The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 30, 2006
Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8
Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17
Luke 9:43b-45

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"But they did not understand this saying . . . ."

This is a very sad passage. Perhaps one of the saddest in the gospels before the Passion. What is so sad?

Jesus told them something very important, something they needed to understand and prepare for, something that would change their lives fundamentally, transforming them completely. But they didn't understand what was said. Not to understand is fine, but they were also too afraid to ask what it meant. They didn't understand, but they were frightened of its implications.

But what if they had had the courage to ask? What doors might have been opened? How might the course of the faith have been changed if these Apostles had been prepared and had gone forth boldly from the moment of the happening, understanding that the Death of Jesus was for the whole world and would transform the world? Yes, they came to understand this through time, but much time was lost.

Do you sometimes read something in the Word that sounds hard, or daunting, or frightening? Do you gloss over it, subduing it with prayer and other reading, rushing to another passage? Instead, rather than being afraid, why not turn to the Master and ask Him to explain? You might be surprised at what you hear. I've read the Bible steadily for more years than I care to say, and I've yet to encounter a hard word that did not encase a message of profound love and deep sympathy for our weakness.

Every word of the Bible is a word of deep and abiding love and faithfulness on the part of God. And where this exists, fear cannot abide. Hear something in your reading that disturbs you? Then it's probably the message you most need to hear. Stop and listen and ask for an explanation. In time it will come and you will rejoice in what God has for you!

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 29, 2006
The Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"You will see greater things than this." (John 1:50)

Today we honor three prominent angels, messengers who helped carry out various aspects of God's salvation plan. Biblical texts suggest that angelic help is provided to every human soul. Most of us are totally unaware of our angel's presence as they prompt us to seek God and accept His grace to enter into an intimate, meaningful and loving relationship with Him.

Unknowingly we live immersed in a sea of grace, God's loving power that yearns for us to be united to Him in mind and heart. He seeks this union through obedience to His Word, not simply to assert power over us, but to share His blessed life with His beloved children. However, since love can neither be forced upon nor demanded from us, we have the choice of saying "Yes" or "No" to His offer. The present state of the world suggests that relatively few have chosen to deeply participate in His divine love.

God employs other ways of drawing souls to Himself. In today's Gospel, Nathaniel is introduced to Jesus by Philip, on fire with joy at having found Israel's Messiah. Nathaniel's initial reaction is amusing: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" His bias against Jesus coming from a specific area did not hinder Christ, for God's choices aren't affected by human weakness or sin.

Jesus sees into our hearts and minds, and saw Nathaniel to be without guile, worthy of trust and open to receive and able to communicate, through grace, His message of salvation. Jesus told Nathaniel that prior to Philip's introducing him, He had observed him praying with a sincere and humble spirit. These words deeply touched Nathaniel, illumined his heart to see that, indeed, Christ is "the Son of God and King of Israel." Jesus assures him he will see greater wonders, "the sky opening and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." In other words, Nathaniel will actually see (at His Ascension) that He is the Christ, fully human and also fully Divine.

Heavenly Father, illumine our hearts; deeply unite us in mind and heart to You; fill us with the joy of recognizing You as our one true hope and so abandoning ourselves to Your care. Amen

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 28, 2006
Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Lawrence Ruiz and companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17bc
Matthew 9:7-9

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The ending of the gospel for today is interesting. Reference is made to Herod being concerned about Jesus, as to who He really was. Then the reading concludes by saying that Herod kept trying to see Jesus.

We might ask ourselves the questions, "Why did Herod want to see Him?" and "Where did he look for Him?"

We might also ask ourselves why we want to seek Christ. If we do, is it for understanding, consolation, healing, love, reparation, etc.? Just why do we want Him?

And the second question is, where do we look for Him? Do we seek Him only in a church, the Blessed Sacrament, in others, in ourselves, in scripture, in the media? We are reminded that Jesus said whenever we do a charitable work for the "least of my brothers, you do it for Me." If we are not finding Jesus as much as we would like, maybe it is because we are looking for Him in the wrong places.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Vincent de Paul, priest

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our Lord certainly knew that the time He had on earth for His ministry would be short, only a couple years. He also knew that He had to rely on His people to continue the work, changing people’s hearts and the world in the process. As we hear today’s gospel, we learn how He started preparing them for their lifelong ministry and this preparation contained much of His teaching rolled up into one nice, neat package.

The Lord gave His disciples wonderful powers to heal and preach the gospel. But then He told them to take nothing with, to teach that their task could only be completed by relying totally on God and not on anything the world could provide. He then taught them the truth that they would sometimes face rejection and that when they did, they should move on and continue their ministry.

We would be wise to examine this in depth and contemplate what the Lord said. He gives wonderful gifts in the Eucharist, but we need to rely solely on Him and not worldly things. We will face rejection, at times, but we are not to get discouraged and continue the work. This was true 2000 years ago and it remains true today.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Saints Cosmas and Damian, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44
Luke 8:19-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today’s responsorial Psalm there is a phrase that is interesting to consider. It is, “The way of truth I have chosen.” It reminds me that as a follower of Jesus I have recognized the truth of His precepts and have “chosen” to follow them.

The idea of choosing and on what level and to what degree is the subject of my musing. First of all to recognize that I have made a choice and am not being forced, helps me to more readily embrace my choice and be satisfied with it.

Secondly, the level of my decision, be it rightfully and actively informed vs. a thoughtless, habitual reaction, is another consideration. The extent I have invested something into the choice portends the extent of my adherence with it, the degree I am committed to it.

The final consideration is, do I take the necessary steps to make as sure as I can that all my thoughts, words and actions are consistent with what I have chosen? This is a serious question and requires a serious response!

There is an energetic and joy-filled Charismatic song that reminds me of all this, and it helps me. The words are, “I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”

Perhaps we can incorporate it into our daily prayers so that we can hear ourselves making again a commitment, a choice. “I have decided to follow Jesus,” I have decided to seek and proclaim by my life, His truth.

“No turning back, no turning back!”

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 25, 2006
Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Proverbs 3:27-34
Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
Luke 8:16-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once. (Proverbs 3:28)

Today's readings are about grace, gratitude and generosity--the three elements that make up the spiritual cycle that draws our lives ever-closer to God. Whether we recognise it or not, we are all beneficiaries of God's grace. Grace is the steadfast love and loyalty, the mercy and the kindness, the goodness that emanates from God to all of us. It was grace at work when God created the world and everything in it.

What then is our response to God's grace? If we have a state of mind that sees God in everything as evidence of His great and abundant love for us, grace then manifests itself in the form of a thankful heart. A life lived in gratitude enables us to see God's grace all around us and enables us to experience the joys of contentment, peace and abundance in our everyday lives.

Giving of ourselves, our money, our talents and especially our time, are necessary aspects of a loving and grateful response to God's grace. In so doing we pay forward our gratitude for the love and the blessings we receive from God by enabling others to experience His abundant and steadfast love for us.

- Anne

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 24, 2006
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
Psalm 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8
James 3:16—4:3
Mark 9:30-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

If a preacher this Sunday were to look for an image to bring with him for “show and tell," it might be the green-eyed monster named ENVY. In the first reading, the power people are plotting to get rid of a Holy One who is exposing their evil. Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us. Like corrupt back room politicians, they are saying, he’s a pain! Get rid of him! They plot to torture him, and eventually kill him! Of course, the just one wins out in the end since, in his wisdom, he is following the way that leads to eternal life.

In the second reading for this week, St. James warns the early Christians to avoid self-seeking, envy, and pleasure as an end in itself. This only leads to dissension, quarreling, and war. The true follower of Jesus will seek that wisdom that leads to peace.

But what is this “wisdom” that guides us away from the evils of envy, selfishness, and strife? In the Gospel, the disciples of Jesus are so busy arguing about which one is going to be greater in the Kingdom that they really miss what Jesus is trying to tell them—even as He is preparing to enter his Passion—that wisdom is found in serving others. The disciples were unable to understand this teaching, so Jesus gives them an object lesson. Placing a small child in the middle of the group, he declares that the trust and love they see in the eyes of this little one must be found in the hearts of all who would follow Him.

As we think about that dramatic teaching of Jesus, we realize how far we are from being truly childlike. Our Holy Father, speaking in Germany last week, said that “we are no longer able to hear God; there are too many frequencies filling our ears.” If we cannot hear the truth of His Wisdom, how can our hearts embrace it with joy and live it simply in childlike trust? May we silence our ambitions, our dissensions, and the clamor of a fearful world this week, and listen to God’s Wisdom. In so doing, we’re taking a big step toward peace.

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 23, 2006
Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49
Psalm 56:10c-12, 13-14
Luke 8:4-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Bear fruit through perseverance . . . ."

At times in our spiritual lives, we have probably been all the different kinds of seeds the Lord describes. We hear the Word and it dries up within us, not given time to sprout and grow and flourish. We hear the word and the worries of the day, week, month, year--all rush in to choke out any hope, any light it may give us. You hear the Word; and then with many doubts, fears, and misgivings about our understanding, the Devil swoops in and takes the Word away from us.

But ultimately, if we are faithful in attending Mass, and faithful to the Lord, even if we pass through these times, He is a good Shepherd and Keeper of a great vineyard. He knows just how to weed and prune and nurture. If we wait in patience, knowing that what is happening now is not the best, the Lord will come and help us. His Holy Spirit will move within us and the Word will come alive. We will hear the song the Spirit sings to Father and Son, and we will be saved. We are loved, completely, without restraint. If we persevere, continuing despite our misgivings, we will bear fruit in joy.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 22, 2006
The Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"If for this life only we have hoped in Christ,
we are the most pitiable people of all." (1 Corinthians 15:19)

St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians goes to the very heart of Christ's mission, to fully reveal God's purpose in creating humanity. Simply put, God, being love, made us to share in His blessed life by giving us both the desire, and in Christ, the ability to participate in His divine virtues so that we can live joyfully in the goodness and glory of God. Christ was announced by John the Baptist who awakened us to our sin that we might repent, be forgiven and restored to God's favor. Christ's death sentence dramatizes the injustice and horror human sin can unleash on an innocent person and presents us with a choice. We can continue living in self-inflicted mayhem wrought by hatred, envy, violence and greed or we can lovingly respond to God by our being cleansed of sin, dying to our self-will and living in obedience to His divine Word. Choosing the latter, we begin living in Christ, making His resurrection life visible, "working out our salvation" through our genuine love for one another.

Though our participation in God's life begins on earth, it extends beyond the now, into eternity. It is this point that Paul vehemently defends in the above quotation. Because God's love for man is infinite and everlasting, He has given each of us an immortal soul and spirit that we may live eternally in union with Him. After our physical body perishes we can look forward to being raised again "on the last day" in new spiritual bodies. Disbelief in this is like saying Christ was a liar who falsely and cruelly raised human hope. It also destroys the worth, meaning and purpose of human life and makes of us a cosmic hoax, the product of a mindless, heartless, succession of random events destined only to end in the grave.

Let us say, for the purpose of silencing the hard core atheists among us, that a brilliant scientist has uncovered irrefutable facts disproving the existence of God and life beyond death. What then would be the reaction of those who still insist on remaining "believers?” We would simply say that for us Christianity has proven to be a truly wonderful way to live.

O Creator of all, make us to serve You with all our heart. You are our source of the dignity given to those who are poor in spirit, who live in abandonment to Your love. Amen.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 21, 2006
Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

There is a saying that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." We see this in the readings of today. In the first reading from Ephesians we are presented with the "glue," the means by which we can pull and hold the circle, namely humanity, together. We are told to "live in peace and gentleness, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit." (see Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13)

Love conquers all.

Christ shows us how to do this in our own lives as He depicts how we are to reach out to the disenfranchised, the tax collectors and sinners of His day. In the first reading, the phrase is used that we are "to preserve the unity of the Spirit." The question could be raised as to why these people were disenfranchised. Did they separate themselves from the mainstream community by their behavior, or did they behave the way they did because we disenfranchised them first? That question remains to this day.

Christ cut through all of that theorizing and chose instead to sit down to the table and dine with them as one, much as He does when He calls us to the table of the Eucharist. Christ urges us to reach out with mercy and love, just as He has done with each of us.

"O Lord, have mercy on us!"

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr
and St Paul Chong Hasang, martyr
and their companions, martyrs

Readings from the Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22
Luke 7:31-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Almost thirty years ago my wife and I bought what became our family home. We were young and just starting a family and a life together and we wanted to celebrate by having all our friends and families over to the new house. We worked together for days cooking, cleaning and calling to invite our friends and relatives. When the evening for our party came we had tables of food and the best drinks possible. Only two people showed up. We were devastated. It was not all the food that bothered us as that would be eaten over the following days and unopened bottles of drinks would keep forever. Our disappointment came in, what seemed to us, our friends' and family members' lack of desire to celebrate our happiness with us.

In today's gospel reading, Jesus points out that He, and John the Baptist before Him, brought the Good News and were met with a lukewarm response. Jesus brought a message of love, joy and eternal salvation that many flatly ignored. While our housewarming celebration cannot compare to the “celebration” that Jesus brought, the response of those invited was the same. Perhaps this is human nature?

I know that there are times when my response to my Lord's invitation is nonexistent or lukewarm, and I am certain this is the case for many other Christians. My prayer is that when the Lord calls me, He also prods me a bit into hearing His word, to move me into action and respond as I should, not as I sometimes do (or don't do).

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Januarius, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a
Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
Luke 7:11-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today’s Gospel we see a side of Jesus that reveals His sensitivity toward those who suffer and mourn. It is a story about how Jesus came upon the funeral procession of a young man, the only son of the widow of Naim. The Gospel story gives us no information about Jesus having any real acquaintance with the widow and we get the impression that He just happened upon the scene.

In our own experiences, we may, like Jesus, suddenly witness the suffering of a stranger, but most of us would probably admit that we are only briefly moved by seeing the sadness and loss of others.

We see with Jesus that was not the case. He is never just casually touched, but always profoundly touched. He doesn’t pass by as if another’s sadness has nothing to do with Him, but responds instead, like it has everything to do with Him.

“Do not cry,” He tells the sorrowing mother and then extends His healing hand and revives what was lost and dead.

This is what we need to remember, that it is always that way with Jesus. No moment of sadness goes unnoticed, no moment of trial unappreciated or unattended.

Let us pray. Please Lord, give us faith that we may always trust in Your caring presence. Let my often-deaf and inattentive ears hear, as the grieving widow of Naim heard your loving voice, bidding us not to cry, but to believe. Amen.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 18, 2006
Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17
Luke 7:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's readings we ponder on the very celebration of the Lord's Supper at Mass. We come to celebrate the Eucharist at Mass, but at what state of mind and body do we enter into this Feast? Do we come after sinful acts, and do we judge others who are present with condescending thoughts? Or do we try to prepare ourselves and enter into holiness in order to receive Jesus rightfully? "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body (of Christ), eats and drinks judgment on himself." (Corinthians 11:29) We as the people of the Lord should mentally, spiritually, and physically internalize the meaning of His death in order to prepare to receive Him.

The Gospel reading of Luke extends the essential need for interior preparation when receiving Jesus' body and blood in the Eucharist. The centurion deeply valued and stressed that Jesus is Lord and Master over him, as he is over his slaves. He has such great faith that he humbled himself before Jesus as a sign of love and gratitude.

We, as Jesus' followers, must humble ourselves before Him in the Eucharist. He is our Lord and Saviour. Entering into a humbled state prepares us to receive Jesus as our Lord and strength; ". . . I did not consider myself worthy to come to you, but say the word and let my servant be healed." (Luke 7:7) In receiving Jesus, we, as humble servants, are healed of our spiritual and physical infirmities.

- Alicia

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 17, 2006
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 50:5-9a
Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We are in the “golden” season of richly-colored leaves, soft yellows and dusky reds--a favorite season for many people. With all the beauty that surrounds us, it’s a bit shocking to listen to Isaiah’s prophecy about the Suffering Servant in today’s first reading. It forces us to remember the Passion, as Jesus is mocked and spit upon by the soldiers. All the evil of the ages was unleashed against the innocence and goodness of Jesus. And that includes the hatred behind the terrorism and atrocities of all kinds in our world today. We are invited to prayer and works of love and atonement as our response.

The letter of James urges us further to put our love into action, for “faith without works is dead.” Would we tell a hungry person, shivering with cold, to “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well”? We could laugh at the absurdity of it all, was it not so outrageous. “So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Probably the question Jesus asks in today’s Gospel is the most challenging we will ever hear! “But who do you say that I am?” It silenced them. Only the inspiration of the Spirit of God gave Peter the right answer: You are the Christ! That meant that Jesus was the One they had been waiting for through all the long centuries. Now, when Jesus asks us this question, he’s not looking for a “catechism” answer, He wants to know what our heart is telling us. Is He the center of our life, the reason for our joy? Is His word the basis for all our decisions, and does it occur to us to check with Him as we would with our best friend?

Then Jesus puts His followers to the acid test. Remember, He’s talking to us also. If we’ve answered that big question in the first part of the Gospel well (and can honestly say “yes” to all of the above), then we won’t have any problem taking up our cross each morning and following Him. We’ll understand that losing our life for Him really means finding it.

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 16, 2006
Saturday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Cornelius, pope and martyr
St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Every tree is judged by its fruit . . . ."

Certainly there is an element of judgment explicit in the words of Jesus today. But there is also an element that, while not implicit, is rather hidden, and it nicely complements the epistle.

Jesus continues to say, "For people do not pick figs from thorn bushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles." There is a comparison here of "good plants" and "useless plants"--figs and thorn bushes, grapes and brambles. A good tree will have good fruit--not so a tree that is not.

However, also here is the mention of several kinds of fruit. Our Lord's message here is that there are two forms of judgment--the general--did you produce good fruit according to the general rules, and the particular--did you produce the fruit of the bush you were. Because one does not pluck grapes from fig trees any more than one does from brambles.

If we are grapes, we should not long to be figs. If figs, we shouldn't try to reform ourselves into dates. If dates, we shouldn't look to become oranges. Our tendencies in the spiritual life are to look for gifts we do not have. As a result we weaken ourselves and the particular gifts God gave us to strengthen the Body.

So, if a grape, be a grape, contentedly knowing with absolutely surety that this is where God has placed you. If you serve in soup kitchens and do it well, do not lament that you aren't cloistered. If you are stuck at home, unable to get out, do not lament that you cannot advise at abortion clinics. Be whom God made you to be. Rejoice in your gifts; cultivate the particular fruit God had blessed you with.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 15, 2006
The Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Our Lady of Sorrows

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27
Psalm 84:3-6, 12
John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"And from that hour the disciple [John] took her [Jesus' mother] into his home."
(See John 19:27)

One of my dear sisters in Christ recently expressed sadness that events in the world show relatively few being touched by God's Word. Like many, she mourns that God's life-giving salvation continues to be ignored or rejected, that entire nations prefer living in a perpetual state of hatred and war rather than in obedience to our peace-giving Creator. Ignorance, wrong teaching and bad example are some causes, but I once heard a young woman say she would reject any religion that called her a sinner. The fact is that sin renders us blind, incapable of realizing that the world's misery is caused by our sin. Paul tells us the blame must be shared even by those who consider themselves redeemed by Christ. Often they become judgmental or condescending, quite forgetting that it is purely a work of God's grace that keeps them from falling into "the pit." Those sincerely desiring to improve this world's situation should begin by cultivating the humility needed to "clean up their own acts."

Today's Gospel readings assert that people are not created to live in personal vacuums, that how we live affects our relationship with others and with God. The answer to the Biblical question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" is a resounding "Yes!" The poet John Donne also put it perfectly when he wrote, "No man is an island unto himself." What affects one of us affects the entire planet. If we demean or despise one life, we demean and despise all of humanity and God Who is its Creator. That Jesus is a sign that continues to be contradicted by the world caused not only His own and His mother's suffering but also perpetuates the suffering of all mankind. The power to bring heaven or hell to earth is ours.

Christ, our Life, continue to pour out Your mercy on us sinners. Employ whatever means will awaken us to our sin and our inability to change apart from Your grace. Amen.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 14, 2006
Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 21:4b-9
Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Life is like looking through a prism. Sometimes things look one way, and at another time, at a different age, things appear another way. Reading scripture is much the same.

Today we turn our attention to the beautiful feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We usually appreciate that Christ, the New Adam, died for our salvation on the cross. How often do we reflect on the fact that Christ was demonstrating that we always need to be obedient? Christ was obedient to the Father even to the point of death.

We might say, “oh yes, but He was God” and I am just a human. Christ loved His human status. His favorite description of Himself was "Son of Man." While we might elevate our status, to seem more than we really are, Christ was always humble, loving the nature that is ours.

This awesome feast might be an occasion for us to reflect on our own spirit of obedience. Are we self-driven, or do we turn often and prayerfully to the Holy Spirit for guidance in how we live our God-given lives?

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Readings from the Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 7:25-31
Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17
Luke 6:20-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The old cliché says, “Good things come to those who wait.” The thing is, many times I find this cliché hard to believe. For instance, when I am waiting in line at the bank, waiting for a colleague to complete part of a large project so we can move ahead, or waiting for word that I have gotten the new job I applied for. In these instances I have found that the waiting, or what follows it–usually unwelcome news–is not all that good.

In hearing today’s gospel I also find it hard to find the good in poverty, hunger, crying and persecution. These seem to be things that we should cure and tackle head-on to eliminate suffering in our world, and in many cases we DO that. But here is where the old cliché comes back into play. Our Lord promises that good things will come, and for all eternity in his kingdom.

The beatitudes are difficult to understand and I admit that I sometimes struggle with them. But I know for certain that the Lord’s promises are true and in times of pain we can be sure that a better future awaits us.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
The Most Holy Name of Mary (new)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians Cor 6:1-11
Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
Luke 6:12-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Sometimes the words of Holy Scripture are so simple that it’s hard to believe that anyone who heard or read them wouldn’t understand exactly what was being said. Such is the case in today’s first reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians. He says, “Can you not realize that the unholy will not fall heir to the kingdom of God?” What is there not to understand about that except that we live in such convoluted times that some would dare to say, "It depends on what the meaning of 'unholy' is or what 'is,' is"?

So we’re faced with tricky maneuverings, misleading language and a myriad of other devilish manipulations all in an effort to lead us away from what we know in our heart of hearts is right. If we are not careful, we can be easily duped and foiled and outsmarted--all in an effort to mask what is evil by some collective relativism that accepts unholiness as the norm.

This is serious, and something any one of us can fall prey to--unless we surround ourselves with good people, good reading material, good use of our time, be it at work or leisure, and finally by having Jesus Christ as our constant companion and friend. By comparison to Jesus’ behavior, we’ll be able to judge rightly what is holy and what is not. It will not be a matter of anything as stupid as what the meaning of the word, is, is, but a matter of obvious and undeniable truth.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 11, 2006
Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

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

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus physically heals many of the sick. He even resurrected Lazarus from the dead. Yet Jesus didn't heal everyone. Even today there are many who despite their faithfulness to God and His Holy Will suffer greatly. Pope John Paul II was such an example.

Why do we physically suffer so? Is God truly trying to help us when we are physically ill? Saint Paul explains it clearly in his letter to the Corinthians when he told them what to do with a sinful man ". . . you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of his flesh so that his spirit may be saved . . . ." This is exactly what Jesus was trying to teach the Pharisees when He healed a man's hand. He wanted to show them that what was important wasn't appearances or reputation but the good that is done on a daily basis. That is why Jesus died on the cross and became our Paschal Lamb, the perfect sacrifice. Doing so, Jesus made sure to take care of our most important asset: our soul.

- Danielle

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 10, 2006
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

This coming Monday marks the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attack on Americans. The fear and insecurity that were created that day has left our minds and hearts scarred and vulnerable. Thank God that this Sunday’s readings are filled with assurances that, once again, our land and our people will prosper and rejoice at the lavish blessings that will come to us.

In the first reading, Isaiah tells us that life will spring forth from the desert. It will bloom with fresh beauty, and the pools and springs will again overflow with refreshing water. What do we need to do? God tells us to strengthen our weak hands, and make firm our feeble knees. Good advice! Furthermore, we are to encourage one another with words like Be brave! Fear not! In other words, we are to rebuild the “ground zeros” in our lives left barren of hope and courage.

Fear can paralyze, causing our hearts to wither, and our souls to selfishly clutch our possessions to ourselves, not sharing with those who are poor and destitute. In Isaiah and in James, we are warned of God’s punishment on narrow and exclusive behavior. If we “kowtow” to the rich and powerful, and ignore and insult the poor man, God will exclude us from the kingdom.

In the Gospel, Jesus shows us the way to openness in sharing. Traveling into non-Jewish territory and, much to the astonishment of His disciples, He heals some gentiles. These, in turn, exclaim in wonder, “He does all things well; He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak!”

This weekend, we beg Christ to open our eyes and ears to His message: “Be brave. Be courageous, be impartial in sharing your possessions, especially the Good News.”

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 9, 2006
Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 4:6b-15
Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21
Luke 6:1-5

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath . . . ."

Why should one remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy? Because Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is master of the Sabbath. He is the welcoming face and hands of our family, friends, and neighbors. He is present in the sacrament of the Altar, and His presence makes Holy what is corrupt.

Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. He is the center of the world. When we celebrate the Lord of the Sabbath, we make every day Holy. Every day becomes a Sabbath when we celebrate the Lord of that Holy Day.

How do we celebrate? Daily Mass, if it is possible for us; Liturgy of the Hours, the fixed prayer of the church, our personal prayer as well; our patience persistence in loving a friend; our help for someone we don't know. We celebrate the Lord of the Sabbath whenever we do something for "one of these, the least of His brothers." Every time we abandon our own sorrows and burdens to help another person assume his, we are celebrating the Lord of the Sabbath.

Take a moment today and celebrate the Lord of the Sabbath--make this day Holy and build on it--one Holy day at a time.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 8, 2006
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Micah 5:1-4a
Psalm 13:6ab, 6c
Matthew 18-23 or 1:18-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"A virgin will bear a son and they shall name him Emmanuel, God is with us." (Mt. 1:23)

Today's readings affirm the value of human life, for if we dismiss the Bible as fiction, we reduce ourselves to being a mindless, purposeless and calamitous accident of nature. In God alone, through Christ and His Spirit, can we claim any worth or reason for being. That a Creator God sent us His Son in human flesh to be offered as a final and perfect sacrifice for the remission of our sin reveals that we are far more than physical, animal-like creatures whose only purpose is the survival of our species.

It is a recorded fact that all of humanity has intimations that our beings have a spiritual and eternal dimension that draws us to establishing a relationship with an Almighty Power--God. We sense also that apart from Him, we cannot achieve the fullness of our humanity. Mankind values and strives toward such concepts as truth, love, justice, peace, mercy, generosity, etc. but eventually realizes after eons of destruction that without the wisdom and aid of a higher power we doom ourselves to living in hatred, pride, violence and greed, inevitably leading us into wars.

Despite, and perhaps because of man's vicious thoughts and actions, Scripture assures us that God, Emmanuel, is always with us. His love and truth personified in Christ ever draws us to become progressively more like Him through obedience to God's Word made possible through the power of His Holy Spirit. Matthew's genealogy shows that Jesus in His human flesh is descended from David's royal line. Note, however, that four women are included in Christ's lineage. Two were not Israelites: Rachel was from Canna and a harlot, and Ruth was a Moabite; Thamar and Bathsheba were both adulterers.* Their inclusion in His human family implies that Christ is the universal Savior who calls everyone to Himself. All who approach Him in repentance, seeking forgiveness of sin and the grace to live in God's Holy Word will be welcomed into His kingdom.

O Christ, Source of all Good, imbue us with the knowledge that in having humbled Yourself by sharing in our humanity, you make it possible for us to participate in Your divinity. Amen.

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

*Editor's Note: Some Biblical commentaries about the first four women mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy indicate they all were probably foreigners, something that portends that the Good News was meant for everyone. They were not those of Israel’s female heroines like Esther or Deborah, but of four women associated with impropriety, be it actual or contrived, and stand in contrast to the person of Mary, the fifth woman in the genealogy, who we know was pure, sinless and full of grace and conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit and virginally gave birth to Jesus our Lord.

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, September 7, 2006
Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Luke 5:1-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

A person might find the themes of the readings for today a bit confusing and/or disheartening, but the lessons to be learned are of special significance. All of us have been gifted special talents by God, and most people try to develop those talents as a means of earnng a living and to help others. We see that with the fishermen in the gospel. Simon and the disciples had been up all night "working hard" as Simon Peter stated, trying to catch some fish, but to no avail! Then Christ asked Simon to lower the nets in a certain spot and they caught so many fish that the nets were breaking. (see Luke 5:1-11)

What is the lesson here? We can turn to the first reading for help. Here we learn that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God!" (see: 1 Cor. 3:18-23) This is reinforced in today's Psalm 24: "To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it."

We do not own our talents. We are merely, but importantly, stewards of our body. We can do nothing of lasting value ourselves, but oh so much more if we work to develop our talents and let God work through us for the betterment of the Kingdom! It requires an ongoing, day to day commitment, based on a strong faith! (Faith is the key element here!) Only then can things happen that are of a lasting value!

"Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven!"

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Readings from the Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Psalm 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21
Luke 4:38-44

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Some time ago I was involved in a very interesting conversation that went like this. It was early evening and I was at the gym for some exercise after work. Over the years a small group of professional men such as myself had developed a friendship just by being there at the same time each day. One of the other men in our group was a physician I worked with and had known for some time. Between exercises one of our group asked our physician friend if he saw many patients complaining of stress-related ailments. “More than you would believe” he responded, “This seems to be the new epidemic these days.”

The man asked the physician, “What do you do for this?”

To which our physician friend answered, “I usually find that prayer works well.” What a profound statement! Our friend was no doubt asking for a new pill for his stress and what he was told was that the cure actually exists in an the age-old practice of prayer.

As we learn in today’s gospel, the masses flocked to Jesus wherever they could find him. They looked for healing and comfort in a world full of ailments. It should be no different for us today as we can find Jesus in His usual place, ready to help us regardless of any other demands people are making on Him.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 5, 2006
Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 2:10b-16
Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
Luke 4:31-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today’s readings seem to indicate the importance of humility and how true humility leads to obedience. St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) says, “True humility is knowing who we are and who God is.”

St. Paul makes a point of saying that it is nothing of himself that he preaches, but the wisdom that comes from God. The Psalmist speaks of how wise he is to avoid evil and thus overcome his enemies, how he has more understanding than his teachers and more discernment than the elders. If one wasn’t discerning they might wrongly think that he was being boastful and fail to understand that his great advantages are not of his own doing, but gifts from a loving God who he is determined to follow and serve.

In the Gospel, Jesus continues this theme of humble obedience and proclaims that He is the one that was sent, blessed and favored by God. Those who were not humble could not accept that this simple-appearing carpenter’s son was the longed-for Messiah. Instead, they stubbornly clung to their own concepts and refused to be enlightened.

The question for us then, becomes, “How do I measure up when it comes to humility? Am I all puffed up by my own seeming self-importance and the clever things I might accomplish?” If this is so, then sooner or later the truth of self--who I am and who I am not--and greater still, who God is, will come into focus, or more likely hit me between the eyes.

For my own good, God grant that it might come sooner than later so that no more time is wasted, no more self-deceptions are perpetuated and nothing less than praise of You be in my heart and on my lips.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 4, 2006
Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102
Luke 4:16-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"And Jesus said, 'Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.'" (Luke 4:24)

What is it that is holding you back? Is there some small voice inside telling you than you can never be the person God created you to be or do the thing that God is calling you to do? In today's Gospel, we learn how it’s part of human nature to place limits on ourselves and others. To those who knew Jesus in Nazareth–-those who thought they knew him best--He was just the carpenter Joseph's son and nothing more. But those voices did not form the foundation of Christ's mission on Earth. Instead, Jesus listened to His Father's voice calling Him His beloved Son. (Luke 3:21-22)

Isn't it time that we too claimed our baptismal birthright as God's beloved children? And as Christ fearlessly did--liberate ourselves from the restrictions and assumptions that others may try to impose on our abilities and possibilities? All that really matters is that to the God who created us, we are limitless, powerful, precious and loved!

The entire bible--our Christian legacy--is a testament that everything is possible (in God) for those who are faithful. Today, let's look inside to the places where we have underestimated ourselves, and denied the power of the Spirit of God within us--to the times where we have alienated ourselves through a lack of faith. And then let us joyfully open our hearts and our minds, and allow His voice to drown out all others in our lives. And let us confidently enter into the temple of the Presence of God within us, for it is He to whom we belong.

- Anne
anne97 at gmail dot com

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 3, 2006
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Our readings this week are all about fulfilling the Law from the heart, and avoiding legalism in our religious observance. The Epistle of James tells us that we must be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. It’s not enough just to listen to the Scriptures, we must also live them. Show me your works, James says, and I’ll show you the truth of my faith that motivates my works. It is a living faith that saves us. Then, Jesus in the Gospel very emphatically states that we must love the Word if we are to live it effectively. Deeds without love behind them result in mere legal observance. The Book of Deuteronomy contains the “Shema,” the two great commandments of the Law, love of God and love of neighbor. Jesus was upset with the religious leaders who added many legalisms that emphasized the letter, rather than the spirit of the law. And when the Pharisees accused His disciples of omitting the legal washing of hands before eating, Jesus points out that real filth comes, not from the outside, but from the inside of a person.

This weekend and the following Monday in both the United States of America and in Canada, we honor the dignity of work and of workers. It’s a good time for us to reflect on the obligations of both employers and employees. As a worker, do I focus on doing the best job I can, and am I doing it because I care about the quality of the results? Do I treat my fellow-workers and my employers with respect? If I am an employer, do I provide adequate health care for my employees, and do I provide time off for Sunday worship and adequate family time?

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 2, 2006
Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
Matthew 25:14-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"For to everyone who has, more will be given . . . ."

You could read this as one of the hard words of Jesus; but, there is another way to read it, a way of joy and hope.

Stop and consider for a moment, to the person who has, more will be given. Who is this person? You!

No, don't look around at the others in the audience, it's you! You have the great gifts of baptism, confirmation, and communion. How much more can you ask for? You have the weekly or daily gift of Jesus Christ Himself. What more is there? You have the grace of God and His Holy Spirit. What more is there to have?

You have been given much, and being obedient to the much you have been given, more will come to you. It is simply obedience. As you grow in faith, as you move toward God, you will grow more and move faster. Your prayer will form into action--you will come to love God's people and to have a passion for souls like that of St. Therese who hungered that all might know God.

That is you! You may think your faith is weak, and it is--but the faith of Jesus Christ who dwells within you, who shares His body as food, is strong and will bear you up and bring you home.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 1, 2006
Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 1:17-25
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11
Matthew 25:1-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Stay awake for you know neither the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:13)

Today's readings describe problems in the early Church that are still present today. Paul was distressed by Christians in Corinth who had formed factions, each allied with one particular evangelist--Paul, Appollos or Kephas. Presently, we see the faithful being drawn to a wide range of teachings ranging from orthodoxy, total faithfulness to Church dogma, to the more liberal belief of doing what is expedient, what "feels" right or is in harmony with secular values.

Paul reminds them that there is only one Faith based upon Christ's death on the cross and the promise of new life gained for us through His resurrection. Present teachings often fail to make clear that our death to sin must precede any hope of our living the resurrection life of Christ. It seems our clergy has developed a phobia of mentioning sin, fearing that they will drive people away through the negative idea of self-denial.

Today's Gospel enlarges on the theme of unity by adding that the Christian life should also be one of constant preparedness for the second coming of Christ. Unlike the five virgins who lived in the light of Christ, the foolish virgins in His parable became lax in how they lived, allowed their inner fire to be extinguished. Christian values and virtues do place demands on us and are in conflict with the "easy" ways preferred by sinful humanity.

Relatively few take Jesus seriously when He tells us that we also are to be the light of the world, on fire with His love. Some fear being thought different or peculiar. Others think that they will wait to live better lives "tomorrow," not realizing that they may not have a tomorrow. The list of reasons for disobedience is endless. Christ is the bridegroom of the Church, and on "that day" of His return, He will gather only the faithful to participate in His nuptials, to join in celebration with Him our entrance into His holy kingdom.

O Blessed Lord, infuse our minds and hearts with the fact that we were created to be holy as our Father is holy, through obedience to You, Christ, His One true and eternal Word. Amen.

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

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
(free signup in sidebar)
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life