Tag Archives: Command

“Let’s ‘Gather’ And Get The ‘Flock’ Out Of Here!” – John 10:11-18†

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Today’s Content:

·        Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations

·        Today in Catholic History

·        Quote or Joke

·        Today’s Gospel Reading

·        Gospel Reflection

·        Reflection Prayer

·        Catholic Apologetics

·        A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day

·        Reflection on part of the OFS Rule

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

My third son made his Confirmation in the Catholic Church today. I am so proud of him. I pray he, and all my children, find a love, trust, and hope for our faith.

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Today in Catholic History:

†   1380 – Death of Catherine of Siena, Italian saint (b. 1347)
†   1429 – Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orléans
†   1670 – Pope Clemens X elected
†   1863 – Birth of Maria Theresa Ledochowska, Polish-Austrian Catholic nun (d. 1922)
† Feasts/Memorials: Saint Catherine of Siena; Saint Robert (d.1111); Saint Wilfred the Younger; Saint Peter of Verona; Saint Hugh of Cluny

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

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Joke of the Day:

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Today’s reflection: Jesus says that He is the “good shepherd” who knows His sheep.

(NAB John 10:11-18) ¹¹ I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. ¹³ This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. ¹⁷ This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

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Gospel Reflection:

The fourth Sunday of Easter is also called “Good Shepherd” Sunday. Unless we consider this 10^th chapter in the greater context of John’s Gospel, we will miss the radical nature of the statement Jesus makes when He declares Himself to be the “Good Shepherd”. Today’s reading follows Jesus’ healing of the man born blind and the rejection of this miracle by the Jewish Pharisees and leaders, who questioned Jesus’ authority to heal. Jesus responds to this challenge by calling Himself the “Good Shepherd”. In doing so, He criticized the Pharisees and the other Jewish leaders. The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders became so angry that they attempt to stone and arrest Jesus (cf., John 10:31,39). This controversy with the religious leaders will, from this point on, continue and grow in intensity until Jesus’ arrest and public death.

In today’s reading, Jesus describes His relationship with His followers as similar to the relationship between a “good shepherd” and His sheep. As a good shepherd will risk and lay down his life in order to protect his sheep, Jesus willingly sacrifices Himself for the good and welfare of His sheep. Jesus contrasts His actions of the “good shepherd” with the actions of the “hired shepherd” who abandons the sheep in the face of danger. In today’s Gospel reading, we learn the Pharisees and the other religious leaders understand that Jesus is referring to them when He describes the “hired shepherds”. (he, he, he)

The “good shepherd” figure is allegorical (figurative or symbolic) in origin. Jesus loved parables, and also loved using allegory to explain the unexplainable. Like a parent trying to teach conceptual ideas to a toddler, He uses simple words to project a picture in our own minds of what He means to convey. I believe that even with these simple teaching tools and tricks, there is no way we, as sinful human beings, can ever grasp the true meaning of what Jesus knows, and ties to express to His original audience, and to us. Only after this existence on earth, when our permanent address changes for the last time (how’s that for allegory), will we truly, completely, and fully know what He knows, and wants to impart to us. I can sum up my eagerness and desire for the true meaning of Jesus’ “Words” as a present sitting under a tree, anticipating the day it can be opened and revealed to me. All I can do is have faith, have hope, and have trust! (And, I do! I believe in the Gospel of Jesus and in the Jesus of the Gospel!)

There is truly so much hidden – – in the words of today’s reading. John loves to use what I call “word gems” to get across a meaning so rich, and having so many layers. Thus, I truly believe he satiates every bible scholars, and every casual reader’s, interest in delving into the Holy Scriptures. For this purpose, I will be looking at each sentence individually and sometimes even words individually, in order to peel away as many layers as possible for this short Gospel reflection. So, hang-on – – for it’s going to be a fun ride perusing both Old and New Testaments, and pursuing the meaning and understanding of both Old and New COVENANTS of our magnificent Lord, Creator, and “Good Shepherd”.

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In the very first verse of today’s reading, Jesus says:

“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11).

Jesus, through John, is referring to two “word gems” in the Old Testament book of Isaiah; and at what John would write, inspired by the Holy Spirit, in the last book of the Holy Bible, The Revelation of Jesus Christ:

“Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, leading the ewes with care.” (Isaiah 40:11);

And,

“For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17).

Jesus Christ is OUR true and loving shepherd, always watching over and caring for us, His flock. He “laid down His life for us”, and gathers His flock, STILL TODAY, leading ALL to His heavenly pasture. (The Holy Eucharist Worship??)

The actions of the “good shepherd” are based upon the relationship between the shepherd and each of His sheep. This IS the core difference between the “good shepherd” and the “hired shepherd”. The “good shepherd” knows (and cares for) every sheep, every lamb, personally, uniquely, and intimately; therefore he acts out of love. For Him, this is never simply “part of a job” – – it is “love-in-action”. This “love-in-action” is truly at the heart of His identity. Just as the sheep are known by the “Good Shepherd”, so too God the Father knows Jesus, AND, Jesus knows God the Father. There is an essential unity between the Father and the Son made clearer in John’s understanding of who, and what, Jesus truly was then, and still is today. The freedom with which Jesus acts when He lays down His life is rooted in the loving unity He shares with His Father. (That “loving unity” has a title: the Holy Spirit!)

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The first “word gem” verse (John 10:11) reveals the qualities of the “good shepherd”. Verse 12 reveals the character of a hireling: someone just “doing the job”, without loving or caring for his “flock”. It also relates to what happens when we trust anyone other than the “good shepherd”: Jesus, the Messiah. This “bad shepherd” allegory refers to the “Oracle of the Worthless Shepherd” narratives found in the earlier book of Zechariah:

“Ah! my worthless shepherd who forsakes the flock! May the sword fall upon his arm and upon his right eye; His arm will surely wither, and his right eye surely go blind!” (Zechariah 11:17).

Zechariah goes into great detail about the three shepherds and the destruction of Jerusalem. Please read the entire parable (cf., Zechariah 11:4-17) to learn more.

In our reading today, Jesus is truly the “good shepherd”! We can be good shepherds as well, by simply following His model of humility and dedication to The “Word”. Jesus gave us the commandment:

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13);

John reiterates this command in His first epistle:

“The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16).

Jesus promised a happy life without end. Death would not be the end; but instead, the beginning. We would know the glory of His everlasting life. Jesus, as the “good shepherd”, promised a life which was secure. Nothing will snatch us out of His hand, not even sorrow and death, since He is everlasting life itself. Our lives are forever truly safe in His hands. (That’s even better than Allstate.)

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So what does Jesus mean by saying the following in today’s reading:

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.”? (John 10:16)

I believe His reference to “other sheep” is a reference to both the “Gentiles” and to “God’s dispersed children” of John 11:

“He [Caiaphas, the high priest] prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God” (John 11:51-52).

These “dispersed children” were (and still are) destined to be gathered into “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic” Church. These four adjectives are understood to be the four “pillars” of the Catholic (Universal) Church. It seems these “dispersed children” were at odds with the first century community of the beloved disciple, John – – and may still be, TODAY, at odds with the “eternal” and true “universal” Church – – the Catholic Church.

Jesus is the shepherd gathering all that have strayed back into one flock. Remember, from a historical view of first-century Israel, the twelve tribes of Israel had split and separated into two distinct “tribes” related to the main “places” of the “Promised Land”. Jesus came to gather ALL the “tribes”, composed of ten tribes of the north called Israel, and two major tribes of the south called Judah, along with all other Gentiles, thus making a new and glorious “flock”. This thought of Jesus Christ gathering everyone is foretold by several Old Testament prophets:

“Others will I gather to them besides those already gathered.” (Isaiah 56:8);

“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have banished them and bring them back to their folds; there they shall be fruitful and multiply.” (Jeremiah 23:3);

“I will appoint one shepherd over them to pasture them, my servant David; he shall pasture them and be their shepherd.” (Ezekiel 34:23);

“David my servant shall be king over them; they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my ordinances, observe my statutes, and keep them.” (Ezekiel 37:24);

And,

“I will gather you, Jacob, each and every one, I will assemble all the remnant of Israel; I will group them like a flock in the fold, like a herd in its pasture; the noise of the people will resound.” (Micah 2:12).

In this context of being the “Good Shepherd”, Jesus also refers to others with whom He desires to share a personal, unique, and intimate relationship. John truly understood the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles into the Christian community. Our modern ears may hear relate part of today’s Gospel as a reference to Christian unity in today’s world. The work of ecumenism (a movement promoting unity between different Christian churches and groups) is to restore unity among all Christians so that we form “one flock” under “one shepherd”, as God the Father desires.

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Jesus came to gather His “flock” knowing that, as a “good shepherd”, He would have to put His own human life in harm’s way to gather and to protect each and every one of His charge’s, ALL of God’s creations. Jesus, however, came not only to give His life for others, but also to show that our life can be sanctified, made Holy – – “taken up again” – – through the “love” of God the “Father”:

“By this ‘will,’ we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10).

John , in today’s reading, reports Jesus as saying:

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.” (John 10:18)

Within a short period of time, Jesus again will be saying a similar phrase to Pilate, at His trial on false (but true?) charges:

Jesus answered [Pilate], “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” (John 19:11)

In verse 18, the “power to take it up again”, is a statement which contrasts the role of God the Father as THE capable and competent source and cause of Jesus’ (and ours – eventual) resurrection from the dead to a whole NEW form of eternal life. This power is testified to by Peter, as Luke reports, in Acts:

“God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.” (Acts) 2:24;

And again:

“All of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed.” (Acts 4:10).

And, as Paul proclaims to the Roman Christian community that Jesus was:

“…established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 1:4);

Concerning the power of Jesus’ “free choice” to lay down His life as an act of personal love and obedience, John felt compelled to add Jesus saying:

“This command I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18)

Jesus was truly doing the “will” of His Father. Hmm, I wonder whether I can follow His “will” to such an end – – and NEW beginning!!

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To conclude, the words Jesus spoke then upset many of the Jewish leaders. Some asked, “How could He speak with the same authority which God spoke and claim to be equal with God?” The Pharisees probably thought He must either be insane or divine. We too are faced with the same choice today. Either Jesus IS who He claims to be – – the divine Son of God and Savior of the world – – or the world’s greatest persuader of untruths!

We cannot be indifferent to His claim of authority. For those who accept Him as Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ offers the peace and security of unending, peaceful, life and joy with His (and ours) God the Father. Do you have and know the peace and security of a life fully submitted to Jesus? Do you listen attentively to the voice and “Word” of the “Good Shepherd”? Let’s “gather” and get the “flock” out of here!

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Reflection Prayer:

“Prayer for Generosity”

St. Ignatius of Loyola

“Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God,
Teach me true generosity.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve.
To give without counting the cost,
To fight heedless of wounds,
To labor without seeking rest,
To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward
Save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen.”

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Catholic Apologetics:

My reason and purpose for this section on my blog is to provide “scriptural confirmation” for our beliefs and doctrines, not to cause dissention or opposition with my fellow believers in Jesus Christ, yet not in union with the Roman Catholic Church. Whether God speaks to us through the “Bible”, or through “Tradition”, it is the Holy Spirit that inspires the “Word” from which all authentic tradition flows.

Tradition can be separated into two aspects: oral and behavioral. Oral tradition includes written forms. After all, it ALL started with oral tradition. Behavioral tradition includes Baptism, Eucharist or Lord’s Supper, Lying on of hands or healing, Intercessory prayer, and Ordination.

All Scriptural verses are taken from both the Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible and the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Praying to the Saints

“‘And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is not God of the dead, but of the living …’” (Mark 12:26-27) RSV.

“And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living …” (Mark 12:26-27) KJV.

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely . . .” (Hebrews 12:1) RSV.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us …” (Hebrews 12:1) KJV.

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

The value Catherine makes central in her short life and which sounds clearly and consistently through her experience is complete surrender to Christ. What is most impressive about her is that she learns to view her surrender to her Lord as a goal to be reached through time.

She was the 23rd child of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa and grew up as an intelligent, cheerful and intensely religious person. Catherine disappointed her mother by cutting off her hair as a protest against being overly encouraged to improve her appearance in order to attract a husband. Her father ordered her to be left in peace, and she was given a room of her own for prayer and meditation.

She entered the Dominican Third Order at 18 and spent the next three years in seclusion, prayer and austerity. Gradually a group of followers gathered around her—men and women, priests and religious. An active public apostolate grew out of her contemplative life. Her letters, mostly for spiritual instruction and encouragement of her followers, began to take more and more note of public affairs. Opposition and slander resulted from her mixing fearlessly with the world and speaking with the candor and authority of one completely committed to Christ. She was cleared of all charges at the Dominican General Chapter of 1374.

Her public influence reached great heights because of her evident holiness, her membership in the Dominican Third Order, and the deep impression she made on the pope. She worked tirelessly for the crusade against the Turks and for peace between Florence and the pope

In 1378, the Great Schism began, splitting the allegiance of Christendom between two, then three, popes and putting even saints on opposing sides. Catherine spent the last two years of her life in Rome, in prayer and pleading on behalf of the cause of Urban VI and the unity of the Church. She offered herself as a victim for the Church in its agony. She died surrounded by her “children.”

Catherine ranks high among the mystics and spiritual writers of the Church. In 1939, she and Francis of Assisi were declared co-patrons of Italy. Paul VI named her and Teresa of Avila doctors of the Church in 1970. Her spiritual testament is found in The Dialogue.

Comment:

Though she lived her life in a faith experience and spirituality far different from that of our own time, Catherine of Siena stands as a companion with us on the Christian journey in her undivided effort to invite the Lord to take flesh in her own life. Events which might make us wince or chuckle or even yawn fill her biographies: a mystical experience at six, childhood betrothal to Christ, stories of harsh asceticism, her frequent ecstatic visions. Still, Catherine lived in an age which did not know the rapid change of 21st-century mobile America. The value of her life for us today lies in her recognition of holiness as a goal to be sought over the course of a lifetime.

Quote:

Catherine’s book Dialogue contains four treatises—her testament of faith to the spiritual world. She wrote, “No one should judge that he has greater perfection because he performs great penances and gives himself in excess to the staying of the body than he who does less, inasmuch as neither virtue nor merit consists therein; for otherwise he would be an evil case, who for some legitimate reason was unable to do actual penance. Merit consists in the virtue of love alone, flavored with the light of true discretion without which the soul is worth nothing.”

Patron Saint of Europe & Italy

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey,
O.F.M. (From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

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Prologue to the
Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) Rule:

Exhortation of Saint Francis to the Brothers and Sisters in Penance

In the name of the Lord!

Chapter 1 Concerning Those Who Do Penance

All who love the Lord with their whole heart, with their whole soul and mind, with all their strength (cf. Mk 12:30), and love their neighbors as themselves (cf. Mt 22:39) and hate their bodies with their vices and sins, and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and produce worthy fruits of penance.

Oh, how happy and blessed are these men and women when they do these things and persevere in doing them, because “the spirit of the Lord will rest upon them” (cf. Is 11:2) and he will make “his home and dwelling among them” (cf Jn 14:23), and they are the sons of the heavenly Father (cf. Mt 5:45), whose works they do, and they are the spouses, brothers, and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Mt 12:50).

We are spouses, when by the Holy Spirit the faithful soul is united with our Lord Jesus Christ; we are brothers to him when we fulfill “the will of the Father who is in heaven” (Mt 12:50).

We are mothers, when we carry him in our heart and body (cf. 1 Cor 6:20) through divine love and a pure and sincere conscience; we give birth to him through a holy life which must give life to others by example (cf. Mt 5:16).

Oh, how glorious it is to have a great and holy Father in heaven! Oh, how glorious it is to have such a beautiful and admirable Spouse, the Holy Paraclete.

Oh, how glorious it is to have such a Brother and such a Son, loved, beloved, humble, peaceful, sweet, lovable, and desirable above all: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave up his life for his sheep (cf. Jn 10:15) and prayed to the Father saying:

“Oh, holy Father, protect them with your name (cf. Jn 17:11) whom you gave me out of the world. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me and they received it. They have known that in truth I came from you; they have believed that it was you who sent me. For these I pray, not for the world (cf. Jn 17:9). Bless and consecrate them, and I consecrate myself for their sakes. I do not pray for them alone; I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word (cf. Jn 17:20) that they may be holy by being one, as we are (cf. Jn 17:11). And I desire, Father, to have them in my company where I am to see this glory of mine in your kingdom” (cf. Jn 17:6-24).

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Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Apologetics, Bible History, Catholic Church, Franciscan Formation, Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Rosary, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Prologue. Tags: 10:11-18, apologetics, bible, catches, Catholic, Command, concern, Death, father, flock, fold, formation, Franciscan, Frustration, God, good, hear, Heaven, hired, history, Holy Spirit, I AM, Intercession, Jesus, John, Journey, kingdom, know, Knowledge, lead, life, Lord, love, man, mine, NAB, OFS, OFS Rule, One, pay, power, Prayer, received, Reflection, Saint, scatters, sheep, shepherd, Sin, Sorrow, St. francis, takes, Teach, voice, wolf, Words, works, Worthy. Leave a comment

Jan. ’12

“First Century Headline: ‘Jesus Goes Into the Exorcize Business – AND Cleans Up!’” – Mark 1:21-28†

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today’s Content:

Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations

Today in Catholic History

Joke of the Day

Today’s Gospel Reading

Gospel Reflection

Reflection Prayer

Catholic Apologetics

A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day

Franciscan Formation Reflection

Reflection on part of the SFO Rule

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

Last week was the annual “March for Life” in Washington D.C. The purpose was to mark the 39^th anniversary of the ominous ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of Roe vs. Wade. This ruling legalized the murder of 54 million babies in these few years. This number equates to 17 percent of America’s current 312 million-plus population – – “17 PERCENT”!!! Only the “Black Plague” has cost more lives … Not even ALL our countries WARs “combined” can claim this sad distinction! Let us all pray for those lost lives, for those about to have abortions, and especially for the overturning of this barbaric violation of Natural – and GOD’s – Laws. Here is a prayer I say daily:

“Prayer to St. Gerard”

(Patron Saint for Mothers)

“St. Gerard, you worshiped Jesus as the Lord of Life. I ask you today to pray for my special intentions: For all those about to have abortions, all pregnant women, their husbands, all new parents, & especially _________. Lift up to Jesus all those who seek to conceive a child, all those having difficult pregnancies, all who have suffered the loss of a child, and all who lovingly lift up their children to God.

Pray that all of us, by caring for mothers, fathers, and children born and unborn may build a Culture of Life, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

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Today in Catholic History:

†   904 – Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed antipope Christopher.
†   1119 – Death of Pope Gelasius II
†   1732 – Paris churchyard Saint-Medard closed after Jansenistic ritual
†   1860 – American College established in Rome by Pope Pius IX
†   Feast/Memorials: Valerius of Trèves; Saint Juniper

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

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Joke of the Day:

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Today’s reflection is about Jesus healing a man with an unclean spirit. Jesus’ fame spreads throughout Galilee.

(NAB Mark 1:21-28) ²¹ Then they came to Capernaum, and on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. ²²The people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. ²³ In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; ²⁴ he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” ²⁵ Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” ²⁶ The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. ²⁷ All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey Him.” ²⁸ His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Gospel Reflection:

Do you believe that God’s “Word” has power to set you free and to transform your life permanently? Today’s Gospel describes what was likely to have been a typical day in Jesus’ earthly public ministry. Jesus, and the disciples who chose to follow him in last week’s Gospel, arrive at Capernaum, a small village on the Sea of Galilee. There, Jesus teaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The people responded to Jesus’ teaching with “astonishment”, noting Jesus’ “authority”, contrasting His message and teachings with the “Scribes’”. We are only in the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel and we already are finding evidence of tension which will manifest itself fully in Jerusalem on a future Passover Sabbath.

Today’s reading happens, as I said, during a Sabbath, and both inside and outside the synagogue of Capernaum. His ministry on this day combined teachings and the “miracles” of exorcism and healing. There is no mention made of Jesus’ words of the teaching in the synagogue in Mark’s Gospel; however, today’s reading DOES cover the “effect” of their astonishment and His authority on the people hearing His “Word” and seeing His actions.

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The witnesses declare that Jesus “teaches with authority” to ALL the people – – in AND out – – of the synagogue; and witnesses are still declaring His “authority” now, today, as it was then! Jesus’ authoritive “teaching” provides evidence and witness as to His definite claim over those hearing and believing His “Words”, and over the “unseen spirits” influencing individual listeners. His “Word” was offered to those present listening to Him in the best tradition of the Old Testament prophets. His method of teaching was different; not like the “Scribes” who taught and spoke the “Word” (as they believed it to be), yet did not LIVE the “Word” in their daily actions and lives.

When Jesus taught, He always spoke with “authority”. He spoke the “Word” of God the Father as NO ONE had spoken before!! When the Rabbis taught, they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities or from their personal interpretations of the Mosaic Law. The prophets spoke with God-given, delegated, “authority”, i.e., “Thus says the Lord.” When Jesus spoke, He needed no authorities, no Temple leaders, or no Rabbis needed to back His “Word” or statements. He WAS and IS THE “authority” personified (incarnated); Jesus Christ WAS and IS THE “Word” of God the Father made flesh. When He spoke, God the Father spoke. Jesus Himself declared:

“I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.” (John 12:49-50)

Even the demons and “unclean spirits” obeyed when He commanded. After Jesus’ preaching, an even more astonishing thing happened; a man with an “unclean spirit” approached Jesus and calls out to Him while in the synagogue. Demons know Jesus. Demons are not afraid to enter His holy temple. They have a personal, yet unfriendly, relationship with Him. So, when someone asks you, “Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus, do you know Him?”, just remember, so does Satan and all the other fallen angels, and the “unclean spirits”!!

What IS an “unclean spirit”? Well, it is a spirit who is resistant to, and continues to resist vehemently, the holiness of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This “unclean spirit” is fearful of the Holy Trinitarian Godhead because he (or they) know and fear the absolute power of Jesus Christ to destroy their influence on the people who also attempt to resist the holiness of the Trinitarian God:

“When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to Him all who were ill or possessed by demons. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and He drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew Him.” (Mark 1:32, 34);

“Whenever unclean spirits saw Him they would fall down before Him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God.’” (Mark3:11).

Plus, they, every “unclean spirit”, know Jesus’ divine power is granted to others doing His will:

“They [the Apostles’] drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” (Mark 6:13).

As we see in this example (and throughout Mark’s Gospel), the various spirits and demons know Jesus for who He truly is, and are fearful of Him and the overwhelming power He possesses over them. In fact, they understand Jesus’ identity better than His disciples at this time. Jesus orders the “unclean spirit” to be quiet, and then drives the “unclean spirit” out of the possessed man. Jesus’ ability to heal those possessed by demons is a true indication of His physical and divine power over ALL evil, and over ALL reality.

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In reality, and in the less scientific era of Jesus’ time, all illnesses were understood to be manifestations of evil and sinfulness on the person’s part. Thank the Lord (literally) that our modern understanding of illness is very different and more beneficial for a “sick” individual. Possession by “unclean spirits” may have been a way to describe what we call mental illness in today’s world. It may also have even been a way of describing certain kinds of physical conditions easily correctable today.

There is evidence that there were many kinds of exorcists and healers in first-century Palestine. Jesus appears to be similar to these healers; but He heals with a unique authority and connects His healing activities with the “Word” of His preaching and teaching. However, we are missing the point that Mark is making in this Gospel if we try to explain away the healing work and power of Jesus Christ as simply an act that can be “accomplished” today scientifically.

This man processed with an “unclean spirit” calls Jesus “the Holy One of God”. This was not a confession as such, but an attempt by the “demon” to hopelessly defend himself against Jesus’ power over him. The demon is trying to counter Jesus’ “authority” by declaring that he knows Jesus to be the “Holy One of God”. By using “Holy One of God” (Jesus Christ), the demon thought and tried to establish control over Jesus, and to impress the congregation. How wrong and misguided could this “unclean spirit” be in this belief!! Jesus silenced the bellowing words of the “unclean spirit”, driving him out of the afflicted man, by His authoritive “Word”. By doing so, the congregation was definitely “stunned” and “impressed”.

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It is clear that the crowds see in Jesus’ deliverance of the possessed man a “declaration”, a “revelation”, and a “affirmation” of His divine “authority” over every authority, those who resist God’s “Word”, those who comply with God’s “Word”, and those who do not know God’s “Word”. Jesus’ power to deliver and heal gives clear credibility, authority, and support to His teachings as coming from God – – (unlike the Scribes). Because of the kind of authority with which He healed, Jesus’ fame spread throughout all of Galilee like a divine wildfire illuminating the world.

So awesomely compelling were Jesus’ “Words” and actions that the news about Him and His abilities could not be contained any more than the sun can be contained with the emerging dawn. Thus, His reputation spread quickly throughout all of Galilee, and spread throughout Israel, even to the High Priests in the very center of Jerusalem. Today, some two thousand years later, the “good news” of and about Jesus Christ is STILL continuing to spread. This “illuminating fire” has not been quenched; rather, it is instead growing brighter throughout ALL nations of the world. We are called to participate – – to be active, not passive – – in sharing the “Good News” of Jesus Christ with others in our personal and public words, and in our personal and public deeds, even here and now. We must have, and deepen our faith in God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, – – and His “Word”. A true and fully complete “faith, love, and hope” in Him is the key to knowing Him better, loving Him more deeply, and seeing Him more fully.

Remember, faith is powerful; but without love it profits nothing:

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:1, 13).

Scripture continues to tell us that true faith works through love:

“For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6).

As faith thrives, so flourishes hope:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13).

Our faith is made perfect in love because love orients us to both the supreme good who is God the Father Himself, as well as the good of our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God:

“Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. … God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27).

Notice: “Hope” anchors our faith in the promises of God the Father and cleanses our desires for the things which will last for ALL eternity. This is why the “Word” of Jesus Christ has power to set us free from all that would keep us bound in sin, deception, and despair.

Finally, faith is both a free gift of God the Father AND the free submission of OUR individual wills to the whole truth which God reveals to us personally, uniquely, and intimately. To live, grow, and persevere in the perpetual and complete faith of God the Father, we must nourish and support our faith with His “Word”. Jesus gives us His Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds so that we may grow in His “truth” and in our knowledge of His great love for each of us, as I just wrote: personally, uniquely, and intimately. Thank you Jesus Christ for revealing the power of Your “Word”.

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How does today’s reflection affect you personally, uniquely, and intimately? Try to name some awesome and amazing things, events, and/or people in your lives which or who bring you closer to the “Holy One of God” now revealed by His “Word”, to be the “Most Holy Trinity”.

In today’s Gospel, the people who “heard” Jesus were “astonished” and “amazed” in their personal experience with Jesus. What did these people, who saw and heard Jesus, find so “amazing”? Per the Gospel reading, the people heard and saw the “power” and “authority” of God actively at work in their personal and public lives, in and through Jesus Christ Himself!!

We should see the same “power” and “authority” of Jesus at work in OUR personal and public lives. Can you name any modern examples of people in whom you have seen the “power” and “authority” of God at work? It could be a priest, a friend, or even a “marginalized” individual. PLEASE pray that we ALL will experience an awe-inspiring wonder at the work of God in our lives and in OUR world today – – MANY, MANY times.

If we approach God the Father – – and His “Word” – – humbly, with an eagerness to do everything He desires, we are in a much better position to continue seeing God’s presence in our daily lives. We will be able to learn what the Trinitarian God wants to teach us, personally, uniquely, and intimately, through His personal, unique, and intimate “Word”. Are you eager to be taught by Jesus Christ as the people “hearing” Him in today’s reading? Are you willing to mold and model YOUR life according to His “Word”? We already know the end of the book; so, let’s be on the “winning” side. AMEN!!

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Reflection Prayer:

“Prayer to the Holy Spirit”

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.”

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Catholic Apologetics:

My reason and purpose for this section on my blog is to provide “scriptural confirmation” for our beliefs and doctrines, not to cause dissention or opposition with my fellow believers in Jesus Christ, yet not in union with the Roman Catholic Church. Whether God speaks to us through the “Bible”, or through “Tradition”, it is the Holy Spirit that inspires the “Word” from which all authentic tradition flows.

Tradition can be separated into two aspects: oral and behavioral. Oral tradition includes written forms. After all, it ALL started with oral tradition. Behavioral tradition includes Baptism, Eucharist or Lord’s Supper, Lying on of hands or healing, Intercessory prayer, and Ordination.

All Scriptural verses are taken from both the Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible and the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Christ’s Divinity, Part 2:

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am’” (John 8:58). RSV

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58). KJV

“I and the Father are one“ (John 10:30). RSV

“I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30). KJV

“For in Him [Christ] the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily“ (Colossians 2:9). RSV

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9). KJV

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: Blessed Roger of Todi

Blessed Roger of Todi

Blessed Roger (b. 1216) died at Todi in the Italian province of Umbria, Italy, died on January 5, 1237; cultus (adoration of) approved by Pope Benedict XIV.

Blessed Roger was one of the early Franciscans who was admitted to the Order by the founder himself. Because of his earnest efforts at perfection, the Seraphic Founder greatly esteemed him, and often chose him as his companion when he set out to preach or to direct souls. St. Francis appointed him spiritual director of the convent of Poor Clares at Rieti.

Pope Gregory IX, who knew him personally, and who had called him a saint even during his lifetime, at once sanctioned the celebration of his feast at Todi. Pope Benedict XIV extended his veneration to the entire Franciscan Order.

(Based on info from http://www.franciscan-sfo.org &
http://www.roman-catholic-saints.com websites)

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Franciscan Formation Reflection:

“Prayer” – – “Question”

(Answers next week)

How does prayer capture the “double miracle” occurring at each and every Mass?

How does imaging St. Francis’ appeal to each “Person of the Holy Trinity”, AND, the “whole” communion of Saints, in giving blessings to his friars affect you personally, and as a Franciscan?

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Prologue to the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule:

Exhortation of Saint Francis
to the Brothers & Sisters in Penance

In the name of the Lord!

Chapter 1 Concerning Those Who Do Penance

All who love the Lord with their whole heart, with their whole soul and mind, with all their strength (cf. Mk 12:30), and love their neighbors as themselves (cf. Mt 22:39) and hate their bodies with their vices and sins, and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and produce worthy fruits of penance.

Oh, how happy and blessed are these men and women when they do these things and persevere in doing them, because “the spirit of the Lord will rest upon them” (cf. Is 11:2) and he will make “his home and dwelling among them” (cf Jn 14:23), and they are the sons of the heavenly Father (cf. Mt 5:45), whose works they do, and they are the spouses, brothers, and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Mt 12:50).

We are spouses, when by the Holy Spirit the faithful soul is united with our Lord Jesus Christ; we are brothers to him when we fulfill “the will of the Father who is in heaven” (Mt 12:50).

We are mothers, when we carry him in our heart and body (cf. 1 Cor 6:20) through divine love and a pure and sincere conscience; we give birth to him through a holy life which must give life to others by example (cf. Mt 5:16).

Oh, how glorious it is to have a great and holy Father in heaven! Oh, how glorious it is to have such a beautiful and admirable Spouse, the Holy Paraclete.

Oh, how glorious it is to have such a Brother and such a Son, loved, beloved, humble, peaceful, sweet, lovable, and desirable above all: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave up his life for his sheep (cf. Jn 10:15) and prayed to the Father saying:

“Oh, holy Father, protect them with your name (cf. Jn 17:11) whom you gave me out of the world. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me and they received it. They have known that in truth I came from you; they have believed that it was you who sent me. For these I pray, not for the world (cf. Jn 17:9). Bless and consecrate them, and I consecrate myself for their sakes. I do not pray for them alone; I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word (cf. Jn 17:20) that they may be holy by being one, as we are (cf. Jn 17:11). And I desire, Father, to have them in my company where I am to see this glory of mine in your kingdom” (cf. Jn 17:6-24).

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Apologetics, Bible History, Catholic Church, Franciscan Formation, Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Prologue. Tags: 1:21-28, amazed, apologetics, asked, astonished, authority, Bible History, Capernaum, Catholic, Command, convulsed, cry, Death, destroy, fame, father, formation, Franciscan, Frustration, Galilee, God, Heaven, Holy, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Jesus, Journey, kingdom, Knowledge, life, Lord, love, man, Mark, NAB, Nazareth, obey, One, Prayer, Quiet, rebuked, Reflection, region, Sabbath, Saint, scribes, SFO, SFO Rule, Sin, Sorrow, spirit, spread, St. francis, synagogue, taught, Teach, teaching, unclean, whole, Words, Worthy. 1 Comment

Aug. ’11

“Mary says, ‘My Son DOES Walk on Water’!” – Matthew 14:22-33†

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Content:

Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations

Today in Catholic History

Joke of the Day

Today’s Gospel Reading

Gospel Reflection

Reflection Prayer New Translation of the Mass

A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day

Franciscan Formation Reflection

Reflection on part of the SFO Rule

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

One week from tomorrow, my four boys go back to school; two in Middle School and two in High School. Let us all pray for a safe year for all our students and their families.

BTW – Did I mention that my boys will not be home all day – – EVERY day (Hee, hee, hee – Party time).

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Today in Catholic History:

†   768 – Stephen III [IV] begins his reign as Catholic Pope
†   1547 – Death of Cajetanus van Thiene, Italian saint, dies1814
†   1547 – Pope Pius VII reinstates Jesuits
†   1978 – Thousands of mourners file past body of Pope Paul VI

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

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Quote or Joke of the Day:

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Today’s reflection is about Jesus walking on water, and the disciples acknowledging Him as the “Son of God’.

(NAB Matthew 14:22-33) ²² Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³ After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. ²⁴ Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. ²⁵ During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. ²⁷ At once (Jesus) spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” ²⁸ Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹ He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw how (strong) the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² After they got into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

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Gospel Reflection:

Today’s Gospel directly follows last week’s account of Jesus feeding a crowd of more than 5,000 (plus) people with just five loaves of barley bread and two fish. For the sake of the crowds, Jesus had deferred His time of private prayer and rest. In today’s reading, Jesus finally finds some time for quiet reflection and private prayer. He sends His disciples ahead of Him by boat, dismisses the crowds, and then withdraws to His favorite place on a mountain to pray privately. Jesus Christ being on a mountain to pray reminds me of a Chinese proverb:

“You must climb the mountain if you would see the plain.”

Does the Lord seem distant when trials or adversity come your way? It was at Jesus’ initiative that the disciples sailed across the lake, only to find themselves in a life-threatening storm:

“When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and He was alone on shore. Then He saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them.” (Mark 6:47-48).

Can you picture being thrown about, in a turbulent sea, in a glorified open rowboat? In the midst of all the mayhem, you look up and see a person walking towards you – – ON THE WATER!! Though experienced fisherman and sailors, the disciples, laboring to keep the boat aright against the violent sea, are saved by Jesus in a most miraculous and mysterious way.

The disciples were not faring well. Indeed, they had gotten into some serious trouble. These seasoned men of the sea were struggling to ride out the blowing wind and foaming waves, making little progress in their journey. While Jesus was not with them in the boat, He watched over them in prayer. When He perceived the danger of their situation, He went to them, on the sea, and startled them with His unexpected appearance. Do you look for the Lord’s presence when you encounter difficulty or challenges? When you are “startled”, look for God – – He is there for and with you.

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Jesus does not calm the seas immediately! The disciples demonstrate fear and wonder when they see Jesus walking toward them on the water. In this story, it is not the storm which is feared but the sight of Jesus Christ coming towards them on the water. No wonder they mistake Him for a ghost. (The “Holy Ghost” was already with them. I wonder if they realized this bit of fact.)

Jesus is demonstrating to the disciples His power over the waters. Remember, from earlier in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 8:26), a similar occurrence happened on the same sea; and Jesus took control of the weather and sea then as well:

“He said to them, ‘Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?’ Then He got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.” (Matthew 8:26)

In the earlier occurrence, Jesus CALLS to the disciples and calms their fears. In this second occurrence, Jesus COMES to the disciples and calms their fears – – AGAIN! In both these occurrences, Jesus is neither ghost, nor a spirit; He is the “Messiah” walking on the water in the power of the Holy Spirit. The spontaneous, hasty Peter seeks proof that the person walking towards them on a path of deep water is indeed Jesus Himself. He asks Jesus to command Him to come to Him on the water; and Jesus grants this request. Jesus simply commands Peter:

“Come!” (Matthew 14:29)

Peter actually obeys and gets out of the boat, and starts walking towards Jesus Christ on the water. The reason given in the reading is that Peter became “frightened”. I wonder if the real reason is that Peter realized the Jesus was going to make him the “rock” the church will be built upon; and everyone knows a ROCK SINKS!!! (Hee, hee, sorry for this one.)

Peter’s human fear and self-imposed doubt overtake him as he is supernaturally walking on the water. He cries out for help. Jesus immediately reaches out and saves Peter as he is sinking into the sea “like a rock”! When Jesus and Peter enter the boat, Matthew relates that the wind ceases. The disciples, onboard this small, open vessel, confess that Jesus Christ is TRULY the “Son of God”.

Jesus’ control over the sea, in both of these “sea stories” may be meant to recall the Old Testament theme of God’s control over the “chaotic waters”:

“You still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.” (Psalm 65:8);

“You rule the raging sea; you still its swelling waves.” (Psalm 89:10);

“The flood has raised up, LORD; the flood has raised up its roar; the flood has raised its pounding waves. More powerful than the roar of many waters, more powerful than the breakers of the sea, powerful in the heavens is the LORD.” (Psalm 93:3-4).

And so, the Lord …:

“Hushed the storm to a murmur; the waves of the sea were stilled.”(Psalm 107:29).

Into today’s Reading, Jesus’ divine power is expressed by His walking on the sea instead of simply “calming” the seas:

“During the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them, walking on the sea.”(Matthew 14:25);

“Through the sea was your path; your way, through the mighty waters, though your footsteps were unseen.” (Psalm 77:20);

And,

“He alone stretches out the heavens and treads upon the crests of the sea.” (Job 9:8).

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The sea is a unique place; in speaking about the sea, writer have used unique terms. The “fourth watch of the night” (verse 25) is a nautical term meaning between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. – – early morning or late night (six of one OR half-dozen of another). It is a historical fact that the Romans were the first to divide the twelve hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. into four equal parts called “watches.” This is still the norm in some navies of the world.

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During this fourth watch, Jesus’ reply, “It is I” is a powerful, revelational, and declarative statement, from Jesus Himself, to the fearful disciples. The same statement is related in Mark’s Gospel:

“They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, ‘Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!’ He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded.” (Mark 6:50)

That powerful, declarative statement: “It is I”, literally means, “I am.” This statement reflects the divine revelatory formula found in the Old Testament passages which reveals the hidden divinity of Jesus as the divine Son of God:

When Moses asks God, “What should I tell the Israelites when they ask, ‘who sent you?’” God replied, “Tell them, ‘I am who am’ has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14)

Later, through Isaiah, God revealed the following:

“Who has performed these deeds? He who has called forth the generations since the beginning. I, the LORD, am the first, and with the last I will also be. Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice. Fear not, O worm Jacob, O maggot Israel; I will help you, says the LORD; your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.”(Isaiah 41:4, 10, 14).

And, again in Isaiah 43, God says:

“But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in return for you. You are my witnesses, says the LORD, my servants whom I have chosen To know and believe in me and understand that IT IS I. Before me no god was formed, and after me there shall be none. … yes, from eternity I am He; There is none who can deliver from my hand: who can countermand what I do?” (Isaiah 43:1-3, 10, 13).

So, God set the stage through Moses and the prophets for identifying the “true” “Messiah”: His name shall be “I AM”! Another translation of the Hebrew and Greek word for “I am” is “It is I”!

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This dramatic incident on the Sea of Galilee revealed Peter’s character more clearly than from the others present for this experience of a sign of Jesus’ true divinity. Here we see Peter’s impulsivity of his faith; his tendency to act without thinking inspired him to “get out of the boat”. Then, that same impulsivity inspired Peter to doubt, to worry, and to become scared to death.

Peter often failed and anguished as a result of his impulsiveness. In contrast, Jesus often hinted to His disciples how difficult it will be (and is) to follow Him; how difficult His path which He taught and lived, is. You may think and feel that you are sinking at times, overwhelmed by waves of worry, and in the depths of fear; however, the truth is: Jesus Christ is always there to take your hand.

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Two other interesting things said by Jesus in verse 31 of today’s Gospel reading are revealing as well:

“Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “’O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14 :31)

First, “you of little faith” is also found in Luke, and earlier in Matthew:

“If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? (in Luke 12:28);

And,

“If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30).

“You of little faith” is used by Jesus Christ for those of His disciples whose faith in Him is not as deeply rooted as it should be. That was certain in Peter’s situation.

Then, the second phrase, “why did you doubt?” uses a verb distinctive to Matthew used in only one other place, in Matthew 28:17:

“When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted” (Matthew 28:17).

The confession, “Truly, you are the Son of God“, made by all the disciples after they witnessed Jesus helping Peter back into the boat, is in striking contrast to Mark’s description that the disciples are “completely astounded“:

“He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded.” (Mark 6:51)

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In summary, I believe this story is about the disciples’ growing understanding of the identity of Jesus Christ, living physically among them during their daily struggles. Related to last week’s Gospel about the feeding of the “crowds”, today’s Gospel is also about what the disciples’ faith in Jesus will enable them to do in THEIR daily lives. In last week’s Gospel, when the disciples see the crowds, they ask Jesus to send them away. However, Jesus turns the circumstances around, telling the disciples to feed the crowd with the miniscule provisions they have with them. For me, both of these Gospels tell much about what ministry “truly” is, and why we need to participate in Jesus’ ministry then, now, and into the future.

Faith in Jesus Christ, their Savior and ours will enable the disciples to do the work (the mission) which Jesus has done and is still doing on earth. Remember, Peter truly did walk on water. The disciples truly fed a large mass of people mysteriously and miraculously with the five loaves and two fish. Jesus’ disciples (all of US) can and will participate in the work of the kingdom of heaven when we allow Him into our lives, hearts, and souls. When Peter fears and doubts, he falters in his faith. Peter’s example teaches us that “true” Catholic Christian ministry (work) emerges from a faithful belief that Jesus is the “true” Messiah, God’s only Son:

“See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (James 2:24-26)

The mission (work) of the Catholic Church is to continue the work Jesus started during His time on earth. The family, – – the “domestic church”, – – participates in this mission as well. Please remember that Jesus Himself said:

“ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”” (Matthew 18:20).

I believe people think too logically – – too “earthly” – – in regards to this particular verse. “Where two or three are gathered together” does not mean a direct gathering, as one unit or group. The two or three can be separated by miles, even in different parts of the world, yet still be together – – gathered – – in praising, adoring, and worshiping God. This is why the “Divine Office” is the official prayer of the Catholic Church. It is said privately, and as a group, throughout the world, continuously, and in unison.

How do you, your family, and your friends participate in the mission (works) of the Catholic Church? In what ways can you seek to reach out to your neighbors and other people in need through acts of kindness, mercy, and justice? Peter wanted to be like Jesus, to walk on water as Jesus did. Take note: Peter was “successful” for a time; but then he doubted as he focused on the externals, the waves and the wind; then he began to sink into the water (like a “rock”). How are your acts of mercy and justice rooted in your faith in Jesus? Pray that Jesus Christ will continue to work through you to prepare the kingdom of heaven on earth.

A great deal of failure in Catholic life is due to acting on impulse, emotional fervor, and passion without counting the spiritual cost for such actions. Peter, in the moment of his failure called out for help, seized Jesus, and held Him firmly in his grip. Every time Peter fell, he rose again. His failures only made him love the Lord Jesus Christ more deeply, and to trust Him more intently.

Jesus Christ keeps watch over us at all times, especially in our moments of temptation, challenges, and difficulties. Do you rely on Jesus for His strength and help? Jesus assures us that we have no need to fear if we trust in Him and in His great love for us. When trials and temptations threaten to overwhelm you, how do you respond? Do you withdraw? Or do you stand your ground knowing you have a powerful ally: Jesus Christ? Let’s “get out of the boat” and stand together in our common, “universal”, Catholic faith!!

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Reflection Prayer:

“Franciscan Morning Prayer”

“Jesus Lord, I offer you this new day because I believe in you, love you, hope all things in you and thank you for your blessings.

I am sorry for having offended you and forgive everyone who has offended me.

Lord, look on me and leave in me peace and courage and your humble wisdom that I may serve others with joy, and be pleasing to you all day. Amen”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

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New Translation of the Mass

In November of 2011, with the start of the new Liturgical year and Advent, there will be a few noticeable changes in the Mass. It will still be the same ritual for celebrating the Eucharist. The Mass will still have the same parts, the same patterns, and the same flow as it has had for the past several decades. It is only the translation of the Latin that is changing.

The new translation seeks to correspond much more closely to the exact words and sentence structure of the Latin text. At times, this results in a good and faithful rendering of the original meaning. At other times it produces a rather awkward text in English which is difficult to proclaim and difficult to understand. Most of those problems affect the texts which priests will proclaim rather than the texts that belong to the congregation as a whole. It is to the congregation’s texts that I will address with each blog, in a repetitive basis until the start of Advent.

In the words of Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, #11, the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Christian life. Anything we can do to understand our liturgy more deeply will draw us closer to God.

There is only one change in the “Holy, Holy”. Where we presently say:

“Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest”,

with the new liturgical text we will say:

“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. …”

While this may make many people think of round Communion wafers, the meaning here is “armies,” and it refers to the armies of angels who serve God.

Material from “Changing How We Pray”, by Rev. Lawrence E. Mick

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: St. Cajetan (1480-1557)

Like most of us, Cajetan seemed headed for an “ordinary” life—first as a lawyer, then as a priest engaged in the work of the Roman Curia.

His life took a characteristic turn when he joined the Oratory of Divine Love in Rome, a group devoted to piety and charity, shortly after his ordination at 36. When he was 42 he founded a hospital for incurables at Venice. At Vicenza, he joined a “disreputable” religious community that consisted only of men of the lowest stations of life—and was roundly censured by his friends, who thought his action was a reflection on his family. He sought out the sick and poor of the town and served them.

The greatest need of the time was the reformation of a Church that was “sick in head and members.” Cajetan and three friends decided that the best road to reformation lay in reviving the spirit and zeal of the clergy. (One of them later became Paul IV.) Together they founded a congregation known as the Theatines (from Teate [Chieti] where their first superior-bishop had his see). They managed to escape to Venice after their house in Rome was wrecked when Charles V’s troops sacked Rome in 1527. The Theatines were outstanding among the Catholic reform movements that took shape before the Protestant Reformation. He founded a monte de pieta (“mountain [or fund] of piety”) in Naples—one of many charitable, nonprofit credit organizations that lent money on the security of pawned objects. The purpose was to help the poor and protect them against usurers. Cajetan’s little organization ultimately became the Bank of Naples, with great changes in policy.

Comment:

If Vatican II had been summarily stopped after its first session in 1962, many Catholics would have felt that a great blow had been dealt to the growth of the Church. Cajetan had the same feeling about the Council of Trent. But, as he said, God is the same in Naples as in Venice, with or without Trent or Vatican II (or III). We open ourselves to God’s power in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, and God’s will is done. God’s standards of success differ from ours.

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
(From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

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Franciscan Formation Reflection:

Role Models

How is Saint Francis a good model for the norm by which we can judge ourselves, and even others?

(This leads to honesty with God, and serves us well with our examination of conscience – to see how we are in the sight of God – not how other persons see us).

How is the Blessed Virgin Mary a great model for the virtue of humility?

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
Rule #’s 7 & 8 of 26:

07. United by their vocation as “brothers and sisters of penance” and motivated by the dynamic power of the gospel, let them conform their thoughts and deeds to those of Christ by means of that radical interior change which the gospel calls “conversion.” Human frailty makes it necessary that this conversion be carried out daily.

On this road to renewal the sacrament of reconciliation is the privileged sign of the Father’s mercy and the source of grace.

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08. As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do.

Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist. Let them join in liturgical prayer in one of the forms proposed by the Church, reliving the mysteries of the life of Christ.

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Apologetics, Bible History, Catholic Church, Franciscan Formation, Humor/Joke, Meditation, New Mass Translation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Rosary, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Rule. Tags: 14:22-33, apologetics, Bible History, boat, Catholic, Command, courage, crowds, Death, doubt, faith, father, fear, formation, fourth, Franciscan, Frustration, ghost, God, Heaven, Holy Spirit, homage, Intercession, Jesus, Journey, kingdom, Knowledge, life, Lord, love, Matthew, mountain, NAB, Night, offshore, Peter, pray, Prayer, Reflection, Saint, save, sea, SFO, SFO Rule, Sin, sink, Sorrow, St. francis, Teach, walking, watch, waves, wind, Words, Worthy. 1 Comment

Mar. ’11

“John and James, Your Mother Is Asking For Favors! Doesn’t She Know I Have Pressing Issues On My Mind Right Now? BTW, Has Anyone Seen My Cup?!” – Matthew 20:17-28†

“Wednesday of the
Second Week of Lent”

Today’s Content:

Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations

Today in Catholic History

Quote of the Day

Today’s Gospel Reading

Reflection on Today’s Gospel

New Translation of the Mass

A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day

Franciscan Formation Reflection

Reflection on part of the SFO Rule

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

Satan is laughing his “tail” off right now.

The devil hates and despises priests, but I bet he LOVES this “de facto guilty” policy the Magisterium has taken in regards to the clergy automatically being permanently suspended without a proof of guilt. It seems all someone has to do to get rid of a member of the clergy, and/or to destroy the reputation of a (usually good) person is to simply accuse him of sex and/or drugs (even anonymously from what I understand). The accuser knows that the Church will do the rest: simply remove the clergyman from any type of service, permanently, – – even if not credible.

Satan also knows an important SACRAMENT of the Holy Catholic Church – – Holy Orders – – the (Deacon, Priest, and Bishop) – – can’t stand a chance with this ease in destroying a good person’s reputation.

We need to remember that we are a Church of faith, mercy, and charity (love). Let us all please pray for the accuser and accused; each is a victim in one way or another. We need to place our trust and hope that “truth” will prevail.

I do have a question with this policy, which I believe needs to be tweaked or fixed in some way. Don’t we owe it to our clergy to support them until certain they have broken their vow, promise, and position of respect?

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Have you donated to the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) for the victims of the Japanese Tsunami and earthquake relief efforts? If not, please go to the following address and give. It’s the right thing to do!

http://crs.org/japan/

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Today in Catholic History:

†   1153 – Treaty of Konstanz signed between Frederik I “Barbarossa” & Pope Eugene III.
†   1174 – Jocelin, abbot of Melrose, is elected bishop of Glasgow.
†   1555 – Death of Julius III, [Giovanni M del Monte], Pope (1550-55), at age 67.
†   1568 – Peace of Longjumeau ends the Second War of Religion in France. Again Catherine de’ Medici and Charles IX of France make substantial concessions to the Huguenots.
†   1752 – Pope Stephen II elected to succeed Zacharias, and thendied 2 days later.
†   1914 – Death of Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès (Saint Rebecca), Lebanese saint (b. 1832).
†   1966 – 1st official meeting between Catholic & Anglican Church, after 400 years.
†   1980 – “Servant of God” Archbishop Óscar Romero (August 15, 1917 –    March 24, 1980) of El Salvador gives his famous speech appealing to men of the El Salvadoran armed forces to stop killing the Salvadorans. A short time later, he was assassinated while celebrating Mass, – – in the process of elevating the chalice at the end of the Eucharistic rite. (His blood spilled over the altar along with the contents of the chalice.)

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

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Quote of the Day:

“Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing.” ~ Quincy Jones

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Today’s reflection is about Jesus’ third prediction of His Passion as related by Matthew.

(NAB Matthew 20:17-28) ¹⁷ As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve (disciples) aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, ¹⁸ “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, ¹⁹ and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” ²⁰ Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. ²¹ He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” ²² Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” ²³ He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left (, this) is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” ²⁴ When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. ²⁵ But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. ²⁶ But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; ²⁷ whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. ²⁸ Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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Today, Jesus connects His notion of authority with service and sacrifice of one’s life – – for the sake of another. We all have to remember that authority is self-serving and selfish without sacrificial love.

Jesus used simple, blunt, unembellished, and glaring language to explain what kind of sacrifice He had in mind for Himself, and for others choosing to follow Him. His disciples were, and still are obligated to drink from His “cup” if they expect to reign with Him in His kingdom.

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Today, we are presented with the third, and the most detailed of the passion predictions from Matthew’s Gospel. The two others are from chapters 16 and 17:

“From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21),

And,

“As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.’ And they were overwhelmed with grief.” (Matthew 17:22-23).

Jesus’ prediction speaks of being “handed over to the Gentiles“:

“They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.” (Matthew 27:2),

Of His being “mocked“:

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head.” (Matthew 27:27-30),

Of His being “scourged“:

“Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.” (Matthew 27:26),

Finally ending with His “crucifixion“:

“And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots.” (Matthew 27:31, 35).

The Evangelist and Gospel writer Mark mirrored his Gospel exactly with Matthew in all but the last of these four events involving Jesus’ passion. Whereas Matthew speaks of Jesus being specifically “crucified”, Mark only speaks of Jesus being “killed”:

“Who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.”.” (Mark 10:34).

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Don’t you just love a Jewish mother at work pushing for the best in regards to her children! They could have been doctors or lawyers, but chose to follow Jesus instead. Yet, their mother is still trying to get the best position for them.

The request of the sons of Zebedee (John and James), made through their mother, Salome, for the highest places of honor in the kingdom, – – and at the “indignation” of the other ten Apostles, – – shows that neither John and James, nor the other ten Apostles, truly understood that what makes for greatness in God’s kingdom is not “power” or a high status. Greatness in God’s kingdom comes from a position of humble service to God and to His creations.

Jesus gives the example of what their request to sit next to Him would mean:

“Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

Jesus’ “ministry of service” will reach its highest point – – the SUMMIT – – when He gives His life – – a ransom – – on that Holy Tree outside the walls of Jerusalem, for the liberation of the human race from sin.

It isn’t absolutely clear the reason Matthew has the men’s mother, Salome, being the petitioner. I wonder if John and James were embarrassed. Did you think they said, “Oh mom, stop interfering with our lives!”

So, how do I know the “two disciples” are John and James? Matthew does not mention the two Apostles name directly. However, Mark does:

“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’” (Mark 10:35)

Was Matthew alluding to Bathsheba’s seeking the kingdom for Solomon in having Salome (Her name is found in Flavius Josephus’s “Jewish Antiquities”) being the person asking for a place of honor for her children? Doing this would then link King David’s wife and son to the wife of Joseph and her son, Mary and Jesus. What an interesting linkage of the Old and New Testaments for Matthew to make; see for yourself:

“Then Nathan said to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother: ‘Have you not heard that Adonijah, son of Haggith, has become king without the knowledge of our lord David? Come now, let me advise you so that you may save your life and that of your son Solomon. Go, visit King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, lord king, swear to your handmaid: Your son Solomon shall be king after me and shall sit upon my throne? Why, then, has Adonijah become king?’ And while you are still there speaking to the king, I will come in after you and confirm what you have said.’ So Bathsheba visited the king in his room, while Abishag the Shunamite was attending him because of his advanced age. Bathsheba bowed in homage to the king, who said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She answered him: ‘My lord, you swore to me your handmaid by the LORD, your God, that my son Solomon should reign after you and sit upon your throne. But now Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord king, do not know it. He has slaughtered oxen, fatlings, and sheep in great numbers; he has invited all the king’s sons, Abiathar the priest, and Joab, the general of the army, but not your servant Solomon. Now, my lord king, all Israel is waiting for you to make known to them who is to sit on the throne after your royal majesty. If this is not done, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, I and my son Solomon will be considered criminals.’” (1 Kings 1:11-21).

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In verse 21, Salome answers Jesus’ question about her wish she had for her sons with these words:

“Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.”

I wonder what she meant by “your kingdom”? We know it now as “the world and heaven”, but did she? Jesus’ sovereignty preceded His final coming in glory. The preceding of His sovereignty and His kingdom is extolled much earlier in Matthew’s Gospel:

“The field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one.” (Matthew 13:38)

“The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.” (Matthew 13:41)

The word “coming” does not mean the “parousia” event – – the “final” coming. Instead, it is the manifestation of Jesus’ rule after His resurrection, and the granting to Him of “all power in heaven and on earth” as foretold later in Matthew:

“Then Jesus approached and said to them, ‘All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” (Matthew 28:18).

Let me throw a “wrench” into the discussion! Jesus’ kingdom is set apart from that of God the Father! WHAT – – SAY WHAT!!! Relax; read the two verses below and what follows:

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 13:43);

“Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” (1 Cor 15:24-25).

So, where, and what, is Jesus’ kingdom? Answer: The church is the place where Jesus’ kingdom is truly and fully manifested. However, His royal “authority” embraces the entire world.

Ignorance is bliss! We all jump into situations with both feet, not realizing where the “quick sand” is in our path. Jesus said to Salome (along with John and James):

“You do not know what you are asking” (Matthew 20:22)

The original Greek verbs in this verse are plural. With the rest of the verse, it indicates that Jesus’ answer was addressed – – not to the mother, Salome, – – but to her sons, John and James.

Jesus asked John and James (and probably the other ten Apostles present as well) if they could “drink the cup that He was going to drink”?! Mark relates an identical question in His Gospel. But, Mark also ties baptism into a commitment of discipleship, and a willingness to serve God and others; – – to give oneself as a ransom for Jesus’ kingdom on earth:

“Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?’ They said to him, ‘We can.’ Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.’” (Mark 10:38-40).

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“Ransom” (verse 28) is a noun. It is an active action word. To ransom is to do an action. Jesus came to actively redeem us, and to bring us to His Father’s paradise in heaven – – AND STILL IS!! This noun occurs only here in the New Testament, and in the Mark’s parallel Gospel reading:

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45),

Mark’s verse uses the word, “many”. This word can be confusing for English language people. This word is used in regards to the numbers of people liberated by Jesus’ redemption. Isaiah also says that the liberation bought by Jesus’ “ransomed” death will be for many:

“Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.” (Isaiah 53:12).

The word “many” in Mark’s Gospel and Isaiah’s prophecy does not mean that some are excluded. Instead, it is a word designating a united benefit of all – – from the service of one. In this usage, “many” is equivalent to “all”. Reread the verses substituting the word “all” for “many”.

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The “fourth Servant Song” of Isaiah is an extraordinary description of the “sinless Servant” (Hmm, who could that be?). His voluntary suffering atoned for the sins of His people (need another hint). He saves His people from a just punishment at the hands of God. (OK, enough hints – now the answer,) Only in Jesus Christ is Isaiah’s prophecy perfectly fulfilled.

There are links between today’s Gospel reading and the last of the four “Servant-of-the-Lord” visions. The fourth Servant Song, (cf., Isaiah 52:13-53:12) shows the particular aspects of Isaiah’s vision being reflected again in today’s reading.

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Jesus’ “cup” involved crucifixion. What kind of “cup” does the Lord have in mind for you? I suspect that for some of His followers, the “cup” that we must drink entails physical suffering and even the painful struggle of martyrdom. However, for many of us, it will entail a long Christian life of simple routines and practices, with all its daily sacrifices, disappointments, struggles, frustrations, hurdles, and temptations. A disciple – – a follower of Jesus Christ – – must be willing, able, and ready to lay down one’s life as a martyr. One must be ready to do this every day, every moment, by embracing the little and big sacrifices required of a disciple.

“Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with Your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in your name. Amen” (unknown author)

We share in God’s reign by living and laying down our lives in humble service to one another exactly as Jesus did for our sake. Are you ready to lay down your life and to serve others as Jesus did? Are you ready to serve and to reign with Christ? I know I am, I am, I am!!

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**“Saint Francis’ Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament”**

“We adore You,
O Lord Jesus Christ,
in this Church and all the Churches of the world,
and we bless You,
because,
by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: St. Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538-1606)

Together with Rose of Lima, Turibius is the first known saint of the New World, serving the Lord in Peru, South America, for 26 years.

Born in Spain and educated for the law, he became so brilliant a scholar that he was made professor of law at the University of Salamanca and eventually became chief judge of the Inquisition at Granada. He succeeded too well. But he was not sharp enough a lawyer to prevent a surprising sequence of events.

When the archdiocese of Lima in Peru required a new leader, Turibius was chosen to fill the post: He was the one person with the strength of character and holiness of spirit to heal the scandals that had infected that area.

He cited all the canons that forbade giving laymen ecclesiastical dignities, but he was overruled. He was ordained priest and bishop and sent to Peru, where he found colonialism at its worst. The Spanish conquerors were guilty of every sort of oppression of the native population. Abuses among the clergy were flagrant, and he devoted his energies (and suffering) to this area first.

He began the long and arduous visitation of an immense archdiocese, studying the language, staying two or three days in each place, often with neither bed nor food. He confessed every morning to his chaplain, and celebrated Mass with intense fervor. Among those to whom he gave the Sacrament of Confirmation was St. Rose of Lima, and possibly St. Martin de Porres. After 1590 he had the help of another great missionary, St. Francis Solanus.

His people, though very poor, were sensitive, dreading to accept public charity from others. Turibius solved the problem by helping them anonymously.

Comment:

The Lord indeed writes straight with crooked lines. Against his will, and from the unlikely springboard of an Inquisition tribunal, this man became the Christ like shepherd of a poor and oppressed people. God gave him the gift of loving others as they needed it.

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
(From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

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New Translation of the Mass

In November of 2011, with the start of the new Liturgical year and Advent, there will be a few noticeable changes in the Mass. It will still be the same ritual for celebrating the Eucharist. The Mass will still have the same parts, the same patterns, and the same flow as it has had for the past several decades. It is only the translation of the Latin that is changing.

The new translation seeks to correspond much more closely to the exact words and sentence structure of the Latin text. At times, this results in a good and faithful rendering of the original meaning. At other times it produces a rather awkward text in English which is difficult to proclaim and difficult to understand. Most of those problems affect the texts which priests will proclaim rather than the texts that belong to the congregation as a whole. It is to the congregation’s texts that I will address with each blog, in a repetitive basis until the start of Advent.

In the words of Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, #11, the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Christian life. Anything we can do to understand our liturgy more deeply will draw us closer to God.

When the Eucharistic Prayer begins, we will again respond:

“And with your spirit”

to the first line of the opening dialogue. The last line of that dialogue also changes. We now say, “It is right to give him thanks and praise,” but with the new text, it is simply:

“It is right and just.”

This will lead more clearly into the opening of the prefaces, which will commonly begin with the words:

“It is truly right and just.”

Material from “Changing How We Pray”, by Rev. Lawrence E. Mick

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Franciscan Formation Reflection:

Franciscan Spirituality I

At every Mass, immediately after the Consecration, we all proclaim the “mystery” of faith. Is this the mystery of YOUR faith? How much of a disciple are you?

How can you use the devotion of the Way of the Cross (the Stations) to enrich your meditation on the Lord’s Passion- which he suffered for me?

Do you think about, and appreciate the great price that Jesus underwent so that you might be reinstated in the holiness of God? How might you express this appreciation?

How does our SFO “TAU insignia” compare to the “habit” St. Francis adopted as his public sign of commitment?

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
Rule #’s 23 & 24 of 26:

23. Requests for admission to the Secular Franciscan Order must be presented to the local fraternity, whose council decides upon the acceptance of new brothers and sisters.

Admission into the Order is gradually attained through a time of initiation, a period of formation of at least one year, and profession of the rule. The entire community is engaged in the process of growth by its own manner of living. The age for profession and the distinctive Franciscan sign are regulated by the statutes.

Profession by its nature is a permanent commitment.

Members who find themselves in particular difficulties should discuss their problems with the council in fraternal dialogue. Withdrawal or permanent dismissal from the Order, if necessary, is an act of the fraternity council according to the norm of the constitutions.

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24. To foster communion among members, the council should organize regular and frequent meetings of the community as well as meeting with other Franciscan groups, especially with youth groups. It should adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life and encourage everyone to a life of fraternity. The communion continues with deceased brothers and sisters through prayer for them.

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Apologetics, Bible History, Catholic Church, Franciscan Formation, Humor/Joke, Meditation, New Mass Translation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Rosary, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Rule. Tags: 20:17-28, apologetics, ask, authority, Bible History, brothers, Catholic, chief, Command, condemn, Crucified, cup, day, Death, disciples, drink, father, felt, formation, Franciscan, Frustration, gentiles, God, heard, Heaven, Holy Spirit, homage, indignant, Intercession, Jerusalem, Jesus, Journey, kingdom, Knowledge, left, life, Lord, love, Matthew, mocked, Mother, NAB, Prayer, prepared, priests, raised, ransom, Reflection, right, ruler, Saint, scourged, scribes, servant, SFO, SFO Rule, Sin, sit, slave, Sorrow, St. francis, Summon, Teach, ten, third, Twelve, wish, Words, Worthy, Zebedee. 2 Comments

Mar. ’11

“The Devil Made Me Do IT – – NOT!” – Matthew 4:1-11†

“First Sunday of Lent”

Today’s Content:

Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations

Today in Catholic History

Quote of the Day

Today’s Gospel Reading

Reflection on Today’s Gospel

New Translation of the Mass

A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day

Franciscan Formation Reflection

Reflection on part of the SFO Rule

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I know it is not until Thursday, but is it ever too early to celebrate a great saint (and a fun time)?! (PS – 286 days till CHRISTmas.)

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Are you active in the “40 Days for Life” campaign? If not; why not?! Just pray, if not wanting to participate in a prayer vigil at an abortion death mill.

Т

I personally would like to thank the Governor of Illinois for doing away with the Death penalty in his state. Though the “death penalty” is not absolutely opposed in the teachings of the Catholic Church, I believe that even the lives of prisoners should not be taken away from them by others. All life is sacred, including the unborn, the marginalized, the sick, the old, – – and yes, – – even prisoners.

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Congratulations to Justin Cardinal Rigali for doing the right thing in suspending 24 priests in his diocese. I am sure his action was the result of much thought and prayer, and probably not very popular with some people. I pray other Church Leaders learn from his example as a shepherd of his flock. God Bless you Cardinal Rigali.

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Today in Catholic History:

†   483 – St Felix III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
†   1138 – Cardinal Gregorio Conti is elected Antipope as Victor IV, succeeding Anacletus II.
†   1548 – Birth of Sasbout Vosmeer, Dutch Catholic theologist/apostole
†   1599 – Birth of Johannes Berchmans, Dutch Jesuit/saint
†   1615 – Birth of Innocent XII, [Antonio Pignatelli], Pope (1691-1700)
†   1951 – Death of James I Wedgwood, British theosophist/Catholic bishop, at age 67
†   1981 – Attempt on Pope John Paul II’s life by Mehemet Ali Agca, in Vatican Square
†   2004 -Death of Franz König, Austrian Catholic Archbishop of Vienna (b. 1905)
†   Memorial/Feasts: Saint Gerald; Saint Nicephorus (also in Greek Orthodox); Saint Roderick; Saint Leticia

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

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Quote of the Day:

“When tempted, invoke your Angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped! Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him. He trembles and flees at the sight of your Guardian Angel” ~ St. John Bosco

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Today’s reflection is about Jesus’ fasting for forty days in the desert and His being tempted by Satan, as recorded by Matthew.

(Matthew 4:11)¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. ² He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. ³ The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” ⁴ He said in reply, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'” ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, ⁶ and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you and ‘with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'” ⁷ Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'” ⁸ Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, ⁹ and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” ¹⁰ At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'” ¹¹ Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

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In each of the three Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke), Jesus is reported to have gone into the desert wilderness, after His baptism by John the Baptist, in order to fast and to pray for forty days, wherein, He is tempted by the devil.

Each Evangelist tells how the devil tempts Jesus in the desert. In Matthew, as in Luke, the devil presents three temptations to Jesus. (Mark does not mention the individual temptations.) The devil tempts Jesus to use His divine power, first to appease his hunger, then to put God’s promise of protection to the test, to become a world ruler of all the kingdoms of the world, if only He (Jesus) will worship him (the devil). In each case, Jesus resists his temptations and rebukes the devil with words from Holy Scripture.

Matthew’s Gospel reading from today’s Mass is filled with suggestions, quotations, and similarities found in the Old Testament, particularly in the stories of the Jewish people’s wandering in the desert for forty years. Just as the Israelites were tempted during the Exodus of the First Covenant, so too was Jesus tempted with the bringing in of the New, Second Covenant.

Jesus, just recently proclaimed by God to be God’s “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17) at His baptism, is now subjected to three temptations by Satan. Obedience to the Father was (and is) a characteristic of being a true son. Jesus was tempted by the devil to rebel against God the Father. In the first two tests, the temptations were subtle; then, in the last one, the test is clearly more revolt. In each refusal and rebuke by Jesus, He expressed Himself, in the words of Moses found in the Book of Deuteronomy:

“He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deut 8:3)

“You shall not put the LORD, your God, to the test, as you did at Massah.” (Deut 6:16).

“The LORD, your God, shall you fear; him shall you serve, and by his name shall you swear.” (Deut 6:13)

Jesus allowed Himself to be tempted out of His deep love for us. He also allowed Himself to be tempted in order to teach us important lessons needed for our spiritual maturity and survival.

The divine Jesus is perfect. He could only be tempted “externally”. What does “externally” mean? Well, there are three levels of temptation:

External: We may know this type of temptation as “suggestion”. It is a temptation in which we take delight even though we don’t give clear consent. We can experience this type of external temptation without actually sinning. An example would be finding a bundle of $100 bills lying on the street and imagining for a brief moment keeping the money. (Finders keepers, losers weepers.) [No sin occurs yet]

Internal: a temptation in which we take delight and give some consent, but not complete consent. In this type of temptation there is some sinfulness. An example could be picking up the money in the previous example, and taking it home. Once at home, you have a change of heart, and call the police. [Most often venial sinning]

And, deeply internal: – a temptation in which we give actual and full consent. This is always profoundly sinful. This type of temptation affects the deepest part of the soul. An example would be keeping, and spending the money though you know it is not yours (and you do not care)! [It is a mortal sin, separating oneself from God’s presence and the grace of salvation.]

Jesus’ temptations in the desert wilderness have a deep significance in salvation history. Satan’s testing of Jesus resemble those trials of Israel during the wandering in the desert, and later in Canaan. The victory of Jesus, the true Israel, and the true Son, distinctly differs from the failure of the ancient, disobedient “son,” the old Israel.

Many (in fact, all of us) important people have been tempted throughout sacred history. Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, and all the Jewish people themselves experienced temptation; I believe we are all tempted on a daily basis, at minimum:

“For the just man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble to ruin.” (Proverbs 24:16).

With Jesus zealously rejecting the temptations of Satan, He became THE example, and revealed how to handle temptations in our daily battles with Satan, or with any other evil enticements. We need to learn to resist and overcome evil by our increasing knowledge of the word of God, especially the three verses Jesus knew and used in today’s Gospel.

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The number forty has many Old Testament Biblical references:

the forty days and nights God sent rain in the great flood of Noah’s day:

“Seven days from now I will bring rain down on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and so I will wipe out from the surface of the earth every moving creature that I have made.” (Genesis 7:4);

the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God:

“But Moses passed into the midst of the cloud as he went up on the mountain; and there he stayed for forty days and forty nights.” (Exodus 24:18);

the forty years the Hebrew people wandered in the desert while traveling to the Promised Land:

“Here where your children must wander for forty years, suffering for your faithlessness, till the last of you lies dead in the desert.” (Numbers 14:33);

The forty years during which Israel was tempted in the desert:

“Remember how for forty years now the LORD, your God, has directed all your journeying in the desert, so as to test you by affliction and find out whether or not it was your intention to keep his commandments.” (Deuteronomy 8:2)

the forty days and nights Elijah spent walking to Mount Horeb:

“He got up, ate and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.” (1 Kings 19:8);

And, the forty days warning Jonah gave the people of Nineveh in his prophecy of judgment to repent:

“Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, ‘Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.’” (Jonah 3:4).

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In the hostile environment of the desert, Jesus fasted for forty days. At the conclusion of this period of prayer, and fasting, Jesus was tempted by the devil:

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:1-2)

“At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.” (Mark 1:12-13)

“Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry.” (Luke 4:1-2)

Jesus prepared himself for His “test” by prayer and fasting. Moses acted the same way when preparing for his role in salvation history:

“So Moses stayed there with the LORD for forty days and forty nights, without eating any food or drinking any water, and he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.” (Exodus 34:28)

We follow in Jesus’ footsteps with OUR yearly Lenten fast. Pope John Paul II (the Great) brought this concept to mind so eloquently in one of his “General Audience” addresses:

“It can be said that Christ introduced the tradition of fasting for forty days into the liturgical year of the Church, because He himself “fasted forty days and forty nights” (Mt 4:2) before beginning to teach. With this forty-day fast, the Church is, in a certain sense, called every year to follow her Master and Lord, if she wishes to preach his Gospel effectively.” (John Paul II, General Audience, February 28, 1979)

Jesus’ retreat into the desert wilderness calls us, and teaches us, to prepare ourselves by prayer and penance before any important decisions or actions. How often do you fast, much less pray?

Jesus spent forty days and nights in a physically brutal environment. Verse two of today’s reading says He was “hungry”. Of course He was hungry! Satan knew this, and took the opportunity to tempt Him when the “human” Jesus was at His weakest. The enemy will certainly tempt us when we are at our weakest!

What kind of a temptation is there in Jesus “producing some bread”? Jesus not only produced bread later on in His ministry, he also produced fish AND wine as well! (What a great meal.) However, Satan is very cunning. What Satan proposed for Jesus would have been for His [Jesus’] benefit solely, and not part of God’s plan for salvation and redemption. If you notice, all of Jesus’ miracles were ¹⁾ always for others, and ²⁾ always for the purpose of salvation and redemption for all peoples of every race, culture, and nation.

When tempted by the devil to change rock into bread, Jesus refused to use His divine power for His own sole benefit, though He was truly and personally physically hungry. Performing a miracle at this time was not part of His Father’s plan for salvation and redemption. Jesus instead chose to accept whatever God “wills”. Do we “choose” as Jesus did?

“He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

Jesus is trusting in God’s fatherly providence. God led Jesus into the desert in order to prepare Him for His earthly ministry. Jesus trusted God the Father completely that He would not let Him die from hunger in the desert. “Yahweh” [God] prevented the Israelites from dying by miraculously providing manna to eat in the desert. In contrast to the Israelites of the Exodus, who were impatient when faced with hunger in the desert, Jesus trusted in His father’s providence wholeheartedly. How is your level of “trust” in God’s providence?

In this example, Jesus teaches us that when we ask God for things, we should not ask for what can be obtained by our own efforts. We should also not ask for something that would be exclusively for our own convenience. Rather, we should pray for what will help us towards our holiness, and that of others.

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The devil continued His tempting of Jesus, relentlessly and cunningly (I cannot stress how persistent and cunning Satan is!). If Satan isn’t able make us renounce our faith, or able to trick us into a mortal sin, he will then try to get us to make little “choices” which will eventually lead us away from God.

Since “daring” Jesus to perform a miracle did not work, the enemy quickly moved to another approach. The devil has no scruples and will use whatever way possible to separate a human soul from God. Satan prods Jesus to jump off a high structure to prove His divinity with Jesus being saved from death by the hands of angels. Tradition has it that this particular temptation happened at the southeast corner of the Temple wall, its highest point due to its geographical position on the hill. Satan further supports his proposal, his test, with the use of Holy Scripture, specifically Psalm 91:

“For God commands the angels, with their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11a, 12).

This test for Jesus from Satan was unlike the Israelites at Massah, who demanded a miracle of water from Moses:

“You shall not put the LORD, your God, to the test, as you did at Massah.” (Deuteronomy 6:16),

Jesus refuses to “test” God:

“They quarreled, therefore, with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ Moses replied, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to a test?’” (Exodus 17:2).

To “test” God’s faithfulness reveals little or no real trust in Him. It shows an opposition to trust in God. On the other hand, we should also not be presumptuous in purposely placing ourselves in danger, expecting God to help us with His power, nor by asking God for signs of proof of His faithfulness to His word. Our trust in God must be simple, complete, and full, – – not “foolhardy”!

Jesus does not demand from God an amazing, special, or unexpected show of power at this time in His human life. He is completely, totally, and fully surrendering His existence to the will, the trust, and the love of God the Father!

Satan purposely tried to use Holy Scripture in a false way. We must be aware of heresies from people interpreting the bible out of context, losing site of the unity which exists in Holy Scripture. St. Gregory the great wrote:

“The devil can also interpret Holy Scripture, quoting it to suit himself. Therefore, any interpretation which is not in line with the teaching contained in the Tradition of the Church should be rejected. Catholics should be on guard against arguments which, though they claim to be founded on Holy Scripture, are nevertheless untrue.” (St. Gregory the Great, In Evangelia homiliae, 16)

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For Satan’s third and final test offered to Jesus, he proposed to give Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” if only Jesus would simply bow down and worship him – – the devil. This temptation was probably intended to recall Israel’s worship of false gods during their desert sojourn of forty years (the Exodus; cf., Numbers and Deuteronomy). Jesus’ refusal of the offense is therefore taken from the words of the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy:

“The LORD, your God, shall you fear; him shall you serve, and by his name shall you swear.” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

Jesus’ statement is both a teaching and a warning for all of us to be on alert; not to allow oneself to be deceived by the devil. We should appreciate and learn from Jesus’ attitude and actions during these three “tests”. During His human life on earth Jesus did not want any glory which belonged to Him alone. Though Jesus had the right to be treated as “God”, He took the form of a servant, a slave:

“Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8).

So, as Catholics, believers in, and followers of, Jesus Christ, we need to realize that ALL glory is due solely to God alone. We must not use the fullness, completeness, and greatness of the Gospel to further our own personal interests and ambitions. I found ideas of St. Josemaria Escriva enlightening:

“’We should learn from Jesus. His attitude in rejecting all human glory is in perfect balance with the greatness of his unique mission as the beloved Son of God who takes flesh to save men. He has a mission which the Father affectionately guides with tender care: ‘You are my son; I have begotten you this day. Only ask, and you shall have the nations for your patrimony.’ And the Christian who, following Christ, has this attitude of complete adoration of the Father, also experiences our Lord’s loving care: ‘He trusts in me, mine is to rescue him; he acknowledges my name, from me he shall have protection.’” (St. Josemaria Escriva, Christ Is Passing By, 62)

If we struggle without faltering, we will attain victory. No one wins without first overcoming, little by little, until we have fully conquered our selfishness, and enemies of our human nature:

“Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelations 2:10).

In return for Jesus’ trust, angels came and “ministered to Him.” By coming to minister to Jesus after rejecting Satan’s offers, the angels teach us about the interior “joy” given by God to the person who fights against temptations brought forth from the devil. To help in this fight, God has given us very powerful protectors against Satan’s temptations – – our Guardian Angels. That is why the Church encourages us to call on their help and aid daily! (By the way, do you know the name of the angel assigned as the “Prince of the Heavenly Host” of those angels empowered to help us resist and overcome Satan and all the other “fallen” angels? —————-(The answer is Michael).

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In summary, each of Satan’s temptations to Jesus offers insight into God, the human state in life, and salvation history. Jesus’ rejection of the temptations showed that He would not put “God the Father” to the test. (So, neither should we.) Positioning Himself on the word and authority of Holy Scripture, Jesus rebukes Satan (“the devil”). Throughout this ordeal, Jesus always stayed confident in God’s providence, protection, and faithfulness.

Jesus was tempted just like we are tempted every single day. He overcame His temptations by the grace and strength which His Father gave Him. In Luke’s Gospel, he says that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” (cf., Luke 4:1). When tempted by the devil Jesus did not try fighting His adversary with His “human” strength and capabilities. Instead, He relied on the power of the Holy Spirit in and with Him.

On our journey through Lent, you may notice the Sunday Mass readings calling us to adopt the same confidence Jesus had in dealing with His temptations. By itself, God’s word will be – – and IS – – always enough.

“My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God’s promise of protection can always be faithfully trusted. We need to keep in mind that “God alone is God”!

How can we conquer sin and coercion in our personal lives? Jesus Christ gives us His Holy Spirit to be our strength, our guide, and our comforter during temptations. God wants us to “fight the good fight for our faith”:

“Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim. 6:12).

He graces us with the power and strength coming from the Holy Spirit. Do you depend and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for your strength and help in your life?

When Jesus resists the temptations presented to Him by Satan, He draws on His religious upbringing and tradition. Jesus is able to quote from Holy Scripture because He was praying the scriptures of Moses and the prophets, and so was a person who lived His Jewish beliefs “fully”. He also knew Himself to be the “Son of God”. So, we too are responsible for engaging ourselves “fully” in our Catholic Christian faith and tradition so that we too can draw upon these when needed to help resist temptations. The Secular Franciscan Motto says this so well, in seven simple words:

“Gospel to life and life to Gospel”.

Since Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations by quoting Holy Scripture, how important to you is the Bible, the Sacraments, and the Traditions of our Catholic faith life? Do you have a favorite Scripture passage? Please remember, and be encouraged, that “one does not live by bread alone”…….. but, by “every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (A little known motto of our Jesus believing Jewish cousins.)

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**“Our Father”**

“Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: St. Leander of Seville (c. 550-600)

The next time you recite the Nicene Creed at Mass, think of today’s saint. For it was Leander of Seville who, as bishop, introduced the practice in the sixth century. He saw it as a way to help reinforce the faith of his people and as an antidote against the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. By the end of his life, Leander had helped Christianity flourish in Spain at a time of political and religious upheaval.

Leander’s own family was heavily influenced by Arianism, but he himself grew up to be a fervent Christian. He entered a monastery as a young man and spent three years in prayer and study. At the end of that tranquil period he was made a bishop. For the rest of his life he worked strenuously to fight against heresy. The death of the anti-Christian king in 586 helped Leander’s cause. He and the new king worked hand in hand to restore orthodoxy and a renewed sense of morality. Leander succeeded in persuading many Arian bishops to change their loyalties.

Leander died around 600. In Spain he is honored as a Doctor of the Church.

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
(From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

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New Translation of the Mass

In November of 2011, with the start of the new Liturgical year and Advent, there will be a few noticeable changes in the Mass. It will still be the same ritual for celebrating the Eucharist. The Mass will still have the same parts, the same patterns, and the same flow as it has had for the past several decades. It is only the translation of the Latin that is changing.

The new translation seeks to correspond much more closely to the exact words and sentence structure of the Latin text. At times, this results in a good and faithful rendering of the original meaning. At other times it produces a rather awkward text in English which is difficult to proclaim and difficult to understand. Most of those problems affect the texts which priests will proclaim rather than the texts that belong to the congregation as a whole. It is to the congregation’s texts that I will address with each blog, in a repetitive basis until the start of Advent.

In the words of Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, #11, the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Christian life. Anything we can do to understand our liturgy more deeply will draw us closer to God.

The Glory to God (Gloria) has been significantly changed, with more words and many lines rearranged.

“The Gloria”

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of
the father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One.
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the Glory of God the Father.
Amen.

Material from “Changing How We Pray”, by Rev. Lawrence E. Mick

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Franciscan Formation Reflection:

Prayer I

What attitudes do prayers create in me?
Can you identify with your prayers?
What is your approach to prayer?
How is your prayer-life like Jesus Christ and St. Francis?
How do you handle it when you fall into the habit of “reciting prayers” rather than “praying prayers”?
Can you define the difference?

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
Rule #’s 13 & 14 of 26:

13. As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ.

A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially with the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.

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14. Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Mindful that anyone “who follows Christ, the perfect man, becomes more of a man himself,” let them exercise their responsibilities competently in the Christian spirit of service.

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Apologetics, Bible History, Franciscan Formation, Humor/Joke, Meditation, New Mass Translation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Rosary, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Rule. Tags: 4:1-11, Angels, apologetics, Bible History, bread, Catholic, city, Command, dash, days, Death, Desert, Devil, fasted, father, foot, formation, forty, Franciscan, Frustration, God, hands, Heaven, Holy Spirit, hungry, Intercession, Jesus, Journey, kingdom, Knowledge, life, live, loaves, Lord, love, Matthew, ministered, mountain, mouth, nights, parapet, Prayer, prostrate, Reflection, Saint, Satan, serve, SFO, SFO Rule, Sin, Sorrow, St. francis, stand, stones, Teach, Temple, tempted, test, word, Words, world, Worship, Worthy, written. Leave a comment

Mar. ’10

“My Children Need Top Billing Jesus!” – Mt 20:20-23

I thought I posted this yesterday, but must have ssaved as a draft instead. So your getting a toofer today.

Quote or Joke of the Day:

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

Today’s Meditation:

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left (, this) is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” (NAB Mt 20:20-23)

Not to be stereotypical, but sounds like a good Jewish mother doing what she does best: being a “helicopter” mom, and always hovering over her children. The request of the sons of Zebedee, for the highest places of honor in the kingdom, and at the indignation of the other ten disciples present at the time of this request, show that neither of the two brothers or the mother understood that what makes for greatness in the kingdom is not power, but humble service. How often has Jesus said that His children, the lowly, the poor, and the meek will inherit His kingdom? Doesn’t sound like there is any room for people that want to stand out to me.

The reason to write about the mother’s request is not totally clear. Possibly, Jesus intended to make an allusion to Bathsheba’s seeking the kingdom for Solomon (found in 1 Kings 1:11-21). It could be that John and James mother just wanted her children to have high positions in Jesus’ “court,” when He finally “does” comes into power SHE anticipated. What none of the three of them realized is that Jesus’ ministry on earth will reach its highest point when he gives his life for the deliverance of the human race from sin, in agony on the cross; and after a prior horrendous treatment at the hands of the Roman soldiers.

“You do not know what you are asking” The Greek verbs that were used for this translation, are plural and taken with the rest of the verse, indicates that the answer is not necessarily addressed to the mother, but to her sons instead. From my reading and un-inspired thoughts, I believe that the three of them were together; that she did ask the request, and that Jesus answered to her, James, and John together, while looking at His two chosen Apostles.

“Drink the cup” The metaphor of “drinking the cup” is often used in the Old Testament to refer to acceptance of the destiny assigned by God. In Jesus’ case, this involves a divine judgment on sin, that Jesus is to make amends for, on behalf of us: His sinners.

In the request of James and John to share in the glory, they did not know that it must also involve a share in Jesus’ sufferings as well. The authority of assigning places of honor in the kingdom is reserved only to God, even today. Maybe the positions directly to the right and left of Jesus are reserved for me and you; it doesn’t sound like it has been reserved as of yet. We will not know until we see Jesus in Heaven.

“Lord, help me to be humble, and not to want any glory on this earth, not directly associated to your intervention. I choose only to live for you, and your wishes. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

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Franciscan Saint of the Day: Bl. Liberatus Weiss, Samuele Marzorati and Michele Pio Fasoli

Died in 1716. These three friars lived together in Ethiopia. They were stoned to death because they refused to deny their Faith. They were Franciscan missionaries of Vienna.

(From http://www.franciscan-sfo.org website)

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #3:

The present rule, succeeding “Memoriale Propositi” (1221) and the rules approved by the Supreme Pontiffs Nicholas IV and Leo XIII, adapts the Secular Franciscan Order to the needs and expectations of the Holy Church in the conditions of changing times. Its interpretation belongs to the Holy See and its application will be made by the General Constitutions and particular statutes.

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Rule. Tags: ask, Catholic, Command, Cross, cup, Death, drink, father, fear, Franciscan, Frustration, God, Heaven, Holy Spirit, homage, Intercession, Jesus, Journey, kingdom, Knowledge, left, life, Lord, love, Meditation, Mother, Mt 20:20-23, Pity, politicians, Prayer, prepared, right, Saint, SFO, SFO Rule, son, sons, Sorrow, St. francis, Teach, Wisdom, wishing, Words, Worthy, Zebedee. Leave a comment

Jan. ’10

Stop Looking Over My Shoulder; I’m Doing the Job!” – Mt 28:19-20

It is another beautifully NON-Sunny day in Hazelwood, MO. My Nieces Nephew graduates from Basic training this weekend. Let’s pray from a break in the weather in Oklahoma, so that he has a great experience, and for the safety of all the soldiers families.

This reflection is about we are to do as Christians, and what the church is for Catholics.

Bible Study

Quote or Joke of the Day:

I don’t care WHO you are, quit walking on the water while I’m fishing!

Today’s Meditation:

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (NAB Mt 28:19-20)

The Risen Jesus gives the eleven apostles a special, and universal mission. They are to make disciples of all nations. Sounds like an easy job; doesn’t it? While “all nations” is probably referring more to the Gentiles, but it probably included their Jewish society as well.

Baptism is the means of entrance into the community of the Jesus, “the Church.” “In the name of the Father . . . Holy Spirit” is perhaps the clearest expression in the New Testament of our trinitarian belief. It designates the effect of baptism; the union of the one baptized with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the way of gaining entrance into paradise, and also ends death of the soul.

All that I have commanded you is a moral teaching found of this gospel verse. It is the same words as that used at the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5-7). The commandments of Jesus are the standard of Christian conduct, but not Mosaic law, even though some of the Mosaic commandments have now been invested with the authority and word of Jesus. “Behold, I am with you always” is a promise of Jesus’ real, though invisible presence, and echoes the prophetic name given to Jesus at His birth; “Emmanuel” meaning ‘God is with us.’

These two simple verses say a lot. It gives a command. It gives us hope. And it gives a promise of eternal life with the Trinity, in heaven.

“Lord, be with me as I evangelize in my words and actions throughout my normal days activities. May the Holy Spirit be in my words when confronted with the opportunity to talk about your love for us all, regardless of who we are, or how bad we have been. Gives us all the hope of eternal pleasure with you in heaven, and may we never forget you are always with us in the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

*****

Franciscan Saint of the Day: Bl. Roger of Todi

Died at Todi, Italy, in 1237; cultus confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV. Blessed Roger was one of the early Franciscans who was admitted to the order by the founder himself. St. Francis appointed him spiritual director of the convent of Poor Clares at Rieti.

(From http://www.franciscan-sfo.org website)

Prologue to Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule, Chapter 1:

… Oh, how glorious it is to have a great and Holy Father in heaven! Oh, how glorious it is to have such a beautiful and admirable Spouse, the Holy Paraclete.

Oh, how glorious it is to have such a Brother and such a Son, loved, beloved, humble, peaceful, sweet, lovable, and desirable above all: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave up his life for his sheep (cf. Jn 10:15) and prayed to the Father saying: …

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Prologue. Tags: behold, bptizing, Catholic, Command, Compassion, Death, disciples, father, fear, Forgivness, Frustration, Heaven, Hell, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Jesus, Journey, Knowledge, life, Lord, love, Meditation, Mt 28:19-20, nation, observe, Prayer, SFO, SFO Prologue, Sin, son, Sorrow, St. francis, Teach, teaching, Wisdom, Words, Worthy. Leave a comment

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Fourth Sunday of Easter

Today’s Content:

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

My third son made his Confirmation in the Catholic Church today. I am so proud of him. I pray he, and all my children, find a love, trust, and hope for our faith.

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Today in Catholic History:

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site otday.wordpress.com &/OR “Today in Catholic History” http://www.historyorb.com)

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Joke of the Day:

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Today’s reflection: Jesus says that He is the “good shepherd” who knows His sheep.

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Gospel Reflection:

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Reflection Prayer:

“Prayer for Generosity”

St. Ignatius of Loyola

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Catholic Apologetics:

Praying to the Saints

**

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M. (From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

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Prologue to the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) Rule:

Exhortation of Saint Francis to the Brothers and Sisters in Penance

In the name of the Lord!

Chapter 1

Concerning Those Who Do Penance

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Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today’s Content:

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

“Prayer to St. Gerard”

(Patron Saint for Mothers)

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Today in Catholic History:

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site otday.wordpress.com &/OR “Today in Catholic History” http://www.historyorb.com)

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Joke of the Day:

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Today’s reflection is about Jesus healing a man with an unclean spirit. Jesus’ fame spreads throughout Galilee.

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Gospel Reflection:

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Reflection Prayer:

“Prayer to the Holy Spirit”

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

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Catholic Apologetics:

Christ’s Divinity, Part 2:

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: Blessed Roger of Todi

Blessed Roger of Todi

(Based on info from http://www.franciscan-sfo.org & http://www.roman-catholic-saints.com websites)

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Franciscan Formation Reflection:

“Prayer” – – “Question”

(Answers next week)

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Prologue to the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule:

Exhortation of Saint Francis to the Brothers & Sisters in Penance

In the name of the Lord!

Chapter 1

Concerning Those Who Do Penance

Share this:

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey,
O.F.M. (From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

Prologue to the
Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) Rule:

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.”

(Based on info from http://www.franciscan-sfo.org &
http://www.roman-catholic-saints.com websites)

Exhortation of Saint Francis
to the Brothers & Sisters in Penance

† 768 – Stephen III [IV] begins his reign as Catholic Pope
† 1547 – Death of Cajetanus van Thiene, Italian saint, dies1814
† 1547 – Pope Pius VII reinstates Jesuits
† 1978 – Thousands of mourners file past body of Pope Paul VI

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
(From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
Rule #’s 7 & 8 of 26:

“Wednesday of the
Second Week of Lent”

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)