Tag Archives: wise

05

Nov. ’11

♫“You Light Up My Life♫- – But I Still Have My Flashlight, Just In Case!” – Matthew 25:1-13†


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 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Image Today’s Content:

 

  • Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations
  • Today in Catholic History
  • Joke of the Day
  • Today’s Gospel Reading
  • Gospel Reflection
  • Reflection Psalm
  • 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:Image

  

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions
for November, 2011

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General Intention:

That the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church.

Missionary Intention:

For Justice and Reconciliation in Africa:
That the African continent may find strength in Christ to pursue justice and reconciliation as set forth by the second Synod of African Bishops.

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Tuesday, November 8th, is Election Day for most of the United States of America.  Please vote.

 

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 ImageToday in Catholic History:

    

†   1406 – Death of Innocent VII, [Cosma de’ Migliorati], Italian Pope (1404-06)
†   1789 – Pope Pius VI appoints Father John Carroll as the first Catholic bishop in the United States.
†   1875 – Death of John Baptist van Son, Dutch Catholic politician, at age 71
†   Feasts/Memorials: St. Leonard of Noblac; St. Winnoc

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

 

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 ImageJoke of the Day:

 

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Today’s reflection is about Jesus telling the parable of the wise and the ten foolish virgins, teaching His disciples the importance of being prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.

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(NAB Matthew 25:1-13) 1“Thenthe kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  2Five of them were foolish and five were wise.  3The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, 4but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.  5Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.  6At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!’  7Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.  8The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  9But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you.  Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’  10While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.  Then the door was locked.  11Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’  12But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’  13Therefore, stay awake,* for you know neither the day nor the hour.

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 ImageGospel Reflection:

 

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus talks about what it means to be “prepared” to receive the ImageKingdom of Heaven.  This reading follows a series of warnings and predictions by Jesus about the coming of the Son of Man, the “Parousia”.  Jesus wants His disciples to understand that the exact day and time cannot be predicted, for only God the Father knows the time.  He teaches the disciples that they must remain always vigilant so that they will not be caught unprepared.

When reflecting on the parable of the “wise and foolish virgins” from today’s reading, it is important to consider the first-century wedding traditions of Palestine.  Bible Scholars believe it was the custom of the day for young maidens—friends and family members of the bride—to meet the bridegroom when he came to bring his bride to her new home.

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The Parable of the “Ten Virgins” can only be found in Matthew’s Gospel.  As with many of Jesus’ other parables, several levels of interpretation are easily possible (just like separatingImage the layers of an onion).  In last week’s Sunday Gospel, Jesus warned against following the example (and not the words) of the Temple leaders, chiefly the Pharisees and Scribes.  Today’s Gospel, – – when read in the context of Matthew’s early Church’s Christian on-going struggle to define itself against the misinterpreted Pharisaic Judaism, – – is a continuing critique and condemnation of that time.  This reading suggests that the Jewish leaders were like the foolish virgins, unprepared to meet Jesus who is the bridegroom of Israel.

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Jesus’ story of ten young women seems strange to most modern westerners today.  But Matthew’s audience knew how easy this event could happen in their society.  Wedding customs in ancient Palestine required extra vigilance and preparation for everyone involved.  (Some places in the world still follow this custom, in today’s reading.)  The bride and groom did not go away for their honeymoon, but celebrated for a whole week with their family and friends, twenty-four hours at that (Now that’s partying in the extreme!!). 

It was the custom for the groom to come at his discretion to get his bride and bring her to the wedding party.  If he came at night, lamps were obviously required, out of necessity (there were no public street lights in the first century). 

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Just prior to this week’s reading is the parables of the “Unknown Day and Hour” (Matthew 24: Image36-44) and the “Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant” (Matthew 24: 45-51).  Along with these two parables, today’s parable is also about the time of the “Parousia”.  Knowing this explains the very first word, “Then”, meaning “at the time of the parousia”, followed immediately by, “the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins ….”  What a very thought-provoking sentence; it is not simple in structure nor meaning.

 The comparison of virgins and the kingdom in Matthew 25:1 does not mean that the kingdom of heaven may be likened simply to the ten virgins in question but to the situation related in the entire story. (In reading any part of Holy Scripture, we must take the whole of it and not just take a little part out of context.)  Today’s parable is a warning to Jesus’ disciples not to attempt to anticipate the Final Judgment of God, nor the limits of His kingdom.  His kingdom on earth is presently composed of the “good” and “bad”.  The sole judgment of God will eliminate the sinful, at His time – – not ours!!  Until then there must be patient and repentant as John the Baptist repeated preached throughout his ministry.

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I love the image of these ten virginal women who were split down the middle: five “wise” and five “foolish”.  I wonder, did they have blond jokes back then?  Matthew used this “foolishImage…wise” contrast once before:

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. … And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.” (Matthew 7:24, 26)

The two groups of each parable are distinguished by good deeds and lack of good deeds.  The deed in today’s reading is signified by the “oil” of this parable.

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No one knows when Jesus will return for the “final judgment”, the Parousia.  We cannot Imageanticipate or linger behind in our preparations for this time.  It is interesting that the phrase “trimmed their lamps” is used (verse 7).  Trimming a lamp means “preparing for use”.  It entails filling with oil, literally cutting off the bad part of the wick, and removing any excess so as to make the lamp burn more effectively and efficiently. 

For us, to prepare for the Parousia we need to “trim our lamps”.  Preparation includes ourImage proper actions with ourselves and each other, AND with God.  Do you see Jesus Christ in yourself and others?  Do you participate in the Sacraments regularly, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation?  The Holy Eucharist fills us to the brim with the fuel of God, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation removes the evil and immoral excesses we collect in our sinful state.

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The exclamation “Lord, Lord”, found in verse 11, is a re-edification of a similar verse from much earlier in Matthew’s Gospel:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

ImageIn both verses, entrance into the kingdom is only for those who do the will of God the Father.  On the Day of Judgment the morally corrupt will be rejected by Jesus Christ.  The reply to these women in today’s parable, “I do not know you”, is also very similar to the one in Matthew 7:

“I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’” (Matthew 7:23)

 

Thank God that Jesus doesn’t stop with the ominous statement of “I do Imagenot know you.”  He goes on to offer hope for those who trust and prepare for His return.  We need to “Stay awake”; to be always ready.  The wise virgins were adequately equipped and PREPARRED.  The wise virgins prepared as the master of the house would have prepared for the thief coming in the night:

“If the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into.” (Matthew 24:44)

ImageBeing unprepared can lead to a lot of unnecessary trouble, and can even lead to disastrous consequences!  After all, what good is a life-jacket left on shore when the boat is sinking?  Let us all take a lesson from the Boy Scout motto:  “Be Prepared!”

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To summarize, Jesus warns us that there are consequences for being unprepared.  There are certain things you cannot obtain at the last moment.  For example, a student cannot adequately prepare for his exam on the day of testing.  A person cannot get the right kind of temperament or skill required for an impending task unless he already possesses the temperament and skills by the time of the task.  

Our eternal happiness and wellbeing depends on our “hearing”, and sadly, many have trainedImage themselves not to hear.  Those not hearing will also not be prepared to meet Jesus Christ on His return, when He calls us on the Day of Judgment.  We need to listen to Him TODAY and EVERY DAY!! 

 

ImageIn conclusion, in the chapter preceding this parable (Chapter 24), Jesus warns about the destruction of Jerusalem, the tribulation of the end times, and the coming of the Son of Man – – the “Parousia”.  Keeping this in mind, today’s parable is a warning to the Catholic Christian community to remain ever vigilant and always prepared to receive Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who will return at the end of time for the Final Judgment.  This interpretation is supported by the reference to the “delay of the bridegroom”.  The Jewish-Catholic community, for whom Matthew wrote this Gospel, was coming to terms with the realization that the promise of Jesus’ return would possibly not be fulfilled within their mortal lifetimes.  So, the question remains for us to ask to ourselves, “Are we ready to receive Jesus? AND,  Will we be prepared to receive him?”

In our daily activities, it is easy to find excuses for not attending to our spiritual lives.  If notImage given the “top priority”, prayer and reading of Holy Scripture risks becoming “occasional” activities rather than daily practices.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that if we fail to give our spiritual life priority, we will find ourselves unprepared to receive Jesus.  Daily prayer, spiritual practice, and frequent reception of the Sacraments help to keep us ready to receive Jesus Christ.

What are some of the things our faith calls us to do every day, every week, every moment, to keep God FIRST in our lives?  What might happen if these things are not done regularly?  Jesus taught us that it is important to keep ourselves prepared and ready to receive Him when he comes again.  Jesus says that it is so important to remain ready to receive the Kingdom of Heaven since you will not have time to prepare after He arrives for the Final Judgment.  Pray that you will always keep God “FIRST” in your lives so that you will “be prepared” to receive Jesus when He comes.

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  ImageReflection Prayer:

 

“Psalm 63”

Our souls are thirsting for God.

 

“O God, you are my God— it is you I seek!  For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, in a land parched, lifeless, and without water.  I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory.  For your love is better than life; my lips shall ever praiseImage you!  I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.  My soul shall be sated as with choice food, with joyous lips my mouth shall praise you!  I think of you upon my bed, I remember you through the watches of the night you indeed are my savior, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.  Amen” (Psalm 63:2-8)

  

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New Translation of the Mass:Image

 

 

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 priest invites us to share in the Lord’s Supper, we now say, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”  With the new Missal, we will respond:

“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

The use of “under my roof” is a reference to the Gospel passage where the centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant but says he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his house (Luke 7:6).  The other change is “my soul” instead of “I”, which focuses more clearly on the spiritual dimension of the healing we seek.

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

 

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ImageA Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: Blessed Alfonso Lopez, priest, and companions, martyrs

Blessed Alfonso Lopez was born at Secorún, in the dioceses of Jaca, on 16th November 1875.  He held various civil offices, but he felt to be caImagelled to religious life, so he entered the convent of Granollers in 1906.   He was sent to Italy, where he was received in the Seraphic Province of Umbria.  He spent his novitiate at Osimo, pronouncing his temporary vows in 1908 and his perpetual profession in 1911, the same year of his priestly ordination.  He was confessor in the Basilica of Loreto, then he returned to Granollers, where he carried out the task of teacher of the postulants and novices until 1935.  He distinguished himself by his virtues, mainly by his love for God, for his neighbour and his devotion for the Virgin Mary.  He was an excellent formator of the applicants for consecrated life that he mainly directed with the example of his virtuous life.

At the outbreak of the civil war, Alphonzo Lopez was a Friar Minor Conventual priest (OFM, Conv.).  He took refuge at some of his friends Imageand was arrested on 3rd August 1936, along with Friar Miguel Remón Salvador and four other companions.  They showed themselves brave in the face of the request of apostasy.  In the end, they were taken to Samalús and shot in the evening of the same day, while Father Alfonso repeated, with spirit of faith and charity, “Forgive them, My Lord”.

From his degree on Martyrdom:

“The Servants of God Alfonso López López and his 5 brethren of the Conventual Franciscan Order belong to this huge multitude.

The Spanish civil war (1936-1939) didn’t spare their convent, in the town of Granollers, in Barcelona district, where they lived at that time.

In 1936, immediately after the military insurrection of the 19th July, the authors of political change rushed into the convent searching for weapons; they didn’t find any, but they threatened the friars and threw them out of their house, compelling them to take refuge at their neighbors and friends.  They could hide themselves only for one week.

In such a hostile and irreligious environment, the seed of terror and death threats against the Church and Her children, as it was in Spain at that time, these followers of St. Francis of Assisi were imprisoned and condemned to death, just because they were Christ’s disciples.

They shed their blood with inner serenity and meekness, giving glory to God with the profession of faith and forgiving their enemies. ” (from the Decree on the martyrdom )

Blessed Alphonso Lopez was Beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 11, 2001.

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 ImageFranciscan Formation Reflection:

 

“Saint Francis and Penance”

Do I live this “penance” from a sense of duty, or of a love relationship?  How?

In what ways do change and conversion require detachment and humility (a form of poverty)?

Why is it important to realize that every personal sin have social consequences?

Do I think of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a positive celebration of the mercy of God?

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ImageSecular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule
Subsection #’s 6 & 7 of 26:

06.  They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.

Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialog of apostolic effectiveness and creativity.

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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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02

Jul. ’11

“Jesus FLASHES – His True Reality and Divinity!” – Matthew 11:25-30†


 

Fourteenth Sunday
in Ordinary Time

 

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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:

 

 

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions

July 2011

General Intention: That Christians may contribute to alleviating the material and spiritual suffering of AIDS patients, especially in the poorest countries.

Missionary Intention: For the religious who work in mission territories, that they may be witnesses of the joy of the Gospel and living signs of the love of Christ.

 

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Today in Catholic History:

    

†   683 – Pope St Leo II dies, ending his reign of two years (681-683)
†   1250 – Louis IX of France (a Secular Franciscan) is captured by   Baibars’ Mamluk army at the Battle of Fariskur while he is in Egypt conducting the Seventh Crusade; he later has to ransom himself.
†   1849 – The French entered Rome in order to restore Pope Pius IX to power. This would prove to be a major obstacle to Italian unification.
†   1907 – Pope St Pius X issued a decree forbiding modernization of theology

(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:

 

Hi Lord,

 

It’s me…. things are getting bad here,
gas prices are too high, no jobs,
food and heating cost too high.

I know some have taken you out of our schools,
the US Government, & even Christmas.
But Lord I’m asking you to come back
and re-bless America, we really need you.

Thanks Lord, I Love You!

 

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Today’s reflection is about Jesus praying, praising and thanking God His Father, who has revealed Himself to the lowly.

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(NAB Matthew 11:25-30)  25 At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.  26 Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.  27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father.  No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.  28 “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.  30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

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ImageIs it possible to gain knowledge of God’s intellect, concern, awareness, and spirit?  What does Jesus’ prayer to His heavenly Father, in today’s Gospel reading, tell us about the relationship, unity, and “oneness” of God the Father and God the Son – – and about ourselves in that relationship and “oneness”?

For me, it discloses to us that God is both Father and Master of ALL creation on earth AND in heaven.  He is both the great “Creator” and supreme “Source” of all that He has made.  God is the source of everything.  God is the awe-inspiring, uplifting, and magnificent source of all, while, at the same time showing and dispensing love, trust, hope, and care for all His “children”.  God is the original of all families on earth and in heaven:

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” (Ephesians 3:14-15).

 

Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel comes after a dialogue in which Jesus rebukes people who have witnessed His “mighty deeds” – HisImage “miracles” – – yet still lacked a belief in Him as the true “Messiah”.  Today’s Gospel explains the reason for this non-belief, and reveals what is necessary for a true and proper faith life.  This particular reading can be used to augment our personal understanding of being a faithful disciple follower of Jesus Christ.

ImageToday, Jesus first prays in recognition and gratitude to God the Father who has made Himself known to Jesus’ disciples through Jesus Christ.  He then praises God the Father who has made Himself known to the “childlike” over the “wise and learned”.  As in other readings from Matthew’s Gospel, a strong difference is made here between the non-believing Scribes and Pharisees, who are the “wise and learned”, and Jesus’ faithful disciples which includes the marginalized, the tax collectors, and the other sinners with whom He kept company.

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This particular Gospel reading, with some slight changes, is nearly identical with Luke’s version:

“At that very moment he rejoiced (in) the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.  Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.  All things have been handed over to me by my Father.  No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.’”  (Luke 10:21-22)

Both Matthew’s and Luke’s readings introduces an uplifting comment into a dialogue so dominated by a premise of skepticism, incredulity, and non-belief.

The “wise” and the “learned” of Jewish society – – the Scribes and Pharisees – – have rejected Jesus’ teachings, preaching’s, and miracles, along withImage the profound significance of His actions and words.  In a polarized first-century society, made up of Jewish and Gentile peoples living in the same region, the “childlike” accepted Jesus’ actions and words without any misconceptions or prejudices.

In reality, a true “acceptance” depends upon God the Father’s “revelation”.  This “revelation” is freely granted to any and every one of us who are open to receive His grace and gift, and refused to be as the arrogant wise and learned one’s who don’t believe in Him, His divinity, and His power.  

ImageJesus Christ can truly speak of all God’s “mysteries” because He is “God the Son” of, and from, “God the Father”.  There is a true, full, and perfect mutuality and reciprocity of knowledge between Jesus (God the Son), and God the Father.  What had been handed over to Jesus Christ is revealed only to those whom He wishes; those that not only believe in Him, but that follow Him and His teachings.

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Jesus’ prayer also contains a warning about one’s pride keeping us from the caring love and realization of God.  What makes us unaware and “blind” to the things of God?  Coldness of heart and spirit, and stubbornness to change (conversion) will shut God out of your life, and shut us out of His kingdom – – leading one to death and not to eternal life.

“Pride is the root of all evil”, and has the strongest effect driving us to sin.  Pride overpowers one’s heart and spirit, making it cold and indifferent towards God and His graces, truths, and wisdom in our lives.

ImageSo, what is pride?  By definition, it is an arrogant and/or self-important attitude shown by somebody who believes (often unjustifiably) that one is better than others.  It is the excessive and unreasonable love of oneself at the expense of others, and an overstated judgment of one’s own learning and importance to those around oneself.

Jesus compares the attribute of pride with a person displaying a childlike simplicity and humility.  The “childlike” see themselves and others without aImage need for self-importance.  The childlike recognize, accept, and respond to their dependence, trust, and faith in the “One” who is far greater, wiser, and trustworthy.  The childlike truly seek only one thing, that being “the greatest good”, who is God Himself.

Simplicity of heart and spirit is linked with the supreme of virtues: humility.  Humility predisposes the heart and spirit towards God’s grace and truth.  Just as pride is the root of every sin and every evil, humility is the true earth in which God’s grace can take a firm root.  Humility, by itself, gives us the correct attitude and posture before God.  Humility and the grace of the Holy Spirit allow God to do all in, through, and for us.

Proverbs states that God is stern with the prideful, but gives grace to the humble:

“ImageWhen he is dealing with the arrogant, he is stern, but to the humble he shows kindness.” (Proverbs 3:34).

James also reports:

 “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  (James 4:6).

God wants His creations to be truly and fully happy and joyful.  Selfishness and pride makes true happiness impossible.  We need to go to Him in humility in order to be happy and joyful:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

Only the humble in heart and spirit can receive true wisdom and understanding of our magnificent God and His ways.  Can you submit to God’s word with a simple trust, love, and humility?

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Another part of this reading brings to our attention the unity – – the “oneness” between God the Father and God the Son.  God the Father has madeImage Himself known through His Son, Jesus Christ.  And, in knowing Jesus, we come to know God the Father.  In Jesus’ life, in His person, in His Death, and in His Resurrection, God the Father reveals Himself to us.

 

In today’s reading, Jesus makes a declaration no one can dare to make: He is the “perfect revelation” of God the Father:  

“All things have been handed over to me by my Father.  No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” (Matthew 11:27). 

ImageOne of the greatest truths of the Catholic faith is that we can truly know the true “living and everlasting” God.  Our knowledge and understanding of God is not limited to only knowing “something” about God.  Instead, we can know God personally and intimately if we open ourselves up to Him, and surrender ourselves to Him.  The essence of Catholicism – – what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions – – is the knowledge and understanding of God as our true, loving, and heavenly Father.

Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally and intimately know and understand God as our Father.  To see Jesus Christ is to see God!  In Jesus Christ, we see the perfect love and revelation of God.  In Jesus the “Messiah”, we see a God who cares deeply for all creation, and who deeply desires the love, faith, trust, and hope of all men and women.  Jesus, – – God the Son, – – loved mankind to the point of laying down His own human life upon the Holy Cross of redemption and salvation.  Jesus is the true and pure revealing of God the Father; a God who loves us completely, unconditionally, and perfectly.  

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Jesus also promises that God the Father will hear our prayers when we pray in His name.  Through His words and example, Jesus taught His followersImage to pray with a certain confidence:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Do you pray to God the Father with a similar joy and confidence in His love, trust, and care for you?

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The middle verses of today’s Gospel are distinctive to Matthew’s Gospel:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Matthew’s verses are very similar to Ben Sirach’s invitation to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke:

“Come aside to me, you untutored, and take up lodging in the house of instruction.  Submit your neck to her yoke, that your mind may accept her teaching.  For she is close to those who seek her, and the one who is in earnest finds her.” (Sirach 51:23, 26).

(“Ben” is Hebrew, meaning, “son” – – of Eleazar and Sirach.  Curiously, their son’s name was also “Jesus”.)

Verse 16 also states, “all you who labor and are burdened”.   What Matthew is alluding to with these words, are those people burdened with the interpretations and extraneous rules of Mosaic Law specified by the Scribes and Pharisees:

“The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.  Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.  For they preach but they do not practice.  They tie up heavy burdens (hard to carry) and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.” (Matthew 23:2-4).

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ImageWhat does the “yoke” of Jesus refer to in today’s Gospel reading?  The Jewish people saw the religious image of a “yoke” as an expression of submissiveness to God almighty.  They regularly spoke of the yoke of Mosaic Law, the yoke of the great Commandments, the yoke of God’s kingdom, and the yoke of God Himself.  Jesus says His “yoke is easy“:

“My yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:30).Image

The Greek word for “easy” also translates to mean “well-fitting“.  Yokes were tailor-made to fit the oxen well, as not to cause too much discomfort or injury for the animal.  Oxen were yoked in pairs, thus sharing the workload.

Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him, to unite our life with His life, our will with His will, our heart with His heart, and our spirit with His spirit.  To be yoked with Jesus is to be united with Him in a relationship of a sharing love, trust, hope, faith, and obedience.

 

Jesus also said His “burden is light“:

“My yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:30).

ImageMy father used to frequently visit “Father Flannigan’s ‘Boys Town’”.  I remember the story about a statue at the entrance to the complex.  The story goes that a man met a boy carrying a smaller crippled boy on his back.  “That’s a heavy load you are carrying there,” exclaimed the man.  The boy answers simply, “He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother!”

There is NO “burden” too heavy when it is given and carried with a pure and total love.  When we “yoke” – – attach – – our lives with Jesus Christ, He also carries our burdens with us.  He gives us His strength to follow Him in His way of love, faith, and hope – – now ours.  

With a new covenant, Jesus offers us a new “kingdom” of righteousness, peace, and everlasting joy.  Sins are not only forgiven in His kingdom, but removed through the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  In His kingdom, eternal life flows forth to the entirety of His followers in His kingdom.  

 

In place of the “yoke” of the Mosaic Law as dictated by the Scribes and Pharisees, and radically complicated by the Scribes interpretations (they were the Jewish “lawyers”, as compared to the Pharisaic “priesthood”), Jesus invites the burdened people to take the “yoke” of observance and obedience to His “word”, and thus find rest:

“Thus says the LORD: Stand beside the earliest roads, ask the pathways of old which is the way to good, and walk it; thus you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16).

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In the closing sentences of today’s Gospel, Jesus’ teaching and concern for His brethren is again compared to the teachings of the Scribes and Pharisees.  It seems this comparison between Jesus and the Temple leaders is a common topic of Matthew’s Gospel.  His narratives most likely reflect tensions that existed between Jesus and the Temple leadership, as well as between the Temple officials and the community of first-century Catholics for whom Matthew wrote.  

Pharisaic Judaism became the predominant form of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem about 70 A.D.  That tension, I believe, is expressed in today’s reading as an existence of at least two beliefs for gaining “holiness” among first-century Jerusalem Jews.  The dutiful and careful observance of Mosaic Law, taught by the Scribes and Pharisees, most likely was experienced by some Jews as being difficult, complicated, and “burdensome“.  In comparison, Jesus’ way of holiness is presented as being uncomplicated – – and even restful – – for who which choose to follow His path and carry His “yoke”.

 

Jesus does not give up His yoke.  Instead He asks you to share His yoke.  In sharing, He is also carrying a part of your “load” (your burdens).  ThinkImage about this for a moment.  All one has to do is allow Jesus Christ into one’s life, and you share your heavy burdens, entering into a personal, intimate relationship wherein Jesus Christ agrees to share in the carrying of a different load.  In all reality, one’s life is made easier by participating in God’s life!  WOW!!  Excuse the play on words (and a little pun), but, for those individuals not wanting a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, the “yoke” is on them (solely)!

The yoke of His kingdom, – – His kingly power, reign, and ways, – – frees us from our burdens of guilt, from our sinful habits, and from our hurtful desires.  Only Jesus Christ is able to free us from the burden of sin and the extreme, crushing weight of hopelessness.  Jesus used the well-known Jewish image of a yoke to explain how we can exchange the burden of sin and despair for His glory and victory WITH Him. The yoke which Jesus invites us to embrace is His way of love, trust, faith, grace, and freedom from the power of our sins.  

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ImageIn conclusion, in today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches an important lesson for all of us.  From those “like a child” we can learn the most profound and clear awareness, insight, and ability to see spontaneously, instinctively, and unthinkingly into the nature of an otherwise complex and multifaceted, dual-nature, triune God.  

Those who are attentive to a childlike “true reality” can learn much from children, even as children learn from parents, teachers, and religious.  Those who “find” the time and space for encountering Jesus Christ in their lives will enrich the faith of all who share in that person’s life.  Can you “find” the time to share Jesus with others, and with yourself?

 

Please re-read today’s Gospel, slowly, again.  Allow time to reflect on what Jesus reveals to us about God the Father.  Find a creative way (i.e., through a picture, poem, or some other way) to share your revelation with another (and please share with me).  Finally, thank Jesus Christ for making God the Father known to all of us, through Him.

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“Psalm 145”

 

“I will extol you, my God and king; I will bless your name forever.  Every day I will bless you; I will praise your name forever.  The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in love.  The LORD is good to all, compassionate to every creature.  All your works give you thanks; O LORD and your faithful bless you.  They speak of the glory of your reign and tell of your great works, your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work.  The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:1-2,8-11,13-14)

 

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.

 

The third form of the penitential rite, with the various invocations of Christ (e.g., “You came to call sinners”) will be much the same (not much of a change), though an option is added to conclude each invocation in Greek:

“Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison,”

instead of in English: “Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy”, as it is presently.  The first two forms (found in the past two previous blogs) may conclude with this threefold litany too, either in English or in Greek.

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

 

 

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day:  St. Thomas the Apostle

 

Poor Thomas!  He made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed.  He Imagemade what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” (see John 20:24-28) and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time.  He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29).

Thomas should be equally well known for his courage.  Perhaps what he said was impetuous—since he ran, like the rest, at the showdown—but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus.  The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died.  Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death.  Realizing this, Thomas said to the other apostles, “Let us also go to die with him” (John 11:16b).

Comment:

Thomas shares the lot of Peter the impetuous, James and John, the “sons of thunder,” Philip and his foolish request to see the Father—indeed all the apostles in their weakness and lack of understanding. We must not exaggerate these facts, however, for Christ did not pick worthless men.  But their human weakness again points up the fact that holiness is a gift of God, not a human creation; it is given to ordinary men and women with weaknesses; it is God who gradually transforms the weaknesses into the image of Christ, the courageous, trusting and loving one.

Quote:

“…[P]rompted by the Holy Spirit, the Church must walk the same road which Christ walked: a road of poverty and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice to the death…. For thus did all the apostles walk in hope.  On behalf of Christ’s Body, which is the Church, they supplied what was wanting in the sufferings of Christ by their own trials and sufferings (see Colossians 1:24)” (Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity, 5).

Patron Saint of: Architects, Construction workers, Cooks

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:

 

Mary, Prayer, and Meditation

 

How well do you follow Saint Francis in listening to our Mother Mary when she tells us: “Do whatever he tells you“?

How much time do you spend trying to enter into the “heart of Mary” by reflecting and meditating on her prayerful messages in her “Magnificat”?  Do you take time to make these sentiments my own, to bring them into your heart and soul?

What strikes you in reading paragraph #2708 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church?:

  • “Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire.  This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ.  Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary.  This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.” (CCC, #2708)

 

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
Rule #’s 3 & 4 of 26:

03.  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.

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04.  The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.

Christ, the gift of the Father’s love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life which he has come to give abundantly.

Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to gospel.

 

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05

Mar. ’11

“Lord, Lord; Can Satan Get In Through A Crack In My Foundation?! Is My Basement Leaking Holy Water?!” – Matthew 7:21-27†


  

  

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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Today’s Content:

 

  • Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations
  • Today in Catholic History
  • Quote or Joke 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:

 

Just a few days till the start of the Lenten Season.  Lent is a time to prepare and meditate on the Passion of Christ, His crucifixion/death on the Holy Tree, and His Resurrection on a Sunday morning we now call Easter.  This is a season of reflection, alms-giving, prayer, and sacrifices (abstinence and fasting).

ImageFor me, I will try to pray more each day (my family says that is impossible for I am always praying, which is not true in reality).  I will also be sacrificing in multiple ways (traditional Friday abstinence as an example) and by specifically giving up my daily diet sodas (NO Diet Mt. Dew will be devastating.  Can we say withdrawal?)

 

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Anyone following this blog for some time has noticed a new format.  I wanted to reorganize this page for easier reading and to categorize everything together: news items, quotes, and jokes are grouped together; the Gospel reading and reflection, plus a prayer associated with the reflection, are closer together; and Franciscan materials are all together.  Let me know what you think, please, and thank you.

 

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Today in Catholic History:

    
†   766 – Death of Chrodegang, church reformer/bishop of Mainz, about 50 years of age
†   1205 – Aken, [Philips van Zwaben], is crowned Roman-Catholic German King
†   1252 – Death of Saint Rose of Viterbo, Italian saint (b. 1235)
†   1447 – Tommaso Parentucelli (Nicholas V) succeeds Pope Eugene IV
†   2008 – Death Peter Poreku Cardinal Dery, Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, Ghana
†   Memorials/Feasts: Saint Chrodegang; Saint Fridolin; Saint Colette (aka Saint Coleta of Ghent); Saint Olegarius

(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:

 

“When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn’t solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.”  (unknown)

 

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In today’s reflection, Jesus is teaching about building a foundation of faith and making a life which is firm and solid.

 

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?  Did we not drive out demons in your name?  Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’  23 Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.  Depart from me, you evildoers.’  24 “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.  26 And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.  27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (NAB Matthew 7:21-27)

 

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The “Sermon on the Mount” is about how to be a true follower of Jesus.  This discourse is coming to an end with a reflection on what OUR Imagewords and deeds really mean.  We can say “we are followers of Jesus” all we wish, and cry out “Lord, Lord” till hoarse in the throat; but, in fact, that does not mean we are true followers of Jesus Christ.  We may even do powerful deeds “in Jesus’ name”, but does that mean we are following Him?  Ultimately, it is not our decision that we believe we are truly His followers.  We don’t get to choose what it means to believe in Jesus; we only get to see, listen, and believe completely in Him!  At the Parousia (the Day of Final Judgment), Jesus reveals the “word” is the “real” judge, of who was, and is, a true follower, and who was, and is, not.  At the Parousia, Jesus reveals our likeness to Him, acquired by our believing and acting upon His words.   

Jesus’ rebuke of false followers in verses 23 and 26 is now expanded to include “disciples” who perform works in the nImageame of Jesus (“Lord”), yet live improper and evil lives (cf., 1 Corinthians 3:1-4).  (Just like some Catholics going to Mass only at Christmas and Easter.  Or, Catholics who go to Mass devoutly each and every week, without fail, yet live a non-Christian lifestyle at work, home, or play.)  (These folks do a good job of imitating the behaviors of non-believers.)

ImageJesus repeats many, many times throughout Holy Scripture that the kingdom of God is solely for those who do the will of the Father, at all times, without any need or desire for reward; – – for those doing the “will” of God, simply and purely out of love for Him.  At the Parousia, those claiming to be prophets and miracle workers, yet morally corrupt will be “rejected by Jesus”.

This is an awesome thought.  Please consider the following:

A. “Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.  Depart from me, you evildoers.‘” (Matthew 7:23)

B. “But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10:33)

And, from the Book of Psalms:

C. “My eyes are dimmed with sorrow, worn out because of all my foes.  Away from me, all who do evil!” (Psalm 6:8-9)

I wonder whether Jesus was remembering this verse when He used them in Matthew 7:23 (See “A” above – today’s reading).

These strongly worded “negatives” led me to ask: “What does being a ‘true follower’ of Jesus Christ actually mean?” – – I have comImagee to believe that it is not a question of just hearing Jesus’ words but of acting on them in our lives.  

In the final parable today, two people “building a house” have heard Jesus’ words.  Yet, only the one who hears and acts correctly, building on “rock” – – has a firm and strong foundation.  

The people listening to Jesus that day were very familiar with the effects of building houses with, or without strong foundations, Imagein a flood prone area.  The described situation in today’s reading is very typical for the Palestine region.  During the dry season, when rain is non-existent, the ground becomes dry and extremely hard.  However, when the rain does come, it comes in torrents and rivers seem to appear out of “nowhere”.  Flash floods swoop down the dry valleys in the region, and any houses built on sandy soil, without a strong foundation, are easily washed away.  Only those houses diligently and carefully built on solid rock foundations have any chance of survival.Image

The type of “foundation”, (the basis of faith, the groundwork of understanding, and our charity toward others), we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the “storms” – – the depressing, dark, and lonely times – – that are sure to come in our earthly lives.  

My late father was a builder.  He planned, created, and built many types of foundations in his life.  I learned from him that it is best to “lay out” a foundation when the weather and soil conditions are at their best: dry and settled.  It takes insight, prudence, and forethought to know how a particular foundation can be made to withstand hostile and opposing forces.  You do not have to be a contractor, builder, or engineer though, to know that building a house on a foundation set in a flood plain, such as in a “dry” river-bed, is a sure bet for a violent and total destruction of anything associated with that foundation and house!

ImageWhat kind of foundation are you “laying out” in your life?  On what base are you building your eternal life, your relationship with God?  When Jesus told today’s parable of the two builders, He must have had the following Old Testament proverb in mind:

“When the tempest [fancy word for storm] passes, the wicked man is no more; but the just man is established forever.” (Proverbs 10:25).

So, what is the meaning, implication, importance, and impact of this particular parable for each of us, both individually and communally?  Keep reading on.

 

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In today’s reading, an interesting difference in emphasis is noted between verses 21-22 and verse 24: I found the relationship is not between “saying and doing”, as earlier in verses 21-22:

21“Not everyone who SAYS to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who DOES the will of my Father in heaven.  22Many will SAY to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?  Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not DO mighty deeds in your name?’” (Matthew 7:21-22) 

Jesus focuses on the relationship between people “listening” and people “doing”.  Notice His change of emphasis in verse 24:

“Everyone who LISTENS to these words of mine and ACTS on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

Jesus reveals He values every person who listens to His word, and then acts upon them.  For centuries, Christians have beeImagen studying, pondering, and listening to His word, and trying to live by them.  Did Jesus really mean for all His parables and teachings on this Palestinian hill to be taken seriously?  What does it actually mean to be “poor in spirit”?  Are we truly supposed to “turn the other cheek”?  Does God expect us to actually give “our coat to someone who asks for our shirt”?  Yes, Yes, and definitely YES!

In the end, each of us needs to work out the details of how to be an effective, successful follower of Jesus Christ.  For me, and I believe for Imageanyone who is truly listening to our Lord’s words, it is much more than just saying “Lord, Lord.”  It is also much more than just performing “great acts” in Jesus’ name.  It begins always with faith first, and then working; acting upon Jesus’ words in a spirit of humility and greatness.  I think Paul put it this way: “Following and acting on His word is ‘faith working through love.’”

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

This formula – – listening, and then doing, – – is much more than a simple plan of protection and security through salvation.  Jesus wants not only to just shield us from falsehoods and evil, but also for us to be with Him, every single day of our two lives (both human and eternal).  He wants to bless us; He wants His blessings to flow in, and through, us as we “build” our lives on, in, and with His word by our listening attentively to all His words.  God bestows many blessings on each of us, individually.  Three come to my mind immediately: His unconditional love, His forgiveness, and His Mercy.  There are many more though.  Can you think of others?

God loves us no matter who we are, or what we do.  He never leaves us; we sometimes separate ourselves from Him.  YImageet, He eagerly awaits our return to him with open arms.  His depth of forgiveness cleanses our consciences, hearts, and souls from all guilt, shame, and sins.  He has the largest spiritual “eraser” ever known:

“As far as the east is from the west, so far have our sins been removed from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

We also have God’s mercy.  His mercy is far deeper than even His forgiveness.  His mercy – – His compassion, steadfastness, and faithfulness – – for us is beyond human description or understanding.  His entire disposition is one of forgiveness, mercy, and love for each of us – – individually!

ImageThere is only one way in which a person’s love, trust, and sincerity toward God and other’s can be shown.  That is by one’s practice – – one’s deeds.  Fine, beautiful, and exquisite words can never replace good deeds.  Present day politicians are very excellent orators, and literally talk the coins out of our pockets with very little pressureImage (squeezing blood out of the proverbial turnip).  I believe most would agree all their talk is not producing many fruits.  On the other hand, there are many, many people servicing others daily with a genuine love, and producing a great harvest in, and for, God’s kingdom.

So, what makes a true disciple of Christ if not words or actions?!  It starts with building our life on a solid foundation, “the rock”, of Jesus Christ himself and our faith in Him.  It’s in Him, with Him, and through Him that the Messianic Law and the prophets were (and still are) fulfilled completely, fully, and totally.  In, with, and through Him, the “will” of God, God’s plan for OUR salvation, is fully revealed to us.

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All families go through difficult times.  Recall some of the difficult times that you have had in your life.  Can you think of the most difficult situation or time that you faced?  Examples could be a sickness, death of a loved one, trouble in school, loss of your job.  We sometimes refer to these difficult periods as “storms.”  In today’s reading, Jesus talks about storms – – rain, floods, and wind – – and how we can stand firm in the face of them?  Only with a strong foundation of faith can we stand firm.  

What does it means for you to build your house on “solid rock”?  How has your faith helped you to get through difficult times and situations?  Our character is revealed in what we choose to do in our lives, especially when we choose between truth and falsehood, good and evil.  On a daily basis, pray for the strength and grace to remain strong in your personal relationship with Jesus.

ImageDo you cheat when completing tests or income taxes?  Do you lie, directly or indirectly (through omission, evasion, and/or diversion)?   A true disciple of Jesus Christ is one that is honest and reliable – – before God, neighbor, and oneself.  Please remember, when honest and reliable in all you say and do, your word can be taken as trustworthy and true!

In closing, what keeps one from falsehoods, evil, distrust, and spiritual disasters?  Answer: our faith!  If we make Jesus Christ, and His word, the “rock and foundation” (the basis, groundwork, and charity) of our lives, nothing can unsettle us, or prevent us from God’s saving love, manifestation, and assistance.  Are Jesus Christ, and his word, the solid basis, groundwork, and love – – “the ‘ROCK’ FOUNDATION” – – of YOUR life?  (cf., 1 Corinthians 10:4)  He is mine!!

Today is a great day to thank God for laying such a strong foundation for you.  And, also to tell Him that you want and desire to follow Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and body.  Give Him your entire and total life today, and every day, and watch how the blessings start to flow!

 

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“An Act of Faith”

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“O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.  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.

 

A second option for the “penitential rite” (the “Confiteor” being the first option) has been revised.  This second form had been little used in recent years.  The second option is presently:

Lord, we have sinned against you:|
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your mercy and love.
And grant us your salvation.

May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

 

It will now read as follows:

The priest says, “Have mercy on us, O Lord.”
The people respond, “For we have sinned against you.”  
Then the priest says, “Show us, O Lord, your mercy,”
and the people respond, “And grant us your salvation.”

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

 

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day:  Servant of God Sylvester of Assisi (d. 1240)


Sylvester was one of the first 12 followers of St. Francis of Assisi and was the first priest in the Franciscan Order. A Imagedescendant of a noble family, Sylvester once sold Francis stones which were to be used to rebuild a church. When, a short while later, he saw Francis and Bernard of Quintavalle distributing Bernard’s wealth to the poor, Sylvester complained that he had been poorly paid for the stones and asked for more money.

Though Francis obliged, the handful of money he gave Sylvester soon filled him with guilt. He sold all of his goods, began a life of penance and joined Francis and the others. Sylvester became a holy and prayerful man, and a favorite of Francis—a companion on his journeys, the one Francis went to for advice. It was Sylvester and Clare who answered Francis’ query with the response that he should serve God by going out to preach rather than by devoting himself to prayer.

Once in a city where civil war was raging, Sylvester was commanded by Francis to drive the devils out. At the city gate Sylvester cried out: “In the name of almighty God and by virtue of the command of his servant Francis, depart from here, all you evil spirits.” The devils departed and peace returned to the city.

Sylvester lived 14 more years after the death of Francis and is buried near him in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

Comment:

Sylvester probably would have asked a higher price for his stones if he had thought Francis had the money. In today’s world he might have written the difference off on his taxes as a charitable contribution, but that wasn’t an option in his day. Quite understandably, he asked for payment from the money Francis was handing out so freely. So why did he later feel guilty? Perhaps he realized that, like many of us, he placed a higher value on lesser things.

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:

 

TIME – – TALENT – – TREASURE

When you give of your time, talent, and/or treasure are you giving some of yourself as well?  How? 

What priorities have you developed in regard to Franciscan poverty? 

How do you share of yourself with, and for, others in these three areas of life? Can you do more?

 

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #’s 6 & 7 of 26:


 

6.  They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.

Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialog of apostolic effectiveness and creativity.

 

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7.  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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14

Jul. ’10

“♪♬ Who Do You Say You Are, Mr. Big Shot! ♬♪” – Mt 11:25-27†


I started Saint Louis de Monfort’s “Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary” novena this week.  This prayer novena is 34 days of prayers, meditation, and reflection on Jesus’ teachings, and Mary’s faith in Jesus as a model for us to mimic.  This novena always ends on a Marian Feast Day, so can be started many times throughout the year.  There are tons of websites dedicated to this novena for those interested.  It is even on Facebook now!  I do this novena every year, and have received much in return each time.  Please consider this novena: “Try it, you’ll like it!”

 

Today in Catholic History:

†   1771 – Foundation of the Mission San Antonio de Padua in modern California by the Franciscan friar Junípero Serra.
†   664 – Death of Deusdedit of Canterbury, Archbishop of Canterbury
†   1575 – Death of Richard Taverner, English Bible translator
†   1614 – Death of Camillus de Lellis, Italian saint (b. 1550)

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Quote or Joke of the Day:

A disciple once complained, “You tell us stories, but you never reveal their meaning to us.” The master replied, “How would you like it if someone offered you fruit and chewed it up for you before giving it to you?” — Anonymous

 

Today’s reflection is about Jesus being the exclusive revelation of God.
     

At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.  All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.  (NRSV Mt 11:25-27)

 

Today’s Gospel Reading, with some very minor variations is identical with Luke 10:21-22.  It introduces a little joy into this part of Matthews’s gospel where unbelief seems to dominate.  While the “wise and the intelligent,” [the Scribes and Pharisees], rejected Jesus’ preaching and the significance of his striking actions and conduct; the trusting and innocent accepted them.  

As a child, I thought of God as a stern judge, sitting at a big desk with a gigantic book open and quill pen in hand, making notations in the book with every sin; and condemning me for every transgression that I made.  My friends say He must have had a very big book, just for me: and I always told them that I was a “victim of circumstances!”

At that young age, I saw “God” as a distant, scowling, unapproachable “Zeus-type” figure; sort of like an Ebenezer Scrooge turned Greek God.  Isn’t it a pity that there are many adults today that still see God this way, such as the Islamic belief of an “Allah” being a stern judge and Ruler. 

On the other hand, I always saw Jesus as being much nicer.  He was not only a “sort-of-God;” He was also a man.  Jesus seemed to be more kind, and more caring than “God,” and was always talking about love instead of judging people.

With the maturity of many birthdays and experiences granted to me from the grace of God, I now know better.  Besides, God would have had one helluva case of carpal tunnel disease, and arthritis of the hand by this time; again solely because of me.

Acceptance of “mysteries” and graces depends solely on God’s revelation made available to us: but it is granted only to those who are open to receive it; and is usually rebuffed by the arrogant, the proud, and self-important that are not open to anything but themselves.  Divine communication is a powerful irreducible religious mystery, with Jesus being the exclusive revelation of the Father!

Jesus is capable of speaking about all “mysteries” unknown to us, because He IS the “Son” of the “Father,” and thus the perfect recipient and disseminator of knowledge between Himself and the Father; “things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows … except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses.”

Jesus came to earth to reunite and bring us together, with God.  We need to keep in mind that it was God that sent Jesus to us, in human form.  Sending a being to earth to “save” us is a ‘less-than-nothing’ accomplishment for a divine being such as God.  Making that being a “human” without the usual corporal act necessary is also no real mystery for this omnipotent God.  These two actions to me are simply facts based on faith.  Here is the ultimate “faith” statement for me, and an absolutely true “Mystery:” Jesus IS God, and God IS Jesus! 

God wants to have a relationship with us.  He sent Himself, in the form of the totally divine and totally human Jesus, to do just that (Gives new meaning to the phrase, “He gave 200 % to his job!”).  God is not a checklist maker and judge with gavel in hand, waiting to slam it down hard while yelling “GUILTY!” 

God is the loving Father we should have all had.  God is the Father that leads the innocent; and allows His children to experiment with life while He closely watches.  God is the Father that weeps bitterly when we turn our backs on Him, and rejoices and jumps for delight when we remember Him by continuing His work on earth.  And God is the one that wishes to hear from us and to talk to us as often as possible; and is sad when we ignore him.   He just wants to be a continual part of our daily lives.

How do we find God?  That’s simple!  All we need to do is open our arms and hearts to Him:  He is right there, next to you right now.

 

“Act of Faith”

 

“O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.”

 

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

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Franciscan Saint of the Day:  Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680)

 

The blood of martyrs is the seed of saints. Nine years after the Jesuits Isaac Jogues and John de Brébeuf were tomahawked by Iroquois warriors, a baby girl was born near the place of their martyrdom, Auriesville, New York.

Her mother was a Christian Algonquin, taken captive by the Iroquois and given as wife to the chief of the Mohawk clan, the boldest and fiercest of the Five Nations. When she was four, Kateri lost her parents and little brother in a smallpox epidemic that left her disfigured and half blind. She was adopted by an uncle, who succeeded her father as chief. He hated the coming of the Blackrobes (Jesuit missionaries), but could do nothing to them because a peace treaty with the French required their presence in villages with Christian captives. She was moved by the words of three Blackrobes who lodged with her uncle, but fear of him kept her from seeking instruction. She refused to marry a Mohawk brave and at 19 finally got the courage to take the step of converting. She was baptized with the name Kateri (Catherine) on Easter Sunday.

Now she would be treated as a slave. Because she would not work on Sunday, she received no food that day. Her life in grace grew rapidly. She told a missionary that she often meditated on the great dignity of being baptized. She was powerfully moved by God’s love for human beings and saw the dignity of each of her people.

She was always in danger, for her conversion and holy life created great opposition. On the advice of a priest, she stole away one night and began a 200-mile walking journey to a Christian Indian village at Sault St. Louis, near Montreal.

For three years she grew in holiness under the direction of a priest and an older Iroquois woman, giving herself totally to God in long hours of prayer, in charity and in strenuous penance. At 23 she took a vow of virginity, an unprecedented act for an Indian woman, whose future depended on being married. She found a place in the woods where she could pray an hour a day—and was accused of meeting a man there!

Her dedication to virginity was instinctive: She did not know about religious life for women until she visited Montreal. Inspired by this, she and two friends wanted to start a community, but the local priest dissuaded her. She humbly accepted an “ordinary” life. She practiced extremely severe fasting as penance for the conversion of her nation. She died the afternoon before Holy Thursday. Witnesses said that her emaciated face changed color and became like that of a healthy child. The lines of suffering, even the pockmarks, disappeared and the touch of a smile came upon her lips. She was beatified in 1980.

Comment:

We like to think that our proposed holiness is thwarted by our situation. If only we could have more solitude, less opposition, better health. Kateri repeats the example of the saints: Holiness thrives on the cross, anywhere. Yet she did have what Christians—all people—need: the support of a community. She had a good mother, helpful priests, Christian friends. These were present in what we call primitive conditions, and blossomed in the age-old Christian triad of prayer, fasting and alms: union with God in Jesus and the Spirit, self-discipline and often suffering, and charity for her brothers and sisters.

Quote:

Kateri said: “I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love. The state of helpless poverty that may befall me if I do not marry does not frighten me. All I need is a little food and a few pieces of clothing. With the work of my hands I shall always earn what is necessary and what is left over I’ll give to my relatives and to the poor. If I should become sick and unable to work, then I shall be like the Lord on the cross. He will have mercy on me and help me, I am sure.”

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 #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.

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05

Jan. ’10

“Popes Do Read the Bible!” – Jer 3:15


This is Missouri; not Canada.  We should not be this cold.  This weather really makes me wonder about global warming.  The good news is that my boys are back in school – YEAH!!!
 
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Pope Benedict XVI

 

Quote or Joke of the Day:

  

 “I would have made a good Pope.” (Richard M. Nixon)

  

Today’s Meditation:

  

I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.  (NAB Jer 3:15)

 

What an awesome verse for Catholics.  In the Old Testament, I found proof for the succession of the Apostles to our current pope: Pope Benedict XVI.  There are plenty of such verses in the New Testament, but I love that I found this one in the OT.  The Catholic Church had been started with the first Eucharist, and that Eucharist has continued uninterrupted, through a line from Jesus to the Apostles, and through their successors: the bishops and Pope.  No other Christian congregation can rightly claim this same succession.

Jesus, the true shepherd; ruled wisely, prudently, and with compassion.  The image we see often in paintings is with His heart exposed.  Why?  It proves that He was MAN, as well as divine.  Jesus gave this same heart and body to reclaim His people.  The compassion, wisdom, and piety continues through the bishops and Pope by way of the Holy Spirit.  These men, as is published often in the news, may be susceptible to the evils of free-will; but when teaching the faith, in union with the Magisterium, do so without error.  The Holy Spirit can do no wrong, for He and not man, is perfect.  

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

  

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #5:

  

Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of St. Francis, who often said, “I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except His most holy body and blood,” should be the inspiration and pattern of their Eucharistic life.  

   

   

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