Monday, July 29, 2019

August 4, 2019 _ Treasures in Heaven

August 4, 2019  Treasures in Heaven  - Year C


Reading I:   Ecclesiastes
1:2, 2:21-23

Psalm:  90

Reading II:  Colossians 3:
1-5, 9-11

Gospel: 
Luke 12:13-21


In today’s Gospel of Luke, we hear Jesus teaching his followers about the foolishness of being greedy. He tells a parable (a story to teach a lesson) about a rich farmer who is doing well and has barns totally filled. He decides to tear down his barns and build larger ones to hold more grain and other possessions. 

Then he says to himself: “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”  However, God says to him, “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?”

What are some other reasons that focus on making large amounts of money, hoarding things, or seeking after fame or popularity is foolish? First, our life here is short. If we spend our time and energies on such things, we will miss out on the important things asked of us by our Creator: to love Him, our neighbor, and ourselves.

Today, it seems as if we are being encouraged to focus on worldly things. In particular, I recall the TV program called ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.’ That came into my mind one day as I was walking through a park with a little girl who looked up at me and asked: “Would you like to be rich and famous?” When I responded that I was not interested in that, she remained quiet. That response probably surprised her since wealth and prestige seemed to be what people desire.

In Matthew’s Gospel, he lists the teachings of Jesus in a meaningful way. Regarding the pursuit of riches, he says:
       
       Do not store up riches for yourselves where on earth, where 
       moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. 
       Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths 
       and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and 
       steal.  For your heart will always be where your riches are.                                                                                              — Matthew 6:19

Matthew vividly describes the Final Judgment. Jesus is pictured as a King on his throne. People of all nations are gathered before Him. He separates them into two groups. On His right, He puts the righteous and says: “Come you are blessed by my Father!  Come and possess the Kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you cared for me; in prison and you visited me.’

The righteous will respond by asking when they came to the aid of the King.  His reply will be: ‘I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me!’

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Away from me, you that are under God’s curse! Away to the eternal fire which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels!  I was hungry, but you would not feed me, thirsty…, I tell you, whenever you refused to help one of these least important ones, you refused to help me.’ These, then, will be sent off to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life.”   
                                       — Matthew 25:34-46


 Reflection Question:   Which work of mercy to you feel called to perform this coming week?


Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Tesoros en el Cielo

Jesús enseñando a sus seguidores acerca de la insensatez de ser codicioso. Él cuenta una parábola (una historia para enseñar una lección) sobre un granjero rico que está bien y tiene graneros totalmente llenos. Decide derribar sus graneros y construir otros más grandes para contener más granos y otras posesiones.

Entonces se dice a sí mismo: Ahora, en cuanto a ti, tienes muchas cosas buenas almacenadas durante muchos años, descansa, come, bebe, ¡sé feliz!  Sin embargo, Dios le dice:Tonto, esta noche tu vida te será exigida; y las cosas que has preparado, ¿a quién van a pertenecer?

¿Cuáles son algunas otras razones que se centran en hacer grandes cantidades de dinero, acaparar cosas o buscar fama o popularidad es una tontería? Primero, nuestra vida aquí es corta. Si dedicamos nuestro tiempo y energía a tales cosas, perderemos las cosas importantes que nos pide nuestro Creador: amarlo a Él, a nuestro prójimo y a nosotros mismos.

Hoy en día, parece que estamos siendo alentados a enfocarnos en cosas mundanas. En particular, recuerdo el programa de televisión llamado Estilos de vida de los ricos y famosos’. Eso me vino a la mente un día mientras caminaba por un parque con una niña que me miró y me preguntó: ¿Te gustaría ser rico y famoso? Cuando respondí que no estaba interesada en eso, ella se quedó callada. Esa respuesta probablemente la sorprendió ya que la riqueza y el prestigio parecían ser lo que la gente deseaba.

En el Evangelio de Mateo, él enumera las enseñanzas de Jesús de una manera significativa. Respecto a la búsqueda de riquezas, dice:

       No se acumulen riquezas para ustedes mismos donde en la tierra, donde
       las polillas y el óxido destruyen, y los ladrones entran y roban.
       En su lugar, acumule riquezas para ustedes en el cielo, donde las polillas
       y el óxido no puede destruir, y los ladrones no pueden entrar y
       robar. Porque tu corazón siempre estará donde están tus riquezas.                                                                                            — Mateo 6:19

Mateo describe vívidamente el Juicio Final. Jesús es representado como un rey en su trono. La gente de todas las naciones están reunidas delante de él. Los separa en dos grupos. A su derecha, Él pone a los justos y dice:¡Ven, eres bendecido por mi Padre! Ven y posee el Reino que ha sido preparado para ti desde la creación del mundo. Tuve hambre y me alimentaste, sed y me diste de beber; Fui forastero y me recibiste en tus casas, desnudo y me vestiste; Yo estaba enferma, y ​​tu cuidaste de mi; En la cárcel y tú me visitaste’.

Los justos responderán preguntando cuándo acudieron en ayuda del rey. Su respuesta será: Te digo, siempre que hiciste esto por uno de los menos importantes de estos hermanos míos, ¡lo hiciste por mí!’

Entonces dirá a los de su izquierda: “¡Fuera de mí, tú que estás bajo la maldición de Dios! ¡Fuera el fuego eterno que ha sido preparado para el diablo y sus ángeles! Tenía hambre, pero no me darías de comer, sed ... te digo que siempre que te niegues a ayudar a uno de los menos importantes, me niegas a ayudarme. "Estos, entonces, serán enviados al castigo eterno, pero los justos irán a la vida eterna”.
                                       Mateo 25:34-46


 Pregunta de Reflexión:   ¿Qué trabajo de misericordia te sientes llamado a realizar esta próxima semana?


Comments:
Stephanie Morris, Ph. D, Historian, Certified Archivist, emerita
Mother Katharine said that “There is nothing little in what is done for God.” An “act of mercy” can be something as small as calling or sending a cheery card to an elderly or infirm neighbor. Returning a shopping cart to the store or to the nearest “cart lot” for a woman who has just placed her child and her groceries in her car is a simple act of mercy.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS
Last Sunday my mother, her neighbor, and I went to brunch at the retirement community into which she will soon be moving. A resident named Betsy joined us at the table. After I got mom’s food plated, I headed to the buffet table to select my food. I saw Betsy struggling to balance plates on the seat of her Rollator, and I asked if I could help her. She gratefully accepted. Once we settled in at our table, I asked Betsy to tell us something about herself. Her response was a real fork dropper as she replied, “I am a Holocaust Survivor.” She certainly had our attention. Betsy’s story is one of pain, abuse, starvation, loss and triumph.
The Nazis invaded Amsterdam when Betsy was four years old. She spent the next 5 years in hiding and in encampments, gaining freedom when she was ten years old. She “missed out” on childhood, and up to that time, she had never been to school.  Betsy knew excruciating hunger. Death and devastation were etched in her mind, heart, and soul. In spite of all that horror, she made the decision to greet each day with thanks and the wonder of being alive.  Her entire family was executed in Auschwitz.  Betsy related details of atrocities that tore at my heart. 
A network of farmers hid Betsy and her family, shared their meager food rations and offered moral support.  As she spoke, I thought of how those brave individuals, who were primarily Christians, fulfilled the works of mercy and were Good Samaritans to their Jewish brethren.  The Nazis threatened to burn down their farms if the farmers were harboring Jews.  Yet, the network remained active. The farmers were willing to lay down their lives and their livelihoods to protect their neighbors.
Betsy’s story reminded me of Anne Frank’s story. Anne and her family were hidden for two years before being discovered and transported to death camps.  I also thought of Corrie ten Boom who hid hundreds of Jews in her family home to protect them from arrest by the Nazis. When their activities were discovered, the entire ten Boom family was deported to concentration camps. The ten Boom’s were ardent Christians; their faith inspired them to serve their community, and while imprisoned Corrie and her sister, Betsy, spent evenings in the concentration camp sharing Scripture stories with their fellow Jewish inmates.  Corrie was the only family member to survive.  Her family paid the ultimate price to shelter and nourish Christ’s brothers and sisters.
As for Betsy, when the war ended, she was placed in a United States sponsored shelter where she received her grade school education. She excelled in her studies and was, likewise, sponsored for high school. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in teaching. She enjoyed a career as a college professor, engaging students and professors alike as she shared personal experiences of the Holocaust. She pledged to keep her story alive so that no one forgets the consequences of hate. As we were getting ready to go, Betsy grasped my hand and shared with me that she was feeling great sadness. Her husband had suffered a stroke twelve days prior and was not making much progress. There were days when he did not even recognize her.  I promised to pray for his recovery. She thanked me. The connection that results from such an exchange is nothing short of divine.
Betsy’s story stays with me. I can only hope that fear would not prevent me from acting in a Christ-like manner. The work of mercy I feel called to do this week is to recognize the suffering Christ in all those who call out for help and to take appropriate steps to alleviate their pain. I yearn to hear the words of Jesus, “Come possess the Kingdom.” 

Monday, July 22, 2019

July 28, 2019 ~ All Children of One Father - God

July 28, 2019



Reading I: 
Genesis 18:20-32

Psalm:  138

Reading II: 
Colossians 2:12-14

Gospel: 
Luke 11:1-13


In today’s Gospel of Luke, we hear the disciples asking Jesus how to pray.  He responds, “When you pray, say:
         
             Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
             Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins
             for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not
             subject us to the final test.”

(We are usually more familiar with the translation of Matthew, but the basic meaning is the same.) 

Jesus also tells them: “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened o you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Since God is our loving Father, He does respond to us but not always in the way we want. We often wonder why He does not give us what we ask. Maybe this will help:
   
Imagine that you are in your kitchen and a two-year-old boy asks you for a shiny knife on the table. You probably would not give the child the knife because he might hurt himself or someone else. However, he is angry with you and screaming. What would you do?  
You might offer him something that would not hurt him or you might give him a healthy snack or distract him some other way. You would respond to him in the way that is best even though he does not understand at the time. When he is older he will understand.

The sister of a friend of mine had three children and was stricken with multiple sclerosis. Her father and sister decided to take her to Lourdes in France where Our Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette Soubirous and left healing waters where many people are cured. Of course, we all prayed for a miracle. However, in spite of all the effort and expense to take her to Lourdes, she was never cured.  Maybe the Lord was giving her a spiritual gift, like a deeper trust. We do not know why the cure was withheld from her. However, today, they are all with the Lord and can now understand.

We become so accustomed to saying the “Our Father” that it can become routine. This is such a rich prayer that taking the time to reflect on each word is of great value, e.g. “Our Father,” the Father of all Native peoples, Caucasian people, African people, Chinese people, Hispanic people, Semitic people, straight people, gay, lesbian and bisexual people, handicapped people, Protestant people, Muslim people, Catholic people, atheists, agnostics, etc.

Try slowing down to experience the depth of the prayer’s meaning.

  Reflection Question:   
What word or phrase in the “Our Father” is striking you most at this time?  Explain.



Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Todos Los Hijos de un Padre - Dios

En el Evangelio de Lucas de hoy, escuchamos a los discípulos preguntando a Jesús cómo orar. El responde, Cuando ores, di:
           
             Padre, santificado sea tu nombre. Venga tu reino.
             Danos cada día nuestro pan de cada día y perdona nuestros pecados.
             porque nosotros mismos perdonamos a todos en deuda con nosotros,
             y no lo hacemos 
someternos a la prueba final.

(Usualmente estamos más familiarizados con la traducción de Mateo, pero el significado básico es el mismo.

Jesús también les dice: Pregunta y recibirás; Busca y encontraras; Llama y se te abrirá la puerta. Por cada uno que pide, recibe; y el que busca, encuentra; y al que toca, se abrirá la puerta”.

Como Dios es nuestro Padre amoroso, Él nos responde, pero no siempre de la manera que queremos. A menudo nos preguntamos por qué Él no nos da lo que pedimos. Tal vez esto ayude:
      
Imagina que estás en tu cocina y un niño de dos años te pide un cuchillo brillante en la mesa. Probablemente no le darías el cuchillo al niño porque podría lastimarse a sí mismo oa otra persona. Sin embargo, él está enojado contigo y gritando. ¿Qué harías?
Puede ofrecerle algo que no le haga daño o puede darle una merienda saludable o distraerlo de otra manera. Le responderías de la manera que sea mejor, aunque él no lo comprenda en ese momento. Cuando sea mayor lo entenderá.

La hermana de una amiga mía tuvo tres hijos y sufrió esclerosis múltiple. Su padre y su hermana decidieron llevarla a Lourdes en Francia, donde Nuestra Santísima Madre se apareció a Bernadette Soubirous y dejó aguas curativas donde muchas personas se curan. Por supuesto, todos oramos por un milagro. Sin embargo, a pesar de todo el esfuerzo y los gastos para llevarla a Lourdes, nunca se curó. Tal vez el Señor le estaba dando un don espiritual, como una confianza más profunda. No sabemos por qué se le negó la cura. Sin embargo, hoy, todos están con el Señor y ahora pueden entender.

Nos acostumbramos tanto a decir “Nuestro Padre” que puede convertirse en una rutina. Esta es una oración tan rica que tomarse el tiempo para reflexionar sobre cada palabra es de gran valor, por ejemplo. Padre Nuestro”, el padre de todos los pueblos indígenas, caucásicos, africanos, chinos, hispanos, semitas, heterosexuales, gays, lesbianas y bisexuales, discapacitados, protestantes, musulmanes, católicos, ateos. , agnósticos, etc.

Intenta reducir la velocidad para experimentar la profundidad del significado de la oración.

  Pregunta de Reflexión:   
¿Qué palabra o frase en el "Padre Nuestro" te está golpeando más en este momento? Explique.

Comments:
Stephanie Morris, Ph. D, Historian, Certified Archivist, emerita
“Give us this day our daily bread.”  Jesus did not ask for the week’s menu, only for what was needed for “this day.” Following up on the mindfulness of Martha and Mary, we can be mindful of “one day at a time,” and not worry about things to come (or not to come). Focusing on the present, we can ease the stress we often place on ourselves when we fret about the unknown future. With less stress, we have more energy to be the person God wants us to be.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS
“Give us this day our daily bread.” This petition profoundly humbles, stirs, and challenges me. I am aware that I am expressing my dependency on God for my daily existence, and I am most grateful for the abundant blessings that are mine to enjoy. At the same time, I feel discontent when I say these words, often prayed in the comfort of my kitchen, where many recipes and a well-stocked pantry surround me as I look forward to preparing meals for the days ahead. I stumble over the word “our” because most of the people included in that pronoun are impoverished and hungry and would give anything for daily bread. 

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Is my prayer for another’s daily bread adequate? Bread is meant to be shared, but how can I get bread into the mouths of my starving brothers and sisters living in places where there is no bread? I am overwhelmed by the daily requests for funds that I receive in the mail.  Do my charitable contributions aimed at feeding starving children in Yemen, Syria, South Sudan even make a difference?  I am angry that such injustice exists. Jesus fed the crowds through the incredible miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.  Today, we have enough food to feed everyone. Hunger is caused by poverty and inequality, not scarcity.  The gripping reality is that many of the root causes of poverty and injustice are man-made.  How can we influence misguided leaders and governments to accept the responsibility to end poverty and hunger by investing in programs that will support sustainable livelihoods and improved social protection? In asking these questions, I confess my own participation in this human condition as I recall times I ignored a hungry person begging for food or failed to sign a petition, calling for actions that could contribute to a better standard of living for a poor community.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” How do we define bread?  For what do we hunger? I observe many hungers around me. Within my family, I see hungers for health, direction, human connection, and healing. On the streets of the city, people are dying, hungry for freedom from addictions, neglect, fear, hopelessness, loneliness, poverty, discrimination and hatred. Stories of suffering immigrants tell of multitudes that are hungry for validation, liberty, and the chance for a better life.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” I realize that this musing has taken the tone of venting. There is so much work to be done in the Lord’s harvest that I often forget that Jesus is in the midst of it all.  As I follow my inner wisdom and pause, I find the comfort I seek; my prayers do matter.  Pope Francis states that Jesus teaches us to ask the Father for daily bread. “Christian prayer starts from reality, from the heart and from the flesh of people that live in need, or who share the condition of those that don’t have what is necessary to live. The bread that a Christian asks for in prayer if not “my” but ‘our” bread. It’s how Jesus wants it. He teaches us to ask it, not only for ourselves but for the entire brotherhood of the world. This prayer contains an attitude of empathy and solidarity…I’ll pray to God until their prayer is heard. This is how Jesus educated His community, His Church to bring to God the needs of all: ‘We are all your children, O Father, have mercy on us!’”
“Give us this day our daily bread,” and so it is. Amen

Monday, July 15, 2019

July 21, 2019 - Life in Balance

July 21, 2019  -  Martha and Mary

Reading I:  
Genesis 18:1-10a

Psalm:   15

Reading II:  Colossians 1:24-28

Gospel:  Luke 10:38-42  

This Sunday’s Gospel describes a visit of Jesus with his friends, Martha and Mary. Martha, the perfect hostess, immediately hurries about trying to make Jesus comfortable and feed him.  In the meantime, her sister Mary is sitting with Jesus listening to him and asking him questions.

Martha becomes upset with Mary and asks Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” Jesus responds, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Was Jesus favoring Mary above Martha at this time? I don’t think so. How could he not appreciate the hospitality of Martha? I think He is trying to tell her that she needs balance in her life. It is so easy to get so caught up in activity, even good works, that the most important things can be neglected.

We are all called to have a close, intimate relationship with our God. That requires communicating with Him on a regular basis. Jesus shows us an example of how to do this, by going off by Himself to pray privately to His Father, despite His busy life.

The story about Martha and Mary reminds me of a visit I had with an elderly relative. He was sitting in the living room, listening to music. In the meantime, his only daughter, who had a large family of her own to care for and was working full-time, was busily cleaning the house. Although he appreciated her taking care of the house since his wife had passed away,  he wistfully confided in me that he wished she would do less cleaning and sit down to listen to music with him for a while.

I also remember the parents of a student of mine who were very active in parish ministries. When they realized that they were not giving enough time to their four children and their own relationship, they decided to withdraw from some of their ministries. They chose to put more balance into their lives for the sake of their family.

I am sure the Lord wants us to help one another, but he also wants us to give quality time to Him. He had to strongly defend Mary’s actions because she was being criticized. However, Jesus wants us to follow the example of both Martha and Mary, and to live a balanced life.

 Reflection Question:   How can I maintain a balanced life? Do I need to change anything?



Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
La Vida en Equilibrio

El Evangelio de este domingo describe una visita de Jesús con sus amigos, Marta y María. Martha, la anfitriona perfecta, se apresura inmediatamente a tratar de hacer que Jesús se sienta cómodo y lo alimente. Mientras tanto, su hermana María está sentada con Jesús, escuchándole y haciéndole preguntas.

Martha se enoja con María y le pregunta a Jesús: “Señor, ¿no te importa que mi hermana me haya dejado sola para servir? Dile que me ayude”. Jesús responde, “Martha, Martha, estás ansiosa y preocupada por muchas cosas. Hay necesidad de una sola cosa. María ha elegido la mejor parte y no se la quitarán.”

¿Estaba Jesús favoreciendo a María por encima de Marta en este momento? No lo creo. ¿Cómo no podía apreciar la hospitalidad de Martha?  Creo que él está tratando de decirle que ella necesita equilibrio en su vida. Es tan fácil involucrarse tanto en la actividad, incluso en las buenas obras, que se pueden descuidar las cosas más importantes.

Todos estamos llamados a tener una relación cercana e íntima con nuestro Dios. Eso requiere comunicarse con Él regularmente. Jesús nos muestra un ejemplo de cómo hacer esto, yéndose a orar en privado a su Padre, a pesar de su vida ocupada.

La historia sobre Martha y Mary me recuerda una visita que hice con un pariente anciano. Estaba sentado en la sala de estar, escuchando música. Mientras tanto, su única hija, que tenía una gran familia propia a la que atender y trabajaba a tiempo completo, estaba limpiando la casa. Aunque apreciaba que ella se ocupara de la casa desde que falleció su esposa, confió en mí con nostalgia que deseaba que ella hiciera menos limpieza y se sentara a escuchar música con él por un tiempo.

También recuerdo a los padres de un estudiante mío que era muy activo en los ministerios parroquiales. Cuando se dieron cuenta de que no estaban dando suficiente tiempo a sus cuatro hijos y su propia relación, decidieron retirarse de algunos de sus ministerios. Eligieron poner más equilibrio en sus vidas por el bien de su familia.

Estoy seguro de que el Señor quiere que nos ayudemos unos a otros, pero también quiere que le demos tiempo de calidad. Tuvo que defender con firmeza las acciones de Mary porque estaba siendo criticada. Sin embargo, Jesús quiere que sigamos el ejemplo de Marta y María y que vivamos una vida equilibrada.

 Pregunta de Reflexíon:   ¿Cómo puedo mantener una vida equilibrada? ¿Necesito cambiar algo?


Comments:
Stephanie Morris, Ph. D, Historian, Certified Archivist, emerita
St. Katharine wrote to herself, “Am I crowding the Holy Spirit, God, from my mind by 10,000 useless thoughts?? Don’t.” One way of avoiding this “crowding” is to live in the present moment. By focusing on the present moment, we can do what we have to do with complete concentration. Whether we are praying, working, singing or knitting, we can do just that. Staying in the present moment will enable us to balance all the demands on our time. Maybe if Martha had stayed focused on preparing the meal, she would not have been jealous of Mary’s imagined “laziness” while listening to Jesus. One hopes Mary helped with the clean-up after the meal!

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS
Lately, my “Martha” moments have outpaced my “Mary” time spent alone with the Lord, and I am definitely feeling the disharmony. My mother, who recently celebrated her eighty-ninth birthday, decided it was time to sell her house and move into a retirement community. While I applaud her decision, it has resulted in two months of unprecedented busyness. She has lived in the house for fifty-eight years and has accumulated a lot of “treasures” over those years.  She put a deposit on her dream apartment and signed a promissory note that the balance due on her entrance fee would be paid within ninety days.  I am extremely anxious about that commitment because we do not have the house ready to be put up for sale, and the promised funds will come from the sale of the house. I am trying to move quickly to avoid taking a loan and paying interest, but mom needs to take the time to release her attachment to beloved items. Coupled with her physical limitations, progress is slower than I anticipated.  Regrettably, my stress and fatigue levels have resulted in my missing far too many Morning Prayer times spent in quiet with the Lord. Hitting that snooze button a time or two too many, has resulted in lateness for work as well. I place a very high value on promptness, and these “off times” are definite indicators that I am out of balance. 
I believe that the Lord is sending me reminders to get back on track. A recent Guide Post reflection depicted Jesus as a caretaker, pointing out that the disciples followed him everywhere and depended on Him for everything. There were sick people pulling on his garments asking for healing, and there were other people who came to Jesus seeking healing of others… We get the picture.  Jesus was a very busy guy. However, He performed His ministerial duties perfectly. He was fully present to His teaching, preaching and healing, so much so that He even restored life to the dead.  In spite of all the demands, Jesus used His time perfectly.  Jesus was able to do all those things because He had His priorities in order. God came first, always. Everything else followed. 
I regard that meditation as a message from the Lord reminding me to trust that I will receive the energy I need to accomplish my daily tasks if I am steadfast in my Morning Prayer practice. Like Jesus, I can engage in conversation with the Father anytime during the day asking for what I need, be it patience, perseverance, understanding – anything I find myself lacking. 
So many of us serve as caretakers.  It is easy to be thrown off balance by the demands and frustrations of daily life.  When overwhelm is running the show, we need to pause and remember that God is always present, always caring. Taking the time to pray and talk to God, and to offer up our service as prayer to Him, will help restore us to wholeness and peace and return joy to our spirit. 
I close with one caretaker’s prayer, taken from Guidepost, “Strength and Grace,” June/July 2019 booklet.
“Father, Your Son was a caregiver for all of His life. May He be my example, my hope, and my strength every day.  For Jesus’ sake, I pray.”\

Monday, July 8, 2019

7-14-19 The Good Samaritan

July 14, 2019  -  The Good Samaritan
  
Image © LUMO Project
Reading I:
Deuteronomy
30:10-14

Psalm:  69

Reading II:
Colossians 1:15-20

Gospel:
 
Luke 10: 25-37


“Good Samaritan” has become a common expression to refer to a person who goes out of his or her way to help a stranger in need. Many are not aware of the fact that the expression comes from the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” preached by Jesus Himself.

When a lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus reminds him of the law and asks him how he reads it. The lawyer responds that he must Love God and one’s neighbor as himself.  Jesus tells him he is correct. However, the lawyer challenges Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus knows that the prevailing belief is that only Jews are neighbors. He wants to expand their understanding, so He tells the “Parable of the Good Samaritan.”

Jesus describes a situation in which a man is attacked by robbers, stripped and beaten half to death.  Both a priest and a lawyer saw him, but walked on, offering no help. However, a Samaritan has compassion, stops, cares for his wounds, takes him to an inn, continues to care for him, even pays the innkeeper to care for him. Then, he offers to repay the innkeeper if he spends more than he was given.

Jesus had two strong messages which He gives to his listeners. First, what He expects of His disciples is inclusiveness in their bringing the good news to others. The Samaritans were not respected by the Jews not just because they were from a different province, but because they were of mixed blood. They practiced a different religion, accepting only the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. On the other hand, the Jews also accepted other books of the Bible. The Samaritans had their temple in on Mount Gerizim, while the Jews had their temple in Jerusalem. The Samaritans were considered to be a low breed. You can imagine how they felt when Jesus presents to them a Samaritan as a model of brotherly love!

The second message Jesus gave was to call for generosity among his followers. He expects them to sacrifice their own comfort and goods to bring love and care to others. He asks them and us to reach out to those suffering from loneliness, prejudice, injustice, poverty, illness, etc. The Samaritan was traveling somewhere when he stopped to help, put himself out, interrupted his trip, paid for the care of the injured man and showed the type of kindness that Jesus wants of His followers. That is the same challenge Jesus gives to us.

 Reflection Question:  Can you give an example of  someone you know or heard about who acted as a Good Samaritan?”


Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
El Buen Samaritano

Buen Samaritano se ha convertido en una expresión común para referirse a una persona que hace todo lo posible por ayudar a un extraño necesitado. Muchos no son conscientes del hecho de que la expresión proviene de la Parábola del Buen Samaritano predicada por el mismo Jesús.

Cuando un abogado le pregunta a Jesús qué debe hacer para heredar la vida eterna, Jesús le recuerda la ley y le pregunta cómo la lee. El abogado responde que debe amar a Dios y al prójimo como a sí mismo. Jesús le dice que tiene razón. Sin embargo, el abogado desafía a Jesús: ¿Quién es mi prójimo?” Jesús sabe que la creencia predominante es que solo los judíos son vecinos. Él quiere expandir su comprensión, por lo que dice la  Parábola del Buen Samaritano”.

Jesús describe una situación en la que un hombre es atacado por ladrones, desnudado y golpeado hasta la mitad. Tanto un sacerdote como un abogado lo vieron, pero siguieron caminando, sin ofrecer ayuda. Sin embargo, un samaritano tiene compasión, se detiene, cuida sus heridas, lo lleva a una posada, lo sigue cuidando, incluso le paga al posadero para que lo cuide. Luego, se ofrece a pagarle al posadero si gasta más de lo que le dieron.

Jesús tenía dos mensajes fuertes que él da a sus oyentes. Primero, lo que Él espera de sus discípulos es la inclusión en el hecho de llevar las buenas nuevas a los demás. Los samaritanos no eran respetados por los judíos no solo porque eran de una provincia diferente, sino porque eran de sangre mixta. Practicaban una religión diferente, aceptando solo la Torá, los primeros cinco libros de la Biblia. Por otro lado, los judíos también aceptaron otros libros de la Biblia. Los samaritanos tenían su templo en el Monte Gerizim, mientras que los judíos tenían su templo en Jerusalén. Los samaritanos eran considerados de una raza baja. ¡Puedes imaginarte cómo se sintieron cuando Jesús les presenta a un samaritano como modelo de amor fraternal!

El segundo mensaje que dio Jesús fue para pedir generosidad entre sus seguidores. Él espera que sacrifiquen su propia comodidad y bienes para traer amor y cuidado a los demás. Él nos pide que nos pongamos en contacto con aquellos que sufren de soledad, prejuicio, injusticia, pobreza, enfermedad, etc. Hombre y mostró el tipo de bondad que Jesús quiere de sus seguidores. Ese es el mismo desafío que Jesús nos da.

 Pregunta de Reflexión:  ¿Puede dar un ejemplo de alguien que conoce o escuchó acerca de quién actuó como un “buen samaritano”?


Comments:
Stephanie Morris, Ph. D, Historian, Certified Archivist, emerita
Moses told the people that they should “heed the voice of the Lord, your God, and keep his commandments. The scholar told Jesus that the law was to “love the Lord, your God with all your heart …and your neighbor as yourself.” Actions speak louder than words. By living the love of God we can draw more people to experience God’s love than by just talking about it.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

Jesus commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  We ask, “Who is my neighbor?” hoping for an affable response.
The door to her home, and her heart, was always open. As a child, I spent weekends at her house. My cousins, their friends, and usually an unrelated adult or two, hung out there as well. The environment was lively, as well as colorful.  Guests and visitors were of varied ages, races, beliefs, and interests. My memory is of a big old house with a huge “parlor” which, at Christmas time, held the biggest tree imaginable. The magical thing was that Santa always left a gift for whoever happened to be there during that season. I recall times when entire families “visited,” and stayed indefinitely. It wasn’t until I was much older that I learned they had no other place to live. Then there was Charlie. Charlie was a middle-aged single man without any family. He was a truck driver, on the road a lot, but in between road trips, he needed a place to stay. He became a boarder at the house and found a family that welcomed him as a member. He lived there for a very long season of life until his health deteriorated to the point he needed skilled care and transitioned to a facility.  Aunt Doris was a professional singer and the band practiced in the parlor; music, singing and laughter filled the room. As we grew up, married, and had our own children, we just kept coming back. Whenever any of our kids, or extended family members got sick, Aunt Doris was the one we reached out to for prayer. To this day, I believe she had a direct line to Jesus. She consoled individuals through divorces and she continued to welcome the ex-spouses who returned to her “sanctuary” for her wise counsel and unconditional love. 
 My aunt had very little money but we never realized she was poor because she created an atmosphere of abundance. Spaghetti dinners seemed like a feast in Italy as she created an ambiance to resemble fine dining. Hot dogs were the centerpiece of a fun-filled indoor picnic. She nourished many hungry stomachs, broken hearts and wounded souls from the hearth of her loving heart and the depths of her love of God and His hurting children. Aunt Doris cared; she was present to those in need. She was willing to enter into the lives of others, to listen attentively, and to share their pain. When she learned that the father of a family down the street lost his job right after Thanksgiving, she got to work making “shoe boxes” filled with age-appropriate goodies for each of the eight children so they would have something to open on Christmas morning.
The church was full on the day of her funeral Mass, a testimony to her total gift of self. A community of unrelated people, united, as we exchanged stories of how Doris C. contributed to healing our common brokenness. As the priest who celebrated Mass commented, she truly understood the connection between loving God and serving neighbor. 
She lived a good Samaritan life demonstrating that compassion has no boundaries. She was the good neighbor who crossed the road to minister to the hurting, disenfranchised, and less fortunate. To Aunt Doris, the person who ends up dying in the ditch is the one who distances himself/ herself from others by judging them as being less than worthy of his/her time and attention. 
Being a good neighbor begets good neighbors. Jesus’ wisdom holds the vision of the peaceful kingdom right in our own backyard! Let us pray for an attitude of abundance so that we are able to share of ourselves with others with ease and grace.

Monday, July 1, 2019

July 7, 2019 Jesus Calls His Disciples

July 7:  Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time C


Reading I:   Isaiah 66:10-14c

Psalm:   
66

Reading II: 
Galatians 6:14-18

Gospel
:  Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus calling His disciples. He challenges them to step into the unknown, without taking backpack, money, etc. to go about bringing the Good News of Salvation and the coming of The Kingdom of God. He asks them to depend on the people to provide food and lodging for the night. The Holy Spirit will be their Guide. Above all, they are to place their trust in Him.

Then, Jesus gives them the power to drive out evil spirits. He bestows his peace on them which they are to pass on to all who will receive it. However, he tells them that if people will not receive his peace, it will return to them. If one town does not accept them, they are to move on to another more welcoming place.

When the disciples return from their missions, they are all excited and happy! They exclaim to Jesus “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” While Jesus understands their enthusiasm, he warns them against pride:
     
I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
                                                                                                                Luke 18-19

Jesus has also taught them, and us through them, that by calling on his name, we are protected against the powers of evil.       

Jesus explains to them, “The Kingdom of God is very near.” In the Spiritual Kingdom of God, things will be different. It will be a Kingdom of Love, characterized by compassion, justice, inclusiveness, and forgiveness. Jesus has taught them and given them example by His preaching and His life.

Each Christian, whether priest, deacon, consecrated religious brother or sister, married or single, is called to be a disciple of Jesus in his or her time. Daily, each of us is challenged to bring about the Kingdom
of God. 

As a younger person, I recall feeling overwhelmed as I was praying the “Our Father.” When I was praying “Thy kingdom come,” I questioned how I could ever help bring about the Kingdom of God in such a far-flung and complicated world.

The Lord spoke in my heart telling me that to begin I could make him the King of my heart. There could be a deep peace in my heart, in spite of what was going on in my life and in the world. He would lead me to the people for whom He wanted me to be His hands and heart to care, to listen, and to love in a such a way that the Kingdom of God would be realized.

If each one of us, on the path that Jesus has laid out for us, will live as He did, how many people would have a little taste of Heaven on Earth!   

 Reflection Question:  How can I bring love and peace to those with whom I come in contact?  In other words, how can I help to make God’s Kingdom come?



Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Jesús llama a sus discípulos

En el evangelio de hoy, escuchamos a Jesús llamando a sus discípulos. Él los reta a entrar en lo desconocido, sin llevar mochila, dinero, etc. para llevar la Buena Nueva de la Salvación y la venida del Reino de Dios. Les pide que dependan de la gente para proveer comida y alojamiento para la noche. El Espíritu Santo será su Guía. Sobre todo, ellos deben depositar su confianza en él. 

Entonces, Jesús les da el poder de expulsar a los espíritus malignos. Él les otorga la paz que deben transmitir a todos los que la recibirán. Sin embargo, él les dice que si la gente no recibe su paz, volverá a ellos. Si un pueblo no los acepta, deben mudarse a otro lugar más acogedor.

Cuando los discípulos regresan de sus misiones, ¡todos están emocionados y felices! Ellos exclaman a Jesús: “Señor, incluso los demonios están sujetos a nosotros por tu nombre”. Mientras Jesús entiende su entusiasmo, él les advierte contra el orgullo:
     
He observado a Satanás caer como un rayo del cielo. He aquí te he dado el poder de “pisar las serpientes” y los escorpiones y sobre toda la fuerza de la El enemigo y nada te hará daño. Sin embargo, no se regocijen porque el los espíritus están sujetos a ti, pero regocíjate porque tus nombres están escritos en el cielo.
                                                                                                                Lucas 18-19

Jesús también les enseñó, y nosotros a través de ellos, que al invocar su nombre, estamos protegidos contra los poderes del mal.     

Jesús les explica: “El Reino de Dios está muy cerca”. En el Reino espiritual de Dios, las cosas serán diferentes. Será un Reino de amor, caracterizado por la compasión, la justicia, la inclusión y el perdón. Jesús les ha enseñado y les ha dado ejemplo por su predicación y 
su vida.

Cada cristiano, ya sea sacerdote, diácono, hermano o hermana religiosa consagrada, casado o soltero, es llamado a ser discípulo de Jesús en su tiempo. Diariamente, cada uno de nosotros tiene el reto de lograr el Reino de Dios.

Como una persona más joven, recuerdo que me sentí abrumado cuando estaba rezando el “Padre Nuestro”. Cuando estaba orando “Venga tu reino”, me pregunté cómo podría alguna vez ayudar al Reino de Dios en un lugar tan extenso y complicado. mundo.

El Señor habló en mi corazón diciéndome que, para comenzar, podría convertirlo en el Rey de mi corazón. Podría haber una profunda paz en mi corazón, a pesar de lo que estaba sucediendo en mi vida y en el mundo. Él me llevaría a las personas para las cuales quería que fuera Sus manos y su corazón para cuidar, escuchar y amar de tal manera que el Reino de Dios se realizara.

Si cada uno de nosotros, en el camino que Jesús nos ha tendido, vivirá como lo hizo, ¡cuántas personas tendrían una pequeña muestra del Cielo en la Tierra!

 Pregunta de Reflexíon:  
¿Cómo puedo traer amor y paz a aquellos con quienes entro en contacto? En otras palabras, ¿cómo puedo ayudar a hacer que el Reino de Dios venga?

Comments:
Stephanie Morris, Ph. D, Historian, Certified Archivist, emerita
Jesus told the disciples to go to “every town and place.… Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals.” We are not likely to travel that lightly, but Jesus is telling us that we don’t have to be burdened with technology and lots of baggage to spread the news of the Kingdom. As Mother Katharine noted, when we have God with us, we are united with Him and in His Kingdom. Heaven is here, now, when we are united with God. We don’t have to do extraordinary things or preach with grand eloquence. Just doing what God asks us to do in the best way we can is enough to share God’s Kingdom with all we meet.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS
“Our Father, Who aren’t in heaven, hollowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come; my will be done…” Thus began the prayer of my five-year-old granddaughter and myself. I am confident that Jesus smiled as warmly as I did at her attempts to say The Lord’s Prayer. I spent a few moments clarifying the words on which she stumbled. But, she wanted to know about God’s Kingdom. Was it like the kingdom in the movie, “Frozen?” Does God have magic power like Princess Elsa? Is there a happy ending in heaven? It would have been easy to just say “Yes” to all three questions to avoid the “why” questions sure to follow, but I wanted to paint a more realistic picture so she did not think that Heaven was a fantasy castle. 
My explanation went something like, “God’s Kingdom is even more awesome than the Frozen kingdom because it is not limited by walls. It is bigger than big where we can all fit and have lots of space to play, sing, be happy and healthy and enjoy being with God.  God’s power is better than magical; it is miraculous. God can make sick people well, help people who are sad become less sad, and heal hurts that people cause one another when they are angry or say something unkind. God is all about love. He made us to love and our happy ending is going to heaven – the Kingdom of Love.” Luckily, my granddaughter was satisfied with my response – she wanted to watch U-Tube videos, and for once, I was in favor of that activity! However, our faulty words and conversation about heaven stayed with me. 
Hallowed, not hollowed. How often do I take to heart just how reverently I should be entering into conversation with my Heavenly Father? My words are hollow when I don’t take a moment to center myself to enter the sacred space of prayer. Thy will, not mine, be done…that little mistake struck me immensely. I habitually utter, “Thy will,” but I’m actually praying for my will to be done. Praying with a preschooler proved to be quite a spiritual lesson for me. What about the Kingdom?
Randy Robison, author and host of Life Today, describes the kingdom as, “a royal power, kingship, and dominion not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom. In other words, a kingdom isn’t necessarily a tract of land or a collection of cities. It is a sphere of influence under the authority of a sole ruler.”  Jesus told Pilate that His Kingdom was not of this world. “Christ’s kingdom is one of influence and authority, not borders and cities.”  In 1 Corinthians 4:20, St. Paul asserts that “the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power.”
“The proof of His kingdom doesn’t come on Sunday morning when the congregation is watching,” states Robison, rather, “it comes during the week when you’re alone. It’s not about how loudly it’s declared, but how soundly it’s lived. It’s easy to make a show of it through forceful words, but the real measure comes in the quiet time, when transgression takes hold, discord sets in, discontent reigns, patience evaporates, and every other fruit of the Spirit withers, the kingdom of heaven is not present. Even so, it is still near. It’s just a matter of changing our mind and renewing our spirit.”
The way we live indicates whether we are abiding in His kingdom. Paul encouraged believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12. 
Paul goes on to say that we do this by receiving His word. Evidence that we have received it comes when it performs its work in us. Its work is changing our minds. When our minds change, aligning with His truth, it changes everything – the way we think, speak, and act. This enables us to spread His kingdom by expanding His influence.