April 28, 2019 - The Gift of Welcome

Second Sunday of Easter C  

Image © LUMO project

Reading I:  Acts 5:12-16

Psalm:  118

Reading II:  Rev. 1:9-11 a,
12-13 , 17-19

Gospel:  John 20: 19-31


In today’s Gospel, we reflect on the experience of Thomas, the apostle, after the Passion and death of Jesus. Like the other disciples, he is confused, heart-broken, and ashamed of his abandonment of Jesus in his darkest hours.

However, unlike the other disciples, Thomas is not present when Jesus in his glorified body enters the room where the disciples are gathered and greets them with the consoling words: “Peace be with you.” Then, He shows them His pierced hands and side so that they can recognize Him. Thomas misses out on that wonderful experience of seeing the Master and knowing that He is still alive in
His glorified body and cares about them.

When the disciples tell Thomas of Jesus’ appearance, he responds: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” We often refer to Thomas as “Doubting Thomas.” But there may be another reason for his response. He
may be feeling the pain of exclusion. Why did Jesus appear when he was not
with the others?

Jesus, sensitive to feelings of being left out, returns the next week when Thomas is with the disciples. He then approaches Thomas inviting him: “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” This calls forth from Thomas the beautiful declaration of faith: “My Lord and my God.” This prayer has been repeated countless times in people’s hearts at the Consecration as the priest holds up the Sacred Body and Blood for adoration.

Jesus knows the pain caused by exclusion and makes a point to reassure Thomas of his love and concern. Jesus has a welcoming heart which reaches out to all who are open to his love. As His followers, it is important for us to make people feel welcome and included also. 

I feel very sad these days when I see all the rejection of people whether it is because of race, religion, nationality, disability, sexual preference, or any other reason. Who are we to claim that one of the Lord’s human creations is better than the others? After all, we are all God’s children, His wonderful works of art!

I was happy to hear about a popular granddaughter of a friend of mine who was asked by a young man with Downs Syndrome if she would go to the prom with him. She graciously accepted the invitation and enabled the young man and his family
to have a wonderful experience. The pictures that were taken will preserve the memories of that special night for all involved.

There are many who practice the inclusive love that Jesus taught, but we don’t always hear about them. I am always grateful for the media when it makes a point of highlighting the positive things happenings in our world.

 Reflection Question:   In my own circumstances, how can I reach out to others who may be experiencing the pain of rejection or exclusion?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

El Regalo de Bienvenida

En el Evangelio de hoy, reflexionamos sobre la experiencia de Tomás, el apóstol, después de la pasión y muerte de Jesús. Al igual que los otros discípulos, él está confundido, con el corazón roto y avergonzado de su abandono de Jesús en sus horas más oscuras.

Sin embargo, a diferencia de los otros discípulos, Tomás no está presente cuando Jesús en su cuerpo glorificado entra a la sala donde se reúnen los discípulos y los saluda con las palabras de consuelo: “La paz esté con ustedes”. Luego, les muestra sus manos perforadas y su costado para que que lo puedan reconocer. Thomas se pierde la maravillosa experiencia de ver al Maestro y saber que todavía está vivo en su cuerpo glorificado y se preocupa por ellos.

Cuando los discípulos le dicen a Tomás la aparición de Jesús, él responde: “A menos que vea la marca de las uñas en sus manos y ponga mi dedo en las marcas de uñas y ponga mi mano en su costado, no lo creeré”. A menudo nos referimos a Thomas como “Dudando a Tomás.”  Pero puede haber otra razón para su respuesta. Él puede estar sintiendo el dolor de la exclusión.
¿Por qué apareció Jesús cuando no estaba con los demás?

Jesús, sensible a los sentimientos de estar fuera, regresa la próxima semana cuando Tomás está con los discípulos. Luego se acerca a Thomas, invitándolo: “Pon tu dedo aquí y mira mis manos, y trae tu mano y métela en mi costado, y no seas incrédulo, sino cree”. Esto hace que Thomas brinde la hermosa declaración de fe: “Señor mío y Dios mío”. Esta oración se ha repetido innumerables veces en los corazones de las personas en la Consagración mientras el sacerdote sostiene el Cuerpo Sagrado y la Sangre para la adoración.

Jesús conoce el dolor causado por la exclusión y hace un punto para tranquilizar a Thomas de su amor y preocupación. Jesús tiene un corazón acogedor que se extiende a todos los que están abiertos a su amor. Como sus seguidores, es importante para nosotros hacer que las personas se sientan bienvenidas e incluidas también.

Me siento muy triste estos días cuando veo todo el rechazo de las personas, ya sea por motivos de raza, religión, nacionalidad, discapacidad, preferencia sexual o cualquier otra razón. ¿Quiénes somos nosotros para afirmar que una de las creaciones humanas del Señor es mejor que las otras? Después de todo, todos somos hijos de Dios, ¡Sus maravillosas obras de arte!

Me alegró saber que una joven nieta de un amigo mío a quien un joven con síndrome de Down le preguntó si iría al baile de graduación con él. Ella aceptó gentilmente la invitación y permitió que el joven y su familia tuvieran una experiencia maravillosa. Las fotos que se tomaron conservarán los recuerdos de esa noche especial para todos los involucrados.

Hay muchos que practican el amor inclusivo que Jesús enseñó, pero no siempre escuchamos acerca de ellos. Siempre estoy agradecido por los medios de comunicación cuando se trata de resaltar las cosas positivas que suceden en nuestro mundo.

  Pregunta de reflexión:   En mis propias circunstancias, ¿cómo puedo llegar a otras personas que puedan estar experimentando el dolor del rechazo o la exclusión?

Easter Vigil & Easter Sunday

April 3-4, 2021- Easter Vigil - Easter Sunday  

The Easter Vigil 

Since there is so much in the celebrations of Easter, the high point of the Church Year, I shall begin by giving an overview of the mother of all vigils: the Easter Vigil, and then focus on the making and renewing of the Baptismal Vows in both the Vigil and Sunday Masses.

The Roman Missal explains that during the Easter Vigil “The Church keeping watch, awaits the Resurrection of Christ and celebrates it in the Sacraments.” The Vigil begins in a darkened Church. The large decorated paschal candle, representing the risen Christ, is lit and is carried into the church while the words “Light of Christ” are proclaimed. Usually, small candles, held by the congregation, are lit from the pascal candle and the light is passed from one worshiper to the next until the whole church is filled with light from the candles. I see this as symbolic of the fact that we are to carry the light of Christ into a dark world.

Several readings from the Hebrew Scriptures summarize the story of salvation beginning with the story of creation, the choosing of the Hebrews to be God’s people, and their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Then the readings speak to God’s constant care until Christ comes. Prayers and canticles follow each reading.

After the readings, the altar candles are lit from the paschal candle, and the church is filled with light and triumphant music. The “Alleluias” are heard in the Church again and the first Easter Eucharist begins. Our risen Lord has come into the darkness to light up the world.

Following the Gospel, the Saints are invoked to pray for those to be baptized and/or receive other Sacraments. Then the baptisms and confirmations take place. Those who were baptized in Christian denominations whose baptisms are accepted as valid by the Catholic Church make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church.

The people in the congregation are sprinkled with holy water as a reminder of their own baptisms.  They renew their vows to renounce Satan and promise to serve God in the holy Catholic Church. For those who were baptized as infants or young children, it is an opportunity to consciously verbalize their commitment to Christ.

Since none of us is perfect, it is a way for all of us to start anew to live and love as Jesus has taught us. The Liturgy of the Eucharist follows and the newly baptized will join the rest of the people receiving Holy Communion.

Easter Sunday

The Easter Sunday Masses are like the ordinary Sunday Masses except for the addition of a sequence, the renewal of Baptismal Vows, and several choices for the Gospel readings.

                         

Sequence

Christians, to the Paschal Victim

Offer your thankful Praises!

A Lamb the sheep redeems;

Christ, who only is sinless,

Reconciles sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous

The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring

What you saw, wayfaring.

“The tomb of Christ, who is living,

The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;

Bright angels attesting,

The shroud and napkin resting,

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;

To Galilee He goes before you.”

Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.

Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!

Amen. Alleluia

Although there are several choices for the Gospel on Easter Sunday, I shall focus on John 20:1-9.  Many believe that aware of how deeply His mother Mary was suffering, Jesus would have appeared to her first. That may well be true. In fact, John concludes his Gospel with the following words: “Now there are many other things that Jesus did. If they were all written down one by one, I suppose that the whole world could not hold the books that would be written.”  (John 21:25).

John, the evangelist, has personally witnessed Mary of Magdala grief-stricken running to tell Peter and himself that the stone had been rolled back from the entrance of the tomb. She fears that His body has been stolen.

In response, Peter and John hasten to the tomb. John, being younger, arrives first but does not enter. When Peter arrives, he goes inside and sees the burial cloths and the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head, not with the burial cloths, but rolled up in a separate place. Then John goes in, sees and believes. According to John: until that moment, “they had failed to understand the teachings of scripture that he must rise from the dead.” (Jn 20:9).

During the Easter Season, we shall be reflecting on the many ways the risen Savior makes himself known to the people. What great joy they must have felt after witnessing the cruel Passion of Jesus to know that He was victorious and that they would someday share in His victory over death.

  Reflection Question:  How can I consciously bring the Light of Christ into our world?

Palm/Passion Sunday April 14, 2019

Palm/Passion Sunday    -   April 14, 2019

Reading I:  Isaiah 50: 4-7

Psalm: 22

Reading II:  Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel:  Luke 22:14-23:56

In the early seventeenth century there was a plague in Europe from which thousands of people died.  Pleading with God for protection, the people in the village of Oberammergau, Germany, made a vow that they would put on a live Passion Play every ten years to help people remember what the Lord Jesus suffered for our salvation. After this vow was made, no one died from the plague in their village.

By staging a live Passion Play, the villagers give perpetual thanks to  God for saving their people.  (You can view one of the videos of the passion play on YouTube by clicking here.) In 2020, the presentation will take place again. People will travel from all over the world to see a play which involves many of the villagers.

It is most appropriate that the villagers would show their gratitude by doing something to remind people of God’s great love by having Jesus come to be our redeemer. It is important to remember that Jesus took on the great sufferings willingly on our behalf. This “remembering” was actually requested by the Lord himself during the breaking of the bread and the offering of wine at the Last Supper before his Passion.

The Church through the centuries has continued to remember the Lord’s
offering of Himself each time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered. During the Eucharistic Prayer, we hear the priest pray:

       You are indeed Holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly 
       gives you praise, for through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by the
       power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and
       make them holy, and you never cease  to gather a people to yourself,
       so that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure Sacrifice may be
       offered to your name.

      Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you: by the same 
      Spirit graciously make holy these gifts (bread and wine) we have
      brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and
      Blood of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ at whose command we
      celebrate these mysteries.  

                                                                               — Eucharistic Prayer 3

Then the people respond: 

     

      When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death,
      O Lord, until you come again.

With the separate consecration of the bread and wine, we witness the renewal of the total Sacrifice of himself by Jesus for our salvation.  Because of the different time zones, this is happening somewhere in the world any time day or night. Therefore, we can offer our own sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God in union with Jesus’ Sacrifice at any time.

Some Catholics daily make that offering in the following or a similar prayer:

                                          The Morning Offering

            My God, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings 
            of this day in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass
            throughout the world for the salvation of souls, reparation for
            sin, and the reunion of Christians. Amen.

           
 Reflection Question:   How can I remember, with gratitude, the Sacrifice that was offered for my salvation?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Domingo de Palma / Pasión 

A principios del siglo XVII hubo una plaga en Europa de la que murieron miles
de personas. Suplicando a Dios por protección, las personas en la aldea de Oberammergau, Alemania, hicieron una promesa de que harían un Juego de Pasión en vivo cada diez años para ayudar a las personas a recordar lo que el Señor Jesús sufrió por nuestra salvación. Después de hacer este voto, nadie murió de la plaga en su aldea. 

Al organizar un Juego de pasión en vivo, los aldeanos dan gracias perpetuas a Dios por salvar a su gente. (Puedes ver uno de los videos de Passion Play en YouTube haciendo clic aquí). En 2020, la presentación tendrá lugar de nuevo. La gente viajará desde todo el mundo para ver una obra que involucra a muchos de los aldeanos. 

Es más apropiado que los aldeanos muestren su gratitud al hacer algo para recordar a la gente el gran amor de Dios al hacer que Jesús venga a ser nuestro redentor. Es importante recordar que Jesús asumió los grandes sufrimientos de buena gana en nuestro nombre. Este “recuerdo” en realidad fue solicitado por el mismo Señor durante el partimiento del pan y la ofrenda de vino en la Última Cena antes de su Pasión. 

La Iglesia a través de los siglos ha continuado recordando la ofrenda del Señor de Sí Mismo cada vez que se ofrece el Santo Sacrificio de la Misa. Durante la oración eucarística, escuchamos la sacerdote ora: 

       Ciertamente eres santo, Señor, y todo lo que has creado correctamente.
       Te alabamos, porque por tu Hijo nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por el

       poder y obra del Espíritu Santo, das vida a todas las cosas y

       hazlos santos, y nunca dejarás de reunir un pueblo para ti mismo, 
       de modo que desde la salida del sol hasta su puesta en escena, puede 
       ser un sacrificio puro ofrecido a su nombre. 

       Por eso, oh Señor, te imploramos humildemente: por lo mismo

       El Espíritu amablemente hace santos estos regalos (pan y vino) que
       tenemos traídos a usted para su consagración, para que puedan
       convertirse en el Cuerpo y Sangre de tu Hijo, nuestro Señor 
       Jesucristo, bajo cuyo mandato nosotros. Celebra estos misterios.

                                                                               — Eucharistic Prayer 3

Entonces la gente responde: 

     

      Cuando comemos este pan y bebemos esta copa, proclamamos
      tu muerte. Oh Señor, hasta que vuelvas. 

Con la consagración separada del pan y el vino, somos testigos de la renovación del sacrificio total de sí mismo por Jesús para nuestra salvación. Debido a las diferentes zonas horarias, esto sucede en cualquier parte del mundo a cualquier hora del día o de la noche. Por lo tanto, podemos ofrecer nuestro propio sacrificio de alabanza y agradecimiento a Dios en unión con el Sacrificio de Jesús en cualquier momento. 

Algunos católicos hacen esa ofrenda diariamente en la siguiente oración o en una oración similar: 

                                          La Ofrenda de la Mañana

            Dios mío, te ofrezco mis oraciones, obras, alegrías y sufrimientos
            de este día en unión con el santo sacrificio de la misa
            en todo el mundo, la salvación de las almas, la reparación de

            el pecado, y la reunión de los cristianos. Amén. 

  Pregunta de refleción:   ¿Cómo puedo recordar, con gratitud, el sacrificio que se ofreció por mi salvación? 

April 7, 2019 The Raising of Lazarus

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

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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?

March 31, 2019 Cultivating Relationships

The Fourth Sunday of  Lent  - Year C

Reading I: 
1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Psalm:  23

Reading II:  Ephesians 5:8-14

Gospel: 
John 9:1-41

In parishes where there are people involved in the RCIA Programs, the Second Scrutiny will take place. Those discerning receiving Baptism and/or other Sacraments will be prayed over by the priest and congregation. This is to support them as they seriously consider whether they choose to accept Jesus as their Savior and to follow him within the Catholic, Christian Community.

The study of the cure of the blind man in John’s Gospel is very appropriate as the candidates prepare to make a decision about choosing to believe, trust and follow Jesus. It is also very important for the baptized in the congregation if they are serious about renewing their baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil or on
Easter Sunday.

Jesus tells his disciples: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When Jesus sees a man who was blind from birth he spits on the ground, makes clay with his saliva, and smears the clay on the blind man’s eyes. Then Jesus says to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which appropriately, means sent). The blind man goes, washes, and comes back able to see.

The neighbors of the blind man, used to seeing him as a beggar, are questioning whether he is the same person or just looks like him. Then, the Pharisees propose that because he was cured on the Sabbath the one who cured was a sinful man. Finally, they ask the blind man, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes,” The blind man’s response was, “He is a prophet.”

As the blind man continues to be interrogated, he replies, “It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” The listeners resent the blind man’s response and throw him out of the synagogue.

When Jesus hears of his plight, he finds him and gives him the opportunity to make a profession of faith in Him. Jesus says, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The blind man answers, “Who is He, sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus reveals his identity saying, “You have seen Him, the one speaking with you is He.” Can you just imagine what joy and gratitude the blind man feels as he proclaims his faith saying: “I do believe, Lord.”

Jesus claims that he is the “Light of  the World.” Jesus could cure the man of his blindness immediately. However, it first requires that the man go to the Pool of Siloam and wash. It seems that the Lord is showing us through this example that he wants us to participate in the healing process. We may ask, “Why?”  Is there value in going through a gradual healing & enlightening process? Is there value in shared efforts? What is most important to the Lord, is a personal relationship
with Him.

Perhaps, the Lord may be teaching us about relationships, whether they be with another human being or with the Lord. The bond will be deeper and more lasting if there is conscious effort to cultivate it on both sides.  

We know that the Lord chooses to remain with us in a special way in the Eucharist. Do we make an effort to live consciously in his presence? It is a real challenge in today’s busy and noisy world.  However, we can find ways if the relationship is important to us.

I can remember when I was in Catholic Elementary and High School we would remember the holy Presence of God when the clock would strike the hour.
I vividly recall Sister Cecilia Agnes, CSJ who would stop teaching in the middle
of a sentence so that we could focus on the presence of God and praise him.

I also know someone who consciously asks God’s guidance in even small, everyday decisions. I try to do that, but more often than not, I run ahead of the Lord instead of following Him. However, the Lord is pleased with our efforts. I often think of the response of Sr. Thea Bowman when she was asked what she would like to have written on her gravestone.  She simply responded: “I tried.”

 Reflection Question:  How can I cultivate my relationship with the Lord this Lent and beyond?


COMMENTS:

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

How does one build a relationship? By getting to know more about the person and spending time with that person. We can build a deeper relationship with the Lord by spending time with Him in adoration and in prayer. If we read or listen to Sacred Scripture with an open heart, we may hear a special word or phrase that reaches out to us. Mother Katharine said that “all our good thoughts come from God.” Sometimes God writes words in BOLD to reach us just when we need that thought.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

“I am your God, I have molded you with my own hands, and I love what I have made. I love you with a love that has no limits, because I love you as I am loved… You are my child. . . . I am your God—the God of mercy and compassion, the God of pardon and love, the God of tenderness and care… I so much want you to be with me. I so much want you to be close to me. I know all your thoughts. I hear all your words. I see all your actions. And I love you because you are beautiful, made in my own image, an expression of my most intimate love…Let my love touch the deepest, most hidden corners of your heart and reveal to you your own beauty, a beauty that you have lost sight of, but that will become visible to you again in the light of my mercy. Come, come, let me wipe your tears, and let my mouth come close to your ear and say to you, ‘I love you, I love you, I love you.’ ” These words of Henri Nouwen, from his book, You are the Beloved clearly communicate God’s ardent desire for us to be in relationship with him.

 My parish holds an evening Adoration hour on Wednesdays during Lent. It is such a gift to step away from the busyness of the day and enter into the stillness of the church to sit quietly in the Presence of the Lord. While I am “doing” this practice for Lent, I am blessed, healed, and renewed beyond measure as I focus my attention on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

In his Lenten series entitled, “Best Lent Ever,” Matthew Kelly reminds us of Jesus’ words from John 10:10, “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the fullest.” We are created for incredible joy and for happiness. God wants us to be fully alive. If this is true, and I believe it is, the only place we can experience lasting joy and aliveness in in relationship to Jesus.

Matthew Kelly refers to “Holy Moments” in his daily reflections. The more Holy Moments we create in a day, the more we will experience the joy of Jesus. We can have personal Holy Moments where we pause and center our thoughts on God. We can also create Holy Moments whereby we share Christ with others, such as genuinely listening to someone who is hurting, smiling at a stranger, showing gratitude to the checkout clerk in the supermarket. Opportunities abound when we set the intention to seek and create Holy Moments.

Cultivating Holy Moments is a good way to grow in relationship with the Lord during Lent and beyond. Kelly offers three action steps to assure that our good intentions bear fruit: Focus, Act, Pray.

The following suggestions are from Matthew Kelly’s Best Lent Ever.

Focus: “God wants to collaborate with you to create Holy Moments.”

Act: “Starting today, seek to create one Holy Moment daily.”

Pray: “Holy Spirit, please collaborate with me to create a Holy Moment today.”

May you enjoy a Blessed week filled with many Holy Moments

March 24, 2019 Inspired to Share the “Good News”

The Third Sunday of Lent     Year C

Image copyright Freebibleimages.org

Reading I:  Exodus 17: 3-7
                 
Psalm:  95

Reading II:  Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

Gospel:  John 4: 5-42

While there are two options for the readings for the third Sunday of Lent, this year I have chosen to focus on the readings for the Mass at which those adults and children in the RCIA or RCIC programs will be prayed over by the congregation.*

Actress Helen Hayes shared an episode which took place before she was a star. At a party where there were many celebrities, she felt shy and sat in a corner alone.  A young man approached her and offered her some salted peanuts. As he offered them to her, he said “I wish they were emeralds.” Helen claimed: “That was the end of my heart; I never got it back.” Something similar happened to the Samaritan woman in John’s Gospel.

According to John the Evangelist, Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down by Jacob’s well around noon time. In this parched land, one can literally die of heat stroke and thirst. This is usually the time when one rests until the heat lessens
a bit. 

A Samaritan woman comes by to draw water. Jesus asks her for a drink. She is totally startled by his request. First of all, Jesus is speaking to a woman, which was not customary to do in that society. Secondly, the Samaritans are despised by most Jews because they are of mixed race, and of a different religion. 

The woman responds to Jesus: “How can you, a Jew, ask me a Samaritan woman for a drink?...Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.” Jesus answers, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” The woman responds, “You do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?” Jesus replies,
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  The woman pleads: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Jesus replies, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman responds,
“I do not have a husband.” Jesus answers,“You are right in saying, ‘I do not have
a husband.’ For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not
your husband.”

Startled, the woman says, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” ...Jesus responds: “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.” The woman replies, “I know that the Messiah
is coming, the one called the Christ; when He comes, He will tell us everything.” Jesus responds, “I am He, the one speaking with you.”

What joy must have filled her heart! She hastens into the town saying to the people. “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could He possibly be the Christ?”  Because of the testimony of the woman, many came to believe
in Him. 

Once being offered a special gift by Jesus, the woman is converted, gives Him her heart and spreads the “good news” to all she meets. She is never the same again.

 Reflection Question:  Can you recall an encounter,  a gift, or an experience that caused you to never be the same again?

* The RCIA  program is the preparation for adults who wish to join the Catholic Church.  It is also for those who have been baptized, but have not received all the Sacraments, or have been away from the Church and want to be updated. 

  

 In addition, this program is available to non-Catholic Christians interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic. Some baptisms, received in mainstream Protestant denominations, are accepted by the Catholic Church, so the person just needs to make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church and receive the other Sacraments. 

 The RCIC program is for children who are older and were not baptized as babies or younger children.  It is also for older children who did not receive First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation at the usual ages.

More information is available in parish churches.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Inspirado para compartir las “Buenas Noticias”

Si bien hay dos opciones para las lecturas del tercer domingo de Cuaresma, este año he elegido centrarme en las lecturas de la Misa en las que la congregación orará por aquellos adultos y niños en los programas RICA o RCIC. *

La actriz Helen Hayes compartió un episodio que tuvo lugar antes de que fuera una estrella. En una fiesta donde había muchas celebridades, se sentía tímida y se sentaba sola en un rincón. Un joven se le acercó y le ofreció unos cacahuetes salados. Mientras se las ofrecía a ella, dijo “Ojalá fuesen esmeraldas”, Helen afirmó:“Ese fue el final de mi corazón; Nunca lo recuperé”. Algo similar le sucedió a la mujer samaritana en el Evangelio de Juan.

De acuerdo con Juan el Evangelista, Jesús, cansado de su viaje, se sentó junto al pozo de Jacob alrededor del mediodía. En esta tierra seca, uno puede literalmente morir de insolación y sed. Este suele ser el momento en que uno descansa hasta que el calor disminuye un poco.

Una mujer Samaritana viene a sacar agua. Jesús le pide una bebida. Ella está totalmente sorprendida por su petición. En primer lugar, Jesús le está hablando a una mujer, lo que no se acostumbraba a hacer en esa sociedad. En segundo lugar, los samaritanos son despreciados por la mayoría de los judíos porque son de raza mixta y de una religión diferente.

La mujer responde a Jesús: “¿Cómo puedes tú, un judío, pedirme a una samaritana una bebida? ... Los judíos no usan nada en común con los samaritanos”. Jesús responde: “Si conocieras el don de Dios y quién está diciendo a ti, ‘Dame una bebida’, le hubieras preguntado y Él te habría dado agua viva”. La mujer responde: “Ni siquiera tienes un cubo y la cisterna es profunda; ¿De dónde entonces puedes conseguir esta agua viva? ¿Eres más grande que nuestro padre Jacob que nos dio esta cisterna y bebió de él mismo con sus hijos y sus rebaños?” Jesús responde: “Todos los que beban esta agua volverán a tener sed; mas el que bebiere del agua que yo daré, no tendrá sed jamás; el agua que daré se convertirá en él en un manantial de agua que brota de la vida eterna”. La mujer suplica: “Señor, dame esta agua para que no tenga sed o tenga que seguir viniendo aquí para sacar agua”.

Jesús responde: “Ve, llama a tu marido y vuelve”. La mujer responde: “No tengo marido”. Jesús responde: “Tienes razón al decir: ‘No tengo marido’. Porque has tenido cinco. Esposos, y el que tienes ahora no es tu marido”.

Sorprendida, la mujer dice: “Puedo ver que eres un profeta. Nuestros antepasados adoraban en esta montaña; pero ustedes dicen que el lugar para adorar está en Jerusalén.” ...Jesús responde: “Dios es espíritu y los que lo adoran deben adorarlo en espíritu y en verdad”. La mujer responde, “Sé que el Mesías viene, el llamado el Cristo; cuando venga, nos lo dirá todo”. Jesús responde, “Yo soy el que habla contigo”.

¡Qué alegría debe haber llenado su corazón! Ella se apresura a entrar al pueblo diciendo a la gente. “Ven a ver a un hombre que me contó todo lo que he hecho. ¿Podría posiblemente ser el Cristo”?  Debido al testimonio de la mujer, muchos llegaron a creer en él.

Una vez que Jesús le ofreció un regalo especial, la mujer se convierte, le entrega su corazón y transmite las “buenas nuevas” a todos los que se encuentra. Ella nunca volverá a ser la misma.

  Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Puedes recordar un encuentro, un regalo o una experiencia que hizo que nunca volvieras a ser el mismo?

* El programa RICA es la preparación para adultos que desean unirse a la Iglesia Católica. También es para aquellos que han sido bautizados, pero no han recibido todos los Sacramentos, o han estado fuera de la Iglesia y desean ser actualizados.

Además, este programa está disponible para los cristianos no católicos interesados en explorar la posibilidad de convertirse en católicos. Algunos bautismos, recibidos en las denominaciones protestantes de la corriente principal, son aceptados por la Iglesia Católica, por lo que la persona solo necesita hacer una profesión de fe en la Iglesia Católica y recibir los otros Sacramentos.

El programa RCIC es para niños que son mayores y no fueron bautizados cuando eran bebés o niños más pequeños. También es para niños mayores que no recibieron la Primera Comunión, la Reconciliación o la Confirmación en las edades habituales.

Más información está disponible en las iglesias parroquiales.

March 17, 2019 Transfiguration

Second Sunday of Lent C - Transfiguration

Reading I:  Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

Psalm:  Psalm 27

Reading II:  Philippians  3:17-4:1

Gospel:  Luke 9:28b-36

This comforting quote from one of my favorite poets reminds us of our Heavenly Father’s constant care for his children. Again, our Gospel reflection is on the Transfiguration. As a loving parent, God prepares his children for what they will face in the future. The faith of the disciples needs to be solid to be able to deal with the Passion of our Lord. A glimpse of the glorious Jesus can sustain them when there seems to
be no hope.

Luke is the only one of the evangelists who mentions the conversation taking place between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. As they talk about the upcoming suffering and death of Jesus, they confirm the connections between their actions and predictions recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures.  The disciples are so impressed with the vision that they want to set up tents so that they can experience the wonder of it all longer.

Then, a shadow of a cloud is cast over them. From the cloud a direct command from God the Father is heard: “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” Having been able to see the glory of Jesus in his transfigured form and to be reassured of the coming fulfillment of the promise of a Savior and redemption, the disciples have been given the support needed as they face the upcoming experiences of the sufferings and death of Jesus.

As an only child, many people tend to think that I had everything I wanted when I wanted it. However, in my mother's wisdom, she knew she was to prepare me for my life to come. When  I would ask for something, sometimes I received it and other times the answer was “No.”  She knew that in the eventualities of life I would not always have my way. I have often felt grateful to her for the many ways she prepared me for life. Usually, something better would result in the long run even when I had to live with a “No.”  Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, so it behooves us to trust in His providence.

Though the Mountains May Fall  by Dan Schutte

Refrain: 
Though the mountains my fall and the hills turn to dust,
Yet the love of the Lord will stand
As a Shelter for all who will call on His name.
Sing the praise and the glory of God!

Verse I:
Could the Lord ever leave you?
Could the Lord forget his love?
Though a mother forsake her child,
He will not abandon you.

Verse II:

Should you turn and forsake Him,

He will gently call your name.

Should you wander away from Him,
He will always take you back.

Verse III:
Go to him when you are weary;
He will give you eagles wings.
You will run, never tire,
for your God will be your strength.

Verse IV:
As He swore to your fathers,
when the flood destroyed the land;
He will never forsake you;
He will swear to you again.

 Reflection Question:  Can you think of a time in your life when something happened which disappointed you, but ended up being a blessing from the Lord?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Transfiguración

“Detrás de la oscuridad desconocida,Está Dios en la sombra, vigilando por encima de los suyos.” 
- Jaime Russell Lowell

Esta cita reconfortante de uno de mis poetas favoritos nos recuerda el cuidado constante de nuestro Padre Celestial por sus hijos. Una vez más, nuestra reflexión del Evangelio está en la Transfiguración. Como padre amoroso, Dios prepara a sus hijos para lo que enfrentarán en el futuro. La fe de los discípulos debe ser sólida para poder tratar con la Pasión de nuestro Señor. Un vistazo al glorioso Jesús puede sostenerlos cuando parece que no hay esperanza.

Lucas es el único de los evangelistas que menciona la conversación que tuvo lugar entre Jesús, Moisés y Elías. Al hablar sobre el próximo sufrimiento y la muerte de Jesús, confirman las conexiones entre sus acciones y las predicciones registradas en las Escrituras hebreas. Los discípulos están tan impresionados con la visión que quieren instalar carpas para que puedan experimentar la maravilla de todo esto por más tiempo.

Entonces, una sombra de una nube se proyecta sobre ellos. Desde la nube un comando directo desde Dios el padre se escucha: “Este es mi Hijo elegido; Escúchalo a él”. Habiendo sido capaces de ver la gloria de Jesús en su forma transfigurada y de sentirse seguros del cumplimiento venidero de la promesa de un Salvador y de la redención, a los discípulos se les ha brindado el apoyo necesario para enfrentar las experiencias venideras de los sufrimientos y la muerte de Jesús.

Como hija única, muchas personas tienden a pensar que tenía todo lo que quería cuando lo quería. Sin embargo, en la sabiduría de mi madre, ella sabía que debía prepararme para la vida futura. Cuando pedía algo, a veces lo recibía y otras veces la respuesta era "No". Ella sabía que en las eventualidades de la vida no siempre tendría mi camino. A menudo me he sentido agradecido por las muchas maneras en que me preparó para la vida. Por lo general, algo mejor resultaría a largo plazo incluso cuando tuviera que vivir con un “No”.  Nuestro Padre Celestial sabe lo que es mejor para nosotros, por lo que nos corresponde confiar en
su providencia.

Aunque Las Montañas Pueden Caer  por Dan Schutte

Estribillo:
Aunque los montes se caigan y los montes se conviertan en polvo,
Sin embargo, el amor del Señor permanecerá
Como un refugio para todos los que invocan su nombre.
¡Cantad la alabanza y la gloria de Dios!

Verso I:
¿Podría el Señor alguna vez dejarte?
¿Podría el Señor olvidar su amor?
Aunque una madre abandona a su hijo,
Él no te abandonará.

Verso II:

Si te conviertes y lo abandones,
Él suavemente llamará tu nombre.
Si te alejaras de él,
Él siempre te llevará de vuelta.

Verso III:
Ve a él cuando estés cansado;
Te dará alas de águila.
Correrás, nunca te cansarás,
Porque tu Dios será tu fortaleza.

Verso IV:
Como juró a tus padres,
cuando el diluvio destruyó la tierra;
Él nunca te abandonará;
Él te jurará de nuevo.


  Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Puedes pensar en un momento de tu vida en el que sucedió algo que te decepcionó, pero que terminó siendo una bendición del Señor?

March 10, 2019 Temptations & Suffering

The First Sunday of Lent - Year C

Reading I:  
Deuteronomy 26: 4-10

Psalm:  91

Reading II:  Romans 10:8-13

Gospel:  Luke 4:1-13

In today’s Gospel, we are told of the temptations of Jesus. When he had fasted for 40 days and was hungry, the devil tempts him to change stones into bread. Then, the devil tells him that if he would bow down and worship him, he would be given all the kingdoms of the world.  Finally, the devil, trying to appeal to a desire for prestige, challenges Jesus to jump from a pinnacle to show that he would be saved by angels.

Jesus chose to take on the full human experience even allowing himself to be tempted. Because of this, we can know that he understands what we go through when being tempted. He also showed us how to resist temptations.

When I was younger, I used to think about the suffering of Jesus primarily during his Passion. Then, I would see the sufferings of my relatives, friends, and others who had lifelong, relentless, extreme sufferings and wonder why God would allow that kind of life experience for some. Others seemed to have had easy lives. It didn’t seem fair. However, in my later years, I have come to realize that much suffering is not visible. Only God knows the deep interior sufferings that many endure.

I also realize that just as our lives are a mixture of joys and sufferings, so was the human life of Jesus. Even his birth in a lowly cave which sheltered animals also included the loving embraces of Mary and Joseph.

The Church Year focuses on different aspects of the life of Jesus. During Lent, we will be focusing on the sufferings of  Jesus.

A comment my mother made has remained with me over the years. She had just come home on the bus after grocery shopping. (She had, had a very difficult life and was severely lame.) She mentioned to me that a lovely young girl had sat beside her on the bus and had been very kind to her. My mother’s observation was that “she must have had a lot of suffering in her life, otherwise, she would not have been so thoughtful.”

As I reflect on people I have met in my lifetime, I am aware of the great generosity of poor people who help others. They know what it feels like to be hungry and in need. I recall instances of parents with handicapped children reaching out to help other children. I know of couples who could not have a biological child of their own, adopting children and providing them with loving homes. God knows what he is doing, though it is difficult for us to understand at times.

If we want to have beautiful spring flowers, we know that both sunshine and rain are required. So too must we have joy and pain in our lives to grow and fully blossom.

 Reflection Question:  Why so much suffering? Can you think of any instance in which suffering produced “good fruit?”

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Tentaciones y Sufrimiento

En el Evangelio de hoy, se nos habla de las tentaciones de Jesús. Cuando había ayunado durante 40 días y tenía hambre, el diablo lo tienta a convertir las piedras en pan. Entonces, el diablo le dice que si se inclina y lo adora, se le darán todos los reinos del mundo. Finalmente, el diablo, tratando de apelar a un deseo de prestigio, desafía a Jesús a saltar desde un pináculo para mostrar que él sería salvado por los ángeles.

Jesús eligió asumir la experiencia humana completa, incluso dejándose tentar. Debido a esto, podemos saber que él entiende por lo que pasamos cuando somos tentados. También nos mostró cómo resistir las tentaciones.

Cuando era más joven, solía pensar en el sufrimiento de Jesús principalmente durante su Pasión. Luego, vería los sufrimientos de mis familiares, amigos y otros que sufrieron sufrimientos extremos de por vida, implacables, y me preguntaría por qué Dios permitiría ese tipo de experiencia de vida para algunos. Otros parecían haber tenido vidas fáciles. No parecía justo. Sin embargo, en mis últimos años, me he dado cuenta de que mucho sufrimiento no es visible. Solo Dios conoce los profundos sufrimientos interiores que muchos soportan.

También me doy cuenta de que al igual que nuestras vidas son una mezcla de alegrías y sufrimientos, también lo fue la vida humana de Jesús. Incluso su nacimiento en una humilde cueva que abrigaba animales también incluía los abrazos amorosos de María y José.

El Año de la Iglesia se centra en diferentes aspectos de la vida de Jesús. Durante la Cuaresma, nos enfocaremos en los sufrimientos de Jesús.

Un comentario que hizo mi madre ha permanecido conmigo a lo largo de los años. Ella acababa de llegar a casa en el autobús después de la compra de comestibles. (Tuvo, tuvo una vida muy difícil y estaba gravemente coja). Me comentó que una joven encantadora se había sentado a su lado en el autobús y había sido muy amable con ella. La observación de mi madre fue que “Ella debe haber tenido mucho sufrimiento en su vida, de lo contrario, no habría sido tan pensativa”.

Al reflexionar sobre las personas que he conocido en mi vida, soy consciente de la gran generosidad de las personas pobres que ayudan a los demás. Saben lo que se siente estar hambriento y necesitado. Recuerdo casos de padres con niños discapacitados que ayudaron a otros niños. Sé de parejas que no podían tener un hijo biológico propio, adoptar niños y proporcionarles hogares afectuosos. Dios sabe lo que está haciendo, aunque a veces nos cuesta entenderlo.

Si queremos tener hermosas flores de primavera, sabemos que se necesita sol y lluvia. Así también debemos tener alegría y dolor en nuestras vidas para crecer y florecer completamente.

 Pregunta de reflexión:  ¿Por qué tanto sufrimiento? ¿Se te ocurre algún caso en el que se produzca el sufrimiento “buena fruita”?