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“Those Who Do Not Believe Develop Heart and Soul ‘Murmurs’!” – John 6:41-51†

Nineteenth Sunday in OrdinaryTime

Today’s Content:

·        Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations

·        Joke of the Day

·        Today’s Gospel Reading

·        Gospel Reflection

·        Reflection Prayer

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

This next Wednesday, August 15^th, is the “Feast of the Assumption of Our Mother Mary”. Each year for the past 6 years, on this date, I have completed my preparations and renewing my “Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary”. This devotion was created by St. Louis Marie de Montfort, and takes 33 days of preparation by means of prayer, reading, meditation, reflections, and personal promises – – a true “metanoia” (conversion process)! (But then again, each and every day, I try to convert myself to God’s will, even if ever so slightly.) Each time I have completed this particular devotion, the experience and journey itself seems to “taste “a little sweeter. I’ll take this as a good sign to continue this yearly practice.

There will no Reflection next Sunday, August 18^th. I will be on my yearly Franciscan (OFS) Retreat at King’s House in Belleville, IL. Our OFS Region (about 100 Secular Franciscans) will get together there for the weekend to celebrate, learn, rejoice, pray, contemplate, and enjoy each other in community. It is truly an awesome, up-lifting, powerful, and exciting time for me, both personally and spiritually.

Anytime spent with friends, family, and God – – all rolled into one experience – – is a true grace from God Himself. Amen, Amen, Amen!!!

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Joke of the Day:

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Today’s reflection: Jesus responds to the murmurs of the crowd, who wonders what He means when He says, He “came down from heaven”. What are your “murmurs” towards Jesus?

(NAB John 6:41-51) ⁴¹ The Jews murmured about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” ⁴² and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” ⁴³ Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves. ⁴⁴ No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. ⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. ⁴⁶ Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. ⁴⁷ Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; ⁵⁰ this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

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Gospel Reflection:

On this Sunday, we continue to read from the “Bread of Life discourse” found in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel. We have been reading from this chapter for the past two Sundays and will continue to read from it for another two. (Since I have grown to love John’s unique multi-dimensional viewpoint of Jesus Christ, one month of solely John’s Gospel (at the Sunday Mass) is totally awesome.). Last week, the crowd with whom Jesus had been dealing for two liturgical weeks now asked Him for a sign which would show that He truly came from God. (So, He’s not a magician or con-artist). Jesus replied by saying that “HE” is “THE” sign AND “the bread of life” truly sent by God!

Today’s Gospel begins with a report that the Jews (the crowd) are “murmuring” about Jesus’ claim regarding His identity. After all, they knew Jesus’ family (Mary and Joseph). So, they could not comprehend what Jesus meant when He said that He “came down from heaven” (John 6:41). Jesus responds to the crowds request by saying, “Only those who are chosen by God will recognize Him” (John 6:44) as the one sent by God; this is (and will be) a recurring theme in John’s Gospel. WOW! Reflect on the fact that God chooses those who will have faith in Jesus. (And He always chooses those who wish to follow Him – – to come to Him!!)

In the verses which follow in today’s reading, Jesus talks more about His unique unity, His personal union, with God the Father. He is the “One” who has seen God the Father and, therefore, truly and fully knows God the Father, and as His Father. (But let me ask: “Was He the ONLY one?” The answer will come a little later.) Those who listen to God – – and HEAR Him and BELIEVE (John 6:47)- – will recognize Jesus as being the “One” sent from God the Father Himself. Those who believe this will have eternal life according to Jesus’ proclamation.

Jesus will conclude today’s reading with the essential principle of our Eucharistic theology – – the Source and Summit of our Catholic Faith – – Jesus, “the bread of life”, will share ETERNAL life to those who believe Him!! Jesus promises that His “bread of life” will bring ETERNAL life to those who come to, and partake of it. Jesus also prophetically tells us “the bread of life” will be “His own flesh, given for the life of the world” (John 6:51). The flesh Jesus is referring to is the reality of His “Risen” self to a new life.

In Capernaum (the location of today’s reading), Jesus is rejected solely because His origins are known to the people there. By their “murmuring” (John 6:41), Jesus’ audience (the crowd who followed Him to Capernaum from Bethsaida) behaved like the Israelites of the Exodus, while lingering in the desert. If you recall, their own “murmuring” provoked the gifts of water and manna being delivered to them from God the Father:

“As the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink?’ he cried out to the LORD, who pointed out to him a piece of wood. When he threw it into the water, the water became fresh.” (Exodus 15:24-25);

“Here in the wilderness the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. … in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, when he hears your grumbling against him. But who are we that you should grumble against us? …[God says] I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them: In the evening twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will have your fill of bread, and then you will know that I, the LORD, am your God.” (Exodus 16:2,7,12).

This crowd’s “murmuring” was an example of the unbelief as prophesied in Isaiah and the Psalms:

“But when the LORD has brought to an end all his work on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, I will punish the utterance of the king of Assyria’s proud heart, and the boastfulness of his haughty eyes.” (Isaiah 10:12);

“Next they despised the beautiful land; they did not believe the promise. In their tents they complained; they did not heed the voice of the LORD” (Psalm 106:24-25).

Familiarity with His family and societal background led them to regard Him as pretentious and boastful in His claim. They saw Jesus as a person they felt they knew completely and intimately; yet they were truly blind.

Jesus’ command to “stop murmuring” (John 6:43) is followed by a short series of sayings. The next two verses of today’s reading reiterate that only those “drawn by God” will believe in Jesus:

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.” (John 6:44-45)

John is demonstrating the claim that God Himself is responsible for the faith of those who believe in Jesus. There is NO knowledge of God the Father apart from Jesus:

“Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father.” (John 6:46).

John is repeating Holy Scripture, reminding his readers of verses found in both Exodus and earlier in his own Gospel:

“But you cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.” (Exodus 33:20);

“No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.” (John 1:18);

This belief reflects the Jewish tradition: to see God meant instant death!! However, this belief is contradicted by others who DID “see God”, yet live:

“To the LORD who spoke to her [Hagar] she gave a name, saying, ‘You are God who sees me’; she meant, ‘Have I really seen God and remained alive after he saw me?’” (Genesis 16:13);

“ Jacob named the place Peniel, ‘because I have seen God face to face,’ he said, ‘yet my life has been spared.’” (Genesis 32:31).

In seeing Jesus Christ, this crowd truly SAW God. Yet, we see the Holy Eucharist; we are also truly witnessing the Risen “God” is being revealed to us in a unique visible and spiritual (supernatural) way. “Seeing”, and partaking of God in the Holy Eucharist, does not bring death, but everlasting life through Jesus Christ!! “Seeing” is believing in and partaking of – – participating in – – God’s communion (co-union)! This “seeing” God by faith does not bring death but everlasting life through Jesus Christ.

Finally, Jesus concludes His series of sayings with this final affirmation:

“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” (John 6:47)

The following “final” verse from today’s reading is an extremely powerful revelation:

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (John 6:51),

At the end of this sixth chapter of his Gospel, John will shift his Gospel from the topic of Jesus as “the revealer of God the Father” – – to Jesus as the “living bread” which He Himself gives to us as a gift, revealing to us the grace, which we have learned to call “the Holy Eucharist”.

Here follows is the next portion of John’s sixth chapter. The verses which immediately follow today’s reading are also the verses for next week’s Gospel reading at Mass:

“The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.’ These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.” (John 6:52-59)

These verses definitely say, and identify, the “Holy Eucharist” to me! Does it to you?

In today’s reading, we hear Jesus say again, as He did in last week’s Gospel, that “HE” is “the bread of life” (John 6:48). We also hear Jesus adding that HE is “the living bread” (John 6:51). Both of these statements help us understand better the gift Jesus gives us in the Holy Eucharist. We celebrate this special and unique gift (grace) of Jesus each time we gather for Mass. We, as Catholics, truly and fully believe that receiving the “Risen” Jesus in the Eucharist will lead us to our eternal life in the paradise of heaven, with our Trinitarian God. (His “bread” is truly divine – – truly “heavenly”!!)

Today’s Gospel draws our attention to the faith in Jesus’ real, true, full, and Risen presence in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus IS then, truly and fully “the bread of life”. He gives us His Body and Blood as “the living bread” so that we may have eternal life. When we receive Jesus’ Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist, with the proper attitude, our lives reflect the reality that our communion – – our unique union – – with the divine Jesus Christ Himself, is truly preparing us to see the way to reach His kingdom. Our Holy Eucharist leads us to live as His people of promise, confident we will one day share the fullness of life with, and united to, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!! (Not a bad deal for us sinners!!)

The crowd in today’s story despised Jesus because they thought they knew who He was – – understanding Him to be an uneducated laborer from a rural “Hick” town called Nazareth. They regarded His mother, Mary, and His “foster” father, Joseph as ordinary people with no particular distinction to their name or identity. Their collective thoughts were: “How could such a common man claim to be God’s spokesman?”

This crowd surrounding Jesus became even more offended when Jesus claimed something only God could claim. His claim which He revealed to them is that He is the very source of life who comes from God the Father, and who lasts forever and ever (John 6:51).

I am sure we all make the same mistake as did the crowd in today’s Gospel. We sometimes (maybe even oftentimes) refuse to listen to others solely because we think they are inferior to us? (No humility in thinking such thoughts, is there? NOT!!!!) We can miss what God may wish to speak to us through others, especially when He speaks through these “inferior beings”. We can miss what God says to us, if we despise and spurn the “instrument” God chooses to work through. John states that the Jews from today’s reading “murmured” at Jesus. They listened to Him, but with a critical spirit rather than “hearing” Him with faith, with an open ear, and with an earnest desire to learn and believe what God the Father wanted (and still wants) to speak to them (and us) – – through His Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. There are many different ways people can choose to listen to others: with an attitude of superiority, with indifference, or with a teachable spirit, wishing to learn, believe, grow, and ultimately, to be transformed. Let me ask: With what “way” do you listen to God’s “Word”?

God is offering His people an abundant life; yet, we can miss out on this unique gift. What is “the bread of life” which Jesus offers us? When Jesus offers us a true life, He brings us into a new relationship with God the Father – – a relationship of trust, love, and obedience. Jesus offers us a true, abundant, ever-sustaining life – – lasting forever and ever. Jesus offers us a life of enduring love, fellowship, communion, and union with the “One” who made us “in love” to be uniquely united with Him forever and ever!!

Think about your hope that one day you will share eternal life with God in heaven. This “hope” can transform the way you (and we) live out our daily experiences and lives. We are called to BE people “of hope”; we are taught to believe in God’s promises and to have confident “hope” that we will experience the fulfillment of those promises in our daily lives. In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises us this gift of eternal life in and through the Eucharist. Jesus taught us that those who listen to God know that He had been (and is still) sent by God the Father – – for the life of the world – – and for ALL creation. Jesus is fulfilling His promise to us through His passion, death, and Resurrection. Jesus Christ gave (and still gives) us the gift of HIMSELF in the Holy Eucharist – – in His Body and Blood – – given so we may have, and grow in, eternal life with Him. Ask God to increase your faith in His true and full presence present in each morsel of the Holy Eucharist, and each sip of the cup of salvation, which we experience with all our senses. (Doesn’t smell fishy to me at all!!)

There is NOTHING to “murmur” about when it comes to God the Father’s Salvation plan FOR US!!!

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Reflection Prayer:

“Peace Prayer”

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I
may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.”

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Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Apologetics, Bible History, Catholic Church, Franciscan Formation, Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Scripture, Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Tags: 6:41-51, Amen, ancestors, answered, apologetics, ate, believes, Bible History, bread, Catholic, day, Death, Desert, died, draw, eternal, father, flesh, forever, formation, Franciscan, Frustration, God, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Jesus, Jews, John, Joseph, Journey, kingdom, know, Knowledge, last, learns, life, listens, Lord, love, manna, Mother, murmured, NAB, OFS, OFS Rule, Prayer, prophets, raise, Reflection, Saint, sent, Sin, son, Sorrow, St. francis, Stop, taught, Teach, Words, world, Worthy, written. Leave a comment

Apr. ’12

“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.

**

“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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Aug. ’10

“What Exactly Does a ‘Mustard Seed’ Look Like Anyway, & Who Grows Them; the Jews or the Gentiles. There is No Produce in Our Creeds?!” – Luke 13: 22-30†

The retreat I just attended the past three days was, for lack of a better word, AWESOME!!! Spending three days with seventy-two Secular Franciscans and Friars (OFM) was very spiritually uplifting. We prayed together, laughed together, played together, and experienced Gods presence in a very unique way.

Fr. Albert Haase, OFM was our retreat speaker. He gave four presentations, with an additional Q&A session. Everyone attending the retreat believed he was actually talking about THEIR respective lives, in his talks on the “Spiritual Journey.” With his unique combination of childhood rearing in New Orleans, and spending many years on the upper east coast, he has a very distinguished Arcadian-New Jersey accent.

I want to thank him again. He is a very dynamic, funny, spiritual, and captivating speaker. If you ever get a chance to attend a presentation of his, DO IT!!

Today in Catholic History:

† 1241 – Death of Gregory IX, Italian religious leader, 178th Pope (b. c. 1143)
† 1280 – Death of Nicholas III, Italian religious leader, 188th Pope (b. c. 1216)
† 1679 – Birth of Pierre † Guérin de Tencin, French cardinal (d. 1758)
† 1760 – Birth of Pope Leo XII (d. 1829)
† 1914 – Death of Giacomo Radini-Tedeschi bishop of Bergamo
† Roman Catholic Feast – Mary Queen of angels, Immaculate Heart

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com)

Quote or Joke of the Day:

Here is a little known fact about the Mustard Seed:

If you plant tomatoes close to jalapenos, you will get hot tomatoes. Many other plants & vegetables cannot grow around certain types of other plants or vegetables because they take on the characteristics of what they are around. However, a mustard tree can be grown around anything, as it is not affected by its surroundings! You could plant a mustard seed right on top of a jalapeno seed & it will grow completely unaffected by the jalapeno.

Reading scripture again brings a new understanding. It isn’t so much on how “small” the mustard seed is, but rather that the mustard seed is unaffected by its surroundings, environment, or what conditions may be present! Therefore, so should our faith, “be like unto the mustard seed.” Faith that is like unto the mustard seed is unmovable, non-doubting, & steadfast. Just Believe!

From http://my.opera.com

Today’s reflection is about the parable of the “narrow door,” and faith and relationship with God.

22 Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. 25 After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ 26 And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ 27 Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where (you) are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” (NAB Luke 13: 22-30)

Today’s Gospel reading is the third of three parables (the others are described later in this reflection) in chapter 13 of Luke’s Gospel that deals with the theme of the unexpected reversals brought by the Kingdom of God. The other two parables are about the tiny mustard seed that grows into a large bush, and the small amount of yeast that makes a large batch of dough rise. All three parables are about the “few and the many,” in relation to the Kingdom of God.

As the parable in today’s Gospel reading opens, Luke reminds us that Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem. This journey, this “exodus” as Luke refers to it, makes up the entire middle of his Gospel. Jesus teaches as he goes to His ultimate destination, Jerusalem.

A question from the crowd gives Jesus the chance to make a prophetic statement. Luke uses this type of question device a number of times in his Gospel. A few weeks ago, the question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” led to the parable of the Good Samaritan. The question about “only a few will be saved” today uses typical Christian language about salvation, but also expresses the Jewish concern about whether everyone who calls himself a Jew is actually faithful to the covenant.

“Lord, will only a few people be saved?” What a direct, challenging, and difficult question. Jesus gave an equally direct and very challenging answer in this Gospel reading. Salvation is something we have to take seriously. We have to hold our faith, internally and externally, each and every day of our lives. St. Augustine once said that God created us without our help, BUT, He will not save us without our help! We have a major part to play in letting redemption make a way into our hearts, minds, and souls.

These sayings of Jesus in today’s Gospel, follows upon the two parables of the kingdom in Luke 13:18-21, —“Then he said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.'” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed (in) with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened,” — and are used to illustrate the future proportions of the kingdom of God that will result from its small beginning in the preaching and healing ministry of Jesus. Nothing will stand in the way of Jesus’ part in fulfilling God’s will, and in establishing the kingdom through His actions such as teaching, exorcisms, and healings.

One must remember that Jerusalem is the city of destiny and the goal of the journey for Jesus Christ on earth. Only when he reaches this “holy city” will his work be accomplished. (Trivia time: the word “Jerusalem” translates to “city of peace.”)

Jesus answers that they (and we) must strive in the time we have remaining on earth, to enter through that the narrow door of faith and trust in Him. Many will be trying to get in, but won’t be strong enough [in faith or trust]. Jesus then shifts to a parable about another door. (The translation actually says “gate,” then “door,” although the same Greek word is used.) Once all those entering the master’s house are in and he locks the door, there will be no way for others to enter. Those outside the door (the kingdom of God) may knock, but the master will say he doesn’t know them. God will deny even knowing them; they will be like strangers to Him. Unlike the Gospel reading from a few weeks ago where Jesus was teaching about prayer, and we were told to knock and the door would be opened, in this parable the master will not open, and will say he does not know those outside. People from other places than the Jewish people of Jerusalem will take our place inside. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets, Jesus says, will take our place with others in the Kingdom of God. Those who do not make it through this “narrow door” will be cast out to where there is wailing and grinding of teeth – eternal agony without love of any kind!

The gate to Jerusalem, in reality, was supposedly a very narrow doorway. Apparently, in order to go through the gate to the temple courtyard, camels had to have all baggage removed to squeeze through. By saying the gate is narrow; Jesus is saying a great effort is required for entrance into the kingdom, and the urgency to accept the present opportunity to enter the kingdom because the “narrow door” will not remain open indefinitely. Get rid of your baggage and step over that threshold NOW, before it is too late!

By rejecting Jesus and his message, His Jewish “contemporaries” place at the table for the feast in God’s kingdom, will be taken by Gentiles from the four corners of the world. Those called last (the Gentiles) will precede those to whom the invitation to enter was first extended (the Jewish people).

The image of the door is replaced in the final verses of today’s parable with the image of a heavenly banquet. Two passages from the Book of Isaiah influence the conclusion of this story. Isaiah 43:5-6 speaks of God bringing Israel’s descendents back from the east and from the west, the north and the south. And Isaiah 25:6 speaks of the Lord providing a feast of rich foods and choice wines for all peoples on His Holy Mountain. The answer to the question “if only a few will be saved” is NO. In the end many will be saved, but many who thought they would be saved will not be saved. The parable is a prophetic warning to repent, in order to enter the kingdom. Oh, how I wish the faithful would grasp hold of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and treasure it for the heavenly grace that it is!

In Luke 14:15-24, — the parable about the invited dinner guests not coming to the banquet, so the master sent his servants out to the streets to get people for the banquet — the story of the “great dinner” is a further illustration of the rejection of Jesus by Israel, who is God’s “chosen” people. In doing so, Jesus’ invitation to share in the banquet of the kingdom and the extension of the invitation to others, such as the Gentiles, who recognize their need for salvation, is exemplified.

Another similar parable is found in Matthew 22:1-10, a story about a king who gave a wedding feast. The invited refused to come, not once but TWICE; and going as far as killing some of the servants sent by the king to invite the people. The king sent troops to destroy and burn their cities, and kill the offenders. Afterwards, the king sent out servants to the streets inviting anyone they came across, bad and good alike to the banquet, thus filling the hall with guests.

In this parable, this story, are many symbolic traits by Matthew, instead of Luke. The burning of the cities of the guests that refused the invitation corresponds to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in A.D. 70. The parable ends by presenting the kingdom in a two-fold expression of faith. The first expression is a kingdom that is already present and that can be entered here and now. The second being one that will be possessed only by those who can stand the scrutiny of the final judgment, during the Perugia.

We all take advantage of certain days throughout the year to celebrate individuals and to make sure that they know that they are not taken for granted. Birthdays, anniversaries, religious and secular holidays, and so on. These days are intended to express appreciation in a special way, but are not meant to replace the appreciation and love that we should always show one another.

We are also guilty of taking one another for granted from time to time (and maybe even daily). In today’s Gospel, Jesus told us a story about some people who took something for granted and then paid a very heavy price. He is warning us not to assume that we will have eternal life in heaven, and not to take HIS invitation for granted.

The question for all of us to reflect on is whether we have Jesus first in our lives, and in our priorities. Are we taking the time to let Him minister to us: to advocate, comfort, and care for us, every day of our lives. The “creed” we say at every Mass IS the statement of our Catholic faith. We must place our faith and trust in all the truths that this creed proclaims, without any uncertain or optional requisites. One cannot pick and choose which tenants of Catholicism to believe and practice, in order to be Catholic!

Every day of our lives, we need to make it an essential element of our time, to make our own personal confession of faith, based on the truths of the Apostle’s or Nicene Creed. I find the best time is in the evening, just prior to going to bed. I simply review the days happenings, and my thoughts and actions; then ask God for forgiveness of any errors in my day, and for the ability (through the help of the Holy Spirit) to not repeat them.

We need to open our hearts to these truths in the creed daily, so we can place our faith in them more and more. From a tiny mustard seed, a might bush will grow! Let us all show appreciation for one another today, and in the days ahead. Let us strive to NOT take for granted any of the many things others do for us.

“Faith of a Mustard Seed”

“Lord, I know that faith is a powerful force. By our faith we allow the Holy Spirit to reside in us, to teach us, and to guide us. Without faith the Paraclete cannot live in and through us, and we would be as people of just this world instead of your kingdom. It is written in Sacred Scripture that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing is impossible. Please allow my faith to grow into a mighty tree, so that I may harvest a huge bounty to share with you and others. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

*****

A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: Queenship of Mary

Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, Mary is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of the king has great influence in court.

In the fourth century St. Ephrem called Mary “Lady” and “Queen” and Church fathers and doctors continued to use the title. Hymns of the eleventh to thirteenth centuries address Mary as queen: “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Heaven.” The Dominican rosary and the Franciscan crown as well as numerous invocations in Mary’s litany celebrate her queenship.

The feast is a logical follow-up to the Assumption and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast. In his encyclical To the Queen of Heaven, Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection and because of her intercessory power.

Comment:

As St. Paul suggests in Romans 8:28–30, God has predestined human beings from all eternity to share the image of his Son. All the more was Mary predestined to be the mother of Jesus. As Jesus was to be king of all creation, Mary, in dependence on Jesus, was to be queen. All other titles to queenship derive from this eternal intention of God. As Jesus exercised his kingship on earth by serving his Father and his fellow human beings, so did Mary exercise her queenship. As the glorified Jesus remains with us as our king till the end of time (Matthew 28:20), so does Mary, who was assumed into heaven and crowned queen of heaven and earth.

Quote:

“Let the entire body of the faithful pour forth persevering prayer to the Mother of God and Mother of men. Let them implore that she who aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers may now, exalted as she is in heaven above all the saints and angels, intercede with her Son in the fellowship of all the saints. May she do so until all the peoples of the human family, whether they are honored with the name of Christian or whether they still do not know their Savior, are happily gathered together in peace and harmony into the one People of God, for the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 69).

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 #22 of 26:

The local fraternity is to be established canonically. It becomes the basic unit of the whole Order and a visible sign of the Church, the community of love. This should be the privileged place for developing a sense of Church and the Franciscan vocation and for enlivening the apostolic life of its members.

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May. ’10

“I Ain’t Just Name Dropping!” – John 14:7-14†

Today in Catholic History:
† 305 – Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor.|
† 1218 – Birth of Rudolph I of Germany, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (d. 1291)
† 1555 – Death of Pope Marcellus II (b. 1501)
† 1572 – Death of Pope Pius V (b. 1504)
† 1987 – Pope John Paul II beatifies Edith Stein, a Jewish-born Carmelite nun who was gassed in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz.
† Feast Days: Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Saint James the Less, Saint Philip the Apostle, Saint Andeol, Saint Asaph, Saint Brieuc, Saint Sigismund of Burgundy, Saint Theodulf, Saint Augustin Schoeffer

Today’s reflection is about Philip asking Jesus to prove He is God.

Quote or Joke of the Day:

If Jesus didn’t rise, an even greater miracle happened. Twelve relatively uneducated guys changed the world, and were martyred to protect a lie.

Today’s Meditation:

If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. (NAB John 14:7-14)

When Philip said, “show us the Father,” he is asking for a theophany (the appearance of a god in a visible form) like in Exodus 24:9-10; 33:18: “Moses then went up with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel, and they beheld the God of Israel. Under his feet there appeared to be sapphire tile work, as clear as the sky itself. Then Moses said, “Do let me see your glory!” Philip still hasn’t realized that his friend: Jesus, IS God in His human form! When is Phillip going to have his epinphany?

I can just picture Jesus being a little irritated by this time. How sharp were His words when He said, “How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’!? The Father, who dwells in me, is doing his works. I am in the Father, and the Father is in me!” Jesus is stating very plainly who He is. He is God, and God is Him – Period!

Jesus is also exhorting that we need to perform good works, if we believe in Him. It does not suffice to just believe in Him, in order to gain salvation. If one truly believes in Jesus as our savior, and as God that came to earth in human form, then it would only be natural to want to share this revelation with all others we come into contact with. The best way to communicate His saving grace is to live a life worthy; by helping others in their time of need, and by trying to see Jesus in all we meet. St. Francis said “Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words!”

Is it possible to surpass the good works Jesus did during His short life on earth? He never travelled further than His homeland region, nor preached to people other than the Jews and gentiles of that region. He only knew His native Aramaic, Greek, and Hebrew languages of the day. Yet He says, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.” In less than 100 years after His death, the Christian Catholic religion had spread to all areas of the earth, and spoken in all languages.

That, in itself, is an impressive miracle! But it shouldn’t have surprised anyone. The last sentence of this gospel reading from today’s mass says it all: “If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

“I am asking, in your name Lord Jesus Christ; please allow me to do your work in this life, so I may inherit eternal life with you in the next.”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

*****

Catholic Saint of the Day: St. Marculf

Marculf is also known as Marcoul. He was born at Bayeux, Gaul, at noble parents. He was ordained when he was thirty, and did missionary work at Coutances. Desirous of living as a hermit, he was granted land by king Childebert at Nanteuil. He attracted numerous disciples, and built a monastery, of which he was abbot. It became a great pilgrimage center after his death on May 1. St. Marculf was regarded as a patron who cured skin diseases, and as late as 1680, sufferers made pilgrimages to his shrine at Nanteuil and bathed in the springs connected with the church. His feast day is May 1.

(From http://www.catholic.org/saints/ website)

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #1:

The Franciscan family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all members of the people of God — laity, religious, and priests – who recognize that they are called to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In various ways and forms but in life-giving union with each other, they intend to make present the charism of their common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the Church.

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Bible History, Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Rule. Tags: Amen, believe, Bible History, Catholic, Death, dwells, enough, father, fear, Franciscan, Frustration, glorified, God, greater, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Jesus, John 14:7-14, Journey, kingdom, know, Knowledge, life, Lord, love, Master, Meditation, name, Philip, Pity, politicians, Prayer, Saint, SFO, SFO Rule, show, Sin, son, Sorrow, Speak, St. francis, Teach, Words, works, Worthy. Leave a comment

Apr. ’10

“Faith is a Conversion Problem!” – John 14:1-6†

Today in Catholic History:
† 1131 – Death of Adjutor, Roman Catholic Saint
† 1555 – Death of Pope Marcellus II (b. 1501)
† 1623 – Birth of François de Laval, first bishop of New France (d. 1708)
† 1651 – Birth of Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, French educational reformer, Catholic saint (d. 1719)
† Liturgical feasts: Saint Adjutor, Saint Eutropius, Saint Maximus, 3rd century martyr, Saint Suitbert the Younger (d. 807), Saint Pope Pius V

Today’s reflection is about faith.

Quote or Joke of the Day:

“Faith makes all things possible: love makes all things easy.”

Today’s Meditation:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where (I) am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NAB John 14:1-6)

This gospel reading is about the start of dialogue about Jesus’ departure and return. This conversation will eventually end the same way it started, with John 14:1, 27: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

“You have faith” is an essential element of Christianity. What is faith? The twinkle in the eyes of Children on Christmas morning, before even spying what Santa had brought them, and placed under the tree, is faith. Faith is also the grip your child has on your hand the first time they get stitches or a cavity filled. And faith is the child going to sleep after you rid their room of the boogey-man one stormy evening.

Faith, for me as an adult Christian, is looking at the monstrance holding that piece of bread, and knowing that it had been changed into the true and actual body of the living Christ, through the actions of the Holy Spirit. Faith knows that God, who being perfect could not suffer, so He came to us in the form of a human so He could suffer for us, in order to gain our redemption. Faith knows my suffering is living in the footsteps of Christ, so that I can gain perfection in heaven.

Patrick Overton wrote, “When you have come to the edge of all light that you know, and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” This is what most children believe. As young adults, we come to think of faith by what St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” Being a “well seasoned” adult, I have finally come to think of faith the same as Mother Teresa of Calcutta believed: “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

In this gospel reading Jesus talks about coming back again. In the bible, it is reiterated time and time again that He will return. He also wants us to return to Him on a daily basis. Let’s face it; we are all sinners, and need to convert ourselves to Christ on a daily basis. This phrase has a special significance for me. At my lowest point in life, a time when I was angry at everyone including myself and especially at God, I was in Church giving Him a piece of my mind (to say it nicely). I actually heard God say to me (not in a thunderous voice, but in that little internal feeling), “It has been a very long time since you actually came to me and talked openly. Come back tomorrow, and let’s do this again!” I nearly fell out of the pew!

There are two ways to know the “way” that Thomas is asking about. The first is through a genuine relationship with Jesus himself; and also through following the tenants of Christianity in your life. Neither is an easy path. Actually, both are very difficult paths to follow; having many pitfalls and obstructions. The many roads away from Jesus and a Christian life are much easier to navigate, but do not offer the reward of eternal life in paradise, that the difficult one does.

We already covered the “way” to Jesus. Now, “the truth and the life:” the divinely revealed reality of God the Father being manifested in the person and works of Jesus. Jesus, possessing the truth and life of perfection, has the knowledge, and the ability to liberate us from sin.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

*****

Franciscan Saint of the Day: Blessed Benedict of Urbino, OFM Cap.

Born at Urbino, Italy; died at Fossombrone, Italy, 1625; beatified in 1867. Born into the de’Passionei family, Benedict was a lawyer in his home town before joining the Capuchins at Fano in 1584. His previous training, complemented by his faith, made him an effective preacher. He was the companion of Saint Laurence of Brindisi, whom he followed to Austria and Bohemia.

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

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

… “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: Bible History, Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Prologue. Tags: Amen, Bible History, Catholic, Death, dwelling, faith, father, fear, Franciscan, Frustration, God, hearts, Heaven, Holy Spirit, house, Intercession, Jesus, John 14:1-6, Journey, kingdom, know, Knowledge, life, Lord, love, Master, me, Meditation, myself, Pity, place, politicians, Prayer, prepare, Saint, SFO, SFO Rule, Sin, Sorrow, St. francis, take, Teach, Thomas, told, troubled, truth, Way, Words, Worthy. 3 Comments

Apr. ’10

“Some of the Sheep Are Obviously Deaf!” – John 10:22-30†

Today in Catholic History:
† 1509 – Pope Julius II places the Italian state of Venice under interdict.
† 1605 – Death of Pope Leo XI (b. 1535)
† 1613 – Death of Robert Abercromby, Scottish Jesuit (b. 1532)
† 1939 – Birth of Stanislaw Dziwisz, Polish Cardinal
† Liturgical feasts: Saint Floribert, Saint Liberalis, Saint Mariana, Saint Zita

Today’s reflection is about Jesus being asked if He is the Messiah.

Quote or Joke of the Day:

You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep. — Navajo Proverb

Today’s Meditation:

The feast of the Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (NAB John 10:22-30)

The “Feast of the Dedication” is an eight-day festival of lights. In Hebrew, it is called by the more popular word “Hanukkah,” and is held in December each year. It is always three months after the “feast of Tabernacles,” and is to celebrate the Maccabees’ rededication of the altar and re-consecration of the Temple in 164 B.C., after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Jesus, being a pious and dedicated Jew, was at the Temple for the event. The “Portico of Solomon” was located on the east side of the temple area and offered some protection against the cold winds coming from the desert.

Jews that already knew of Jesus’ reputation and miracles asked Him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly!” This popularity of Jesus, as some type of “star,” will eventually lead to a climax with Jesus’ encounters with the Jewish authorities. There has never yet been an open confession before then, and He had never openly said He was the “Messiah,” or God on earth.

I love it when Jesus says, “I’ve told you, yet you don’t believe me!” Some may consider this an evasive answer, but after all that He had done, how could anyone not believe He is the Messiah!” Jesus was right when he said that His “sheep” knows He is the “Good Shepherd” that will tend to His flock. As a good shepherd, His flock will faithfully hear and follow Him without fail. Some of His sheep, to me, are obviously deaf!

Jesus again justifies and asserts His unity of power, and reveals that the words and deeds of His are the words and deeds of God. Not a repeat of Gods words and deeds, but the same words and deeds. People need to look at Jesus, and just watch and listen to Him, instead of asking questions and being told what to believe.

“I believe in one God, and in Jesus Christ who is the same God. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

*****

Catholic Saint of the Day: St. Zita of Lucca

Born in the early 13th century to a poor but religious family at Mont Sagrati, a village near Lucca in Italy. St. Zita was brought up by her virtuous mother. Her older sister entered a Cistercian convent and her Uncle Graziano was a hermit regarded as a saint by people in the area. Great attention was given to the task of instructing her daughter in the faith and to instill the love of God in the fertile soil or her daughters lender heart. By the age of seven, Zita found pleasure in nothing but doing God’s will. Her mother reinforced her lessons by saying, “This is most pleasing to God: this is the divine will”, or, “That would displease God.” As she grew, Zita was noted for her happy disposition, her sweetness and modesty, she spoke only when necessary, worked very hard and prayed without interruption. At twelve Zita was sent to Lucca to work as a servant in the house of a rich weaver. The Fatinelli house was next to the church of St. Frediano. Praising and thanking God for the opportunity to serve others obediently in humble house work Zita was grateful that her position provided all the necessities of life allowing her to avoid the worry caused by a less secure life. She considered her tasks to be a gift from God, and an opportunity for total obedience and joyful penance. From the first, Zita tried to anticipate what her employers would want her to do for them.

Despite her dedication to her work, Zita was, for many years, taunted and disliked by her fellow servants for being affected and proud and was distrusted by her master and mistress as well. She never complained about the urjust treatment or the overwork, but was able to maintain her sweet disposition, her meekness and charity and her devotion to her duties. Eventually, when her virtues came to be valued by the Fatinelli household, Zita was fearful that it would be a snare for her Soul. Her sincere humility and modesty prevented her worst fears from being realized. Her life continued to be one of devotion to God and to the smallest detail of her duties. Zita was promoted to the position or Housekeeper with the full confidence of her employers. She was scrupulous in every task remembering that she had to give an account to God for the way she spent every penny and every minute of the day.. Signor Fatinelli seeing his assets multiply as a result of Zita’s industry, gave her control of her work schedule and even allowed her to have great influence over him and his family. Given to great anger, he would often calm down upon a single word from her. Knowing that Zita gave away most of her meager belongings to the poor, Signor Fatinelli gave her permission to distribute some of his funds as alms, which she did with great discretion always keeping him informed.

Zita believe that God would grant security and special blessings on the household In which the family and staff were pious, faithful to their duties, punctual, modest in speech and manner and set a good example for others. She said, “A servant cannot be holy if she is not busy”. She treated all the staff with kindness never seeking revenge for the years of mistreatment at their hands, and excusing shortcomings although she could be severe in dealing with instances of evil and sinful behavior.

Rising several hours before the rest of the household, she had time to pray and to attend Mass before her day’s work began – a day filled with work and continual mental prayer and meditation. She fasted all year, slept on the bare floor or on a board and prayed continuously during her work day, never complaining or procrastinating or speaking disparagingly of others. Whenever she had a little leisure, she went to a small attic room where she could spend time in quiet prayer and contemplation. Word spread throughout Lucca about her visits to the sick, to those in Prison, her good deeds and her heavenly vision and she was sought out by made people, rich and poor alike.

St. Zita was always moved to tears when she received the Eucharist and experienced ecstasies at Mass or during her prayers. She foretold her own death, and after receiving the last sacraments, died on the 27th of April, in 1278 at sixty years of age The people of Lucca proclaimed her a saint and 150 miracles attributed to herr intercession have been approved. Dante’s (Inferno XI 38) refers to the city of Lucca simply as St. Zita. Her body was found incorrupt in 1580 and is enshrined in St. Frediano’s Church in Lucca next to the Fatinelli house where she lived and worked for 48 years. Her face and hands are exposed to view through a crystal glass. To this day, the city of Lucca pays great veneration to her memory as well as to the memory of St. Ferdiano, an Irishman who converted Lucca to Christianity. It is interesting that St. Zita, the second patron saint or Lucca, is buried in the church of that city’s first patron saint, both having witnessed to Christ throughout their lives. on April 27th, her feast day, everyone in Lucca brings bouquets of blessed narcissus to her crystal coffin laying in state in the Cathedral dedicated to St. Martin, (the third patron saint of the city) – pictures and paintings of her showing her miracles are everywhere. St. Zita was beatified and devotion to her approved by Pope Innocent XII in 1696.

(From http://www.catholic.org/saints/ website)

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

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).

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Bible History, Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Prologue. Tags: Amen, Bible History, Catholic, Death, eternal, father, fear, feast dedication, follow, Franciscan, Frustration, gathered, God, greater, hand, hear, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Jerusalem, Jesus, Jews, John 10:22-30, Journey, kingdom, know, Knowledge, life, Lord, love, Meditation, messiah, never, perish, Pity, politicians, Portico, Prayer, Saint, SFO, SFO Rule, sheep, Sin, Solomon, Sorrow, St. francis, suspense, Teach, Temple, testify, Words, Worthy. Leave a comment

Apr. ’10

“The Son IS the Father!” – John 10:27-30 †

Happy “Good Shepherd Sunday.” It is a beautiful day outside, with a cool breeze, light rain, and the birds singing. Today is also the “World Day for Vocations.” And finally, we are exactly 1/3 of the way to Christmas. Woo-Woo and Ho-Ho.

Today in Catholic History:
† 32 – Marcus Salvius Otho, Roman Emperor (d. 69)
† 1214 – Birth of King Louis IX of France, Third Order Franciscan (d. 1270)
† 1265 – Death of Roger de Quincy, 2nd Earl of Winchester, English crusader
† 1982 – Death of John Cardinal Cody, American cardinal (b. 1907)
† 2007 – Boris Yeltsin’s funeral – the first to be sanctioned by the Russian Orthodox Church for a head of state since the funeral of Emperor Alexander III in 1894.

Today’s reflection is about Jesus is God!

Quote or Joke of the Day:

For us Trinitarians (if I may say it with reverence) – to us God Himself is a society – G. K. Chesterton

Today’s Meditation:

My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (NAB John 10:27-30)

What does a shepherd do: it is much more than just forcing animals around a field? A shepherd lives with his charges 24 hours daily. He gives the sheep their food, and attends to any needs they may need. The shepherd teaches his sheep to follow the one chosen to be in charge of the flock. The shepherd watches the flock, and protects his flock, even with his own life. The shepherd will place himself in danger to rescue one little sheep out of thousands. The shepherd is the sheep’s life-giver and protector, as well as their teacher and leader.

Jesus, our heavenly and good shepherd, is truly a “shepherd” for us. He lives with us, and through us. He feeds us and tends to our needs. Jesus teaches and leads us. He watches over us, protects us, and rescues us.

So when He calls us “His sheep,” we should take that as an honor of a true love from Him. Jesus wants us to hear, know, and follow Him. For simply allowing Jesus into our lives and following Him, we will not only never die, but He also promises that He will never let anyone go.

The third sentence of this gospel reading is a two part sentence. I find it easier to read this sentence as, “As for the Father, what he has given me is greater than all,” or “My Father is greater than all, in what he has given me.”

Jesus is asserting His unity of power with God, and reveals that the words and deeds of His ARE the words and deeds of God.

“Lord, you are my shepherd, and I fear no evil in any valley or place, as I know you are always with me. For that I am thankful. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

*****

Franciscan Saint of the Day: Bl. Pedro de San Jose Betancur

Blessed Pedro de San Jose Betancur, was born a poor shepherd. He prayed much as he tended his flocks. At 31 he travelled to Guatamala City to try find a job away from sheep. Here he became friends with the Franciscans and Jesuits and enrolled in the Jesuit College of San Borgia to become a priest. Due to lack of education he had to withdraw and became a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, where he took the name Peter of Saint Joseph. He is the first canonized Guatemalan native. He and other men founded the Bethlehemite Congregation or Hospitalers Bethlehemite who attended to the sick. He was born in 1619 at Villaflores, Tenerife Island, Canary Islands, and died in 1667 at Guatamala City, Guatamala.

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

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #25 :

Regarding expenses necessary for the life of the fraternity and the needs of worship, of the apostolate, and of charity, all the brothers and sisters should offer a contribution according to their means. Local fraternities should contribute toward the expenses of the higher fraternity councils.

Posted by Dan Halley,, OFS. Categories: Bible History, Humor/Joke, Meditation, Prayer, Quote/Joke, Saint of the Day, Scripture, SFO Rule. Tags: Amen, Bible History, Catholic, Death, eternal, father, fear, follow, Franciscan, Frustration, given, God, greater, hand, hear, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Jesus, John 10:27-30, Journey, kingdom, know, Knowledge, life, Lord, love, Meditation, never, One, perish, Pity, politicians, Prayer, Saint, SFO, SFO Rule, sheep, Sin, Sorrow, St. francis, take, Teach, voice, Words, Worthy. Leave a comment

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Nineteenth Sunday in OrdinaryTime

Today’s Content:

Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

Joke of the Day:

Today’s reflection: Jesus responds to the murmurs of the crowd, who wonders what He means when He says, He “came down from heaven”. What are your “murmurs” towards Jesus?

Gospel Reflection:

Reflection Prayer:

“Peace Prayer”

Share this:

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Today’s Content:

ТТТ

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.

ТТТ

Today in Catholic History:

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

ТТТ

Joke of the Day:

ТТТ

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

ТТТ

Gospel Reflection:

Т

Т

Т

Т

Т

ТТТ

Reflection Prayer:

“Prayer for Generosity”

St. Ignatius of Loyola

ТТТ

Catholic Apologetics:

Praying to the Saints

**

ТТТ

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)

ТТТ

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

ТТТ

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Today in Catholic History:

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site otday.wordpress.com)

Quote or Joke of the Day:

Here is a little known fact about the Mustard Seed:

From http://my.opera.com

Today’s reflection is about the parable of the “narrow door,” and faith and relationship with God.

“Faith of a Mustard Seed”

Pax et Bonum Dan Halley, SFO

*****

A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: Queenship of Mary

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 #22 of 26:

Share this:

Today’s reflection is about Philip asking Jesus to prove He is God.

Quote or Joke of the Day:

If Jesus didn’t rise, an even greater miracle happened. Twelve relatively uneducated guys changed the world, and were martyred to protect a lie.

Today’s Meditation:

“I am asking, in your name Lord Jesus Christ; please allow me to do your work in this life, so I may inherit eternal life with you in the next.”

Pax et Bonum Dan Halley, SFO

*****

Catholic Saint of the Day: St. Marculf

(From http://www.catholic.org/saints/ website)

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #1:

Share this:

Today’s reflection is about faith.

Quote or Joke of the Day:

“Faith makes all things possible: love makes all things easy.”

Today’s Meditation:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.”

Pax et Bonum Dan Halley, SFO

*****

Franciscan Saint of the Day: Blessed Benedict of Urbino, OFM Cap.

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

(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)

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)

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO