.
In the Gospel today we hear Jesus speaking about John the Baptist and the Coming (Advent) of the Reign of GOD. John is praised for preparing people to hear the message of the Coming Reign of GOD. And Jesus also mentions those who are of the Reign of GOD will be greater than John the Baptist. In a sense, Jesus is saying
that John came before the establishment of the Reign of GOD. He is part of the Old Testament line of prophets. Things are different once the Reign of GOD begins. The Reign of GOD has met (and continues to meet) opposition, Jesus informs His disciples. The Reign of GOD, however, will ultimately win out. This is a reminder to us: following Jesus can be challenging, but ultimately rewarding.
As I reflect on these readings, a saying of one of my spiritual directors hits me. I once asked this priest-spiritual director, “What would you like written on your tombstone?” He thought for a while and responded, “I would like the phrase ‘He comforted the disturbed, and disturbed the comfortable.’” I was struck by that phrase because that is what GOD is
doing with us and what we should do in our daily lives with others. We should proclaim comfort, hope, and “Fear not” to those who are disturbed, outcast, and upset. And we can proclaim those messages not just in words, but in actions. (Remember what St. Francis of Assisi said to his followers: “Proclaim the GOoD News at all times. . .and, if necessary, use words.”) We need to be people of comfort and peace, people who live lives without fear, people enveloped with the love of GOD, so that those who need to hear that GOoD News message will be able to see it and hear it in us.
And at the same time we are called to live lives that challenge those who are too comfortable in their complacent lives. We need to be sources of loving confrontation to those who follow a message contrary to the Gospel - GOoD News of Jesus. Again, our actions need to speak louder than our words. Others should be able to sense our opposition to their complacency by our behavior that is in contrast to their lives of complacency to the Truth. We must live exemplary lives – lives of example – that we are people of the Reign of GOD. The very way we live should challenge others to live better and holier lives than they are living.
The only way we will be able to comfort the disturb and disturb the comfortable is by spending time with the Lord Jesus and honestly and humbly looking at our lives and asking GOD to comfort those areas in our lives that are disturbed and disturb the areas of our lives that are complacent in sinfulness. We have to come to learn from the Master what areas of our lives need to be changed so that we can proclaim the GOoD News of Jesus at all times. In doing so we will be joining the psalmist in the today’s words, “Let all Your works give You thanks, O LORD, and let Your faithful ones bless You.”
The personal question/action for today: What fears are keeping me from fully loving GOD, others, and myself? In what areas of my life do I need to experience GOD's comfort? In what areas of my life do I need to be challenged to do more? How can I comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable today?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all peoples. Through Your GOoDness, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to earth to proclaim the GOoD News of Your love. He proclaimed it by His life and His words. Your Son spoke messages of comfort and healing to those who were afflicted spiritually, physically, and mentally. He challenged those who were not living up to the potential that You had set for them. May we learn from Him, Who is gentle and humble of heart. May our lives reflect that Jesus is our Master-Teacher and Lord. Take away the fear that prevents us from loving ourselves, others, and You. Give us the wisdom and strength to proclaim Your GOoD News to others, especially in the way we treat them. Strengthen us so that we can firmly, but lovingly, challenge ourselves and others to rise above complacency and live up to the level You expect of us. We make this prayer
in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, Who has died, is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddd
December 12, 2025
Friday of the Second Week of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121324.cfm
Blessed Mary Frances Schervier:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-mary-frances-schervier
Readings: Isaiah 48: 17-19; Psalm 1: 1-2, 3, 4, 6; Matthew 11: 16-19
As we continue our Advent journey, we reflect on the idea that those who follow the Lord Jesus will produce a rich harvest. GOD, through the words of Isaiah, promises to reward and bless those who have been willing to walk in GOD’s way. The psalmist today compares those who do GOD’s will to a tree that is planted near the source of life-giving water. Growth and GOoD fruit are produced by trees that are nourished by the vivifying
(life giving) stream. In the Gospel, Jesus admits that some people criticize those who do GOoD and the critics will find any excuse to do so; while those who seek to help others will be rewarded.
The message I take from the passage in Isaiah today is that GOD promises to provide for those who seek the LORD. Divine providence may not be apparent presently, but the LORD will make things right when the LORD comes as redeemer. At that time, the GODly righteous will be given the rewards of their faith lived out in GOoD works. This does not mean they are only doing GOoD so as to be reward, but that they are doing what GOD wants because it is GOD’s will. GOD will honor those who seek to fulfill the ways of the LORD.
The psalm parallels the First Reading by using the imagery of life-giving
water that nourishes and provides growth for the plants that sink their roots into flowing stream. Being rooted in that which gives life, makes a difference in what is produced by the plant/tree.
In the Gospel, Jesus is aware that He cannot make certain people
understand GOD’s message or be satisfied with how some people live out their relationship with GOD. Some of His
listeners had complained about John the Baptist, saying that he was too strict and did not enjoy life. These same individuals
are upset that Jesus does not seem to take things seriously enough since He is always eating at big feasts, and what is worse, doing it with known, public sinners. Jesus’ final line today is that time will show that He (as well as
John the Baptist) has been doing the will of GOD.
As I continue along my Advent journey, I consider a couple of thoughts as a result of today’s reading. First of all, what is most important is doing the will of GOD. The second thing is that GOD knows what is in my heart
(and the hearts of all people) and GOD will set things straight, even though it may not be until the Lord Jesus comes again.
As far as doing GOD’s will, I realize that it does not mean that I must do what other people think is GOD’s will. I must honestly, prayerfully, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, discern what GOD wants me to do. The temptation for me is to do what other people want or even what some say they know to be GOD’s will. There may be some who tend to be more conservative in their view of GOD’s plan. They will try to direct me to be more serious, or to do it their way. There may also be some who are more lax and liberal in their interpretation
of GOD’s commands. They will tell me that I need to lighten up in my walk with the Lord Jesus. [Having a spiritual director can help us, if we choose a person who is spiritual and doesn’t tell us what to do but challenges us to reflect on what GOD may be asking of us.]
The truth is I am only accountable to GOD and GOD alone. I must seek to do what GOD instructs me to do
through GOD’s holy word. I must reflect on what that is, while I keep my eyes focused on the One Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Yes, I must avoid being scandalous to those who may have a different view than I do, but I must be faithful above all else to GOD’s directives. I must prayerfully, humbly, and honestly seek GOD’s will for my life. I can seek spiritual direction from others who are walking the way of the Lord Jesus. I must ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I sit at the feet of the Master-Teacher and learn from Him, either directly or indirectly (from a spiritual director or another person who is seeking to live out GOD’s calling).
The second thought that comes to me today is that of GOD setting things straight. That ties into the theme of Advent. The time of GOD’s final vindication and setting things straight will not take place until the Lord Jesus’ Final Coming (Adventus). That does not give me free reign to do whatever I want, figuring that the Lord Jesus still has quite a while before He returns. On the contrary, I must act as if Jesus is coming tomorrow, even today, for only GOD knows when the Lord Jesus will come again. [Even during Jesus’ earthly life, He did not know when the end time would be. (Mark 13: 32)] I must live a life that is prepared to welcome the Lord Jesus whenever He comes, even at this very moment. I must consciously act in a way that shows that I am sinking my roots deep down into the source of life – GOD’s life. Thus, I must be radical (as John the Baptist and Jesus were radical). I must sink my roots (radices from which comes the word “radical”) in the GOD Who gives and nourishes life (both earthly and eternally).
A side effect of doing that is that I will be producing GOoD fruit – GOD’s fruit. Others will be nourished by
my actions. GOD’s GOoD News will be spread. New life will be manifested. And, most importantly, GOD will be praised! It is thus that we can paraphrase the psalm today and say: “Blessed are those who delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on GOD’s law day and night.”
The personal question/action for today: For what reasons do I seek to bear GOoD fruit? Am I hoping to be rewarded for my GOoDness, or am I responding to my being already graced by GOD? How can I bear fruit that will be beneficial to others today? In what aspect of GOD’s life do I need to be more rooted – more radical?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of all life. Through Your GOoDness, You want us to grow into living beings who produce rich and abundant fruits, that in turn will give glory and praise to You and also be a blessing to others. All You ask of us is that we sink our roots deeply down to where we can tap into Your life- giving spiritual nutrients. We have often been formed more by the harsh winds that blow around us, or the false promises of miracle growth, if we turn away from You, our life source, and turn to other ways. For the times we have failed to seek Your life-giving Reign in our lives, we ask for Your forgiveness and healing. For the times we have sought to please others rather than do Your will, we ask for the strength and courage to stand firm, rooted in You. We thank You for Your sending Your Son, Jesus, to give us an example, to guide us along the way, to provide what we truly need to be fruitful growth in Your Reign. It is in His name that we make this prayer, for He is our Way, our Truth, and our Life; He is our Master-Teacher and Guide. It is He Who will come again to set all things straight and it is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
dddddddddddddddddddddd
December 12, 2025
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
(replacing the readings for Fri. of 2nd Week of Advent)
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121225.cfm
Our Lady of Guadalupe:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-guadalupe
Readings: Zechariah 2: 14-17 or Rev. 11:19a, 12: 1-6a, 10ab;
Judith 13: 10bcde, 19; Luke 1: 26-38 or Luke 1: 39-47
Today we reflect on Mary’s role in the plan of salvation. Today is the feast
of Mary under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are two choices for the
First Reading and two choices for the Gospel reading. The Zechariah reading is addressed to the “daughter of Zion.” Because of the LORD’s Coming, all nations will be blessed. The passage from Revelation describes a woman who gives birth to the One Who is destined to rule all nations. The Responsorial is from Judith. It speaks of the blessedness of one woman among all other. The Gospel choices are both taken from the first chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel. The first is the account of the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. The second is Mary’s response to GOD’s message when she visits her elderly cousin, Elizabeth. Not only does she say “yes” to GOD, but also she immediately travels to be with Elizabeth, to assist her in her last three months of pregnancy before Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist.
The passage from Zechariah is an appropriate reading on this feast day of Mary, for she was considered a daughter of Zion for many reasons. She was one of the Chosen People who worshiped on Zion (part of Jerusalem). According to some traditions, she was said to have been raised in Jerusalem (Zion). Again, according to some traditions, her final home (in which she is reported to have fallen asleep at the end of her life) was on Mt. Zion. The reading is also appropriate for Advent because it speaks of the Coming of the LORD. When the LORD comes, the LORD will gather people from many nations and make them GOD’s own.
In the vision of heaven recounted in the Book of Revelation, the author sees a woman who is about to give birth to the One Who is destined to rule the
nations. It is through the Child born of the woman that salvation is brought to the world. Obviously
this has direct links to Mary, who gave human life to Jesus, our Savior. Also of interest is the imagery of the woman who is “clothed with the sun with moon under her feet.” These are seen in the image of Mary [http://www.sancta.org/intro.html] in the tilma (outer garment) worn by Juan Diego when he presented the roses to the Bishop of Mexico City on January 12, 1531. The rays of the sun are behind the Virgin and it looks like she is clothed with the rays. She is standing on a crescent moon.
The Responsorial is from the Book of Judith. It
speaks about the unique position of one woman. Although originally written about the Hebrew woman named Judith, it has parallels with Mary, who is addressed by her cousin Elizabeth as “blessed among all women.”
The account of the Annunciation relates GOD’s invitation to Mary to be the mother of the Messiah. The faith of the young Jewish woman is remarkable. She seeks to do GOD’s will, even though she does not fully understand all which that entails. She wants to serve GOD in whatever way GOD wants.
The account of the Visitation to Elizabeth by Mary is also highly appropriate for our reflection for this feast during Advent. After being told that she is to give birth to the Messiah,
Mary’s first concern is not for herself. She is not filled with pride expecting people to wait on her since she will give birth to the Messiah (the Christ – the Anointed One of GOD). Because of Gabriel’s message, she knows that her elderly kinswoman (Elizabeth) will soon give birth to a child. She hastens to go to Elizabeth’s aid. Elizabeth recognizes the blessing of GOD in Mary and feels privileged to be visited by her younger relative who carries a special Child within her womb. Rather than focusing on herself, Mary praises the work GOD is doing in her life through her prayer of praise to GOD, the Magnificat.
As I reflect on the readings and on the events that happened in Mexico in the sixteenth century, I am touched by the glory of GOD. GOD’s plan is for the peoples of all lands and nations to experience the GOoD News that Mary’s Son
brought to the world. Mary had an important role in the history of salvation. Her willingness to do GOD’s will enable her to bring the Son of GOD into the world in His human nature. Her attitude of servanthood is the model for all women (and also men) to follow. From a few passages in scripture, we can see that she wanted to be of assistance to others so that they could experience the love of GOD.
What is interesting to me is that when Mary appeared to San Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac (in Mexico), she looked like a native of that area. Mary seems to have adapted to the local surroundings. This has happened when she has appeared in other localities throughout the world. Mary wanted to identify with the people to whom she brings the GOoD News of her Son’s coming and His gift of salvation.
The message for me in all this is that I must be like Mary. I must be willing to do GOD’s will by saying “fiat” – “let it be.” Part of doing GOD’s will is to be of service to others. I must be willing to adapt to other people’s circumstances and meet them where they are, not where I am or where I want them to be. I am called to bring forth Jesus to others, not in His human existence, but in a spiritual way. And like Mary, I must always be willing to give GOD the glory and praise. I must humble myself and lift up the benevolence of GOD by saying with Mary, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the LORD; my spirit rejoices in GOD my savior.”
The personal question/action for today: What quality of Mary is most important to me: humility, obedience, service? To what is GOD asking me to respond with my own “fiat” – “let it be according to Your will”? Am I able to let my soul proclaim the greatness of the LORD and rejoice in GOD my savior? Whom might I serve in a selfless way as Mary served Elizabeth?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all peoples. Through Your GOoDness, You have chosen Mary to be the human mother of Your Son, Jesus. She humbly accepted Your calling, even though she did not fully understand Your plan. She was willing to say her “fiat” and do whatever You would ask of her. Thinking of the needs of others first, she visited her aging relative Elizabeth and assisted her during her last trimester of pregnancy. In giving birth to Your Son, Mary truly shared a special gift with the world. Throughout His ministry, she supported His spreading of Your GOoD News. Mary’s concern for all Your people has been manifested over the ages. As we come to reflect on her position in Your plan of salvation, we want to lift a prayer of praise and thanks to You for allowing us to have the example of her selfless acts of service, that show that she was in total relation with her Son Who was the perfect example of service through His ministry, death, and resurrection. May we be willing to say both “fiat” to Your plan for our lives and “Magnificat” (My soul proclaims Your greatness). We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son and the Son of Mary, Who is our Savior and Master-Teacher, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
December 13, 2025
Memorial of St. Lucy
(Readings from Sat. of the 2nd Week of Advent) Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121325.cfm Saint Lucy: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lucy
Readings: Sirach 48: 1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80: 2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17: 9a, 10-13
Our Advent journey continues. We are still focusing on the Coming (Adventus) of the Lord Jesus Christ. The reading from Sirach is a reminder that the prophet Elijah is to come back before the Day of the LORD. The psalm is a prayer to GOD asking that GOD be faithful to the promises made of old. In the Gospel, Jesus links John the Baptist to the return of Elijah, and in doing so, links Himself with the Day of the LORD.
The author of the Book of Sirach echoes the commonly held belief that since the prophet Elijah was miraculously taken from the earth in a fiery chariot, he will return before the end of the world in order to prepare the people for the Day of the LORD. As a prophet, Elijah preached a message of the people’s need to repent (Greek: metanoia) their idolatry and other sins that broke their relationship with GOD. Elijah sought to reconcile the people with GOD, even if that reconciliation came with a great price — a severe judgment for the people’s infidelity.
The psalmist invokes
GOD, seeking GOD’s
commitment to having a relationship with the Chosen People. The prayer recalls GOD’s promise to take care of those whom GOD called, especially those to whom GOD had given a special role in caring for the people.
The Gospel today takes places as Jesus leads Peter, James, and
John down from the mountain of the transfiguration. The three disciples had seen Jesus clothed in glory and talking to Moses and Elijah. They ask Jesus why it was said that Elijah would return. Jesus speaks about the importance of the role of Elijah. Elijah was called to announce the need for metanoia – a turning back to GOD
and away from sinfulness. Before the Day of the LORD, people would be given a chance to repent and change their lives. Jesus then alludes to the fact that the message of repentance and metanoia had been announced in the ministry of John the Baptist. Thus, the Day of the LORD’s coming was at hand. Jesus hints at His role as the LORD Whose Day has come.
Part of the message I take from the readings today is the continual need for repentance. Because sin still permeates our world, repentance continues to be needed. The role of Elijah/John the Baptist is not over. People still need to be reminded to turn to GOD, for the Final Day of the Lord Jesus is yet to come.
And who is the modern Elijah/John the Baptist? Maybe no one person strikes you as the prophet of repentance. Is it because we have become too soft on sin and do not hear the message of sin’s evilness? Maybe so.
Another important thought is that each of us is called to be a herald of repentance and reconciliation. We must look at the sinfulness in our own lives and turn away from sin and back to the Lord Jesus (metanoia). We should also be aware of GOD’s desire that all turn from their sinful ways and turn back to GOD. That does not mean that we need to stand on a soap box and be prophets of doom. It does mean that we must challenge
the negative and sinful lifestyle so present in our society.
As an educator and catechist, I sense that it is my responsibility to speak up when students are not acting properly, such as using inappropriate language. I must be willing to point out the wrongfulness of some students making jokes about other students. As I told my Latin class a few years ago, the English word, “ridicule” (that comes from the Latin word for “laugh”), is wrong, because it does not mean to laugh “with” a person, but to laugh “at” a person. I must also set an example of the need to ask for forgiveness. When I make a mistake, I must be willing to admit my mistake, for I, too, am human and have faults.
As members of a family, we must be aware of how we have not always worked for the GOoD of the whole family. We must set the example of apologizing for our mistakes and saying, “I am sorry.” We must speak about the importance of having a relationship with the Lord Jesus.
This is all part of preparing for the Coming Day of the Lord Jesus, whether that be today, tomorrow, or years from now. I must be living a life that reflects the relationship that GOD wants to have with me. It also means that I must join with others and pray the Responsorial from today’s psalm, “LORD, make us turn to You; let us see Your face and we shall be saved,” for it is only GOD Who can save and actually has already saved us through the First Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. GOD will complete and finalize that salvific day when Jesus comes again. Yet we need to accept that gift of salvation and live lives that proclaim our belief in His Coming again.
The personal question/action for today: How have I heard the message of metanoia preached to me? What aspect of my life must I repent (turn away from) so that I can turn more fully toward the Lord Jesus Christ and be ready for His coming again? How can I be an ambassador of reconciliation and peace to those with whom I come in contact?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Abba-Father. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that we turn to You. We have not always been faithful in our relationship with You. We have chosen paths that lead us away from Your presence. We seek Your pardon and forgiveness for the sins we have committed. As You have called Elijah and John the Baptist, so You continue to call others, including us, to proclaim Your message of repentance and metanoia. May we be heralds of the coming of Your Son, not just in His First Coming on earth when He saved us through His death and resurrection, but also His Final Coming when He will establish Your Reign for ever. As we continue our Advent journey, we ask that we may work for the Shalom (peace) that Your Son’s coming brings to us. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name for He is Your Son and our Lord and Savior, Who will come again to set all things straight and it is He Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
December 14, 2025
Gaudete Sunday
Third Sunday of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121425.cfm
Saint John of the Cross: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-of-the-cross
Readings: Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10; Psalm 146: 6-7, 8-9, 9-10;
James 5: 7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11
It’s almost here. People’s excitement level is very high. Some are running around getting last-minute things prepared. Others just can’t wait. The air is filled with anticipation. It’s hard being patient when something so special is going to happen soon. Do you feel the anxiousness?
The Lord Jesus is coming. . .again. The Lord will bring in the Reign of GOD. In some ways the Reign of GOD has begun. It is already here. The fullness of the Reign of GOD, however, is not yet fully here. That’s what today’s readings present to us so that we can reflect on GOD’s Reign over us.
The First Reading portrays the words of Isaiah reassuring the oppressed people of GOD that the things are going to change. GOD is going to renew the earth and the people of GOD will be restored not only to their former glory, but even greater experiences will happen. The parched and barren desert will bloom and flower.
All will see the glory of GOD. Those who are hurting and disabled will be restored to full health. GOD’s Reign will be re-established. There will be change as the coming Reign of GOD begins, and all this will happen soon, according to the words of the prophet.
The psalm continues this same theme of GOD’s bringing restoration and healing, especially to the lowly. The refrain is a prayer asking the LORD to come and to give salvation to people of GOD.
In the Second Reading, James reminds his listeners, including us, to be patient for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells us that the Lord’s coming is at hand. Things may be rough for a while, but when the Lord Jesus comes, it will be better, a lot better, infinitely and eternally better. He tells those who read his letter to use the prophets as role models. The prophets knew that GOD would restore the divine Reign over the people. They had a sense that the restoration would come. The Reign of GOD was near at hand, but not fully present. In announcing this message to the people, the prophets met opposition, even persecution, yet they continued to proclaim the need for preparation for the Coming Reign of GOD.
In the Gospel today we see the Reign of GOD in transition. John the Baptist had proclaimed the immediacy of the Reign of
GOD. He knew it was near at hand. He was dedicated to announcing its coming. And just as the Reign of GOD was beginning in the ministry of Jesus, John was imprisoned. John was the last of the Hebrew prophets – following in the footsteps of the prophets of old. When the Reign of GOD would begin and be established, John’s role would be over. And
so he sends his followers to Jesus so they could see the transition from what was foretold by the former prophets to what is now taking place in and through Jesus. Jesus tells John’s followers that the prophecy of Isaiah, that we heard in the First Reading, is now being fulfilled. GOD’s Reign is starting, the disabled are being restored to full health, the barren and lifeless are being restored to life, and the GOoD News is being announced – the Reign of GOD has begun.
Jesus then speaks about John the Baptist. He proclaims John’s role as a prophet who prepares the way for One Who is coming to establish the new Reign of GOD. He raises
John the Baptist to the highest rank among the prophets of old. And then Jesus asserts something that may seem strange to us: “Yet the least born into the Reign of GOD is greater than he (John the Baptist).”
As I reflect on this, I have the thought that Jesus is saying that John the Baptist is the greatest individual who lived before the Reign of GOD began, but John was not able to fully experience the Reign of GOD. Yet those who begin to
experience the Reign of GOD are the ones who are truly blessed. I thought back to Moses and the Promised Land. He had led the Israelites out of the slavery in Egypt. For forty years he guided them through the desert. He knew GOD was leading them into the Promised Land because GOD has promised that. Moses believed that the people would come into the Promised Land, and for most of his life, Moses acted faithfully on that belief. Moses was able to climb a mountain and see the Promised Land, but he never stepped foot in it. In a similar manner, John announces the coming of the Reign of GOD and he senses its arrival, but he never is able to see it fully flourish.
Today is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for “Rejoice.” We celebrate this Third Sunday of Advent with pink or rose color instead of the blueish purple of the rest of Advent. We are told to rejoice because the Advent (“Coming”) of our Lord is near.
So, what does all that say to us on this Gaudete Sunday? We are told to rejoice because the Advent of the Reign of
GOD is near. In fact, we are reassured, it is here. It is already present, but is not yet fully what it will be. We see signs of the presence of the Reign of GOD. Jesus’s presence is already seen in many ways, but the fullness of Jesus’s presence has not yet become a reality. We are in a state of transition. We can already feel the excitement of GOD-with-us (Immanuel), but we still are anxious for what is not yet fully accomplished. Just as some people are already beginning their celebration of Christmas with their decorating, gift giving, and parties, they are not yet celebrating the fullness of Christmas. Just as
we are already celebrating Jesus’ coming in His birth in Bethlehem, we are not yet fully experiencing His coming again at the end of time.
We have reason to celebrate and rejoice. The Lord is already with us. Yet, our joy is not yet full, because Jesus has not yet finished establishing the completeness of the Reign of GOD. We have to be patient, as James reminds us today. And we need to realize, as James also says today, that we are called to share in the role of the prophets, or at least the prophetic role of Jesus. Through our baptism we indeed share in the prophetic role of Jesus. That does not mean that we are going to forecast the future – that was not the role of the prophet. It means we need to speak of the reality of GOD and GOD’s Reign. We need to proclaim the GOoD News of the Reign of GOD. And as St. Francis of Assisi reminded the people of his day, “Proclaim the GOoD News at all times. . .and, if necessary, use words.” We are called to proclaim the GOoD News of the Reign of GOD by the way we live our lives. We need to model our belief in the fact that we are already part of the Reign of GOD, even if it is not yet fully here. Our lives should be models of GOD’s restoration of the disabled. We can reach out to those who are lowly and treat them with respect and dignity. We can share with the less fortunate. In doing this we rejoicingly proclaim GOD-with-us already, but even better things are yet to come. We need to patiently treat those around us with the love GOD has for us, so they will begin to look forward to the fullness of GOD’s love in the final Reign of GOD.
The personal question/action for today: Do I have the same sort of anxious and joyful anticipation for the Second Coming of the Lord as I do for celebrating His first coming (Christmas)? What can I do during these last two weeks of Advent to focus not only my own attention but also the attention of others toward the reason for this season: Jesus’ coming to us?
Blessed are You, Lord GOD, Abba-Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Your GOoDness and the ministry of Your Son, You have invited us to experience Your Reign in our lives. We have already begun to be a part of it. You promise, however, that we have not yet fully seen the glory that will be, or as the grammatically incorrect phrase says, “You haven’t seen nothing yet.” You ask us to proclaim the Coming of the Your Reign by living lives filled with rejoicing and yet patient, but active, expectation. Through the continued outpouring of the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, gives us the wisdom to speak the comforting words to those who need to be reassured of Your presence with them. Give us the strength to endure patiently those things that hinder the Reign of GOD. In this way we can always rejoice and proclaim the GOoD News of the Coming of Your Son, Jesus, not just His earthly birth, but also His coming at the end of time when He will continue to live and reign with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 15, 2025
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121525.cfm
Blessed Mary Frances Schervier: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-mary-frances-schervier
Readings: Numbers 24: 2-7, 15-17a; Psalm 25: 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Matthew 21: 23-27
Today we look at authority - GOD’s authority as spoken about by prophets, the authority of John the Baptist and of Jesus. The passage from Numbers has been taken by some people as a Messianic promise, especially the verse about the One Who is seen, but is not near, and the star and the staff advancing from Jacob. The psalm is a prayer to GOD, asking GOD to teach the divine ways. In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates His authority by the way He teaches. When challenged to explain the origin of His authority, He poses a question to those who oppose Him.
Even in the days of Moses, GOD’s presence was seen by non-believers. Balaam, a sage from Midian, gives an oracle. He realizes that he cannot curse the Israelites because GOD is with them. The oracle he gives has verses that some believers take as a prediction of the coming of the Messiah. He speaks about seeing the One Whom GOD calls to rule, but not fully seeing Him. He also forecast that a star will come from Jacob and a staff from Israel, an illusion to authority and power being present in the Israel and also being associated with the Jesus, Who is linked to the star at His birth and being the staff (descendant) of Jesse and the Shepherd’s staff.
Authority and power are divine attributes. The psalmist prays today for the ability to discern GOD’s ways so as to live a life in accordance with GOD’s power and authority. He asks GOD to teach him GOD’s way and truth.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus instructs the people with an authority unlike the religious leaders of His day. People sense that He teaches with the full authority of GOD. The religious powers-that-be are not pleased with the way Jesus conducts His ministry with such authority. They know He comes from the northern province of Galilee and wonder
about His source of authority. When they ask Him to present His credentials, He turns the focus not on Himself but on those who question Him. He will explain His source of authority if they
speak about the origin of the authority of John the Baptist’s ministry. Jesus knows they will not answer that question because any answer they would present would diminish their own authority in the eyes of the people.
Authority is a key element in these final days of the first part of Advent. We realize that Jesus has come with the authority of His Abba-Father. Yet the fullness of that authority is not yet completely established. It will only be accomplished when Jesus comes again.
What do we do in the interim – between the time of Jesus’ First Coming and His Final Coming? I see that my
response is to live under, and with, the authority of the Lord Jesus. First, I must place myself under GOD’s authority. I must submit and obey GOD’s commands. Once I have learned to be in a humble and rightful relationship with GOD, then I can continue to share in Jesus’ ministry to others.
If I am truly in a proper relationship with GOD, then I can go out and give witness to the GOoD News of the Lord Jesus. I can model a behavior that is in agreement with the plan of GOD. I will also be able to speak and act with authority, not my authority but GOD’s authority.
As sinful human individuals, it is not easy to be under the authority of GOD. The greatest fear that some people have is that being under GOD’s authority will limit their freedom and their choices. They think they will not be able to do as they please.
I have come to realize that the opposite is true. The more I submit to the proper authority of GOD and
submit to doing GOD’s will, the freer I become. I don’t have to worry about what I should do, for I will know what GOD expects of me. I will be able to act with a freedom of a child of GOD. I also do not worry about what others think about me, for I will experience the acceptance by GOD.
Once I am in proper relationship with GOD, I am free to continue the work of GOD. I will minister and serve others with new enthusiasm and spirit, for I will be acting not by my authority but with the authority of GOD.
We are living in the interim. The Lord Jesus has come into human history, living here on earth. The Lord Jesus will come again, with full authority and power, to usher in the final Reign of GOD. We are people of the interim. We have experienced the authority of the Lord Jesus in His earthly life and in our personal lives. As we submit to the authority of GOD, we experience the freedom of daughters and sons of GOD. We can then continue Jesus’ ministry, acting with His authority as long as we are in relationship with Him. It is then that we will be ready for Him when He returns again.
The personal question/action for today: What does authority mean to me? How do I handle myself when I am under someone else’s authority? Am I willing to submit to the authority of GOD? How do I exercise GODly authority over others? What can I do to show that I am acting with authority of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever loving. Through Your GOoDness, You call us into a relationship with You, through Your Son, Jesus. He has entered our history and walked on the earth. He came with Your authority – teaching and ministering to others. He was the model of obedient submission to Your will. He has called others to continue His work. He is the Master-Teacher Who instructs us in being under Your authority. He bestows Your authority on us as we deepen our relationship with You and with Him. We seek Your pardon and forgiveness for the times we have resisted Your authority and chosen to follow other paths. We ask that You strengthen us and guide us by the example of Your Son and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. To You we lift up this prayer of praise and thanks, for You continue to touch our lives with Your authority, all for the GOoD of Your people and the praise of Your name. We lift this prayer of praise to You in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our Master-Teacher, Who is with us through the power of the Holy Spirit, and Who is also living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 16, 2025
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121625.cfm
Blessed Honoratus Kozminski: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-honoratus-kozminski
Readings: Zephaniah 3: 1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23; Matthew 21: 28-32
Starting tomorrow, we will begin focusing on the First Adventus (“Coming”) of the Lord Jesus in the incarnation in the womb of Mary and His birth in Bethlehem. Today, however, our attention remains on the Second (or Final) Adventus (“Coming”) of the Lord Jesus. Today’s readings speak of our making a choice on how we are going to live out the rest of our earthly life and show that we are ready for the day of the Lord Jesus’ Final Coming. The reading from Zephaniah announces that the day is coming when those who have not followed the LORD will be removed, while the faithful remnant will experience a new sense of peace. The Responsorial reminds us that GOD hears the cry of the poor. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the religious leaders by sharing with them a parable of a parent of two children. When the parent asks the two offspring to do something, one says “no” but ends up doing what is asked; the other responds with a “yes” but does not do the will of the parent.
The reading from Zephaniah follows the prophet’s declaration of the
Day of Doom when GOD will exact judgment on the unfaithful believers. Having described the Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) for the sinful people before the Exile, the prophet now turns to describing the mercy and compassion that the LORD will extend to the faithful remnant. Once GOD has separated the unrepentant and disobedient from the those who have remained
obedient to the LORD, the LORD will extend a period of peace and justice to
those who have sought to be faithful to the LORD. GOD will pour out the divine blessings on those who are remain faithful – full of faith.
The psalmist proclaims the praise of GOD Who removes the disobedient and sinful but Who listens to the cry of the
Anawim (the downtrodden, outcasts, and poor). GOD is always close to those who call upon the name of the LORD. GOD will act with mercy and compassion on those who have been faithful and yet have experienced the trials and tribulations of life, particularly at the hands of evil doers.
In the Gospel, as Jesus speaks with the authority figures of the Jewish
faith, He asks them to discern which of two children is truly obedient to the wishes of their parent. When the
parent asks the two “kids” to perform a certain task, the first speaks words of refusal, but later does what is asked. The second one, in contrast, responds with words of obedience, but does not do what is being asked. Jesus compares the religious leaders to the second offspring who says “yes” but fails to do what is requested. The repentant public sinners are compared to the first child who initially refuses to do the parent’s demands, but later fulfills what is asked.
As we draw to the end of this first part of the Advent season, we are called to reflect on our response to doing GOD’s will. It is easy to say “yes” to GOD, but it is harder to actually do what GOD asks of us. On the other side of the coin, there is hope for us who have sinned and had
said, or acted, with a “no” to the LORD GOD. We can still change our ways and begin to more fully respond to GOD by doing what we know
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISdsR5kcdIA/VCrQsO3pE1I/AAAAAA AAF_U/2UqnJLBXbR0/s1600/4462573_orig.gif
is being asked of us.
The First Reading reminds us that we will all have to answer to GOD at the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. The final judgment will be a Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) for those whose final earthly decisions have been a-theos (against GOD). Yet for those of us who have repented of our sinful ways and have striven to be ad Deum (toward GOD), it will be the beginning of the final and eternal Reign of GOD, that has begun during Jesus’ life on earth, but will reach its climax in heaven.
I need to spend some time during these pre-Christmas days to reflect on my life with GOD. Nothing is more
important than looking at my relationship with my loving Abba-Father and with the Son of GOD Who has come, and Who is coming again.
The personal question/action for today: Am I oriented toward GOD (ad Deum) or am I moving away from GOD (a theos)? Of what do I need to repent or, in other words, what course corrections do I need to make in being more on target – more aligned with the GOD with Whom I hope to share all eternity? How can I manifest my orientation in a way that will be inviting to others to come with me as I aim toward an eternal future with GOD? How can I more fully live a life that reflects the words of the psalmist today (“I will bless the LORD at all times; GOD’s praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad”)?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all those who call upon You. Through Your GOoDness, You not only hear their prayer, but You also respond in ways that show Your compassionate love. You desire that all people not only say “Yes” to Your plan for their lives, but that they orient themselves to following You in all aspects of their lives. For the times we have failed to respond to Your requests of us or said “Yes” but not done what we
said we would do, we seek Your forgiveness and pardon. With the help and example of Your Son, Jesus, and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, motivate us to full obedience yo Your will. Correct those part of our lives that
are out of sync with Your will. We give You all the glory, praise, and honor as we await the return of Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, Who is the Way to You, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
December 17, 2025
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121725.cfm
Saint Hildegard of Bingen: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-hildegard-of-bingen
Readings: Genesis 49: 2, 8-10; Psalm 72: 1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 17; Matthew 1: 1-17
Welcome to the Second and Final Part of Advent!
Today a shift in emphasis begins in our celebration of Advent, and it is reflected in the readings. From the First Sunday of Advent until December 16 our focus has been on the Second Adventus (Coming) of Christ at the end of time. Today we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ First Adventus (Coming) – His Incarnation and birth. For the next few days, we will be reading from the two
Gospels with Jesus’ infancy narratives – Matthew and
Luke. Both evangelists have important ideas to share, each in his own way. Beginning today we also use the “O Antiphons” for the Gospel Acclamation. These are the basis of the Advent Hymn, O Come, O Come, Immanuel (Veni, Veni, Immanuel).
Our First Reading speaks of the role of Judah in the
plan of salvation. Judah was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). He was not the first born (that would have been Ruben), nor the favorite (Joseph), nor the youngest (Benjamin). Today’s passage speaks of Judah’s position with regards to his relationship with his eleven brothers. Judah (or at least his offspring) would become the leader and the ruler over the rest of
the family of Israel. Historically it is from the line of Judah that King David came. And from the line of King
David, the Messiah would come.
With that background, we switch to the beginning of the Gospel of St. Matthew. Matthew begins with lineage of Jesus through Joseph, His step-father. Matthew begins the genealogy with Abraham, the Father of Hebrew nation and monotheistic faith. He traces the line down through Judah and David to Joseph, the husband
of Mary. (Luke traces Jesus’s ancestors back to Adam, cf. Luke 3: 23-38). For Matthew, it was important to stress that Jesus was in the royal line of Judah and particularly the Davidic branch. In this way, Matthew shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).
We may not be impressed with genealogies. They may seem like a long list of names, some difficult to pronounce. Yet, family and ancestry
are very important, especially if they help to show Jesus as the Messiah, the One spoken from of old.
In the telling of the story from both Genesis and Matthew chapter 1, we don’t have the same exhortation to virtue that we had earlier in Advent. These are more informational and “historical” passages than reflective suggestions on what to do. They are giving us the background for the Incarnation of Jesus. My reflection flows from something that hit home – literally and figuratively. These readings spoke to me about the importance of family. We say that Christmas should be a family time. Yet in our hustle and bustle of preparing for the season, we sometimes forget about building relationships. We think about family presents instead of family presence.
We think we are doing the loving thing by getting gifts, when the most important gift we can give is our time with family members.
Maybe this flows out of a discussion we had a several years ago during this time of year. One member of our family was home for dinner before his return for his last final for that term at USC. We were talking about our plans for the Christmas vacation. Each person stated where they wanted to be and when they wanted to be there. There were conflicts in scheduling. How would we all get to be where we wanted, when we wanted, and still be with each other? Things were not totally resolved when dinner was over.
That year gave me a reason to think. What were we saying about our family? Yes, spending time with a grandparent, cousins, friends, and attending
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/27/e c/4d/27ec4d8ea110130569c6bb7d7885b533.jpg
special social events is important. So is the special time we spend with our immediate family. We often thought and said, “Oh, I will spend time with you. . .later. . .when I am not doing what I want to do.” What does this say about the priority of our family relationships? And what if “later” never comes?
This year, like many of the more recent years, we hope things will be a bit different than they were when all the family members were doing their own individual things. In the past couple years, our family has been able to be under the same roof for some quality time. The younger generation will be returning “home” from their current living places. A couple of the immediate family will have to probably leave a few times to work at one of their jobs (in the entertainment industry). Another’s business seems to slow down during the Christmas season, that makes it possible for him to stay at the house for consecutive days, except when he might leave to spend New Year’s Eve with his fiancé who will be celebrating her birthday. We are looking forward to being able to spend some relaxing time enjoying each other’s presence. The focus is on presence, not presents. There is almost a sense that Christmas may never be like it once was when the kids were little and we were together for two weeks, enjoying each other’s company and playing games, singing Christmas songs, etc. Now we need to value our time together. This is the time of the year when the family members are together for the longest time.
As we continue our Advent journey, besides spending time reflecting on the Incarnation of Jesus, let us focus
on the fact that Jesus is GOD born into a human family. GOD blesses family life by Jesus’ participation in a human family. Maybe we should spend a little time thinking about how we can bless the other members of our family by giving them our presence, instead of presents.
The personal question/action for today: How can I gift my family members (or close friends?) with presence rather than presents? Do I need to be reconciled with one or more of my family members? What can I do to help others value the family (whether that be blood or emotional ties) of which they are a part? How can I and others focus on the importance of GOD sharing the Divine Presence with us in the person of Jesus the Christ, and how being in touch with the presence of GOD through Jesus is more important any of the other gifts/presents that our Abba- Father shares with us?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Parent Yourself and the One Who blesses family life not just by Your being a Trinity of Persons within the GODhead, but also by allowing Your Son to become human and share in the intimate life of a human family. You have given us the greatest gift of all, inviting us into Your family, not just the human family but
also the Family of You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. Bless our family/ies today. Continue to unite us with our loved ones, even with those who have “transitioned” out of this life and are now sharing Your life fully in heaven. Let us have an attitude of gratitude and a giving heart. Give us the patience and love to treat our family members with Your loving presence. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, our Brother, Who lived among us, died, and rose, and Who has gone before us to prepare a heavenly home for us, and Who is one with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
gggggggggggggggggggggg
December 18, 2025
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121825.cfm
Saint Anthony Grassi: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-anthony-grassi
Readings: Jeremiah 23: 5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Matthew 1: 18-25
Today’s passages remind us of the role of Jesus, the Son of GOD and the Son of Mary (the woman betrothed to Joseph). Our First Reading portrays The Messiah (The Christ, The Anointed One) as the One Who will bring justice. He is the offspring of Judah, of the royal lineage of David. He shall bring salvation to His people. The psalm expands the role of the Messiah, The Anointed of GOD. Not only will He bring justice, but He will also extend compassionate care to the lowly. Through this Chosen One, GOD will be given glory and praise. The Gospel gives us the account of Joseph’s being visited in a dream by an angel (messenger) of GOD informing him of the role of the Baby to be born of Mary. The Boy to be born will be the fulfillment of all the Hebrew Scriptures and all of their promises.
Jeremiah speaks to the people at the time of the Babylonian Exile, telling them that, unlike the leaders of their day, GOD will send One Who will be of the royal family of David. This Chosen One will bring justice to the oppressed. This One will be greater than the mighty
Moses. A newer sense of freedom will be given to those who are faithful to GOD because of the message of the Anointed One.
The psalm also speaks about the activity of the royal descendant. The concept of a compassionate and just ruler is brought forth by the psalmist. The reign of this future king will
be marked by a time of peace and justice.
Matthew’s account of the activities taking place before the birth of Jesus centers on Joseph, the descendant of David. When Joseph finds out that Mary is pregnant, and he knows that he is
not the father, he is deeply troubled. He respects Mary and cannot understand how she became pregnant. According to the law, Joseph should have Mary stoned to death. Yet, because he is a just man and cares for Mary, he makes plan to divorce her and send her away quietly. It is then that a messenger (angel) from GOD appears in a dream to inform Joseph about the origins and the future of the Child of Mary. In agreement with Luke’s account, the angel attributes the conception of the Child to the power of the Holy Spirit coming down upon Mary. Joseph is also told of the special role of the One to be born of Mary. He will save His people from their sins. Thus, He is to be called Yeshua (Jesus) a name which means “GOD saves.” In a way unthinkable for the people before this time, the Child is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of Immanuel – “GOD with us.”
As I ponder on the Gospel account, I reflect also on the human origins of Jesus. Not just that He was the
Child of Mary, but that Mary and Joseph struggled with issues as the result of Jesus’ presence in their life, even before He was born. Joseph had taken on the role of caring for Mary and being her spouse. Yet, before they started living in the same household, Mary is found to be pregnant. There is no account of Mary trying to explain to Joseph her pregnancy. Joseph was in a difficult position. According to the law, Mary had broken their betrothal and marriage vows. Joseph had previously come to value the faithfulness of Mary and wondered about her pregnancy. Not wanting to have Mary killed, as would have been his right and his duty under the law, Joseph decides to send her away.
It is only when Joseph had a difficult time of struggling with what to do, that GOD sends a messenger (angel)
to Joseph in a dream, to reassure him what he should do – take Mary as his wife and be the “father” of the Child
she was bringing into the world.
The faithfulness and justice of GOD is manifested in Joseph’s life. He accepts GOD’s message and does GOD’s will. He provides for the Child and His mother. He proceeds to be part of the human family into which Jesus, the Son of GOD, is born.
I am moved by the way GOD orchestrates the plan of salvation. GOD acts in ways that are out of what we would consider the normal and politically correct way of doing things. GOD allows people to struggle with human decisions, but GOD also steps in at the proper moment to encourage and support those who are willing to do the divine will. GOD also provides very human examples of people to whom we can look. GOD promises GOoD things will come out of the most inconceivable situations (yes, I used a play on words on purpose). GOD has loved us enough to send the Divine Son into our world to be “GOD saves” – Yeshua – Jesus.
I remember corresponding with a GOoD friend about the situations that the friend had faced in the past. Most of the issues dealt with other family members: an aging parent, siblings who seek only their own desires, children who are greedy and not loving to their parent. A year ago, the individual wondered why family members could be so unconcerned for each other and so selfish. The message that I tried to get across is that our life here on earth is not meant to be easy, as Mary and Joseph well experienced. Yet if one trusts GOD, GOD save us (Yeshua) and GOD is with us (Immanuel). This friend came to realize that GOD truly can do great things in our lives if we seek to do what GOD asks of us. Even the simplest acts of kindness to others can be rewarded by blessings beyond our wildest expectations.
The only response we can have is that of the psalmist today: “Blessed be the LORD, the GOD of Israel, Who alone does wondrous deeds. And blessed forever be GOD’s glorious name; may the whole earth be filled with GOD’s glory.”
The personal question/action for today: When I think about the struggles that Mary and Joseph went through before, during, and after the birth of Jesus, what comes to my mind? Do I pray to do GOD’s will, even though it is not what others want me to do? Am I able to accept GOD’s will and give GOD praise even in the most perplexing situations? How can I reassure others who are going through tough times? Have I ever sensed that GOD has communicated with me, informing me what I must do? How did I react?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of love and compassion. Through Your GOoDness, You desired to save us from our sins. Thus, You sent Your Son to be born of Mary. Jesus’ initial coming (advent) brought a bit of worry and troubled times to those who were to be part of His human family, but His coming also brought peace and justice to all who call upon You. It was through submission to Your plan that Joseph and Mary were assured of their roles as the human family for Your Son. That did not remove all their human problems or difficulties, but it brought them the peace of knowing they were seeking to do Your will. At times we have not only struggled to understand Your plan for our lives, but also we have worked against Your will. For this we seek Your pardon and peace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to be open to the Lord Jesus’ coming into our lives. May we be willing to help the growth of His mystical body, as Mary and Joseph aided His physical growth. We give You all the glory and praise, together with Your Son, Yeshua (Jesus), our Savior and Brother, Who has saved us by His death and resurrection and Who is Immanuel (“GOD-with-us”) and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffff
December 19, 2025
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121925.cfm
Blessed Pope Urban V: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-pope-urban-v
Readings: Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71: 3-4, 5-6, 16-17; Luke 1: 5-25
The First Reading from Judges has many parallels to the Gospel reading from Luke. Both speak of elderly couples who have never had children. Both accounts present a messenger (angel) from GOD making an announcement of the birth of a son. Both times the angel
(messenger) comes to the parent-to-be during a time of prayer. Both speak about the role of the boy to be born of the elderly parents. Both stories also have the parents amazed at the possibility of their having a child at such an old age,
The account from Judges speaks about the birth of Samson, a child who will be a Nazarite (a section of Israelite people who never cut their hair, never drink, and live austere lives). Luke’s account is the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. He, too, will live an ascetic life. Both Samson and John will have key roles in helping the people of GOD prepare for a new life of freedom.
The name Samson means “One who serves.” The name John means “GOD is gracious.” Both of these individuals will embody their names by the lives they will live.
As I was reflecting on these two scripture passages, three things came to mind: 1) even when situations seem impossible, GOD can make great events happen; 2) through prayer we can come to a clearer understanding of what GOD’s plan might be; and 3) what we do – working with GOD – can be beneficial not just for ourselves, but for the people whom GOD wants us to help.
How often do we, like Zechariah, question the power of GOD? Sometimes we doubt that GOD will intervene in our lives. We don’t trust GOD enough. And then when we hear about what GOD can and will do, we doubt that it will ever happen, at least for us. We sometimes don’t believe enough in the LORD’s powerful action. We seem to think that miracles are from an earlier time. Yet, the truth is that GOD is as active now as ever, we just aren’t tuned into how the LORD GOD might be
acting in our lives. GOD, as in ages past, works in mysterious ways, often using “normal” circumstances to touch our lives with divine grace. It is only when we take the time to reflect on the “normal” circumstances that we can see the hand of GOD at work. Even in this year of 2023, as we
have faced the illnesses, forest fires, wars, terrible blizzards, hurricanes, political unrest, shootings, burglaries, etc., GOD has been, and continues to be, working in miraculous ways, if we take the time to look about and reflect.
It is when we take the time to reflect and pray that we start to see the divine plan. GOD is truly present in our lives. Often, we clutter our lives with so many other things, that we do not see GOD in the here and now. As many know, one of my favorite passages in scripture is Romans 8: 28 – “All things work together for the GOoD of those who are called by GOD.” GOD can use the “normal” and “abnormal” happenings to work for our GOoD. It is when we focus on GOD’s activity through prayer and reflection that we see all things working for the GOoD of people whom GOD loves – that is, everyone. They may not be for our pleasure, but they are for our GOoD. As we contemplate how events and circumstances in our lives have unfolded, we can see how they can be for our GOoD and the GOoD of those around us (locally and globally).
Yes, things work together for our personal GOoD, but it can’t stop there. Our personal edification is often
the first step GOD uses. GOD then wants us to take the divine GOoDness that we have received and work for the betterment, the edification, the up-building of others. I remember one of my spiritual directors once said, “If we allow it, everything that happens in our lives can be of benefit for ourselves and for others.” As we become more aware of the presence of GOD in our lives, of our relationship to a GOD who is active, we will be aware of GOD’s actions in other people’s lives. We will then be able to help them see GOD at work. Thus, we will give them an opportunity to draw closer into relationship with the GOD who loves them. This is the GOoD News
that we are called to proclaim: GOD is with us, not just in the Incarnation of Jesus, but also in our personal lives, because of the Incarnation of Jesus. GOD first saves (gives us salus - makes us whole and holy) through the death and resurrection of Jesus, but also in our daily lives that are torn apart by brokenness and apparent absurdity. GOD is working here and now, through Jesus and through others and through normal circumstances to make us experience salus – wholeness of body, mind, soul, and heart – so we can then praise GOD and love GOD with our whole body, mind, soul, and heart.
About nine years ago during Advent, I received an email from a friend who receives the daily reflections I
send out. This is what he wrote:
Good morning, Bob. Thanks again for your words of wisdom and encouragement. I was a little down this morning as I thought about what I had not done and what I thought I needed to do at this wonderful time of the year. As I prayed for God’s help to be Yoked with Jesus I could feel the Power of [God’s] Love begin to lift me up and allow me to be where [God] knew I should be. [God’s] answers are Always what I need. God is so Awesome. [God’s] Blessings are never, never ending.
I have a deeper understanding of the three issues I discussed (GOD’s powerful activity in our lives; discernment through prayer; and purpose of GOD’s gift to edify and build up others). The friend who wrote seemed to be aware of those same three issues in the note he wrote. Each of us has been gifted by GOD in special ways so that we can fulfill GOD’s plan of helping others draw closer to the Lord Jesus.
So today, I am going to look at my life and be aware of GOD’s actions in my life and the lives of others. I will be “John” – a person who proclaims, “GOD is gracious.” I will expect to see miracles. I will spend the time reflecting on the circumstances of my life and the lives of others to see the divine plan at work. And then I will be “Samson” – “One who serves” and I will proclaim by my actions that GOD is with us – GOD is active and working for our salus - wholeness, holiness, salvation. And doing this, GOD will be able to do even greater things and receive the glory that GOD is due.
The personal question/action for today: How often do I look to see GOD’s actions in my life? Do I take the time, especially during this busy time of year, to reflect on my life and try to see how GOD is touching my life for my own GOoD? Am I able to proclaim that “GOD is gracious”? Do I sense my call to be a Samson – “One who serves”? How will I serve others as I use my gifts today as a sign of my willingness to live out my role in proclaiming the gifts and GOoDness of GOD?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of power and might. Through Your GOoDness, Your divine plan allowed Your Son to become flesh and live among us so that we might be reminded of Your love and Your action in our lives. We thank You and praise You for being a GOD ever present, GOD-with-us, first in the Incarnation of Jesus, and also in the daily lives we lead. May we realize that You are still actively working for our salus – our wholeness – of our body, mind, soul, and heart, so we can then be in relationship with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, now and forever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 20, 2025
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122025.cfm
Saint Dominic of Silos: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-dominic-of-silos
Readings: Isaiah 7: 10-14; Psalm 24: 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Luke 1: 26-38
The virgin shall give birth to a Son who will be a manifestation of GOD’s presence. This is what is proclaimed in the reading from Isaiah and the Gospel. This is also what we celebrate in five days – the incarnation of GOD’s presence in the birth of the Male Offspring of the Virgin Mary.
Isaiah may have had another male offspring of the royal Davidic Family in mind when he gave GOD’s prophecy concerning the birth from a virgin (Hebrew word is almah). He might have been forecasting the future birth of the GOoD king named Hezekiah, born of a young, unmarried (at the time of the prophecy) woman (almah). The Holy Spirit has the ability to allow the Word of GOD to take on a more important meaning than the prophets originally had thought. Although the child will be called Emmanuel - “GOD with us,” the boy
will not be truly GOD Who is with them, as will the Child to be born of
Mary that we hear about in the Gospel. Isaiah was predicting a time
when the human ruler would manifest GOD’s presence in a way not done by the present king, Ahaz. Isaiah wants King Ahaz and all the people to trust in GOD and believe that GOD is working in their midst.
The psalm also promises a blessing for those who seek GOD’s face. Part of seeking the face of GOD includes allowing GOD to reign and take control rather than allowing anyone or anything else be in charge of one’s life.
In the Gospel of Luke, we hear that same thought, especially after Gabriel’s announcement, and Mary, a virgin, allows GOD to move mightily in her life. She freely chooses to let GOD’s will be done in her. In doing so the
Holy Spirit comes upon her and she conceives Immanuel (or the alternate spelling, Emmanuel) – “GOD-with-us.” GOD reveals the fullness of divine presence and people will see GOD’s face in the Child to be born of Mary. Jesus’ being born of Mary fulfills Isaiah promises in a way Isaiah could never have imagined, yet GOD knew when the LORD inspired the prophet to speak and write. And even though Mary does not ask for a sign of GOD’s infinite power and ability, Gabriel shows that GOD can allow an elder, barren woman
(Elizabeth) to give birth; thus, nothing is or will be impossible for
GOD.
As I reflect on the readings, I am moved by the powerful love of GOD. GOD has always wanted a close relationship with humans. From the first chapters of the Book of Genesis, GOD is seen as desiring to be a companion of mortals. Yet, because of humankind’s sinfulness, GOD was not able to show the divine face fully. Even though mortals desired to see the face of GOD and know GOD was with them, they also were fearful (in a
negative sense) of GOD’s self- revelation. Thus, in the fullness of time, GOD took on human flesh, first as a baby, growing later
into an adult, in order to allow us to see GOD face to face in a way that we could handle and to Whom we could relate.
For GOD, nothing is impossible. GOD, the author of human life, is free to limit the fullness of the divinity to the frailty of human nature. And all this is possible because of GOD’s great love for humanity.
I never cease to be amazed at the awesomeness of the Incarnation. The more I ponder GOD becoming human in Jesus, the more I am humbled and left in awe – awe-filled. GOD’s love for humanity is beyond my full comprehension. And to make it even more personal, the fact that GOD loves me, sinful me, enough to allow Jesus to be born of Mary is mind-blowing. Jesus demonstrates that GOD truly is Immanuel – “GOD with us.”
I recall a priest friend of mine who referred to our human body as a tent, that, at
the end of our earthly life, is folded up and our “being” or “soul” goes on without the tent. I am reminded of the words of the prologue to the Gospel of John. In verse 14 of the first chapter, it says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelled among us.” To me I am always touched by the word, “dwelled.” In Greek, the Word is (εσκενοσεν) eskenosen which literally translates as “pitched a tent” among us. Jesus took on flesh and dwelled in a human tent (body) like ours. For the ancient Hebrews, “to pitch a tent” with others meant to share life fully with them, to experience the joys and sorrows of those among whom the tent was pitched. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was “like us in all things but sin.”
As we continue on the last few days of this Advent journey, let us take time to
reflect on what the mystery of the Incarnation means to each of us personally and to us as a group of believers.
The personal question/action for today: What does it mean to me personally that Jesus is Immanuel/Emmanuel (“GOD-with-us”)? How have I experienced “GOD-with-us” in my daily life, especially in the past few days? How can I bring the experience of “GOD-with- us” to others? With whom have I “pitched my tent” and how can I share with them the importance of GOD’s pitching a tent among us?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, almighty and all powerful, with You all things are possible. Through Your GOoDness and because of Your great love, You allowed Your Son to take on our human flesh and pitch His tent among us so that we might be able to look on the human face of the Divine and come to know Immanuel –
GOD with us. Even if Jesus had not gone to the full extent of dying and rising, the mere fact that He shared our
humanity with us is so mind-blowing. Your desire to be with us and have us be loved by You is awesome/awe- filled. Yet, so often we take it for granted or just ignore Your presence with us. For this we seek Your pardon and forgiveness. With the power of the Holy Spirit, may we always be aware of Your presence with us. We make this prayer through Your Son, the Word in flesh, Who has pitched His tent among us. He is our Lord and Savior, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddd
December 21, 2025
(Opt. Mem. of St. Peter Canisius)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfm
Saint Peter Canisius: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-canisius
Readings: Song of Songs 2: 8-14 or Zephaniah 3: 14-18; Psalm 33: 2-3, 11-12, 20-22; Luke 1: 39-45
Today’s readings are upbeat and positive. We are given a choice of two readings for our First Reading. The one from Song of Songs speaks about a lover coming like a gazelle (antelope) leaping over the hills, gracefully moving forward. It has images of the winter being over and new life sprouting. Even though today is the first day of winter, we can think forward to the joy of springtime. This reading ise lively, joy-filled.
The other First Reading, from Zephaniah, is telling the people of Israel and Jerusalem to rejoice for the LORD is coming, not in judgment, but to restore the people to their rightful place. It continues with the message that the people should rejoice and be filled with gladness, singing joyfully. And, to some
people’s surprise, it describes GOD as being joyful and singing because of the people.
The psalm refrain carries the theme of joyful celebration further, saying “Cry out with joy in the LORD, you holy ones, sing a new song to the LORD.” Trusting in GOD will lead to joy and happiness.
The Gospel for today is the account of the
Visitation of Mary to her elder cousin/ relative, Elizabeth. It begins right after Mary has agreed to GOD’s request (that was presented by the angel Gabriel): to become the mother of the Son of GOD. It says that Mary proceeded in haste to the town of Elizabeth, traditionally recognized as the town of Ain Karem a few miles west of Jerusalem. Mary and Elizabeth are both filled with joy, surrounded by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The sense of inner happiness (joy) and peace flows through the scene. Both women are blessed with each other’s presence and the babies within their wombs.
A few years ago on this date, I had an experience that somewhat mirrored what might have happened at the visitation. We had dinner with a family member’s former chemistry teacher/longtime friend/member then of the gated community in which the women lived, in separate homes. After dinner the women exchanged gifts – simple gifts, but gifts that spoke of their friendship. It was a very touching scene to me as they treasured not only the gifts, but also what the gifts represented, a shared friendship. Their joy and happiness reflected the times they had shared – both upbeat and downbeat moments, especially over the past few years when they had lived a few houses apart and the two shared almost daily time with each other. Each
had gone out of their way to choose something that they perceived the other
would truly appreciate. Yet the willingness to give and share their lives was more important than the gifts. They also shared a common commitment to GOD, even if from different Christian traditions.
As one of the friends was preparing to leave for ten days, she shared with the other some thoughts on what should be done while she was gone, and, especially in case of her not returning. It was a sensitive time, because they did not want to think they would be away from each other for ten days, and, in the event of a tragedy, forever in this world.
One key thing about this special time of sharing between the two women was the fact of just spending time
together. The ability to be in each other’s presence was a present (gift) in and of itself.
I transferred this bond of friendship, trust, and willingness to do for the other to today’s Gospel passage. Mary and Elizabeth, even though they had been apart probably for quite some time, were blessed with each other’s company. Mary was there to help her kinswoman. She would do anything for her elderly relative. Elizabeth was surely pleased with the help, but even more pleased with the present of presence. She had someone with whom she could share her experiences. They also were very much aware of GOD’s working in their lives, individually and together. They were not sure what the future would hold for their sons (John the
Baptist and Jesus), but they trusted in GOD and knew that GOD was going to be glorified by the ministry of their offspring.
As I reflect on the visitation of two sets of women, I am moved by the awareness of joy that comes when two believers are willing to share with each other. Being kindred in Spirit is truly a reason to praise GOD. To know that someone else is
walking down a similar path of faith can bring strength. It makes me more willing to help others in simple ways this holy time of year. I was pleased to be able to put that in practice when I
drove some friends to the airport. I remember doing the same thing a few years ago when I also counted it a blessing to be able to drop off a friend’s car at the automotive repair station (after I dropped him off at the airport) and walk two miles home. It
gave me time to think about how giving of my time and being present with another was truly a time blessed by GOD. I was aware of GOD’s presence in being of service to a close friend. I also do something every Sunday morning, arriving at church early, I unlock the church, and I
await the coming of the person who unlocks the church every other day of the week. We then spend time sharing the “lowdown” of what has happened since the Sunday before when we had met and shared our stories.
As we approach this time of giving and sharing with friends and relatives, let us realize the most important gift is that of presence – willingness to be attentive to the other, as Mary was to Elizabeth. May we realize the joy that comes from GOD when we give of ourselves in caring service of another. And, as we heard in the passage from Zephaniah, GOD rejoices and is glad and GOD sings because of people being joyful in the LORD!
The personal question/action for today: What does my spending time with loved ones and friends say about my awareness of GOD’s presence in others and in me? How can I be more of service to others during these days of joy and gift giving? When I sing the carols of Christmas, do I focus on the words that give glory to GOD for sending the Son to be born a human and to bring about our salvation? How can I help others focus more on the true reason for the season – Jesus’ Incarnation for our salvation? What do I imagine as I hear that GOD rejoices in me, sings for me, and dances for my joy?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all graces. Through Your GOoDness, You invite us into a relationship with You especially through the Incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection of Your Son. You are ultimately a GOD of relationship, first within the Trinity, and secondarily, with those who accept Your invitation to share Your life of grace. May we experience Your presence as we treasure the relationships we have with those who are close to us. May we enjoy Your joy as we share life with others. May we experience the exultation You have as we share joyfully with others. May we give You praise and thanks for all those special relationships we have in life – all signs of the intimacy You are sharing with us. And may we, like Mary in Luke 1: 46-55, give You all the glory and praise as we are able to spend time with friends and loved ones during this holy season of the year when we celebrate Your Son’s coming and living among us. We make this prayer in His name, Jesus, for He is our Brother and Savior, Who has lived among us and invites us to be with You where He is now, once again, living and reigning, with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
December 22, 2025
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122225.cfm
Blessed Jacopone da Todi: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/blessed-jacopone-da-todi
Readings: 1 Samuel 1: 24-28; 1 Samuel 2: 1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Luke 1: 46-56
For a little background on Samuel click the link:
http://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/condensed-biblical-encyclopedia/samuel-the-prophet.html
Today’s First Reading and Responsorial are taken from the story of the prophet Samuel. Samuel’s mother, Hannah, was an old woman (like Elizabeth – Mary’s cousin). She desired to have a son. She promised that if she gave birth to a child, she would dedicate the boy to the LORD. In the First Reading for this day, after giving birth to Samuel and weaning him, she takes him to the place of worship (Shiloh, since Jerusalem had not yet been conquered by the Israelites) and presents him to the service of GOD. After she does this, she prays a beautiful prayer to GOD that speaks about what the LORD has done for GOD’s
people. This prayer is the Responsorial for today.
The prayer of Mary in today’s Gospel pericope parallels the prayer of Hannah in today’s Responsorial. This prayer of Mary has been called the Magnificat from the first word in the Latin version of prayer. Magnificat is translated as “Magnifies” or “proclaims the greatness.” It is a prayer that praises GOD for all the great things GOD has done for the People of GOD, especially as seen in Mary’s own life.
I recall going to Ein Karem, the town where Elizabeth was said to
be living when Mary visited her. It was at the time of the visitation that Mary proclaimed GOD’s praise in the beautiful Magnificat. On the walls outside the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, the
Magnificat is painted on tiles in the languages of many nations. This prayer is also used daily by the members of the Church in the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. This prayer gives us a lesson in what prayer should be. As the prayer ends, Luke tells us that Mary remains with Elizabeth three months (until the time of the birth of Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist). During this time, Mary continues to serve and help her cousin prepare for delivery.
This prayer, as I think I had mentioned in an early reflection, reminds us what prayer should be. A while ago, I attended a Bible Study in which the participants focused on the Magnificat by studying each phrase. Some of the group had never reflected on it in such
detail. This prayer demonstrates the relationship
that Mary had with her GOD. She begins with praise and adoration – acknowledging Who
GOD is. GOD is an awesome GOD Who truly saves those who call upon GOD.
After proclaiming Who GOD is, the prayer goes on to speak of Mary’s role in GOD’s plan. Mary admits that she will be called blessed, not because of what she has done, but because of what GOD has done, is doing, and will be doing in her life. Mary humbly speaks of her position as one who has been blessed by GOD. She thus admits her nothingness without GOD. She goes on to thank GOD for the great things GOD has done. She speaks of GOD’s actions in ways contrary to the ways of humans – lifting up the lowly and deposing the proud and greedy. The prayer concludes by acknowledging that GOD is ever faithful, since GOD fulfills all of the
divine promises.
Mary thus shows her relationship with GOD – proclaiming the awesomeness of the Almighty, and stating her humble position in the divine plan. She speaks of her relationship with GOD in the present time, she reviews what GOD has done in the past, and she looks forward to GOD’s continuing to fulfill the divine promises in the future. And after praying the prayer, she puts that relationship with GOD into action by being the servant of GOD in service of her cousin, Elizabeth.
Prayer is a relationship with GOD that should lead us to daily actions that manifest our relationship with GOD. Our time with GOD should cause us
to manifest our love for GOD, in GOD’s and our loving service of others. After spending the quiet time in being in GOD’s presence, I should want to put that relationship with GOD into action by reaching out to others to announce GOD’s GOoD News of wanting to be a part of people’s lives. Often, the best way I can proclaim that GOoD News is in the way I treat others.
A couple of years ago, I was talking to someone who was immersed in Jesuit spirituality. The individual mentioned that what he liked about the daily hour in prayer was following the Jesuit tradition of reading scripture and picturing himself in the scripture passage and then seeing how he could live out the scripture in his daily life.
I was also reminded of the importance of living out my prayer life when a friend was troubled. This friend needed someone with whom to talk, someone with whom the friend could interact. I was able to proclaim GOoD News to this person by being attentive – making this person the most important person in my life at that moment. In that way I was able to remind this person that GOD cared for the person even more than I did. If I, in my limited capacity, could give time and attention to a person struggling with a problem, if I could try to raise this person from the lowly point to which the individual had sunk, then GOD would truly raise the individual on high and give that individual blessings beyond any comparison to the way I was treating the person. This call to be attentive to others was reinforced six years ago as
17 members of parish committed themselves to serve as Stephen Ministers in one-to-one caring service of those going through rough time and various crises.
The personal question/action for today: Do I reflect in my prayer time how GOD has done marvelous things in my life? Does my spirit rejoice in Jesus, my Savior? How do I put such a prayer of praise and thanks to GOD into action during my interactions with other people? Who in my life is most in need of having their spirit lifted by my spending time with them and assisting them with what they are doing, especially in these hectic days before celebrating the Incarnation?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all compassion. Through Your GOoDness, You sent Your Son, Jesus to be born among us as a human. He lived a life of close relationship with You and He continues to call us into a closer relationship with Himself and with You, His Abba-Father, in and through the power of the Holy Spirit. You ask us to reflect and proclaim the greatness of the Trinity. You remind us of how You have empowered us and lifted us up.
You ask us to humbly reach out to others and help them feel Your loving care for them, and Your presence in their lives. Continue to lead us into a deeper understanding of Your awesome love for us, so we can share that message with others. We make this prayer in the name of the Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who was born for us, lived, ministered, gave us an example of loving service, died for us, and is risen and is now living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 23, 2025
(Opt. Mem. of St. John of Kanty)
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122325.cfm
Saint John of Kanty: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-of-kanty
Readings: Malachi 3: 1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25: 4-5ab, 8-9,10 and 14; Luke 1: 57-66
As we continue our Advent journey, our readings for today focus on the role of John the Baptist. The words of the prophet Malachi speak about one who will go before the coming (adventus) day of the LORD. Obviously, we take these words to point to John’s role as a pre-cursor for the coming Lord Jesus Christ. The psalm also describes a relationship similar to the relationship that John had with GOD, that of being obedient to GOD and desiring to learn the ways of the LORD so that he could prepare the pathway for the LORD. Today’s Gospel is the account of the birth of John the Baptist, six months prior to the birth of Jesus.
Malachi is often seen as a prophet of doom. Today’s selection has that
element, but it also speaks of one who is the messenger of the LORD. The messenger announces that the LORD is coming, and that people should turn their hearts to the LORD. He refers to this messenger as Elijah, the prophet of old who did not die, but was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. It is thus that people will ask John if he is Elijah. This messenger of the coming of the Lord fits the figure of John the Baptist who challenges people to turn their lives around (metanoia) and return to GOD so that they will be ready for the Messiah.
The psalmist prays for knowledge and wisdom so that GOD’s will may be
done. This could easily be a prayer of John the Baptist. He sought guidance in his mission of proclaiming the coming day of the Lord – Jesus the Christ.
Even from the moment of John the Baptist’s birth, people recognized that the newborn infant would have a special role in GOD’s plan. The way his birth had been foretold by the angel, his father’s being struck speechless until the day of John’s circumcision, the birth to an elderly couple, the name of John (“GOD is gracious”) being given, the visit by Mary – all these are special signs that John was to play an important part in the history of salvation.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, it is fitting that we focus on the role of his relative who was born just six months before Him. As John matures and begins to follow the path that would lead him to his adult ministry, John sees himself as a herald who announces the coming of the Messiah. John not only proclaims that the Christ is
near by, already in the midst of the people, but he also tells the people how they can prepare themselves to meet the Anointed One (the Christ) of GOD. They must examine their lives, turn away from sinfulness, and turn their hearts to GOD. John is austere in his preaching. Many were frightened by his demeanor and his message. Yet, many also followed his warnings, examined their lives, and worked on bettering their lives in preparation for the Lord Jesus’ coming. (See Luke 3: 1-16)
As we complete our Advent journey (tomorrow being the end of Advent), we too should examine our lives. Are we at a better place in our relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Abba-Father than we were last year at this time; than we were at the beginning of Advent (three weeks ago)? Hopefully, we have acknowledged our sinfulness and sought the Lord Jesus’ forgiveness. With a renewed spirit, maybe we have taken more time this Advent to draw closer to the Lord Jesus. With a greater sense of awareness of what the birth of the Lord Jesus means to each of us individually and as members of a faith community, we can begin to celebrate that GOD, in the person of Jesus, has taken on our human flesh and we have One Who has walked our path and been the Way
for us to be fuller members of His divine family.
If not, it is never too late. We can make GOoD use of these last two days to draw into the real mystery (Greek: mysterion, Latin: sacramentum meaning “sign”) of GOD becoming human for us – for you and for me. Hopefully, we may make GOoD use of the opportunity to focus more on the true meaning of Christmas this year. It is not just for partying with lots of people, but rejoicing in the Presence of GOD-made-human and the presence we share with our closest loved ones. We can make this Christmas be a true celebration of the Lord Jesus’ presence in our lives, not just for Christmas day, but for every day during the Christmas season, and the coming new calendar year of 2024, and the rest of our lives.
The personal question/action for today: How have I prepared for the celebration of the Coming of the Lord Jesus in our midst? In what ways have I grown spiritually during Advent? What have I learned are the further aspects of my life which need to be worked on, so that I can better prepare the way of the Lord Jesus to me and to others? How have I helped others focus on the true meaning of the season we are about ready to celebrate – the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ – true GOD and true human?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD of all patience. Through Your GOoDness, You continue to give us opportunities to reflect on Your love and draw closer to You. You have allowed Your Love to become one with us in the flesh so that we could participate in Your mystery. You have sent Your Son to be the sacrament – the sign – the mystery – of Your compassionate love for us. You have enfleshed Your essence in the person of Jesus and allowed us to come to know and be known by Him. We have often focused on the wrong aspects of the feast we are about to celebrate. We have looked more toward the gift-giving and gift-receiving than to the Gift Who is Your Son. Help us to take the time in the next few days to focus on the meaning of Your Son’s becoming human. May we lift up hymns and carols of praise to You for what You allowed and caused to take place in the stable in Bethlehem. It is in the name of the Lord Jesus, Your Son and Sharer in Your divinity, and our Brother, Who is one with us in humanity, that we make this prayer and we lift up our thanksgiving. He is the One Who has been born, preached, suffered, and died for us and Who is risen, and is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 24-25, 2025
Christmas Eve and Christmas
Readings can be obtained from:
December 24 Morning, Last day of Advent: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122425.cfm December 24, Christmas Eve: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122525vigil.cfm December 25, Midnight: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122525night.cfm December 25, Dawn: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122525-dawn.cfm
December 25, Day: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122525-day.cfm
Readings:
Dec. 24 morning: 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a,16; Psalm 89: 2-3, 4-5, 27, 29; Luke 1: 67-79
Dec. 24 evening: Isaiah 62: 1-5; Ps 89: 4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25; Mt 1: 1-25
Dec. 25 midnight: Isaiah 9: 1-6; Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-14
Dec. 25 dawn: Isaiah 62: 11-12; Ps. 97: 1, 6, 11-12; Titus 3: 4-7; Luke 2: 15-20
Dec. 25 day: Isaiah 52: 7-10; Ps. 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6; Hebrews 1: 1-6; John 1: 1-18
Within thirty-six hours the Church gives us five different sets of readings with five different sets of prayers for the proper of the Mass. They all have different messages for us, centering on the Incarnation of GOD in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Historically, the liturgies may have come from different times, each with a slightly different emphasis. I will try to touch on at least one reading (usually the Gospel) from each of them, before focusing on the last set of readings:
The first set of readings (morning of December 24) is still part of the Advent readings. We hear the promise that GOD will build a house for David from David’s own descendants, rather than David building a house for GOD. The household of David will be the source of the Messiah. In the Gospel, once Zechariah’s voice has been restored during the circumcision and the naming of his son, John (the Baptist), Zechariah praises GOD for raising an offspring of David to rule over GOD’s people in fulfillment of the promises of old. Zechariah also realizes the special role his own son will play in the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, since John will go before the Lord Jesus to prepare straight paths (direct access).
The Vigil Liturgy or Mass on Christmas Eve focuses on the joyful announcing of the Reign of GOD. The prophet Isaiah speaks to the people of Jerusalem about the restoration of the right relationship between GOD and the people. In the readings from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul reminds the Jewish people of Pisidia (in central modern Turkey) that GOD has fulfilled the promises made to David by raising up the savior, whose Advent was announced by John the Baptist. In the Gospel we hear the genealogy of Jesus starting with Abraham. We also hear about the angel of GOD appearing to Joseph in a dream telling him to take Mary into his care because the Child Whom Mary carries in her womb will be the Savior of the world and He will be the Promised One Who is Emmanuel - GOD-with-us.
For Mass at Midnight, our First Reading speaks about a Son
given to us Who brings light to those in darkness, joy to those in sorrow. This Child will be given the Reign of GOD and be called by the titles Wonder-Counselor, GOD-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. (This passage is
the source of some of the words of a song in Handel’s Messiah.) The Reign that this Son will establish will be marked with justice and peace. St. Paul, in his letter to
Titus, reminds us that Jesus is the revelation of GOD’s grace to all people.
The glory of GOD has come in and through the Savior of the world.
The Gospel for Mass at Midnight is the traditional infancy narrative from
Luke. We hear the reason Mary and Joseph end up in Bethlehem – because of their obedience to the Roman census. The familiar image of the baby
wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a feeding trough in a stable is presented to us, along with the announcement to the shepherds of the birth of the Messiah.
The readings for the Mass at dawn begin with Isaiah telling the people to rejoice for the Savior comes. St. Paul, again writing to Titus, reminds us that
we have been saved because the (c)hesed – kindness/love – of GOD has allowed the Savior to be born. The Gospel for this liturgy continues the
infancy account according to Luke. The shepherds go to see the baby in the manger and believe. Mary reflects on the events that have happened.
The scripture passages for the Mass during the Day are probably the collection of readings from the oldest liturgy for the celebration of the birth of
Jesus. These readings begin with rejoicing at the announcement of the GOoD News of GOD’s Reign being established. The Letter to the Hebrews relates
the fact that GOD has spoken more clearly than ever before, through GOD’s own Son, the GOD-man Jesus. The Son is the perfect reflection of the Abba-
Father’s glory. The Gospel is the prologue to St. John’s Gospel.
Before I reflect on prologue to St. John’s Gospel, I would like to share a
few interesting items that can be gleaned from the earlier gospel accounts. Historians have verified the census by the Roman government. (Check on this link http://www.biblehistory.net/Chap2.htm.) The time of the census
would have been around 8 BC when it was decreed, and a couple of years later by the time it was implemented.
Thus, Mary and Joseph would have been required to be in Bethlehem around the year 6 BC. Many people do not realize that the monk who put together the Gregorian calendar (which is the basis of our modern calendar) had been in error, with the error being about six-to-eight years.
Many scholars have also made points as to the passage of the shepherds keeping watch over the flocks by
night. Most agree that it was unusual, but not impossible, for them to be doing this in winter. Many writers seem to think that Jesus was born in fall or spring (rather than in winter) when shepherds often had the flocks in the field at night.
I would like to turn our attention to the beautiful prologue
to St. John’s Gospel. St. John is known for his “theologizing” about the life of Jesus. The introduction to his Gospel is a beautiful example of this. John begins: “In the beginning
was the Word.” John uses the word Logos (Λογος), a Greek
word which means “word” but much more. He is familiar with the Hebrew scriptures use of Debar YHWH, “The Word of the LORD.” In the Hebrew scriptures, “The Word of the LORD” was GOD’s own creative action. When GOD spoke, creation happened. When GOD spoke the divine Word, prophets proclaimed GOD’s message. “The Word of the LORD” is more than symbols on a page or sounds in the ear. “The Word of
the LORD” is something active. It is part of Who GOD is. It is
also the basis of the “Wisdom” of GOD that is spoken throughout the Hebrew scriptures. John thus says this active part of GOD has been present from the beginning [at the time of Genesis (“the beginning”)].
John goes on: “the Word was with GOD.” The Logos was present with GOD since the time before creation. The Logos is separate from GOD (the Abba-Father), but with GOD. “And the Word was divine.” In this phrase John says that the Logos, although separate from GOD (the Abba) had a full share in the divinity, that is, the Word is GOD.
“The Word was with GOD in the beginning, and through the Word all things came into being, and
apart from the Word, nothing came to be.” This phrase speaks of the creative nature of “The Word of the LORD.” Without the Logos (Word), nothing has life or existence. When GOD speaks the Word, life happens. It is the creative “Word of the LORD” which/Who gives life.
“Whatever came to be in [the Word], found life, life for the light of mortals.” “The Word of the LORD”
gives life, and life is symbolized by light, as opposed to the darkness of pre-creation chaos and darkness of evil.
“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.” John uses the images of
light and darkness throughout his writings. The Light (Φος - Phos) is GOoD, whereas darkness is evil. The Light has more power than the darkness. The Light shines and darkness is gone. The darkness cannot overcome, or overtake, the Light. Evil will lose out to the Word, at least in the end.
John the Apostle and Evangelist then inserts a comment about John the Baptist and his role in pointing out the Light of the world: “There came a man named John, sent by GOD. He came as a witness to bear testimony about the Light, so that through the Light, all might come to belief. John only testified to the Light, for John was not the Light.” John the Baptist was the herald (precursor) to the Light. He came before the Light to point to the Light. He bore witness to the Light. Thus John was a martyr for the Light. [The Greek word, martyros (ìáñôõñïò), meaning “witness,” is the source of our English word “martyr.”] He gave his life (the ultimate witness) so that the Light would shine.
“The real Light which [Who] gives Light to everyone was coming into the world. The Light was in the world, and through the Light the world was made, yet the world did not know who He was.” John equates the “Word” to the “Light.” The
Word of GOD enlightens the world, yet the world did not recognize the Word/Light. It
is interesting that we use the image of light to show understanding and wisdom or knowledge. It is when we accept “The Word of the LORD” that we can “see” the Light. When we fail to accept “The Word of the LORD” we are in darkness.
“To His own, He came, yet His own did not accept Him. Anyone who did accept
Him, He empowered to become children of GOD.” John seems to be saying that
“The Word of the LORD” – the Light of the World – came to the Hebrew people, but some of them were not
able, or chose to refuse, to hear the Word or see the Light. Yet anyone (Jew or Gentile) who did/does accept the Word/Light became/becomes GOD’s children.
“These are they who believe in His name – who were begotten not by blood, nor by carnal desire, nor by human willing it, but by
GOD.” Believers in the Word/Light become children of GOD not because of their ancestors or national origins. It is GOD’s gift for
believers to become children of GOD. The act of believing the
Word/Light is what empowers them to become children of GOD.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Abba, filled with enduring love.” This is truly the Incarnation – the Word becoming flesh. “The Word of the LORD” is not only active and creative. “The Word of the LORD” has taken on human flesh.
Not only has “The Word of the LORD” become
human, “The Word of the LORD” has “pitched His
tent in our midst” ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμν (eskēnōsenen hçmin) – a phrase which speaks of a sharing of life fully with us. For just as a person who pitches a tent among nomadic people shares in the life of the people, so now, the “Word of the LORD,” has shared life with us fully by being human like us – in all
things but sin (cf. Hebrews 4: 15). And the purpose
of His incarnation and dwelling among us is to give us a glimpse of the glory of GOD His Abba, a glory which speaks of GOD’s unending love for us.
“John testified concerning Him by proclaiming, ‘This is the One of whom I spoke, ‘The One coming
after me Who ranks ahead of me, for He was before me.’” Again we see John the Baptist preparing the way for the Adventus (Coming) of the Savior. Once the Savior/Word/Light appears, John fades into the
background.
“Of His fullness we have all had a share – love following upon love.” The gift of “The Word of the
LORD” becoming flesh is something we (believers) have experienced. It is love (agape), and more love, and more love. The more we are open to the Word made flesh, the more love we experience and share with others.
“For while the law was a gift through Moses, this enduring love came through Jesus Christ. No one
has ever seen GOD. It is GOD the only Son, ever at the Abba’s side, who has revealed Him.” Moses brought the people a sign of GOD’s care in the giving of the law. Jesus, however, brings a better gift – the gift of GOD’s own being – the gift of GOD’s never ending and unconditional love (agape). We could not fully understand GOD’s love until Love took flesh and pitched His tent among us and revealed that GOD is love and we have a share in that love, if we believe.
The personal question/action for today: As I celebrate Christmas, how do I bring my appreciation of the Incarnation of Word/Light/Life (Logos/Phos/Zoe) to others? Am I giving (and receiving) gifts in the name of the Lord Jesus? Can people experience the Love (Agape) and Light (Phos) of Jesus as I exchange presents and greet people on this holy day and during this holy season? How can I extend a greeting for Blessed Holy-days beyond Christmas and into the whole year?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD and Heavenly Abba-Father. Through Your GOoDness, You together with The Word (Logos), Your Son, have created the world. We owe our existence to You. Yet life (Zoe) was not the greatest of Your gifts. You wanted us to experience Your love. You allowed Your enduring Love (Agape), Your Word (Logos), Your Son, to take on human flesh and live with us, so that we might come into the Light (Phos)
of Your Love (Agape). You invite us to accept Your Word (Logos) – Your Life (Zoe) – Your Light (Phos)–
Your Love (Agape) that has been enfleshed in the person of Jesus. This is the greatest gift You share with us. As we celebrate the Incarnation of Your Word (Logos), the human birth of Your Son, may we reflect Him (Who is Light (Phos) to the world. We ask that we may be reflectors of the Light (Phos), signs of Your Love (Agape), givers of Your Life (Zoe), speakers of Your Word (Logos), to those with whom we come in contact. For our sharing of Your gifts with others is our gift to You. We thank You and praise You in and through Your Son, The
Word (Logos) made flesh, the Light (Phos) of the World, the Incarnate Love (Agape), living and reigning in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, forever and ever.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
December 26, 2025
St. Stephen
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122625.cfm
Saint Stephen: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-stephen
Readings: Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59; Psalm 31: 3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17; Matthew 10: 17-22
Merry Second Day of Christmas!
I hope and pray that your day yesterday was filled with joy, peace, and love as you celebrated the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
Today we continue the celebration of Christmas. Christmas is such a big feast in the Church that it cannot be limited to a single day. Throughout these days after Christmas, the Church continues to pray “Celebrating the most sacred night (day) on which blessed Mary the immaculate Virgin brought forth the Savior for this world, ” (Eucharistic Prayer I).
Today we also celebrate the feast of St. Stephen. It may seem strange to celebrate
St. Stephen on this second day of Christmas, especially as we hear the readings dealing with suffering and death that come to a follower and witness (μαρτυρος – martyros) of Jesus. I have a special place in my heart as I reflect on Stephen. It flows partly from my work in Stephen Ministry. Let me summarize the story of St. Stephen with a reflection on his life.
At the time of the early Church, the Apostles are busy about the ministry of the
Word, that is, they are proclaiming the GOoD News (Gospel) of Jesus the Christ in their preaching. There is such a large number of converts to Christianity (known as “The Way”), that some of the people’s needs are not being met. This is particularly true of some of the converts who are Greek speaking, and especially the Greek- speaking widows. The Apostles realize their major ministry is the proclamation of the Word through their preaching and teaching. After prayer, they appoint seven
individuals as diakonoi (διακονοι), a Greek word meaning “those who minister or serve.” The title “deacon”
comes from this same Greek work (Acts 6:1-7).
Among the diakonoi is Stephen, “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6: 5). Stephen serves and ministers to the needs of people. Obviously, he not only proclaims the GOoD News by his acts of service and deeds of ministry, but he also speaks words that proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the First Reading for today, we hear that he works “great wonders and signs among the people.” So much so that “certain members of the so-called ‘Synagogue of Roman Freedman’” challenge Stephen. [There are a few thoughts about who the ‘Synagogue of Roman Freedman’ were. Some say that they were “persons (who) were slaves of the Romans who had been freed, became proselytes of the Jewish religion, and had a synagogue in Jerusalem.” Other scripture scholars say that they were ‘a Greek-speaking synagogue of the first century Hellenized Diaspora Jews.”] They engage Stephen in debate, “but they prove no match for the wisdom and spirit” with which Stephen speaks.
True to what Jesus says in today’s Gospel, Stephen is hauled into court and is brought to trial before the religious leaders. And also true to the Gospel message of today, Stephen does not worry about what he will say or how he will speak. For when the hour of his trial arrives, Stephen is given what to say (although it is not in today’s First Reading; see Acts 6: 11–7: 53). He realizes, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel, that he is not the speaker, but the Spirit of the Jesus’ Abba-Father is speaking in and through him. Stephen gives witness (marturizo) to Jesus the Christ and how He is the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures from the time of Abraham to Moses and beyond. Stephen chastises the leaders of the Jews and blames them for acting like their ancestors of old who persecuted the prophets (“spokespersons” for GOD). Stephen points out to them that they did not listen to Jesus, but instead put Jesus to death. Obviously, Stephen’s words upset the religious leaders. As we hear in the First Reading, Stephen then has a vision of the Lord Jesus standing at GOD’s right hand. The Jewish leaders immediately drag him outside the city and stone him. [The north-eastern Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem today is also called Stephen’s Gate for this reason.] As he is being stoned, he prays: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” As a link to Stephen’s prayer, today’s psalm is Psalm 31 in which we hear the verse “Into your hands I commend my
spirit.”
Stephen ultimately gives witness to the Lord Jesus, not just by his serving as a diakonos (“servant,” “minister”) to the needs of people; but also, he is the first martyr (martyros is the Greek
word for “witness”) who testifies (“gives witness”) to
the person of Jesus by giving of his life.
As I reflected on the person of Stephen and the readings and the continued celebration of Christmas, I realized that the message of the Incarnation and birth of Jesus is not just a story of a Baby being born in a stable. It is the GOoD News of GOD’s love for us, that ultimately is shown by Jesus’ death and resurrection. And this is the GOoD News we are called to proclaim, first, like Stephen, by being diakonoi – people who minister and serve the needs
of others. And then, if necessary, we are called to
proclaim and give witness (marturizo) to the Word by speech, and ultimately even by our death. These
may not be the most pleasant thoughts on this second day of Christmas, but that is fully the message of the Child born to a virgin – GOD loves us enough to share our humanity, and GOD wants us to share in the divine life and serve one another, and to give witness to the GOoD News of GOD’s love, even to the point of death. Jesus is born to share our humanity; we must die to ultimately share in the divine life. Our lives are meant to be witnesses (martyroi) and servants (diakonoi) to the GOoD News of Jesus Christ, beginning with His birth and ending with His death and resurrection and His ultimate coming in glory at the end of time.
The personal question/action for today: How is the Lord Jesus calling me to be a diakonos – servant/minister? In what ways can I proclaim the GOoD News by my acts of assisting others? How have I given witness (martyrizo) to the GOoD news? As I continue the celebration of Christmas and spend time with family and friends, how can I proclaim the reason for the season – GOD’s Love becoming incarnate for our salvation?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, our loving Abba-Father. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us the gift of Your Son, Jesus. He was born in the flesh to announce Your Love for us. He gave His life as sign of Love. You have called individuals from that time on, to proclaim Your message of Love through serving and witnessing. Give us the strength to serve and give witness to the people whom You have placed in our lives – our family, friends, co-workers, and chance acquaintances. Thank You for the example of St. Stephen, who was a servant and a witness. As always, we want to give You all the praise and glory, together with Your Son Jesus, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for You are our one and only Triune GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
P.S. The feast of St. Stephen has been celebrated the day after Christmas for centuries. In a popular song during the Christmas time, Good King Wenceslaus, we hear that the Good King “looked out, on the Feast of Stephen.” Wenceslaus lived in the tenth century.
ffffffffffffffffffffff
December 27, 2025
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122725.cfm
Saint John the Evangelist and Apostle: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-the-evangelist
Readings: 1 John 1: 1-4; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 1–12; John 20: 1a, 2-8
Merry Third Day of Christmas!
Today is the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.
The First Reading today is taken from the beginning of the First Letter of John. John, as an eyewitness of ministerial life of Jesus, wants to share with his readers, and with us, what he has experienced, seen, and heard. He says that Jesus is Life. In the Gospel of John this message also
appears, especially in the Prologue to the Gospel (John 1: 25) and John 14:
6. The Life of GOD has become visible, that is incarnate, in the person of
Jesus. We are invited to share in that Life.
The psalm is a hymn of praise to GOD for GOD’s giving the Light that dawns for the just. I was reminded of
that on a December morning as I saw the beautiful sunrise. Light is a symbol of GOD’s presence. The darkness of night was overpowered by the dawn, just as Jesus, the Incarnate Light, overcame the darkness of sin and death.
The Gospel for today focuses on John’s belief that Jesus is risen from the dead-on Easter Sunday morning. It is an interesting account. The two apostles hear from Mary Magdalen that the tomb is empty. They race out to the tomb. John, presumably the younger of the two, arrives first, looks in, but waits for Peter to arrive before going in. I have always thought that this was John’s way of showing respect for Peter as the head apostle. John enters the tomb after Peter and sees the wrappings. Once John sees the wrapping (the shroud), he believes. He remembers Jesus’ words that He would rise again. He recalls that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (John 14: 6).
I have often wondered why we celebrate the feast of John the Apostle and Evangelist during the Christmas season. It may be because his First Letter is used during the Christmas season to speak about the mystery of the Word made flesh, Love Incarnate, the Light overcoming the darkness. It may be because he is the only Apostle who died a natural death, although his enemies reportedly tried to boil him in oil some time before he died. It may be because he is linked in his Gospel to “the beloved of the Lord.”
What is important is John’s faith and love. When he was called by Jesus, he immediately left his fishing career and followed Jesus. He, along with his brother James and Peter, were able to see some of the miracles that none of the other apostles saw. He is the one who was next to Jesus at the Last Supper. He was the last of the evangelists to write a Gospel. (Whether it was John himself or one of his disciples who actually took the pen in hand is not the important point). His writings show a lot of insight and are the result of his pondering and reflecting on the life of Jesus.
So, what does that say to me today? I am called, as John was, to experience the presence of Jesus. Like the meaning of name John, “GOD is gracious,” I am called, as John was, to proclaim that GOD is gracious. As I see, hear, and experience the Lord Jesus working in my life and the lives of others, I am called to reflect on those experiences.
I, too, am an apostle, “one who is sent.” I am sent to announce to others what I have experienced. I am called to be an evangelist, too. An evangelist
is literally the “GOoD News Person.” Thus, I am called to be a “GOoD News Person,” someone who proclaims the GOoD News of what Jesus has done for me and for others. I, too, am a beloved of the Lord Jesus. This is the calling of all Christians.
Through our baptism we share in the role of “beloved of the Lord,” “apostle,” and “evangelist.” We are called to constantly proclaim that “GOD
is gracious.” This is our baptismal vocation. We may never write a Gospel or a book of Revelation, but we are called to be witnesses to the Life of the World, the Light that shines in the darkness. We do this by living lives that proclaim the GOoD News that GOD-is-with-us.
The personal question/action for today: Do I consider myself called to be an “apostle” – one who sent to others to share the Gospel? In what ways have I been an “evangelist” – one who announces the GOoD News of Jesus? Have people been able to experience that I am one of the “beloved” of the Lord Jesus by the way I witness to others and invite them into a closer relationship with our GOD? Do I proclaim by my lifestyle that “GOD is gracious”? What more can I do to live out my baptismal call to be an apostle, an evangelist, and a beloved of the Lord Jesus?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Abba-Father of the Lord Jesus, Who is the Incarnate Word of GOD, Life and Light of the World, Immanuel (GOD-with-us). Through Your GOoDness, You have sent Your Son into our world as the Light that overcomes the darkness. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us the wisdom and understanding so we may experience Your presence in our everyday lives. Give us the strength to be sent out (“apostled”) to share Your message with others. May our lives proclaim that we are “GOoD News People” – evangelists – and may we always model the message that You, O LORD GOD, are gracious. We thank You and praise You and Your Son in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for together You live and reign as our one and only GOD, forever and ever. Amen.
ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc
December 28, 2025
Feast of the Holy Family
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122825.cfm
The Holy Innocents: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/holy-innocents
Readings: Genesis 15: 1-6; 21: 1-3 or Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-15;
Psalm 105: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 or Psalm 128: 1-2, 3, 4-5;
Hebrews 11: 8, 11-12, 17-19 or Colossians 3: 12-21;
Luke 2: 22-40 (Alternate readings are given on this day.)
Merry Seventh Day of Christmas!
Today we focus on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and through that focusing, we reflect on the qualities that should mark all families. The Genesis reading portrays the faith of Abraham. His trusting GOD allowed him to become the father of many nations. The reading from Sirach is an exposé on Fourth Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.” The psalms parallel one of Old Testament readings: Psalm 105 praises GOD for fulfilling the promises to Abraham about his many descendants; Psalm 128 praises family life and shows the blessings in store for those who care for their families while trusting GOD. The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews carries on the focus of Abraham’s family being blessed by the faith of their ancestor. The reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians presents attributes that should mark the members of a family and their relationship to one another. The Gospel passage gives us an insight into the family values of Mary and Joseph.
Abraham (as seen in the Genesis, Psalm 105, and Hebrews readings) was a family man and a man of faith. GOD promises Abraham a large family, with as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. Yet, Abraham’s faith is challenged. When he is 90, he has no direct offspring. Soon after, the slave Hagar gives birth to Ishmael, Abraham’s son, but not by Sarah. Yet Abraham wants a son with his wife, Sarah. When he is nearly 100, he still does not have a child by his wife Sarah. GOD remains true to the promise by allowing his 90-year-old wife to conceive and have a son, whom they name Isaac (“laughter”). Isaac is truly the joy of his aged parents. Yet GOD is not done testing Abraham’s faith, especially in regard to his descendants in and through Isaac. GOD asks Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice Isaac. Abraham realizes that he must trust GOD even if it means losing the child through whom the promise of a large, innumerable family would be fulfilled.
The reading from Sirach expands the understanding of the Fourth Commandment dealing with respect for parents. Honoring one’s parents means obedience and a lot more. It demands a positive and loving relationship with
one’s parents, being willing to take care of them in the waning years of their lives. Psalm 128 shows that love for GOD will lead to a blessed family
life.
St. Paul’s letter to the
Colossians shows that respect in the family is not limited to the children’s caring and obeying their parents. Family love must be evident in the love of husband and wife for each other, and parents for their children, and children
respecting their parents.
Love for GOD leading to a blessed family life can be seen in the Gospel reading and the glimpse of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Mary and Joseph (as we heard in the readings during Advent, and especially in the last few days during the Octave of Christmas) were obedient to GOD’s request. They were faith-filled individuals (true to their heritage as children of Abraham).
GOD blessed them as a result of their willingness to do GOD’s will. Yet, that blessing did not mean a
worry-free, easy life. They had to deal with the issue of Mary’s pregnancy other than from Joseph, traveling a great distance at the time when Mary was to give birth, forecasts that people would be at odds because of Mary’s child, and their having to leave their homeland and journey to Egypt to avoid Herod’s murderous acts toward the child.
One Advent, a book club to which I belong, focused on the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus and we realized that they did not always have a care-free life. Their life was blessed not only with joyful experiences, but with challenges. Blessings are not always equated with a trouble-free, anxiety-free, happy-go-lucky, financially independent lifestyle, even within the family. Blessings flow from the loving and caring relationships between different family members as they deal with each other and work together for the GOoD of the whole family and the GOoD of those outside the family. Blessings are the result of having to make tough decisions in the most loving and caring way possible. It is not easy to be a part of a truly blessed and holy family. It requires work, respect, dedication, and love for each other. Yet if the family members can respect each other and seek to do what is best for the other members of the family, the family will be blessed – it will be holy.
Today we think about family life and family values. It is a GOoD time to reflect on them as we gather with our loved ones during this holy season of the year. We are given the example of faith-filled families (Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac; Jesus, Mary, and Joseph). We are also reminded that families are called to be reflections of GOD Who is a family of Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What we celebrate and call to mind today is the importance of relationships. We are called to work on the relationships we have with the other members of our immediate family, the human family, and the family to which we belong because our Brother Jesus has invited us to be a part of the family of GOD.
The personal question/action for today: How can the life of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, strengthen me in my relationships with members of my family? Do I see that being “holy” and “blessed” does not necessarily mean that I don’t have problems and challenges in my living out my relationships within my family or community? What is my reaction when I think of my family and its interrelations as being called to reflect the relationships within the GODhead? What positive action will I do today and in the days ahead to bolster the relationships within my family/community?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Parent, obedient Son, Spirit of unity. In Your very essence, You are essentially a family. The love that You share within Yourself is so powerful it has overflown into the creation of the world, and more importantly the creation of humankind. Through Your GOoDness and love, You have formed man and woman in Your divine image, person who are to be in relationships with others, as You are within the GODhead. You have gifted humanity with Your divine “creative power” by allowing them to come together in a union that produces new life. You have called parents to reflect Your loving care and selfless desire to help others in their role as nurturers and providers for their family. Through Your Son, Jesus, and Mary and Joseph, You have given all of us an example of what honoring and loving a parent is all about. We thank You for the gift of allowing us to be part of a family. May we demonstrate our faith in You by honoring and caring for each member of the families in which You have placed us. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, obedient to You in all things, our Brother and Savior, Who has welcomed us into Your divine family and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
December 29, 2025
Fifth Day of Christmas
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122925.cfm
Saint Thomas Becket: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-thomas-becket
Readings: 1 John 2: 3-11; Psalm 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6; Luke 2: 22-35
Merry Fifth Day of Christmas!
The readings reminds us of the importance of keeping the law of GOD as a sign of having a relationship with GOD. The First Readings describes the importance of the law of love. The Responsorial is an exhortation to praise GOD for all the wondrous things GOD has done. The Gospel describes how Mary and Joseph fulfill the law after the birth of Jesus and how Simeon recognizes the importance of the Infant being carried by His mother.
The section of the First Letter of John that we read today shows that the author is aware that some people mistakenly believed that knowledge (Greek gnosis) was the hallmark of a believer. John, the writer of this letter, insists that there is something greater than knowledge, and he charges that the knowledge of GOD should lead to obedience to GOD’s commandment of loving others. Love is the light which shines in the darkness. It is more enlightening than mere knowledge. Those who only “know” without putting love into practice are still in the dark. When knowledge leads to love, then we are
in a relationship with Light Who has come into the world and
has taken flesh in order to cast out darkness.
The psalmist urges joyful celebration of the mighty deeds of GOD. One cannot keep quiet as one experiences the wondrous acts of GOD (with the Incarnation and salvific ministry of Jesus being the greatest). One must enthusiastically cry out in joyful song proclaiming what GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do for those who accept GOD’s message.
In the Gospel,
Mary and Joseph fulfill the Mosaic law by bring the 40-day old
Infant to the Temple in Jerusalem (about six miles from
Bethlehem). They are obedient to the commandments of GOD. They offer a sacrifice that demonstrates their lowly means – a pair of turtle doves or young pigeons. While in the Temple, they encounter Simeon, a prophetic individual who has been told that he will experience the Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ) of GOD. When Simeon sees the Infant Jesus, he realizes that Jesus
is the One Who will bring salvation to the faithful people. Simeon voices the Nunc Dimittis prayer, “Now, Lord, You can dismiss Your servant. . .” This prayer is part of the Night Prayer of the Church. Simeon prophesies that Jesus will be the source of both edification (lifting up) and the source of destruction of people in Israel.
As I reflect on the readings today, I see two interwoven
themes being presented. One is obedience, the other that of light and love. I realize that knowledge of GOD is not enough. Merely knowing Who GOD is or Who Jesus is, cannot lead to salvation. Yes, knowing GOD is
important, but it must be linked to doing GOD’s will, that is, to obedience.
I sense the frustration that the author of the First Reading has as he meets individuals who believe that knowledge (gnosis) is enough. These gnostics (“know-it-alls”) focus so much on head knowledge that they keep secret the “truths” they discover. They do not want to share their knowledge with others. They are an elitist group who think their knowledge makes them better than the rest of people. They have the opinion that they have the light while everyone else is in the dark. It is against these individuals and their philosophy that the First Reading is written. True knowledge of Who GOD is, and what GOD has done, should lead to proclamation of the Truth and sharing of the Light, in obedience to GOD’s command.
The Truth of Christmas (the Incarnation of GOD) is that GOD wants to reveal the Truth to all people. Jesus
was born for the salvation of all, not just for the intellectuals who think they know it all. All people can share in the life of the Lord Jesus by living out the GOoD News which Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection have made possible. The living out of the GOoD News is done by proclaiming the message of GOD’s marvelous deeds in loving acts toward other individuals. Love is the mark of Jesus’ ministry, especially in the Johannine
writings (the Gospel of John, the three letters of John, the Book of Revelation). GOD so loves the world that the Son of GOD takes on flesh and enters the world in order to save the world. Acceptance of that GOoD News means obedience to the Lord Jesus’ command of sharing that GOoD News with as many as possible. The most dramatic way of sharing the GOoD News is by our loving others and enlightening them with the Light.
As a result of today’s readings, I am challenged to be more loving of, and caring for, others, more enlightening of others. I must let them experience the joy, warmth, light of the Incarnate Son of GOD by the way I treat them. I must be a reflection of the Light in the darkness of their days. As I continue to sing GOD’s praise, my actions must make people aware of the awesomeness of the love of GOD. I cannot keep this to myself and think that I, alone, have been given the knowledge of GOD. It must be shared in the Light so that all will be enlightened with joy, happiness, and love that comes from GOD. It is in doing so that I will be obedient to GOD and the commands that are issued in today’s psalm: “Announce the LORD’s salvation, day after day. Tell GOD’s glory among the nations; among all peoples, GOD’s wondrous deeds.”
The personal question/action for today: In what ways of thinking have I been enlightened by the Lord Jesus? What do I do with my increasing “knowledge” of the ways of GOD? Can other people experience the Light by the way I share the knowledge I have and through my actions of loving care?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever joyful and loving. Through Your GOoDness, You desire that all come to an acceptance of Your gift of salvation given to us through the death and resurrection of Your Incarnate Son. You desire us to not only believe this GOoD News but to share it with others. We have sometimes been elitist in our understanding of the knowledge we have received. We have not wanted to share the Truth we have received. For our failure to be obedient to Your command of proclaiming the Truth as Light for others, we seek Your pardon and peace. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, inflame in our hearts the sense of joy and desire for sharing the GOoD News of salvation with others by our loving them as You and Your Son have loved us. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, the Word Incarnate, Your Son, our GOD with skin on, Who has pitched His tent among us and brought us into the Truth and Light of a closer relationship with You. To You be all glory and honor and praise, in and through Your Son, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
ffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 30, 2025
Readings can be obtained from: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/123025.cfm
Saint Egwin: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-egwin
Readings: 1 John 2: 12-17; Psalm 96: 7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Luke 2: 36-40
Merry Sixth Day of Christmas!
The value system of believers is, or at least should be, markedly different from those who only seek earthly pleasures. St. John continues his First Letter by informing his readers that they should keep their eyes focused on the ways of GOD and not be enticed by merely worldly values. The psalm invites us to join in the praise of GOD since that is the only thing that ultimately counts. The Gospel presents the account of Anna, the prophetess who senses the specialness of the newborn Child Who is brought into the temple on the day of required ritual of presentation and purification of His mother.
St. John address three different age groups of people: children,
parents, and young adults. The message is similar: because of their belief in GOD and the relationship based on that belief, they are not like others who do not have a belief in GOD. Having a relationship with GOD entitles the believers to acknowledge the forgiveness of their sins and to
call GOD Abba – “Father – Daddy – Loving and Personal Parent.” It also demands a different attitude to the worldly ways that focus on pleasure merely for the sake of pleasure.
The psalmist urges the people to
turn to GOD in a relationship of praise and thanksgiving. Acknowledging Who GOD is enables the believer to have a relationship with GOD. The
response should be a joyful lifting up of one’s heart, mind, and soul to GOD.
In the Gospel, Anna, the prophetess
who has spent the majority of her life in the temple precincts, perceives the holiness and specialness of the Baby brought to the temple by two poor parents. Being in relationship with
GOD allows her to know the uniqueness
of the Infant. She turns to GOD in a prayer of praise and also points out the
Baby to all who are nearby.
A theme of relationship with GOD and how it changes a person is what strikes me in the readings today. When one continues to deepen a relationship with GOD, then one is able to “see” things in a new light. Anna, an elder Jewish woman, has been in the Temple day after day for
many years. She is a woman of faith, a woman who has a close relationship with GOD. Because of this special bond with GOD, she is able to sense that the Little One, Who is brought by Mary and Joseph, is blessed by GOD.
She had long ago given up worldly ways. She has been a widow most of her
life. She spends her time in the House of GOD. When she looks at the Infant, she sees not the outward appearance of a Jewish Baby, but she is able to look beyond His appearance and see the holiness that radiates from the Baby.
The words from the Evangelist/Apostle John also challenge me. They speak about how things change as one develops an ever-closer bond with GOD. Relationship with GOD is true religion – (re [again] + ligio [bond]). When
we bond with GOD, we are able to see reality as it truly is. So much of our world is pretense, show, and falseness. It is only when we are again, and again (re) bonded (ligio), with GOD that we perceive what is authentic. We will know that salus (wholeness, holiness, healing, salvation) that is ours because Jesus has died for the forgiveness of our sins. We will also then be able to acknowledge the true Parent (Abba, Life-Giver, Provider, Lover of us), Who is GOD. Our human parents are only a reflection [sacramentum (Latin), mysterion (Greek), sign (English)] of the greater parenting that is done by our GOD.
Being loved by GOD leads us to have a different relationship with others and with the world in which we live. We are not as interested in amassing wealth, gaining fame, and having prestige. We desire to help others and work for their true “GOoD.” As we grow in our bond with GOD, we will spend more time praising and thanking GOD for what GOD has done for us.
As we continue our celebration of Christmas, we are invited to see beyond the Infant in swaddling clothes. We will not just see the Baby in the manger, but also, we will see the Savior Who was born for our salus. We will know the GOoD News that He came to bring us. We will experience the forgiveness that His death and resurrection provide for us. We draw further into the bond with GOD Whom the Son of Mary called not only His Abba-Father, but Whom Jesus allows us to call our Abba (“Loving and Personal Parent”). We will realize that we have a new and more powerful bond with our GOD, because Mary gave birth to One Who is truly Immanuel (GOD-with-us), Yeshua (GOD-saves). We will be bonded with others and join with them in giving thanks and praise to our GOD, our common Abba!
The personal question/action for today: How is my relationship with GOD right now? Do I constantly seek to be “re-bonded” to the Lord Jesus and His Abba? What merely earthly attractions draw me away from my relationship with Jesus and the Abba? What can I do to deepen my relationship with Jesus and help others improve their relationship to Him and the Abba?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, Abba, intimate and loving parent. Through Your GOoDness, You have invited us into a relationship with You, in and through Your Son, Jesus. He has been born as a human so we might be re- bonded to You as our Creator, our forgiving Provider. We have become Your daughters and sons because Jesus, Your Son, was born like us. We have often allowed ourselves to be deceived by the false promises of merely earthly pleasures – of lust, power, hunger, fame, wealth. We seek the healing that is possible because of Your Son, the Son of Mary. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see beyond the Baby born of Mary, to the saving acts performed by Your Son as He ministered, healed, suffered, died, and rose from the dead. We lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving for Your sending Your Son to be our Redeemer, our Master-Teacher, our Brother. It is in His name we make this prayer, for He is One with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
December 31, 2025
Seventh Day of Christmas
(Opt. Mem. of St. Sylvester I) Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123125.cfm Sylvester I: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-sylvester-i
Readings: 1 John 2: 18-21; Psalm 96: 1-2, 11-12, 13; John 1: 1-18
Merry Seventh Day of Christmas!
The readings remind us that because Jesus, the Eternal Word of GOD, became flesh, we have been given life, truth, and an intimate relationship with GOD. Two of our readings are from the Johannine tradition, those writings attributed to the Apostle/Evangelist St. John. In the First Reading, St. John reminds us that in the world there are false prophets and individuals who are saying they are the Messiah-Christ, the one and only leader of all. We have the ability to recognize their lies because we have been given the Truth in Jesus, Who is the Truth (John 14: 6). The psalm urges the lifting up of voices in praise of GOD. The Gospel is the prologue to St. John’s Gospel. In it, we hear the account of the Incarnation in symbolic, but at the same time, real language of John.
In the First Reading, St. John wants his readers to be aware of the fact that individuals have come, and will continue to come, in guises of being the Anointed One of GOD. These persons will claim that they are the true messengers of GOD, but because they are not inline with Word of GOD enfleshed in Jesus, they are
anti-christs. The title “anti-christs” means two things: people who pretend to be the Messiah (the Christ); and people who are acting against (“anti”) Christ and His mission and ministry. John instructs his followers that true believers in Jesus will be able to recognize the anti-christs because true followers have the Truth (Jesus) within them. Those who are in relationship with the Truth cannot be deceived as long as they remain “bonded again” (re-ligio) to Jesus.
The psalmist invites believers to sing GOD’s praises and be united with all creation in proclaiming the magnificent deeds of the LORD. This is all the more important because the LORD has come to establish the divine reign over all who call upon the name of the LORD.
In the Gospel, St. John uses symbolic (“sacramental” - “signs of a deeper and more true reality”) words to describe the incarnation of Jesus. Jesus is the Word (Logos) which/Who has been with GOD (the Abba-Father) from the very beginning. The Logos is one with the Abba since the Logos is Divine, but the Logos is also distinct from GOD the
Abba. The Logos has given life and light to all creation. Nothing has come into existence without the Logos-Word of GOD. Yet, the Logos-Word has not always been accepted by people, even the chosen people of GOD. Those who accept the Word are empowered to be children of GOD, not because of their blood lineage, not because of their desiring to be related to GOD, but because GOD has gifted them with a new, life-giving relationship. This has come about because the Logos-Word has put on skin and pitched a tent among us. GOD has come to dwell with us in an intimate way, sharing our
life with us so we could share in the divine life of GOD, and we could be called children of GOD. We are able to have a different relationship with GOD because the Word has been enfleshed in Jesus. We can call GOD our Abba, for we have become children of GOD in and through Jesus, the Divine Logos-Word – GOD the Son – with skin on.
I am always overwhelmed as I reflect on the Johannine writings. St. John has a beautiful understanding of what a relationship with GOD is all about. John also realizes that the fullness of that relationship cannot be expressed with mere human words. It can only be “sacramentalized,” that is, symbolized with analogous terms and symbols. The Truth of the relationship can only be glimpsed or slightly experienced in our human, earthly life. The fullness of what it all means is there, but not fully understood until we are one with GOD eternally.
As I reflect on the imagery of the Word of GOD, I recall that in Hebrew “Word of GOD” [Debar YHWH] is something more than symbolic letters written in a book or sounds proclaimed. The Debar YHWH is creative, active, and alive. The fact that the Debar YHWH is wrapped with human skin and made visible to us in the person of Jesus
is an awesome concept. The Debar YHWH truly is Light and Life. As Light, the Logos- Word casts out the darkness (evil) and the darkness cannot overcome the Light. Although darkness will try to deceive and confuse people and defuse the Light, it cannot overcome the Light. The Light is Truth and empowers those who accept the Word-Light-Life-Truth to have a new relationship with GOD. We are truly made part of GOD’s family – GOD’s daughters and sons – not in some false or pretend way. We are truly made heirs to GOD’s Reign. We are not children of GOD by our birth (as Jesus is one in essence [consubstantial] with GOD [His Abba] or as the Hebrew nation was made GOD’s chosen
ones by their being from one of the tribes of Israel). We are adopted into GOD’s family because Jesus, the Word-made- flesh, has come among us and dwelled with us ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμν [eskçnôsen en hçmin] literally “pitched His tent with us”).
The pitching of a tent among nomadic people was a sign of sharing life fully with those among whom their tent was pitched. It meant a shared existence, a shared destiny. It was not something taken for granted. It marked a covenant relationship. What happened to anyone in the camp, happened to all. By the Logos-Word [Jesus] pitching a tent among us, the Word Incarnate shares fully our human nature and wants to share with us the divine nature so we can be one with the Logos-Word and with His Abba – our Abba – in union with the Holy Spirit.
I could go on pondering the meaning of this passage, but suffice it to say, I am once again humbled and motivated. I am
humbled by the great love GOD has for me and for all who are invited to accept the Logos-Word [Jesus]. GOD invites all of us. GOD really and truly desires to share divine existence with us. GOD wants us to be in relationship with Divine.
I also am motivated to proclaim this to others so that they, too, will accept the Word and be welcomed into the family of GOD. It is then that we can join the psalmist and say/sing: “Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless GOD’s name; announce the salvation of the LORD, day after day.”
It is a GOoD time to be reflective of what has been happening in 2025, realizing what GOD has done in our lives. Reflecting on the Word reminds us of the Love GOD has for us, in spite of (or during) the illnesses, natural disasters, civil unrest. As we end this calendar year of 2025, we can look back on life, our individual lives and our collective lives as members of a family and of a community. GOD has come to us and the Word has pitched His tent among us. If we look carefully, we will see GOD’s action in our lives. It doesn’t mean that GOD caused the negative events that happened, but that GOD was present with us during those difficult times. GOD has given us hope and the strength to persevere in the midst of tragedy. And the Lord Jesus invites us to praise and thank GOD for the GOoD times we experienced.
The personal question/action for today: Have I been faithful to the Truth which is the Word made flesh and Who has pitched His tent among us? Have I grown in “knowledge” through my relationship with the Truth, the Abba, and the Holy Spirit? As I look back at the events of 2025, do I see GOD’s action in my life and the lives of those around me? From whom have I benefitted by their sharing their witness to the Truth? How have I given witness to the Truth in my life?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, loving Abba-Father. Your Logos-Word is co-eternal with You. We could not fully understand Your Word, so You allowed Your Word to not only be creative and bring humans to life and be the Light shining in the darkness. Through Your GOoDness, You also sent Your Logos-Word among us to be Your Word with skin on. The Word has not only taken on flesh, but also has pitched His tent among us, sharing with us every aspect of our life (except sin), so that we could share in Your Divine Life as Your adopted sons and daughters. We thank You and praise You for Your Divine Plan, that has allowed Your Word to enlighten our darkness. We ask Your pardon and forgiveness for the times we have chosen to remain in the dark rather than walk in the Light. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, enlighten our eyes so that we can see the deception and false promises of darkness and search out the Way of Light. We lift up our voices in praise of You and Your Word-in-flesh, Jesus. We make this prayer in His name, for He is Your Son, our Brother and Lord, the Light, the Truth, the Life, the Way to You, and He is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc