The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 30, 2004
Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Jerome, priest, 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:

"The harvest is abundant, but laborers are few."

The harvest that pleases Jesus is the salvation of souls. He is the great Shepherd, the one who leaves the ninety-nine to rescue one who went astray. He calls and His sheep know His voice.

But the harvest depends upon the laborers. The salvation of souls is accomplished by Jesus Christ. But presently Jesus has only our hands, eyes, feet, and mouth. We must present Jesus to the company that longs for Him and does not know it.

By our baptism we are called to evangelism. We are called to share the good news of salvation that comes to all the world. We are summoned to the throneroom and sent out with our orders. But some of us, like Moses, do not speak well in front of others. Fear not, either the Holy Spirit within you will speak, or you will have an Aaron appointed for you. Or perhaps you will not have to speak, but rather you will simply serve silently, like the woman who washed Jesus' feet.

The modes of evangelism are many, we must pray that God show us the way and strengthen our wills that we may humbly, obediently hear and serve Him. Our joy is in His Service, our life is in His love. All we need do is let that shine out.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7: 9-10,13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12
Psalm 138:1-5
John 1:47-51

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When Jesus saw Nathaniel, he remarked: 'This man is a true Israelite.' (see John 1:47)

Today we observe the feastday of the three archangels who have played key roles in God's service as messengers, guardians and warriors, exercising God's power for the good of heaven and earth. In today's scripture from the Book of Revelation, the Archangel Michael and those in his command defeated the rebellious Lucifer and his minions and cast them out of heaven. Seeking to avenge themselves, they came to earth to bring woe to God's human creatures as revealed to us in Genesis' account of man's fall from grace.

So, why did God permit this tragic event? Because God created angels and humans to live in His love and truth and to share His glory, He gave them free will; for no one can be forced to love. Genuine love is choosing to be totally and unconditionally committed to another. This becomes possible only if we first learn to love by drawing close to our Creator Who is Love, and choose to abide in Him. Without choice there would be no human accountability.

Nathaniel doubted his brother's claim that Jesus was the Savior, the One Israel awaited. But a wondrous event took place when Jesus told Nathaniel He had seen him in quiet solitude under a fig tree, undoubtedly at prayer. There is a secret communion between souls when God's Spirit is present in their hearts; and in that moment of recognition, Nathaniel saw Jesus as the Christ. Jesus affirms this by describing the connection He will re-established between heaven and earth when His mission is completed and He ascends to open heaven's portals for us to enter and share in His glory.

Father God, we thank You for sacrificing your beloved Son for our salvation. May we join in His sacrifice of love toward others that we may make Christ known in this world. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Tuesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Wenceslaus, martyr
St. Lawrence Ruiz and his companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23
Psalm 88:2-8
Luke 9:51-56

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Sometimes, when we read scripture and hear the selfless, love-filled acts of the disciples in times of tyranny and persecution, we might wonder whether we would respond in a similar loving way when faced with horrendous trials and tribulations. The call of our faith is not a meek one. At times it may be pretty and nice proclaiming our faith; but most often the real test of our faith comes during times of human mess and anguish. It's such a natural reaction to ask why. We fight the situation, angry, defiant that it should be otherwise. But deep faith knows that the first step is always acceptance of reality. With a quick follow up action of what can I do to change or improve this--how can I help God to help me....

In today's scripture, Job questions his very existence, a 'why bother' attitude which I think we can all identify with. Let us remember that each of us is part of a Divine Plan, and that whatever we're going through right now is leading us to truth, healing and enlightenment.

So for today, let us think 'big' in relation to our life's purpose, and realise that there's no cross too heavy for us to bear with Jesus always at our side.

- Cliodhna Doyle
(clia at cliadoyle dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 27, 2004
Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Vincent de Paul, priest

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Job 1:6-22
Psalm 17:1-3,6-7
Luke 9:46-50

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Writing this meditation is one of my great fears come true: writing about Job. This book is one of my favorite of all sacred scripture. I have spent many a night searching this book for the answer to many bad things that happen. I always gain a sense of comfort from the story. But my fears come from the fact that no matter how hard I pray, how much I read Job and other scripture, I still struggle with why horrible things happen to many innocent people.

But I want to leave that thought aside for now and look at today's reading. What a wonderful example we have in Job! Every possible catastrophe, short of death, happens to him almost simultaneously, and guess what?

In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

How many times do we find ourselves in a bad spot and the first thing out of our mouths is to blame or curse God in some way? Perhaps we should praise Him instead, such as many of our great saints have done when faced with trouble and adversity.

Perhaps if we choose this over blaming and cursing, God will one day say about each of us, "Have you noticed my servant, that there is no one on earth like him. blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil."

Don Claunch, SFO

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 26, 2004
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Amos 6:1,4-7
Psalm 146:7-10
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Luke 16:19-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's readings remind us of what sort of behavior God expects from those who love Him and seek to imitate Him in concern for the poor.

In the first reading Amos uses words like, "Woe" to those who don't care and Jesus in the Gospel says there is an "abyss" that separates those who care and those who do not. These are strong words that should move us to examine our own attitudes and responses to those who are poor.

And who is it that is poor? It is not just those without material necessities, but also those who hunger for love, affirmation, affiliation. Do we consider them and reach out in simple yet genuine concern to meet what is sorely missing and needed in their lives?

Pray that God will give us the grace to respond with sensitive and loving hearts toward all who cross our path, so that by our acts of kindness their burden might be lightened and the abyss between our self-centeredness and God-centeredness might be bridged.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 25, 2004
Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ecclesiastes 11:9--12:8
Psalm 90:3-6,12-14,17
Luke 9:43-45

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth

The first reading from Ecclesiastes invites the one who is young and free to indeed rejoice, to follow the ways of the heart and the vision for life with careful understanding that all actions will be judged by God. Choices are best tempered by the understanding that youth which seems rather free and light-hearted gives way to the years of toil, waning strength and health and finally death. One's possessions will likewise deteriorate and all that is passing is equated with vanity.

So what remains if all is passing? What is not vanity?

What remains is what God breathed into being as each soul is given into this mortal state of life. God wills us into life and gives us the span of days to learn to recognize Him, to know Him as Love, to love Him in return and share His work of creation, cultivation and dominion--to protect this creation until He wills that "the life breath returns to God who gave it."

We come from God and return to Him. This life is bestowed for us to freely choose to be united with Him now and forever. This is what is not vanity; rather it is true freedom, true joy and the vision for life that is not passing, but eternal.

O Lord,
teach me to live and responsibly share your work
of creation, cultivation and dominion
so as to remain with you
for eternity.
Amen

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 24, 2004
Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Psalm 144:1-4
Luke 9:18-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

'Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life!' is a song familiar to our grandparents. It describes the elusive and tantalizing nature of life. Life defies definition. A later and more cynical generation would express somewhat the same thing as they sang 'What's it all about, Alfie?'. We may be puzzled, teased out of patience, angered, but life remains a mystery to limited, human intellect. However, God consoles us with a great gift--a gift that eases the pain. He has given us the gift of timelessness, as today's reading from Ecclesiastes states. Even as life overwhelms us in its immensity, God, in his tender mercy, eases the mystery for us. Just as He divides night and day, winter and summer, months and years, so too does he separate activities--a time for sowing, a time for reaping, a time to weep and a time to laugh--and says that there is an appropriate time for everything under the sun!

In effect, God is telling us not to fear, to judge all things in the light of eternity. Just as the storm troubles the waters on the surface, it cannot jar the serenity of the depths.

Good advice for these troubled times! Even as the events in our world can alarm and frighten us, cause us to wring our hands and even know doubt and uncertainty in our hearts, God's words today urge us to calmness of spirit, drawing on the great gift of timelessness assured us in today's Scripture. Let us take those restless hands of ours, fold them in prayer, and seek relief for our world from our powerful God. May this time of war soon be transformed by God's power into a time of peace.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 23, 2004
Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Psalm 90:3-6,12-14,17
Luke 9:7-9

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Who then is this about whom I hear such things?"

In the present world, it would be very easy to repeat Herod's words. There are a million different things said about Jesus. Which of them might be true? Some say He is prophet, the greatest of the prophets. Some say that He is a good man and a great teacher, but not really God. Some say He never existed. Some say that even if He did exist, He wasn't what everyone thought.

For clarification, we go elsewhere in the Gospels--to a point where the apostles are seeking clarification. And Jesus says to Peter, "Who do you say that I am?"

Who do you say that Jesus is? And when do you say it? Are your words accurate and true? And how do you say them?

For most Catholics, we 'say it' by prayer and regular Mass attendance. We say clearly that Jesus is the Son of God and God Himself. We can answer Herod's question with a certainty that Herod himself could never have had.

Our lives are a living answer to Herod's question. Those who look at us should see the answer as clear as mid-winter dawn. Jesus Christ is Lord God, Savior, Brother, Teacher, Friend, Counselor, Food and Drink, Life, and Incarnate Love. If we look in the mirror and do not see that answer, let us take time today to pray that we may become for others the lamp on the lampstand, radiating the truth of who Jesus is.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Proverbs 30:5-9
Psalm 119:29,72,89,101,104,163
Luke 9:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When people will not receive you,
leave that town and shake its dust from your feet. (Luke 9:5)

Today's church audiences, especially those who rely on TV for spiritual uplifting and enlightenment, are accustomed to perfectly groomed preachers in well tailored suits delivering carefully composed, feel-good messages accompanied by polished musical performances. One wonders how receptive our 'moderns' would be to Christ's perspiring, dusty apostles proclaiming God's word simply, with integrity and calling sinners (all of us) to repentance and reformation of our lives.

One may also wonder why Jesus told His men to go on their mission without extra clothes, food or money, to depend for their sustenance solely on those who received them. It was necessary that they be convincing proof of their faith in the Messiah who had indeed come and who would provide care for them through those who knew and loved God. They were to make known that the Christ had come not to deliver them from hard work nor their privation from material goods. Jesus had come to offer humanity healing from its deadliest disease--sin--that which separates us from God and His love and truth, the means that make it possible for mankind to live in peace and justice.

Today's 'slick' religion deludes us into believing that it suffices if we go to church and proclaim ourselves 'saved' Christians who will automatically be welcomed into heaven. Any Christian message that does not call us to repentance, self-denial and reformation of our lives through obedience to God's Holy Spirit is a sham.

Christ, Redeemer, pour out Your Spirit of grace upon us,
that we may hear and obey Your call to Holiness. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13
Psalm 19:2-3,4-5
Matthew 9:9-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today the Church honors one of the twelve apostles, Matthew, known as the tax collector. The readings focus on us really, rather than on Matthew. We are reminded that each of us as Christians have received gifts which are to be used for the building up of the Body of Christ. This goal is so "counter-cultural" in that we so often choose careers based on how much money we will make, how many benefits we will have, and how popular we will be. Life can be "all about me and my family" instead of "all about Christ and the needs of the Church."

In the first reading from Ephesians we are challenged to look at others from the oneness we have attained from one baptism, one faith, and one Lord, rather than looking at the gulf or divide that is created by our different roles. We really are more the same than different. Instead we compare material riches, number of cars, successes, etc. Our false perceptions and attitudes create a false barrier, which hinders the building up of the Body of Christ. In the gospel reading we see Christ modeling how we might overcome these attitudes. This feastday challenges us to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem! Saint Matthew, pray for us.

- Joan of Jesus, O.C.D.S.

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 20, 2004
Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Andrew Kim Taegon, priest, martyr;
St. Paul Chong Hasang, catechist, martyr
and their companions, martyrs

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Proverbs 3:27-34
Psalm 15:2-5
Luke 8:16-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

There's a popular little book around these days called "God' Little Instruction Book." It is full of useful little ideas and hints on living a good life.

But those who are familiar with sacred scripture know that God gave us an instruction book long ago which today we call Proverbs. This little book gives us instructions on relationships, raising children, money, food and, as we hear in today's first reading, how to treat our neighbor just to name a few.

It is interesting to note that the book of Proverbs contains 31 short chapters - one for each day of the month. So for those who are new to reading scripture, or for those who long time readers of the bible, God's instruction book can be read and learned one day at a time, and enjoyed month after month.

Don Claunch, SFO

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 19, 2004
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113:1-2,4-8
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Over and over again Jesus tries to instruct His followers about the necessity of putting things into proper perspective. Unlike the Scribes and Pharisees who seem to show disdain for the normal and noble enterprises of men, Jesus instead illustrates how hard work and creativeness are gifts that can be actuated in pursuit of everlasting life. He does this by telling the story of the enterprising, though devious manager.

It is a story that helps me to remember that I'm both body and spirit, and that though these entities war against one another for predominance, it is possible to tame the desires of the flesh to make the body become a faithful servant of the spirit. It isn't easy or automatic, but requires like all things that are worthwhile - making a choice and then investing in it.

Let us then turn to the Lord to assist us in our daily choices being mindful that we've been entrusted with more than just immediate and corporeal needs. May we be trustworthy in small matters, as a "dry run" so to speak, for those matters that affect our eternal well-being and salvation.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 18, 2004
Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:35-37,42-49
Psalm 56:10-14
Luke 8:4-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Bear Fruit Through Perseverance

The parable of the sower and the seed depicts the deadly outcomes that befall the unconditioned soul. Jesus desires life for all souls. The solution Jesus details involves three characteristics necessary to support Life.

The first characteristic is "enriched soil." Rich soil is comprised of many good nutrients. Human "soil", can only be enriched when it is willing to add something to itself and is open to receive good. This humility denies self to make room to take in something greater. Prayer, contemplation, sacraments, service and suffering enrich us.

The second characteristic - a generous and good heart first knows the love of being created for Love alone. Single-hearted devotion compels a generous and good heart with an endless capacity to love, in, with and through Love bearing much fruit.

The third characteristic, perseverance, requires our act of will and truly re-presents ourselves to God. He invites us to choose to love Him back with each thought, word and deed, with all our hearts, minds and souls, at every instant and in all circumstances. Through perseverance we give our little fiats, our "I do" to The One. Perseverance requires self denial, discipline, patience and humility.

O Love that desires to bear fruit in the love so freely bestowed in the soil of our beings, grace us with perseverance to single-heartedly remain in you. Preserve us from the temptations of the devil to become anxious, greedy or lustful, turning our hearts to self, rather than to love. Amen

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 17, 2004
Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Psalm 17:1,6-8,15
Luke 8:1-3

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Can you imagine what life would be like if we thought our last breath would lead us into a suffocating vacuum, a destructive darkness? Surely this would cause a certain panic as we faced our own final moments and death. How could we endure the loss of a loved one?

No wonder that St. Paul tells the Corinthians that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then there is no hope, no forgiveness, no salvation, and we are the most foolish of men to follow His teaching. In the light of this key doctrine, every suffering can be endured, and our own death can be faced with tranquillity, hope, and even joy. It's the one missing piece in the puzzle of life's inconsistencies. It's the answer to every 'why'.

Think of those women whom we read about in Luke's Gospel today? They were willing to sacrifice everything--their security, their wealth, and even their reputations to follow this Teacher who gave them the answers to life's drudgery and injustice.

There is nothing at all that we cannot endure if we will rise into incredible light, joy, and life. What energy these thoughts give us today to pray, work, study, and love God and our neighbor.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 16, 2004
Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Cornelius, pope, martyr
St Cyprian, bishop, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,28
Luke 6:36-50

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"She has shown great love."

Those with the greatest debt are most thankful for the relief. So Jesus teaches us. But there is another lesson hidden here.

We are all in tremendous debt to God. Each one of us sins in our own fashion and by our own sins we are condemned. But some of us, through the grace of God, are made aware of our sins. The magnitude of them appalls us and we are forced to ask with the apostles, "Who can hope to be saved?"

Just as Jesus justifies the sinful woman in the presence of the righteous, so He will take the greatest of us sinners and justify us in the presence of the righteous. His righteousness will be greater than the righteousness of the most righteous man.

How do I pour out my gratitude? How do I show the love that this woman was fortunate enough to be able to show to Our Lord Himself? "Whatsoever you do unto one of these, the least of my brethren, that you do unto me." So, when we feed the hungry of our parish, we anoint the Lord's feet. When we share the sorrow of one who is inconsolable, we wash His feet with our tears. When we contribute time, abilities, and money toward helping people restore their lives and their houses, we kiss His feet.

If whatever we do is done with a grateful heart and with eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, it is a sign of our love. And because we are aware of how much we have been spared, our hearts should be filled with grateful love of Him.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13 or Hebrews 5:7-9
Psalm 31:2-6,15-16,20
John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel. (Luke 2:34)

The world thinks of love as a self-fulfilling emotion meant to provide one with experiences that range from warm, tender feelings to wild, ecstatic pleasures. Should these wane with time, divorce or alienation of the partnership results and the search for a more pleasing relationship ensues. Such human fickleness is the result of our having distanced ourselves from God, the very source and purest expression of genuine love.

Love is not a mere "feeling" subject to constant change; it is an act of the will. Those who know and love God realize that love is a self-giving, self-sacrificing commitment to another; and this sincere, genuine and lasting love can only be infused into our hearts by God Himself. Apart from God our responses toward others stem mainly from our personal, selfish desires.

Christ is God's ultimate expression of His love for humanity. We, as Christians, are called to live in this same steadfast and selfless love shown by Jesus, an innocent man who accepted death on the cross for our salvation. We, in turn, must extend to others this same forgiveness and mercy that God has shown to us in Christ. By grace we can accept, without rancor and with perfect forgiveness others' imperfections. True love is never self-indulgent.

As we celebrate the memorial of "Our Lady of Sorrows," let us recall the great, loving sacrifice made by Mary in giving her sinless Son for the salvation of sinful humanity.

Redeemer God,
fill us with the desire and ability
to love one another
as You love us. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 13, 2004
Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. John Chrysostom, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 11:17-26
Psalm 40:7-10,17
Luke 7:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As Christians, we are called to become as Christ-like as humanly possible. Many of us attempt this by following not only the teachings and examples of our Lord, but also those of one or more favorite saints.

In addition to following the examples of saints, I propose that we all adopt the Centurion from today's Gospel as an example. Look at the similarities between today's Christian and the Centurion: both are Gentile, both can control wealth and power, both ask others to intercede with Jesus on our behalf, both have faith in the Lord without ever having physically seen Him and both know of the divine power of Christ. Like the Centurion, we say daily "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word...." Indeed, the Centurion is an example for us all.

Jesus was amazed at the Centurion's faith. May he look upon us today and repeat His words: "I tell you I have never found so much faith...."

Don Claunch, SFO

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 12, 2004
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 32:7-11,13-14
Psalm 51:3-4,12-13,17,19
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's readings are attempting to illustrate for us something about God's mercy. It is important for us to realize however, that no matter how hard we try, we can never fully appreciate the extent to which we have offended the heart of our Creator, and in turn, the extent of His mercy and love in granting us His forgiveness.

In the first reading we see how God listens to the intercessory plea of Moses on behalf of sinful Israel. In the second, we hear St. Paul tell us how the mercy of God touched him, who once was a blasphemer and persecutor of Jesus, not only forgiving him, but giving him a share in preaching about God's saving plan.

Finally, in the Gospel, we hear Jesus telling three parables to convey something about God's affection and concern for the lost sinner and His delight when at last they are found and returned safely back into the arms of their loving God.

Together, these words from Sacred Scripture paint an extraordinary picture of God and yet we know, fail to completely capture all the immenseness of God's love and mercy.

Let us ponder for our good, the wonder of God who delights in us though we are sinners. May we be determined more and more consistently to avoid offending His generous and loving heart.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 11, 2004
Saturday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Psalm 116:12-13,17-18
Luke 6:43-49

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Are we stronger than Him? (see 1 Cor.10:22)

Paul asks this question and also asks if we're provoking God to jealous anger when he reminds us who we are in Christ's Eucharistic wholeness and what thoughtless diversion causes.

Specifically, Paul reminds us to avoid the idolatry of common participations in the culture of our day that with closer evaluation is indeed oppositional to God. Paul asks us to judge with sensibility what we are doing in relation to the true benchmark, the true Jesus. Are we willing to suffer fasting from the daily fare that is idolatrous to feast on the bread of Truth?

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons, Paul warns, to preserve the holy call to eternal Life within us. We consider the daily fare offered to us as consumers of a culture that promises death and ask what Paul means when he warns us to avoid the food of demons.

Consider the food of demons in our culture as the pornographic script offered in family television humor--or suggestive lyrics in popular songs, the soft pornographic pop-ups on the internet, billboards and advertising that replaces the dignity and divinity God instills in the soul. Games offered to our children that are violent, vulgar and make sport of terror replace the sensible consideration that Truth protects life.

Can we expect that dressing ourselves and our children immodestly will still command protection from the God who asks for pure temples for His presence? Paul asks very good questions for us today. Do we think we're stronger than God and are we provoking God to jealous anger when we ignore the Truth of our union in Him to consume and be consumed by the idolatrous fare that demons serve up in the course of the temporal battle?

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 10, 2004
Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27
Psalm 84:3-6,12
Luke 2:39-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What a remarkable and admirable man is Paul! As a well-educated, cultured, and well-born convert, he becomes a small shopkeeper, a tent-maker, for the sake supporting himself in the preaching of the Gospel. How timely for us, fresh from the excitement and challenge of the Olympics, to hear St. Paul refer to the nearby Isthmian games as a challenge to Christians! As they run for a crown made of vegetable leaves (!), Christians run for an imperishable crown, the prize of eternal life!

The need for authenticity on the preacher's part is further seen in the Gospel. For, every pupil of a good master, will become like the master; indeed, he might surpass his mentor. How are we to become like the Master Teacher? By serving all, by humbly placing ourselves at the beck and call of those to whom we minister, whether it be our own family members, customers, fellow-students and fellow-workers, or those in remote corners of the globe who need our prayers and financial help. Opportunities abound to respect, listen to, love, and forgive those who today may cross our path. We may not surpass the Master, but some in our lives may see a strong resemblance!

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 9, 2004
Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Peter Claver, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13
Psalm 139:1-3,13-14,23-24
Luke 6:27-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Bless Those that Curse You. . .

What Jesus says in today's Gospel is acknowledged as one of the "hard words" of the Bible. That is, while we all bow our heads in obedience at the truth and wisdom of the words, most of us have a very hard time directing our attitude properly.

I may say "Bless those that curse you," but do I really act on it? Most of the time I grit my teeth and endure the cursing with a low-grade fever for vengeance burning in my heart. Or I bless them not out of the fullness of my heart but out of obedience, once again hissing through gritted teeth. "Bless you," takes on the meaning of a different way of phrasing a curse.

How do we learn to bless those that curse us? Only by going to the cross and spending time there. We must be crucified with Jesus, we must experience all that He experiences and we must through His strength be able to say, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."

In our own will, by our own power, we can do nothing. It is only through His strength in His triumph that we can bring ourselves to do what is right. We are all broken, we are all pitiful, we are subject to our own whims and foolish choices. We are all in need of blessing even as we curse others. See yourself as God sees you--see yourself from the cross and you will see what Christ loved and what we must love in others, no matter how they treat us.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Micah 5:1-4 or Romans 8:28-30
Psalm 13:6
Matthew 1:1-16,18-23 or 1:18-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

She was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

As the Church year progresses, we become more aware of the careful attention to detail in God's plan for bringing salvation to humanity. This past December 8th we celebrated the Feast of Mary's Immaculate Conception, the very start of her life within her mother's womb. God willed that from the time of her conception she was to be pure and sinless, a vessel worthy of bearing God's Son, His Christ, into this world in her own human flesh. Today we celebrate the actual birth of this unique person to whom God had granted remission of human sin from the very outset of her life.

Her uniqueness is further demonstrated at the Angel's Annuunciation to her of God's call. She responded, "yes" with a total trust possible only from one who had developed through prayer a deep knowledge of and love for God. Her affirmative reply, in the context of her day, could expose her to great danger. Not only might Joseph, to whom she was espoused, bring her great shame by claiming she had betrayed him and so broken their betrothal; but should he publicly reveal her condition, she could be put to death for a presumed serious sin.

However, God had also prepared Joseph's heart to be kind, merciful and forgiving. He too was a man deeply imbued by God's love and compassion; for those who are close to God and who have seen their own sins in God's holy light, are not judgemental nor vengeful. His faith in God enabled him to believe the dream that revealed the truth of Mary's condition. The sincere, humble and singlehearted lovers of God are not prone to making rash decisions that bring disgrace or harm to others.

Merciful Father,
draw us deeply into your heart.
Teach us to participate
in your abiding and unconditional love
and so enable us to become true peacemakers in this world.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Psalm 149:1-6,9
Luke 6:12-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Most of us over the course of our lifetime make many significant decisions or choices such as our state in life, our career choice and where we choose to live. In addition, throughout any given day we make dozens of choices about smaller matters. Today's liturgical readings focus on choices.

In the first reading, St. Paul strongly urges that the people of his time look toward the saints for guidance rather than toward the courts of his day. He asks a question of them: "Is there not one reliable man among you to settle the differences between brothers?" (1 Cor. 6:5-6) His question points us toward the gospel reading of today and the example of Christ.

Christ, the Son of Man, had the awesome decision of choosing the twelve apostles, who would set the foundation of the Church for all time. The gospel states that in preparation for the decision, Christ "spent the whole night in prayer to God." (Luke 6:13) It's the beginning of that sentence, however, that is striking: "Now it was about this time that He went out to the hills to pray." (Luke 6:13)

Christ, though He was Son of God, showed us how to form a habit of prayer. Yes, there are decisions that can be made by men, in accordance to the dictates of one law or another; but God is the Source of all law and order. Should we not turn first to Him, the All-Knowing, for guidance?

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 6, 2004
Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Psalm 5:5-7,12
Luke 6:6-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's reading from Luke's gospel, Jesus infuriates the Pharisees and Scribes by healing on the sabbath. "Oh! What a horrible violation of the holy law!" "What a slap in the face to all that we hold as sacred." "Surely something must be done about such a sin!" "We may even have to have him killed!" These were probably some of the comments that were heard that day.

Oh how blind they were! The leaders had become so wrapped up in observing their own laws that they completely forgot the core teaching of the law: love God and neighbor. What the Lord did was a supreme act of Love. He gave freely of Himself in love to heal a man. He was simply obeying the law through His action.

Sadly, things are not different today in many cases. But we as followers of the Most High God and Lord Jesus Christ have only one option and that is to Love God above all else and others as ourselves, regardless of what our "laws" say. To do otherwise is to sin. So go ahead, anger the modern day Pharisees and heal on the sabbath! It's the Christian thing to do.

Don Claunch, SFO

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 5, 2004
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 9:13-18
Psalm 90:3-6,12-17
Philemon 9-10,12-17
Luke 14:25-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel Jesus reminds His followers of the price of discipleship. Renouncing family members may seem pretty harsh yet we must understand that without willingness to take leave of what even by nature we are attached to, we may not be fit to enter the Kingdom of God. It doesn't mean that we ignore our families and their needs, but that we understand that entrance into the Kingdom demands that we establish some priorities about how we live our lives and relate to the people and goods of this world.

How will we go about discerning what behaviors and practices are compatible with discipleship? Shall we use our own sometimes faulty judgment or shall we submit ourselves in docility to the Holy Spirit who will illumine for us the correct path?

Figuring out ahead of time what works, seems to be what Jesus is encouraging us to do. Let us take His suggestion to heart and seek the wisdom of the ages found in Holy Scripture and the teachings and practices of His Church.

“Or who every knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom
and sent your Holy Spirit from on high?
And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.”
(Wisdom 9:17-18)

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 4, 2004
Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 4:6-15
Psalm 145:17-21
Luke 6:1-5

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath..." Luke 6:5

The reply Jesus gives to those "thinking in the law" invites us all to ponder "Who" and "What" is sabbath rest. Jesus is the Word incarnate, dwelling among us as both the "Son of Man" and through apostolic succession in His ordained Apostles. His apostles are consuming wheat for they have been feeding souls with the Word and are themselves hungry, physically.

Jesus humbly feeds souls with the bread of Himself as "Word" whenever souls hunger for salvation. There is never a "sabbath rest" for the merciful Bread of Life as we especially find our "lord of the sabbath" feeding us with Himself, the Bread of Life, our true rest.

Jesus feeds us with Himself as the bread of the Word we hear, read and ponder and as the bread of the Word we consume in the Eucharist. Jesus as Word takes up His dwelling within the heaven of our eternal souls. This present of Presence within us is "rest" indeed for it is the Holy One who is our rest.

Lord, may we be consumed by You whom we consume and in You find true rest. We pray especially for those whom You have called as Your successors, Your apostles who feed us generously with You as Word.

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 3, 2004
Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Psalm 37:3-6,27-28,39-40
Luke 5:33-39

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Both readings today call us to a remarkable freedom in living today and all our tomorrows. First, we're not to allow human respect to cloud our judgments. We shouldn't be ruled by the way others judge us. Nor should we even sit in judgment on ourselves! Why? Because judgment is given only to Jesus, who has received that charge from the Father Himself. On that day, all that is hidden will be made clear, and all that is in darkness will come to light. St. Paul feels assured that, if he is faithful to the Gospel, he has nothing to fear. And neither do we!

The Gospel urges us even more to expand our energies, and to widen our vision. Jesus speaks of Himself as the Bridegroom, when all celebrate with feasting and joy. But when He is absent, we must tighten our belts and fast. However, this is not a time for inactivity. Rather, it is a time for creative modes of action, action that will burst the old wineskins of sluggish habits and self-indulgence. This courageous action may bring criticism and personal suffering. It will also bring new maturity and greater wisdom. In this is our ultimate victory in sharing the triumph with Christ who comes to fullness through the completion of His passion in the day to day struggles of his followers.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 2, 2004
Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 5:1-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Depart from Me Lord. . .

How often have we sinned and felt what Peter expresses here? Worse, how often have we sinned and moved forward without hesitation to sin yet again--ignorant of what we do to the Lord in our sinning. This passage demonstrates what Jesus wants from us--recognition of our sin.

Jesus does not chastise, lecture, or harangue Peter after he admits to being a sinful man. He doesn't discuss the issue, nor does he mollify saying, "Oh, no, no, no, not at all, Peter. In fact, quite the contrary." Jesus accepts what Peter says, knowing it to be the truth and He moves on to give Peter the keys of the kingdom.

What Jesus expects from us is a frank admission of our faults and sins. He expects us to say, "Depart from me I am a sinner." And then the last thing He will ever do is to leave us to stew in that sin. Where we fail most profoundly is not in the sinning, but in the refusal to repent and allow Him to come in and heal our grievous wounds.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Psalm 33:12-15,20-21
Luke 4:38-44

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I must proclaim the Good News of the kingdom
...for this purpose I have been sent. (Luke 4:44)

The theme of today's Gospel asserts Christ's divine healing power that encompasses all areas of human need. In healing those possessed by demons, He restores people to psychological health, banished their bizarre behavior and restored their ability to interact normally with their environment and other people. The individual, his family and the community, having gained freedom from the oppressive force of this illness, were enabled to live in greater safety and peace.

When Jesus cured Peter's mother in law of her fever, she instantly regained her strength and sets about serving the one who freed her from her affliction. This may seem to be expecting too much from one who had just risen from a sick bed; but one who has been miraculously restored to perfect health should be given an opportunity to acknowledge and express her gratitude as best she could. The Gospels reveal other instances in which Christ praises those who express thanks to the Father God for the good He does, His loving mercies extended to them.

Christ's healing reaches perfection in His saving act which He consummated on the cross for the expiation of our sins and our restoration to God's friendship. The "good news" that He came to reveal and to spread to the Israelites and through them to the entire world, is simply that we can be healed spiritually, achieve freedom from sin through God's grace and be united now with our fellow humans in love, joy and peace and eternally with Him in heaven.

Loving Creator,
accept our heartfelt gratitude
for Your mercy toward us sinners.
May the love You give us fill us
and overflow to You and all those whom we meet.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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