The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 30, 2003
First Sunday of Advent

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,10,14
1 Thessalonians 3:12--4:2
Luke 21:25-28,34-36

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Thanksgiving is over, Advent has begun and little children begin marking the number of days until Christmas. As children, we believed that all we had to do is be good and Christmas would have it's full meaning, resulting in gifts. That's not really what we're hearing in the readings of today. We hear instead about justice, humility and strengthening our hearts.

In the first reading from Jeremiah the emphasis is placed on justice. Reference is made to a just Lord. Justice refers to fairness, equity. The psalm follows up on this theme with the statement that God will guide the humble to justice and will teach the humble His way.

The second reading talks about the Lord helping us to increase and abound in love. This is a natural sequence to the concept of fairness and humbleness. One who is loving and fair would want to share the love of God with others around them through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

The gospel, which again speaks of the final coming of Christ, warns us to keep alert and not let our hearts become drowsy through inappropriate living and the many stresses of life. This latter takes a significant amount of discipline. Being too busy, though well intentioned, can deaden our spirit of humbleness, our generosity and our efforts to reach out to others.

We are no longer children, waiting to have our stocking filled with goodies. We are adopted sons and daughters of God, waiting to stand, heads alert, in judgment before the Son Of Man.

Chaste Spouse of the Virgin,
guide us throughout this Advent
with a spirit of humbleness, justice and love.
Amen

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 29, 2003
Thirty-fourth week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7:15-27
Daniel 3:82-87
Luke 21:34-36

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The final day?

This is the last day of the Church's liturgical year, and appropriately, the Church prudently tries to teach us a final thing or two about events yet to come.

We read about Daniel's apocalyptic vision describing the Fourth Beast that will come to devour the earth, beat it down, crush it, and speak against the Most High and oppress the holy ones of the Most High, thinking to change the feast days and the law. Daniel goes on to say that this earthly entity will be divested of its power and then the kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, whose kingdom shall be everlasting....

It doesn't take great imagination to discover the meaning of all this, nor to gauge current historical events by these writings. Nor can we ignore the very words of Jesus: Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares. The great day will be upon you like a trap.
(see Luke 21:34)

For those who have ears, let them hear!

Let us be on guard.


- Joachim

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 28, 2003
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7:2-14
Daniel 3:75-81
Luke 21:29-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I am so grateful for today's Gospel. I just can't take the apocalyptical style of writing in the Book of Daniel any more! I feel like my mind is just going to explode if I have to try to picture, much less understand, what is written!

Isn't that often the way life is -- confusing, coded? Things rarely straightforward, people honest? Too frequently the real agenda and people's motives are never expressed, but surface their way, nevertheless, into being by the consequences they elicit.

Although Jesus' parables were often misunderstood and are indeed sometimes cryptic, He usually had a word or a line associated with them that was startlingly clear. So clear in fact, that some readers might think there has to be more to it - like some secret message -- as if what Jesus said was too simple.

In today's Gospel Jesus says: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. There is nothing there to figure out. Only God and His Word never change. Period! Don't look for nuances -- just stick with the words. Say them over -- and over again if necessary. Let them sink in:


Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.



....never!



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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 27, 2003
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Thanksgiving Day (USA)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 50:22-24
1 Chronicles 29:10bc,11,12
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Luke 17:11-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As I contemplate this upcoming Thanksgiving Day, all I can think of are the words of this familiar hymn:

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly Host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Almighty God provides not only for all our needs, He even grants us the desires of our hearts! He is gracious and kind, merciful and just. As one of my high school religion teachers put it: He didn't doom us to eat some sort of universal purple sawdust for nourishment, but instead gave us a rich and almost infinite variety of foods to provide for our health and delight. His bounty is great, and we are indeed thankful that for even the mundane necessity of nourishing ourselves, He provides such a wonderful diversity. And that's just for keeping body and soul together!

Imagine how much more rich and bountiful is His provision for calling us to Himself -- to have complete union with Him! He spared no cost in order to bring us to Himself. For this too, I am deeply, reverently and humbly thankful. Truly He, is worthy of all praise!!

- Rose Atiyeh @>-->--

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28
Daniel 3:62-67
Luke 21:12-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

You are not to prepare your defense beforehand. . .

Jesus wisely told us not to rehearse our defense against the world and His reasons are incredibly intricate, though simply stated.

We are not to rehearse our defense to the world's accusation, because we do not truly understand the depths of God's righteousness which is ours when we are persecuted for His name's sake. When we rehearse our justification, it is in merely human terms.

When we try to rehearse, we become nervous, upset, and we do not make the best case for our cause. Our defense is not for us -- it may yield nothing for us. Our defense is for the Glory of God, Jesus Christ. Our defense isn't about defending ourselves, but about defending the Heavenly Kingdom through the powerful witness of our lives and of the Crucified.

Finally, God will speak through us if we let Him. This is true in the courts, but it is even true in the grocery store check-out line. You don't need to rehearse your faith, just be prepared to live it and become a living witness, a holy sacrifice, a beautiful offering to God in giving of yourself to others.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 2:31-45
Daniel 3:57-61
Luke 21:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

‘The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom ...never to be destroyed.’ (see Daniel 2:44)

In the natural realm we see that although the old must perish, new life is ever-springing forth to replace it. Today's readings suggest that this same cycle holds true in man's spiritual realm. God made provision for the hearts and minds of humanity to receive new life, one enabling us to participate in the truth, love and goodness of God.

Christ in today's Gospel speaks of two endings, also implying two new beginnings. In the first ending Jesus foretells the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, eliminating the offering of animal sacrifices in atonement for sin. Indeed, Christ will offer Himself up as the final, perfect sacrifice so that we, through a lived faith in Him, the Word of God, can gain forgiveness of sin and be restored to friendship with our Father. His grace then gives us the ability to share in divine holiness, prepares us for eternal life.

The second ending Christ speaks of will take place when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, ushering in His ‘second coming.’ Then when this old order passes away, God will establish His eternal Kingdom, the new Jerusalem predicted in the books of Daniel and Revelation that will put an end to all other kingdoms.

Throughout the New Testament echoes the theme that this world is passing away, but those who believe in Christ by living in the truth and love of God will be born anew, gain eternal life.

Merciful God,
heal us of our blindness to Your truth
and deafness to Your Word,
that we may all inherit a place in Your new kingdom,
to enjoy eternal life with You. Amen

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 24, 2003
Thirty-fourth week in Ordinary Time
St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, martyr and companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 1:1-6,8-20
Daniel 3:52-56
Luke 21:1-4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Since the beginning of God's law ages ago we've been commanded to give back to the Lord from our first fruits. Not the leftovers or the pocket change or whatever we can afford provided it doesn't affect our lifestyle. The command is to give the first and the best.

How does this apply today? Well, it was just today that the members of my office staff were discussing at our weekly staff meeting what to do for Christmas. It was suggested, and the group unanimously decided, that instead of buying each other some small gift we would pool our money and provide a Christmas for some needy family. When the discussion came to how to select a family, I was shocked to learn from one of my fellow staff members that there were several very needy families right in our little company that employs about 1000 people. I had never realized that this was the case right in the place where I spend most of my day! I'm sure this situation is not unique.

As I reflected on this, I realized that my giving for charitable purposes and to the Lord had not always been of the first and best fruits. In fact, what pride I must have to even think that anything is mine to give anyway - since God is the true ‘owner’ of all things.

Jesus was very plain when he said that on the last day we will be judged by how we took care of things and some will be cast aside as He says ‘I don't know you.’ Whenever we give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothing to the naked we are doing it for the Lord. This ‘giving’ should be just like that of the widow in today's gospel: more than anyone else's - all we have. Something to think about as we enter this holiday season.

- Don Claunch, SFO

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 23, 2003
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The Solemnity of Christ the King

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm 93:1-2,5
Revelation 1:5-8
John 18:33-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we solemnly commemorate and celebrate Jesus Christ, our King! Six hundred years before Jesus, the prophet Daniel had a clear vision of Jesus Christ, coming from heaven to us here on earth. Daniel called that coming an 'everlasting dominion'.

We should reflect on this and it's counterpoint, the attraction of the world as given to us in temptation by the Evil One. We should examine ourselves to see if we have made this material world our surrogate king. Do we greatly cherish the shiny finish of our cars, the gusto of our games, the exquisite flavors of our food, the so-coolness of our computers, our seemingly infinite ability to probe the scientific world, etc ad nauseam?

The devil would like to attract us away from any attention we can give to Jesus. He would even like us to completely forget why we exist. Remember the Baltimore Catechism's definition: 'We were made...to know, to love, to serve God in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven?' Is that the way of the world? Noooo Way!

Jesus was questioned by Pilate: 'So, then, you are a king?'
Jesus answered:

It is you who say I am a king.
The reason I was born,
the reason why I came into the world,
is to testify to the truth.
Anyone committed to the truth hears my voice.

The Book of Revelation tells us today that the Lord will come amid the clouds and that 'every eye shall see him.' O Lord, I pray that you will come to us soon and manifest your goodness, mercy, justice and power to this ungrateful world. Father, may your Holy Spirit come upon us in these last days to enlighten us and show us the error of our ways. May we repent of our sins, amend our ways and give glory to You in prayer and in deed all the days of our lives.

-Joachim

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 22, 2003
Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time
St. Cecilia, virgin, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Maccabees 6:1-13
Psalm 9:2-4,6,16,19
Luke 20:27-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

'I will declare all your wondrous deeds.’

The psalmist has hold of a key concept here. The more he focuses on what the Lord has done for him, the less he is concerned about what the world, or his enemies can do to him. The more he sings about the goodness of the Lord, the deeper-ingrained his trust in Yaweh.

The Israelites have a long history in terms of what the Lord had done for them. This was no mere ritual, it was an active, vibrant, remembering of how God had intervened on their behalf. The Seder is a reminder of the events that led to their deliverance from Egypt. Chanukah is a reminder of how the Lord provided for all their needs in the midst of a siege.

Perhaps when we feel overwhelmed, or persecuted, or even just plain stressed-out, we should take a few moments and repeat to ourselves the wondrous things the Lord has done for us, personally. The job He provided. The just judgment in our favor in court. The loved ones He has surrounded us with. The gorgeous sunrises/sunsets. The rain that nourishes the earth and makes things grow that we may eat. The close-in parking spot, when we really needed one - or didn't! Truly, He is a God of wonders, and does them all for me! And you! Look around and consider what He has done for you, and give Him glory today!

Jubilate Deo!

- Rose Atiyeh @>-->--

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 21, 2003
Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Maccabees 4:36-37,52-59
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Luke 19:45-48

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel we see how Jesus rightfully chastises those who were defiling His Father's house. His condemnation though justifiable is countered instead by plots to trap and eventually kill Him.

Too often that is the way it is with anyone who speaks the truth. Their words fall on corrupt hearts, minds and wills and are so dissonant that they hardly have a chance to sink in. Instead, too often the response is, to 'kill the messenger.’

In our own times we are often in situations where truthfulness is what is sorely needed. Speaking the truth however, sometimes doesn't seem to engender the kind of response that is desired and instead produces an effect entirely opposite from what was intended.

As a remedy on this Memorial Feast of the Blessed Virgin's Presentation in the Temple, may we contemplate how Mary spoke the truth not with many words, but by her actions. Sacred scripture does not directly attribute the Blessed Virgin as saying an awful lot, but instead paints for us a picture of quiet, faithful attentiveness to the Word.

In imitation of her, may we avoid even the most rightful outbursts in the pursuit of truth and remember that in God's time and in His way, He will 'cast down the mighty from their thrones and will lift up the lowly.’

'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.’

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 20, 2003
Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Maccabees 2:15-29
Psalm 50:1-2,5-6,14-15
Luke 19:41-44

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As we approach the end of the Church year, we are confronted with tragedy and tears in the daily readings as Mattathias and his sons begin the revolt against foreign oppression. It will not end until Jerusalem itself is destroyed and a million of its inhabitants are killed in the year 70 A.D. In our own days, it seems terror is approaching apocalyptic proportions, and blood is everywhere. How important for us to have faith in the power of Christ's own blood which has conquered death. We must never abandon hope in the victory of Jesus' death and resurrection over satanic forces.

In the Gospel, Jesus weeps over his beloved Jerusalem, knowing that it is their ingratitude which will bring about the destruction of the city and its people. It is a terrible example of free will bringing destruction and those who have freely and coldly rejected God. Ingratitude drys up love, generosity and compassion. On the other hand, St. Augustine tells us that the shortest and most effective prayer is "Deo Gratias." The great St. Bernard wrote that ingratitude is the greatest hindrance to progress in the spiritual life, because God withholds future graces from those who fail to thank Him.

May every day of our lives be a Thanksgiving Day. In the grace God pours on us, we will have the courage to endure these troubled times.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Maccabees 7:1,20-31
Psalm 17:5-6,8,15
Luke 19:11-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

To everyone who has, more will be given. . .

The older translations of this passage are so much more profound because they use the word talent rather than coin. And in modern times we understand talents as something very different from coins, and it makes this parable even easier to fathom.

Everything we have, we have as a gift from a generous God. Everything that has come to us has come to us at little cost compared with the cost of our redemption. Nothing belongs to us because we cannot hold onto it forever. If many of us traced our ancestry back, we would find that we are the direct relatives of fabulously wealthy men and women. How many of us have anything to show for it?

Our talents are given us, lent to us for our time on Earth to be used for His glory. They are not ours because they will be translated when we are no longer here. But we are expected to use them and to produce more. We are expected to invest them and return a harvest of souls bound for salvation. One of the great tragedies of humankind would be not to use these wonderful gifts in the proper way.

So, as we go about our daily chores and our daily activities, let's think about how we can use the gift of cooking, or cleaning, or writing, or listening, or whatever we may be blessed by. Let us consider carefully how we might best offer it back to God through aiding our fellow men.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Maccabees 6:18-31
Psalm 3:2-8
Luke 19:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today salvation has come to this house....
this man too is a descendant of Abraham. (Luke 19:10)

Some `religious thinkers' today enjoy changing basic moral tenets to fit their agenda of the moment; they would label Eleazar a fool for choosing torture over such a trivial matter as eating or pretending to eat pork. These fail to see and honor that Eleazar loves God deeply and so is totally committed to keeping His laws; any pretense or disobedience would be a betrayal of his love for God. Also such behavior would tell his observers that one may compromise God's laws for one's benefit, that self-love takes precedence over all other loves. This has a distressingly familiar ring today.

Zacchaeus, the tax collector, at first appears to be at the opposite pole from Eleazar but proves himself to also be a true son of Abraham. While coming late to conversion, when confronted by the living Word of God, he saw, admitted to and repented of his sin by promising to make full restitution of any ill-gotten money.

Truly, Christ came to seek what was lost, not simply to repopulate His Father's kingdom. He came to impart to us God's love, the love that we evicted from our hearts through sin. Like Christ, and with Him we are called to the cross, to die to our grasping ways, to live in God's truths which are inseparable from His love. Then, the Father, seeing our resemblance to His Son, will recognize us also as His children and welcome us into His eternal home.

Blessed Redeemer,
pour out Your graces upon us;
open our hearts to the genuine love
that only comes to us through our Father.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 17, 2003
Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-63
Psalm 119:53,61,134,150,155,158
Luke 18:35-43

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today we hear in the Gospel about one of Christ's great healings giving sight to the blind man in Jericho. This miracle is repeated daily even today.

Scripture tells us that unbelievers live in darkness - in essence they are blind. There is not a day that goes by on earth that at least one of these blind souls cries out for help begging God to have pity on them. A miracle soon follows. The blind soul has its eyes opened and comes into the light of Christ and receives freedom and eternal life.

It is unfortunate, however, that many more never gain this sight and die to be forever condemned to darkness. But as His disciples, we have a duty to shine with the light of Christ for all to see so that the lost may get a glimpse of sight and call out to Him for help, help which they will receive at no cost and which lasts forever. This is part of the great commission to spread the Gospel to all the earth. It is not only a duty, but a privilege.

Shine with the light of Christ! Rejoice in the fact that you are called to help the Savior in His saving work!

- Don Claunch, SFO

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 16, 2003
The Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16:5,8,9-10,11
Hebrews 10:11-14,18
Mark 13:24-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The month of November can be pretty somber when we reflect on the death of so many of our loved ones. Many are facing a change from warm, sunny days to cold dark dreariness. For the aged and infirm it can be a particularly troublesome time. Perhaps that's why scripture so full of hope has been chosen for this particular Sunday.

In the Book of Daniel we hear of the frightening times at the end of the world, but are given the reassurance that those who have tried to lead others to justice will reap their reward. The psalm holds the key on how we are to do this in the phrase that refers to God showing us the path to life. It also mentions that our reward is not some fancy gold-lined street as we so often hear heaven described, but rather that God Himself is our inheritance. We've already begun to reap that reward here on earth, in that as baptized Christians we're the adopted sons and daughters of God.

The second reading reassures us that Christ has made the sacrifice for our sins once and for all. That has been done. We no longer have to worry about that, although obviously we need to strive toward holiness and repent for our sins. Today's Gospel is like the final climax, depicting Christ coming at the end of the world and the angels being sent out to collect the just for the kingdom of God.

So what does all of this mean for us on a day to day basis? It's quite simple, as following Christ usually is. We are to ask Christ to show us the way every day. We prayerfully discern what He is asking of us and we do it. That's it! And to make things even more reassuring, we're often told in scripture, and in particular today's psalm, that Christ is with us through all of this and therefore we shouldn't be disturbed.

O Jesus, Gentle Shepherd,
guide us along the path to You.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 15, 2003
Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time
St. Albert the Great, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 18:14-16;19:6-9
Psalm 105:2-3,36-37,42-43
Luke 18:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on earth?

These are words from today's gospel. I wonder why Jesus said them. Was it merely a rhetorical question, something just to make us think? Some how I don't think so.

Sometimes its hard to separate Jesus the man from the Jesus who is God. As God, didn't he already know the answer to His question? What was His point? I don't know and the Holy Spirit does not seemed inclined to reveal what is meant other then perhaps the whole outcome of our struggle to remain faithful is still up for grabs.

This seems certain, for increasingly we are challenged to live the gospel message in an ever more fallen world. If the struggle for each and every one of our souls is not yet settled, then let us beg the Lord for His mercy. Let us pray unceasingly like the widow in today's gospel that he will save us.

I am nagging you, Jesus!
I can't let the issue drop.
I'm begging to be saved,
to persevere,
to be among the ones who will one day see your beautiful face.
But not just for me Lord am I praying, but for all.
Please Lord, let there be faith on earth when you come again in glory.
Amen.

- Donna Nelson, ocds

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 14, 2003
Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 13:1-9
Psalm 19:2-5
Luke 17:26-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

....As It Was In the Days Of Noah...

You know, nobody expected The Flood. Everyone was `jus' doin' my thing' when the first drops of rain fell. In fact, they may have never seen the rain, if they were downriver from the downpours. They hadn't the least notion of what was about to happen.

I'm certain that God, in His mercy, sent them sufficient signs and warnings that they could have prepared themselves.... they could have been listening to His voice, as did Noah. They could have spent some quiet time examining their relationship with God. But they didn't. They were just out there `doin' my thing' and drowned. They `went in ignorance of God' and because of their inattentiveness to Him, they paid the ultimate price.

The Lord has promised `No more world-wide floods.' But that doesn't stop localized disasters such as the Mississippi floods or the San Francisco earthquake. It doesn't stop terrorist acts, like the car bombs in Saudi Arabia or our own Oklahoma bombing. It doesn't stop financial catastrophes like bankruptcy or a government impasse over the budget.

We're called to keep our eyes peeled for the Mighty Hand of God, which works so subtly as to be unrecognizable -- unless we're really looking for it. We're called to be stewards of our goods -- but more importantly, of our souls. We're called to be ready to account for ourselves anytime, anywhere, on a moment's notice.

I don't always succeed. Yet, this I know: the Lord is merciful. If I seek His mercy, He will make sure I find it. Praise be to Him!

Open my eyes, O Lord,
that I may constantly look for you.
Open my mind,
that I may think before I act,
and consider how my behavior
will affect my relationship to You.
Open my heart
that I may welcome You there.
Amen.

- Rose Atiyeh @>-->--

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 13, 2003
Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin, religious, founder

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 7:22-8:1
Psalm 119:89-91,130,135,175
Luke 17:20-25

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We vastly underrate wisdom. In Scripture, wisdom takes on a life of its own, is seen as the Spirit of God Himself, and penetrates and pervades all things. It is at the center of our personal life.

Wisdom unifies and integrates. It helps us not only to see who we are, but to be our best selves, recognizing our bond with all creation and all creatures as our brothers and sisters.

We need to earnestly pray for the spirit of wisdom, and energetically seek its recall when through our own fault we have abandoned its inspirations.

Wisdom is identified with the kingdom of God, that kingdom which, Jesus tells us, lies within. There, it governs all things with the power of God and the "sweetness" of God. Power and beauty characterize that harmony and integrity that is the gift of the Spirit to those who seek wisdom.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Josaphat, bishop, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 6:1-11
Psalm 82:3-4,6-7
Luke 17:11-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Stand Up and Go. Your Faith Has Saved You.

This is another of the very interesting sayings of Jesus. 'Your faith has saved you.' Were we then saved by faith alone? Does our belief bring us into the Kingdom?

Well, yes and no. We do nothing alone, we only believe because God gives us the strength to believe and supports us constantly with grace. That is the first point.

Secondly, it is the object of faith that saves us, not merely the belief. If we were to believe that Superman would descend from the skies and protect us with his x-ray visions, we probably would be disappointed. If we believed that a massive governmental program was going to come in and alleviate whatever we viewed as the problem, we'd probably do better to count on Superman. It isn't merely faith, but faith in the right thing, or in this case, the right person. Faith in anything else is not salvific and it can be downright dangerous.

So, we shouldn't hang our hats on faith alone. It is Jesus Christ, and faith in Him supported constantly by grace and by the sacraments (which confer grace) that can be our hope of heaven and our joy on Earth.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin of Tours, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 2:23--3:9
Psalm 34:2-3,16-19
Luke 17:7-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We are useless servants. We have done no more than our duty. (Luke 17:10)

Today's reading from the Book of Wisdom foretells what is later fulfilled in Christ. Man is imperishable; that is, immortal. Our lives on earth test man like gold in a furnace, purify him, make him 'worthy' of abiding eternally in a love-relationship with God. An unwavering faith and trust in Him through our sufferings leads us to understand and live in His truth, moves us closer to glory. Essentially it is dying to self, a painful process, that makes us alive to God.

Jesus points the way; we are to serve God unstintingly, be as totally self-giving as He. We will have our personal crosses to bear as we live in His love toward all despite our difficulties with them. For we were created both for our eternal happiness with God and to make Him visible to the world in our own flesh. This is painful, for we all tend toward selfishness, a need to be 'right'. Yet this can be done if our hearts are truly given to God, open and responsive to His grace. Walking this difficult path is the only way to heal the distorted image of God that our sinfulness projects to others.

Human dignity can be restored if we consent to rejecting our Godless ways and learning to live in love, truth, justice and temperance out of devotion to Christ. He is God's Living and Creative Word, a Word that is continually spoken throughout every age, spoken to restore humanity to the sanctity God desires for us.

God of all mercy and goodness,
heal our ears deafened by sin,
that we may hear Your Word clearly
and live in loving obedience to Him. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 10, 2003
Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time
St. Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 1:1-7
Psalm 139:1-10
Luke 17:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The imagery that Jesus uses in His teachings is so rich! Unfortunately, much is lost due to the changes in thinking between now and 2000 years ago.

Take, for instance, today's Gospel where Jesus tells us that if we had the faith the size of a mustard seed we could say to a sycamore, 'Be uprooted and transplanted into the sea,' and it would be done.

Quite a feat, we say. But we're only getting half the message. In old Jewish belief, the sycamore was a special tree because it was believed to have had the largest and deepest root system of all trees. So to the Jew of 2000 years ago Jesus statement about uprooting a sycamore is much more than 'quite a feat.' In fact it would be something quite larger than this.

And this gives us all an idea of the incredible power of faith. Yes, uprooting a tree and transplanting it in the ocean is quite an accomplishment, but it is even more so if it's a sycamore!

Our faith - a tremendous gift from God - is much stronger than we know!

- Don Claunch, sfo

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 9, 2003
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12
Psalm 46:2-3,5-6,8-9
1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17
John 2:13-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's four scriptures bring us various images and concepts of the word 'temple', the place where the divine meets the human. First, in Ezekiel, is the image of a temple out of which water flows, symbolizing God's nourishing grace flowing to all humanity. Today's Responsorial Psalm further reinforces this same concept.

Next, St. Paul, in light of the teachings of Christ, emphasizes the New Testament concept that 'temple' applies to every human being. In a multitude of expressions, Christ has taught us that the divinity resides within our souls. The soul is released from sin's bondage by the saving grace wrought by Baptism. With constant nourishment made possible by God's continued sanctifying grace and resolve to strive for perfection, the divine may permeate our lives and affect our actions.

Finally, today's Gospel warns us to avoid anything that may taint or pervert the grace of God within us. This is no sweeping generalization, but a summons to each of us to act according to God's loving grace in all things. In the only scriptural report of His anger, Jesus forcibly drove the money changers from the temple. So too, should we drive out any temptation that might compromise our purity, that might taint God's desire for holiness within our hearts, our souls.

- Traveler

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 8, 2003
Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27
Psalm 145:2-5,10-11
Luke 16:9-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

You cannot give yourself to God and money. (Luke 16:13)

Jesus wisely addressed this situation of serving God and money -- and at the same time tending to our worldly responsibilities. Consider how our monthly bills pile up and we worry if that check will ever arrive in the mail. Then we hear this statement from Jesus and it becomes evident that it might be difficult to know how to handle the material concerns of this world.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could consider these concerns with moderation and put our complete trust in the Lord? If we can see God's providence as supplying our needs and not our superfluous wants, then we might realize that our worldly abundance already overflows! When we become overly desirous of the frivolous desires and ignore the needy of the world, we'll surely be on a course of both personal and spiritual destruction.

Let's be careful not to justify these hidden worldly agendas of the heart. As we learn from today's scripture, God already knows what we keep deeply hidden from others. Instead, let's embark on a new course in life that uses the providence God has already bestowed upon us to better serve Him by serving others.

- Joachim

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 7, 2003
Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 15:14-21
Psalm 98:1-4
Luke 16:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Have you ever read Holy Scripture and didn't have a clue about what was being said? Sometimes it isn't that the core message is so difficult to understand, or the lesson so far removed from our experience or understanding of human nature, but that our current state of mind and preoccupations render us incapable at the moment to assimilate a meaningful message.

Today's Gospel presents just such a challenge to me. I'm too tired, too consumed by other things to even have the desire, much less the energy and intellect to process a cogent thought.

It is in times like this that we come to realize how little we can depend on our own attributes and how completely dependent we are on God's mercy and grace to illumine and direct us. These are the moments when God can really be God - when we let go and say, 'Lord, I can do no more.' In truth we haven't done anything that God's grace hasn't allowed us the choice and the gifts to accomplish.

Like Jesus on the Cross we must surrender, not just in moments of obvious weakness, but always, even when we seem strong and in control. 'Father - it is finished - into Your hands I commend my Spirit'.

That doesn't mean we give up and stop trying. Quite the contrary, it means that we seek always and in every way, the opportunity and the grace to accomplish all God will's for us.

Let us, for now, leave behind all need to know and understand,
and instead just love - just love.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 6, 2003
Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 14:7-12
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14
Luke 15:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Two wonderful readings today. In the first from Romans, we are reminded that whether alive or dead, whether on earth or in heaven, Jesus claims possession of us. And we must recognize that all around us are the brothers and sisters of the Lord. We are all His precious sheep whom He claims as His dearly beloved.

Some of these are 'the other sheep' whom we look down on. We forget that sometimes, we are 'the other sheep'. We must never despise those who have strayed from the faith, or even on those who ridicule the Church. God may change their hearts, and they may far surpass us in holiness and service. Someday we will stand beside them at the final judgment.

Perhaps we have not sinned as grievously, but almost certainly we have strayed through sin, through our indifference, through our pride.

Let us humbly accept the Lord's ownership of our lives, and let Him nourish us, forgive our foolish ways, and let His mercy embrace us closely to His Heart.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 5, 2003
Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 13:8-10
Psalm 112:1-2,4-5,9
Luke 14:25-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Owe nothing to anyone except love . . .

Another of the great passages from Paul's letter. Love is the fulfillment of the law. It is the fulfillment in a great many intricate ways. Jesus said, I come not to do away with the law but to fulfill it. And what is Jesus but incarnate Love?

Love does no harm. It wishes no ill. It does not flatter or puff itself up. Love is selfless and love is joining with incarnate love in the desire for the salvation of the entire world.

Love cannot be outdone or undone. Love speaks to us in our hearts and tells us what we should do. Love serves all and rejoices when there are more to serve. Love is Jesus Christ entering for a moment into our lives. Jesus Christ is Love incarnate, redeeming, protecting, and calling all to salvation.

Love is the fulfillment of the law and the first duty of all Christians. So let the world know we are Christians by the love we display each day. Let love be our evangelization.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 4, 2003
Thirty-first week in Ordinary Time
St. Charles Borromeo, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 12:5-16
Psalm 131:1-3
Luke 14:15-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Bring the poor, crippled, blind from the countryside...
none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.
(see Luke 14:24)

Too often those who have been gifted by God with a particular talent make use of it for their own honor and glory, to make themselves admired in the community of man rather than devoting their gift to God to build His kingdom. God gifts His people not for themselves but for the good of others. Indeed, gifts can prove a curse to individuals and to the world when used apart from His divine will.

Today's readings illustrate the fate of those deaf to God's call, those preoccupied with doing their own thing. God turned to the poor and the humble to share His feast. In their hunger and poverty of spirit these gladly responded to His call, and therefore theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Christ who is true God as well as true man became the slave of us all. When He washed His Apostles' feet, He was actually calling them to serve one another and the world, giving themselves totally for the good of others, inviting them to assume the same Cross He would accept on behalf of humanity. The Old Testament speaks now more loudly than ever: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

O, Blessed Lord,
by Your grace empty us of preoccupations with self;
help us to joyfully and generously respond to Your call
to serve you by serving one another. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 3, 2003
Thirty-first week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin de Porres

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 11:29-36
Psalm 68:30-31,33-34,36-37
Luke 14:12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

St. Paul tells us in today's first reading that God's gifts are irrevocable. In other words, what He gives He freely and does not ask
for it back.

Compare this with the instruction that Jesus gives in today's Gospel. He tells the Pharisees that when they hold a banquet they are to invite beggars, the crippled, lame and blind. In other words, those who could never hold a banquet themselves and pay the Pharisee back.

As Christians we are to be a Christlike, and therefore as Godlike as possible. Just as God's gifts to us are irrevocable, our gifts to others are to be irrevocable as well. God has given us the gift of eternal life for which we are unable to repay. We, in turn, are to give gifts that can never be repaid to us. The result is twofold: it provides for the poor and helpless brothers and sisters and it prohibits us from ever being repaid and falling victim to the sin of pride..

How wonderful the teachings of our Lord that his instruction causes us to accomplish two things at once!

- Don Claunch, sfo

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 2, 2003
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 25:6,7-9
Psalm 27:1,4,7-9,13-14
Romans 6:3-9
John 6:37-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What beautiful scriptural readings for this day of commemorating our deceased loved ones! They blend to tell us again that we have a gentle, loving Father, that it is His will that not one of us be lost.

The first reading again refers to our baptism, when each of us was baptized into the death of Christ; and that through living a life as Christ guided and taught us to do, we can grow in union with Him. The word if in that reading is significant. God has given us free will, giving us the freedom to choose to live as Christ modeled, or to choose the ways of the world. It is up to us!

The Psalm is so appropriate, reminding us that our first priority is to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives. What else is there? Even the thoughts of any other options are frightening, but it comes back to using our free will as God, our Father, has desired. The Gospel reassures us that God will not reject anyone who comes to Him. What a statement! It is so reassuring and full of hope!

This day is set apart in the liturgical year to remind us to pray for the souls of the departed, but it also serves as a good reminder of how we are to live our lives. One day we too will be among the faithful departed. Let us have hope that we will be among the faithful gazing on the loveliness of the Lord! Can we not also now see His face in the poor, the lonely, the ill, the prisoner, the abandoned. If we do not look for Him and find Him here now how can we expect to see Him after we are departed?

One thing I ask of the Lord,
to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 1, 2003
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Solemnity of All Saints

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 7:2-4,9-14
Psalm 24:1-4,5-6
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12a

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Beatitudes

We were all created very good and blessed. Those who spend their lives walking with Christ are walking the path of the Beatitudes, a message that is basic for living the Christian life. They desire to keep a holy relationship with those they love, and live in harmony with all others that they meet on their journey.

How blessed are we, the poor in spirit, sometimes at the end of our rope, the kingdom of heaven is ours. With less of us (me), there is more of God and God's way! Pause for a moment and meditate on each of the Beatitudes, contemplating each one in a special way. Let us ask God to allow us to live our lives renewed in the attitude of self-giving to the to the poor, to those who mourn, the meek, the hungry (for both food and righteousness), the merciful, the peacemakers, the persecuted..... We have been called to blessedness, we have the promise of eternal life as our reward, the greatest gift ever promised and given to us!

Saints of God,
help us to know our mission on earth.
Amen.

- Deacon Bill Powers (uujpow at aol dot com)

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