The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Saint Andrew, Apostle

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 10:9-18
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Matthew 4:18-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:19-20)

Picture yourself busy at your daily work. You may be an accountant at a desk, a carpenter on a job, a mother caring for her children, a teacher at a blackboard. Then, Jesus comes up to you right at your work place and says, “Come, follow me.” Would you? Would you drop what you are doing as Peter and Andrew did that day? Or would you hesitate, since you know the outcome of the story?

When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, and then James and John shortly thereafter, these four men had no idea what was in store for them. They did not know that their lives would never be the same and that they would all die martyrs. But they dropped what they were doing without a thought and followed Jesus.

Would we be willing to do the same? The fact is we are called to do the same. Some are called to be preachers as Peter was, while others are called to serve in other ways. But we are all called and that means we must be willing to drop what we are doing to do the Lord’s work. Today on the feast of St. Andrew the apostle, let us renew our promise to follow Him and call for the Lord to give us strength to do us bidding.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Each Advent we are blessed to read again from the Book of Isaiah. It always seems that the readings come just in time to buoy up sagging hearts and waning determination. Even while we profess faith in God's providential plan, we often have times of despair that come from our damaged human nature and the circumstances of our lives and world.

How desperately we are in need of reassurance, a heavenly pep talk so to speak. That is what today's Advent reading provides. Don't lose hope, what seems improbable and impossible, is what God has promised. He will restore what is lost and heal all that is broken.

Let us then receive with grateful hearts all the grace God offers us in this Holy Season. Let us again allow ourselves to be overcome by the reality of the coming of Christ, the Word Made Flesh. Turn to the Living Word of God in Holy Scripture, see His image in every person, celebrate in prayer and sacrament and begin anew: to “Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord.”

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 28, 2005
Monday of the First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9
Matthew 8:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“In no one in Israel have I found such faith.” (Matthew 8:5-11)

The Centurion seeks healing for his servant and replies to our Lord’s offer, “I will come and cure him;” “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me, and I say to one, ‘Go’ and he goes…”

Jesus confirms the faith expressed by the Centurion -- the benchmark for one’s own faith in God: “In no one in Israel have I found such faith.” God is approachable, and trusted to give what is asked. Yet, like the Centurion, does one acknowledge God is so great that there is no worthiness of self to receive Him?

Like subjected soldiers and slaves, does one humbly and completely honor and obey God’s authority without question and with trustworthy care?

The Centurion demonstrates the command itself, given by the Lord, carries the authority to heal. It relies not on anything except the trusting humility of the seeker in the authority and power of God’s will to be done. A pure, humble, obedient, trustworthy response acknowledging God’s command is one’s ‘Amen’.

O Lord, grant us the faith to recognize our unworthiness for You to ‘enter in’ under the roof of our sinful, lowly, self-soul. May our humble, obedient, trustworthy response, in reply to Your commands, elicit our own ‘Amen’ as You, the Word, forgive our sins and restore all in You. Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 27, 2005
First Sunday of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Just about every child has memories of playing “Hide and Seek."  The last one tagged had to hide his face without peeking while the rest scattered to new hiding places before the call came, “Here I come, ready or not!”.   And there’s the theme for this first Sunday of “Cycle B” — another Advent season in which we will concentrate on the Gospel of Mark (with a few exceptions).  It’s a time to cut way down on aimless TV and Internet “surfing”, and plan some good Advent reading and viewing.

This Sunday’s selections from Isaiah show a chastened people.  Very much like ourselves!  We've been chastened by a frustrating war, a corroded world opinion of America, scandals in government, business, and our beloved Church.  Like the Israelites of old, we have come to realize the depth of our sinfulness.  We need some "Christmas!"  Of course, all this should result in a deep and healthy humility.  Only a humble heart can accept the beautiful metaphor of clay in the hands of God, The Potter, which we find at the end of today’s first reading.  We can very well take this as a central theme for our Advent — a lump of clay being shaped each day of Advent by the loving hand of God.

St. Paul stirs us to courage, reminding us how much God has gifted us, and is the source of guidance in our use of those gifts — a good challenge to making this Advent more creative and more serious than last year. 

The core of Advent is watching and waiting with sharp eye.  We are waiting to recognize Jesus, not only in His historical coming, His presence in the Most Holy Eucharist, in His Spirit within us, but also in the poor, the needy, and in all who cross our paths daily.  Not easy!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar and Daily Meditation
for Saturday, November 26, 2005
Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7:15-27
Daniel 3:82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87
Luke 21:34-36

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today we hear the final readings of Cycle A of the Church year. Obviously, they are of special importance and deserve special reflection. Daniel has been most adept at interpreting the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar and of his son, Belshazzar (the dreams about "feet of clay" and "the handwriting on the wall"). They were both quite frightening, the latter resulting in the death of Belshazzar that very night!). But now, Daniel himself has a dream that causes him personal terror--the dream of the colossal battle between God and Mammon, Ultimate Good and Ultimate evil.

As we read the Book of Daniel, we too are struck with a degree of terror. To what extent does this battle affect us, we ask. We might so easily just pass it off as history or fantasy. But Jesus summarizes His whole teaching in today's very short Gospel. The hints Jesus gives of cosmic disruptions somehow strike home more than the first reading. And Jesus' final words ring in our ears, "Be alert at all times!".

Dear friends, let us meditate on the ways in which we are preparing ourselves, actively and earnestly, for the Day of the Lord.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 25, 2005
Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Catherine of Alexandria

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7:2-14
Daniel 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81
Luke 21:29-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"But my words will not pass away"

All things will pass away, but the words of the Word of God will remain and endure.

People were asking Jesus what they should expect. They wanted to know the signs of the times. When would He be returning, when was He coming back to them. Jesus gave them what must have been a very unsatisfactory answer at the time. "You know when spring is coming, you can see it in the buds and blossoms of the trees." The signs of the times are very clear. He announces that the kingdom of God is near. In fact, it is very near indeed. In about ten verses, Luke embarks on the passion narrative. Jesus is about to enter eternity and make present and eternal the Kingdom of God.

As a result, we don't need signs. All of this has already happened and all of it affects all of time. The Kingdom of God is with us, at hand, ready for us to enter and to be with God. Talking to God is something we are privileged to do at any time. The door to the Father has been opened. We wait no longer. But soon, soon, we enter a time of waiting, a time during which we reflect upon those times in which the Kingdom was not so clear or so present. We live in the Eternal Presence. We are privileged to have God Himself as our Food. We are children of a Divine Father and we know it. The kingdom is at hand--just reach out to touch it.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but these words of the Lord, His eternal presence with us, shall never be vanquished. We are more than conquerers through Christ. He is our King and our Triumph. Rejoice! Rejoice!

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 24, 2005
The Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Thanksgiving Day (USA)

Sirach 50: 22-24
Psalm 138: 1-5
1 Corinthians 1: 3-9
Luke 17: 11-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Stand up and go; your faith has saved you." (Luke 17: 19)

Today as we gather around our tables to share and enjoy God's bounty, we give thanks for family, friends, home, health, food--all the provisions He has made for our survival, security and enjoyment. However, most prayers will center on God's tangible gifts; often we forget that those which we enjoy now are all passing away, that our thanks to God should also include the intangible and eternal aspect of our lives. Our gratitude should include those blessings open to us through our immortal souls, a God-given gift through which we can commune with Him, come to know, love and obey Him through prayer. In this more intimate relationship with Him we gain the hope of a glorious life in His Holy Presence.

Then today let us also thank our heavenly Father for His self-giving love made known to us through His only Son Jesus Christ. Jesus was sent to us to die on the cross to put our sin to death in His human flesh and so win for us forgiveness of our sins. Jesus' resurrection now calls us to a new life reborn in His Spirit to live in God's Law, in obedience to His truth and love. The word obedience does not place us in the position of "underlings;" it actually elevates us to participating in His divine life. We were created to be holy as He is holy.

That greed, hatred, crime and war persists is the consequence of our living perversely in our own wills rather than God's perfect will. Today's Gospel clearly demonstrates the world's blindness and ingratitude toward God. Christ healed ten lepers, but only one man had true faith in God and showed it by returning to give thanks and praise for His mercy. Christ healed the others physically, but it is by our recognizing and worshipping God through faith that we are eternally saved.

Glorious Lord, we thank you profoundly for having given us the ability to participate in Your goodness and love and being gifted with the promise of eternal life with You.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Clement I, pope and martyr
St. Columban, abbot
Bl. Miguel Agustin Pro, priest and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28
Daniel 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67
Luke 21:12-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings of today focus on testimony. In the First Reading , King Belshazzar asks Daniel to explain the writing on the wall. In so doing Daniel had to give testimony to his beliefs. In the Gospel, Christ warns of the persecution that Christians will suffer and how they are to act at that time. In both instances the behavior of the persons involved presupposes a deep, steadfast faith. Christ closes, in fact, by highlighting the importance of perseverance.

Hardly a day goes by when each of us are asked in at least one, if not many ways, to 'speak' about our beliefs . We speak of our beliefs not just by our words, but also by our actions, our decisions, our choices of clothing, what we read, our choice of friends and how we live. In these ways we are reflecting who we really are. For the Christian, our role model is Christ. We base our speech and action on the example of Christ. The only way to know what Christ would want us to do is to study Christ, through prayer at which time we talk and listen to Christ, and to read and study scripture. It is also a help to read and study the lives of the saints to see how they modeled Christ.

To sit and wait for Christ to make a miracle for us when we are put to the test is a bit presumptuous. Being a Christian involves time and effort on our part. But when we are put to the test we will know how to respond, because when you really know someone you know how they would respond. This is where the perseverance comes in. We need to set aside time in every day to get to know Christ. What better way is there to use the time we have!

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 22, 2005
The Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 2:31-45
Daniel 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61
Luke 21:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Jews in the time of Christ were always looking for signs. In today’s gospel they ask again for a sign that will be given signaling the destruction of the temple. Jesus tells them that there are many signs.

In our modern world of high-speed communications, we hear news daily of wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines and plagues. In this morning’s news one does not have to look far to read or hear about a magnitude seven earthquake in Japan this month and in Pakistan the month before, the threat of a flu pandemic, and the wars in Iraq and elsewhere. Two thousand years ago these stories would have been passed by word of mouth and were months if not years old before they were widely spread. Today, we get it live and in color instantaneously, twenty four hours a day. Are these the signs Jesus spoke of?

The answer is that this is really not important. Jesus tells us to not be deceived and to not be terrified. No, we are to steer the course our Lord set us on, with Him clearly in focus, with Him and His kingdom our aim. Remember Lot and his wife? Lot’s wife turned to look at the destruction and was turned into a pillar of salt, hardened and useless. But Lot, keeping his eyes fixed where the Lord told him, escaped and lived

Focus your attention on the Lord, ignore the signs of the times, and you shall live in the company of the Lord just as Lot did.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 21, 2005
The Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20
Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Luke 21:1-4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Gospel invites us to consider how Jesus views generosity. Some seem to be very generous in that they give an very much and others, by comparison very little. Jesus points out that it is not just how much we give, but the orientation of our hearts; that is, how much of what we have are we willing to share.

The story tells us that the rich, indeed, gave a lot, whereas the poor widow gave little, probably all that she had or more than she could afford. Jesus points out for us that in spite of appearances the widow gave more, in that she gave all she had. That is not to say that the rich were not generous, but not as generous.

Jesus always has us look at our behaviors and the attitudes that drive them. What is my attitude toward sharing; how do I respond? The question is personal as is the responsibility to act in accordance with God's will and in imitation of His Son, Who, like the widow gave all that He had.

Growing in generosity requires God's grace and a willingness to account the things of this world as God would have us do. It is a process that leads us away from valuing possessions for their own sake to valuing them them for the assistance they can be for the sake of others.

A favorite restaurant in our area in the wake of the recent natural disasters had a helpful note on their marquee. It said: "Give till it helps."

O Lord,
may we be found pleasing in Your sight
and our willingness to help,
a mirror of Your own love for us.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 20, 2005
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Psalm 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Matthew 25:31-46

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me… and you did not care for me. Depart from me, go off to eternal punishment…”

Unbearable, soul wrenching, life ending, Word(s) from The BeLoved Lord.

“Depart from me....”

The endless cry from the eternal death,
One
must
hear
this Word
and re-form the habits of neglect that so subtly and readily lured one from the good.

The temptations are legion to overlook, rest, retreat, indulge the self
to neglect self sacrificing, beloving of one’s BeLoved Lord
in giving self to one’s spouse,
one’s children,
one’s coworker,
one’s neighbor,
a fellow parishioner who is suffering or on the sick list
a new and yet to be welcomed soul that is seeking Him,
a lost one, begging at the corner, bestowing His blessing,
a neighbor in death’s grip at the bar, club, or book store,
the one whose soul dies with images in song, video, print and fashion,
the imprisoned soul that longs for freedom,
the ones contemplating aborting the life of an entrusted, eternal soul.

'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'

Oh, let us hasten, the hour is now.
Let us be faithful virgins, lamps filled with the oil of blessing, eager for our bridegroom.
Let us remain eternally one in Him
through our beloving of Him
present in these ‘oft neglected’ ones
who are so precious to Him
as are we.

O Lord, Your Word of warning bemoans the unrequited Love you intend each beloved to bestow through You to waiting souls. Haunt us with this warning, that we may not miss one soul that seeks life in You. And as our souls request eternal union in You, The BeLoved’s embrace in their rejoicing redemption through your suffering will enfold us; eternally one in You. Amen.

- Mary Williams

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 19, 2005
Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Maccabees 6:1-13
Psalm 9:2-3, 4 and 6, 16 and 19
Luke 20:27-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Even though Antiochus Epiphanes is a pagan king, he is still subject to God's judgment. The remarkable aspect of this reading is that he is forced to acknowledge God's justice in his exile and death. Our reading a few days ago details his sadistic cruelty towards a former friend of his, the ninety-year old Eleazar. Finally, his treatment of the Macchabees proves to be his undoing. In the vindication of God's chosen people with the crushing of this pagan king, we see a foreshadowing of the universal kingship of God's Son, Jesus, whose feast we will celebrate tomorrow. All kingdoms shall eventually submit to the rule of the cosmic Christ. In Him alone is the world's salvation.

Another form of ultimate messianic triumph is found in today's Gospel. Neither the Sadducees who do not believe in resurrection, nor the Pharisees who do, have the slightest inkling of the spiritual nature of Heaven. In their narrow view, they think to hang Jesus on the horns of a dilemma. They fail utterly. Because of their blind pride, they have not the grace to capitulate to the authority of the Teacher. Instead, even though they dared not ask him any more questions, their stubborn hearts are further hardened, and they are confirmed in their murderous plots against Jesus.

All of us will indeed rise--some to glory, and others to damnation. May God keep our hearts humble.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 18, 2005
The Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
1 Chronicles 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd
Luke 19:45-48

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Because all the people were hanging on his words"

While they sought to kill Jesus, they could find no means because the people all around were rapt. They were caught up in his words and his teaching.

So why, ultimately were they able to get Him? Because most people tired of a new thing. For a while this Rabbi offered something new and different, but then, as the seed landed on shallow ground, interest dried up and blew away.

In the first fervor of our faith, we often take up many devotions and practices. We travel the road of them thoroughly, keeping them faithfully. Over time our ardor may die. The words that once held us close no longer have any interest because of all the other things we crowded into our lives.

Ask yourself truthfully, "Do I hang on His words? Is every word out of Jesus' mouth my sole thought for the day? Is God's revelation of love the ground of my being? Do I listen to scripture and think about scripture as regularly as I do the lyrics of a song I like?"

I suspect the answer for most of us would be: "No." We've heard those words ten-thousand times before, the wine has been pressed out of the grapes and all that is left are the lees--the smashed out skin of the grapes. Or so it seems. But such a thought is an illusion, a snare. The word of God is ever-living. Each time we consider it anew we are made whole. Each time we examine it we are transformed.

Take some time out today and spend it "hanging on Jesus' words." Take the time and trouble to do a "scriptural Rosary." Listen to what is said in the scriptures that introduce and accompany each mystery. Read a short passage of scripture--perhaps the readings for next Sunday's Mass, or reread the readings for today.

Hang on His words and you will be listening to the sounds of eternity. You will be hearing the voice of God Himself. You will be stunned when you hear Him say, "You are the apple of my eye. You are my chosen, my beloved, and I have loved you since before you were."

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 17, 2005
The Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"They will not leave one stone on another
because you did not recognize your time of visitation."
(see: Luke 19:44)

Without realizing it, our daily lives are governed by blind faith. Eating canned soup, riding a bus or using an elevator demand faith in unseen people, imperfect like ourselves--factory workers, mechanics, drivers. Yet many refuse to put their faith in our perfect God who is not totally invisible as some say. We can infer Him from what we perceive, a highly diverse, orderly nature shaped in beauty and a humanity gifted with intelligence and creativity supplied with all the raw materials needed for its survival and comfort.

Today's readings show the necessity of faith to human survival, both physical and spiritual. In Maccabees we meet a man who refused to compromise his faith, who practiced righteousness, kept the Law of the Covenant. His faithfulness and that of his followers cost them dearly; they escaped a tyrant to live in a wilderness rather than submit to a heathen ruler who killed people who followed God's Law. They assumed hardships and risked death, trusting that loving faith in God would ultimately give them the victory.

In contrast, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem's faithlessness leading to its imminent destruction by the Roman armies. Its religious leaders had not only misinterpreted God's Law, thus failing to adhere to its truths and its spirit of love, but they also remained blind to Christ's many signs and wonders as proof that God was indeed "visiting" them in the Person of Christ. God's protection rests on those who in loving faith keep God's law. Sadly, sin is never a private matter; it inevitably injures the innocent along with the guilty.

O gracious Lord, make us ever more sensitive to the necessity of being witnesses to Your truth and love, that the world may come to know that faith in You leads to salvation. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 16, 2005
The Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Margaret of Scotland
St. Gertrude, virgin

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

During the month of November, the Church encourages us to pray for the souls in purgatory. It is also a good time for each of us to reflect on our own lives and our own "end times." In the Gospel for today we hear Christ sharing the parable about using ones' talents. All had used the coin given them wisely except one man who was afraid and hid his, thereby helping nobody, including himself. That man also said that he hid the coin because he was afraid of a demanding master.

What a contrast we see in the first reading, in that the mother was so adamant about her beliefs that she witnessed the death of her seven sons. This might be a good day to think about all the gifts, talents and opportunities God has given us. We might even make a list. Then the hard part comes. What have we done with these gifts? If we haven't used them, why not? If we have used them ...is it for the greater honor and glory of God or for our own benefit? We are told that some day this will not be a casual exercise, but rather we will be answering these questions before the very face of God. Today's 'homework' might make a big difference in how that conversation flows!

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 15, 2005
The Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Maccabees 6:18-31
Psalm 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Luke 19:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

If our Lord came up to you today and asked to come to your home for dinner, would you be ready? Would you be willing to let Him in and dine with you on such short notice, knowing that your home was not clean and the refrigerator nearly empty since your plan was to buy groceries the next day? Would you welcome Him anyway regardless of how things were with you personally, long overdue for a haircut, or unshaven for a day or two? Or would you offer Him a rain check for a better day when you had time to clean, prepare a king's feast and have yourself all spruced up for the great visit from your Lord?

Well, all of these things really do not matter. In today's gospel, Jesus calls to Zacchaeus and invites Himself to dinner and it is possible that Zacchaeus was not ready for this himself. Jesus did not go to Zacchaeus for a feast or to see his palatial home all cleaned and ready for the visit. No, Jesus went to Zacchaeus because he was a tax collector, a man in need of salvation.

Jesus comes to us the same way. He is not expecting us to be in our finest clothes with a gourmet meal all prepared and ready. He comes expecting us as we are, sinners in need of an all loving and all saving God. To be ready for Him is not to have our house all in perfect order, but rather to be willing to accept Him when He calls and ready to do His bidding and receive the free gift He brings.

Jesus will help us get our house in order. Are you now ready?

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 14, 2005
The Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The First Reading and Gospel for today have such powerful messages, and it seemed impossible at first, to speak about both of them in just a few short paragraphs. It then occurred to me that in Her Wisdom, Holy Mother Church provides us with selections from Holy Scripture that are connected and work together.

With that thought in mind the frightening reading from Maccabees, which seems too familiar, like a commentary on our own times and the Gospel healing of the blind beggar became intimately connected. Like the the early Israelites and the beggar, we know we're in need and each of us searches for what will give us peace and happiness.

The question becomes, are we going to be like the people in the times of Maccabees who sought self-gratification for the answer, forgetting altogether the laws and commands of the one true God? Or, are we going to be like the blind beggar who knows enough to call out, "Jesus Son of David, have pity on me ...I want to see!"

Only with our permission can God work in our lives to satisfy us and give us what we really desire. The choice is really quite simple: do we "go it on our own" and suffer the consequences? Or, do we fall at the feet of our loving and merciful God, who you remember, first asked the beggar. "What do you want me to do for you?" And then after receiving an answer from the beggar, He did it!

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 13, 2005
The Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Matthew 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

God entrusts, indeed invests, a measure of His wealth of good, to each soul to share His work and increase the Kingdom. He gives a share to each and supplies the needed grace so that with self-will and diligence, each may achieve good for the kingdom, measure for measure. Each day God asks us to use the talents He gives in the circumstances of our lives and relationships as we receive the days' duties and surprises. We labor to return this gift measured in Love. All that one does, in Love, is done in and for God in whom we 'remain.'

One contemplates these "little things done with great love" of each day, and sees every one who loved God courageously and whom we recognize as a 'saint.' That is our own calling as well, to courageously achieve good with the love and gifts we receive from God, for God. That is our inheritance, to receive and bestow His wealth, by sharing in His labor that is love poured out for all.

Each soul is created in the very image and likeness of God. Each is thus gifted, entrusted, empowered and dispatched to labor diligently, lovingly, giving what is received so as to return a wealth of love to God from Whom all love is bestowed--indeed, the very One Who is Love. What is returned can be something very beautiful for God.

O Lord, may we trust that whatever You give and ask of each life, You will and intend to achieve. Relieve our fear and grace us to courageously love as You loved us first. Your loving, passionate embrace of the cross for our redemption, is the gift likewise entrusted for us to embrace daily in our own lives. May we lovingly persevere in You in Whom all is achieved. Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 12, 2005
Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Gospel narrates a powerful parable about persistence in prayer and courage in pursuing justice. The widow is completely fearless about the harm the corrupt judge could inflict on her for pursuing justice. The judge is impressed and a bit afraid of this stubborn woman who will NOT take no for an answer. There are few forces more powerful than a righteous cause when championed by a truly inflexible promoter. And the judge, corrupt as he is, gives in and grants her request.

The lesson is clear: we must not give in too easily to apparent failure of the Lord to answer our prayers. God may be testing us, finding out just how strong our faith really is. Implied in this story is the criticism that we give up too quickly in our petitioning, either because of fear of making God angry, or out of lack of conviction that prayer really does make a difference.

God loves to hear His children seek His beneficence and His mercy. With renewed courage and determination, let's take this parable literally to heart, and be convinced that God loves to hear his people cry to Him.

St. Josaphat, the saint of the day, earnestly sought for reconciliation between the Church at Rome and the Eastern churches. So convinced was he of his cause, that he bravely gave his life in witness. He was bodily thrown into the river and drowned. Perhaps we need another courageous witness in our time to bring out reconciliation between the Holy Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. A martyr's blood is often the price of true peace.

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 11, 2005
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin of Tours, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 13:1-9
Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5ab
Luke 17:26-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.”

This sentence has a very specific meaning in the context of the passage for today. However, it also has a much broader meaning, a meaning for the conduct of everyday life that we might do well to consider.

In the course of living each person develops some habits and traits that help make certain things bearable, that help them "find life." Each person has ways of coping with difficult people and situations, some more effective than others. Each person has built up around the child who experienced God most directly, a fortification designed to keep others outside--to allow through only those people and events that are tolerable.

As a result each person has cut him or herself off to a greater or lesser extent. As one develops these habits , one cuts off certain means of effective grace. The people God sends to each one every day are the people He intends to help us grow in love of Him. If a person chooses not to deal with the day, they choose not to use the ordinary means of grace that God provides each day to connect us to Him.

In seeking to "find ourselves" or make life more livable, many people fall out of touch with the source of life itself. Life becomes less tolerable. How does one fix this?

There is only one way--complete surrender. Each person must allow the old man to die, to be done away with, to come to an end. In so doing, one is freed to love with Christ's love, to pursue real life, to take up one's position in the body of Christ. This is the only means. No one can fit into God's plan on his or her own terms. It cannot be done. We do not pray, "My will be done," but rather, "Thy will be done." And this is the prayer that opens the door to becoming the person God wishes us to be. "Thy will be done, "declares surrender, death of the old and selfish person, and new identity in Christ Jesus.

Thy will be done, here and now on Earth,
here in my very person,
in Your way,
in Your time,
in Your love.

O Lord,
use Your means to transform me into You
and let me begin to live Your real life. Amen

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 10, 2005
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"For behold, the kingdom of God is among you." (Luke 17:21)

We may wonder why today's readings begin with a quotation from the book of Wisdom. Many of us are fond of and take great pleasure in St. John's epistle which declares, "God is love." This is frequently interpreted to mean that the life of believers will be a succession of blessings and no pain. We soon discover that in a sinful world this can never be so.

We need to understand that Wisdom is the means used by God to manifest His love and truth. For example, it was God's "wisdom" that required Christ to become sin for us and in His human flesh to put our sin to death. This act shows the seriousness of human sin and God's desire to destroy it. It illustrates also that we are called with Christ to die to our sin. The latter can be painful because it requires our self-denial, obedience to God's truths and the exercise of self-giving love. God's love, governed by wisdom, designed this plan for human salvation.

This relates to today's Gospel when the Pharisees asked Jesus about the coming of God's kingdom. Had they not been so spiritually impoverished and lacking in the wisdom gained from having a knowledge of God, they would have seen that Christ's teachings, miracles and healings showed that at this very moment the kingdom of God was among them in the Person of Christ.

Still, the blindness of the Pharisees, their fear and hatred of Jesus, was used by God for the world's good by bringing salvation to all humanity through Christ's death. Jesus warns that many would come who will be mistaken as the Messiah, but we must not allow ourselves to be fooled. "On His Day" when He does indeed return, it will be as unexpected and powerful as a lightning bolt. His implication is our need to remain prepared for the coming storm of God's judgment.

Savior of Mankind, draw us close to You and imbue us with Your wisdom to discern and choose to live in the love and truth You revealed to this world. Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 9, 2005
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. We read from Holy Scripture references to the Church of Christ, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and most pointedly, to ourselves. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. We are His temple, His church, the place He chooses to inhabit.

It is an awesome reality that the God of all creation wants to be that near to us and =is= that near to us. He is closer than where our own human heart beats. It is not that God is aloof or remote, but rather that we to often fail to see Him, to respond to Him. God is always present. The question is: are we present to God?

Recognizing our pitiful response to so loving a God, let us pray on this feast for the grace to recognize that God desires no other dwelling place than a heart that is loving and contrite: your heart, and my heart. May He grant us the grace to perfect our lives so that the angels might say of us: "How lovely is your dwelling-place, Lord, mighty God." (Psalm 84)

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS (1998)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 8, 2005
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 2:23–3:9
Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
Luke 17:7-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do." This is the essence of service to our Lord.

In our current age it is difficult at times to find people for service. Countless churches, charities, hospitals and public service organizations are always looking for volunteers. While some are found that give their time and other resources willingly, many times these services are shorthanded and resort to all kinds of tactics to get volunteers or financial donors. Many (not all) say they will give, but only to a point and only if it does not burden them. Service to the Lord is much, much different.

The fact is we are the Lord's servants and that is what we are called to do. We are called to do His work, give Him praise, care for His people and Love Him with our whole beings. It is our obligation. God gave us life freely and we are to serve freely. We can expect nothing further in return and have no right to ask for any more than we already have received. God has given us His love freely, we must do the same for Him; for to do otherwise is to not truly serve.

With all He has given us, there should really be no reason to hedge, withhold our service or ask for something more. He has given us His all, in His eternal love. And when we have done all that is asked of us, we should lovingly say, "I am your simple servant, and have done what You have asked of me."

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

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 7, 2005
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 1:1-7
Psalm 139:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10
Luke 17:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

All exhortations to lead a holy life include prayer and daily meditation on the words of Holy Scripture. For the average person who hasn't been involved in this daily activity, beginning is the first step and can take several paths.

For all, it is God who invites us to prayer. It is He who calls us and is always calling us to Himself. It will however require that we respond. Just think of it: God calls us! Are we going to refuse to answer our almighty Creator? It means that we can't just operate on the way we feel, because there will be many difficult days when it seems that we "get nothing” out of praying.

Perseverance will be required. Understand that "getting something out of it" is not all there is to daily prayer, which St Teresa of Jesus defines simply as "loving conversation with the One who we know loves us,” It is giving back something in return - our time, our attention, our love, our praise.

Holy Scripture poses this question, "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me...?” How, indeed....

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 6, 2005
The Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 6:12-16
Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 4:13-14
Matthew 25:1-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Stay awake….” (Matthew 25:1-13)

The final Words Jesus speaks following the parable of the virgins are sober and true Words. “Stay awake.” None of us knows when the time for us to be ready to meet Him will come. Let us be wise, faithful and ready for His coming to take us; indeed, well-prepared for the eternal wedding feast.

Jesus reminds us to be ready to welcome Him at all times. One who is not prepared by keeping the necessary supply of grace through the sacraments and through service, will not have “time” when called to the eternal wedding feast.

This oil for the lamp that keeps one vigilantly ready for eternal life is regular confession, prayer, spiritual direction, holy Mass and communion, and doing daily the will of God. The foolish soul does not prepare for eternal life by seeking and protecting these graces, rather takes the little received and hopes it will be enough. It is no surprise this one is not prepared to meet and join God eternally.

O Lord, may we “stay awake,” one in You, through the gifts You mercifully bestow for all. Let us appreciate and use them now and forever. Amen

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 5, 2005
Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

There is so much to think about in today's readings. First, St. Paul writes a 'thank you' note to all the people who have assisted him in ministry. We can only imagine what these good people looked like. It would be a good exercise for us this morning to recall the names of older people in our parish who were "pillars" of faith and good works. It is good for us to remember and give thanks to God for them, especially during this time of saints.

Then, it would be good to think of all those in Purgatory who need our prayers. Each day of November is a day that could bring freedom for our friends and family who await release there. Today's Gospel commends the cleverness of the unjust steward. He bought friends! What a wise practice it is for us to make friends of those in Purgatory through our prayers for them. Someday we will need friends to pray for us when we too may be experiencing the cleansing pains of that "vestibule to heaven.”

May God give us the loving energy to form greater connections with the Communion of Saints -- through conversations with saints and prayers for all who have gone before us in death. God has provided for us His powerful grace and His loving Eucharistic Presence, but also a whole support group of humans like ourselves who beckon us to The Kingdom.

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 4, 2005
The Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Charles Borromeo, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 15:14-21
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Luke 16:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Prepare a full account of your stewardship"

There will come a time when we are asked to prepare a full account of what we have done with all that God has given us. It will not be an easy task, but it will happen all the same.

Where will we stand at that time?

If we have wisely used the things God has given us, if we have shared the master's wealth with others, we'll find those who stand ready to help us. The prayers of others will be heard and the Master will account our behavior as good.

God demands very little from us. Among those things most important to Him are a just and equitable division of His goods among His people. How do we achieve this? Like the steward in this case, we take all that God has given us and give it away -- and ask for less, or for nothing in return. The Master is not jealous of His possessions, but rather of His people. The goods of this world are squandered when we hoard them, but they grow in effectiveness as they are shared.

Let us be ready when we’re called to show to God all the people whom we have helped with the good things He has given us. It will not justify us, but it will give glory to God.

- JuandelaCruz

(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 3, 2005
The Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin DePorres

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


A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." (Luke 15: 6)

I began teaching high school students at a time when marijuana use first became prevalent and some students actually came to class "spaced out." When I attempted to speak with them, they insisted that it was a harmless diversion that helped them to "feel good." Their minds were so fogged by the drug and addicted to the pleasure it gave them that they ignored the illegality of their behavior, were oblivious to its consequences to themselves, their families and community. It was "secular humanism" in full bud that has now blossomed into a "me" generation that discards God and places "self" in His sovereign position.

St. Paul's letter to the Romans stresses a truth to which today's societies remain virtually blind. We are God's creation, His property, born of His love, to live in His love and to share His love with one another. However, He has given us free choice, for love cannot be forced on another. This is a wonderful gift but also a pitfall that tempts us to ignore who and what we are, God's precious children accountable to Him, our heavenly Father. So great is His love, that He sacrificed His Son for the forgiveness of our sins and gives us His Holy Spirit to unite us in holiness (love) to one another and to Himself.

Jesus, in today's Gospel is criticized by religious authorities for associating with sinners. These men were so blinded by their prideful self-righteousness that they did not realize themselves to be in a deeper sin than those who saw their wrong-doing, repented and sought God's forgiveness through Christ's teachings. Jesus' parables of the loss of a single sheep and one small coin show us that God extends His love to those who appear to be the most insignificant of His possessions but who allow themselves to be found.

Father of Wisdom,
shine upon the darkness of our sin;
illumine our hearts
and give us the courage to step out of
ignorance, selfishness and fear
and into the light of Your salvation.
Amen.

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 2, 2005
The Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
(All Souls)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 3:1-9
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Romans 5:5-11 or: Romans 6:3-9
John 6:37-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

It is said that grief is not about the deceased, but rather it is about ourselves and our coming to some degree of acceptance about our loved one's death. Though the Church sets aside this day to focus on our deceased loved ones and pray for them, it might be a good time also to focus on ourselves.

Our Scripture readings for the day are full of hope and love. It is difficult to feel sadness when we appreciate the eternal reward our loved ones are hopefully experiencing. (We pray that this is the case) But where will WE be many years hence, or whenever God chooses to call us home? The First Reading makes reference to "the souls of the just.” (Wisdom 3:1-9) Would our family members and friends refer to us as a just person? It’s worth pondering.

The Gospel reading describes that "Christ will not turn away anyone who comes to Him." (John 6:37-40) We can ask the very real question: Have we come before Christ enough that He will know us? (Now obviously He knows us, as He created us, but have we attempted to build a relationship with Christ?) Do we use Christ as our “emergency room” ...a place to get Band-Aids and to heal us when we have problems? Or, is the relationship more an ongoing relationship like one would have with a friend? We hope the latter is true. Perhaps today we might implore the souls of the just to help us on our journey. They are our role models for eternity!

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

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Solemnity of All Saints
(Holy Day of Obligation -- please check your diocesan regulations)

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I used to struggle with the beatitudes. For most of my life I really couldn’t fully understand what Jesus was telling me. It was only until I looked at the reverse that I fully understood the meaning. I will try and explain.

Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit. He does not say blessed are the rich.

Jesus says blessed are they who mourn. He does not say blessed are those who party.

Jesus says blessed are the meek. He does not say blessed are those who are bold and loud.

Jesus says blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who could care less.

Jesus says blessed are the merciful. He does not say blessed are those who are vindictive and seek revenge,

Jesus says blessed are the clean of heart. He does not say blessed are those who sin.

Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers. He does not say blessed are those who hate, kill and deceive.

Jesus says blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who never face any hardship.

Jesus says blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you. He does not say blessed are those who never face affliction.

Looking at the opposites showed me clearly what Jesus was saying. Our lives as Christians are not necessarily lives of comfort, carelessness and happiness. It is actually the opposite, and our lives must be lived for those who mourn, in search of righteousness, with clean hearts and knowing it will be a struggle. It is in these things we are truly blessed and it is in these things we truly find our Lord.

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

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