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 20061113
The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Tuesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Psalm 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29
Luke 17:7-10
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
To what extent do Gospel values permeate my behavior?
It is a question that brings me face to face with the degree of my Christian authenticity and integrity.
In the workplace I'm constantly encouraged to do my best by recalling the words of Holy Scripture that remind me that, in serving my neighbor, I'm serving God. They help me curb the natural tension that arises when I think I'm being asked to do what seems impossible and give me joy in knowing that, in trying my best, I'm pleasing the Lord.
We must utilize the Word of God to help us with the many trials of life. We should memorize and be familiar with the verses that assist us to become more Christlike and help us willingly bear the necessary burdens in life.
I, for one, love these words from today’s Gospel (see Luke 17:10) that put things in their proper perspective for me: “We are useless servants. We have done no more than our duty.” To do what is my duty with fidelity and joy, is what God expects.
This should always be my habitual attitude and response. In addition, just to make certain I don’t forget, I also like to remember that “You must never grow weary of doing what is right brothers; He whom you serve is the Lord.” (see 2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Oh, do those words ever help me! I pray they will help you too!
- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:38 AM
20061112
The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 12, 2006
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Kings 17:10-16
Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Our readings this week are most appropriate for Stewardship Sunday, since they highlight God’s generosity to those who give to God “until it hurts!" God, in turn, is even more generous than they are.
Take the poor widow, for instance, in the first reading from the first Book of Kings. Elijah, who is on the run from the wicked King Ahab, finds her out picking up sticks so she can make a fire. Elijah is hungry, and asks the woman to please make him a little cake. He soon finds out that the woman has nothing in the house except a small bit of flour and oil. It’s going to be the last meal for herself and her son before they die! Nevertheless, out of this little bit, she feeds Elijah first. He tells her that, as a reward, her oil and flour will last until the rains come again (which turns out to be a whole year!). God will not be outdone in generosity!
Mark’s Gospel narrates a really moving story about Jesus in the Temple, observing those who are putting in collection money. He’s really impressed with a poor widow who puts in two copper coins, all she has to live on. In her humility, she probably hoped that no one would see this, since there were many rich people around her putting in large sums. Far be it from Jesus to discourage the wealthy from making big donations! He’s merely pointing out how more admirable is sacrificial giving than just giving from what one has left over!
Jesus had a soft spot in his heart for widows. They were the most vulnerable people in the society of his time, for there was no “social security” of any kind, and no husband to protect and provide for them. He has just finished a scorching condemnation of the religious authorities for their insensitivity to the plight of these widows. Instead of helping them, they were taking away what little they had through unbearable temple taxes.
God approves of sacrificial giving. How good are we at this kind of generosity? This includes adjusting our schedules to help some person or cause in need of our time and talent.
Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:34 AM
20061111
The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 11, 2006
Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin of Tours, bishop
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 4:10-19
Psalm 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a and 9
Luke 16:9-15
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
"Who can be trusted in very small matters may be trusted in great . . . ."
As you were growing up, your parents gave you tasks to do. At first they were small--carry this from here to there, make your bed, take out the garbage. But eventually they became larger, "Could you go out to the store for me . . . ." When we showed ourselves faithful and trustworthy in the little things, our privileges grew and the tasks required of us grew.
Had we shown ourselves untrustworthy or incapable in these little things, the tasks would always have remained small. So the Lord teaches us today. We are entrusted with small matters at first, with perishable wealth and matters that are not of any importance. If we show ourselves capable of using them and employing them properly, we will be entrusted with great matters, with the matters of Saints.
And so, work hard, pray hard. Allow the Holy Spirit to carry the burden, and you will show yourself trustworthy in small matters. The time will come when the Lord will ask you to help in great ones.
- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:17 AM
20061110
The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 10, 2006
The Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
St. Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 3:17--4:1
Psalm 122:1-5
Luke 16:1-8
A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .
"For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of the light." (Luke 16:8)
Today's reading contrasts the spiritual with the material life. St. Paul declares that Christians are called primarily to conduct themselves as people of God being transformed in the image of Christ through their exercising His self-giving love. Rather than miring themselves in earthly pursuits and passing pleasures, they are to become fit to live eternally with our all-holy God. This does not mean that they must reject enjoying this world's God-given blessings, but only that these should not become their "gods," their major pursuits. Human life is intended to reach its fulfillment in Christ who will on the last day change these lowly bodies to conform to His own glorified body and so join Him in eternity.
Our Gospel narrates the firing of a steward who squandered his master's riches. In the world's view, the master rightly seeks multiplying rather than dissipating his assets. In the Spirit's view it suggests that though God is an ample provider, He expects His stewards (that’s us) to use both material and spiritual riches wisely, neither hoarding nor wasting them. In Jesus' time, usury, charging interest on loans, was forbidden, but the steward used a loophole in the system. He enriched himself by charging buyers of his master's goods for more than they actually received. Now facing unemployment, the steward reversed his tactics; he befriended debtors by rewriting their promissory notes for the correct amounts.
Ironically, the worldly-minded former employer now praises the steward for ingratiating himself with debtors, cultivating potentially helpful friends as he seeks a new job. In this world's materialistic viewpoint, cleverness wins over honesty. Spiritually speaking, it appears that sinful humans can be driven to honesty only if it works to their advantage.
O Sanctifying Spirit, cleanse our minds of worldly selfishness and remove all guile from our hearts, that we may clearly reflect the goodness of Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen
- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 6:26 AM
20061109
The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 9, 2006
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Reading I: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
John 2:13-22
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Throughout history, the world has shown respect toward the houses of worship, the house of God. It is considered a tragedy of significance for instance when a church, mosque or temple is bombed or plundered in wartime.
Today's scriptural readings focus on the reality that we are temples of God, a fact that can be forgotten as we move through the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. The reading from Corinthians reminds us that we are to continue building ourselves and others into the city of God. (1 Corinthians 3:9c-11)
God gives us free will to choose those "building materials," to choose materials that are appropriate or otherwise! What a wonderful world it would be if we all fully realized this responsibility! For instance, what clothing would we select each day to adorn this temple of God? How would we carry ourselves, how would we sit or speak with others? Regarding our senses, what would we look at—to allow into this temple? What would we listen to—as musical background for the temple? The considerations are endless! What a responsibility, but how better to use this precious time of ours!
- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:22 AM
20061108
The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings from the Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 2:12-18
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Luke 14:25-33
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
In recent weeks our gospel readings have dealt much with what it takes to follow Jesus. A recurring theme has been sacrifice and how one must be willing to make sacrifices to be a true follower of the Lord. In today’s gospel, Jesus delivers the same message, but in some of the strongest language we have yet heard.
When one first hears our Lord say that we must hate our mother and father, wife, children and families to be His disciples, many are shocked. “This is just too harsh,” many might say. Then, the next line seems even worse–we must hate our very lives! No doubt, many that heard these words turned and walked away, thinking the sacrifices were too much.
Did Jesus really mean we should hate our parents, in contradiction with the laws of Moses? Did Jesus really mean that we should hate our lives, while He loved every life he encountered? Perhaps, but the message is much deeper than this. Jesus wanted His followers to realize that the reward–the pearl of great price–was of such value that we must be willing to sacrifice all for it. He also wants His followers to realize that their lives are in constant need of change and conversion and we should hate our sinful selves and strive for holiness. Finally, He knows that material belongings can quickly become idols, drawing our attention away from Him.
Yes, the demands are great, but so is the ending. Jesus was very up front in saying that following Him was not easy, but nothing that is worth having is gained without sacrifice.
- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:29 AM
20061107
The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Tuesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 2:5-11
Psalm 22:26b-27, 28-30ab, 30e, 31-32
Luke 14:15-24
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
In today’s Gospel we hear about the man who prepared a large dinner and invited many guests. When dinner was to begin, many of them began to make excuses about why they suddenly were unable to come.
The excuses that were given tell us a lot about human nature and hopefully allow us an opportunity to reflect on how we, in our own way, are often like the invited guests and make excuses for not accepting the Lord’s invitation to be in His presence.
Like the “no show” dinner guests, do we value the accumulation of possessions more than obtaining greater virtue . . . and do we value human relationships rather than those that guarantee us heaven?
Our answers should startle us if they are in the affirmative, especially when we hear that those who were invited and chose instead not to come “will not taste a morsel” of the heavenly banquet that the Lord has prepared.
Let us not remain foolish, but pray for wisdom to “number rightly, our days.” In other words let us get things straight, our priorities in order and stop flirting with the loss of heaven, “eternal disaster” as Fr. Thomas Dubay so aptly describes it.
- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:06 AM
20061106
Dear friends, visitors and RSS'ers:
I have received some encouraging comments from several viewers of this weblog and will try to continue posting it as long as possible. Comments and suggestions will be appreciated, so please email me at any time. My email address is located in the left-side column below.
Thanks for your continued interest and prayers.
May God bless you!
- Joachim, OCDS
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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, November 6, 2006
Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 2:1-4
Psalm 131:1bcde, 2, 3
Luke 14:12-14
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Jesus calls us to invite the needy to our banquet table. His message doesn’t discourage us from welcoming friends, family and wealthy neighbors, but asks that we bear in mind our intentions. It’s against human nature to give lavishly without looking for repayment. But Jesus insists that we give without expectations. How do we do that?
Perhaps we can start by practicing generosity toward those with no means of reciprocation. Consider the young lady in prison without loved ones to send money for an occasional luxury such as a soda or bag of chips. The retired nun on a small income, standing in the grocery checkout line. The father of nine, longing to take all of his children to a ballgame, but can’t afford one ticket. The poor beggar with nothing but her clothes and unassuming nature. We may find it’s easier to give without the prospect of receiving, when we give to such persons.
But something wonderful happens to us when we give of ourselves to the least of these. Jesus rewards us by bringing joy to our hearts. We become the needy ones; constantly looking for opportunities to encourage, until giving becomes a beautiful habit. Jesus’ gifts also begin to increase, as we find ourselves offering our support to the poor and affluent alike, with no expectation of receiving. Ultimately, we find ourselves longing to be like Him in love, and sharing that love with everyone.
So, as we enter this beautiful season of giving, let us be generous with all our brothers and sisters and recognize that our repayment comes from God alone. Our most precious reimbursement . . . His amazing grace.
Elizabeth A. Tichvon
(elizabethtichvon at comcast dot net)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:18 AM
20061105
Dear friends, regular visitors, RSS'ers, and first-time bloggers:
Unless there is an overwhelming response to dissuade me, I will be discontinuing this weblog after Monday, November 6, 2006. With a great deal of regret, I will no longer post new meditations here.
Why?
The meditations already appear on our regular website. After several futile attempts at activating the comments feature on the weblog, my perception is that reposting the meditations here is simply a duplication of effort. I would like to hear from you if you have any ideas to share.
This is the last call for comments and suggestions, so please speak up now! Send an email as soon as possible to my address in the left-hand column below.
Thanks for your past interest and may God bless you!
-------------
The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 5, 2006
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28b-34
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
This Sunday’s readings are all about love. They’re so familiar that we’re in great danger of not listening to what Jesus is really saying. So let’s “dig in” to find something in them that we haven’t understood before. Our new Pope, Benedict XVI, has recently done that for us in his very first Encyclical, God is Love. In it, he tells us that love is basically a journey that combines two kinds of love—possessive love (eros) and giving love (agape). Many people consider divine love and human love to be miles apart, both in their nature and in their practice. That’s because we identify divine love with spirit and human love with flesh. We think of one as very objective and disciplined, and the other as warm and passionate. The Pope tells us not to separate them that way. The Old Testament is full of references to God’s love for Israel as warm and passionate. God’s creative love is full of mystery and power, but God’s love for people is similar to human love…therefore perfect love includes both possessive love and giving love.
Isn’t that awesome! Love is a journey in which we gradually progress from imperfect love (loving God without loving our neighbor, or loving our neighbor without loving God), to perfect love which includes both. As the Pope says, we can’t always be giving of ourselves to others. We have to “fill up” on God’s love through prayer, as well as allowing other people to love us.
That’s why Jesus insists that there are two great commandments, and not just one.
If we exclude either one of them, we will not be complete human persons as God intends us to be. This wonderful work of Pope Benedict has given me insights I did not have before. And I know I have some ways to go yet on love’s journey.
Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:28 AM
20061104
The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 4, 2006
Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Charles Borromeo, bishop
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Phil 1:18b-26
Psalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef
Luke 14:1, 7-11
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
"Do not recline at table at the place of honor . . . ."
What our Lord teaches today is probably not much a problem for most of us, but it is always a good reminder. When you go into a meeting or into any place where there will be a lot of people, don't take the place of honor. Don't sit up-front only to find that you are asked to give up your seat for another that others find more worthy.
In a certain sense this is a test of our humility, but the Lord has embedded here another message. If you are a married lay-person, do not covet the position of priest. If you are a person serving the poor, do not covet the martyrs who give their lives. Take the place the Lord has set for you.
What He does not say, but which should be understood, is that every place at this table is a place of incredible honor. To be allowed to sit at table rather than to gather the scraps given to the poor is a privilege.
So, whatever your place at table, accept it--it will be a very, very good place and it serves the people of God.
- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:21 AM
20061103
The Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 3, 2006
Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Martin de Porres, religious
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Philippians 1:1-11
Psalm 111:1-6
Luke 14:1-6
A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .
"Who among you if your son or ox falls into a cistern would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?" (Luke 14:6)
St. Paul's letter to the Philippians prompts our meditating on the purpose of prayer and helps shed light on today's Gospel. He begins with a prayer for Christ's people to grow in God's love so they may live righteously and harmoniously. Growth in God's love is mainly accomplished by prayer, a sincere opening of our empty hearts to Him who gives us the ability through sanctifying grace to love as He loves, purely, selflessly and unconditionally. Effective prayer does not depend on words; it stems from a sincere motivation to deeply know and love God and consequently to make Him known to the world by how we live.
Christ's persecution and death were caused by Israel's religious elite who dressed the part, outwardly, kept the letter of the law, followed the prescribed rituals, but were devoid of God's love. Had they known the Father, they would have recognized His Son and rejoiced in His saving words. Instead they cared more about keeping their comfortable positions and authority than they did promoting their people's spiritual good. One example of their empty and loveless sabbath rules was the one broken by Christ in today's Gospel when He saved a man in heart failure from drowning in his own bodily fluids.
Times have changed vastly, but man's heart has not. Today many slothful Christians remain ignorant of their Faith's most basic tenets and prefer listening to unspiritual but purportedly "religious" leaders whose mouths are filled with grandiose words but whose hearts are empty of the love and truth of God. They, along with our mass media, gain popularity by appealing to human pride and selfishness. Yet hope lives on, for Christ never abandons His people, nor can the truly faithful ever abandon Him.
Blessed Lord, may our lives be like rivers overflowing with Your life-giving Spirit of love and truth, that Your constant presence in this world will draw others to You. Amen
- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 5:26 AM
20061102
The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, November 2, 2006
Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Reading I: Wisdom 3:1-9
Psalm 25:6 and 7b, 17-18, 20-21
Reading II: Romans 5:5-11
John 6:37-40
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
The Church has set aside today as a time to commemorate the souls of the faithful departed. It is an act of charity to pray for the deceased and many persons do so throughout the year. It is interesting to note the tone of the day as many of us become saddened as we recall the lives of our deceased family and friends and the relationships that we once enjoyed with them. But should we really be sad?
We need to recall that grief is about us, not the deceased. Our loved ones have already “passed the test” and are—we hope—reaping their just rewards. They are much more assured of eternity in heaven than we are. They are the fortunate ones! As stated in our first reading, "The souls of the just are in the hand of God. They are in peace." (Wisdom 3:1)
While we continue to pray for our loved ones and ask for their intercession we need to keep our own eyes on the mark: our relationship with Christ. As stated in the beautiful gospel of John for today, Christ said "I will not reject anyone who comes to me.”
- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 5:39 AM
20061101
The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Solemnity of all Saints
Today is a Holyday of Obligation!
Check your local diocesan regulations,
and please read this first:
http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=1371
Readings from the Liturgy of the Word:
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12a
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Who has seen the face of God? The apostles, disciples and many others saw the face of the Lord in his human form, but who has actually seen the face of the Almighty? Moses probably was the closest to looking at Him directly while he was alive on earth. Moses was a very holy man and even he could not look directly at the glory of God. So can anyone?
The psalmist asks the same question today:
“Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in His holy place?”
He then answers his own question, “One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain.”
Who are these people? Certainly they are the saints who have gone before us, both those we know and the many countless others who remain nameless across time. These are the ones who found holiness in such a degree to stand before and gaze upon God Himself.
The psalmist promises that, “He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior.” And this is true for the saints who we recognize today and for all of us who Love God and seek His face.
- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)
____________________
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©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life
posted by joachim at 4:23 AM
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