The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, June 30, 2005
The Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 22:1-19
Psalm 115:1-6, 8-9
Matthew 9:1-8

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." (Matthew 9:2)

We cannot imagine Abraham's wrenching pain when God asked him to sacrifice his only son born to him and Sarah in their old age. He saw Isaac as his heir through whom God had
promised him progeny as numerous as the stars in the heavens or grains of sand on this earth. But despite his questions and sense of impending loss, Abraham built an altar of sacrifice in the wilderness and prepared to obey God's bidding. When the child asked his father where he would get the sacrificial animal, Abraham replied that God always provides.

At this, God told him to stay his hand and spare the child's life; for in not withholding his only son from Him proved the depth and purity of his love. God knew that Abraham would obey; but He challenges us for our own sakes, because an "untried" love, faith and trust in God has no validity. God always does provide for us, though it may not always result in a happy, painless outcome such as that given to Abraham. Faith must then be our bulwark.

Today's Gospel illustrates the latter statement. God's everlasting love for humanity cost Him a great price, the suffering and death of His Son for our sin so that we might gain salvation and eternal life. Christ came to heal us; but simply restoring the paralytic's body was not sufficient. The cripple's soul needed first to be freed from the bonds of sin. One may be given a perfect body; however, the individual may never use it for any good purpose if one's soul remains selfishly steeped in sin.

Father,
through Christ's obedience, you saved a fallen world.
Help us abandon ourselves to Your will,
that we may accomplish in these bodies
Your purposes for us. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 16:1-12;15-16
Psalm 106:1-5
Matthew 7:21-29

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The liturgical readings for today are powerful on this feastday of two giants of the Church, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Mixed into the readings we see however, a gentle, caring God. When Peter was imprisoned and the faithful prayed for his freedom, an angel appeared and assisted Peter in an escape. It is worthy of note that the angel asked Peter to first put on his belt and sandals, and then his cloak. Scripture tells us that the very hairs on our head are numbered, that God knows us intimately, including all our needs. Would most of us take time to gather our clothing and dress when we were fleeing from the fate of death.? The angel instructed Peter to do so, thus meeting his intimate needs. Who can say that God does not care about our every need!

At the conclusion of the gospel we hear Christ eliciting an act of faith from St. Peter. He then gives to Peter the 'Keys to the "Kingdom of Heaven" making reference to the sacrament of Penance... "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth it shall be loosened in heaven." (Mt. 16:19) One can wonder if the choice of readings today points us toward the wonderful spiritual opportunity of the Sacrament of Penance to clothe ourselves with innocence, with the Blood of Christ poured out for our salvation, before we return again, as did Peter, to our task at hand, to continue building up the Kingdom of God.

Saints Peter and Paul, clothe us with the Blood of Christ!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 13:2,5-18
Psalm 15:2-5
Matthew 7:6,12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We often hear from many sources that there’s too much violence, sex, and immorality in the movies, on television, in video games -- in all media. Some argue that exposure and even overexposure leads to more violence and a degradation of morals in our society. Others claim there is no sound evidence that this is true. The debate continues....

In today’s first reading, we learn a truth about such things. As Lot and his wife fled the doomed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s wife disobediently looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Compare this to the apostles and the saints who have turned their gaze to the face of the Lord and found life, filled with uncountable blessings.

The bottom line is this: the more we look upon immorality and offenses to God’s law, the harder we become -- like pillars of salt. The more we look upon the glory of our Lord and contemplate Him, the softer we become -- like clay in the hands of a potter, The Potter, so that we can be molded into what He wants us to be.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, June 27, 2005
Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 18:16-33
Psalm 103:1-4, 8-11
Matthew 8:18-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today we hear the strange story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the familiar Gospel about Jesus calming the stormy sea. Perhaps the most terrifying and believable evidence that there is a Great Power that has influence over creation occurs in the catastrophic events of nature. I dare say that those who have witnessed such power are literally brought to their knees, whether they wanted to or not.

Scriptural phrases like, "Lord who alone knows your fury", come to mind when in fact I have cowered helpless in our little one-room log cabin on top of a vulnerable knoll when thunder, lightning, hail and the driving rain of a fierce summer storm raged outside. Nowhere to hide in our log home with two sides constructed of mostly glass. I have rushed to the cellar staircase with rosary in hand to "ride it out."

Yes, I too am brought to my knees and have wondered why like the Apostles in the pitching boat at sea I am so inordinately afraid. It comes to mind that faced with the undeniable power of God, I am petrified. Realizing this I began to come up with a strategy to quell my fear. It was nothing more than remembering that God is a God of power, might, love and compassion, and that all creation obeys His will. I too will try to do obey and forever cry out, "Lord, all my hope is in Your mercy."

I have become less afraid.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, June 26, 2005
The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16
Psalm 89:2-3, 16-19
Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Matthew 10:37-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it….

Losing ones’ life is the decision to prefer God, God Who is Life eternal, over the temptations to attach temporally to what dies.

Attachment to what is not “our cross” is a failure to “follow” Jesus Who redeems into Life what is dead by “attaching” or crucifying what fails to the pure and total gift of self. Unless we take up “our cross” and follow Him in this Way, we are “not worthy of Jesus.” We lose He Who is our Life.

Choosing to die to self, empties one of all that would displace Jesus Who is Life. Filled with His presence, we “receive Him and the One Who sent Him.”

Created by God in time and mortality, each soul is given the free will to choose in this time to co-respond to the creative “I have loved you first” love. Espoused, we cooperate with His Love to bring His Life to life.

Lord grace us to choose to relinquish all that is of self or that diverts self from Love of You and others in order to “find” Life eternal. With ever-grateful hearts may we embrace the sweetness of our gift of cross in You for Life. Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, June 25, 2005
Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 18:1-5
Luke 1:46-50,53-55
Matthew 8:5-7

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today we are invited to consider the unexpected ways in which the Lord works in our lives. We can never really anticipate these ways, since His ways are not our ways. Perhaps our thoughts will focus on the continuous Presence of God in which our existence is suspended. God is always thinking of us, caring for us, holding us in being. So much of the time, we remain unaware or insensitive to His operations. No wonder, then, that suddenly an agent of the Divine, an Angel, should appear at Abraham and Sarai's tent. And it really is not surprising that Sarai should have laughed!

And consider the healing power of Jesus in the two miracles narrated in today's Gospel. One, a Jewish woman, we would expect, but the son of a pagan centurion we would not expect. No wonder this gentile addresses Jesus as "Sir", just as Abraham addresses the Angel as "Sir". We need always to be respectful of God and of His messengers who bring healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How often do we have recourse to this marvelous channel of grace?

While God's intervention in our lives may not be so dramatic as those narrated today, God's grace is nevertheless working miracles of protection, direction, and life-giving grace even as we consider these thoughts.

How amazing and how wonderful is our God!

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, June 24, 2005
Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15
Acts 13:22-26
Luke 1:57-66,80

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Indeed what will this child be--a question each of us asks at a birth, but how much more so when the birth is accompanied by such prodigies as those accompanying the birth of St. John the Baptist. What was John the Baptist to be?

He was the herald of the Kingdom of God, and the announcer of the coming of the Messiah. He was an example for all of us. Why? Because we are all called to share the good news--to tell everyone in all nations about the joy of the Lord. We are God's heralds. Often we are the voices crying out in the wilderness of sin and self-involvement, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord."

John the Baptist was the prototype. We are called to carry on his mission and to imitate the One he announced. John is shown to us as the good and faithful servant, who abided in God's ways and who was instrumental in the reformation of the world. His birth was the first announcement of that Greater Birth which was soon to come. His joy in the womb is our joy in the painful childbirth that will lead us all to heaven.

Dear Lord, through the prayers of St. John the Baptist, may we be your heralds, messengers, and prophets in the world today. May we be the instruments of your love to those who are without love. May we be the hands, face, and heart of Jesus to those who are in distress. In your mercy grant this for the good of your Kingdom, O Lord. Amen.

- JuandelaCruz
(http://floscarmeli.stblogs.org/)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, June 23, 2005
The Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 16: 1-12, 15-16
Psalm 106: 1-5
Matthew 7: 21-29

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord" shall enter the kingdom of heaven,
but he who does the will of my Father." (Matthew 7: 21)

People often create problems for themselves and others when they insist on doing God's work in their own time and way. Not recognizing God's limitless power and considering herself past the childbearing age, Sara, Abram's wife, assumed the task of giving her husband a woman who could produce an heir for him. This resulted in Sara's jealousy and mistreatment of her servant who bore Abram a son at her insistence. An even more serious consequence of her action was her indirect creation of a rancorous relationship (one that persists to this day) between the descendants of the servant's son and those of the son she bore to Abram in her old age.

History attests without doubt the consequences of man's disobedience toward God. Jesus tells us that we must recognize God as our devoted Father whose wisdom is unparalleled, whose will for His children is perfect. Those who claim to be "believers" are obliged to listen to God and out of love for Him, obey His living Word; Christ tells us that loving God and obeying Him are inseparable. Today's Gospel narrates the fate of those who presume to ignore God's providence, who do their own will to their own honor and glory rather than God's.

Those sincerely desiring to do God's work must do it as an overflow of the love they have allowed God to pour into their hearts. A faith that is not built upon this "rock" cannot endure.

O Most humble Lord, send us Your Spirit
that He may teach us to become like You.
Then may we, out of His purest love,
always fulfill the will of our Father. Amen

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Paulinus of Nola, bishop
St. Thomas More, martyr
St. John Fisher, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 16:1-12;15-16
Psalm 106:1-5
Matthew 7:21-29

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's gospel reading we are warned to be on guard against false prophets. At first these seem to be troublesome words. It implies that we can be fooled by those who might claim to be the message bearers of God.

Lord, how will we know who is genuine and who is a fraud? You have warned us that even the elect will be fooled by the AntiChrist. How then, dearest Lord, will I a sinner not be fooled?

Thankfully our loving Father never expects anything of us without giving us every grace to accomplish what he asks. In this and in all cases he has given to us the power of his Holy Spirit to have the wisdom to discern good from evil - truth from deception.

If we will but call on the power of that Holy Spirit to infuse our minds with the light f God's grace, we can be assured that we will be able to know the difference between false and authentic prophets.

With the help of the Spirit we will see the fruits of goodness and recognize clearly the difference between truth and lies. Can't we see the difference between an apple and an onion?

For our part we must avail ourselves of the wisdom and light of the Spirit, by faithful prayer, solemn commitment to follow Jesus and a firm resolve to put into action the saving message that we have learned.

Dearest God, I thank you for the gift of your Son; His saving crucifixion and the flawless example he left us to follow. I praise you for the Gift of the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth, the Consoler. Let me cling to you Blessed Trinity so that on the day of your glory I might be not be cast away from your loving presence.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious; "Patron of Youth"

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 13:2,5-18
Psalm 15:2-5
Matthew 7:6,12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” (Matt. 7:12)

What a simple and all-encompassing commandment! If only we were able to follow it all the time. Why is it so hard to follow?

The answer has something to do with human imperfection. Jesus knew this. The very next thing he tells us after giving us this commandment, is that the wide and easy road leads to destruction. The narrow road is difficult, but leads to life.

The challenge is to stop and think before we do anything, and test our actions against the commandment. This is something we should be doing in every action whether it is personal, business or just an encounter with a stranger on the street. If we did this each and every time we would be on that narrow road. There may be some business deals we would never do, some conversations we would never have and some little white lies we would never tell. But at the same time there would be the little courtesies we would do for strangers that would make the world a better place.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, June 20, 2005
Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 12:1-9
Psalm 33:12-13,18-20,22
Matthew 7:1-5

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In Today's First Reading we hear God’s call to Abraham. Scripture tells us that Abraham was seventy-five years old when it occurred.-- not a young man! We can also learn that Abraham left his own land (in southern Turkey) and journeyed hundreds of miles by stages to the Negev, a place of howling desert in southern Israel. If we read carefully, we begin to see that what God asked was not something simple or easy, yet Abraham responded obediently and did as the Lord commanded.

This story helps each of us to understand that the Lord's call goes out regardless of age or circumstance, and that even when it seems difficult He provides the initial grace to say, "Yes" and the sustaining grace to persevere.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes the fact that God’s way is not always easy, but those who hope in the Lord will not be abandoned nor disappointed. We pray to remember the faithfulness of the Lord and to "stay the course" of our own call, with generosity and love.

"May your kindness, O Lord,
be upon us who have put our hope in you." Psalm 33:22

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, June 19, 2005
The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 69:8-10,14,17,33-35
Romans 5:12-15
Matthew 6:24-34

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What I say to you in the darkness, proclaim on the housetops….

O Lord we long and pray to “see,” You, our Way, and You whisper into this darkness of our wanderings to en-lighten the straight path before us. “Fear no one. Speak in the light what I whisper to you in the darkness; proclaim it on the housetops….” You instruct us. These are the sure ways to acknowledge You to others, and this is how we are acknowledged by You to the Father.

Yes, Lord, Your whisperings, perfect Light, grace and goodness, yield the desired fruit of souls for Your Harvest and bestow the holy Cross of rejection for the bearer of Truth we witness today with Jeremiah, David, Paul and You.

O Precious beLoved Lord, heart of our hearts,
our natural temptation to flee our cross
is tempered with Your garden example:
“Not my will, but thy will be done.”

Help us Lord, to remain steadfast
in the echo of Your fiat to the Father --
we who will see You
in our own im-Passioned housetop
speaking and acknowledge us in You.
Amen

- Mary Williams

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, June 18, 2005
Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
Psalm 98:1-6
Matthew 5:33-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The 'Lilies of the Field' sermon is one of the most beautiful. Jesus outdoes any psychiatrist or counselor in the power and serenity of the advice. Of course, there is always the danger, as with any teaching of Jesus, that we’ll keep our response at the level of mere admiration, or be merely soothed by its beauty. Far more is demanded of us. He demands complete trust and obedience, asking of us total surrender to the Divine Plan.

All those chirping birds and lovely lilies are impressive. However, there is a great difference--these creatures have no free will. They have no choice but to give glory to God. Humans, in contrast, are burdened with the great gift of free choice. We can so easily hold back the allegiance we owe, clinging in fear to money, power, and all sorts of earthly securities. We are often spiritual "mugwumps", mouthing praise and promises of fidelity to the Lord, while making sure that we have lots of material backup "in case" abandonment to Divine Providence just does not work out.

Let me ask the Lord today for strength and the grace to give Him my total trust. Only love can help me to really let go.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, June 17, 2005
Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 11:18.21-30
Psalm 34:2-7
Matthew 6:19-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth."

In the few, simple words of today's reading, the Lord instructs us and admonishes us. He gives us marching orders for our focus in life. Do not store up treasures here on Earth. There is nothing wrong with those goods when put to the proper use, but they are perishable like all things of this world. To put it in the phrases of a recent Country Song, "Ain't never seen a hearse with a luggage rack." It will stay behind when we go on, naked and alone to face judgment.

Better that we array ourselves in robes of finest light, that we cloak ourselves in the riches of heaven so that when we move on, we take with us all the things God has given us to return to the treasury of his Mercy. Better that our lives reflect the life of our own Lord who took nothing with him, who had "no place to rest his head," and yet who directed the course of all history that followed Him, and whose naked person was sufficiently valuable for God to redeem the entire world in all of its sinfulness. It is better to go to God as did Jesus, arrayed in God's finery.

When we choose this way, we choose light--the true light of the world, the complete light that shines down upon us all. It is the fullness of light in which there is no darkness. In all of the good things of the world--and they are good things--there is something of darkness because the fall of humankind has sullied them. But in the things of God there can be no darkness, because God, triune and uniate is one, is simple. He is, simply, Love, Mercy, Justice, Kindness, Patience, Light.

Given a choice between that and anything on Earth, there really is no choice. Let me take God's own goodness for my own. Let my treasures be His own, the one’s He has given me. Let my praise rise constantly, and let me offer the only offering worth anything at all: myself, wholly and entire. May God bless each of us with the strength to value what is Worthy.

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." (Rev 5:12)

- JuandelaCruz
(http://floscarmeli.stblogs.org/)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, June 16, 2005
Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 11: 1-11
Psalm 111: 1-4, 7-8
Matthew 6: 7-15


A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"And in praying do not heap empty phrases..." (Matthew 6:7)

While God's approval can't be won by clever talk, we humans are frequently seduced into believing speakers who are charismatic, forceful and self-assured. St. Paul warned the Corinthians not to be disarmed and misled by those eloquently speaking falsehoods about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He apologizes for his own lack of oratorical skills, but he strongly asserts that his information is God's absolute truth spoken out of his love for Christ and the people of Corinth. Those who contradict his message are charlatans interested in personal profit and whose lies will draw their listeners away from Christ.

Today we are highly vulnerable to profiteers who use the media to present a flaccid, empty Christianity, who secularize the Gospels and tell their audiences what they want to hear--that God is "soft" on sin, that the old rules do not apply in our modern age. Seldom do religious speakers talk about repentance of sin, nor do they mention Christ's insistence on self-denial and His calling us to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy.

In today's Gospel, Christ casts aside all empty words prayed by the Gentiles to their false gods. He tells us that in our prayers we must first recognize that we are speaking to our all-holy Creator whose children can fearlessly ask Him to fulfill their needs, for He already knows them. Finally we are to seek forgiveness for sin, turn away from temptations and forgive those who have wronged us. Christ's prayer, in its simplicity, states that truth and love points us toward peace with God, with ourselves and with one another.

O God of peace,
make Your light to shine brightly within human hearts and minds,
that we may see Your love and truth,
and accept Your grace to live holy lives.
Amen

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 9: 6-11
Psalm 112 : 1bc-2, 3-4, 9
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Scripture is so directive at times, a gentle source of guidance.

In the readings of today we're guided about our efforts in building up the kingdom, in ourselves and others. It's said that we'll 'reap' in proportion to our generosity with others. There's no mention of spiritual 'couch potatoes' in scripture, except this phrase in reference to our rewards. That places the responsibilty for action on our own shoulders. Scripture quickly follows up by adding that God's grace will be sufficient for us. Sometimes we confuse that statement to mean that God's grace will make everything easy for us. That is not necessarily true. As evidence of this, just think of Christ on the cross.

This process of responding to God's graces can be enjoyable as well. At various points in our life we might assess our God-given talents and evaluate how we might best use them for others. If we're open to the Holy Spirit, we'll not have to wonder about this for very long. God won't leave us on the sidelines. There is much to be done, and as scripture concludes: God loves a cheerful giver.

Joan of Jesus, OCDS

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthains 8:1-9
Psalm 146:2,5-9
Matthew 5:43-48

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect,” our Lord tells us today. What a commandment! And how are we to accomplish this, being the imperfect beings we are? Well, one step in that direction is to do exactly as the Lord outlines in the first part of today’s gospel: love your enemies. And what is this? Another unachievable directive? Well, not entirely.

As Jesus points out, the Father showers his generosity on all people, including those who do not love him. What he does not say in today’s reading--but is a given--is that the Father also forgives those who come to Him and confess their wrongs. His forgiveness is unconditional and comes with no strings attached. This is a perfect act of love.

This is the example placed before us. We are to forgive those who are our enemies or who do us wrong. To do so releases not only others, but ourselves from the burden of many negative emotions and brings us closer to the perfection of the Father.

As you pray today, recall those who need your forgiveness and release them--and yourself--of this burden. While this may still put you far away from truly loving them, you will be one step closer--and one step closer to being perfect, as the Father is perfect.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, June 13, 2005
Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
St. Anthony of Padua, priest, religious, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Psalm 98:1-4
Matthew 5:38-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus tell us even more about the way we must interact with one another. Expanding on the beatitudes, He goes further and gives us some real-life circumstances and tells us what our "attitudes of being" must resemble, if we are to be His followers.

Not surprising, what He says runs counter to the world's way of thinking. We are not to be afraid of getting hurt, but must make ourselves vulnerable, even to to those who bid us ill. That doesn't mean we don't defend ourselves, but that we are not aloof so as to save face and stature. Instead we are to put ourselves at risk for being hurt so that we might be present to others. "And why would we do that?” any 'street smart' person would say? It is precisely because that is what Jesus did.

If the world is ever going to change it will be because one by one in countless hidden circumstances, mankind begins to imitate Christ who did not hide from His enemies, hoard His power or turn His back on sinners.

O Jesus,
meek and humble of heart,
make my heart like unto Thine.
Amen

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

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©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, June 12, 2005
The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 19:2-6
Psalm 100:1-5,5
Romans 5:6-11
Matthew 9:36--10:8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is moved....
Ask the Master to send laborers for His harvest. (see Matthew 9:36-10:8)

Jesus’ sacred, loving heart is moved with pity as he beholds so many souls “troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” He reveals the solution is to “ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest.”

Jesus’ heart is moved.

One’s own heart is exceedingly moved as one considers the heart of one’s Be-Loved so moved. Intently, one listens to this most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the adoring, beholding tenderness of a one who is first loved, and seeks to correspond with a generous, most beautiful love.


Jesus’ heart is moved.

It is moved through love....

...with pity.

And so, Jesus reveals that while souls are “troubled, abandoned”, for lack of Love’s labor,
one need only ask....

“Ask the Master of the Harvest
to send laborers
for His Harvest.”

He reminds His beloveds that we have been gifted with His salvation in Love and we are to likewise extend this gift freely in Love.

The Good Shepherd leads through those who conceive His gift of love in the wombs of their souls and covenantly remain in unitive Love with God, to give the Life of His Be-Loving to others.

O Most Sacred Heart,
let us satisfy You Who are so moved
to relieve souls longing for You.
May we pray to the Master of the Harvest
to send generous laborers for His Harvest.
May our own Love bear the fruit of Life
through a fertile labor with You in Love.
Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, June 11, 2005
Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary time
St. Barnabas, apostle

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
Psalm 98:1-6
Matthew 5:33-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

This gospel always strikes me when I hear it. In some ways the message could be viewed by many as a subtle issue, but as Jesus is telling us, one that we must be careful of.

How many times do we tell someone we will do something when we really don’t mean it? Maybe we want to escape a situation or look good to the person or others? How many times do we tell someone “yes” or “no” when we don't mean it. Maybe to be accepted, or so we don’t create conflict, or are caught in an uncomfortable situation.

Jesus is telling us our words are powerful, and that we will be held accountable for how we choose to use them. During the week let’s all be more cautious in how we speak. We must not let the Evil One influence or take advantage of our tongues.

- Steve Shawl
(http://www.medjugorje.org/)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, June 10, 2005
Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 116:10-11,15-18
Matthew 5:27-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"We hold this treasure in earthen vessels."

We are a weak, easily broken people. We are indeed earthen vessels bound for eternity. But sometimes it seems the truck that is carrying us there is determined to throw us off.

But within we hold a treasure--a gift from God--a unique and beautiful soul. Thus through the bumpy ride we experience, we are tried, but we are not destroyed. We have difficulties, but we do not despair. We are weak, but He is strong.

Our weakness is made whole by His strength. We are encouraged and strengthened so that we do not get the idea that we are strong enough to do it ourselves. We are not. All that is done is done through Him and we rejoice in that.

In the face of persecution, we stand with the One persecuted. In the face of trial, we stand with the One who stood before Pilate. In the face of hurt and loss and longing, we stand with the Crucified in the shadow of the Cross and He holds us close.

We are earthen vessels, but the treasure within is far beyond the price of gold and jewels. We are easily broken, but God saves and God preserves. With our faith in Him we will arrive at the destination.

- JuandelaCruz
(http://floscarmeli.stblogs.org/)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, June 9, 2005
Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 3:15--4:1,3-6
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 5:20-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"...our gospel is...veiled only to those who are perishing
...the god of this world has blinded
the minds of unbelievers." (2 Corinthians 4: 3-4)

In a recent reflection appearing on this web page, Christ warns us of sin's deadly consequence, the loss of eternal life. Many modern sermons, in contrast, ignore Christ's words and instead sympathize with secular views; they create the false impression that God's Commandments are outdated, that the Law is too demanding and incapable of being fulfilled. To this latter idea, Christ in today's Gospel not only affirms the relevance of God's Law but actually expands the scope of its initial demands.

Jesus tells us that if we harbor hatred and anger toward anyone, wish them harm or malign them in the presence of others or within their secret hearts, is as serious a sin as committing murder. It is the disposition of sinful hearts, the absence of God's love within them, that predisposes humans to destructive behavior. Scripture establishes that God excludes no one from His love; it is we who insist upon living in disobedience to His word, we who separate ourselves from Him.

The reason Christ insists on our amending our thoughts as well as our actual words and deeds is that all sin originates within the hearts and minds of man; thoughts inevitably lead to actions or they inwardly corrode our peace and embitter us toward others. God created us to be vessels filled with His love to overflowing. God's Law has no purpose other than to guide our living in joy and peace with one another and in consequence with Him.

O Blessed Lord,
we ask you to instill in our hearts
the will to follow Your holy Word
and to pour out upon us
the grace we need in order to carry out Your will
rather than our own. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, June 8, 2005
Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 3:4-11
Psalm 99:5-9
Matthew 5:17-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our ability is from God.

We hear a wonderful and blessed message today. The new covenant has replaced the old. We are invited into a relationship which is based not on what we must do and what we must not do, but based upon love, which informs us, in the presence of Jesus in our lives, what we can do.

We are invited into a new realm of freedom, for when we refuse to condemn, and seek to serve, we are freed from condemnation ourselves. If you stop and consider it, the most loving and accepting people you may know are often those who have the least sense of guilt. They have been freed from guilt by refusing to hold other people bound by it. In their love, through Christ Jesus, they have reached a promised land--The Kingdom of Heaven.

We are in a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit, sent forth from the Father, and sealed in the blood of Jesus Christ our Savior. The blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, blesses our actions when we choose to love. This new covenant with the Triune God, lifts us up, when we would choose to be down. It supports us and carries us. The Spirit is the sign of the covenant, the comforter, and the one who brings life and the hope of all the future achievements, including union with God. God has blessed us bountifully in His gracious covenant and his Holy Love.

So, let us not live by the letter, but by the spirit. And let us love one another not to the letter of the law, but to its spirit. And when we greet one another and when we greet strangers let us be lanterns in the darkness of the modern world. Let the light of our new covenant shine forth and invite everyone in to join us. Let us be Love to a world that has too little of it.

- JuandelaCruz (1993)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthains 1:18-22
Psalm 119:129-133,135
Mark 5:13-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5: 15-16)

Isn’t it wonderful how the Lord gives us such great examples in our Christian lives? Our recently departed Holy Father, John Paul II is a perfect example of what our Lord was speaking about in today’s gospel. He never wavered from the true teachings of the church no matter how controversial. He traveled the world spreading the good news and preaching peace and sound Catholic teaching. He truly was the city on the mountain that could not be hidden.

But the Lord’s commands in today’s gospel are not meant only for popes. They’re meant for all of us. Granted, we all cannot fly to foreign lands to spread the word and preach what is right. However, we can do it easily in our homes, our places of work by giving good example in our daily lives. Our light must shine, so others can see.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, June 6, 2005
Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Norbert, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Psalm 34:2-9
Matthew 5:1-12

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

If ever there was a measuring stick to gauge our spiritual development, it is the Beatitudes. As such it isn't strange that the world for the most part finds the beatitudes absurd, a sad symptom of our collective spiritual bankruptcy. And what of our individual spiritual status? Do the Beatitudes seem hard even for us who have been the recipients of God's grace. No doubt they do, because sin has marred us and made what was once meant to be our natural state, injured and in great need of healing.

If it wasn't that there was some hope of movement toward living a life of true blessedness we might have cause for real despair. Thankfully in the person of Jesus we see and learn what blessedness is and, even more, are given a way of attaining it.

It is in the imitation of Christ that we find our real selves, that the way we were created to be comes into focus and seems possible. Let us then not be overcome by the immense contrast of the blessedness of the world vs the blessedness of God, but understand with God's grace, that this world, and what it so often considers a blessing, is passing away; but the blessedness of the children of God will endure forever.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, June 5, 2005
The Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:

Hosea 6:3-6
Psalm 50:1,8,12-15
Romans 4:18-25
Matthew 9:9-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Many sinners came and sat with Jesus. ”I desire mercy…
and have come to call sinners.” (Matthew 9:9-13)

Our humble Lord beckons Matthew and receives every willing soul, through His reign of mercy, to feast with Him. It is one who knows the truth of one’s sins, and who is willing to respond to His call that is willing to be remade in His inviting image. Willingness to be freed from the dark, hideous, semblance of sin allows Jesus to re-form, to re’semble us in His very image and likeness. Jesus draws those in need of re-formation to feast on the Bread of salvation, the Word Incarnate, to become Who is consumed, the Savior, a most inviting, humble, merciful healer.

One does as Matthew, and invites all who will to be reformed to the Banquet of salvation. Only those who are famished for the Bread of the Word, the Bread of Life, Who gives His flesh for the Life of the world, are empty enough to take Him in. Satisfied and filled with Life, one hastens to feed others on He Who makes all things new. Mercy brings souls to feast on Him and re-forms the willing soul into His image.

Lord, may we readily follow your invitation and bring many souls to feast on You, our Bread Who is Life. Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 28, 2005
Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 51:12-20
Psalm 19:8-11
Mark 11:27-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our reading today from the Book of Sirach, comes at the end of the writer's life. He has pursued Wisdom all his life, and declares that he will continue to pursue it while he has breath in his body. To pursue Wisdom is to seek God. There is no greater goal in life, for Wisdom continually instructs us in the meaning of life and the meaning of God's Word, adjusts our priorities, and clarifies our directions. To seek Wisdom is to know peace of soul, growth in friendship with God, and confidence in dealing with every sort of human relationship.

Wisdom leads us to true obedience to the Church and to our own particular role in the Church, whether it be that of baptized Christian, teacher, visitor for the sick, or leader in worship. Maybe your main work is to pray. Wisdom gives heart and vitality to all these roles--and much joy besides.

In the Gospel, Jesus has little patience with those who, lacking in wisdom, try to tell God what Church and life is all about, and practice their religion without understanding or love. May we never fall into that trap, but seek knowledge and practice virtue with dignity and humility.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, June 3, 2005
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 7:6-11
Psalm 103:1-4,6-8,10
1 John 4:7-16
Matthew 11:25-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened"

"Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine."

What do we mean when we pray this prayer?

What does it mean to have a heart like Jesus?

It means having a heart that breaks at the hardness of people and of the world. It means having a heart that reaches out beyond the narrow limits of our own comfortable world and seeks to invite in all the poor, the lowly, the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the abused, the lonely, the angry, everyone who could do with a reminder that God is in their lives.

"Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine."

What will this heart do? It will bear the burdens of the world. It will take up everyone's burden and share it. It will make us "yoke-mates" with all of those around us. It will teach us how to love. It will teach us how to be. It will teach us who God is.

"Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine."

Oh, to be like Jesus, loving and giving and forgiving. To be able, even for a short while, to abandon myself and my own interests and my own "rules" -- that would be heaven on Earth! And this heaven exists in the sacred heart of Jesus, in the kingdom of heaven made real here and now by the Holy Spirit and by our participation in all that is good.

As we celebrate the mysteries of the sacred heart of Jesus, let's pray for the strength to take on His yoke, to love as He loved and to be what He desires us to be.

- JuandelaCruz
(http://floscarmeli.stblogs.org/)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, June 2, 2005
Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1,9-17; 8:4-9
Psalm 128:1-5
Mark 12:28-34

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"...Which commandment is first of all?" (Mark 12: 28)

It is said that a person who breaks even one of the Commandments has in reality broken them all. This should cure us of making invidious comparisons between our virtues and the sins of others; for if we are honest with ourselves, we will see that we are far from perfect. All sin, whether it is murder, angry words or a vicious slight against another, is a slap to God's face. Our every selfish and unkind act breaks the very spirit of God's law which demonstrates how we are to minister the love He pours upon us to family and neighbor.

This latter statement becomes clear in the context of Christ's words spoken in today's Gospel. First we are to love God with our entire beings, in complete abandonment to His will; it follows, then, that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Some say, "I love my neighbor well enough, but why must I first love God? I'm doing just fine on my own." These need to be reminded that as God's children we learn from Him what genuine love requires of us. True love is shown to us by Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the cross; in this we see the depths of God's love for His children. Genuine love is a total self-giving.

When humanity finally sees through sincere prayer its need to tap into and participate in the life of God, the very Source and Giver of love, we will at last achieve the fullness of life He desires us to achieve through faith in and obedience to His Word, Jesus Christ .

O Blessed Lord,
help us to see and accept that our lives
extend beyond our physical aspect.
Grant us the grace which will allow You to create us anew
in the Image of Your beloved Son. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Justin, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Tobit 3:1-11,16-17
Psalm 25:2-9
Mark 12:18-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Poor Tobit and Sarah in the first reading. To say they were having a bad time is an understatement! Despite their individual depressed states of mind however, each had the realization that they must turn their mind and hearts to God in prayer before they might end their lives. The reading depicts a 'happy ending' with the marriage of Sarah. They each had shown humility and the ability to reach out to God for help. God heard their prayer.

In the Gospel we hear the Sadducees asking Christ another hypothetical question about relationships in heaven. Christ understood what was in their hearts and pointed out to them two things: namely that they did not understand Scripture or the power of God. We do not have anyone removing the film from our eyes as did Tobit so he could see better and understand. Our aid to understanding Scripture is the Holy Spirit, but in order for the Spirit to work in us we need to be reading Scripture on a regular basis. How would we answer if Christ ask us that question. "Do you not understand Scripture or the power of God?" (Mark 12: 18-27)

- Joan of Jesus OCDS
jmurphy@utica.edu

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