January 26, 2020 - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Times

Reading I: Isaiah 8:19-9:3     

Psalm 27

Reading II: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

On September 30 of last year, Pope Francis issued a letter declaring that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time was to be set aside every year as the "Sunday of the Word of God." The Holy Father longs for us to listen attentively to the Words of Scripture, so we may hear God’s voice speaking to our hearts.   

Today’s Gospel tells of the account of Jesus inviting Simon, Andrew, James and John to join Him in teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom. Jesus says to them “Follow after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately follow Him, trusting His word, spreading the light of hope to all who struggle with the circumstances of life. Do we trust God’s Word as written in the Bible, or do we view the Bible as a story to be read?

With every encounter with Scripture we are encouraged to begin with inviting the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to God’s Living Word. In doing this, we will receive God’s personal message for our life that will inspire us to spread His Word within our community. We, like the apostles, are asked to join Jesus in shining His light within our community, to be encourages for all those who are suffering.

Everyone at Mass will hear the same readings. Then the work of the Holy Spirit lies in the personal message each of us will encounter. When these deeply personal messages are revealed through the Scripture readings at Mass, our hearts will long for more. The desire for an intimate relationship with Jesus will lead us to daily Scripture meditation. By opening our hearts and minds, we will understand God’s plan for our daily lives.

When we are healed by His Word, we will be inclined to spread His Good News through the Scriptures. In sharing our personal encounters with the Living Word, we will draw others to Him. In the busyness of our daily lives, do we take the time to sit in silence with the Scriptures, calling on the Holy Spirit to bring to life God’s personal message to us through His Word?

By accepting Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, our lives are forever changed. We are made new by His Word, and sharing the Good News of Christ becomes our mission.

Reflection Question: In what ways do we share the Good News of Christ that have transformed our lives?  How do we bring hope to those who seek Him?

~Michele Ann Konicki – ASBS Emerita

Spanish Translation

Reading I: Isaiah 8:19-9:3     

Psalm 27

Reading II: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

El 30 de septiembre del año pasado, el Papa Francisco emitió una carta declarando que el Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario se reservaría cada año como el "Domingo de la Palabra de Dios". El Santo Padre anhela que escuchemos atentamente las palabras de las Escrituras, para que podamos escuchar la voz de Dios que habla a nuestros corazones.

El Evangelio de hoy habla del relato de Jesús invitando a Simón, Andrés, Santiago y Juan a unirse a Él para enseñar y proclamar el Evangelio del reino. Jesús les dice: "Síganme, y los haré pescadores de hombres". Ellos inmediatamente lo siguen, confiando en su palabra, extendiendo la luz de la esperanza a todos los que luchan con las circunstancias de la vida. ¿Confiamos en la Palabra de Dios como está escrita en la Biblia, o vemos la Biblia como una historia para ser leída?

Con cada encuentro con la Escritura, se nos anima a comenzar invitando al Espíritu Santo a abrir nuestros corazones y mentes a la Palabra Viva de Dios. Al hacer esto, recibiremos el mensaje personal de Dios para nuestra vida que nos inspirará a difundir Su Palabra dentro de nuestra comunidad. A nosotros, como los apóstoles, se nos pide que nos unamos a Jesús para iluminar Su luz dentro de nuestra comunidad, para alentar a todos los que sufren.

Todos en la misa escucharán las mismas lecturas. Entonces la obra del Espíritu Santo yace en el mensaje personal que cada uno de nosotros encontraremos. Cuando estos mensajes profundamente personales se revelen a través de las lecturas de las Escrituras en la misa, nuestros corazones anhelarán más. El deseo de una relación íntima con Jesús nos llevará a la meditación diaria de las Escrituras. Al abrir nuestros corazones y mentes, entenderemos el plan de Dios para nuestra vida diaria.

Cuando seamos sanados por Su Palabra, estaremos inclinados a difundir Sus Buenas Nuevas a través de las Escrituras. Al compartir nuestros encuentros personales con la Palabra Viviente, atraeremos a otros hacia Él. En el ajetreo de nuestra vida cotidiana, ¿nos tomamos el tiempo para sentarnos en silencio con las Escrituras, invocando al Espíritu Santo para dar vida al mensaje personal de Dios a través de Su Palabra?

Al aceptar la invitación de Jesús para seguirlo, nuestras vidas cambian para siempre. Su Palabra nos hace nuevos, y compartir las Buenas Nuevas de Cristo se convierte en nuestra misión.

Pregunta de reflexión: ¿De qué maneras compartimos las Buenas Nuevas de Cristo que han transformado nuestras vidas? ¿Cómo traemos esperanza a quienes lo buscan?

Comments

Pat Chiaffa - ASBS Emerita
I am always amazed at how the disciples were able to follow Jesus immediately. What about their “To-Do” lists? They were probably expected to pick up bread and wine on the way home to go with their fish dinner. What would their family do without them?

My silly musing reveals just how attached, and possibly chained, I am to my lists and the things of this world. I ask myself if I make sufficient time in my day for reflective, uninterrupted time with God.I think that the spirits of these chosen men were yearning for more, and they recognized the “more” that Jesus was inviting them to experience.

The hopeful message contained in this reading for me is that Christ speaks to us in the midst of ordinary activities of daily living. The more in-tune I am to His Word, the more apt I am to be open and receptive to following His invitation to move beyond my usual routines and notice opportunities to extend His love to others. It could be as simple as sharing a smile, a gentle touch or a conversation. Heart to heart contact – that is what Jesus’ mission is all about. I see such dynamics routinely when I walk through Paul’s Run. I see Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS) heading toward some destination and halting their steps to
acknowledge residents along the way. I’ve seen simple caring gestures such as hugs, hands held, and whispers into ears, produce smiles as well as tears. Someone’s dull day was brightened and made extraordinary because a SBS chose to share the presence of Christ with them. Many of the Sisters who are less mobile, due to health issues, take time to write notes and send cards to individuals to remind them that they are thinking of them and that they are loved by God. All the Sisters pray for us, our country, and our world. Sharing the Good News of Christ is their mission. It’s my mission too.

Today’s Gospel is a reminder to recommit to listening attentively to God’s Word and actively listening to hear His loving message to discern what is mine to do to spread His Word throughout my community. 

Thank you, Michele, for your beautifully crafted reflection.

Sr. Annette Marie O’Donnell, SBS
I regret that it is necessary for me to discontinue the weekly blog due to the need for time to attend to other commitments and my chronic health issues. I wish to thank Cheri Wenger, Sr. Therese Mary Warner, SBS, Stephanie Morris, ASBS, Emerita, Pat Chiaffa, ASBS Emerita, Michele Konicki, ASBS Emerita, and Kristen Keane for your contributions through the years. There are other on-line weekly blogs containing reflections on the Sunday Gospel readings available. 

I shall continue with a monthly blog beginning on February 23rd, "Preparing for Lent."

Blessings on you and yours,
Sr. Annette Marie O’Donnell, SBS

Mary’s Role ~ Jan. 20, 2019

The Second Sunday in  Ordinary Time   Year C

Reading I:  Isaiah 62:1-5

Psalm  96

Reading II:  1 Corinthians 12: 4-11

Gospel  John 2: 1-11

In John’s Gospel about the wedding feast at Cana, we hear about Mary’s influence on Jesus. She notes that the newlyweds are running out of wine. She is concerned about their being embarrassed on their special day. Knowing that Jesus could do something to avoid this, she simply nudges him by calling his attention to the situation. Jesus had not planned to show His power to perform miracles at this time. However, knowing his mother’s desire to prevent a problem for the newlyweds, He performs the miracle of changing water into wine to please her.

The late Bishop Joseph Cassidy of Tuam, Ireland, notes that John is the only one of the evangelists (writers of the Gospels) who mentions this occasion. He reflects that John was very close to Mary, especially after Jesus entrusted her to him, and he became her adopted son. John was probably with her more often and longer than the other Gospel writers.

Bishop Cassidy playfully refers to Mary as “Our Lady of the Elbow.”  We all know that most mothers have a special relationship with their children which often makes it difficult for children to refuse their mother’s requests. In the absence of a close child-parent relationship, there often is a relative or friend who fills this role.

We must remember that Jesus also shares his mother with us. Many times in history He sends her to appear in difficult times to comfort and reassure her children. One of my favorite apparitions is Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego in Mexico.

Juan Diego, an Aztec Indian who was one of the earliest baptized in Mexico, used to attend Mass each day. On December 9, 1531, as he passed a hill named Tepeyac, he heard songbirds burst into harmony. For the Aztecs, music and songbirds were signs of divinity. When the music stopped, a
beautiful young woman with a tan complexion and bathed in golden light called him by name and said:
   
             “Dear little son, I love you. I want you to know who I am.
             I am the Virgin Mary, mother of the one true God. I desire 
             that there be built a temple at this place where I want to
             manifest Him, make Him known, give Him to all people.
             I truly am your merciful Mother... Tell the Lord Bishop all
             you have seen and heard.”
     
Juan Diego had a difficult time convincing the Bishop that he had really seen Mary. After many unsuccessful attempts to have the church built Juan Diego was very discouraged, in Mary’s fourth apparition to him she questioned:

            “Am I not here who is your Mother? Are you not under my
            shadow and protection? Am I not the fountain of your joy?
            Are you not in the fold of my mantle, in the cradle of my arms?”

Mary told him to go to the top of the hill, cut some flowers and bring them to her. It was December 12, a time when roses do not bloom. Mary received the roses and put them in the tilma, (a long cloth cape worn by the Aztecs to protect them from cold and often looped up to carry things).  

She instructed him to take them to the Bishop and tell him that this was his sign that he was telling the truth. When Juan Diego let down the cloak, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted on the cloak. Finally, the Bishop was convinced, the church was built in Mexico City and the image is displayed. It is visited by people from all over the world.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patron of all the Americas. She is always there for us.  She may be in heaven now, but she still has her “elbow” and she can help us all, if we call upon her.

Mark Link, S.J. told an interesting story about Tom Harmon, a football player who later became a pilot. One day Tom’s plane crashed in the middle of a South American jungle. He did survive, but told of his experience in the following way:
 
          “I said at least a million ‘Hail Mary’s’ during my trek out. 
          In fact, as I walked through the jungle, trying to find my 
          way out, I used to yell ‘Hail Mary’s’ at the top of my voice,
          hoping that someone would hear me, and at the same time
          I would be praying.”

 Reflection Question:   What role does Mary play in my life?  

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Mary’s Role

En el Evangelio de Juan sobre la fiesta de bodas en Caná, escuchamos sobre la influencia de María en Jesús. Ella nota que los recién casados se están quedando sin vino. A ella le preocupa que se sientan avergonzados en su día especial. Sabiendo que Jesús podía hacer algo para evitar esto, ella simplemente lo empuja llamando su atención a la situación. Jesús no había planeado mostrar su poder para realizar milagros en este momento. Sin embargo, sabiendo el deseo de su madre de prevenir un problema para los recién casados, Él realiza el milagro de cambiar el agua en vino para complacerla.

El difunto obispo Joseph Cassidy de Tuam, Irlanda, señala que Juan es el único de los evangelistas (escritores de los Evangelios) que menciona esta ocasión. Refleja que Juan estaba muy cerca de María, especialmente después de que Jesús le confió, y se convirtió en su hijo adoptivo. John probablemente estuvo con ella con más frecuencia y más tiempo que los otros escritores de los Evangelios.

El obispo Cassidy se refiere a María como “Nuestra Señora del Codo”. Todas sabemos que la mayoría de las madres tienen una relación especial con sus hijos, lo que a menudo dificulta que los niños rechacen las solicitudes de su madre. En ausencia de una relación estrecha entre padres e hijos, a menudo hay un pariente o amigo que cumple este rol.

Debemos recordar que Jesús también comparte a su madre con nosotros. Muchas veces en la historia, Él la envía a aparecer en tiempos difíciles para consolar y tranquilizar a sus hijos. Una de mis apariciones favoritas es Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe a Juan Diego en México. 

Juan Diego, un indio azteca que fue uno de los primeros bautizados en México, solía asistir a misa todos los días. El 9 de diciembre de 1531, cuando pasaba una colina llamada Tepeyac, escuchó pájaros cantores estallar en armonía. Para los aztecas, la música y los pájaros cantores eran signos de divinidad. Cuando la música se detuvo, una hermosa joven de tez canela y bañada en una luz dorada lo llamó por su nombre y le dijo:

         

             “Querido hijito, te amo. Quiero que sepas quién soy.
               Soy la Virgen María, madre del único Dios verdadero. Yo deseo
               que se construya un templo en este lugar donde quiero
               Manifiéstalo, hazlo conocer, dáselo a todas las personas.
               Verdaderamente soy tu misericordiosa Madre ... Dile al 
               Señor Obispo todo has visto y oído.”

           

Juan Diego tuvo dificultades para convencer al obispo de que realmente había visto a María. Después de muchos intentos fallidos para que la iglesia se construyera, Juan Diego se desanimó mucho, en la cuarta aparición de Mary a él, ella le preguntó:
     

            “¿No estoy aquí quién es tu madre? ¿No estás bajo mi

              ¿Sombra y protección? ¿No soy yo la fuente de tu alegría?
              ¿No estás en el pliegue de mi manto, en la cuna de mis brazos?”

María le dijo que fuera a la cima de la colina, que cortara algunas flores y se las trajera. Era el 12 de diciembre, un momento en que las rosas no florecen. María recibió las rosas y las puso en el tilma,
(una capa larga de tela usada por los aztecas para protegerlos del frío y, a menudo, enrollada para llevar cosas).

Ella le ordenó que los llevara al obispo y le dijera que esa era su señal de que estaba diciendo la verdad. Cuando Juan Diego dejó caer la capa, la imagen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe quedó impresa en la capa. Finalmente, el obispo se convenció, la iglesia se construyó en la Ciudad de México y se muestra la imagen. Es visitado por personas de todo el mundo.

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es el Patrona de todas las américas. Ella siempre está ahí para nosotros. Ella puede estar en el cielo ahora, pero todavía la tiene “codo” y ella puede ayudarnos a todos, si la llamamos.

Marco Link, S.J. contó una historia interesante sobre Tom Harmon, Un jugador de fútbol que más tarde se convirtió en piloto. 

Un día, el avión de Tom se estrelló en medio de una jungla sudamericana. Sobrevivió, pero contó su experiencia de la siguiente manera:

       

          “Dije al menos un millón de ‘Hail Mary’s’ durante mi viaje.
            De hecho, mientras caminaba por la selva, tratando de encontrar mi
            salida, solía gritar ‘Hail Mary’s’ en la parte superior de mi voz,
            Esperando que alguien me escuche, y al mismo tiempo.
            Yo estaría rezando”.

  Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Qué papel juega María en mi vida?

The Holy Trinity - June 11, 2017

The Feast of the Holy Trinity - Year A

Reading I:
EX 34: 4B-6, 8-9

Response:  DN 3:52-56

Reading II:
 2 COR 13:11-13

Gospel:  JN 3:16-18

Since the whole concept of
The Holy Trinity is really not within our total grasp, we need to just look at the hints of the possibility of the Trinity to help us at least with some little comprehension of the reality.

Just as we cannot look directly into the sun without some protection, we cannot fully understand the Trinity in this life. However, there are things all around us to give us an inkling of what it must be like. We have the shamrock three in one which St. Patrick used to help people to understand. We have one person with three identities: wife, mother, grandmother. Then perhaps, one of the closest reflections is the man and woman in love who produce a child.  

The reason that I am calling the conception of a child one of the closest resemblances to the Trinity is that mutual sharing of love is the reality of the Holy Trinity. That is also what we hope to experience in heaven. 

Although, while here, we cannot fully grasp the concept, we believe it because Jesus referred to it many times, and we trust in Him. He said that He and the Father are one. He commissions his disciples to go “...to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (John 28:19-20)

The symbol of the Trinity above reminded me of a beautiful paper weight that I once treasured. It was cut like a large diamond. As
I would move it about, the light reflected a variety of gorgeous colors.
It always reminded me of the infinite glorious aspects of our one true God. We are so blessed to have such a magnificent loving God. What joy we can anticipate as the veil is lifted from our eyes in heaven and we can see our God clearly in all His glory.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Santísima Trinidad

Dado que todo el concepto de La Santísima Trinidad no está realmente dentro de nuestro alcance total, solo necesitamos mirar los indicios de la posibilidad de que la Trinidad nos ayude al menos con algo de comprensión de la realidad.

Así como no podemos mirar directamente al sol sin alguna protección, no podemos entender completamente la Trinidad en esta vida. Sin embargo, hay cosas alrededor de nosotros para darnos una idea de lo que debe ser. Tenemos el trébol tres en uno que St. Patrick solía ayudar a la gente a entender. Tenemos una persona con tres identidades: esposa, madre, abuela. Entonces, tal vez, una de las reflexiones más cercanas es el hombre y la mujer en el amor que producen un niño.

La razón por la que estoy llamando a la concepción de un niño
una de las semejanzas más cercanas a la Trinidad es que la mutua participación del amor es la realidad de la Santísima Trinidad. Eso es también lo que esperamos experimentar en el cielo.

Aunque, mientras que aquí, no podemos entender completamente el concepto, lo creemos porque Jesús se refirió a él muchas veces, y confiamos en Él. Él dijo que Él y el Padre son uno. Él ordena a sus discípulos a ir “... a todos los pueblos de todas partes y hacerlos mis discípulos: bautizadlos en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo y enséñales a obedecer todo lo que Yo os he mandado. Y yo estaré con vosotros todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo.” (Juan 28: 19-20)

El símbolo de la Trinidad arriba me recordó un hermoso Peso de papel que una vez atesorado. Se cortó como un diamante grande. Como yo lo movería alrededor, la luz reflejaba una variedad de colores magníficos. Siempre me recordaba los infinitos aspectos gloriosos de nuestro único Dios verdadero. Somos tan bendecidos por tener un Dios tan magnífico y amoroso. Qué alegría podemos anticipar cuando el velo es levantado de nuestros ojos en el cielo y podemos ver a nuestro Dios claramente en toda Su gloria.

Emmaus - April 30, 2017

The Third Sunday of Easter - Year A



Reading I: Acts 2:14, 22-33

Psalm: 16

Reading II: 1 Pt 1:17-21

Gospel:  Lk 24:13-35



I have a friend whose husband is a musician and a composer. He loved the compositions of famous musicians that were based upon the Liturgy of the Eucharist. He wanted to compose one himself.  
However, not being Catholic, he did not understand the Mass so he
asked me for some materials which might help him. After gathering up some books and materials I gave them to him.

After about a month, he returned the books to me and gave me a precious gift of the knowledge that he acquired — which truly got down to the essence of the Mass. He summarized his understanding by saying: “It is like going to visit a friend. You communicate with one another for a while, and then share something to eat.”

In today’s Gospel, we see that same basic story. Jesus joins the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, and they talk for a while about what is going on in their lives. They are all upset about the crucifixion of Jesus. He had been their hope, and seemingly to them, Jesus was unable to even save Himself. 

Jesus quotes the prophets, explaining that it was necessary for Him to suffer before entering into His glory. Having had their hearts healed by the presence and words of Jesus, they invite him to remain with them for the night.

While sharing a meal with them, Jesus took the bread, blessed it,
broke it, and gave it to them. Suddenly, “they recognized Him, but he vanished from their sight.” They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” The disciples then returned to Jerusalem and told the apostles that they had recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

The liturgy of the Mass has been compared to a diamond ring. 
Sometimes it is set in a plain band and other times in a highly
decorated one. The essence is the diamond. Sometimes we have a rather quiet liturgy and other times it is adorned with glorious music, decorations, and singing. However, the essence always
remains the same. 

Let us thank the Lord for His wonderful gifts to us in His presence, His Word in Scripture, His renewed sacrifice in the breaking of the Bread, and His giving Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. Praise the Lord! Praise His Holy Name!!!

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Emmaus

Tengo un amigo cuyo marido es músico y compositor. Amaba las composiciones de músicos famosos que se basaban en la Liturgia de la Eucaristía. Quería componer uno mismo. Sin embargo, al no ser católico, no entendió la misa para que él Me pidió algunos materiales que pudieran ayudarle. Después de recoger algunos libros y materiales que les di.

Después de aproximadamente un mes, me devolvió los libros y me dio un regalo precioso del conocimiento que él adquirió - que realmente llegó a la esencia de la misa. Él resumió su entendimiento diciendo: “Es como ir a visitar un amigo. Comunicáis unos con otros durante un tiempo y luego comparteos algo para comer.”

En el Evangelio de hoy, vemos esa misma historia básica. Jesús se une a los dos discípulos en su camino a Emaús, y ellos hablan por un tiempo sobre lo que está pasando en sus vidas. Todos están molestos por la crucifixión de Jesús. Había sido su esperanza, y aparentemente para ellos, Jesús era incapaz de siquiera salvar a sí mismo.

Jesús cita a los profetas, explicando que era necesario que sufriera antes de entrar en su gloria. Habiendo tenido sus corazones curados por la presencia y las palabras de Jesús, lo invitan a permanecer con ellos por la noche.

Mientras compartían una comida con ellos, Jesús tomó el pan, lo bendijo, Lo rompió y se lo dio. De repente, “Ellos lo reconocieron, pero él desapareció de su vista”. Se dijeron unos a otros: “¿No ardían nuestros corazones en nosotros mientras nos hablaba en el camino y nos abrían las Escrituras?” Entonces los discípulos volvieron a Jerusalén y les dijo a los apóstoles que habían reconocido a Jesús en la el pan.

La liturgia de la Misa ha sido comparada con un anillo de diamantes. A veces se establece en una banda sencilla y otras veces en un Decorado uno. La esencia es el diamante. A veces tenemos una liturgia bastante tranquila y otras veces está adornada con música gloriosa, decoraciones y cantos. Sin embargo, la esencia siempre sigue siendo el mismo.

Demos gracias al Señor por sus maravillosos dones para nosotros en Su presencia, Su Palabra en la Escritura, Su renovado sacrificio en la fracción del Pan y Su entrega a nosotros en la Sagrada Eucaristía. ¡Alabado sea el Señor! ¡Alabado sea Su Santo Nombre !!!

July 31, 2016 - Seek the Things That Are Above

  

The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Year C

                       

                                                   Reading I: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
                                                   Responsorial Psalm: 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
                                                     Reading II: Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11
                                                            Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

In Louisa May Alcott's book: Little Women, Ch. 40, she says, “Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go....”  Since in heaven we will see the Lord, we no longer need faith or hope. Love is what is eternal. When we die, our possessions, our titles, our accomplishments are left behind. The legacy we leave is only of worth if it is the fruit of our love on earth. What we take with us is the quality of our love.

In our world today, often a person’s worth is measured by his/her possessions, titles, and accomplishments. The Lord wants us to see with different eyes. An elderly Sister friend of mine used to worry about her niece Frances who was in a mental institution.  Frances was a normal child until at the age of five. Then, she fell off a high porch and suffered brain damage. She developed severe epilepsy at a time when medications could not help. She was an only child, so when her parents passed on, she was placed in an institution with people who had serious mental problems.  The aunt was the only relative who would visit her. When my Sister friend was close to death, she shared with me her concern that her niece would no longer have visitors once she went home to God.  I offered to visit Frances when I could.

One time when Frances had fallen and broken her arm, I was expressing my sorrow that she had to deal with the pain and inconvenience.  Her response surprised and edified me: “Jesus suffered for me, so I can offer my suffering to him.” She would always take the time to introduce me to the other patients. I could tell by their responses that she was well-liked because of her kindness to all. Frances died at about 65 years old after about 60 years in an institution.  She had no possessions, no titles, no accomplishments by worldly measure. However, she had shared love. That was all her heavenly Father asked of her.

Another lesson I learned occurred when I was serving as a parish minister in a remote mission in Many Farms, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. There was an elderly man from the East who intended to leave his money to the Missions when he died. He had been a contractor and had accumulated a large amount of money. He was advised to give the money to the missions while he was still living and visit those missions he was helping.

When he arrived at Many Farms, I served him dinner. As we were eating, he shared his story. He had an adult son who had been bedridden and unable to talk all his life. All he could do was hug people. This gentleman taught religion classes in his parish. Each year, he would have his healthy sons help him to bring the invalid son to class. The lesson was to see what is most important in life. The father would simply say. “All my son can do is love.” What a powerful lesson that was! Again, this young man had no possessions, titles, or worldly accomplishments. However, he had done what was most important: he had expressed love.

It is so easy for us to get our priorities out of order.  We are bombarded with advertisements which encourage us to accumulate items which are wants rather than needs. Our time can be squandered on things that are unnecessary. Let us ask the Lord to help us to keep our priorities in order. Perhaps, as we listen, we may find that we need to make some adjustments.
                                                             
                                                            *************

St. Katharine Drexel challenges us to relish what is of lasting worth in her encouraging words: “Let your heart delight in the love your God has for you, personally, individually.”

July 3, 2016 - The Harvest Is Plenty

The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ Year C

Reading I:
Isaiah 66:10-14c
Responsorial:
Psalm 66

Reading II:
Galatians 6:14-18

Gospel:
Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20

As I reflect on the massive field, I am struck by the few laborers who are attempting to reap all the wheat. It certainly must have been backbreaking work. I can imagine that they must have developed painful conditions in their backs, with the daily, long hours in the field and the constant bending over in the hot sun.

All the while, they must have encountered wild animals and been annoyed by insects, as they toiled with little reward for their hard work. However, they probably had no other option for making a living, so they had to continue in spite of the pain and weariness.

Love has to be a choice; therefore, he gave us free will. His call is an invitation which we can accept or reject. We, who wholeheartedly accept the invitation, must be willing to be among the few. We must face the challenges, the weariness, and the pain involved. However, experiencing the companionship and support of the Lord and other dedicated followers, we are truly blessed!!!

The feet of the workers must have been extremely painful from standing on them for so many hours a day. Also, the laborers must have experienced intense joint pain in their hands from the repetitive motions they had to perform for long periods of time.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tries to enlist helpers as he goes about his ministry of spreading the good news of salvation. Of course, there was no Internet or TV in his time. They, too, had to endure hardship in their ministries. He and his disciples had to travel mostly by foot, animal, or boat to deliver the message of God's great love to the people. While they were encouraged by the enthusiastic response of some, they also encountered hardship. Sometimes, they were rejected; other times they experienced weariness, discouragement, and pain. They were so few...among so many.

It seems that the Lord would call enough people to take care of the harvest of souls. However, he chose not to force us to follow him.

St. Katharine Drexel earnestly urges us on with these words:
“Follow Him as witnesses of Him, strong in His Power.”

June 5, 2016 - The Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year C :  Reflections on the Gospel of Luke 7:11-17

In today's Gospel, we see a compassionate Jesus. He observes the dead young son of a widow being carried on a bier, along a dirt road, leading to the grave. He is her only child. Not only does she grieve his passing, but he is her only source of support in a time when women depended on male family members to care for them. Jesus' heart goes out to her in her great loss.

Jesus could well be also envisioning the day when his own mother would be heartbroken over the cruel death of her only son. He is touched to a degree that he chooses to raise the son from the dead. What great joy the mother is experiencing, as depicted in the picture above! What happiness Jesus must feel to be able to return the beloved child to his mother!  

Maybe Mary was there that day.  Did she understand that Jesus was trying to reassure her that even though she would see him die at the hands of sinful men,  he would also rise from the dead?  Did she have a sense of the joy that would be hers on that blessed day, as she watched the widow tenderly cup her son's face in her hands?  Were some of the disciples present to observe this miracle?  Were they able to trust that Jesus would come back to them also?

We can observe how Jesus sensed the heartbreak of the widow and how he responded to her great sorrow and need.   However, the witnesses seem puzzled.  Who is this Jesus, the son of a carpenter, who can raise a person from the dead?  Were some resentful of all the attention Jesus'  kindness and power brought to him?  Are they feeling jealous that people are following him?  He seems so very ordinary, yet he does extraordinary things?  Where does he get his power?    Do they feel drawn to follow Him and imitate his compassion in their own lives?  We can only speculate about all these things.  However, allowing ourselves to contemplate the scene,  can deepen our appreciation of the Lord and His followers.

Today we observe the compassionate Jesus who told us that he is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Are we willing to live His Way? Do we make the necessary sacrifices to extend compassion to our brothers and sisters in need?  With the Lord at our sides giving us strength, we can let go of our self-centered ways and embrace His Way.

Among St. Katharine Drexel's writings we find the following: "I firmly believe that we don't realize the power that is ours in the Companionship which is ours." Who needs our compassion at this time?