June 9, 2019 Feast of Pentecost

The Feast of  Pentecost - Year C

Reading I:  Acts 2:1-11

Psalm:  104

Reading II:  Romans 8:8-17

Gospel:  John 20: 19-23


The Feast of Pentecost, meaning 50 days after Easter, is called the Birthday of the Church. The disciples hiding behind closed doors, terrified that they would be tortured and killed if they were known to be followers of Jesus, were called to hold leadership roles in the new Church. How could these frightened men lead in this new Christian Community?

The Lord had promised to send them the Holy Spirit who would be their companion and guide in this new challenge. The Lord had promised not to abandon them. Knowing their weaknesses, as well as their good will, Jesus sent the help they needed.

Although it was a deep interior experience, St. Luke describes it in ways that appeal to our senses.  He describes the coming as like the wind. The wind can lift up and move things. He was the wind behind the back of Peter who now had the fortitude to stand up and preach to the Jews that they had put to death their Savior. Many were converted and baptized as a result of his preaching.

The Holy Spirit is also described as tongues of fire. Fire can purify, and warm things. The disciples were cleansed of their cowardliness and set on fire with zeal to spread the Good News. They even had the courage to give up their lives as martyrs for the faith.
 

Fire provides light. The disciples are given guidance also through the light of the Holy Spirit. Today many people pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance, especially when there are important decisions to be made.


The Holy Spirit is visualized as a dove, symbolizing gentleness and love. Jesus had exhibited gentleness and love all through His divine-human life. How gentle He was with sinners who repented! His whole message was “Love” that we are to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.  


Finally, there was the phenomenon of people hearing things in their own native languages. The Spirit’s message is that the Good News is for people of all nations and races.


Reflection on the sequence for today’s Mass is very helpful for fully appreciating the Gift we were given at Pentecost.

Veni, Sancte Spiritu (Come Holy Spirit)

Come, Holy Spirit,

send forth the heavenly

radiance of your light.

Come, father of the poor,

come, giver of gifts,

come, light of the heart.

Greatest comforter,

sweet guest of the soul,

sweet consolation.

In labor, rest,

in heat, temperance,

in tears, solace.

O most blessed light,

fill the inmost heart

of your faithful.

Without your spirit,

there is nothing in man,

nothing that is not harmful.

Cleanse that which is unclean,

water that which is dry,

heal that which is wounded.

Bend that which is inflexible,

fire that which is chilled,

correct what goes astray.

Give to your faithful,

those who trust in you,

the seven-fold gifts.

Grant the reward of virtue,

grant the deliverance of salvation,

grant eternal joy.

 Reflection Question:  Do I take the time to call on the Holy Spirit at times when I need, courage, comfort, or guidance?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Fiesta de Pentecostés

La Fiesta de Pentecostés, que significa 50 días después de la Pascua, se llama el Cumpleaños de la Iglesia. Los discípulos que se escondían detrás de puertas cerradas, aterrorizados de ser torturados y asesinados si se sabía que eran seguidores de Jesús, fueron llamados a desempeñar roles de liderazgo en la nueva Iglesia. ¿Cómo podrían estos hombres asustados liderar en esta nueva comunidad cristiana?

El Señor había prometido enviarles al Espíritu Santo, quien sería su compañero y guía en este nuevo desafío. El Señor había prometido no abandonarlos. Al conocer sus debilidades y su buena voluntad, Jesús envió la ayuda que necesitaban.

Aunque fue una experiencia interior profunda, San Lucas lo describe de maneras que atraen a nuestros sentidos. Describe la venida como como el viento. El viento puede levantar y mover cosas. Él era el viento detrás de la espalda de Pedro, que ahora tenía la fortaleza de pararse y predicar a los judíos que habían matado a su Salvador. Muchos fueron convertidos y bautizados como resultado de su predicación.

El Espíritu Santo también se describe como lenguas de fuego. El fuego puede purificar, y calentar las cosas.Los discípulos fueron limpiados de su cobardía y prendieron fuego con celo para difundir la Buena Nueva. Incluso tuvieron el coraje de renunciar a sus vidas como mártires por la fe.

El fuego proporciona luz. Los discípulos reciben orientación también a través de la luz del Espíritu Santo. Hoy en día, muchas personas oran al Espíritu Santo para que los guíe, especialmente cuando hay que tomar decisiones importantes.

El Espíritu Santo se visualiza como una paloma, simbolizando la dulzura y el amor. Jesús había exhibido amabilidad y amor a lo largo de su vida divina y humana. ¡Qué amable fue con los pecadores que se arrepintieron! Su mensaje completo fue "Amor": que debemos amar a Dios y al prójimo como a nosotros mismos.

Finalmente, estaba el fenómeno de las personas que escuchaban cosas en sus propios idiomas nativos. El mensaje del Espíritu es que la Buena Nueva es para las personas de todas las naciones y razas.

La reflexión sobre la secuencia de la misa de hoy es muy útil para apreciar plenamente el regalo que recibimos en Pentecostés.

Veni, Sancte Spiritu (Ven, Espíritu Santo)

Ven, espíritu santo,
envía lo celestial
resplandor de tu luz.
Ven, padre de los pobres,
ven, dador de regalos,
Ven, luz del corazón.
El mejor consolador,
dulce huésped del alma,
dulce consuelo.
En trabajo de parto, descanso,
en calor, temperancia,
en lágrimas, consuelos
Oh luz bendita,
llenar el corazón más íntimo
de tus fieles.
Sin tu espiritu
no hay nada en el hombre,
Nada que no sea dañino.
Limpia lo que es inmundo,
el agua que está seca,
Curar lo herido.
Dobla lo que es inflexible,
fuego lo que se enfría,
Corregir lo que se extravía.
Dale a tus fieles,
los que confían en ti,
Los siete regalos.
Concede la recompensa de la virtud,
concede la salvación de la salvación,
Concede eterna alegría.

 Pregunta de Reflexión:   ¿Me tomo el tiempo de invocar al Espíritu Santo en momentos en que necesito valor, consuelo o guía?

Comments:

Stephanie Morris, Ph.D. Historian, Certified Archivist, Emerita

St. Katharine wrote that “The Holy Ghost is ever within me – the presence of God.” Like the Apostles, we have received the Holy Spirit; like the Apostles, we each have our “own particular work to do for the Church.” Spending a little quiet time with the Holy Spirit, after Communion or whenever we have some quiet time, we may hear the Voice of the Holy Spirit, inviting us to work with God to do what God has asked us to do.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

The song, “The Prize Worth Fighting For,” by Jamie Kimmett, can be heard regularly on Christian radio. Essentially, it affirms that one will persevere through the difficulties of life by remembering the promises of Christ and His unfailing grace. 


Before I headed out the door to do some errands, I read your post for the Feast of Pentecost so I could think about it during the day. I turned the radio on in the car and the above-mentioned song was playing. I was struck by the description of the challenges the songwriter was describing:

“Lately been down so low

My faith seems to come and go

Some days father I don’t know

How did my love grow cold

When every day’s just another struggle

And every choice is an act of war

Gotta pray gotta press on

To the prize worth fighting for…”


The lyrics go on to describe the depths of pain that none of us desire to experience.

The first thing that came to my mind is how blessed I am to believe in, and have a relationship with, the Holy Spirit. Next, I felt panic at the thought of not having the Holy Spirit to call on for comfort and support if I were going through a season where life felt like a battle. I realized how important it is to pray for others going through difficult times who may not know of the Presence of the Holy Spirit, that they will come to know His consoling, strengthening grace.

Richard Rohr wrote a series of daily reflections on the Indwelling Spirit and one thought that stirred me was, “When the Spirit is alive in people, they wake up from their mechanical thinking and enter the realm of co-creative power.” That sentence moved me because I recognized that, after so many decades of praying to the Holy Spirit for guidance, this is now a reality for me. As soon as I turn my attention to the Holy Spirit when I am in need, I am reminded that I have access to a higher level of thinking. When I ask Spirit for help, I can be assured of a more favorable outcome than if I had turned to my default mode of operating and tried to “fix” matters on my own.


While preparing for the day today (May 26), I was listening to talk radio and Flash Point Philadelphia was on. The topic was Suicide Awareness among teens. Suicide has tripled over the past several years in the 10 to 19-year-old age group, and Mental Health experts attribute this situation to increased exposure to social media. Depression, linked to loss of contact with others, is cited as contributing to the suicides. The facilitator also mentioned the presence of self-harm videos on Instagram where practices such as cutting, draw young people into a darkness that ending life is an option.

I found the program to be disturbing and I felt profound sadness that these exquisite children fail to recognize their true value and worth. Mental health issues are unique and complex, yet I ask, against what standards do these hurting souls measure their sense of identity. These grim statistics, in my mind, provide evidence that the attractions of the world are shallow and that we have an obligation to reach young people with the message that they are loved and have available to them the intimate companionship of the Spirit of God.

As numbers of churchgoers continue to drop, where will this generation of youth hear the message of God’s love and of His Plan for them; that they matter and are infinitely precious? 

We are wired for God. It is who we are, and the absence of this awareness, I believe, will cause us to experience a void when we encounter struggles that cry for a spiritual communion.


As I call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance, comfort, and courage for myself and my loved ones, I will include in my prayers those who are in need of His assistance but unaware of His Presence in their lives.

We Are Easter People - April 1, 2018

The Easter Vigil  - Year B

Reading I:  Gen. 1:-1-2:2

Psalm: 104

Reading II:  Gen.22:1-18

Gospel:  Mark 16: 1-7

This week, I have decided to reflect on the beautiful Service of Light and its joyful, triumphant prayers. It is sometimes better to focus on a small part of a liturgy since it is so rich that it demands our slowing down to more fully appreciate it.

First, we have the preparation of the Easter Candle. The Easter Candle represents the glorified Body of Jesus. It is decorated with a cross, recalling Jesus’ sacrificing Himself to save us. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet remind us that God is eternal. Then, the current year is carved into the candle. During the decorating of the candle, the following powerful words are proclaimed:
                 
                      Christ yesterday and today; 
                      the Beginning and the End;
                      the Alpha; and the Omega.
                      All time belongs to Him;
                      and all ages.
                      To Him be glory and power;
                      through every age and forever. Amen.

Finally, five grains of incense are placed in the cross, representing the now glorious wounds of Jesus.  As that is done, the following words are prayed:
                   
                     By His holy and glorious wounds, may 
                     Christ the Lord guard and protect us. Amen.

Then, a new fire is started, symbolizing the living spirit of Jesus. The large Easter Candle is lit from that fire, thus proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus in his glorified body. 

Once the Easter Candle is prepared, a priest or deacon carries the candle into a darkened church. He is followed by a procession of people who have witnessed the preparation of the candle. Three times the candle is lifted high as the celebrant joyfully proclaims: “The Light of Christ.” An enthusiastic congregation responds: “Thanks be to God!!!”

Light from the Easter Candle is used to light smaller candles. The light, representing the spirit of Christ is then passed from one person to another. The Church glows with the Light of Christ.

The “Exultet” is passionately sung by a soloist:
                 
                    Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,
                    exult, let Angel ministers of God exult,
                    let the trumpet of salvation
                    sound aloud our might King's triumph!
                    Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, 
                    ablaze with light from her eternal King,
                    let all corners of the earth be glad,  
                    knowing the end to gloom and darkness.
                    Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,
                    arrayed with the lightning of his glory,
                    let this holy building shake with joy,
                    filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.
                                             

                            

The Service of Light ends with the following prayer:
                 
                      May this flame be found still burning
                      by the Morning Star:
                      the one Morning Star who never sets,
                      Christ your Son,
                      who, coming back from Death's domain,
                      has shed his peaceful light on humanity
                      and lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

The Easter Candle will be located by the altar all through the Easter Season to remind us that we are Easter people. This tangible symbol of Christ will also be part of the Baptismal services throughout the year. It will also be at funerals to remind us of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans.
       
             By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared 
             his death, in order that,  just as Christ was raised from death 
             by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a 
             new life.  (Romans 6:4)

I have just focused on the highlights and some of the prayers of the Service of Light. We are so blessed to have such a rich and beautiful liturgy to celebrate the Feast of Easter. Even if we are unable to participate in the Easter Vigil Liturgy, just reflecting on the symbols and prayers can more deeply appreciate the Lord’s Resurrection.

 Reflection Question:    How can we reflect the joy of Easter in our daily lives?  

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Somos personas de Pascua

Esta semana, he decidido reflexionar sobre el hermoso Servicio de la Luz y sus oraciones alegres y triunfantes. A veces es mejor enfocarse en una pequeña parte de la liturgia, ya que es tan rica que exige que disminuyamos nuestra velocidad para apreciarla más plenamente.

Primero, tenemos la preparación de la Vela de Pascua. La Vela de Pascua representa el Cuerpo glorificado de Jesús. Está decorado con una cruz, recordando que Jesús se sacrificó a Sí mismo para salvarnos. La primera y la última letra del alfabeto griego nos recuerdan que Dios es eterno. Entonces, el año actual está tallado en la vela. Durante la decoración de la vela, se proclaman las siguientes palabras poderosas:
                 
                      Cristo ayer y hoy;
                      el Principio y el Fin;
                      el Alfa; y el Omega.
                      Todo el tiempo le pertenece a Él;
                      y todas las edades.
                      A Él sea gloria y poder;
                      a través de todas las edades y para siempre. Amén.

Finalmente, cinco granos de incienso se colocan en la cruz, representando las ahora gloriosas heridas de Jesús. Cuando se hace eso, se rezan las siguientes palabras:
                   
                     Por sus santas y gloriosas heridas, puede
                     Cristo el Señor nos protege y protege. Amén.

Entonces, se inicia un nuevo fuego, que simboliza el espíritu viviente de Jesús. La gran Vela de Pascua se enciende desde ese fuego, proclamando así la Resurrección de Jesús en su cuerpo glorificado. 

Una vez que se prepara la Vela de Pascua, un sacerdote o diácono lleva la vela a una iglesia oscura. Le sigue una procesión de personas que han sido testigos de la preparación de la vela. Tres veces la vela se levanta alto mientras el celebrante proclama alegremente: “La Luz de Cristo”. Una congregación entusiasta responde: “¡Gracias a Dios!”

La luz de la vela de Pascua se usa para encender velas más pequeñas. La luz, que representa el espíritu de Cristo, pasa luego de una persona a otra.  La Iglesia brilla con la Luz de Cristo.

El "Exultet" es cantado apasionadamente por un solista:
                 
                    Exulta, deja que se regocijen, las huestes del cielo,
                    exulta, deja que los ministros de Dios se regocijen,
                    deja la trompeta de la salvación
                    ¡suena en voz alta nuestro triunfo del Rey!
                    Alégrate, deja que la tierra se alegre, como la gloria la inunda, 
                    ardiendo con la luz de su Rey eterno,
                    que todos los rincones de la tierra estén contentos,  
                    sabiendo el final de la oscuridad y la oscuridad.
                    Alégrate, deja que la Madre Iglesia también se regocije,
                    arreglado con el rayo de su gloria,
                    deja que este edificio sagrado tiemble de alegría
                    lleno de las poderosas voces de los pueblos.
                                             

                            

El Servicio de Luz finaliza con la siguiente oración:
                 
                      Que esta llama se encuentre aún ardiendo                     
                      por la estrella de la mañana:
                      el único Morning Star que nunca se pone,                      
                      Cristo tu Hijo,
                      quien, volviendo del dominio de la Muerte,
                      ha arrojado su luz pacífica sobre la humanidad
                      y vive y reina por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.

La Vela de Pascua estará ubicada junto al altar durante toda la temporada de Pascua para recordarnos que somos personas de Pascua. Este símbolo tangible de Cristo también será parte de los servicios bautismales durante todo el año. También será en los funerales para recordarnos la carta de San Pablo a los romanos.
       
             Por nuestro bautismo, entonces, fuimos sepultados con él
             y compartimos su muerte, para que, así como Cristo resucitó
             de la muerte por el poder glorioso del Padre, así también
             podríamos vivir un nueva vida. (Romanos 6: 4)

Me he centrado en los aspectos más destacados y en algunas de las oraciones del Servicio de la Luz. Somos muy afortunados de tener una liturgia tan rica y bella para celebrar la fiesta de Pascua. Incluso si no podemos participar en la Liturgia de la Vigilia Pascual, solo reflexionando sobre los símbolos y oraciones podemos apreciar más profundamente la Resurrección del Señor.

  Pregunta de reflexión:     ¿Cómo podemos reflejar la alegría de la Pascua en nuestra vida diaria?

August 14, 2016 - I Am the Good Shepherd

   The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C  

  Reading 1: Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10

Response: Psalm 40

Reading 2: Hebrews 12:1-4
Gospel: Luke 12: 49-53

Painting by Del Parson

In today’s readings, we have two images presented: the image of a blazing fire and that of baptism. However, the well-loved picture of the Good Shepherd serves to illustrate both.


The fire Jesus wants to spread over the earth is the light of true knowledge of God.  Before the time of Jesus, people could deduce from nature the existence of an all-powerful creator. 

However, it took Jesus' coming in a human form to reveal that our God is a loving and forgiving God. Jesus said: He who sees me sees the Father. Jesus wants that understanding shared with all people. 

Fire also creates warmth which we associate with love. Jesus also wants us to share love with all people. That can be challenging at times, especially if one has been hurt by the person. However, “love” means wanting the good for others and helping them to attain it when we can. It doesn't mean that we have to “like” the person. “Love is a choice.”


The baptism which Jesus referred to was his death and resurrection. As the time to sacrifice His life for the salvation of souls was coming closer, He said: “...how great is my anguish until it is accomplished.” I hear both His desire to bring about salvation and also His human dread of the suffering He will experience. How heartbreaking it must have been to realize that not all will choose to benefit from His great sacrifice!


As we contemplate the image of the Good Shepherd, we see his love and protection of the sheep. He carries a club to ward off dangerous animals who might try to harm or kill the sheep. The shepherd also carries a staff whose hook enables him to rescue a sheep who has fallen into a crevice, a hole, a stream or has become stuck in mud or bushes. Day and night, the Shepherd watches over the sheep as they search for water and grasses over treacherous mountains and through dangerous valleys. 


In the picture above, the way this shepherd is carrying the stray, wounded sheep on his shoulders reminds us of Jesus’ carrying the cross for our salvation. He looks weary and is in pain, but he chooses to sacrifice his own comfort for the sake of the sheep.


The sheep and lambs themselves are wonderful animals. During their lifetimes, they provide wool to warm and protect against the elements. When food is needed, they allow themselves to be slaughtered so that others can live. It is so appropriate for us to also refer to Jesus as the “Lamb of God”.


The next time we hear the priest at Mass pray: “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,” let us respond with ever grateful hearts: “Have mercy on us” and “Grant us peace”.


Good Shepherd, may we listen to your voice and follow you wherever you lead, knowing that you remain with and watch over us always. Amen.