The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 30, 2004
St. Andrew, apostle

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 10:9-18
Psalm 19:2-5
Matthew 4:18-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the apostle Andrew. Holy Scripture doesn't tell us very much about him except that he was a fisherman and the brother of St. Peter. Yet, he was chosen by the Lord for the sacred ministry to build the church of Christ and to spread the good news of salvation throughout all the earth.

It seems inconceivable that the church of Christ is built on the foundation of apostles who were such unseeming choices for such profound responsibilities. Yet, it isn't altogether inconsistent with God's ways, in that He singles out the unknown and lowly - those with seemingly few talents for auspicious tasks.

Could it be a signal for those of us who have no particular stature, no outstanding qualities? Could the Lord be calling us to participate with our apparent nothingness in the salvation of the world. Shouldn't we, like Andrew, drop what we're doing without protest, submit to God's grace and do whatever it is that the Lord bids?

I pray that through the intercession of holy St. Andrew, that we all might respond as quickly and generously as he did, to the voice of Jesus that says, 'Come, follow me.'

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 29, 2004
Monday of First Week of Advent

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 4:2-6
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I rejoiced when I heard them say,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord." (Psalm 122)

My Father's House

Lord Jesus, you have been trying to get through to me for a long time. From the beginning you knew that you alone could fill all the needs in my heart. You tried in countless ways to show me this. You love me so much that you even became man and laid down your life for me. But all you did for me hardly caught my attention. I was so absorbed in myself that I missed everything.

I tried to find fulfillment in other ways. I made myself the center of my own world, and I pursued my own interests. I thought I could make it on my own, but I have come to see that I was mistaken. I begin to see dimly that I cannot find happiness except in you. You know my heart. You know that I am made with an emptiness that only you can fill.

So now I am trying to make my way to you, but I am still far from heaven. On the distant horizon I see faintly the end of my earthly life, and I feel a growing sense of anticipation for the day when I will reach you. I eagerly await the day when I will see your face. You have become my one desire. I do not fear the end of life. It is not a descent into darkness, but a passage to glorious light. I will rejoice on that day when you come for me, and take my hand, and say, "Come, let us go together to my Father's house."

Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Lord and my God. Open my heart to your word that I may grow in faith. Keep me on the path of holiness that I may one day join the company of saints in singing your praise in heaven.

- John Gedbaw
(http://www.grainofwheat.net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 28, 2004
First Sunday of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:37-44

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The Son of Man will come" (Matthew 24:44)

Truly humble, stilled and quiet souls are indeed the stables of majesty He prefers as His indwelling sanctuary. Our cold, dark, smelly, prickly manger of a soul becomes the very place He transforms into a refuge of welcome for the simple and the wise. All seek and find Him adorable in the soul from which He beckons, "Come to me...."

"He would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into...
for at the hour you do not expect the Son of Man will come." He perpetually comes as the "I am with you always," presence in our eternal, heavenly souls. The thief that comes is the sin we invite to displace our beloved. He cannot remain where sin has taken up a home.

Let us not be deceived that He is coming at some unknown time. He always comes, is always here, ready to return to our souls, to make straight the Way for His coming. We shed the darkness of sin for Him to redress us with His Light. To present Him to others, we first, empty ourselves to conceive Him, to create a welcome home for Him to remain....

O Lord, we pray to see the hour we do not expect is indeed, every hour and each moment. Christ dies, rises and comes to join us again to Himself. Help us to be prepared for His coming. Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 27, 2004
Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 22:1-7
Psalm 95:1-7
Luke 21:34-36

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy. . ." (Lk 21:34)

This is an admonition for everyone, both now and throughout all of history. Oh, how we seem to get hypnotized by those repetitive cycles of life--cycles and events of every sort--which eventually lose any sense of importance to us.

Such a constant drumming of life for us "creatures of habit" results in our losing the overall picture of reality: such as, Who made us and WHY were we made? What is our real purpose in life? How are we handling the moment-to-moment experiences that make up the totality of our lives? Do we view each moment, everything we do, everything that has happened to us, as critical to our final end in life? Will each of our little moment-to-moment decisions result in life forever in happiness with God--something made possible by Jesus' atonement for us on the Cross? Or will we die as ingrates, only to suffer in lonely pain and misery forever--a living death without end, deprived of the Beatific Vision forever?

God created us in His own image and likeness, to be happy with Him for ever and ever. But He also gave us the greatest gift of all: a free will. God gave us this gift so that we could freely choose to honor and worship Him from now until death. The choice is ours--right now--and at every moment while we live. Today's Gospel is an awesome call to personal action!

- Joachim, ocds

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 26, 2004
Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 20:1-4,11--21;2
Psalm 84:3-6,8
Luke 21:29-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The scene in the first reading from the Book of Revelation is awesome! It presumes a time of grace and action, when all who follow the Lamb must work to evangelize the world. It is the common mission for all the baptized whose names are written in the Book of Life. The culmination is the Final Judgment when all must have not only faith, but deeds.

If there are no deeds, then Christ is helpless to save us. Those who are in the Book of Life will enjoy an eternity in the new Heavenly Jerusalem, which is a combination of the heavenly and the earthly city. Those whose names have been erased from the Book of Life, will be cast into the pool of fire, condemned for all eternity.

Today, we must think of the precious gift of time which is still ours. Now is the time for prayer, faith, hope, and deeds of loving service. Am I ready to renew my commitment to the wounded Lamb? Am I willing to grieve with Him for the sins of indifference, ignorance, hostility, and lethargy?

If we do, and if we are faithful, then we will hear the words that still echo from last Sunday's Gospel, with Christ's promise that today, we will be with Him in Paradise.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 25, 2004
(Thanksgiving Day--USA)
Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 18:1-2,21-23,19:1-3,9
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 21:20-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Your redemption is at hand."

When you see these signs you will know that your redemption is at hand. What wonderful consolation. When, Lord, shall we see these times?

Despite the popularity of reading into the symbolism of the Book of Revelation or the Apocalypse of John, Jesus gives us brief, healthful advice regarding this question. "Do not seek to know the time or the day, for it will come upon you as a thief in the night." In other words--that isn't our concern.

So what should our concern be?

As we are in the week between Christ the King and the first week of Advent, our concern should focus on Christ the King and His kingdom. We don't need to know when He will come in splendor, we need to be ready and willing to recognize Him when He comes in poverty and rags. We need to be able to serve Him when He comes in the form of people we do not care for. We need to make His kingdom real through authentic, deeply caring love--not love that wishes well and leaves, but rather love that changes lives.

This is the love that transmutes base lead into Gold, that changes lives fundamentally, transforms the world one person at a time into the image of the kingdom of God. So, if we're interested in honoring Christ the King and claiming our redemption in the fullness of time, our time is better spent among the potential citizens of the Kingdom, making the Kingdom real and substantive to all who we meet. Jesus is coming--each and every day--in the persons of everyone we meet. Let us be ready to lay out the royal carpet and greet our Lord and King.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 24, 2004
The Thirty-fourth week in Ordinary Time
St. Dung-Lac and companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 15:1-4
Psalm 98:1-3,7-9
Luke 21:12-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair of your head shall be lost. (Luke 21:17)

Reading today's Gospel, we may conclude that the cataclysms coming upon this earth are the work of a wrathful God venting His anger on His faithless, disobedient creatures. Actually, God need not lift a finger against us, for sin always brings about its own punishment. We inevitably, in due time, will either enjoy or suffer the consequences of our choices depending upon how well or poorly we live in God's truth and love. Unfortunately, and inevitably the innocent suffer along with the guilty.

History reveals that the fall of civilizations begins with an increase of sin; moral rot leads to societal disorder which, if unchecked, brings about eventual dissolution. During the process of a "downfall," hatred for and persecution of those who uphold God's living Word, Christians, increases and intensifies. Does this have a familiar ring today? But Jesus assures "believers" that though they may be reviled, terrorized, jailed or killed, they remain securely in God's hands. When He tells us "not a hair of their heads will be lost" He means that whatever is lost for God's cause, reputation, comfort or life itself, is never lost in vain when suffered in faith by grace; their abandonment to God's will reflects Christ to this world.

What of the natural disasters described by Jesus? The finger should again point at man, not God; for we who have been entrusted with this world's care have failed to obey God's laws grounded in His love and truth. Man, separated from God, Who has dominion over all, has broken the original chain of command established by Him (read Genesis); consequently, we have lost our God-given dominion over nature, causing it to fall into disharmony. It is evident that we "receive" in the measure and quality that we "give."

Blessed Lord, help us to see the harm we bring upon ourselves so that we will renew our connection with your love and truth and so live in peace, harmony and justice. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth week in Ordinary Time
St. Clement I, pope, martyr
St. Columban, abbot
Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro, priest, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 14:14-19
Psalm 95:10-13
Luke 21:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! (see Lk 21:8)

Often we look externally for answers to life's problems. We constantly seek solutions which promise us a quick fix--which offer a type of band-aid for our pain--but is always short-lived. As Christians we have the spirit of Jesus always within us. When we nurture His Spirit and allow ourselves to be led by His nudgings and inclinations, we can know in the depth of our hearts that we're on the right path, regardless of external circumstances!

The material world is always in a state of flux with changing attitudes, opinions, values. It is even more vital to grow more centered in Christ so that we can weather every storm and confidently walk the truth path as it opens up before us.

- Cliodhna Doyle
(clia at cliadoyle dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 22, 2004
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Cecilia, virgin, martyr

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 14:1-3,4-5
Psalm 24:1-66
Luke 21:1-4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Jesus has given us another seemingly difficult teaching. He says that we must give from our "want", not from our excess. He indicates that the value of what we give depends on the sacrifice that giving it involves.

His words stop me in my tracks, give me real pause for concern because I know that true sacrifice is really rare for me. Too often I have a "hidden agenda" albeit, giving makes me feel "good." Rarely do I give 'til it hurts.

Yet, that is the teaching that Jesus wished to communicate. In speaking about the widow giving all she had, He alluded to the ultimate sacrifice He would make on our behalf - the shedding of His blood, His very death.

Yet that is the very kind of sacrifice we're called upon to consider - willingly dying to ourselves so that the Jesus in us can resurrect. In those terms, Jesus' teaching takes on far greater meaning than just giving away "things."

Let us pray for generosity and perseverance and beg the Holy Spirit to give us the grace to accomplish all He has called us to be....

Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean;
who desires not what is vain. (see Ps.24)

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 21, 2004
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm 122:1-5
Colossians 1:12-20
Luke 23:35-43

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I didn't get very far reading today's First Reading when it occurred to me that there's something in human nature that "wants a king." Maybe it's just some kind of childish desire that makes us want to think about someone who is rich and exciting, someone different, better than ourselves. Yet, we also know enough stories about kings who were cruel, inept, silly and just plain evil. What then is the fascination?

Perhaps it's an innate awareness that even though we're freedom-loving creatures we understand our limitations and desire the security of knowing that something or someone is bigger than us and might be in charge to rescue us if we fail.

So, we construct governments, appoint committees, elect officials. Invariably, we're disappointed, even though the right 'king' got elected. We start to see their shortcomings, recognize their limitations and their penchant for wrongdoing. And, we question: were all our longings infantile and silly?

The answer is noooo--except that the king we're looking for, isn't of this earth, though just as real and even more capable than we could ever desire or imagine. There is only One who can satisfy our desires--be they of a child, or of a cogent, world-wise adult. That King is Christ Our King and He's ready to accept the homage of His people, work His power on their behalf, destroy their enemies. But,unlike any other king, He doesn't impose His right to rule, but seeks the loving fiat of every subject at every moment.

Let us give Him then, that mandate to be King of our life. Let Him know all the things we ever wanted or desired or feared and then believed as a child believes in a fairy tale king that this King can accomplish it. But He is no fairy tale king. This King, is the Beloved Son of the Father, our Brother and Redeemer, the Word Made Flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit, my King, my Lord and my God: Jesus Christ the King!

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 20, 2004
Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 11:4-12
Psalm 144:1-2,9-10
Luke 20:27-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

He is "I the God of the Living"

"For to Him, all are alive", Jesus explains "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." He is not a God of the dead. Jesus reminds us how remaining single heartedly focused on Him and persevering in this union is the "communion" of man with God, the Communion of Saints. This union is outside of time because it is in God who is eternal and who Himself authors time.

The communion of saints is the union with the Lord which begins in time with our willed consent to His invitation to union with Himself which continues for eternity. We understand that this is "the union to pursue." This is the union that neither time nor mortality can end.

Recognizing our covenant is with God, will help us pursue this primary relationship of Life. The sacrament of Marriage includes another into this primary covenantal union with God, much like the communion of saints joins other souls with God.

Marriage especially gives spouses the opportunity to share their individual covenants with God in time with another. The "I have loved you first" example of God with man takes form in the "love one another as I have loved you" venue of spouses whose overflowing love creates and sustains shared love and begets more souls in Him. The communion with God grows.

O Lord,
may our lives be a constant fiat,
our espousing of self to you
and through our love others come to Life in you,
in the communion of saints for all eternity.
Amen.

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 19, 2004
Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 10:8-11
Psalm 119:14,24,72,103,111,131
Luke 19:45-48

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

How prayerfully we must reflect on Holy Scripture! Today's readings can only be understood as prophetic actions, highly charged with meaning. In Revelation, the prophet must not only take the scroll from the angel. He must actually eat the scroll. The taste in the mouth is sweet, but the sensation in the stomach is sour and unpleasant. The meaning as generally accepted is this: God's command to live His Word brings joy, but this mission will bring suffering and pain. God's way is bittersweet. In other words, there is no crown without a cross.

In the Gospel, Jesus Himself is the Prophet--and his message is clear: the Jewish leadership has failed to fulfill God's intention in the temple worship--as a result, He is no longer pleased with their sacrifices. Only the Sacrifice of His Son will bring cleansing, a sacrifice ironically brought to realization by the hatred Jesus' actions incites in his enemies. The chalice will not pass.

And so, the "paschal mystery" is revealed--the dying and rising of Jesus, the pain and the glory, will be ours, too, but only if we accept both in our lives.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 18, 2004
Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 5:1-10
Psalm 149:1-6,9
Luke 19:41-44

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"If this day you only knew what makes for peace"

Jesus came to establish God's kingdom, as we approach the feast of Christ the King, we hear more about the kingdom and Christ's reign in it. But has Jesus established His kingdom in our hearts?

The Kingdom has no substance except the lives we lead, our prayers, and the actions of the day. God cannot be expressed to others in any other way besides direct divine intervention, which the Good Lord chooses to limit for His own reasons.

Today let us open our eyes and look at what makes for peace--love, particularly deep and abiding love of our Lord and Savior. This love does not sit idle in our hearts but pushes us and molds us to make us better citizens of the kingdom. When we love with God's love, we come to know what makes for peace--not the pursuit of our own isolated agendas, but a deep and abiding love that flows out in actions all around us. We mediate the kingdom of God here on Earth. We make it real. If we do not know what makes for peace, how can we bring it to others?

Do not let the tears that Jesus wept be for us, embrace his Kingdom, and make it real for countless people who, to quote God's words for the end of the book of Jonah, "Do not know their right hand from their left." Let us be a people of God's peace and a manifest sign of His love. Let us make the kingdom real on Earth.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 17, 2004
The Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 150:1-6
Luke 19:11-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Engage in trade with these until I return." (Luke 19:13)

In Luke, chapter 19, Jesus tells those mistakenly believing that the kingdom of God would appear immediately upon their arrival in Jerusalem, that He must first depart to a distant country to receive His Kingship. He is here alluding to a series of events that must take place before He establishes His kingdom of peace -- His death, resurrection, ascension into heaven and His second coming at the end time. During His absence, however, He assigns an important task to His servants. Giving each a portion of His treasure, He bids them to put it to good use to earn Him a return.

The word "servant" refers to all who profess being Christian, committed to following Jesus, and who will share with others the treasure of God's truth and love He has entrusted to them, that they may draw others into His - God's - kingdom. They are to invest this treasure not only by "word" but more effectively by "deed," through the practice of Christ-like virtues in their relationships with others. Such is the primary task of those professing faith in Jesus.

Jesus describes the grim consequence to those who fail making a sincere effort to help win souls to Christ's kingdom by making Him seen and known through their own flesh to others. No one will be attracted to living in a kingdom peopled by loveless hypocrites. Truly, there is no greater destitution than that suffered by humans who have willfully impoverished their souls by breaking their spiritual connection with God through calculated disobedience to His love and truth revealed by Christ. The world's present condition offers ample evidence of this.

Merciful God,
through Your gifts of grace and wisdom,
help us to zealously work
to help attract citizens to Christ's Kingdom.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Tuesday of the Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time
St. Margaret of Scotland
St. Gertrude, virgin

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 3:1-6,14-22
Psalm 15:2-3a,3bc-4ab,5
Luke 19:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

During the month of November, the Church draws our attention to the souls in purgatory and we offer many prayers for the "poor souls." Indeed, we want to continue our prayers on their behalf, but in some ways they are better off than some of us might be. They know that they will be in heaven one day. None of us have that guarantee even though we try to live good lives and stay in the state of grace.

The First Reading for today makes one sit up and take note. Reference is made to a person having performed many good works and yet be in poor favor with God. In fact scripture references that, because of their being lukewarm in their relationship to God, He will spit them out of His mouth. This is pretty strong language! This is pretty poor pay for all those good works! This brings us back to intentions or attitudes. Who are the good works for? Are we doing them for our own glorification or to build up the kingdom of God? This reminds us to make a 'morning offering' - that is, to start every day with a prayer to offer up all our thoughts, words and actions of the day for the glorification of God. Then we need to continue working at our loving relationship with our Creator.

In the Gospel we hear Christ saying to Zacchaeus "Come down quickly for today I must stay at your house." One day, just as quickly and distinctly He will call our names that we come to His house. Will we be ready or will we be in the middle of one of those good works done for our own credentialing and resume'-building?

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 15, 2004
Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time
St. Albert the Great, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Luke 18:35-43

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"What do you want me to do for you?"

Let's join our Lord at the scene of today's Gospel. Jesus, His companions, you and I have been walking for some time toward Jericho. It's hot and all of us would very much like to get inside the walls for some shade and a cool drink. Beside the road sits a blind beggar. We can't avoid noticing his poverty, barely clothed in rags with a noticeable odor and filth. Some of our group scold the poor wretch for calling to the Lord. "How dare this lowly, filthy creature call upon the Son of God!" some say. (But you and I know our Lord is a servant. Remember, he told us that a few days ago.) "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asks. And without hesitation He gives him his sight. The beggar leaps for joy, praising God. Someone in the back of the group strikes up a rousing song of praise in which we all join as we approach the gates to the city.

Jesus tells us that he did not come to be served but to serve. Service with no strings attached. We too are called to be servants, following Christ. Commit His words to memory: "What do you want me to do for you?" Use them often and follow His example. It will speed your journey toward the gates of His kingdom to the cool water and shade inside.

- Don Claunch, SFO

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 14, 2004
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Malachi 3:19-20
Psalm 98:5-9
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Luke 21:5-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When we read Holy Scripture we're often drawn to a particular phrase or words. Perhaps it's because they resonate with our present frame of mind and the experiences we're currently undergoing. By recognizing this fact we come to see how pertinent the Word of God is in all times and generations. Today for example we hear talk of the End Times and are encouraged not to be upset, fearful or misled. Instead Jesus tells His followers to expect problems and indeed, persecution.

In and of themselves, those aren't comforting words even when we have come to believe, that if we remain faithful, in the end all things will work toward God's glory and our salvation. The caveat is: remaining faithful.

How do we do that? If we look at it long-term, it might seem that there are too many opportunities for going astray, for choosing our own will over that of God. Like all humongous and worthwhile undertakings, we work our way to heaven one step at a time, or more correctly, one moment at a time.

So, instead of being overwhelmed by what might lie ahead, let's just take things moment by moment. For this moment I'll do what is assigned to me with love. In the next, I'll refrain from saying something mean or troublesome to someone and instead be silent (or even better in my silence, say a prayer). And so it goes throughout the day - every day.

Tedious though it may seem at first, it really is the only way that our lives are lived: moment by moment.

In the closing words of today's Gospel, Jesus tells us that by patient endurance we'll save our eternal lives. May we remember that it takes both patience and endurance, and seek the source where they can be found: the heart of the Trinity, and the Church which safeguards Their treasures.

Be faithful until death, says the Lord,
and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2:10)

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 13, 2004
Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Frances Cabrini, virgin, founder, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
3 John 5-8
Psalm 112:1-6
Luke 18:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"On the necessity of praying always and not losing heart" Luke 18:1

Jesus reminds us that justice is done speedily for God's chosen ones "who call out to Him day and night." The parable of the widow demonstrates how a judge who neither regarded God, nor cared about the concerns of any human being responded to her constant intercessions for justice.

We recognize from this, how differently from the judge God regards us. He reminds us we are "chosen ones" and we know that He freely "beloves" us and covenantly promises to be our All in all. God espouses us to Himself and makes us one with Him.

Realizing this incredible relationship He chooses with us, we can understand from the parable that "praying" or communing with Him binds not only our petitions to His ever-vigilant hearing, but expresses back to Him, we are freely choosing Him and constantly uniting ourselves to Him in mind, heart and soul. We express our trust in His providence, His love, His presence to us.

Always, He is seeking ways to help us realize His desire to be with us in all things, in all ways, always. We utter our acknowledgement when we call out to Him "day and night" or, in other words, re-call ourselves to Him at all times, in all ways, in all places--always. Espoused and espousing, our relationship is constant and through prayer we remain one in The One.

Lord, keep us constantly in prayer, one with You.

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 12, 2004
Friday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 John 4-9
Psalm 119:1-2,10-11,17-18
Luke 17:26-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As we approach Thanksgiving, we begin to dialogue with other Christian Churches in the planning of joint services. As we plan, there is often a wariness and guardedness. After all, we don't want to give up anything of our own customs and rituals. With dismay, we realize how far we have drifted apart.

St. Josaphat, today's saint, suffered martyrdom because of such disagreements. His loyalty to Rome cost him his life. Just fifteen years ago, a similar situation developed in Communist countries as both Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox emerged from hiding into the full light of day. Jealousy and mistrust, resentment and fear spoiled what could have been a wonderful reunion and witness to the unity of the Body of Christ.

Do I pray for Christian unity? Do I harbor kind thoughts and yearnings for understanding with my Protestant and Jewish brothers and sisters? If I do, our Thanksgiving will be a fuller expression of gratitude to God for His gifts.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 11, 2004
Thursday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin of Tours, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philemon 7-20
Psalm 146:7-10
Luke 17:20-25

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"No one will announce, 'Look, here it is. . ."

Jesus speaks a hard truth here that's difficult to understand in many ways. How many have we heard who have told us that the end was near, the second coming loomed, the millennium was upon us. Jesus said that no one would announce His second coming; and that is true. Everyone who has done so, has been wrong.

We aren't called to think about the time of His return, and this for very good reason. Were we to focus on his eventual return it would deflect our attention from His presence among us. He is with us now. He is with us when we reflect on Scripture. His Real Presence makes the eucharistic feast a feast indeed! He is present in the poor. He is present in the rich. He is present in every person who loves Him. Why, then, do we look for something else?

We do so because we are a people of immediate gratification. We want what we want, when we want it. We want Jesus to return. Certainly that is a noble sentiment. If we desire it greatly enough, then we should do our part in bringing the kingdom to life. Rather than waiting with bated breath, we should reach out to those around us. When we reach out in His love, we spread the borders of His kingdom.

We will not know when it is coming. We won't know this because it is already at hand, near enough to touch. When we realize this, the second coming, whenever it may be, recedes in immediate importance. It is the event we look forward to in joyful hope even as we live in the Kingdom God has given us.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 10, 2004
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Titus 3:1-7
Psalm 23:1-6
Luke 17:11-19 or Matthew 16:13-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my church. . . ." (Matthew 16:18)

From the outset, Church history reveals that she has been besieged from within and without by those refusing to accept her teachings, changing them to suit their willful, selfish desires, eliminate any limitations placed on the wants of their flesh. That our Catholic faith has survived intact, is God's work performed through such men as Pope Leo and now John Paul II. Whereas the former defended the Church from Barbarians, today's Pope opposes Secular Humanism which usurps God's authority, putting "self" in His place, as well as Paganism that worships many gods, among them money, property, power, sex, and youth.

Because Catholic dogma stands firm against today's lax morality--divorce and remarriage, adultery, cohabitation, abortion, embryonic creation and destruction for medical purposes, homosexuality--our Faith is continually being pilloried by a liberal media and money-hungry lawyers. Surely, some of our hierarchy, clergy and laity have seriously sinned, but this should not be used to malign the Faith but only the actions of those who choose to disobey God's word given to us through Christ. It is He, the living Word of God, Who provides us both the wisdom and the will to live in His love and truth--if only we would yield to His Spirit.

Today's Gospel reveals Christ's fail-safe means of preserving His Church through Peter, the Rock, and his successors. The world's waves of dissent and hatred will always try smashing The Rock, but they will only continue to be swept away in the Divine Tides.

O Blessed Redeemer,
strengthen our faith in the knowledge that You have
conquered evil.
Make us fearless in opposing the satanic forces seeking
to overtake our world.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 9, 2004
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I had to do some research to find out again why this is such an important feast day in the church's calendar. I wasn't disappointed! The details below are taken from a homily given by Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, Canada, in 2003.
(www.newmanhouse.ca/homily/nov9.html)

St. John Lateran Cathedral was the original residence of the pope up to only 600 years ago. It was given to the church after a time of Christian persecution by Emperor Constantine, who was the first to permit and officially sanction the Christian faith. He gave the Lateran Basilica to the Church after conquering Rome in an epic battle in 313. The night before that battle he saw a vision in the sky in which the "Chi-Ro" (the symbol of Christ) appeared with the Latin words: "in this sign you will conquer."

The Lateran Basilica was dedicated in 326AD. It was sacked by vandals after the fall of Rome and Pope Leo the Great restored it about 460. In 896 it was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake. It was rebuilt only to be destroyed by fire 400 years later. It was rebuilt again, and destroyed again by fire. It was rebuilt yet again and still stands today.

So? Our foundation is always Christ, and Christ guaranteed that the Church He would build upon Peter would never fail.

"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

- Cliodhna Doyle
(clia at cliadoyle dot com)



The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 8, 2004
Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Titus 1:1-9
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 17:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Forgiveness. . . .

A fairly common word to us Christians. Much used, fairly well understood but perhaps not fully practiced.

But for us Christians, our Lord makes practicing forgiveness simple. JUST DO IT! We are to forgive, and forgive and forgive again and again. Seven times a day. Seventy times seven times. Always. Every time. How much more simple can it get?

Well, for us humans it's not that simple. We're often guilty of forgiving but only up to a point. We forgive--for now--only to bring up the sin committed against us at a later time when it suits our own needs. Is this what Christ said? That we should forgive for only a period of time and then un-forgive?

NO! We are to forgive. Period. And forgive and forgive again and again. Period. Easy to do? No. But we have the ultimate example in Jesus who displayed true forgiveness even when suffering on the cross. (And He forgives us now even when we fail to forgive.) Learn from Him and just do it.

- Don Claunch, SFO



The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 7, 2004
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
3 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14
Psalm 17:1,5-6,8,15
2 Thessalonians 2:16--3:5
Luke 20:27-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's First Reading and in the Gospel we see scriptural reference to the reality of life after death. Belief in an afterlife provides us with a meaningful rational for our present behavior and actions. Without such beliefs we're unaware that the consequences of our decisions, though often serious, go beyond being just temporal. When, however, we consider our actions in light of eternity, human relationships with all the intrinsic suffering that they embrace, take on an entirely different dimension: an eternal one.

In our present culture which is so accustomed to instant gratification and the avoidance of anything difficult, suffering in order to obtain eternal life seems ludicrous except for what we have been graced to know and believe.

Let us pray that God will help us to assess everything in light of eternity and do everything so as to one day enjoy everlasting life in His presence. And as St. Paul says in the Second Reading: "May the Lord rule your hearts in the love of God and the constancy of Christ."

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

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 6, 2004
Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 4:10-19
Psalm 112:1-2,5-6,8-9
Luke 16:9-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Trustworthy With Wealth. . . . (see Luke 16:9)

Jesus advises us to make friends with material wealth so that when it fails we'll be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Serving God with singleness of heart insures that our so-called friend, wealth, fails. It is God who is our wealth and our eternal dwelling.

Making friends with "wealth" is much like the example of St. Therese of the Child Jesus who regarded a soul who challenged her most, as a best friend. Her example demonstrates how to regard whatever might tempt us to sin with special caution, in order to be redeemed, to be transformed through heroic grace into good. Self-discipline requires one to renounce temptations to lust, sloth or resentment in order to befriend what sanctifies us.

St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, likewise reminds us to regard with great appreciation that which challenges us most--what sanctifies us. We discover joy as we suffer graciously. For in this suffering we receive proportionate graces for the challenges we must face, and in this we acquire a great wealth of holiness. When we overcome temptation to self-indulgence, we become trustworthy with true wealth, our eternal inheritance, our Lord.

We discover great value in a poverty of self; emptying self for the mansions of our indwelling King, our Lord, our God and Savior. We acquire a wealth of Spirit, an eternity of the riches He alone is. We desire only His presence--and presents--and desire only to lose ourselves in order to become more of Him.

O my King, my Lord,
my One true wealth are you my God.
Amen

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 5, 2004
Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 3:1-17--4:1
Psalm 122:1-5
Luke 18:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

It may seem proud and presumptuous of Paul to urge the Philippians to imitate him as he himself imitates Christ. Yet, his theology is without reproach. Genesis tells us that we are made in the "image" of God. The word for "image" is equivalent here to "icon." We are to become "icons" of Christ, effective enough for others to see our Savior mirrored in us perfectly. Indeed, more than "mirrored," for we are to radiate the very presence and power of grace.

How can we possibly do this? Only through letting go of all in us that is alien to Christ. Like the unjust steward in today's Gospel, we're to "make friends" of those who can help us later when we're in need. November, the month of the holy souls, is a good time to make friends with them through our prayers and penance, so that, in turn, they may speak for us before God's throne when we are in their place in purgatory. In this life or in the next, we pray to be full "icons" of Christ.

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

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sidenote

Just a note to our early morning bloggers who may have missed Wednesday's meditation, and wondered what happened to it. We had a fierce time with some software upgrades which necessitated the adjustment of some preferences. As a result, the software adjustments were too extreme and knocked out the only monitor for our main computer. Not good. After some intense work and the able suggestion from a local computer guru, we managed to override the system, and return to normalcy rather quickly. As of this hour, I'm just getting back to where we should have been about 11 hours ago!!! Please keep us in your prayers as we continue with some very necessary software upgrades. -j

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 4, 2004
Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Charles Borromeo, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 3:3-8
Psalm 105:2-7
Luke 15:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. . ."

Hallelujah! This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them. What could possibly be better news for us? I, for one, will not refuse a gift outright given. The Son of God welcomes sinners. Me, you, everyone. And He eats with us and shares with us the precious food that is His body and Blood.

The next time you fail, remember with joy, "This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them." What was meant to express His deep shame has become His victory and our amazing and unending joy. When overcome with our own worthlessness, when despairing of ever getting better, when thinking for a moment about our own condition, let's always bring to mind, "This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Praise God, what a wonderful promise, what a beautiful savior! What more could we ask for than that God Himself should eat with us and share Himself with us. Throughout the day let's remind ourselves, "This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them." And then remember the age-old wisdom as we approach the altar, "You are what you eat." We too become the Man who welcomes sinners and eats with them. The whole kingdom rejoices in our transformation and in the transformation of all around us.

Keep as an inspiration to hope, this wonderful criticism that has become our glory. "This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 3, 2004
Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin de Porres, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 2:12-18
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14
Luke 14:25-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me
cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)

Today's Gospel causes some to flee God's call when they discover the rigors of becoming Christ's disciple. However, they misunderstand Jesus if they believe He actually requires them to despise or neglect their families.

Being a disciple means that we are to become like Christ, our teacher, and so make Him known to others by living in Him Who is God's living Word. This may cause difficulty when their families cannot accept Christ's teachings, become hurt or angry and try to turn the disciple away from Him.

Jesus is saying that nothing should stand between Him and those seeking God; that a disciple is to be far less concerned with his personal, worldly attachments and ambitions than he is with bearing God to other people, making His love and truth visible to others in their own flesh.

Jesus tells us that this life of self-denial is difficult and costly because it is a reversal of this world's idea of success defined as self-fulfillment, through material and monetary gains, possessing people and things, bearing selfish attitudes and habits. In brief, we become so preoccupied that we leave no space for God within our minds and hearts.

What stands in our way is our simply refusing to accept that we are not our own, that we are God's creatures who must reflect Him in our own beings if we are to be fully human. This flesh is created to abide in God's Spirit; our separation from Him is the cause of all man's misery.

Loving Father,
help us to see You as the source
and continuance of our lives into eternity.
May we fully embrace the conditions of this life,
that we may enjoy the blessings
of what You have prepared for us in the next.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 2, 2004
The Commemoration of All The Faithful Departed
(All Souls Day)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 25:6,7-9
Psalm 25:6,7b,17-18,20-21
Romans 6:3-9
John 11:17-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

This one day in the liturgical year the Church places our attention on the souls of all the faithful departed, even though we remember and pray for our deceased every day. Is it to concentrate our prayer intentions as though they will reap more benefit for the deceased, or is it to remind us, the living, that we too one day will be counted among the dead? Perhaps it is for both reasons.

On this day we're reminded that Christ has destroyed death; but it isn't an automatic guarantee for each of us. We rejoice that by our baptism into Christ we were "baptized into His death." (Romans 6:3) "It's only if we've grown into union with Him through a death like His, that we'll be united with Him in the resurrection." (Romans 6:5)

Today would be a good time for us to evaluate how we're doing regarding our growing into union with Christ. Much of that process involves the hundreds of choices we make in a given day, to always choose the path and the means that gives honor and glory to Christ, rather than to ourselves and our earthly ambitions. Growing into union with Christ takes work and time, with prayer as our foundation. We have the Church to serve as our guide and to provide nourishment and forgiveness for us while on this journey. As we pray for the holy souls, we ask that they too will assist us in whatever way possible.

May all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace,
and may we too one day be counted among their numbers,
with our union with Christ joyfully realized.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 1, 2004
Solemnity of All Saints

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our celebration of the solemnity of All Saints is a very strong reminder for us. It honors the saints, who persevered against evil and lived their lives faithfully according to the Gospel. Their example is encouragement for each of us to redouble our own efforts to live the teaching of Jesus, that we too, may be counted among those who praise the Lord in the company of all those saints gathered around His throne.

We are also encouraged by a strong scriptural basis for this in the Book of Revelation: "I saw before me a huge crowd which no one could count, from every nation and race, people and tongue." (Rev 8:9)

Our problem is that the temptations for modern humanity are replete with every devious scheme that the devil can subtly place in our paths. For us to become a member of that great number of saints, we must be sure that we're listening to, AND living, the message of the Gospel and the recommendations of the Vicar of Christ, our pope.

Let us carefully review our attitudes, our spiritual position, compared with the Beatitudes given us by Jesus:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
the sorrowing,
the lowly,
those who hunger for holiness,
those who show mercy,
the single-hearted,
the peacemakers,
those who are insulted and persecuted for holiness' sake.

Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven; they persecuted the prophets before you in the very same way. (Matt. 5:3ff)

- Joachim

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