October 27, 2019 Humility and Truth

October 27, 2019   Humility and Truth   Year C

Reading I:  Sirach
35: 12-14, 16-18

Psalm: 34

Reading II:  2 Timothy
46-8, 16-18

Gospel: 
Luke 18:9-14

The parable of “The Pharisee and the Publican” brings to my mind a common saying: "There is always some good in the worst of us and always some bad in the best of us, that it hardly behooves any of us to talk about the rest
of us."

Of course, Jesus knows us intimately, even better than we know ourselves. However, we can be blind to our own shortcomings and magnify those of others. In fact, often the weaknesses that annoy us in others are within ourselves also.

The Pharisees were well-meaning. They hoped to preserve the original Jewish faith and protect it from contamination by outside forces. They focused on the Torah, the written law as given to Moses, as well as the oral law, the interpretations passed down to them.

The strict observance of the Law was characteristic of the Pharisees, especially regarding the observance of the Sabbath. Even plucking an ear of corn on the Sabbath was condemned. Jesus, Himself, had to teach His Jewish disciples to go by the spirit of the law instead of the letter when they were hungry and needed sustenance on the Sabbath.

In the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) we meet some generous Pharisees. For example, we hear of Joseph of Arimathaea, who requested the body of Jesus to place it in a tomb. Also, we learn of Nicodemus, who brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare the body of Jesus for burial. Finally, we know of St. Paul who brought the same zeal he had as a Pharisee to his ministry to the Gentiles (non-Jews), once he was converted.

Most likely the publican (tax collector) also had some good qualities, so what was the point of comparing them? The words they spoke gave us a picture of their inner attitudes. The Pharisee bragged about all the good he did. He looked down upon others as inferior to himself. He believed that he was self-sufficient. He wouldn’t face the truth. With mind and heart closed, only a miracle of God’s grace could enable him to develop an intimate relationship with God, e.g. Saul becoming St. Paul.

On the other hand, the tax collector acknowledges his sinfulness. He knows he needed God’s help. He does not judge others. He faces the truth and thus is humble. Since he does not block out reality, he has an open heart, one that is receptive and able to develop a deep relationship with his Maker.

What causes people to be unable to face their humanity? Sometimes I believe that well-meaning parents and/or people in authority put expectations of perfection on others and thus they cannot acknowledge their weaknesses or wrongdoings.

This brings to mind an experience I had as a young Sister teaching the 6th grade in a small parish school. There was a boy in the 5th grade that had a reputation for lying. I knew he would be in my class the next year, so I was concerned about how to help him. In a magazine, I read that the reason children lie is basically fear.

I am going to call the student John, which is not his real name. Sure enough, John became my student the next year. Someone had written on the walls of the boys’ bathroom and John was accused of doing it.
 

I kept him after school and was sitting at my desk correcting papers. When I looked up, I saw that John was crying at his desk. Therefore, I called him up to my desk and asked him why he was crying. He told me that he really didn’t write on the wall, but that no one would believe him.  My response was that he had lied so much in the past that he now had a reputation for lying. The only way he could change that was to begin to tell the truth.

There was an unsolved mystery of another event which I mentioned to him. He acknowledged that he had been the culprit that time. Then I told him to go to the principal, tell her that he had committed the first offense, but he had not written on the wall that day. I also told him from now on not to respond quickly when questioned, rather to remember the importance of telling the truth before he answered.

At the end of the year, I was promoted to the 7th grade with my class. One girl who was cleaning the classroom after school casually mentioned to me that John no longer was lying.  Of course, this surprised me. I had no idea why she was telling me about this. Maybe John had shared my conversation with her? Nonetheless, I was delighted to learn this. Perhaps by my accepting John as he was, he could then acknowledge the truth.

 Reflection Question:   Let us ask the Lord to help us become humble by accepting ourselves and others with all our virtues and imperfections.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Humildad y Verdad

Por supuesto, Jesús nos conoce íntimamente, incluso mejor que nosotros mismos. Sin embargo, podemos ser ciegos a nuestras propias deficiencias y magnificar las de los demás. De hecho, a menudo las debilidades que nos molestan en los demás también están dentro de nosotros mismos.

Los fariseos tenían buenas intenciones. Esperaban preservar la fe judía original y protegerla de la contaminación por fuerzas externas. Se centraron en la Torá, la ley escrita dada a Moisés, así como la ley oral, las interpretaciones transmitidas a ellos.

La estricta observancia de la Ley era característica de los fariseos, especialmente con respecto a la observancia del sábado. Incluso condenar una mazorca de maíz en sábado fue condenado. Jesús mismo tuvo que enseñar a sus discípulos judíos a seguir el espíritu de la ley en lugar de la letra cuando tenían hambre y necesitaban sustento en sábado.

En las Escrituras Cristianas (Nuevo Testamento) nos encontramos con unos fariseos generosos. Por ejemplo, escuchamos de José de Arimatea, quien le pidió al cuerpo de Jesús que lo colocara en una tumba. Además, nos enteramos de Nicodemo, que trajo una mezcla de mirra y áloe para preparar el cuerpo de Jesús para el entierro. Finalmente, sabemos de San Pablo que trajo el mismo celo que tenía como fariseo a su ministerio a los gentiles (no judíos), una vez que se convirtió.

Lo más probable es que el publicano (recaudador de impuestos) también tuviera algunas buenas cualidades, entonces, ¿cuál era el punto de compararlos? Las palabras que pronunciaron nos dieron una imagen de sus actitudes internas. El fariseo se jactaba de todo lo bueno que hacía. Miró a los demás como inferiores a sí mismo. Él creía que era autosuficiente. No enfrentaría la verdad. Con la mente y el corazón cerrados, solo un milagro de la gracia de Dios podría permitirle desarrollar una relación íntima con Dios, p. Saúl convirtiéndose en San Pablo.

Por otro lado, el recaudador de impuestos reconoce su pecaminosidad. Él sabe que necesitaba la ayuda de Dios. Él no juzga a los demás. Se enfrenta a la verdad y, por lo tanto, es humilde. Como no bloquea la realidad, tiene un corazón abierto, receptivo y capaz de desarrollar una relación profunda con su Hacedor.

¿Qué hace que las personas sean incapaces de enfrentar su humanidad? A veces creo que los padres bien intencionados y / o las personas con autoridad ponen expectativas de perfección en los demás y, por lo tanto, no pueden reconocer sus debilidades o fechorías.

Esto me recuerda una experiencia que tuve cuando era una joven Hermana enseñando el sexto grado en una pequeña escuela parroquial. Había un niño en quinto grado que tenía fama de mentir. Sabía que estaría en mi clase el próximo año, así que me preocupaba cómo ayudarlo. En una revista, leí que la razón por la cual los niños mienten es básicamente el miedo.

Voy a llamar al estudiante John, que no es su nombre real. Efectivamente, John se convirtió en mi alumno al año siguiente. Alguien había escrito en las paredes del baño de los niños y John fue acusado de hacerlo.

Lo guardé después de la escuela y estaba sentado en mi escritorio corrigiendo papeles. Cuando levanté la vista, vi que John estaba llorando en su escritorio. Por lo tanto, lo llamé a mi escritorio y le pregunté por qué estaba llorando. Me dijo que realmente no escribía en la pared, pero que nadie le creería. Mi respuesta fue que había mentido tanto en el pasado que ahora tenía fama de mentir. La única forma en que podía cambiar eso era comenzar a decir la verdad.

Había un misterio sin resolver de otro evento que le mencioné. Reconoció que había sido el culpable esa vez. Luego le dije que fuera al director y le dijera que había cometido la primera ofensa, pero que no había escrito en la pared ese día. También le dije a partir de ahora que no respondiera rápidamente cuando se le preguntara, sino que recordara la importancia de decir la verdad antes de responder.

Al final del año, fui promovido al séptimo grado con mi clase. Una chica que estaba limpiando el aula después de la escuela me dijo casualmente que John ya no mentía. Por supuesto, esto me sorprendió. No tenía idea de por qué me estaba contando sobre esto. ¿Quizás John había compartido mi conversación con ella? Sin embargo, me encantó saber esto. Quizás al aceptar a John tal como era, él podría reconocer la verdad.

 Pregunta de Reflexíon:  Pidamos al Señor que nos ayude a ser humildes al aceptarnos a nosotros mismos y a los demás con todas nuestras virtudes e imperfecciones.

Comments:

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

Mother Katharine reminds us to walk always in the presence of God. If we truly believe that we are constantly in the presence of our Creator, our Redeemer, the Savior who was cruelly murdered for our sakes, in the presence of the Holy Spirit, how can we honestly be anything but humble? We have this Wonderful Presence with us, within us; how can we ignore Him by thinking of our own glory first? Mother Katharine also wrote that we should “Quietly, tranquility, let the grace of God work in you.” If we can do this, then the grace of God will help us to accept ourselves as we truly are and to accept others as God sees them.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

Your question, “What causes people to be unable to face their humanity?” is a powerful reflective inquiry when we ask it of ourselves in the first person, “What causes me to be unable to face my humanity?” Fear-based thoughts come to mind, such as not wanting to see all the suffering going on around me, not wanting to assume responsibility for others, unwillingness to go beyond the surface, feelings of powerlessness. For me, these thoughts reflect a mindset of separateness – them /me.  As Christians, of course, we should hold the space of oneness, of solidarity and unity. Regardless of the perceived differences: gender, race, culture age, intelligence, we are called to see other people as God sees them.

Richard Rohr posted an article in which he shares the words of his friend, Tim Shriver, Chair of Special Olympics, who works with many people whom our culture excludes or disregards. Through their eyes he has come to see God’s presence in every human being. Rohr suggests that as we read Tim’s words, imagine how we might stand in solidarity with someone “on the edge,” someone who has been excluded, and see that individual through God’s eyes.

“You cannot believe in or practice unitive consciousness as long as you exclude and marginalize others—whether it is women or people of different sexual orientations or people of religious or ethnic minorities or, in my experience, people with intellectual disabilities. My work is largely with and in support of people who have significant vulnerabilities because of intellectual disability. In many cultures these people are excluded and oppressed, though often unconsciously, even more so than other marginalized groups. . . . They are thought to be hopeless. Mostly they are ignored and forgotten.

For twenty years I have been mentored by these same people. Some might not be the best-spoken, the most articulate writers, the most celebrated thinkers, the fastest runners. And yet, despite all of that, I have met person after person who emanates a kind of radiant light. After a while, even the densest of us may have our eyes opened to that something which transcends all superficial distractions of disability: the unimaginable beauty of every person. That beauty is ours for the seeing if only we have the eyes to see, if only we pay attention.

I try to maintain those eyes as I engage in this work. At times I will pull myself out of whatever I’m doing and try to remember that I’m united with all that is. I give myself license to step away and reconnect. I fail mostly, but once in a while I succeed, and when I do, I feel like I am touching a “sweet spot” of wonder and peace. It enables me to be present to people in a way that I can communicate to them that I love them unconditionally. There are no conditions to our unity, to our oneness.

Many times I’ve watched, for instance, as a person with Down syndrome stands with a gold medal around her neck, arms raised high to a cheering crowd. I can’t look at that child, at that human being, without slipping out of dualistic thinking. Those moments are a kind of sacrament of unitive consciousness. They are “both-and” moments where shadow and light coexist in the same experience. . . . Divine energy shoots vertically through me like a force, and says, “See! Look! Pay attention to what is right in front of you! That is all you need to know!”

Sept. 22, 2019 Choose your Master

September 22, 2019   Choose Your Master    Year C

Reading I: 
Amos 8:4-7

Psalm: 113

Reading II:  1 Timothy: 2:1-8

Gospel: 
Luke 16:1-13
or 10-13

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples: “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon.” (Luke 16:13)

Jesus does not say that money is bad in itself. It is needed for life and survival. However, one needs to know what is enough and not focus on amassing a large fortune.

If we consciously choose our Master, we have a clear path by following the example and teachings of Jesus. While we make use of money for the good of our families and ourselves, we should also refrain from hoarding it or spending it on unnecessary, expensive items. In addition, we should be aware of and generous to, others who do not have enough.

Our Master taught us to love God, our neighbors and ourselves. What we share is not limited to our money and possessions. We also have the gifts of time and talents to share.  

The are many lonely people who do not have enough human interaction because of age, health, or incarceration. Taking some free time to spend with an elder who has lost most of his or her family and friends, can cheer them up. Also, helping with shopping or something he or she can no longer do is a real blessing.

Visiting the sick or taking the time to send a card or a helpful item, can lift a person’s spirit. This is especially true when a person is young and facing many years of missing out on the things that young people typically enjoy doing.

Visiting the imprisoned is an affirmation of their humanity. When I had the experience of teaching English to some women in prison, I was struck by the fact that the women had made scrapbooks with the poetry they had received. Before this experience, I had never met anyone who had been in prison. Through this experience, I learned to see the prisoners as people with feelings and needs like my own.

Besides the gift of time, there is also the sharing of talents with others. While teaching at Aquinas College, I had a drama club which put on a humorous play. After the performance, The mother of one of the students came to me to tell me that she had, had a difficult year. She shared that enjoying the play with her son performing was a great blessing.

Hairdressers, who go out of their way to share that talent with those who are homeless or shut-ins, are examples of sharing one’s talents. Listening to their customers sharing their joys and problems is also a gift they have to offer.

People with computer expertise who take the time to help those who are still learning are also sharing both their time and talent. Sometimes, it also requires the gift of patience.

Let us persevere in our choice to live with open hearts and hands, like our Master Jesus. In that way, we will avoid the temptations to make money our master.
  
 Reflection Question:  Ask the Lord, your Master, how he would like you to share this week.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Elige tu Maestro

En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús les dice a sus discípulos:  “Ningún siervo puede servir a dos señores. Odiará a uno y amará al otro, o se dedicará a uno y despreciará al otro. No se puede servir a Dios y a Mammón”. (Luke 16:13)

Jesús no dice que el dinero es malo en sí mismo. Es necesario para la vida y la supervivencia. Sin embargo, uno necesita saber qué es suficiente y no centrarse en acumular una gran fortuna.

Si elegimos conscientemente a nuestro Maestro, tenemos un camino claro al seguir el ejemplo y las enseñanzas de Jesús. Si bien utilizamos el dinero para el bien de nuestras familias y de nosotros mismos, también debemos abstenernos de acumularlo o gastarlo en artículos innecesarios y caros. Además, debemos ser conscientes y generosos con otros que no tienen suficiente.

Nuestro Maestro nos enseñó a amar a Dios, a nuestro prójimo y a nosotros mismos. Lo que compartimos no se limita a nuestro dinero y posesiones. También tenemos los dones de tiempo y talentos para compartir.  

Hay muchas personas solitarias que no tienen suficiente interacción humana debido a la edad, la salud o el encarcelamiento. Tomar tiempo libre para pasar con un anciano que ha perdido a la mayoría de su familia y amigos puede animarlos. Además, ayudar con las compras o algo que ya no puede hacer es una verdadera bendición.

Visitar a los enfermos o tomarse el tiempo para enviar una tarjeta o un artículo útil puede elevar el espíritu de una persona. Esto es especialmente cierto cuando una persona es joven y enfrenta muchos años de perderse las cosas que a los jóvenes generalmente les gusta hacer.

Visitar a los presos es una afirmación de su humanidad. Cuando tuve la experiencia de enseñar inglés a algunas mujeres en prisión, me sorprendió el hecho de que las mujeres habían hecho álbumes de recortes con la poesía que habían recibido. Antes de esta experiencia, nunca había conocido a nadie que hubiera estado en prisión. A través de esta experiencia, aprendí a ver a los prisioneros como personas con sentimientos y necesidades como la mía.

Además del don del tiempo, también se comparten talentos con otros. Mientras enseñaba en el Aquinas College, tenía un club de teatro que hacía una obra de humor. Después de la presentación, la madre de uno de los estudiantes vino a decirme que había tenido un año difícil. Ella compartió que disfrutar de la obra con su hijo fue una gran bendición.

Los peluqueros, que se esfuerzan por compartir ese talento con aquellos que no tienen hogar o están encerrados, son ejemplos de compartir los talentos de uno. Escuchar a sus clientes compartiendo sus alegrías y problemas también es un regalo que tienen para ofrecer.

Las personas con experiencia en informática que se toman el tiempo para ayudar a quienes todavía están aprendiendo también comparten su tiempo y talento. A veces, también requiere el don de la paciencia.

Perseveremos en nuestra elección de vivir con los corazones y las manos abiertas, como nuestro Maestro Jesús. De esa manera, evitaremos las tentaciones de hacer del dinero nuestro maestro.

  

 Pregunta de Reflexíon:   Pregúntale al Señor, tu Maestro, cómo le gustaría que compartas esta semana.

Comments:

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

We can be open to any opportunity that God sends us to share our God-given talents with others. Mother Katharine noted that “There is nothing little in what is done for God.” A smile, a phone call, a meal, a drive or mailing a card may seem little but could bring great joy to the recipient. We can always pray for someone; a few minutes’ meditation or plea to God could be a great source of grace.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

After a long day of working in the apartment, mom, her neighbor, Dave, and I were looking forward to sitting down for dinner in the main dining room to just relax and enjoy a meal. We were seated at a table that accommodates four people and we were happy to have the extra space that the empty seat provided. As we began to order, a server tapped me on the shoulder and asked if it would be okay if she sat a resident at the empty place. My response was, “of course,” in spite of the desire to remain a threesome.

We welcomed Sara, a stylishly dressed woman, who was probably in her mid to late eighties. After introductions, we began chatting and it quickly became apparent that Sara had some level of dementia. After turning down the server’s offer of a piece of bread, she questioned why the attendant did not give her bread like the rest of us. Ordering from the menu was a challenge for her but the kind server guided Sara through the selections. Sara was unable to remember any conversation, asking the same questions repeatedly only moments apart. She shared with us a story of how, just a few days ago, she woke up and could not find her husband. She looked all through her apartment and up and down the hallways. Finally she found a staff member and expressed her concern for her missing spouse. Her husband had died seven years ago. She said she felt embarrassed but that it felt so real. We assured her that her reaction was probably natural given the long decades that she was married. We genuinely enjoyed our meal and our company and so did Sara.

We chuckled a bit about the repetitive questions and I teased Dave about how Sara was flirting with him, but there existed an unspoken sense that each of us received a gift to dwell on. I believe that the Lord intended for Sara to join us that evening to give us the opportunity to extend friendship and encouragement to her and for us to individually receive a unique lesson through her innocent presence.

I gained a broader insight into Jesus’ instruction to release our attachments to things. Status and possessions lose their significance in the “autumn season” of life, yet we spend so much of our life seeking recognition and accumulating material items. I also realized that, in spite of confusion and forgetfulness, one’s life continues to bear fruit. Life is precious at any stage, any age. Acceptance, patience, and humor are valuable virtues to cultivate to sustain human connections.  Most importantly, open hearts and gentle hugs can love away one’s feeling of diminished worth, while reinforcing one’s value. 

Considering the amount of time I will be spending at the retirement community where my mother will soon move, I believe that the Lord is grooming me to share His Love and compassion with the residents whom I’ll have the opportunity to converse with.

April 7, 2019 The Raising of Lazarus

The Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year C    April 7, 2019

© www.LumoProject.com

Reading I: 
Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm: 130

Reading II:

Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: 
John 11:1-45

This Sunday we will pray again as
a community for those discerning whether or not to commit themselves to the Lord in a special way, as Catholic Christians. This is called “The Third Scrutiny.”  It is also the day when the Gospel illustrates the miracle of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It is a very special presentation because it highlights both the real humanity and divinity of Jesus.

First, I want to focus on the humanity of Jesus. The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult of human experiences. Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary are very close friends of Jesus. It is noted that he would visit them and receive not only great hospitality on the part of Martha, especially, but also a special attentiveness to his word from Mary. We can assume that their brother Lazarus was involved in the experiences also.

When Lazarus dies, his sisters are distraught. Why didn’t Jesus come to their aid and save Lazarus? The male relatives played essential roles for the women of their times who depended on them for support since women did not usually have opportunities for employment outside the home. Also, there was a deep emotional bond between them.

When Jesus arrives, he weeps! He is feeling the profound pain of loss. Why does He choose to have this experience? He wants us to know that he understands what we go through when we lose a loved one. Also, He knows how we feel when we learn of a relative, friend, or any human being who has faced a loss, whether from natural causes or violence.

On the other hand, Jesus chooses to reassure us of His divinity by raising Lazarus. When Martha hears that Jesus is on His way, she hastens to meet Him. In her grief, she cries out, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”  Jesus responds simply, “Your brother will rise.”

Martha exclaims, “I know he will rise in the resurrection, on the last day.” Then, Jesus chooses to reveal Himself more fully. “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” 

Jesus questions her, “Do you believe this?” Thus, He calls forth a profession of faith from Martha: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.” (Jn. 11:27)

Jesus wants us to know that human death is not the end of life, just a change in the type of life we live. When we leave this life, we move into an eternal, life with God and one another.  He tells us that we cannot even imagine what God has prepared for those who love him. How blessed we are!!!

 Reflection Question:   If you were to lose a loved one in death, how would you like a relative or friend to help and comfort you? What are some of the ways Jesus comforted Martha and Mary?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

La Resurrección de Lázaro

Este domingo volveremos a orar como una comunidad para aquellos que están discerniendo si deben o no comprometerse con el Señor de una manera especial, como cristianos católicos. Esto se llama “El Tercer Control”. También es el día en que el Evangelio ilustra el milagro de la resurrección de Lázaro de entre los muertos. Es una presentación muy especial porque resalta tanto la humanidad real como la divinidad de Jesús.

Primero, quiero centrarme en la humanidad de Jesús. La muerte de un ser querido es una de las experiencias humanas más difíciles. Lázaro y sus hermanas Marta y María son muy amigos íntimos de Jesús. Se observa que los visitaría y recibiría no solo una gran hospitalidad por parte de Martha, sino también una atención especial a su palabra de Mary. Podemos asumir que su hermano Lázaro también estuvo involucrado en las experiencias.

Cuando Lázaro muere, sus hermanas se angustian. ¿Por qué no vino Jesús en su ayuda y salvó a Lázaro? Los parientes varones desempeñaban funciones esenciales para las mujeres de su época que dependían de ellas para recibir apoyo, ya que las mujeres generalmente no tenían oportunidades de empleo fuera del hogar. Además, había un profundo vínculo emocional entre ellos.

When Jesus arrives, he weeps! He is feeling the profound pain of loss. Why does He choose to have this experience? He wants us to know that he understands what we go through when we lose a loved one. Also, He knows how we feel when we learn of a relative, friend, or any human being who has faced a loss, whether from natural causes or violence.

Por otro lado, Jesús elige tranquilizarnos de su divinidad al criar a Lázaro. Cuando Marta escucha que Jesús está en camino, ella se apresura a encontrarse con él. En su dolor, ella grita: “Señor, si hubieras estado aquí, mi hermano no habría muerto”. Jesús responde simplemente, “Y tu hermano se levantará”.

Martha exclama: “Sé que él resucitará en la resurrección, el último día”. Entonces, Jesús elige revelarse más completamente. “Yo soy la resurrección y la vida; el que cree en Mí, aunque muera, vivirá, y todos los que viven y creen en Mí nunca morirán”.

Jesús le pregunta a ella: “¿Crees esto?”. Por lo tanto, Él exhorta una profesión de fe a Martha: “Creo que eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, el que debía venir a este mundo”. (Jn. 11:27)

Jesús quiere que sepamos que la muerte humana no es el final de la vida, solo un cambio en el tipo de vida que vivimos. Cuando dejamos esta vida, nos movemos hacia una vida eterna, con Dios y con los demás. Nos dice que ni siquiera podemos imaginar lo que Dios ha preparado para los que lo aman. ¡Qué bendecidos somos!

  Pregunta de reflexión:   Si perdiera a un ser querido en la muerte, ¿cómo le gustaría que un pariente o amigo lo ayude y lo consuele? ¿Cuáles son algunas de las maneras en que Jesús consoló a Marta y María?

Blog: The Rich and the Poor - Sept. 30, 2013

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Reading I:  Numbers 11:25-29

Psalm:  19

Readings II:  James 5:1-6

Gospel: 
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48


This week I am going to focus on the second reading, an Epistle from Saint James. The Epistles were letters written to the faithful to encourage them in their practice of the faith and to provide correction, when needed. They were read to the faith communities as they are read to us at Mass today.

Observing how some were accumulating riches and living in luxury while others were suffering in poverty,  St. James warns the rich that justice will ultimately prevail when we meet our Maker. If, because of circumstances or talent, people are able to accumulate large amounts of money and/or assets, St. James asserts that they have an obligation to share their wealth with those less fortunate.

A modern day example of following this teaching is the family of Saint Katharine Drexel. Although they were very wealthy, they considered themselves to be simply stewards of their wealth. It was a gift to be shared with those in need. However, they made sure that their daughters not only were taught to share, but also to get to know those whom they helped personally.

Several times a week, their mother gave money for food, clothing, rent, etc. to
the African Americans living in their area. It was shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation had been passed and the freed slaves had little education. Therefore, they often found it difficult to find jobs. Some actually went back to work for their former slaveholders in order to survive. Katharine and her sisters helped their mother to give out the aid and learned to talk with and get to know those
seeking help.

The missionaries on Indian Reservations often approached the Drexels for assistance in building churches and schools, as well as providing for the basic necessities for their people. When they were young women, the daughters traveled West and visited the missions that the family had helped.  Again they made direct contact with the people. That contact enabled the young Drexel women to see the humanity in all peoples and inspired the three sisters to continue the tradition of sharing with those in need.

Katharine actually gave up her life and inheritance to become the first Sister of
the Blessed Sacrament with special outreach to Native Americans and African Americans. The Community she founded sought to uplift and remind people that we are all the children of our Heavenly Father.  Therefore, we all have a right to be proud of  “who we are and whose we are.” The Sisters, their Associates, alumni, partners, and friends continue this mission today.

 Reflection Question:  We all have riches to share.  Whether it is money, talent, service, or simple acts of kindness, we are called to reach out to all our brothers and sisters.  Is there someone who needs my gifts today?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

The Rich and the Poor

Esta semana me voy a centrar en la segunda lectura, una Epístola de Santiago. Las Epístolas fueron cartas escritas a los fieles para alentarlos en su práctica de la fe y para proporcionar corrección, cuando sea necesario. Fueron leídos a las comunidades de fe tal como nos las leen hoy en la misa.

Al observar cómo algunos acumulaban riquezas y vivían en el lujo mientras otros sufrían en la pobreza, Santiago advierte a los ricos que la justicia finalmente prevalecerá cuando nos encontremos con nuestro Creador. Si, debido a circunstancias o talento, las personas pueden acumular grandes cantidades de dinero y / o activos, St. James afirma que tienen la obligación de compartir su riqueza con los menos afortunados.

Un ejemplo moderno de seguir esta enseñanza es la familia de Santa Catalina Drexel. Aunque eran muy ricos, se consideraban simplemente administradores de su riqueza. Fue un regalo para compartir con los necesitados. Sin embargo, se aseguraron de que a sus hijas no solo se les enseñara a compartir, sino también de conocer a las personas a quienes ayudaron personalmente.

Varias veces a la semana, su madre les daba dinero para comida, ropa, alquiler, etc. a los afroamericanos que vivían en su área. Poco después se aprobó la Proclamación de Emancipación y los esclavos liberados tenían poca educación. Por lo tanto, a menudo les resulta difícil encontrar trabajos. Algunos realmente volvieron a trabajar para sus antiguos esclavistas para poder sobrevivir. Katharine y sus hermanas ayudaron a su madre a dar la ayuda y aprendieron a hablar y conocer a quienes buscan ayuda.

Los misioneros en las reservas indias a menudo se acercaron a los Drexels
para obtener ayuda en la construcción de iglesias y escuelas, así como en la satisfacción de las necesidades básicas de su gente. Cuando eran mujeres jóvenes, las hijas viajaron al oeste y visitaron las misiones que la familia había ayudado. Nuevamente hicieron contacto directo con la gente. Ese contacto permitió a las jóvenes mujeres de Drexel ver la humanidad en todos los
pueblos e inspiró a las tres hermanas a continuar la tradición de compartir
con los necesitados.

Katharine en realidad renunció a su vida y herencia para convertirse en la
primera Hermana del Santísimo Sacramento con especial alcance a los nativos americanos y afroamericanos. La Comunidad que fundó buscó elevar y recordar a las personas que todos somos hijos de nuestro Padre Celestial. Por lo tanto, todos tenemos derecho a estar orgullosos de “quiénes somos y de quiénes somos”. Las hermanas, sus asociados, ex alumnos, socios y amigos continúan esta
misión hoy.


  Pregunta de reflexión:   Todos tenemos riquezas para compartir. Ya sea dinero, talento, servicio o simples actos de bondad, estamos llamados a acercarnos a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas. ¿Hay alguien que necesite mis regalos hoy?