December 4, 2016 - Prepare for the Second Coming of Christ

The Second Sunday of Advent - Year A

Reading I: Isaiah 11:1-10
Response: Psalm 72
Reading II: Romans 15: 4-9
Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Last week, we focused on the coming of Jesus as a Emmanuel, God with us.  This week we focus on the second coming of Jesus, as it was predicted by Isaiah who said:            
          
      Justice shall be the band around his waist,
      and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.
      Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,
      and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
      The calf and the young lion shall browse
      together, with a little child to guide them.  
     (Isaiah 11:5-6)

When Jesus returns, he comes as a merciful judge.  However, he calls us to justice which is the only way we can have peace. John O’Malley, S.J. said, “Pope Francis is continually pushing us beyond the comforts of our religious boundaries to encounter the one human family.” 

Sometimes, I have felt discouraged about bringing about the Kingdom of God. I say to myself, “What can I do?” Then, I realize that I can make God’s kingdom come in my own heart. That is how it has to happen. It is one person at a time bringing justice and peace to his or her own environment.

However, I am still disturbed that I cannot do more when I see the Native American protesters being put down by the government. They are simply asking that the pipeline carrying oil not go through their land. Signing the petition on their behalf and joining others who oppose the action, does not seem to have helped. Then, I see so many innocent African Americans, even children, being shot practically every day. Concern for the immigrants is also weighing on my heart, not to mention all the atrocities in other countries.

Although I often feel overwhelmed by the situations in our world, I remind myself that God can bring good out of evil. I always appreciate the positive things that newscasters present after sharing the tragic stories. The good done by ordinary people, even little children, gives me hope.

How important this is today! We must continue to reach out in love and care for all our brothers and sisters, the beloved children of our heavenly Father. Jesus came and will come for us all. Jesus is the Lord of All, our Merciful Judge, and our Prince of Peace.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Prepararse para la Segunda Venida de Cristo

La semana pasada, nos enfocamos en la venida de Jesús como Emmanuel, Dios con nosotros. Esta semana nos centramos en la segunda venida de Jesús, como fue predicho por Isaías quien dijo:

          

      La justicia será la banda alrededor de su cintura,

      Y la fidelidad un cinturón en sus caderas.

      Entonces el lobo será un huésped del cordero,

      Y el leopardo se acostará con el niño;

      El becerro y el león joven

      Juntos, con un niño pequeño para guiarlos.

     (Isaías 11: 5-6)

Cuando Jesús regresa, viene como un juez misericordioso. Sin embargo, él nos llama a la justicia, que es la única manera en que podemos tener paz. John O'Malley, S.J. Dijo: “El Papa Francisco nos empuja continuamente más allá de las comodidades de nuestras fronteras religiosas para encontrarnos con la única familia humana.”

A veces, me he sentido desalentado acerca de la realización del Reino de Dios. Me digo a mí mismo, “¿Qué puedo hacer?” Entonces, me doy cuenta de que puedo hacer que el reino de Dios venga en mi propio corazón. Así es como tiene que suceder. Es una persona a la vez que trae justicia y paz a su propio ambiente.

Sin embargo, todavía estoy preocupado de que no puedo hacer más cuando veo a los manifestantes nativos americanos que son puestos por el gobierno. Simplemente están pidiendo que la tubería que transporta petróleo no pase por sus tierras. Firmar la petición en su nombre y unirse a otros que se oponen a la acción, no parece haber ayudado. Entonces, veo a tantos afroamericanos inocentes, incluso a niños, siendo asesinados casi todos los días. La preocupación por los inmigrantes también está pesando en mi corazón, por no hablar de todas las atrocidades en otros países.

Aunque a menudo me siento abrumado por las situaciones en nuestro mundo, me recuerdo a mí mismo que Dios puede sacar lo bueno del mal. Siempre aprecio las cosas positivas que presentan los periodistas tras compartir las trágicas historias. El bien hecho por la gente común, incluso los niños pequeños, me da esperanza.

¡Qué importante es esto hoy! Debemos seguir amando y cuidando a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas, los hijos amados de nuestro Padre celestial. Jesús vino y vendrá por todos nosotros. Jesús es el Señor de todos, nuestro Misericordioso Juez, y nuestro Príncipe de Paz.

November 27, 2016 - Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord

First Sunday of Advent - Year A

Reading 1: Isaiah 2: 1-5
Response:  Psalm 122
Reading 2: Rom.13:11-14
Gospel: Matt. 24:37-44


“Advent” means “coming.”  For that reason we call the time before Christmas the Season of Advent. The emphasis on beautiful lighting during the Christmas season reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World. His coming made the world a better place because of the love He gave and that He asks His followers to share.


How can we  prepare for the coming of Jesus?

There are many ways Christians choose to prepare His way. In spite of the commercialism which has sometimes distracted us from the real meaning of Christmas, we still see some aspects of the spirit of Christ in the outreach to those in need and taking time to be with family and friends, and the effort to go to Church on the holy day.


St. John the Baptist’s admonition to prepare the way of the Lord makes me question whether there is something more to be done as we await the coming of the Lord. Is there a deeper way of preparing for his coming in the midst of the busyness of this time?

Do we need to be reminded that Christ comes to us daily in the form of brothers and sisters who need our love? Besides the material needs, there are so many who are lonely, who are grieving, who are not understood, who need forgiveness, who need faith, who need encouragement, who need purpose, who need to know of God’s love and presence. How can we attempt to fulfill those needs? Let us ask the Lord to open our eyes and hearts to recognize the coming of Jesus in these people.


Another way I find helpful to keep Christ in Christmas is to focus on one of the Names of Jesus during the day. In the official prayers of the Church, we find this practice in the O Antiphons from December 20-25.  However, there are many more names of Jesus besides those seven: Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of nations, Emmanuel, God with Us. 
Some names which might keep us focused earlier in Advent are the following: Everlasting Light,  Redeemer, Glory of  Israel, Anointed One, Beloved Son, Gift of God, etc. All these and many more can be found in the Bible.

Let us keep our eyes on the Lord by simply recalling one of his names as we go about our busy days.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Prepara el Camino del Señor

“Adviento” significa “venir”. Por eso llamamos la época antes de Navidad la Temporada de Adviento. El énfasis en la iluminación hermosa durante la estación de la Navidad nos recuerda que Jesús es la luz del mundo. Su venida hizo al mundo un lugar mejor debido al amor que Él dio y que Él pide a Sus seguidores compartir.

¿Cómo podemos prepararnos para la venida de Jesús?

Hay muchas maneras en que los cristianos eligen preparar Su camino. A pesar del mercantilismo que a veces nos ha distraído del verdadero significado de la Navidad, todavía podemos ver algunos aspectos del espíritu de Cristo en el acercamiento a los necesitados y tomar tiempo para estar con la familia y los amigos y el esfuerzo de ir a la Iglesia en el día santo.

La advertencia de San Juan Bautista para preparar el camino del Señor me hace cuestionar si hay algo más que hacer mientras esperamos la venida del Señor. ¿Existe una manera más profunda de prepararse para su venida en medio de la ocupación de este tiempo?

¿Necesitamos recordar que Cristo viene a nosotros diariamente en forma de hermanos y hermanas que necesitan nuestro amor? Además de las necesidades materiales, hay tantos que están solos, que están afligidos, que no son entendidos, que necesitan perdón, que necesitan fe, que necesitan aliento, que necesitan propósito, que necesitan conocer el amor y la presencia de Dios. ¿Cómo podemos intentar satisfacer esas necesidades? Pidamos al Señor que abra nuestros ojos y corazones para reconocer la venida de Jesús en estas personas.

Otra manera que encuentro útil para mantener a Cristo en Navidad es centrarse en uno de los Nombres de Jesús durante el día. En las oraciones oficiales de la Iglesia, encontramos esta práctica en las O Antífonas del 20 al 25 de diciembre. Sin embargo, hay muchos más nombres de Jesús además de los siete: Sabiduría, Señor, Raíz de Isaí, Llave de David, Princesa, Rey de las naciones, Emmanuel, Dios con Nosotros. Algunos nombres que nos podrían mantener enfocados antes en Adviento son los siguientes: Luz eterna, Redentor, Gloria de Israel, Ungido, Hijo Amado, Regalo de Dios, etc. Todos estos y muchos más se pueden encontrar en la Biblia.

Mantengamos nuestros ojos en el Señor simplemente recordando uno de sus nombres a medida que avanzamos en nuestros días ocupados.

November 20, 2016 - Feast of Christ the King

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

Reading I:  2 Samuel 5:1-3
Response:  Ps.122
Reading II: Colossians1:12-20
Gospel: Luke 23: 35-43

In this week’s Gospel, we hear the beautiful words of the “good thief,”...“Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” We also rejoice in Jesus’ touching response: “I promise you that today you will be with me in paradise.” Somehow, the thief was able to recognize the holiness of Jesus and to trust in his mercy. This had to be a very special grace. He was granted this gift out of the pure abundance of God’s mercy. What peace and joy must have filled his heart!

Yes, we are also blessed to have such a loving and generous Savior. As we contemplate the image of Christ the King, we see him gesturing peace. In the Scriptures, we often hear him offering us peace. However, like the good thief, we must trust in his goodness and surrender ourselves to Him as our King if we are to have that peace. We need to follow his ways acknowledging that his way of love is the only way we can have peace in our families, our country, and in our world.

This is so important these days as our country, torn apart politically, must strive to come together in the aftermath of a very deeply divisive election. Let us remember that the important thing is to
maintain good relationships not only with those who agree with us, but also with those who see things differently.

This can start with praying especially for them, and respecting them although we may not agree with them. We need to move on, despite our own concerns and fears. Jesus is still King.

In the image above, we see that he holds the world in his hands. Presently, things seem to be out of control, but, as the song goes... “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” In spite of our mistakes and sinfulness, “the Lord can write straight with crooked lines.”

Sometimes, we need to go through difficult times to remind ourselves that we need God. Tragedy can bring us to our knees. However, we read in Holy Scripture that “for those who love God, all things work together unto good.” (Romans 8:28)


See our new blog Spanish Translation below:

En el Evangelio de esta semana, escuchamos las hermosas palabras de el “buena ladrón,”
…“Acuérdate de mí cuando vengas en tu reino.” Nosotros también regocijo en respuesta tocar a Jesús: “Te prometo que hoy estará conmigo en el paraíso.” De alguna manera, el ladrón fue capaz de reconocer la santidad de Jesús y confiar en su misericordia. Esto tenía que ser una gracia muy especial. Se le concedió este regalo fuera de la pura abundancia de la misericordia de Dios. Lo que la paz y la alegría debe de haber llenado su corazón!

Sí, también la suerte de tener un Salvador tan amoroso y generoso. Al contemplar la imagen de Cristo Rey, lo vemos haciendo un gesto de paz. En las Escrituras, que a menudo le oímos nos ofrece la paz. Sin embargo, como el buen ladrón hay que confiar en su bondad y entrega a Él como nuestro Rey, si queremos tener esa paz. Necesitamos seguir sus caminos reconociendo que su forma de amor es la única manera que podemos tener paz en nuestras familias, nuestro país y en nuestro mundo.

Esto es tan importante en estos días como nuestro país, desgarrado políticamente, deben esforzarse para reunirse como consecuencia de una elección muy profundas divisiones. Recordemos que lo importante es mantener buenas relaciones no sólo con los que están de acuerdo con nosotros, pero también para aquellos que lo ve cosas de manera diferente.

Esto puede comenzar con la oración especialmente para ellos, y respetarlos aunque no estemos de acuerdo con ellos. Tenemos que seguir adelante a pesar de nuestras propias preocupaciones y temores. Jesús sigue siendo el rey.

En la imagen de arriba vemos que sostiene el mundo en sus manos. En este momento, las cosas parecen estar fuera de control, pero, como dice la canción: “Él tiene el mundo entero en sus manos.” A pesar de nuestros errores y pecaminoso, “el Señor puede escribe derecho con líneas torcidas.”

A veces, tenemos que pasar por momentos difíciles de recordar que necesitamos a Dios. Tragedia nos puede poner de rodillas. Sin embargo, leemos en la Santa Escritura que “para aquellos que aman a Dios, todas las cosas les ayudan a bien.” (Romanos 8:28)

November 13, 2016 - the Destruction of the Temple

The Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

Reading I: Malachi 3: 19-20a
Psalm: 98
Reading II: 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12
Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

In the first reading we hear of death and destruction, and it seems that God is angry and punishing people. However, when we see the face of God in Jesus, we see a loving and merciful God. How can we explain some of the violence that is attributed to God and seemingly encouraged by him? I used to question the use of some
of the Psalms which seem to be asking God’s vengeance on our enemies.
       
Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, writes: “God is non-violent. God does not prescribe violence. Violence should never be rationalized in God’s name.” That is clear in Christian revelation. To support this, Fr. Ron tells us to keep two things in mind: First, that when the Scripture speaks about God as if he is angry, etc., it is speaking “anthropomorphically.” That simply means that we are projecting our own human thoughts and feelings into God. When Scripture says that we will experience God’s wrath it doesn’t mean that God is angry and will punish us. There is a natural result of sin which serves to punish people. Sometimes, dealing with the results of sin can be devastating. Relationships can be destroyed, physical pain can result, and difficult and painful circumstances can be experienced.

Another caution when studying the Scriptures, is to remember that it can be deceiving to interpret some things written in the Bible literally. Words have meanings which change over time. For example, teenagers do a good job of confusing us when they say something is “bad” when they actually mean “good” or “cool” or even “great.”  However, we can usually interpret the spoken word correctly. The challenge is when we have a written word that was used long before we were born, or when it is in a language which we do not know.

Father Ron talks about the example of archetypical stories to teach lessons, but which were not intended to be taken literally. An archetypical story is a universal symbol or representation. One example might be “mother earth” because it nourishes, sustains, gives comfort like a mother. A journey can also represent life with its up’s and down’s. Many archetypical stories represent good vs. evil.  A scapegoat represents a person who is blamed for everything that goes wrong even when he/she is not responsible.

Fr. Ron cites God’s command to the Israelites to kill all the inhabitants of Canaan when they enter the Promised Land. That is simply a metaphor (an implied comparison) to do away with all things which might tempt them to wander from the path of holiness.  This reminds me of the advice given at Weight Watchers meetings. A recommendation is to remove items which are trigger foods from your living situation. In that way, you will not be tempted so much.

What is to be concluded with all of this? Let us remember the human face of the merciful Jesus, the God-man. Fr. Ron quotes Walter Brueggermann as saying: “God is in recovery from all the violence that has been attributed to him and done in his name.” Let us hold in our hearts the words: “God is love.” (1 John 4:8).

November 6, 2016 - The Resurrection of the Dead

The Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time  -  Year C

Reading I:   2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
Response :  Psalm 17
Reading II:  2 Thessalonians 2:6-3:5
Gospel:  Luke 20:27-28

In today’s Gospel, we find the Sadducees attempting to discredit Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees did not believe in bodily resurrection. Humans survived as ghosts in a place called Sheol, a shadowy underworld. On the other hand, the Pharisees believed that the afterlife was an extension of this life into eternity. The Sadducees considered this foolish.

The Hebrew Scriptures had preserved the brave words of one of the seven brothers who refused to disobey the law by eating pork. His response to the threat of death was the following: “It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him.”

Some Sadducees decided to try to trap Jesus by posing a situation in which a woman had been married seven times. According to the law, if a man died childless, his brother was to marry the wife and raise children on behalf of his deceased sibling. The story proposed that there would be seven brothers who could claim the wife. Jesus was asked which one she would belong to at the resurrection.

Jesus response was that the risen life will be a new experience in which we will share in the life and love of God. Limited earthly experiences will be replaced by more profound ones which will provide for unity with God and one another on a new level. Jesus said that we cannot even imagine what God has prepared for those who love him.

We have all heard of near-death experiences of people who are reluctant to return to earth because of the peace and joy they had, as a taste of heaven. This can be a source of comfort to us as our loved ones are called home to God.

As Catholics, we believe in the Communion of Saints, a unity with those who have gone before us and those of us still here on earth. Again, we do not know exactly what form our reunion in heaven will take. Our God is a God of love and surprises. We can look forward to the best surprise of all!!!