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Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful!

20060331

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, March 31, 2006
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
Psalm 34:17-21, 23
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"Could the authorities have realized that he is the Messiah?"
(see John 7:27)

Both of today's Gospel readings illustrate the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious hierarchy. Several factors caused this alienation; among these was the growing number of people who wondered if He was indeed their awaited Messiah. This caused the most powerful religious officials to want to destroy anyone threatening their authority, questioning their strictly legalistic interpretation of the Law and suggesting to them that they had actually become blind to its true basis--God's love and truth.

Ironically, their Scripture prophesied the coming of a savior, a redeemer who would deliver them from sin and reunite them with their Creator God. Yet when Jesus preached the good news of God's love and offer of forgiveness and salvation and performed many miracles to substantiate His divine origin, the majority of officials remained steadfast in their unbelief. Had these religious professionals a deep and genuine faith, a true knowledge of God and deep concern for their people's salvation, they would have joyfully welcomed Jesus. The Bible tells us that there is only one unforgivable sin, that of unbelief.

Why is unbelief unforgivable? This attitude not only calls God a liar, but it also places an unbeliever outside the "divine loop," separated from God's redemptive, ever flowing stream of love and truth. Applying this to today's world situation, the prevailing "secular humanism" that has resulted in false religions and fanaticism has led mankind to worshiping itself instead of God, and thereby becoming imprisoned in its fallen, sinful state.

O Lord God, giver of peace and joy, hasten us toward Easter and a heartfelt acceptance of Christ's redemption and the grace of fully participating in His new life. Amen.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060330

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, March 30, 2006
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
John 5:31-47

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Much media time is given to the world's sources of energy these days. Where will we obtain our sources of power, of oil? We look for power in windmills, rivers and resources of the earth; when really, our greatest source of power lies deep within each of us! God dwells within each of us, just waiting for us to acknowledge His immensity and yet His very intimate love.

In the first reading we hear about the power of prayer. The Lord threatened His wrath upon the "stiff necked people" but changed His plans when He heard the petitions of His creatures. We have a tremendous power capability with the power of prayer! God does hear our cries for assistance!

Christ sounds a bit frustrated in today's gospel reading from St. John. He knows our hearts as a people throughout time. Somehow we continue finding our greatest strength from other people and events instead of through Him. Christ goes so far as to say "You do not want to come to me to have life."
(John 5:40)

Those are pretty strong words!

This Lenten season is a good time to reflect on our priorities and the power of prayer.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060329

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget,
I will never forget you.
(Isaiah 49:15)

Can there be any better statement of how much God loves us? But even when the prophet told the people how much God cared for them, they cried out saying the Lord had forgotten and forsaken them.

So, God continued His great work and love by sending His son. And what happened? The people rejected Him too, claiming He was a sinner, a blasphemer and one who failed to keep the Sabbath.

Jesus came and brought with Him the complete love of the Father. He showed the people many great miracles, healed the sick and raised the dead. He did only as the Father directed Him, bringing salvation and love to all peoples. But, they refused to see.

Are we no different today? Are our lives richly blessed? Are our hearts healed? Are our minds restful in Him that brings perfect peace? Are our souls at peace for all time because of a God that loves us completely? Or, do we grumble, asking where God is when we face trouble, when we are lonely, ill or feel rejected?

God loves us even more than a mother does the child of her womb. God is always present, He can never forget us. It is up to us to receive His love.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060328

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 47:1-19, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
John 5:1-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel we hear about a man who had been sick for 38 years who came to Bethesda to the Sheep Pool in hope of being healed.

Aren't there many things in our lives that we have hoped could be healed? Some may be very dramatic like healing from a life-threatening illness, while others seem almost too silly to even mention. In all cases we recognize there is something we hope could be changed. The Gospel tells us that the man went to the pool even though he had little hope of being immersed in it's healing waters.

This tells us that the man made some effort to be in the right place - the place for healing and that he refused, even though logic might have dictated it, to give up altogether and abandon even a far-fetched hope for healing.

Jesus used this situation to teach us that God's grace and healing often defies logic and that being required to do something like "be in the right place" or asking someone 'who knows what' in order to be healed, might be required.

The last thought expressed in this Gospel story, is perhaps the most important. After everything has been said and done and the man is healed, Jesus says to him, "Remember how you have been healed." With these words we are reminded of the sad condition of so many people: they forgot!

In this season of grace may we pray not to be forgetful of what God has done for us, of all the many things which we have been "cured" of and especially, the price of our redemption. Holy scripture reminds us that we have been ransomed (healed, saved) not by some measurable sum of gold, but by the precious blood of Christ, inestimable beyond our comprehension of its worth.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060327

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, March 27, 2006
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
John 4:43-54

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth:
The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind.
Instead there shall always be rejoicing and happiness
in what I create."
(Isaiah 65:17-18)

We should understand that this happiness God speaks of, is heaven, or this earth before Adam's Sin. The occasional tangible joy found in this world is but a fleeting foretaste of heaven. But getting there isn't going to be easy, winding our way through the construction zone of life, this travail of tears. Eventually, we learn that we become our own worst enemies; that we need to rip up the old pavement of our sinful ways by seeking God's grace, confessing our sins, and receiving God's healing forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Now is the time to make your move! Not tomorrow, not mañana, not some indefinite time in the future. How easy it is to put off such things! Actually, in our deep sorrow and true repentance for our sinfulness, we should be eagerly looking forward to the comforting relief of God's almighty forgiveness!

O Lord, my God,
I cried out to you and you healed me.
O Lord, you brought me up from the nether world;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.

(Psalm 30:3-4)

- Journeymann

____________________

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20060326

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, March 26, 2006
Fourth Sunday of Lent
(Laetare Sunday)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Psalm 137:1-6
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In the first reading today from Chronicles, we find that God has come to the end of His patience with his chosen people. They had “pushed the envelope” too far with their infidelities. So He decided to send them into exile for seventy years.  He was still faithful to the “rainbow promise” of Noah’s time, but He gave them plenty of time to reflect on their infidelity. In the responsorial psalm 137, we read that heart-wrenching cry, in reply to their captors’ request, “How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land?” After they had repented, God finally relents and sends them home again. Through the instrumentality of the Persian King Cyrus, He provides them with all the materials and labor they needed to rebuild their beloved temple.

Lent reminds us that, like the Israelites, we too have sinned and forgotten the Lord. In His incredible mercy, He has brought us to life again through the sacrifice of His Son on the Cross.  We didn’t deserve it, we didn’t earn it. It all came through “free grace," the gift beyond all gifts. Now, we know that we are God’s creation, but do we realize that we were created a second time as Christ’s work of art?

No wonder we find that famous passage in the Gospel, John 3:16 (so cherished by our Protestant brethren), “God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.”  This is a good passage for every Catholic to memorize!

And the passage about light! Here, in most of the frozen North Country, we’re always in danger of power failures. We’re all familiar with the emotional high we get when the lights come on, the furnaces can provide heat, and our refrigeration is back in operation. We know very well what it means to come from darkness to light. But are we grateful enough when our minds and hearts are restored through penance, prayer and a good confession? No wonder this Sunday is called Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday! Lent is a time for our hearts to dance and our spirits be lifted up in joy. Let’s try to spread some of that joy to our neighbor through the many opportunities Lent provides for almsgiving and works of sharing.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060325

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, March 25, 2006
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. . ."

Whoa!

Put Lent on HOLD for just a minute!

We're having a feast!!!

Indeed, we pause in our Lenten journey to recall this most remarkable of feasts, when God Himself asked a woman to become His mother. When an angel appeared to our Lady and she became with child with the nod of her head. "Let it be done unto me as you have said."

This is the beginning of the Good News of salvation -- a point hidden in time and celebrated a full nine months before the 25 December Birthday of Our Lord! This was the moment when all of humanity waited with bated breath, although they did not know it! Would Our Blessed Lady say yes or no? There is no longer any suspense, but there was in that time.

So, take a moment to rejoice and wonder at this message. Spend a little time with Our Lady, contemplating what this would mean. And then, go forth to serve, just as Our Lady went to her cousin Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit who came to Mary in her prayerful meditation.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060324

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, March 24, 2006
Friday of the Third Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 81:6-11, 14, 17
Mark 12:28-34

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!"
(Mark 12:29)

Today's first reading affirms God's everlasting, loving mercy toward sinners. Hosea emphasizes God's readiness to forgive His people's transgressions and heal the wandering hearts of those who repent and work to reform their lives. This is the dominant theme of all the prophets' exhortations which Christ reiterated in His teachings. God never turns away a contrite soul. Let us keep in mind that Christ paid a great price to win the forgiveness and salvation of all humanity. Dare we then deny our forgiveness to others?

Events in the world today are testing humanity's willingness to forgive those creating havoc by terrorizing and murdering innocents. Our temptation is to strike back; and when we cannot personally do so, we expend our anger, prejudice and hatred toward entire groups, religions or nations. What we fail to see is that our hardened hearts actually block God's loving mercy from reaching these needy and lost souls. Hatred only spawns further hatred, whereas our sincere prayers for those we view as enemies will open a channel for God's grace to flow toward them to touch their hearts with His love. Unforgiveness and hunger for revenge and power are the greatest obstacles to world peace.

Christ in today's Gospel reveals our only means to develop loving and forgiving hearts, obedience to the first Commandment. We are to be wholly devoted to God to gain a knowledge of Him so that He may imbue our hearts with His genuine, totally self-giving love. Apart from God and in a "fallen" state, humanity's ability to love truly and unselfishly is grossly impaired. History attests to this.

Father God, open our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us that we may be transformed in the image of Your loving Son Who gave His life to save us. Amen.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060323

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, March 23, 2006
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

St. Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 7:23-28
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Luke 11:14-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings for today have some graphic, interesting imagery. In the first reading from Jeremiah, God is urging that we listen attentively to His voice and heed His messages -- a timeless bit of advice.

However, there is one phrase that's especially revealing: "They walked in the hardness of their evil hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me."

Haven't we all encountered someone doing that? They look right at you, perhaps smiling, and yet do quite the opposite thing. This is so common that there is a derogatory phrase to describe such folks as: "Yes people!"! We however, can't fool God in actions like this ...and it is nothing new!

There's another, perhaps more startling phrase in the gospel: "Whoever is not with me, is against me; and whoever does not gather with me, scatters." (Luke 11:14-23) This is not exactly an ambiguous statement! The truth is laid right out for us!

In summary, we can ask ourselves today as we continue on our Lenten journey, if we are "yes people" in the best sense of the word. And in addition to standing with Christ, are we attempting to gather others into Christianity, at least by our example.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060322

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20
Matthew 5:17-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
(Matthew 5:17)

Jesus did not hold back in his criticism of the religious leaders of the day and their apparent strict adherence to the law. In fact, Jesus accused them of all types of wrongs claiming that their application of the law actually held the believers captive and subjected them to a severe lifestyle and outright hypocrisy. Comparing this to today’s gospel reading, it seems that what Jesus says today contradicts His actions and criticism of the religious leaders.

Actually, this is not the case at all. The law, since the beginning of time has been about love, total love of God and love for our fellow human beings. Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the law, showing us the true love of the Father, and also showing us how to truly love the Father. He showed complete and unconditional love for the people, even those He criticized or found in sin, and He showed us how to love one another. Jesus fulfilled the law in His love.

This is the law: to love God completely and to love one another. All the rest points to this.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060321

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 18:21-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's selections of Sacred Scripture contain so many wonderful images of the mercy of God, that it is difficult to focus on just one. Perhaps the one that stays foremost in my mind is that of a loving God who bends His ear to hear our prayer. [see the Entrance Antiphon for today's Mass taken from Psalm 16:6, 8]

The responsibilities of being an adult are really quite serious even though, hopefully, we grow in time and can rise to all the occasions that maturity demands. Still, there is often a part of me that often longs to be unburdened of worry, to be "cared for."

Sometimes images are a helpful way to picture what God is like. Let us utilize our imagination -- which is in itself a gift from God -- and picture the most loving and kind person we have ever known, dropping everything and stooping down and inclining their ear to listen to us alone -- not because there is anything to be gained in it for them, but purely out of love, concern and interest in us. It is caring, without any strings attached; it mirrors the love of God.

During this time of grace, may God reveal to us in ways that are unique to our own circumstances, temperaments and life experiences, this image of His love.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060320

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, March 20, 2006
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"It is he who shall build a house for my name." (2 Samuel 7:13)

We know Joseph to be a man of great faith, who was obedient to whatever God asked of him without knowing the outcome. Joseph is an great example of a person whose life was instrumental in manifesting the will of God on earth for the salvation of all of humanity. Undoubtedly, Joseph probably had a very different life planned for himself when he chose to marry the young girl, Mary. Choosing to accept what God asked of him was very difficult. He would have been the subject of cruel and humiliating gossip, and it was also dangerous. But as compensation for all these hardships, Joseph together with Mary, were first-hand witnesses to the greatest event the world has ever seen: the Incarnation of the Word!

We see that there is a stark contrast between the life Joseph would have chosen for himself, and the life God chose for him. It is the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Because he said "yes" to God, his name is remembered, honoured and celebrated today.

The sole purpose of our own existence is to do the will of God. Everything that happens to us is intended to guide us towards God's divine purpose for our lives, which He reveals to us one day at a time. He reveals it in the opportunities and the people He sends into our lives. We know what God's will is by everything that moves us in the direction of His great love. Every movement in the direction of love involves dying to ourselves. In the end, this is the only measure of our success in life - whether or not we did God's will. Nothing else matters.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said "Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things. It consists in accepting, with a smile, what Jesus sends us. It consists in accepting and following the will of God." Amen!

- Anne
(anne97 at gmail dot com)

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060319

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, March 19, 2006
Third Sunday of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19:8-11
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
John 2:13-25

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our readings for this Sunday are heavy with righteous anger calling us to justice.  In the first reading, we have Moses coming down the mountain bearing the ten commandments of a new covenant.  They had been fused in fire and smoke on two stone tablets.  (As you recall, Moses in anger broke the first two stone tablets.  Only later did God provide a second set).  The first three commandments told the people that there is only one God, and Him alone should they worship every seventh day.  If they were faithful to God, then the other seven commandments, commanding right relationships with their neighbor,  would be easy.

Just as Moses had displayed righteous anger because of the people’s injustice, so we witness the righteous anger of Jesus toward the Jews of his time for their lack of respect for His Father’s house.  What a scene He creates, overturning tables, driving people and animals helter-skelter in all directions!  Once He has “cleaned house’, He himself takes possession of the temple, and begins to teach the people.  Of course, the Pharisees object at once, demanding a sign that he has authority to do these things. What a sign he gave!  “Destroy this temple (meaning His Body), and I will rebuild it in three days.”   Only when he broke through the rock of his tomb on Easter Sunday, did even his apostles understand what he meant.

What a heavy lesson for our Lenten journey!  But that’s what is so great about Lent.  It brushes away the cobwebs, and disperses the fog of uncertain faith or cowardly compromise.  It puts more fervor in our prayer, more “teeth” in our penances.   It definitely humbles our pride when we realize that the gentle, loving Christ can “get tough” in the face of sin and disloyalty.  So let’s do some real housekeeping in the temples of our own souls as we prepare to accompany the Lord in His Passion and Death. 

Dear Lord, stir in my soul just a fraction of that burning love for us which made your sacrifice possible!


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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060318

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, March 18, 2006
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Micah 7:14-15. 18-20
Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"This Man Welcomes Sinners and Eats With Them. . ."


And all we can say to that is, "Praise the Lord!" Praise the God who sent a man who did not judge us unworthy, but finding us unworthy, reached out to us anyway. Praise the God who sent Love to the loveless, and Hope to the hopeless, and Faith to the faithless, all in the person of His Son, the incarnation of Love and the theological virtues.

This man welcomes sinners, and so, if we are to imitate Him, must we. We must welcome sinners, we must make sinners feel loved. We must introduce sinners to the divine physician, without judgment, without limits.

". . . and eats with them." The hard part of this commandment of love is not only must we welcome sinners, but we must spend time with them. We must show genuine love, not merely an effort at showing them the gospel truth. We must dine with people we might not choose to dine with, and we must share with people we would rather not.

The Father is prodigal in His love for us. We are called to show that same prodigality to all of His children.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060317

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, March 17, 2006
Friday of the Second Week of Lent

St. Patrick, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"The kingdom of God will be taken from you
and given to a people that will produce fruit."

(see Matthew 21:43)

Joseph's life in Genesis illustrates the marvel of God's forgiving and saving power. He was the youngest in a family of boys envious of him because they thought him their father's favorite. This drove them to consider murder, but relented and instead sold him into slavery, telling their father that wild beasts had devoured him. God in His time turned their viciousness into blessings. Joseph's God-given talents and goodness won him the second most powerful position in Egypt, and years later was reconciled with his family when he saved their lives by providing food during a famine in Israel.

Christ's parable in today's Gospel again reveals a similar destructive envy within Israel's religious authorities who guarded their power and position by seeking to destroy Him. Jesus' suggestion that He had been sent by God to complete His plan for the redemption and salvation of humanity struck terror within their hearts. He warns them they have been blinded by sin that would be their downfall; they would be destroyed by dashing themselves against the very "stone" that God had sent to save them.

We should not mistake the tone of Christ's words to connote any hatred toward His persecutors; rather He was deeply distressed by their self-destructive attitudes. Knowing that Jesus is always motivated by love, His desire to save souls, we should realize that the truth can often sound harsh. Jesus was dealing with those who held Israel's spiritual life or death in their hands. Had Jesus softened His words, He would have been unfaithful to His Father, to His people and to us today.

Loving Father, open our hearts to Christ, Your living Word; draw us to repentance and lead us on the way to Your goodness and glory for the life of this world. Amen.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060316

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, March 16, 2006
Thursday of the Second Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 16:19-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Trust is a very complicated subject! Scripture tries to prepare us for that, and yet sometimes we are blinded and still put our primary trust in another human. We're then startled when things don't go 'our way." In the first reading from Jeremiah, we're reminded that "More tortuous than all else is the human heart.... and that I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart."

Is scripture then telling us not to trust other humans, our mother father, and brother? No, of course not! But, in God alone, the Creator of all can we really trust. Even if we forsake God, He will never forsake us, as He cannot deny Himself. As St. Augustine said "Our hearts are restless, until they rest in Thee."

The gospel is that of 'the rich man' and poor Lazarus! At death, we hear that Lazarus was judged more kindly, while the 'rich man' struggled in the nether world.

Isn't it interesting that in the gospel story Lazarus was given a name, but the 'rich man' had none? Perhaps we are to identify with the rich man. What riches do we have, and what are we doing with them to feed the "Lazaruses" of the world. Do we have freedom, knowledge, special talents, etc? Can we share them with others?

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060315

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 18:18-20
Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16
Matthew 20:17-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's gospel shows us clearly just how different Jesus' message and calling was from what the people expected and from what we call human nature. As parents, we all want our children to excel, move forward, stand at the front of the class and receive glowing recognition for all they do. This certainly seems to be natural for parents and we do a good job at it. So, it should be no surprise to hear today that the mother of the sons of Zebedee should try and persuade the Lord to give her sons special places in the Kingdom. Given the political climate and the idea of what she most likely thought the Messiah would be, this is just another case of mom pushing her kids forward. She was probably expecting the Kingdom to be a political device with military might that would throw the Roman occupiers from her country and bring Israel back to total power. Oh, how wrong this was!

Jesus, knowing what was ahead, forewarned His followers that they would share in the glory of this new Kingdom. But little did they know that this glory, or "cup" as our Lord stated, would consist of persecution, exile, torture and death. How different was Jesus' message! There would be no high political office with all its power and wealth. There would be no defeat of the Romans and other enemies of Israel. Rather, there would be years of hardship, service and sacrifice in the building of this Kingdom, the new church. Even today some have a very difficult time with this message and dismiss Christianity outright; it is simply that hard a message, since the expectation for the Kingdom is no different than today. As Jesus said, the person who wants to be first must be last, something that seems contrary to our human nature.

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

____________________

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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life


20060314

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 23:1-12

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Does it ever seem to you that the state of the world, as far as holiness is concerned, is in such a downward spiral, much like a freight train traveling at great speed with so much weight behind it, that it cannot easily be stopped? Even if it could be halted, it would take considerable time and would travel considerable distance before finally coming to a standstill, not to mention the destruction of everything on the track in its way.

Such thinking is not very optimistic, nor perhaps, even helpful. Yet, unfortunately, it's prevalent and even understandable. How can a person of faith counter this tendency toward negativity and hopelessness?

The answer is given to us by God in the words of Sacred Scripture. Over and over again we're instructed and encouraged; but we'll never know it unless we pick up the Sacred Word and read it.

I'm reminded that God's Word is a gift; and like a gift, it must be received. That's something only we can do; only we can choose to receive the gift, to open it and use it. To be receptive to the healing words of God is our job; God has done His part, He has been the generous giver of everything that is good.

Let us then, especially in this time of Lenten grace, avail ourselves of the Lord's gifts. Let us receive with joy the promised Good News.

"Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord.
Though your sins may be like scarlet,
they can become as white as snow.
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool."
(Isaiah 1:18)

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

____________________

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20060313

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, March 13, 2006
Monday of the Second Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 9:4-10
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Luke 6:36-38

"Be merciful, just as your father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)

In today’s gospel, Jesus is asks us to imitate the actions of our Father in Heaven, as He does for us. But how is our Father merciful? In the reading from the Book of Deuteronomy it is explained in one sentence what it is. Our Father forgives. He forgives, despite the fact that we are sinners who have not always been loyal to His covenant.

Forgiveness is a very powerful act. It frees the offender and the forgiver from evil because it is an act of love and mercy. Each act of love brings us one step closer towards Our Lord. As all good fathers, Our Heavenly Father wishes to shower us with gifts. But He is not able to do so unless we are with Him. It is like a father buys a new bike for his child and leaves it in his room. The child will not know that there is a brand new bike waiting for him to play with until he returns home and sees it in his room.

Our Heavenly Father has many gifts that He wishes to bestow upon us; but unless we are home we won't know what wonders are waiting for us. That is why Jesus asks us to perform acts of love and mercy towards others; so that with each act, our hearts may be filled more and more with God’s love, enabling us to go home and find the bike in our rooms.

- Danielle

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20060312

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, March 12, 2006
Second Sunday of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18
Psalm 116:10, 15-19
Romans 8:31-34
Mark 9:2-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As Jesus trudged up the Mount of the Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John, His spirit must have tingled with anticipation of what He was about to show them. As His garments shone with blinding splendor, Moses and Elijah and Jesus carried on a conversation about His mission, his terrible passion and death, and the earth-shattering event of the Resurrection. As it would free Jesus from the bonds of death, it would free all of us from Adam’s curse. 

It was a blessed moment that came and went for them as though in a dream. The glory of it all filled their hearts first with fear, and then with ecstatic joy as Peter cried out, “Lord, let us build three tents here... one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” But it was not to be. As the glory faded, and they came down the mountain, back to the reality of every day, Jesus’ heart must have been heavy. Had his friends learned anything about the price He was about to pay for their freedom? Had they any idea about the price they would pay as His followers? 

We get a clue to that terrible cost in the story of Abraham and Isaac in today’s first reading. This story has mystified saints and scholars for centuries, to say nothing about the rest of us. How could God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac? Of course, it was only a test, but Abraham didn’t know that! It took every ounce of trust for him to obey the Lord. And because of his trust and obedience, the Lord made him the Father of nations.

As the Father tested Abraham, so Jesus tested His apostles, and all who would come after them. The only response is to trust and to obey. It took Peter some floundering and doubt, some hesitation and even betrayal, before he became the solid rock on which Christ could build his church.

As we come down the mountain today, let’s resolve to face courageously the test that Lent provides. Are we willing to fast and pray, to mourn our sins and failures, and prepare to become all that we can be as loyal, courageous, and loving followers of Jesus? We keep seeing small glimpses of what our heaven will be.  May they be enough to keep us traveling day by day to the fullness of its glory.

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

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20060311

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, March 11, 2006
Saturday of the First Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 26:16-19
Psalm 119:1-2, 4-8
Matthew 5:43-48

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"But I say to you, love your enemies. . ."


These dangerous words inaugurated a new era--the era of Christian love -- unconditional love! This love would first and best be demonstrated by a man with arms outstretched between Earth and sky, dying in the heat of the sun and saying, "Father, forgive them." This love is contagious, but unfortunately not contagious enough. You have to expose yourself to this love, sometimes for a long time before it catches. Human history has had far too little of this love--but it is the gift of the Holy Spirit and there are shining lights of it.

St. Therese of Lisieux noted that her vocation was to become "love at the heart of the Church." We need to follow her lead and become love, unconditional love, love without rancor or thirst for revenge, love without limits at the heart of the Church. This isn't something we can do to ourselves. We must put ourselves in the way of God's all transforming love. When we do so, and only when we do so, can we become what He would have us be.

The most beautiful commandment ever spoken, "Love one another as I have loved you." Without limits, without conditions, without regret--fully, completely, totally giving of self to another -- true Children of God.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

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20060310

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, March 10, 2006
Friday of the First Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 5: 20-26

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment." (Mt.5:22)

Over the last half-century, Christian sects, to avoid offending sinners and keeping their pews filled, have suggested that Jesus' death was simply God's way of showing His love, that consequently our sins are now overlooked and automatically forgiven. This belief ignores God's justice and that sin is an abomination in His eyes. Being "created in His image" means we are to become as holy as He is holy; that as God's children we are to love one another as He loves us.

Lent calls us to repent of our sins, practice self-denial and reform our lives to more closely resemble the goodness of Christ. Jesus emphasizes our need to be holy in a degree surpassing that of the Pharisees and scribes if we wish to enter the kingdom of God. These men pridefully kept the letter of the law while ignoring its "spirit." Had they studied the law in God's light and love rather than just with their minds, they would have seen that its purpose was to show mankind how to live in perfect brotherhood. Jesus tells us that our primary concern should be to develop a forgiving heart. Recall that Christ bore no rancor against those who treated Him so cruelly; indeed, He asked His Father to forgive them.

The power of Christ's redemption is activated only by our loving forgiveness toward those who have injured us. Today's world is suffering from the effects of hatred and retribution between peoples and nations. Violence begets further violence. Only a universal practice of the forgiving and unconditional love that comes to us from God can create world peace.

Saving Lord, physically we are but clay destined to return to dust. But we give You thanks for breathing Your Spirit into us, making us into living souls able to share in Your divine life. Amen.

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

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20060309

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, March 9, 2006
Thursday of the First Week of Lent
St. Frances of Rome, religous

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 or: 4:17 (Esther's Prayer)
Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8
Matthew 7:7-12

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings for today have to do with asking for help. In the first reading we see Queen Esther, lying on the ground and praying to God for assistance. In the gospel, Christ is advising His followers to ask Him for help for the things that they need. This is so obvious, that we would ask our Creator for help, especially when we have been asked to do so. So why then is there a problem?

The reasons people do not ask for help are varied. Some do not ask because they have chosen not to have God as a part of their life, or that they see God only as a "Sunday god." Some may not ask because they have not been taught that this is an option. Others might not ask because of pride. They believe that they can handle everything themselves, and that to ask is a sign of weakness. Still others may believe that God has other more important things to take care of, such as wars and starvation.

The gospel however, shows a very personal, caring Christ. He uses the example of a father answering the request of his son. God wants to help us because He loves us. We realize also that every request is a humble act of faith, a belief that God can and will help us.

On a personal note, when an elderly friend and I would go out on errands, she used to start praying that we would find a parking spot. I used to think that she was expecting a lot of God to worry about our parking. You wouldn't believe how often, and quickly we found parking! Her faith opened my eyes. Later on, she had a skin ulcer that her physician said could be healed only by surgery. She looked him in the eye and said "no thanks" God will heal it. And He did!

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

____________________

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20060308

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

St. John of God, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
Luke 11:29-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

It seems to me that Jesus refused to give a sign to the crowd in today’s gospel, because He knew that even if a sign were given, they still wouldn't believe. How true this was! Saying they would get no sign except that of Jonah, our Lord clearly referred to his death, burial and resurrection three days later -- much as Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish. And when He gave this tremendous sign of resurrection, what happened? Some of the people still refused to believe! But, the church grew rapidly after Christ’s resurrection. Sadly, the religious leaders refused to believe the sign and stepped up their persecution of the new Christians.

I've often heard that the more things change, the more they stay the same. In our technologically advanced world we still want signs and when they are given we refuse to believe!

Perhaps, like the Jews of 2000 years ago, we're looking for the wrong type of sign? Jesus came to free us from the slavery of sin and death, and He still brings that miracle to us today. As we continue on our Lenten journey, let us pause and see the signs we are given and listen to the spirit that resides in our hearts. It is there that we shall find the true signs and the gifts He so freely gives.

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

____________________

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20060307

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Sts. Felicity and Perpetua, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19
Matthew 6:7-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Responsorial Psalm says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit, He saves." Sometimes it is difficult to know that the Lord is close to us when we are brokenhearted, instead we often think that if He was really close He would have prevented the unhappiness form even occurring.

It is a function of faith to believe in a loving and caring God when the circumstances are overwhelmingly hard and yet that is what we are asked to do. How shall we accomplish such a difficult task? Perhaps the best advice is to look at the suffering Christ, who though God Himself, was not spared the pain of human suffering and continued throughout His many difficulties in His public ministry to persevere in prayer with His Father. It was in prayer that He was assured of the Father's solicitude, it will be the same way with us.

There is a lovely picture of Christ in the Garden; He is obviously sad and broken hearted, all His disciples have abandoned Him, He feels the imminent threat that is closing in on Him. Yet, in this poignant picture there is this figure of a beautiful Angel on whose chest Jesus lays His head. The angel appears to be supporting His weary body and and has a hand holding His arm and and gently cradling His head.

It is a picture of broken-heartedness and yet one where we see that God is present and caring in the image of the angel. Let us remember that. God is always present though sometimes hidden. Always caring, but often silent.

"I hope in the Lord, I trust in His word" (Psalm 130:5)

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

____________________

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20060306

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, March 6, 2006
Monday of the First Week of Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
Psalm 19:8-10, 15
Matthew 25:31-46

In the first reading the Lord said to Moses: "Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy." He then goes on to explain to Moses through the commandments that the way to be holy is by treating others well. "You shall not steal, you shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart...." God's commandments are telling us that if we want to please Him we must be good, kind, loving and generous to our fellow man.

In the parable of the Son of Man dividing the sheep and the goats, Jesus is instructing us how to get to heaven. We are to follow the commandments set out for us by God through Moses. The sheep of Jesus' parable live in a herd for their own protection. Alone, they cannot defend themselves against predators. But simply by staying together in the herd, they increase their quality of life.

Jesus is calling us to live in community and to support each other. This demonstration of love to our neighbour is most pleasing to Him. By showing respect for all of God's creation, including and especially our fellow man, we are showing how much we love Him.

- Danielle

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20060305

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, March 5, 2006
First Sunday in Lent


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 9:8-15
Psalm 25:4-9
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:12-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our first reading today from Genesis is all about promises that came in the form of a Covenant, a two-way pact between God and His people. It turns out that God is always faithful to his part of the bargain, but his chosen people are not faithful to theirs. In the time of Noah, things came to a head. Because of the wild parties, loose morals, and the outrageous behavior of Noah’s neighbors, God decides it’s time to end the whole experiment. He sends a flood to destroy the earth and all its inhabitants — all except eight people, that is — Noah, his wife, and their sons and daughters. And this is where a rainbow comes in—a promise for all time that God will be patient and forgiving of our broken promises.

But at what a price! The second reading tells us that, to make this all possible, God sent His Son. Instead of water to destroy us, God sends water to redeem us—the water of Baptism.
It all began with Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, after which the Spirit drove Jesus into the desert to be tempted by Satan But not before Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights (just like our Lenten fast of forty days) in order to strengthen Him for the ordeal. And what an ordeal! Jesus is tempted to break his fast (temptation to physical pleasure), tempted to obey Satan rather than the Father (temptation to power), and tempted to acquire all the kingdoms of the earth (temptation to possessions).

And what about us? The Scriptures, as always, provide a blueprint for our Christian journey. The first reading reminds us of all our broken promises, promises we need to renew while holding our lighted candles at Easter. Where do we get the strength? By going into the desert of Lenten prayer, study, penance, and almsgiving. It means emptying our hearts of disorder and sin, so that the Spirit can fill them with new faith, restored hope, and a stronger love.

Dear Lord, stir up in my heart
an ardent desire to renew my heart,
to strengthen my resolves,
and to keep the promises I made to you so long ago.

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

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20060304

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, March 4, 2006
Saturday after Ash Wednesday

St. Casimir

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 58:9-14
Psalm 86:1-6
Luke 5:27-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Follow me."


Follow me. Simple, straightforward, direct. Don't precede me, don't anticipate me, don't direct me; but, Follow me.

Follow means many things. It means to trail behind. It means to adopt the ways of another. It also means to imitate. Jesus says to us very simply--"Do what I do. Follow me."

As we walk through Lent, let our footsteps be squarely in His own. Let our path not be the one we make ourselves, but the one blazed by our Savior. Let us be true followers of the Lord Jesus, walking so closely and so carefully behind Him that our own footprints cannot be seen because they are encompassed in His. A true follower will not be seen himself, but rather He will be seen in a true follower.

May God bless us all this Lent with the gift of being true followers of our Lord.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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20060303

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, March 3, 2006
Friday after Ash Wednesday

St. Katharine Drexel, virgin

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah 58:1-9
Psalm 51:3-6, 18-19
Matthew 9:14-15

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them
and then they will fast.
(Matthew 9:15)

This Lenten season calls us to admit our sinfulness, embrace self-denial and renounce our self-indulgent practices. Jesus affirms Isaiah's correcting our false views of fasting. Most often we interpret fasting to mean our denying ourselves of something pleasurable such as eating or seeking entertainment. However, we now discover that such fasting does nothing to change the condition of our hearts, the seat of all human problems. Instead they leave us hungry, dry in spirit or puffed with pride over our marvelous self-discipline.

True "fasting" takes place when we willfully abandon all those attitudes and activities that set us at odds with our fellow humans. We do best to deny indulging ourselves of any unkindness, judgmentalism, jealousy, covetousness, lying, greed, lust, stinginess and the exploitation of others. The basis of all sin is mankind's dedication to self rather than to God, denying His sovereignty over us. Jesus tells His critics that His very presence in this world is a time for celebration; for He bears to us in His very Person, God's forgiveness of our sin and the grace that will enable us to participate in His holiness.

Jesus predicts the Godlessness that this world's societies are experiencing today. Our mourning and fasting should then be such that it would make us worthy to participate in His wedding feast. Christ came into this world to gather all true believers to His bosom and present them, pure and free of sin, to His heavenly Father. Such will be His Church, His bride, to whom He is espoused and kept in His loving care throughout eternity.

Blessed Redeemer,
imbue all those who profess belief in you with genuine faith,
one that embraces and fully lives in Your love and truth.
Amen.

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

____________________

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20060302

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, March 2, 2006
Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 9:22-25

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Church kindly spells out directions for salvation in these two readings for today, the second day of Lent. Sometimes a person might feel overwhelmed about how to lead 'travel down the straight path' as a Catholic Christian, amidst confusing and/or complicated messages in theology and/or papal encyclicals.

Moses has a straightforward message: "Choose Life" by following the message of the Commandments. He also spells out what happens if we choose life or if we choose to follow another path.

Christ, likewise, is very direct. He tells His apostles of His impending suffering and death and that if we are to follow Him, we too, will suffer. There is nothing hidden about that message. BUT ....He quickly reassures us that He is walking down that road of suffering first, ahead of us. This is not some cold, historical book of directions. This reassurance is from Our Savior, Who willingly shed His Blood for us! What more can we expect?

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

____________________

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20060301

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Ash Wednesday


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Joel 2:12-18
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17
2 Corinthians 5:20--6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Recently a wealthy person in the community where I live gave a very large donation to a worthy charity. This was done at a public setting with many in attendance and much press coverage. The following day the donation was big news in the papers. However, the water cooler chatter in town was not what a great gift this was, but rather that it was a terrible flaunting of one’s wealth. Many in town believe it was done for the press and recognition and not done from the heart. Sadly, if the gift were meant to be a sincere contribution from the heart, it will never be viewed that way and it would be better if no one knew about it.

As we start our Lenten journey of renewal on this Ash Wednesday, it is time for us to take a serious look at ourselves and ask why we do the things we do. Do we give our gifts of money and work to be recognized or to share generously in our blessings to help relieve the suffering of others? Do we pray to be seen as righteous and holy, or to be in full communion with a loving Father who cares for us. When we fast and sacrifice do we do it to be seen and pitied, or with joy and a clear conscience? Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel that we should give our gifts in secret, pray in private and hide our fasting and we will be completely repaid by a Father who sees all. It boils down to our motives - and if our motives are to bring attention to us, or build ourselves up, we are certainly in need of some change.

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

____________________

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