The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 31, 2003
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 9:1-5
Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
Luke 14:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's First Reading we hear Paul lamenting over the disbelief of his fellow Jews who could not or would not accept all the logical evidence he was presenting regarding Jesus -- the Messiah. It is a situation that many of us might have experienced -- if not specifically regarding the authentic teachings of Jesus and the Catholic Church, then other more secular things that we have wanted to communicate to people we love.

The frustration, as we know, is immense. How are we to cope with disappointing people and circumstances, how are we to remain charitable and hopeful.

The answer always can be found in the mystery of Christ as both man and God; for, in it we recognize that Jesus as God and man suffered enormous frustration and opposition. At every turn there were those who were ready to scorn and impugn His message and motives.

If it was so with the Son of God - should we expect anything less? Let us then unite the disappointments we experience, especially those with people we love, people who seem to have the power to diminish our love, our joy. Let us offer our little suffering to that of the Father who suffers all in Jesus His Son.

There is no power for good which does not come from your covenant,
and no promise to hope in, that your love has not offered.
- from the Opening Prayer for the 30th Week in Ordinary Time.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, October 30, 2003
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 8:31-39
Psalm 109:21-22,26-27,30-31
Luke 13:22-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

There are many times in our lives when discouragement can sap our energy and take away our joy. Just thinking about our broken world with all its violence, terror, and hate, can make us sad. But so often it's something closer to home -- a friend who neglected us, a hurting tooth, a missed appointment, anger caused by a family dispute. Don't sweat the small stuff! is advice that's well and good for someone else, but not for me!

Today's reading from Romans reminds us that the really big battles for possession of our soul between God and Satan have already been won. Nothing can separate us from God's heaven except our own failure to trust, to believe, and to love. To believe that we are God's work of art, that he is creating us moment by moment, that we are to live only in praise of His glory...that is the message of Romans.

May we get beyond our petty distractions and annoyances, and see the larger picture. God has won the battle for us. What is needed is faith!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 8:26-30
Psalm 13:4-6
Luke 13:22-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Spirit comes to the aid of weakness . . . .

This is one of the most hopeful and powerful passages in all of Paul's letters. This is one of those readings that makes you want to jump up and say "Praise the Lord!" This is one of the great gifts God has given His children.

The Holy Spirit prays within us for all that is necessary for our salvation. He is constantly in the throneroom of the Father praying and making known everything that we desire. When we do not know how to pray, and even when we do, the third person of the Trinity, living within us and at the same time intimately indwelling the Godhead makes known everything.

Do not ask how to pray. Do not fear when you don't know what to say. Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, thank God for prayer when we can't pray. Praise the Lord for His goodness and His marvelous provision for us.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Saints Simon and Jude, apostles

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 19:2-5
Luke 6:12-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We Are Members Of God's Household....
built on the foundation of the Apostles
with Christ as the capstone.... (see Ephesians 2:22)

As we look at today's world, the truth of a line from St. Paul's letter to the Romans strikes us forcefully, for indeed all of creation is groaning in labor pains as it struggles to bring forth Christ's new life from the old one. This strife is caused by the fight we all must engage in as we try to overcome our selfishness and be freed from the corruption of sin, fully redeemed by Christ in both body and soul. Such is God's will for humanity.

Today we celebrate the lives of two apostles and we see in Christ's all-night prayer the importance of His choices as He gathers together those who will serve to make Him and God's message of reconciliation known to the world. It was not necessary for Him to choose the most eloquent and scholarly, for the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth to them and give them the power to live it and verbalize it. Jesus chooses those who are humble, those most receptive to His word and who sincerely desire to love and serve God and learn to love and serve others as Christ Himself does, steadfastly and unconditionally. If the Church is to stand firm and continue to grow, it must have a solid foundation, Apostles who will function under the headship of Christ, the capstone.

Worldly forces are now exerting much pressure on the Church's foundation, our bishops, in hopes of toppling her who stands against the world's lax values. A media given to revelling in smut and sensationalism enjoys loudly touting infidels within the Church, exerting pressure upon her, trying to bring about changes in her basic moral tenets by suggesting that the strictness of these and the celibacy of priests rather than the human preponderance toward sin and the failure of some individuals to remain completely faithful to Christ's teachings is the cause of all our problems.

Spirit of love and truth, guide Your Church to a newness of life, that she may be a source of light to a world pervaded by darkness and strife. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, October 27, 2003
Thirtieth week Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 8:12-17
Psalm 68:2,4,6-7,20-21
Luke 13:10-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In the oft-prayed Hail Holy Queen at the conclusion of the Rosary, the words that describe us as poor abandoned children of Eve always startles me and makes me realize what we truly were: abandoned! The word abandoned speaks of desolation, betrayal, despair. That's what Eve, our earthly mother left us as an inheritance. But, everlasting praise be to God our Almighty Father, who by the saving act of His divine Son and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit made us His adopted children, co-heirs with His Christ.

Dearest Lord, let us always remember that we were indeed abandoned, left helpless and alone except that You loved us. You took us, dirty and ragged as we were and let us be in the company of your only begotten Son. You adopted us and treated us not like second class sons and daughters, but as your very own. You even allowed your true and only begotten Son to suffer and die for us -- unworthy as we are.

Abba, Father,
I thank you, I adore you.
Amen. Amen.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 26, 2003
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126:1-6
Hebrews 5:1-6
Mark 10:46-52

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."

Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."


Immediately he received his sight and followed Him on the way.



The fact that we are a people of Faith keeps us on the path of salvation. Having Faith in things unseen opens our minds up to the wondrous possibilities and opportunities in our lives. Our Christian Faith enables us to reflect important values in the real world, allowing us to create a better world in the here and now. Our Faith and how we live our lives in accordance with that, automatically brings about a better world. The firmer our Christian Faith, the more our lives will be a reflection of our innermost beliefs. Often we might ask: what difference can I make in the world? By having a firm Faith, everything and anything is possible!



Today, let us ask the Lord to strengthen our Faith, recognising that His plans for us are always for our good even if they don't seem that way at the time. Remember He is making a wonderful tapestry of our lives and now we have only a glimpse of what the end product will be!



- Cliodhna Doyle (clia at cliadoyle dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, October 25, 2003
Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 8:1-11
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 13:1-9

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Has God Rejected His People?

Paul asks questions that we still long for the answers to today. Had God rejected us? Has he abandoned us? Certainly as a society we have merited it. As individuals we have deserved it.

But Paul says, through Israel's blindness, light came to the gentiles. Nevertheless, Israel still constitutes the chosen people. They are still elect.

We who are God's people are also His elect. Let us remember always the promise, nay more, the spiritual law that God's gift and God's call are irrevocable. Once we have heard His voice, He will keep calling until He is hoarse.

He is a God in love with His people, he could no more leave us than we could leave behind our hands and feet at will. God's encompassing love invites to Him always. Open your ears, hear and rejoice at our loving, saving God.

- JuandelaCruz

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 24, 2003
Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Anthony Claret, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 7:18-25
Psalm 119:66,68,76-77,93-94
Luke 12:54-59

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's readings reveal to us some of the disturbing truths about the effect of sin in our lives. St. Paul says that though there's a part of him that desires to do good, there's another part that's always trying to undo and frustrate all his inclinations and actions toward goodness.

Jesus too, speaks of this inner dichotomy when He states that although we're able to read the signs of natural occurrences - like weather patterns that portend rain and heat - we fail to heed the signs of God's Kingdom. Jesus was not talking of His final coming in glory, but the Kingdom of God that exists now and is being called into fulness by our response in love to God and our neighbor.

The Kingdom of God, of Love, is at hand. It is accessible now, it is possible now. It is the power of His Love that is freely offered to everyone who urges us into activity that will triumph over our human weakness and transform everything back to the state of original goodness.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me on a straight road. (Ps 27:11)

The Kingdom of God is at hand!


- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, October 23, 2003
Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
St. John of Capistrano, priest, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 6:16-23
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Luke 12:49-53

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's first reading from Romans is a description of the kind of earthly resurrection we should experience in the here and now. Paul speaks of our dying into slavery -- a very different kind of slavery than we had experience before that, which was a slavery to sin. This new slavery is a bonding to the Spirit, which makes us slaves to righteousness, that is, living by the Will of God.

St. Paul is so down-to-earth. He realizes that this entails a struggle, a daily, even hourly struggle not to fall back into the attraction that sin can hold over our weakness. Nevertheless, the grace of God is strong enough to keep us bonded to the Spirit. In the Spirit are all the virtues -- humility, gratitude, the zeal to love God and love one's neighbor, patience, fortitude, courage -- to name but a few.

If we live with the struggle, knowing that our earnest prayer will win the day -- every day, then we need never fear Jesus' warning in the Gospel that we have no idea how long or how short the time before God's calls us to give an account of ourselves.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 6:12-18
Psalm 24:1-8
Luke 12:39-48

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

You must be prepared....

If we knew that a thief were coming, we'd lock up the house and seal the windows. We'd call the police and enlist our neighbors to help us catch whoever would steal from us. Sadly, our great foe wishes to take what is the most precious gift given to us, and we often shrug our shoulders and say: Tomorrow is time enough . . . God is merciful.

God is merciful, but we should be ashamed to presume so much on that mercy -- tomorrow is not early enough. Today is not early enough. Only right now, this instant, the very second we have before us is soon enough. Through His great grace, mercy, and love, God granted us a Redeemer to restore us to the completeness of His Family.

Do we wish to bring dishonor upon that family? If not, we must leave off every manner of wickedness from the greatest to the least. We must love God with the fullness of our hearts and we must abandon all things that hurt Him -- lying, slander, unpleasantness of every sort, callousness, materialism, and all manner of corruption that comes from the world.

We cannot do it alone. Only Grace makes it possible. So let us presume no further and pray fervently for the grace to no longer offend God. Let us come home ourselves, called by love, received by Grace, leaving all trash and sinfulness outside.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 5:12,15,17-21
Psalm 40:7-10,17
Luke 12:35-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant....
(Luke 12:37)

Among the strongest of human instincts is survival; on this fleshly level we will do almost anything to preserve our lives and those of our families. This works well on the animal level, but man is far more than flesh and blood; for when God breathed into Adam's nostrils, he became a living soul, a being made in the image of God to have everlasting life with Him. He created humanity specifically to share His holy life with us; with our permission and cooperation, He infuses us with His love and truth so we might enjoy Him ourselves and make Him known to the world, that together we may all share in His glory. Our first reading today reminds us of Adam's sin, the fall from God's grace that infects all humanity through him; but St. Paul reassures us that in Jesus Christ, the new Adam, we have been offered a reprieve and enabled to participate in the righteousness of God.

How can we appropriate this new life in Christ? The first step to healing is to admit one's illness and to seek a remedy. The answer is given more fully in today's Gospel, a call to vigilance. We must actively seek the kingdom of God not only for our own salvation, but we are to serve God by practicing the gift of faith He gives us, conforming our lives with that of His Son. In brief, our attitudes and actions must be self-sacrificing and self-giving if Christ, God, is to be made visible to others through us. God places His reputation squarely into our hands.

Now is the time for reformation, for the Master will come unexpectedly and may find us unprepared to give Him a good accounting of our stewardship. Those He finds living in His truth and love He will fill with His blessings in full measure to overflowing.

Most loving of Fathers,
pour out Your Spirit upon us,
that we may, like Christ,
become Your loving and obedient children,
giving glory to Your name. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, October 20, 2003
Twenty-ninth week Ordinary Time
St. Paul of the Cross

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 4:20-25
Luke 1:69-75
Luke 12:13-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Before my conversion and life as a Franciscan, I earned advanced degrees in economics. I spent most of my adult life studying money, its movements through the economies of the world, how it was created and how it was lost. Those years of study were have not been lost because I learned one very important point: money is worth more than its face amount because it brings with it power to the one that holds it.

A turning point in my life happened when a wealthy client died and the day after his death, two days before the funeral, his children were in my office demanding the inheritance. I could not convince them that the law prohibited me from giving the money to them. They were so blind with a desire for the money and its associated power that they had not even thought about the passing of their father.

Wealth and power can be gone as quickly as you can set fire to a dollar bill and burn it to ashes. However, you can use wealth and its power to greater ends. A few dollars can feed many hungry and bring them the word of God. A few dollars can support a missionary and give him the power to convert many to Christ. A few dollars can help an unwed mother and give her the power to make the right decision for her baby. And the list is endless.

Money and its power are temporary. So, use the power that money carries with it to good end before it is gone. You may no longer have it, but you can be assured that there is a savings account waiting for you filled with many times what you give and that will last for eternity.

- Don Claunch, sfo

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 19, 2003
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As we strive to grow in grace and holiness through the kindness of God, we may be prompted by the Holy Spirit to serve the Body of Christ in ways unique only to ourselves. Some of us may discern a vocation to the priesthood or the religious life, some of us may assist as lectors, others may help with the music ministry, and others may perform hidden acts of kindness unseen by the rest of us.

But who is greatest in the eye of God? Does it matter if we are seen or respected by anyone else?

In our humanity, it is only natural for us to want to be seen by others with respect. And somewhat like the two apostles in today's Gospel, we may desire respect and a position of honor. How pitiful and sad that we should ever want to seek to be better than others or to gauge our actions by such useless ideals. Surely we must know deep within our hearts, that the talents we possess are gifts given from God.

Let us faithfully keep before ourselves, a willingness to serve God as perfectly as possible in every little act that we perform each moment of the day. Let's always do everything in the name of God. Let's always praise God for his kindness and let's be sure to thank Him for His blessings of daily trial through which we may be purified.

See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and to preserve them in spite of famine. (Psalm 33:18-19)

- Joachim

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, October 18, 2003
Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Luke, evangelist

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Timothy 4:10-17
Psalm 145:10-13,17-18
Luke 10:1-9

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's feast, commemorating St. Luke the Evangelist, should be one of both warning and encouragement. For a period of time in this country, we have lived within the illusion of peace, serenity and well-being. Comfortable and well-off, we've enjoyed the blessings of a populous clergy preaching the faith and bringing us the sacraments. This was not always so; and it appears now that it shall greatly diminish as we enter increasingly pagan times in this country, even perhaps, among confusing signals from the magisterium itself.

As time passes, I find myself walking more and more among the company of the saints - those who heroically try to deny themselves in order to follow the call of God. I find a greater and greater contrast between those who accept and those who reject the Gospel of the Lord. I've also come to understand that the gospel message is just as valid for us today as in St. Luke's times. For example, consider what Jesus said to the 72 disciples as He sent them out into the world: The harvest is rich, but the workers are few... Be on your way, and remember: I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves. (Luke 10:2-3)

Left to my own power, I know I don't have the guts to be a martyr for Jesus. Yet, how can I possibly refuse to place myself on the Lord's side? My only hope is to place all my trust in God, to live willingly each moment of every day as He desires of me. When we are called to speak or act for the Lord, it won't be us speaking or acting. No, it will be the Holy Spirit speaking through us, telling us what to say, directing our every action.

O Godhead
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
give us the courage and the strength
to move from moment to moment,
only in the ways you desire for us.
Amen, Amen

- Joachim (1993)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 17, 2003
Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 4:1-8
Psalm 32:1-2,5,11
Luke 12:1-7

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1)

What is "good"? Why are we here?

Answer one and you have answered the other!

God is all Good - and we are here to know, love and serve Him. So, how can anything be good if it is not in union with God?

Have you seen any "good" movies lately? Heard any "good" ideas? Ever yearned for "the good life"? So many things in our world are in the pretense of good, when in reality they are not. Why are we so quick to label as "good" that which is not? Is that not hypocrisy? Is that not the 'big lie'?

I am a hypocrite. I say I am good, but yet I sin. Woe is me, right? Could be -- but better to pray "Forgive me." Free me from my personal hypocrisy; forgive me of my sins, Lord. For if I really buy the 'big lie', I won't even ask for that forgiveness -- then truly, woe is me. Then my life in You will come to a grinding halt. I may still be 'here', but if You, O God, are not living and breathing within me, then I am merely going through the motions of life -- I'm nothing but a pretense of life and truth, which is hypocrisy.

Lead me, O Lord,
to Your Way,
Your Truth
and Your Life.
Amen

- Nancy Collingwood

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, October 16, 2003
Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Hedwig, religious
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 3:21-30
Psalm 130:1-6
Luke 11:47-54

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

There isn't a one of us who doesn't strive after goodness and holiness. It is the Christian life! But, how easy it is for us to believe that our own efforts, struggles, and good works will "earn" heaven for us. It is reflected in the warning we sometimes heard as children: "God loves good boys and girls". Does that mean that God does not love us when we are bad boys and girls? That's where justification by faith comes in. Of course, we must strive for goodness and holiness. Of course we must do our best to avoid evil. But today's reading from Romans makes it very clear that we are justified by the Blood of Jesus Christ, poured out for us. It is for that reason that the Father accepts us as His own. We are washed in the Blood of the Lamb.

Now is the hour of salvation -- this very moment we are re-created anew. No matter what the past, in this very moment, by the grace of our baptism, we are newly created in the image of Jesus Christ.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 2:1-11
Psalm 32:2-3,6-7,9
Luke 11:42-46

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

For by the standard by which you judge another -- you condemn
yourself.

Today is the feast day of La Madre -- St. Teresa of Jesus of Avila, one of the great saints of any time -- so great indeed she has been the subject of countless artworks, poems, and works of literature. And the most remarkable thing about this saint was her loving practicality, her lack of judgmentalism.

When approached by the nuns she cared for, about the question of hearing voices and seeing visions, St. Teresa had her typically grounded advice, "If you think you are seeing visions, perhaps you ought to eat more." When experiencing a mishap on the way to visit a very important dignitary who could assist her in the establishment of her foundations she raised her eyes to heaven and said, "If this is how You treat Your friends, little wonder that You have so few." Her humor, her love, and her sanctity shone through the fact that she did not judge.

St. Teresa of Avila held up a mirror for each person to look in, but she did not comment upon what she saw in the mirror. She left that to the person looking. And so we should follow in her steps, neither judging nor condoning, but acting as a mirror image to the world, showing the world how to behave not by lecturing, judging and shaking a finger, but by loving it as Teresa of Avila loved her nuns. We need to love the world to salvation because without us there are a great many who will never hear the good news of Jesus Christ. And this too was the first mission of La Madre -- to bring the whole world to Christ and Christ to the whole world.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Callistus, pope and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 1:16-25
Psalm 19:2-5
Luke 11:37-41

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

You cleanse the outside,
but inside you are filled with plunder and evil. (see Luke 11:39)

In our first reading, St. Paul tells us that all creation shows forth the greatness and glory of God; but our human eyes, impaired by sin, refuse to accept what is so evident. Humanity, by enthroning itself in the position belonging to God and dispossessing Him from our minds and hearts, is suffering dire consequences. To fill man's inner void, his emptiness caused by God's absence, each age creates new idols to worship, strange gods (such as money, power, sex) that open him to impurities and degradations.

The truth of these words is being played out in our times, thanks to our "judicial experts" who have perverted our nation's Constitution (USA) so as to make it palatable to liberal tastes. They now interpret "separation of church and state" to mean that God must be eliminated from the human equation, completely removed from the public's eyes. The writers of our Constitution fully acknowledged God and His natural law; however, their original intention was to also insure religious freedom by preventing the imposition of one state religion on our people. They merely wished to prevent the great harm once wrought by the religious persecutions in their English homeland, not promote atheism.

Today, God's Commandments have been placed in a courthouse back room behind locked doors; this allows us to draft laws that are contrary to what should be the premises behind all laws--love, truth, leading to respect for human life and assurance of justice for all. Now, under the protection of law, we can cheat, lie, covet, kill and commit adultery, to name but a few of our newly claimed "rights."

If we read today's Gospel in its unabbreviated form, we find Jesus condemning the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and having divorced the Law from God's love and truth, turning it into a set of meaningless human rules. Truly, history does repeat itself.

O merciful Father,
enlighten us to see that Your Commandments express the most
basic principles underlying the formation of a just,
orderly and peaceful society. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

Please note that the meditations for Saturday, Sunday and Monday are being sent in advance because I will be away this weekend for my annual retreat. Please say a prayer for me and all my fellow-Carmelites on retreat. -joachim
------------------------------------------------------------------

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, October 13, 2003
Twenty-eighth week Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 1:1-7
Psalm 98:1-4
Luke 11:29-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Since Adam it seems that there have been requests for a sign from God to show His power and authority. I ask why? Why does the creator of all things have to show a sign? I submit that He does show us a sign - every minute of the day.

I invite you to try something: choose a day and carry a notepad with you wherever you go and whenever you see a sign of God write it down. Be observant!

I tried this recently and I'll share a brief part of the beginning of my list of the signs from an Almighty God:

- sunrise
- my wife next to me as I awake
- the smell of fresh coffee
- my son wiping the sleep from his eyes

Four signs of an Almighty God - and the day had just begun! Granted, not one was a miracle in the normal sense, but they are all miracles nonetheless.

Do you think you need a sign? Open your eyes and you'll see countless signs of God wherever you look.

- Don Claunch, SFO




The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 12, 2003
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

‘Yet all good things together came to me in her company,
and countless riches at her hands.’


In today’s first reading, we listen to the merits of wisdom and how everything in this material world is secondary to Her. It reminds me of a quote from the book of Job 28:28: ‘And He said to humankind: Truly the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom: and to depart from evil is understanding.’ So too, in Proverbs we are told: ‘Keep sound wisdom and prudence, and they will be life for your soul.’ Again Wisdom is elevated in Solomon 7:24 ‘God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom…in kinship with wisdom, there is immortality.’


Part of the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) prayer is the strength to accept the things we cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference. Wisdom is that inner knowing or recognition that only comes from God. Concerned only with our humanity, we would always look to satisfy our senses and our desires yet wisdom understands that all things of this earth pass, that nothing truly matters unless it is grounded in God, in divine Love.


Today, I want to bring to mind all those who are faced with difficult decisions in their lives, who are at a crossroads so to speak. May the Holy Spirit bring forth the spirit of wisdom in their hearts that they may discern the right path in union with God.


We ask this through Christ our Lord.


Amen.


- Cliodhna Doyle (clia at cliadoyle dot com)




The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, October 11, 2003
Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Joel 4:12-21
Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,11-12
Luke 11:27-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Blest are they who hear the word of God...

Jesus does not deny that his mother is blessed. But blessed as she
is, Jesus tells us that the person who hears the word of God and
keeps it is especially blest. His own Mother met this criterion,
the saints met it.

Jesus has promised a special blessing for simply listening, being
present to God and heeding what he has to say to us in our present
state of life. Let us worship Him and remember the blessings of
great obedience.

- JuandelaCruz



The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 10, 2003
Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Joel 1:13-15;2:1-2
Psalm 9:2-3,6,16,8-9
Luke 11:15-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Often when reading Holy Scripture I am reminded that God's ways are not our ways. Today is one of those times and in addition to recognizing that God acts differently than us, I say, Thank God! or more accurately, Thank you God.

Like many, I am sure that there have been times when you wished that God would just swoop down with His power and put an end to all the abhorrences hurled against Him. If things were left up to us with our human mentality, everything regarding human history would have been over before it hardly had begun.

God instead is patient and we are reminded in scripture that His patience is directed toward our salvation. Let us then not be so quick to tell God what to do, but instead submit moment by moment to His mighty plan.

When we are tempted to ask God to 'get on with the program' let us remember that today's First Reading from holy scripture says that the 'day of the Lord' will be a frightening day of divine judgment. May we not be found unprepared, but utilize every opportunity that God grants us for our salvation and that of the world. May our prayer be the prayer of Jesus who said, Father, that none may be lost.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, October 9, 2003
Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
St. Denis, bishop, martyr and companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Malachi 3:13-20
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Luke 11:5-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9-10)

What a loving and generous God we have! He is our Father and like such a loving father, we can ask Him anything and we know with total confidence when we open our hearts, that He is there for us and will answer our prayers.

Sometimes we wonder why, when praying for something, we don't receive what we're asking for. Sometimes we wonder if God is there and is not listening to us because, after all, we are just one little person, and there are so many other people with so many other problems.

Some of God's greatest gifts are prayers that seem to have not been answered. They were answered, in God's way, not ours. Just as our fathers on earth would not give their children anything that would harm them, so God doesn't give us anything that might harm us. We'll only see this truth after time has passed and we happily realize our prayer was answered differently than what we had wished.

But we know with persistence and perseverance, that God will answer all prayers; not always in the way we think they'll be answered, but in God's way and in God's time. We have to be patient and trust in God's will for us.

- Ana Shawl

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, October 8, 2003
Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jonah 4:1-11
Psalm 86:3-6,9-10
Luke 4:1-4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Lord, teach us to pray . . .

The proper school of prayer is at the feet of the Lord. He taught us a most efficacious prayer through His words. Through His actions, we see an even more perfect form of prayer.

How do we pray? We say, "Father, hallowed be thy name.” How do we hallow God's name? Elsewhere Jesus made it very clear, "If you love me you will keep my commands.” We hallow best what we love best. And when we address God as Father, we are trying to say that He is first and most loved of all persons.

In short, we pray through love, humility, and obedience. We pray by coming as little children to our Lord and God and placing absolute trust in His love for us. And when you think about it, how silly it is not to trust someone who paid the ultimate price for us. If we cannot trust such a one, whom can we turn to?

When we say Father, let's say it with full knowledge that we are His children. He cares for and loves each one of us. Just as a human father grieves over the trials and difficulties of his children, so too Our Father grieves over our trials. He grieves when we make choices that lead us away from Him.

Today, let's thank God for the wonderful gift He gave us in our adoption. He bridged the great chasm created by that first disobedience and he urges us to cross it, trusting in Him always.

Our Father, abba, and King of all,

Father . . .


- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 130:1-4,7-8
Luke 10:38-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Mary has chosen the better part . . . . (Luke 10:42)

How can we best honor God? Simply put: Believe in His word, His truth, and live it in the love He showers upon us through Jesus Christ, His Living Word. Today's psalm describes God's redemptive power, His desire for His chosen people (and through them, the world) to see their sin, repent and learn to live united to Him in mind and heart. By doing this through His grace, the world can become as God originally envisioned, a place pervaded by joy, peace and justice.

Jonah had too narrow a view of God's love, so he refused going to Ninevah, a foreign land, to preach repentance, save its people from their self-destructive behavior. God, however, is very persuasive; for from the belly of a whale, Jonah prayed, promising to obey God's bidding. Jonah delivered God's message; the Ninevahites accepted it and God spared them. But the reluctant evangelist resented God's deliverance being extended beyond the Jews. God then showed him, through the growth and death of a vine that had shaded Jonah from the burning sun, that He has providence over all things and peoples. Jonah had need for a greater intimacy with God to gain knowledge of His infinite love.

Our Gospel deals with another problem experienced by those called upon to serve God. Considering themselves to be devout, they plunge into projects that are not in His perfect will. Martha concentrated on preparing and serving food to Jesus and His disciples, resenting her sister Mary for not helping but rather sitting at Jesus' feet to listen to His word. Though Jesus appreciates Martha's efforts to make Him welcome, He tells her that the greater honor would have been her listening to what He said, first taking nourishment from God's Word; for the value of what we give others is always determined by what we have first received from God.

Redeemer of the world, heal us of fear, petty jealousy and misguided works. Draw us to Your heart; imbue us with Your love and truth for the world's salvation. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, October 6, 2003
Twenty-seventh week Ordinary Time
St. Bruno, priest
Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, virgin

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jonah 1:1--2:1,11
Jonah 2:2-5,8
Luke 10:25-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's first reading is from the Book of Jonah - a book written in parable form in order to teach important religious lessons. It's the familiar story of Jonah and the whale.

What is less remembered, is that Jonah was asked by the Lord to go to Nineveh and preach to them about their wickedness. He didn't want to go and so fled by sea in the opposite direction.

As recounted in the story, a great storm arose. When the ship's crew discovered that Jonah was running in disobedience from God's command, they threw him into the sea. We are told that the storm abated and that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish.

It seems a fanciful story, yet one that demonstrates quite vividly the truth about our response to what God asks of us. Often we run away, trying to flee the voice which calls us to do what often seems so difficult; we do instead what we desire, thinking we know a better way.

The best part of the story is that we are reminded that we are creature and that God is the Creator. He know us and when He asks us to do something, He knows we are capable and that in being obedient we will in the end succeed.

Let us then, in difficult times remember that we are the beloved creatures of a loving God who desires only that we live and not perish. Let us with trusting hearts and obedient spirits seek to do all that God wills.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 5, 2003
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 128:1-6
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

One can become quite perplexed trying to determine the directions of today's readings. We hear the beautiful Genesis story of the origins of Adam and Eve. The Second Reading continues on the theme of our earthly origins, and of the beauty of creation. We are reminded that we all have one origin, and that it was fitting that Christ would become human to lead us to salvation. That part is understandable, but adding that He would be made perfect through suffering is a bit perplexing, after all, He was God. Why should God suffer? We know that we are taught that He suffered because He loved and loves us. We are also taught that His nature is Savior. That is His very being, to save, to bring us to salvation.

It is the choice of the Gospel for today that causes one to ponder. Why talk about divorce, after just talking about the fact that we all have one origin? We know divorce is rampant....almost 50% in some countries. Is Christ suggesting that men and women remain in abusive relationships no matter what? Is the answer to continue the upsurge in Church annulments? What was Christ suggesting?

Perhaps Christ was speaking on a much deeper level, about the essence of things. If indeed man and woman are one through marriage, then no, there is no possible divorce. If Christ is one with us, and calls us sisters and brothers, then there is no possibility of a separation from us. If Christ is the head of the Church, and we are the members, there is no possibility of separation. We can go through doubt, tribulation and suffering, but not separation to the extent of divorce. We are who we are by our very essence. To make us less would change our very essence, which is impossible.

So today, we can celebrate as we do at Christmas, and every Sunday, the joyful reality of the Incarnation!

Jesus, our Brother, our Savior,
......guide us.
Amen.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 5, 2003
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 128:1-6
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

One can become quite perplexed trying to determine the directions of today's readings. We hear the beautiful Genesis story of the origins of Adam and Eve. The Second Reading continues on the theme of our earthly origins, and of the beauty of creation. We are reminded that we all have one origin, and that it was fitting that Christ would become human to lead us to salvation. That part is understandable, but adding that He would be made perfect through suffering is a bit perplexing, after all, He was God. Why should God suffer? We know that we are taught that He suffered because He loved and loves us. We are also taught that His nature is Savior. That is His very being, to save, to bring us to salvation.

It is the choice of the Gospel for today that causes one to ponder. Why talk about divorce, after just talking about the fact that we all have one origin? We know divorce is rampant....almost 50% in some countries. Is Christ suggesting that men and women remain in abusive relationships no matter what? Is the answer to continue the upsurge in Church annulments? What was Christ suggesting?

Perhaps Christ was speaking on a much deeper level, about the essence of things. If indeed man and woman are one through marriage, then no, there is no possible divorce. If Christ is one with us, and calls us sisters and brothers, then there is no possibility of a separation from us. If Christ is the head of the Church, and we are the members, there is no possibility of separation. We can go through doubt, tribulation and suffering, but not separation to the extent of divorce. We are who we are by our very essence. To make us less would change our very essence, which is impossible.

So today, we can celebrate as we do at Christmas, and every Sunday, the joyful reality of the Incarnation!

Jesus, our Brother, our Savior,
......guide us.
Amen.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

[Special note: OK, you’re wondering why I’m also posting Saturday’s meditation today, Friday. Right? Well, I’m going to be away Friday and Saturday for a wedding and will be playing flute with our little music group. Remember us all in your prayers, especially the bride and groom, Monique and Brian! --joachim]

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, October 4, 2003
Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Francis of Assisi, religious, founder, deacon

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Baruch 4:5-12,27-29
Psalm 69:33-37
Luke 10:17-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today as we read this Gospel, do we consider ourselves one of the seventy-two disciples? If we do, the message is quite clear: we must continue to try to accomplish the task set forth by Jesus to his disciples. The snakes and scorpions of our days are all the many temptations to sin that cross our paths daily. If we're caught up in the love of God, we'll rejoice no matter what comes our way through the power of the Holy Spirit - nothing will ever injure us.

As one of the seventy-two, we too are called to be a beacon of light to all who cross our path. We have been blessed and continue to be blessed knowing how much our God loves us. Let us always strive to share the knowledge of Jesus that we possess, by witnessing to all whom we meet each day. Remember the promise made to the disciples: "your names are inscribed in heaven."

Allow us, Lord Jesus, to continue your work here on earth!

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow at aol dot com)

____________________

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 3, 2003
Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Baruch 1:15--22
Psalm 79:1-5,8-9
Luke 10:13-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's readings and Gospel we get a very real sense of how consistently man has been favored by the Lord and yet has not faithfully heeded God's word and followed His ways. They are stories that communicate the tragedy that happens when God is not at the center of our thoughts, the greatest desire of our hearts.

Yet even in the experience of this palpable loss, the reality of the love that God bears for us, even when we sin and wontedly seek our own will is ever present. As repeatedly as we sin, so repeatedly does God forgive.

It is so like what many of us may have experienced - of investing a lot of time and energy into a person or project; of wanting them to succeed, of wanting things to work out well. That is how God is with us. He has invested so much in us - given us life and a share in His glory, ransomed us with the Blood of His Son. He is not willing to let go - to consider us no longer worth His mighty care and affection.

It is a thought worth remembering - that God unlike us doesn't give up so easily. In fact, He doesn't give up at all - ever! His mercy is as great as His love. As long as life is in us, the life that comes from Him can heal us - saved and forgiven. Let us then try with all our strength and determination not to offend God; but even when we do, to admit that we have sinned and seek the incomprehensible goodness and eagerness of His forgiveness.

Forgive me Lord,
like my forefathers I have sinned.
All my hope is in Your mercy.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, October 2, 2003
Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
The Guardian Angels

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Nehemiah 8:1-4,5-6,7-12
Psalm 19:8-11
Matthew 18:1-5,10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today, the memorial of the Guardian Angels, is a time for meditation on God's loving care for each one of his children. Most of us neglect the presence of that special angel assigned to us as children. In today's Gospel, Jesus admonishes us to cherish children because their angels always see the face of the Heavenly Father. Only Jesus Himself always beheld the face of His Father, except for that dread moment on Calvary when He felt abandoned and alone. But we, too, indirectly, through our representative, are present to the Heavenly Father. It is our Guardian Angel that constantly pleads for us in our helplessness and need before the throne of God. It is our Guardian Angel who, especially at the hour of our death, will gently free our soul from our body, and present us to the Father.

Reason enough to pray daily to our Guardian Angel, to show our love and affection, our trust and our gratitude, for his loving care. Pray to him now in that beautiful prayer:

Angel of God, my Guardian dear,
to whom His love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Psalm 138:1-5
John 1:47-51

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"I will follow you wherever you go . . ."

The life of St. Thérèse is the story of following Christ wherever He went, of finding Christ in hidden places, and of loving Christ with the burning love of a small child.

This line of the Gospels is similar to a line pledged by a Moabite woman to her mother-in-law--"Whither thou goest, I will go, wherever thou sleepest, I will sleep, your people shall be my people, and your God my God." This promise of Ruth is the promise of the one in love with God, even though she does not know Him well.

Thérèse was one who loved God well, who loved God intimately as a Father, and who sought to relieve the pains that Jesus felt when slighted by the world. St. Thérèse teaches us to approach God in simplicity, in a moment by moment, one-second-at-a-time fashion. Let us honor her memory both in our prayers and in our practice. For one day, let us be completely aware of the beautiful and glorious God who is also our father and our brother--who lives within us and within every living thing, and whose constant attention is the only thing that bridges from one second to the next.

Let us praise Thérèse, not with the praises of our lips, but with hearts devoted completely to the God she so cherished and adored. Our best offering today is our offering of love in service -- let us offer it to God in remembrance of Thérèse for the salvation of souls and the redemption of the world.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2003 The Way, The Truth, The Life