June 14, 2020 Feast of Corpus Christi

Reading I: Deut. 8:2-3,14b-16a

Psalm 147

Reading II: 1 Cor 10:16-17

Gospel: John 6:51-68

 

This year during the month of June, we celebrate the Feasts of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary all in the same week. The next Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day. As I tried to pull together the commonalities, the word “Love” stood out.

 

Jesus summarized his whole message in that way also when he responded to a question: "What is the greatest of the Commandments?” He said that you must love God, your neighbor and yourself. Throughout history, different laws have been emphasized according to the needs of the people. For example, the Jewish people were forbidden to eat pork. At the time, there was no refrigeration and there was an organism which developed in pork which would make the people very sick if they ate it. The law was given to protect the people’s health.

 

Many years ago, a college student of mine invited me out to eat with her Jewish boyfriend. He ordered pork as part of his meal. He then explained that there are different branches of the Jewish faith: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed. I believe there are more now. The Orthodox still will not eat pork because they believe that is still God’s will. Some other branches tend to believe it was only meant for the time when eating pork was unsafe.

 

There is no question about the importance of Love. It is found frequently in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testaments and in other religious scriptures).

 

The following references of love struck me:

From Davis Wetherell’s blog -

Nehemiah 9:17

“You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.”

 

Isaiah 54:10

“ ‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

 

Nahum 1:7

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.”

Jesus also speaks of love many times in the New Testament -

John 13:1

"It was now the day before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. He had always loved those in the world who were his own, and he loved them to the very end."

John 13:24-25

"And not I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples."

John 14:23

"During his discourse at the Last Supper, Jesus said 'Whoever loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and my Father and I will come to him and live with him."

John 17:20-21

"At the end of the meal, Jesus prayer to his Father for the disciples and all of us: 'I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they all may be one. Father! May they be in us just as you are in me and I am in you.' "

Also, in William Johnston’s book, The Inner Eye of Love, he notes that “love” is the essence of most religions.

The Feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the Lord’s sacrifice of himself for our salvation and his giving us his Body and Blood under the appearance of bread and wine to express his love and to strengthen us on our Journeys. 

On the Feast of the Sacred Heart, we celebrate a devotion requested by Jesus. He appeared to St. Margaret Mary to emphasize his love by revealing his heart. Shortly, after that devotion became popular, the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary followed, emphasizing her maternal love for all her children.

More recently, when Jesus appeared to St. Faustina, he again asked that a devotion be spread with his heart exposed, emphasizing his love and mercy. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a very appropriate prayer for our times.

The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is said on the rosary beads. 

1. The Sign of the Cross
2. The Our Father
3. The Hail Mary
4. The Apostle’s Creed 
5. On single large beads: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
6. On the 10 small beads: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
7. After the 5 decades are prayed,three times pray: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
8. The Sign of the Cross

The Chaplet is prayed on EWTN at 3 p.m. est

*********************************************

It is important to thank Jesus for sharing his Father with us when he taught us to pray: ”Our Father.”

We are also celebrating our earthly Fathers whose most valuable gift to their children is love.

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, grandfathers, and those who provide fatherly love for others!

January 12, 2020 - The Baptism of our Lord

(This blog has been written by Michele Konicki, ASBS Emerita. From here on, Michele will be alternating blog posts with Sr. Annette. There will be a signature at the end of each blog stating who the author is. Enjoy!)

Reading I: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 29
Reading II: Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-38
Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Today we celebrate the feast of The Baptism of our Lord! Jesus came to be Baptized by John at the Jordan River. Jesus’ baptism is a sign of His deep love for us, to become one with us in our humanity. Baptism brings possibilities for new beginnings, as does the beginning of a New Year. As we celebrate the beginning of 2020, we reflect on the ways in which we can extend ourselves to serve our Lord in our communities. When we were Baptized with water and the Spirit of God descended upon us, we were given the power to share the Good News to bring justice to our community of friends, neighbors, family and all those who cross our path in our daily life. Jesus walks with us each day on our faith journey as a child of God, He does not ask us to walk alone. His Spirit fills us daily to serve Him.

Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation into our Church Family. When I reflect on the Sacrament of Baptism, what comes to mind is the symbolic cleansing power of water and how Jesus chose to use water to cleanse us from our sins and to fill us with the Holy Spirit to carry on His work in the world. When I recall my own Baptism and how my parents chose to Baptize me into the Catholic Church, I am grateful for their choice. As an adult, I still promise to fulfill God’s personal mission as a Baptized Catholic, to bring forth justice in my circle of community, by the renewal of my Baptismal promises each year at Easter. When I am immersed in water, whether it be my daily morning shower, floating in or sitting by the ocean, being caught in the rain, washing dishes, giving my babies a bath or bathing someone who needs assistance, it is a time I use to reflect on the saving power of Jesus and how I can use each of these encounters to serve our Lord in my ordinary daily routine.

Jesus’ Baptism was performed publicly at the Jordan River. Most commonly today, our Baptisms into the Catholic church are performed in our Parish Church at the Baptismal Font among our family and friends. Baptism is performed publicly to welcome us into the Family of God with our family and friends present to be a witness of God’s saving power and eternal pledge of love. How wonderful is the invitation to be united with Christ, to stand in solidarity as His servant, bringing God’s justice to the earth? In celebrating our Baptism as our official opening of our public mission, just as Jesus was Baptized, we too are filled with the Holy Spirit and are now equipped to share the Good News and embrace the ability to heal others through compassion and service. We are not alone in this mission. Jesus is with us! “The powerful arm of the Holy One reaches out to grasp all of humanity by the hand, both to save from danger and to walk hand in hand like lovers forever.” -Abiding Word

Reflection Question: Share some ways which we presently or plan to move forward in celebrating our Baptism within each day. By standing in solidarity with Jesus, how can we bring forth justice in our community?

~Michele Ann, ASBS Emerita

Spanish Translation

Lecura I: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Salmo 29
Lectura II: Hechos 10: 34-38
Evangelio: Mateo 3:13-17

¡Hoy celebramos la fiesta del Bautismo de nuestro Señor! Jesús vino a ser bautizado por Juan en el río Jordán. El bautismo de Jesús es un signo de su profundo amor por nosotros, para ser uno con nosotros en nuestra humanidad. El bautismo trae posibilidades para nuevos comienzos, al igual que el comienzo de un nuevo año. Al celebrar el comienzo de 2020, reflexionamos sobre las formas en que podemos extendernos para servir a nuestro Señor en nuestras comunidades. Cuando fuimos bautizados con agua y el Espíritu de Dios descendió sobre nosotros, se nos dio el poder de compartir las Buenas Nuevas para traer justicia a nuestra comunidad de amigos, vecinos, familiares y todos aquellos que se cruzan en nuestro camino en nuestra vida diaria. Jesús camina con nosotros cada día en nuestro viaje de fe como un hijo de Dios, no nos pide que caminemos solos. Su Espíritu nos llena diariamente para servirle.

El bautismo es el primero de los tres sacramentos de iniciación en nuestra familia de la Iglesia. Cuando reflexiono sobre el Sacramento del Bautismo, lo que viene a mi mente es el poder simbólico de limpieza del agua y cómo Jesús eligió usar el agua para limpiarnos de nuestros pecados y llenarnos del Espíritu Santo para llevar a cabo Su obra en el mundo. Cuando recuerdo mi propio bautismo y cómo mis padres decidieron bautizarme en la Iglesia Católica, estoy agradecido por su elección. Como adulto, todavía prometo cumplir la misión personal de Dios como católico bautizado, hacer justicia en mi círculo de comunidad, mediante la renovación de mis promesas bautismales cada año en Pascua. Cuando estoy inmerso en agua, ya sea en mi ducha diaria de la mañana, flotando o sentada junto al océano, atrapada bajo la lluvia, lavando platos, bañando a mis bebés o bañando a alguien que necesita ayuda, es un momento que uso para reflexionar sobre el poder salvador de Jesús y cómo puedo usar cada uno de estos encuentros para servir a nuestro Señor en mi rutina diaria ordinaria.

El bautismo de Jesús se realizó públicamente en el río Jordán. Más comúnmente hoy, nuestros bautismos en la iglesia católica se realizan en nuestra iglesia parroquial en la fuente bautismal entre nuestra familia y amigos. El bautismo se realiza públicamente para darnos la bienvenida a la Familia de Dios con nuestra familia y amigos presentes para ser testigos del poder salvador de Dios y la promesa eterna de amor. ¿Cuán maravillosa es la invitación a unirse con Cristo, a solidarizarse como su siervo, llevando la justicia de Dios a la tierra? Al celebrar nuestro Bautismo como nuestra apertura oficial de nuestra misión pública, así como Jesús fue bautizado, nosotros también estamos llenos del Espíritu Santo y ahora estamos equipados para compartir las Buenas Nuevas y abrazar la capacidad de sanar a otros a través de la compasión y el servicio. No estamos solos en esta misión. ¡Jesús está con nosotros! "El poderoso brazo del Santo se extiende para agarrar a toda la humanidad de la mano, tanto para salvarse del peligro como para caminar de la mano como amantes para siempre".

Pregunta de reflexión: Comparta algunas formas en que actualmente o planeamos avanzar para celebrar nuestro Bautismo dentro de cada día. Al solidarizarnos con Jesús, ¿cómo podemos hacer justicia en nuestra comunidad?

Comments

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

We were made clean in the sacrament of Baptism. We are made clean again when we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. An examination of conscience prior to going to confession would enable us to review our life’s actions and words. It might suggest ways in which we could stand in stronger solidarity with Jesus. Mother Katharine wrote to herself in 1881 to go to God “with the simplicity and like a little child.” Like a little child, we should feel comfortable going to God and asking for help in knowing how we can best act of children of God. 

Mother Katharine didn’t march in protest but she did write letters of support. Do we support groups Jesus would support? A priest once told me that “every drop fills the bucket.” Even a daily prayer can help support social justice. Maybe we could write a letter or call our representative in support of a just cause. A few dollars each year would be of help to a worthy cause. A little help can go a long way.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS
Thank you, Michele for the beautiful reflection on Baptism. Your words remind me of just how dynamic the Sacrament of Baptism truly is. You reveal the less recognized aspect of the Sacrament that invites us to join in Jesus’ mission to seek justice for all members of God’s creation.

When I was baptized, as an infant, adult participation was very passive. While Baptism was certainly recognized as a Sacrament, it was treated more as an event that Catholics “did” for the baby. The water was considered a sign that original sin was cleansed from the infant’s soul. There was little lasting spiritual connection and, I dare say, no one walked out of the church with a sense of responsibility for social justice. The only social consideration was the party that followed back at the house. To be honest, I did not come away from the Baptism of my children with a sense of being called to minister to others. This understanding and appreciation of Baptism comes after years of adult education, spiritual readings, Bible study and Scripture sharing. Even the annual renewal of Baptismal promises failed to stir within
me a sense of social responsibility for others. I think this was because the emphasis was more on avoiding sin than on evaluating the formation of the Christ(ian) character bestowed upon us as we are Baptized in the Spirit into one Body – making us all One in Christ. That awareness raises my consciousness to the concern for the common good of all humanity.

I’m about to drift off theme a bit, but I stumbled upon a modern day interpretation of the Baptismal promises that expanded my appreciation of the graces and the aliveness of the Sacrament of Baptism. I’d like to share it with our readers. It is from the book, “Sacraments and Justice,” chapter 1, “Baptism and Justice,” written by John F. Baldwin, SJ.

“… it is quite clear that receiving one’s own baptismal dignity implies 

recognizing the dignity and human rights of all people...William Reiser 

has suggested a reformulation of baptismal promises adapted to our 

contemporary circumstances, among them: Do you dedicate yourself 

to seeking the kingdom of God and God’s justice, to praying daily, to 

meditating on the gospels and to celebrating the Eucharist faithfully 

and devoutly? Do you commit yourself to that simplicity of living which 

Jesus enjoined on his disciples? Do you commit yourself to resisting the 

spirit of materialism and consumerism which is so strong in our culture? 

Do you accept responsibility for building community, for being people of 

compassion and reconciliation, for being mindful of those who are poor 

and oppressed, and for truly forgiving those who have offended you?

Reiser’s contention is that we need a fresh look at our baptismal 

promises and the kind of evil that we are renouncing with such 

formulaic phrases as: “Do you renounce evil and refuse to be 

mastered by sin?” Often enough the antiquity of our formulas 

make it difficult to appreciate their modern applications.”

The added emphasis on love-based actions, modeled on Christ’s own lifestyle, pulls forth our “yes” to accept our identity as sons and daughters of God on whom “the baptismal water is never dry,” as stated by Sr. Verna Holyhead, “as we work for justice, for right relationships with God and with one another, as people who will be impartial in our love and gently generous in our service.” 

Lord, help me reclaim the grace bestowed upon me in Baptism so I can respond to your call to share your Good News with those I encounter today.

Sept. 15, 2019 Our Merciful Lord

Reading I:  

Exodus 12: 7-11,11, 13-14

Psalm:  51

Reading II:  1 Timothy 1:12-17

Gospel: 
Luke 15:1-32

In today’s Gospel we hear three parables about God’s great mercy.  They illustrate three special characteristics of that mercy in each of the parables. God’s love is personal, constant, and emotional.

First, we become aware that God’s merciful love is extended to each person as if he or she were the only person in the world. His relationship with each of us is unique. He would have given His life and suffering for the salvation of each of us even if the individual were the only person in need of redemption.

In each parable we find an intense search happening. In each of these instances, the love of the one being sought remains constant. In the “Parable of the Lost Sheep,” we see the shepherd leaving the 99 behind and searching through difficult and dangerous places until he finds the lost sheep. 

In the “Parable of the Lost Coin,” the woman forgets about everything else and devotes herself to searching for the lost coin. It must have been very important and valuable to her. It could have been all she had left on which to live.

In the “Parable of the Prodigal Son,” the loving father watches constantly for the return of his son.  As soon as he gets a glimpse of him from far off, he runs to embrace him and welcome him home.

Finally, there is joy expressed in the shepherd carrying the sheep home to rejoin the rest of the flock.  We often see the illustration of the shepherd with the sheep on his shoulders. He doesn’t make the sheep walk through the bushes or climb the rocky mountain slopes. He carries him home, although he might be exhausted himself.

The father of the prodigal son is so happy that he prepares a great feast to celebrate the son’s return. There is no mention of the hurt that the father experienced in the way he was treated by the son. There is only rejoicing that he has returned.

Similar themes are found in a poem by Francis Thompson:

The Hound of Heaven 

I fled Him down the nights and down the days, I fled Him down the arches of the years

I fled Him down the labyrinthine ways
Of my own mind, and in the midst of tears
I hid from him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped and shot precipitated
Adown titanic glooms of chasmed fears
From those strong feet that followed, followed after But with unhurrying chase and unperturbed pace, Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
They beat, and a Voice beat,
More instant than the feet:
All things betray thee who betrayest me.
.......................................................................
I pleaded, outlaw--wise by many a hearted casement, curtained red, trellised with inter-twining charities, For though I knew His love who followed,
Yet was I sore adread, lest having Him,

I should have nought beside.
But if one little casement parted wide,
The gust of his approach would clash it to. Fear wist not to evade as Love wist to pursue.

This is just a taste of the poem. You might like to read the whole poem sometime.
http://www.houndsofheaven.com/thepoem.htm

 Reflection Question:   What is one aspect of God’s love which touches you deeply?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Nuestro Misericordioso Señor

En el Evangelio de hoy escuchamos tres parábolas sobre La gran misericordia de Dios. Ilustran tres características especiales de esa misericordia en cada una de las parábolas. El amor de Dios es personal, constante y emocional.  
Primero, nos damos cuenta de que el amor misericordioso de Dios se extiende a cada persona como si fuera la única persona en el mundo. Su relación con cada uno de nosotros es única. Hubiera dado su vida y sufrimiento por la salvación de cada uno de nosotros, incluso si el individuo fuera la única persona en necesidad de redención.

En cada parábola encontramos una búsqueda intensa sucediendo. En cada uno de estos casos, el amor del que se busca permanece constante. En la “Parábola de las Ovejas Perdidas,” vemos al pastor dejando atrás al 99 y buscando en lugares difíciles y peligrosos hasta que encuentra la oveja perdida.

En la “Parábola de la Moneda Perdida,” la mujer se olvida de todo lo demás y se dedica a buscar la moneda perdida. Debe haber sido muy importante y valioso para ella. Podría haber sido todo lo que le quedaba para vivir.

En la “Parábola del Hijo Pródigo,” el padre amoroso observa constantemente el regreso de su hijo. Tan pronto como lo ve desde lejos, corre a abrazarlo y darle la bienvenida a casa.

Finalmente, hay alegría expresada en el pastor que lleva a las ovejas a casa para reunirse con el resto del rebaño. A menudo vemos la ilustración del pastor con las ovejas sobre sus hombros. No hace que las ovejas caminen a través de los arbustos o escalen las laderas de las montañas rocosas. Lo lleva a casa, aunque él mismo podría estar exhausto.

El padre del hijo pródigo está tan feliz que prepara una gran fiesta para celebrar el regreso del hijo. No se menciona el dolor que experimentó el padre en la forma en que fue tratado por el hijo. Solo hay regocijo de que haya regresado.

Temas similares se encuentran en un poema de Francisco Thompson:

El Sabueso del Cielo

Lo huí por las noches y los días, lo huí por los arcos de los años.
Lo huí por los caminos laberínticos
De mi propia mente, y en medio de las lágrimas.
Me escondí de él y bajo la risa.
Hasta las esperanzas vistas que aceleré y disparé precipitada
Adopta las tinieblas titánicas de los miedos abatidos
De esos pies fuertes que siguieron, siguieron después Pero con persecución sin prisas y ritmo imperturbable, velocidad deliberada, instancia majestuosa,
Golpearon, y un latido de voz,
Más instantáneo que los pies:
Todas las cosas te traicionan, quien me traiciona.

.......................................................................
Supliqué, fuera de la ley, sabio por parte de muchas personas de corazón, con cortinas rojas, enredadas con obras de caridad entrelazadas, porque aunque conocía su amor que lo seguía,
Sin embargo, ¿estaba adolorido por temor a tenerlo?
No debería haber hecho nada al lado.
Pero si una pequeña ventana se abriera por completo,

La ráfaga de su enfoque lo enfrentaría. El miedo no debe evadirse como el amor persigue.

Esto es solo una muestra del poema. Puede que quieras leer el poema completo alguna vez.
http://www.houndsofheaven.com/thepoem.htm

  Pregunta de Refelexíon:    ¿Cuál es un aspecto del amor de Dios que te conmueve profundamente?

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

Mother Katharine urged the Sisters to: “Let your heart delight in the love God has for you, personally, individually.” God loves us whether we are like the wayward younger sibling or the dutiful but resentful older sibling. He knows our foibles, our strengths, our hesitations and our hopes. God loves us during our good days and our other days. He hopes that we will come to Him, to try to be the gifted person He created us to be.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

A couple of weeks ago, a 16-year-old boy was shot on my block. He collapsed within a few feet of his home, which is a few doors down from me. An investigation revealed that prior to the shooting, this boy robbed three individual people at gun-point two blocks up the street. His third victim had a gun and chased the boy until he was within shooting range. The teen is in critical condition. You can imagine the stories, opinions and judgments that neighbors expressed, as this is yet another incidence of increasing violence in the neighborhood. Yet, I cannot help but think that this boy must have been terribly confused or desperate to make such a poor decision. I feel compassion rather than anger because his behavior may have been a cry for love. What really engages me is the fact that in spite of his criminal behavior he was running toward home. In response to your question about God’s love, I am touched most deeply by the constancy of God’s love. When I think back over all the mistakes I made and all the complex motives which I used to justify them I cringe. I sinned many times with intention. While I didn’t bear arms, I certainly wounded my relationship with God and held myself victim to fear and thoughts of rejection. Once I realized the shallowness of my decisions I humbly headed “Home” where I experienced the mercy and unconditional love of God. The ”Welcome Home” experience touched my heart so deeply that I began to understand the grace that comes from repentance. My soul encountered the immense love of God and I found myself transformed into a witness of this love. I pray that my young neighbor recovers from his injury and that he will receive the love and support he will need to confess, repent and experience the mercy of God that will forever change his life.

July 7, 2019 Jesus Calls His Disciples

July 7:  Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time C

Reading I:   Isaiah 66:10-14c

Psalm:   66

Reading II:  Galatians 6:14-18

Gospel:  Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

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

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

When the disciples return from their missions, they are all excited and happy! They exclaim to Jesus “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” While Jesus understands their enthusiasm, he warns them against pride:

     

I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
                                                                                                                Luke 18-19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Jesús llama a sus discípulos

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

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

Cuando los discípulos regresan de sus misiones, ¡todos están emocionados y felices! Ellos exclaman a Jesús: “Señor, incluso los demonios están sujetos a nosotros por tu nombre”. Mientras Jesús entiende su entusiasmo, él les advierte contra el orgullo:

     

He observado a Satanás caer como un rayo del cielo. He aquí te he dado el poder de “pisar las serpientes” y los escorpiones y sobre toda la fuerza de la El enemigo y nada te hará daño. Sin embargo, no se regocijen porque el los espíritus están sujetos a ti, pero regocíjate porque tus nombres están escritos en el cielo.
                                                                                                                Lucas 18-19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments:

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

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

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

“Our Father, Who aren’t in heaven, hollowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come; my will be done…” Thus began the prayer of my five-year-old granddaughter and myself. I am confident that Jesus smiled as warmly as I did at her attempts to say The Lord’s Prayer. I spent a few moments clarifying the words on which she stumbled. But, she wanted to know about God’s Kingdom. Was it like the kingdom in the movie, “Frozen?” Does God have magic power like Princess Elsa? Is there a happy ending in heaven? It would have been easy to just say “Yes” to all three questions to avoid the “why” questions sure to follow, but I wanted to paint a more realistic picture so she did not think that Heaven was a fantasy castle. 

My explanation went something like, “God’s Kingdom is even more awesome than the Frozen kingdom because it is not limited by walls. It is bigger than big where we can all fit and have lots of space to play, sing, be happy and healthy and enjoy being with God.  God’s power is better than magical; it is miraculous. God can make sick people well, help people who are sad become less sad, and heal hurts that people cause one another when they are angry or say something unkind. God is all about love. He made us to love and our happy ending is going to heaven – the Kingdom of Love.” Luckily, my granddaughter was satisfied with my response – she wanted to watch U-Tube videos, and for once, I was in favor of that activity! However, our faulty words and conversation about heaven stayed with me. 

Hallowed, not hollowed. How often do I take to heart just how reverently I should be entering into conversation with my Heavenly Father? My words are hollow when I don’t take a moment to center myself to enter the sacred space of prayer. Thy will, not mine, be done…that little mistake struck me immensely. I habitually utter, “Thy will,” but I’m actually praying for my will to be done. Praying with a preschooler proved to be quite a spiritual lesson for me. What about the Kingdom?

Randy Robison, author and host of Life Today, describes the kingdom as, “a royal power, kingship, and dominion not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom. In other words, a kingdom isn’t necessarily a tract of land or a collection of cities. It is a sphere of influence under the authority of a sole ruler.”  Jesus told Pilate that His Kingdom was not of this world. “Christ’s kingdom is one of influence and authority, not borders and cities.”  In 1 Corinthians 4:20, St. Paul asserts that “the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power.”

“The proof of His kingdom doesn’t come on Sunday morning when the congregation is watching,” states Robison, rather, “it comes during the week when you’re alone. It’s not about how loudly it’s declared, but how soundly it’s lived. It’s easy to make a show of it through forceful words, but the real measure comes in the quiet time, when transgression takes hold, discord sets in, discontent reigns, patience evaporates, and every other fruit of the Spirit withers, the kingdom of heaven is not present. Even so, it is still near. It’s just a matter of changing our mind and renewing our spirit.”

The way we live indicates whether we are abiding in His kingdom. Paul encouraged believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12. 

Paul goes on to say that we do this by receiving His word. Evidence that we have received it comes when it performs its work in us. Its work is changing our minds. When our minds change, aligning with His truth, it changes everything – the way we think, speak, and act. This enables us to spread His kingdom by expanding His influence.

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.