May 19, 2019 A New Commandment

5th Sunday of Easter C

Reading I: 
Acts 14:21-27

Psalm:  145

Reading II: 
Revelation 21:1-5a

Gospel: 
John 13:31-33a,
34-35

When Jesus tells us in the Gospel that he is giving us a “New Commandment” to love God, our neighbors and ourselves, we wonder what he means. After all, our Jewish ancestors in the faith already learned the importance of loving God in the Book of Deuteronomy when they read that they should “love Yahweh their God with all their heart, with all their soul, with all their strength.” (Deut 6:4-5).

From the Book of Leviticus, they learned that they are to love their neighbors as themselves (Lev 19:18). As a result, we observe that many of our Jewish brothers and sisters work in the helping professions like the many areas of the medical field and in the legal fields, etc.

Then, what is Jesus adding to make this a New Commandment?  He wants
us to love as he has loved us (John 13:34). At the Last Supper, Jesus shows by example what he means by kneeling before the disciples and washing their feet.

Since most went barefoot or wore open sandals, their feet were usually dirty and smelly, this was a welcomed service. Therefore, Jesus wants us to serve the needs of one another, even the most menial tasks.

Jesus also teaches the disciples: “A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).  Jesus later willingly gives up his life for all of us. Many of His followers also give up their lives because they refuse to deny that they are Christians or they attempt to spread the “Good News.”

Jesus’ love is completely inclusive because he sees each of us as precious. He loves even his enemies and forgives those who persecute him. His love extends to people of all races, nationalities, religions, sexual preferences, etc. That is what he expects of his followers also.

Jesus shows us an example of bringing justice when he came to the rescue of the woman being stoned for adultery. Where was the man who partnered with her? Who in the crowd was without sin? Jesus stands up for the woman so that those who are about to stone her, walk away. He just asks her to sin no more.

The whole aspect of justice is an important part of Jesus’ way of loving. The goods of this world are meant to be shared so that all have what they need. This was practiced well by the early Christian Communities. This is a great need today when we see some living in luxury while others are homeless and starving.
If we are to love as Jesus loved, our love of neighbor needs to include working toward justice for all.

Finally, to love like Jesus involves sacrifice. It may mean giving up our lives for another. However, it may mean simply putting aside one’s plans to meet the need of another. It may mean to accept the inconveniences that are required to help another. It may mean going the extra mile when one is already exhausted.

The New Commandment really means the Total Gift of Self.

Lamb of God, have mercy on us

Lamb of God, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, grant us peace!

  Reflection Question:   Ask the Lord, “What aspect of the New Commandment that He would like you to focus on at this time?”

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

La Resurrección de Lázaro

Cuando Jesús nos dice en el Evangelio que nos está dando un “Nuevo Mandamiento” para amar a Dios, a nuestros vecinos y a nosotros mismos, nos preguntamos qué quiere decir. Después de todo, nuestros antepasados judíos en la fe ya aprendieron la importancia de amar a Dios en el Libro de Deuteronomio cuando leen eso deberían “ama a Jehová su Dios con todo su corazón, con toda su alma, con toda su fuerza.” (Deut 6:4­5).

Del Libro de Levítico, aprendieron que deben amar a sus vecinos como a sí mismos (Lev 19:18). Como resultado, observamos que muchos de nuestros hermanos y hermanas judíos trabajan en profesiones de ayuda, como las muchas áreas del campo médico y en los campos legales, etc.

Entonces, ¿qué está agregando Jesús para hacer de este un Nuevo Mandamiento?  Quiere que amemos como nos ha amado (Juan 13:34). En la última cena, Jesús muestra con el ejemplo lo que quiere decir al arrodillarse ante los discípulos y lavarse los pies.

Como la mayoría andaba descalzo o usaba sandalias abiertas, sus pies usualmente estaban sucios y olían mal, este era un servicio bien recibido. Por lo tanto, Jesús quiere que sirvamos las necesidades de los demás, incluso las tareas más serviles.

Jesús también enseña a los discípulos: “Un hombre no puede tener más amor que dar su vida por sus amigos”. (Juan 15:13). Jesús más tarde renuncia voluntariamente a su vida por todos nosotros. Muchos de sus seguidores también renuncian a sus vidas porque se niegan a negar que son cristianos o intentan difundir la “Buena Nueva”.

El amor de Jesús es completamente inclusivo porque nos ve a cada uno de nosotros como algo precioso. Él ama incluso a sus enemigos y perdona a los que lo persiguen. Su amor se extiende a personas de todas las razas, nacionalidades, religiones, preferencias sexuales, etc. Eso es lo que él espera de sus seguidores también.

Jesús nos muestra un ejemplo de cómo llevar la justicia cuando rescató a la mujer que estaba siendo apedreada por adulterio. ¿Dónde estaba el hombre que se asoció con ella? ¿Quién en la multitud estaba sin pecado? Jesús defiende a la mujer para que aquellos que están a punto de apedrearla, se vayan. Él solo le pide a ella que no vuelva a pecar.

Todo el aspecto de la justicia es una parte importante de la manera de amar de Jesús. Los bienes de este mundo deben compartirse para que todos tengan lo que necesitan. Esto fue practicado bien por las primeras comunidades cristianas. Esta es una gran necesidad hoy en día, cuando vemos que algunos viven en el lujo mientras otros no tienen hogar y se mueren de hambre. Si debemos amar como Jesús amó, nuestro amor al prójimo debe incluir trabajar por la justicia para todos.

Finalmente, amar como Jesús implica sacrificio. Puede significar renunciar a nuestras vidas por otra. Sin embargo, puede significar simplemente dejar de lado los planes de uno para satisfacer la necesidad de otro. Puede significar aceptar los inconvenientes que se requieren para ayudar a otro. Puede significar hacer un esfuerzo adicional cuando uno ya está agotado.

El Nuevo Mandamiento realmente significa el Don Total del Ser.

Cordero de Dios, ten piedad de nosotros.
Cordero de Dios, ten piedad de nosotros.
Cordero de Dios, danos la paz!

  Pregunta de Reflexión:    Pregúntele al Señor: “¿En qué aspecto del Nuevo Mandamiento en el que Él desea que se concentre en este momento?”

Comments:

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

When the Drexel family visited the Alps in 1886, Kate observed that man’s life was like the passing of a cloud over the unchanging mountains. “I felt as if standing at the Day of Judgement.  How have you passed you life?”  Reading St. Francis Xavier, Kate noted the importance of knowing yourself. “Self-knowledge is the nurse of confidence in God.” Confidence in God should reassure us that we can speak with Him honestly, as to a loving Father.  We can talk with the Lord, telling Him our moments of weakness.  Recognizing these moments is a way to identify the areas in which we do not completely follow the New Commandment.  These would be the aspects of the New Commandment on which the Lord would like us to focus.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

The frontpage story of our local newspaper told of tension erupting between white residents and members of the Chinese community at a Civic Association meeting held in my neighborhood. Startled, I continued to read that Chinese residents feel they are treated with discrimination and disrespect. I was trembling. How can this be? That is not representative of the dynamics I witness in the neighborhood. The Chinese people who attend my church are welcomed and respected by the established white parishioners. I brooded over the newspaper article and continued to ask myself questions about the members of our growing Chinese population, which has tripled over the last several years. 

The issue to be discussed at the public meeting was whether a newly built restaurant/bar should be permitted to build a deck on the roof. The concerns should have been neutral and universal: parking, noise, congestion and disorderly behavior of the patrons. The paper reported that it was a “contentious gathering from the outset, and a police officer was stationed at the entrance to the gym throughout the proceedings.” In my opinion, if we set the stage for discord, it will certainly play out as such. Perhaps local clergy members and community outreach representatives could have greeted attendees at the door. A more peaceful presence might have established a more hospitable energy where issues could be considered for the common good. Nothing was resolved at that meeting, but deeper hostility was certainly planted.

The invitation to focus on one aspect of the New Commandment is very opportune for me. I intend to pray for, and work towards, promoting inclusivity amongst the various cultures that comprise my community, with special emphasis on the Chinese members. Your comment that “Jesus’ love is completely inclusive because he sees each of us as precious,” will be my canticle, with the addition of, “and that is why we are to love one another.” 

It grieves me that our neighborhood Asian newcomers feel unwelcomed and disrespected. Ours is a community of multiple faiths and cultures, yet I consider us to be tolerant. However, I see that we need to move beyond mere tolerance to acceptance and valuing diversity. It seems we have lost the awareness that we are all one in God’s eyes; created by Love for love. 

Since reading that article, I see my neighborhood through a more attentive lens. I see beauty, abundance and freedom for which we should be so grateful. If we, as a community, don’t transform these toxic thoughts of fear and separation, we stand to lose these gifts to acts of violence. Yet, there is boundless potential to be born of our multi-cultural neighborhood. Hopefully, we will grow to acknowledge our commonalities and celebrate our unique and glorious talents, gifts, garb, music, food, and so much more.

Please join me in praying for healing for my local community and all communities going through the growing pains of unprecedented demographic changes. There will always be tensions to overcome However, the more we reawaken to our spiritual connection and acknowledge the dignity of each person, the more we will reap the highest good for ourselves and our brothers and sisters.

To end on a more uplifting note, I received a ‘thought for the day’ from Life Coach, Susan Gregg who draws a parallel between pineapples and a happy life. She cites that the pineapple is a “very odd fruit - very spiny on the outside, but if they are ripe they are very sweet and juicy on the inside. Not at all what you'd expect looking at one.

Kind of like life. If we react to what we think we see, we miss out on all the good stuff on the inside. When we explore just a little bit deeper we can begin to see all the love and the similarities just below the surface.”

By embracing inclusion we can savor sweetness we might otherwise miss out on experiencing!

May 12, 2019 - The Voice of the Good Shepherd

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Images by David Hadfield

Reading I: 
Acts 13:14, 43-52

Psalm:  100

Reading II:  Revelations
7:9, 14b-17

Gospel: 
John 10: 27-30

At the Last Supper, when Jesus is preparing the disciples for his departing from them, he tells them not be worried or upset because He is going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. He further explains that He will return and take them to Himself, so that  they will be where He is. Then He tells them: “You know the way that leads to the place where I am going.” (John 14:4).

Thomas responds, “Lord we do not know where you are going; so how can we know the way to get there?”  Jesus answers him: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6).

If Jesus is the “Way,” we are to follow Him, by living as He did. It is noticeable that Jesus sometimes quotes or refers to passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. From childhood, He has been listening so deeply to the words of Scripture that He quotes or makes connections to them at special times in His life.

This is evident in some of the words of Jesus during his Passion, but also I can see the influence of  the words of the Prophet Ezekiel who quotes Yahweh (the Lord) referring to Himself in saying:

    As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view, when he stands up in the middle
    of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view... I myself will
    pasture my sheep, I myself will show them where to rest — it is the Lord
    Yahweh who speaks — I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray,
    bandage the wounded and make the weak strong.  I shall watch over the
    fat and healthy. I shall be a true shepherd to them. (Ezek 34:12, 15, 16).

In today’s Gospel we find Jesus describing his loving and caring relationship to His sheep also:
   
     Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me,
     I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them
     out of my hand.  My Father who has given them to me, is greater than all,
     and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are
     one.”  (John 10:27-30)

As we try to follow Jesus, it is important that we study the prophecies and the wisdom in the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as the life and example of  Jesus and His followers in the Christian Scriptures. In moments of silent prayer, if we listen for what the Lord is saying to us through the Sacred Scriptures, we will find our path to heaven by following Jesus, the “Way”.  How blessed are we to have such a loving and caring God!!!

             

Psalm 23 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

   He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

   He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

   for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

   I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

   your rod and your staff,

   they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me 

   in the presence of my enemies;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

   all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
   forever.                                                     
 

  Reflection Question:    Some hear the voice of the Lord clearly in the Holy Bible. Others hear the voice of the Lord more clearly in Nature. Some hear him in the circumstances of their lives. Others hear him in music or art. Where and when do you hear the voice of the Lord most clearly?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

La Voz del Buen Pastor

En la Última Cena, cuando Jesús está preparando a los discípulos para que se aparten de ellos, les dice que no se preocupen ni se molesten porque les va a preparar un lugar en la casa de su Padre. Además, explica que regresará y se los llevará a sí mismo, para que estén donde está. Luego les dice: “Ya sabes el camino que lleva al lugar donde voy”. (Juan 14:4).

Thomas responde, “Señor, no sabemos a dónde vas; Entonces, ¿cómo podemos saber el camino para llegar allí?”  Jesús le responde: “Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida”. (Juan 14:6).

Si Jesus es el “Camino,” debemos seguirlo, viviendo como él lo hizo. Es notable que Jesús a veces cita o se refiere a pasajes de las Escrituras hebreas. Desde la niñez, Él ha estado escuchando tan profundamente las palabras de las Escrituras que Él cita o hace conexiones con ellas en momentos especiales de Su vida.

Esto es evidente en algunas de las palabras de Jesús durante su Pasión, pero también puedo ver la influencia de las palabras del profeta Ezequiel que cita Yahvé (El Señor) refiriéndose a sí mismo al decir:

    Como un pastor mantiene todo su rebaño a la vista, cuando se para en
    el medio de sus ovejas dispersas, así mantendré mis ovejas a la vista ...
    yo mismo pastaré
    Mis ovejas, yo mismo les mostraré dónde descansar: es el Señor.
    Yahvé que habla: Buscaré al perdido, traeré de vuelta el camino perdido.
    Venda a los heridos y haga fuertes a los débiles. Velaré por la grasa
    y saludable. Seré un verdadero pastor para ellos. (Ezek 34:12, 15, 16).

En el Evangelio de hoy encontramos a Jesús describiendo su relación amorosa y afectuosa con Sus ovejas también:
 
     Jesus dijo: “Mis ovejas oyen mi voz; Yo las conozco y ellas me siguen,
     Yo les doy vida eterna, y nunca perecerán. Nadie puede tomarlos
     fuera de mi mano Mi Padre que me las dio, es mayor que todos.
     y nadie puede sacarlos de la mano del Padre. El Padre y yo somos uno”.
    (Juan 10:27-30)

Al tratar de seguir a Jesús, es importante que estudiemos las profecías y la sabiduría en las Escrituras hebreas, así como la vida y el ejemplo de Jesús y sus seguidores en las Escrituras cristianas. En momentos de oración silenciosa, si escuchamos lo que el Señor nos está diciendo a través de las Sagradas Escrituras, encontraremos nuestro camino al cielo siguiendo a Jesús, el  “Camino”. ¡Cuán bendecidos somos de tener un Dios tan amoroso y amoroso!

             

Salmo 23  Versión Estándar en Inglés (ESV)

El Señor es Mi Pastor

Un Salmo de David

El señor es mi pastor; Nada me faltará.

   Me hace recostar en verdes prados.

Me lleva junto a aguas tranquilas.

   Él restaura mi alma.

Me guía por sendas de justicia

   por el bien de su nombre.

Aunque ande por el valle de la sombra de la muerte,

   No temeré ningún mal,

porque tú estás conmigo;

   tu vara y tu vara,

   me consuelan

Tu preparas una mesa delante de mi

   en presencia de mis enemigos;

mi copa se desborda

Ciertamente el bien y la misericordia me seguirán.

   todos los días de mi vida,

y habitaré en la casa de Jehová.
   Siempre. 

  Pregunta de reflexión:   

Algunos escuchan la voz del Señor claramente en la Santa Biblia. Otros escuchan más claramente la voz del Señor en la Naturaleza. Algunos lo escuchan en las circunstancias de sus vidas. Otros lo escuchan en la música o en el arte. ¿Dónde y cuándo escuchas más claramente la voz del Señor?

May 5, 2019 - Second Chances

Third Sunday of Easter  -  Year C

© LumoProject

Reading I: 
Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

Psalm: 30

Reading II: 
Revelations. 5:11-14

Gospel:  John 21:1-19

When we think of Peter, we are aware of his courageous, passionate nature. We hear him say, “I would be ready to go to prison with you, and to death.” (Lk 22:33).  However, he had a fearful side to him also. When he attempts to go to Jesus walking on the sea, he becomes fearful, begins to sink, and has to be rescued by Jesus. Then, during the Passion, he denies that he even knows Jesus because he fears what would happen to him
if it became known that he was a follower of Jesus.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus appears to the disciples for the third time. Again we see Jesus’ sensitivity to the feelings of people. Jesus knows the deep love that Peter has for Him. He is also aware of how terrible Peter feels about his denial of even knowing Jesus when he was questioned during the Passion. Peter also regrets, deeply, his abandoning of the suffering Jesus at the crucifixion.

At dawn, Jesus appears on shore of the Sea of Tiberias where Peter and his friends had been fishing the whole night and had caught nothing. Jesus asks them, if they have caught anything. When they answer, “No.”  Jesus tells them to cast the net on the other side.  Soon after, the net is so full that they can not pull it in. John is the first to recognize Jesus and says to Peter: “It is the Lord.” Spontaneously, Peter jumps into the sea to go to Jesus. The other disciples
follow in a boat, dragging the net full of fish.

When they climb out of the boat and onto the shore, they see a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread.  Jesus invites them to bring their fish and share a breakfast with Him. They realize that it is Jesus, and they join Him for breakfast. Jesus, knowing the heart of Peter, wants to give him a chance to make up for the fact that he had denied knowing him three times.

Jesus addresses Peter asking: “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”  Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus gives him a way of proving this: “Feed my lambs.”  Then, he asks Peter a second time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter responds again: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus graciously gives him a way to prove himself by saying: “Tend my sheep.” A third time, Jesus gives him a chance to make up for his denials by asking him: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”  Peter becomes upset saying: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Finally, Jesus instructs him: “Feed my sheep.”

After the resurrection and the strengthening by the Holy Spirit, Peter stands up and in a loud voice speaks to the crowd: “Listen to these words, fellow Israelites! Jesus of Nazareth was a man whose divine authority was clearly proven to you by all the miracles and wonders which God performed through Him.” (Acts 2:22)

      In accordance with his own plan God had already decided that 
      Jesus would be handed over to you: and you killed Him by letting 
      sinful men crucify Him. But God raised Him from death, setting
      Him free from its power, because it was impossible that death 
      should hold Him prisoner. (Acts 2:23-24)

The people are upset and ask him what they can do. Peter responds that they should turn away from their sins, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Many are converted — about 3,000 on that day — and become dedicated followers of Jesus. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, Peter ultimately gives up his life for his faith and his ministry for Jesus. 

Jesus, knowing the loving heart of Peter as well as his weaknesses, reaches out to Peter to give him a chance to make up for his transgressions. He does that for each of us too. He tells us “Whatever you do for the least of my little ones, you do for me.” We also can make up for our weaknesses by caring for our brothers and sisters and showing them kindness. The Lord knows how important that is for us too. Praise and thanks be to our loving and merciful Lord!

  Reflection Question:    How can I make up to the Lord for my personal failures to live up to His ideals for me?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Segundas Oportunidades

Cuando pensamos en Pedro, somos conscientes de su naturaleza valiente y apasionada. Le oímos decir: “Estaría listo para ir a la cárcel contigo y a la muerte”. (Lc 22:33).  Sin embargo, él también tenía un lado temeroso. Cuando intenta ir a Jesús caminando sobre el mar, se vuelve temeroso, comienza a hundirse y tiene que ser rescatado por Jesús. Luego, durante la Pasión, niega que incluso conoce a Jesús porque teme lo que le sucedería si se supiera que era un seguidor de Jesús.

En el evangelio de hoy, Jesús se aparece a los discípulos por tercera vez. Una vez más vemos la sensibilidad de Jesús a los sentimientos de las personas. Jesús conoce el profundo amor que Pedro tiene por él. También es consciente de lo mal que se siente Pedro por negarse a conocer a Jesús cuando fue interrogado durante la Pasión. Pedro también lamenta, profundamente, su abandono del sufrimiento de Jesús en la crucifixión.

Al amanecer, Jesús aparece en la orilla del mar de Tiberíades, donde Pedro y sus amigos habían estado pescando toda la noche y no habían capturado nada. Jesús les pregunta, si han atrapado algo. Cuando contestan: “No.” Jesús les dice que lancen la red al otro lado. Poco después, la red está tan llena que no pueden jalarla. Juan es el primero en reconocer a Jesús y le dice a Pedro: “Es el Señor”. Espontáneamente, Pedro salta al mar para ir a Jesús. Los otros discípulos lo siguen
en un bote, arrastrando la red llena de peces.

Cuando salen del bote y entran a la orilla, ven un fuego de carbón con peces y pan. Jesús los invita a traer sus peces y compartir un desayuno con él. Se dan cuenta de que es Jesús, y se reúnen con Él para desayunar. Jesús, conociendo el corazón de Pedro, quiere darle la oportunidad de compensar
el hecho de que él negó haberlo conocido tres veces.

Jesús se dirige a Pedro y le pregunta: “Simón, hijo de Juan, ¿me amas más que a estos?” Pedro responde: “Sí, Señor, tú sabes que te amo”. Jesús le da una manera de probar esto: “Alimenta a mis corderos”. Luego, le pregunta a Pedro por segunda vez: “Simón, hijo de Juan, ¿me amas?” Pedro responde nuevamente:  “Sí, Señor, tú sabes que te amo”. Jesús amablemente le da una manera de demostrar su valía. diciendo: “Cuida mis ovejas”. Por tercera vez, Jesús le da la oportunidad de compensar sus negaciones preguntándole: “Simón, hijo de Juan, ¿me amas?” Pedro se enoja diciendo: “Señor, tú saber todo; sabes que te quiero”. Finalmente, Jesús le dice: “Alimenta a
mis ovejas.” 

Después de la resurrección y el fortalecimiento del Espíritu Santo, Pedro se pone de pie y en voz alta le habla a la multitud: “¡Escuchen estas palabras, compañeros israelitas! Jesús de Nazaret era un hombre cuya autoridad divina le fue claramente demostrada por todos los milagros y maravillas que Dios realizó a través de Él”.  (Hechos 2:22)

      De acuerdo con su propio plan, Dios ya había decidido que
      Jesús te sería entregado: y tú lo mataste al dejarlo.
      Los hombres pecadores lo crucifican. Pero Dios lo levantó de la muerte, poniendo
      Lo libera de su poder, porque era imposible que la muerte.
      debe mantenerlo prisionero. (Hechos 2:23-24)

La gente está molesta y le pregunta qué puede hacer. Pedro responde que deben apartarse de sus pecados, ser bautizados y recibir el don del Espíritu Santo. Muchos se convierten, alrededor de 3,000 en ese día, y se convierten en seguidores dedicados de Jesús. Fortalecido por el Espíritu Santo, Pedro finalmente abandona su vida por su fe y su ministerio para Jesús.

Jesús, conociendo el corazón amoroso de Pedro y sus debilidades, se acerca a Pedro para darle la oportunidad de compensar sus transgresiones. Él hace eso para cada uno de nosotros también.
Él nos dice:  “Hagas lo que hagas por el menor de mis pequeños, lo haces por mí”. También podemos compensar nuestras debilidades cuidando a nuestros hermanos y hermanas y mostrándoles amabilidad. El Señor sabe lo importante que es eso para nosotros también. ¡Alabado sea nuestro Señor misericordioso y misericordioso!

  Pregunta de reflexión:    ¿Cómo puedo compensar al Señor por mis fracasos personales para estar a la altura de Sus ideales para mí?

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

© www.LumoProject.com

Reading I: 
Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm: 130

Reading II:

Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: 
John 11:1-45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

La Resurrección de Lázaro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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