Thursday, December 30, 2021

Dec 30 - Sixth Day of Christmas

We have two additional beautiful readings as we celebrate the days of the Octave of Christmas. Yesterday in the first reading from St. John’s letter we read about “living in love” which is the true proof of being a Christian. Today he explains that a little bit further. John told us that if we say we say we love God, but hate our brothers and sisters then we are liars. Why? Because God is found in them – so we can’t love God in one place and not in the other – it is illogical.

 

It is interesting to note that for those wanting to get to know God, reaching out to be kind to others and take an interest in them may be a first step in that regard. We know what Jesus said later, that he was to be found in the poor. This is true. Let’s have a look and see!

 

The gospel passage today reflects yesterday’s when Simeon blessed the child Jesus who was presented to him in the temple. His life’s dream was fulfilled, and now he could die a happy man.

 

Today the prophetess Anna, who also came to the temple at that time, saw Jesus and told everyone about what she saw. She had lived an extraordinary life: being married for just seven years and then as a widow until she was 84. She never left the temple and worshiped day and night! May she be an example of single-sighted devotion and attention to God who ought to be everything to us!

 

Jesus for his part returned to Galilee with his parents, to their own town of Nazareth, where he grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Dec 28 - Holy Innocents

+ The Holy Innocents were the boy children of Bethlehem and its vicinity who were put to death not because of Christ, but instead of Christ: thus, being the first New Testament persons to give their lives for him: thus making them the first martyrs of Christendom! All male children under the age of two were put to death when Herod became infuriated at being deceived by the Magi whom he sent to ascertain the whereabouts of the Child who was born King of the Jews: for he felt that his own throne was threatened by this newborn King. Anywhere from five to twenty-five children were taken from their mother’s and killed, in one account; but other accounts and observances from other rites in the Church list the number as 14,000 (in the Greek Liturgy for today), 64,000 in the Syrian Rite, and 144,000 of the Apocalyptic interpretation: [in any and every case] thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding “Rachel weeping for her children.”

 

The feast has been celebrated on this day in the West since the sixth century. They are depicted in art as children playing around God’s heavenly altar, with the crowns and palms that are their reward. They are also in a mosaic arch in the basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. In England their feast was called Childermas. They are the object of special veneration in Bethlehem where the Franciscans and children of the choir visit their altar under the Church of the Nativity and sing a hymn to their memory from the Divine Office.

 

May we always remember the sacrifices that were made by many to establish to the one true Church of Jesus Christ, beginning with the glorious martyrdom of these dear young children; may our sacrifices today on behalf of the Church and its continued spread be significant and loving, and also deserving of heavenly reward.

 

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare!

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Dec 26 - Holy Family

 + On this Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I should like to focus on the person of St. Joseph. Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Child Jesus, next Saturday we will celebrate the feast of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and of God, and so today it is fitting and proper to speak for a few moments on holy, just, good and faith-filled Joseph who was chosen by God to be the husband of Mary and foster-father of Jesus the Lord.

Joseph possessed all of the virtues of a true holy man of the faith of Abraham and the house of David. And his most outstanding virtue, along with faith, would have to be TRUST! Joseph trusted God absolutely, implicitly, unquestioningly and immediately!

In the gospel passage we hear that Joseph received news from an angel in a dream to take the child and his mother and flee into Egypt for the safety of the life of the child. Joseph did not have to question the angel at all; he awoke and did what the angel told him!

Then later, when it was safe, the prophecy: out of Egypt I called my son was fulfilled, when the angel again appeared to Joseph and told him to take his family and return to Nazareth in Galilee – to fulfill yet another prophecy: he shall be called a Nazorean – this Joseph did immediately!

It was then that Joseph became the strong earthly father figure for Jesus in his formative years in the home of Nazareth. He taught him his own carpentry trade. He with Mary taught Jesus to pray and to observe all of the dictates of the Jewish religion of which they were a part. His loving example of husband and foster-father is a great role model for all men who marry and have children. And the respect and submission that Mary and Jesus had to Joseph’s God-inspired leadership in their family was equally noteworthy.

Mary was the ideal mother and wife – who trusted God that all would work out well for her family! It would not be easy later on – but with the support of Joseph for a while, and the community of disciples of Jesus after that, she would have what she needed for the remainder of her earthly life. And it is to be noted that Jesus, as a child obeyed Joseph without question or argument!

May our family lives resemble Holy Family Life – with parents and children respecting and loving and anticipating one another in deeds of kindness and helpfulness. And may the dynamic of the marriage of Mary and Joseph, be the model for all Christian marriages – which were sanctified and sacramentalized by their own Son Jesus – where the husband cherishes and cares totally for the wife and children more easily, the more they each in turn trust in and submit to his prayer inspired, Spirit aided decisions for their welfare.

Let the peace of Christ control our hearts, all of us;

let the word of Christ dwell in us richly through FAITH and 

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Dec 7 - 2nd Week of Advent - Tuesday

Today we have repeated the magnificent Prophecy of Hope, Peace and Restoration, from last Sunday’s first reading. Isaiah is so very skilled in painting a breathtaking picture of a desire for comfort to be distributed by God himself to him wayward sheep of a people. He wants everyone to know that he would do anything to shepherd his flock tenderly, to seek out and save what is lost. He loves to carry his sheep close to his bosom so that they no longer need to feel afraid or abandoned.

 

Our gospel passage today continues that same theme: Jesus wants to be that shepherd – that very shepherd – who has as his only concern, the care of the sheep!

 

We must believe that – from the first moment of his existence Jesus was not concerned about himself – at all – but only for the “wayward sheep of the house of Israel.” (and beyond, of course) – for he came that gather all men, women and children into his arms – to protect them and love them, and lead them safely home to heaven.

 

Yes, the Lord our God comes with power – to make our lives easier, to make our lives more joyful, to make our lives more peaceful – let us be overpowered by him! (We will not be disappointed.)

Sunday, December 5, 2021

December 5 - 2nd Sunday of Advent

+ On this Second Sunday of Advent we reflect for a few moments on the motivation behind the Incarnation of Jesus: and that would be, LOVE!  Our God came to save us from certain doom and eternal separation from Him, by sending his Son who would make everything better, and in a big way – because they both loved us, unconditionally! And when that Messiah finally came, everything would have to be completely ready and prophesied to the last detail, the final prophesy being the straight-road by which he would be able to process into the history, into the lives of those who would never be the same because of his appearance.

 

This is why the mountains had to be lowered and the valleys filled in: so that the highway could be straight, smooth and inviting! “Salvation Street” could be the name of the road traveled by the Savior; a name that ought to be ever on our lips, if we are to enjoy the blessings of the one who traveled on it!

 

St. Paul tells the Philippians today that he is so happy with them because they are carrying out the good work that the Holy Spirit began in them with their baptisms: they became a truly loving people, truly possessing the great knowledge of the treasure they were entrusted with: life in Christ Jesus, the Divine Love-of-God-made-flesh! They were excited about the prospect of being blameless when Christ returns in glory! Can we share their excitement? What is the evidence on our behalf?

 

May we, in the remainder of this Advent season, contemplate often the great things that God has done for us, because his Son literally traveled down the dusty streets of a Holy Land for our benefit – so that even we today could be filled with joy and hope, knowing that God’s love for us is so large, encompassing, expansive and enduring that it will draw us safely into eternity where we belong!

 

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths,

          so that he can reach us, and we can reach him!

         

Friday, December 3, 2021

Dec 3 - 1st Week of Advent - Friday

Our specially chosen readings today have to do with “restoring sight to the blind” – restoring balance, health and well-being to the lives of those who had suffered because of their treacherous ways. God himself will restore what was broken and afflicted: eyes, ears, the lowly and the downtrodden – there is nothing God can’t fix – with a little faith and trust on our part.

 

The gospel passage reiterates the ability of Jesus to cure and heal – especially because he is the light of the world; the blindness that is symbolized in the reading is that which comes with a life lived without him – it is a very dark world; but with him – “the lights are turned on” – like the decorations at this time of year – and “all is calm, all is bright”!

 

May we today be the brightness of the little Lord Jesus today to any who might need a “miraculous moment” of healing and care – a radiant smile on our part can go a very long way! Be a happy Christian! It’s time now to “tell people about this” – the moratorium is over!

 

[The Lord is my light and my salvation.]

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Dec 2 - 1st Week of Advent - Thursday

There are two brief motifs in the readings today:  the first is that for those who trust in the Lord – really trust in him – their lives feel as secure as a strong city set up with high walls and ramparts for protection; like a nation – of those who keep faith – who are kept safe in the peace of God.

 

The gospel passage is a slight variation of that theme: those who hear God’s words and actually keeps them – are like those who build their own houses on rock – on a high mountain – safe from all intruders (rather than on the sand of worldly allure and empty promises).

 

Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” to me will end up in the kingdom: that is, not everyone who says “I am a Christian, see, I do all kinds of good deeds and go to church”! As Pope Francis said in his mass this morning: being a Christian means quietly going about the business of loving and serving others in the name of God – and not “strutting our stuff”!

 

May we not strut today – but be genuine, authentic Christians who trust in the Lord, have faith in him, and demonstrate that faith by good deeds done for love of him – this is the best way to prepare for Christmas.

 

 

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Nov 30 - 1st Week of Advent - Tuesday

Our readings today, on this second day of the Advent Weekday Season, shows us immediately the painstaking precision of the construction of the lessons during this Advent Season. These took centuries to fine-tune – and now we have a literary masterwork of Holy Scripture at our disposal to “get us in the spirit” of the season of watching and joyful expectation.

 

Jesus rejoices that his father gives everyone on earth the opportunity to peer into the mysteries of salvation, the mysteries of redemption, the mysteries of the arrival of the Messiah on earth; especially children have at their disposal what theologian have been wrestling with for years. We must be humble like children in order to learn what they learn, to know what they know – about God, about life, about salvation!

 

The Prophet Isaiah today tells us what kind of a Messiah Jesus will be: one with the Spirit of the Lord resting upon him: “a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord – and his delight will be fear of the Lord” – his delight will be his total satisfaction in being exactly who he is: Son of God, Son of Man – nothing more, nothing less.

 

It is interesting to note: that what rests on the coming Messiah is also the same Spirit that rests on us, with the same gifts on the day of our Confirmation. We too – are chosen and sent to make a difference in the world, to bring hope and light into a dark place, to bring warmth and love wherever we go.

 

May we today be steeped in the “spirit of Advent” – a season of gleaming joyful purple light of the dawn of redemption – a season of giving the peace of Christ to all we meet.

 

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.

Monday, November 29, 2021

Nov 29 - 1st Week of Advent - Monday

 At this first weekday Mass of the new Advent Season, our readings continue the wonderful theme of HOPE that was set yesterday as we lit the first Advent Candle in our Wreath and reflected on the hope that light brings to darkness: the light of Christ brings to the world.

 

The first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah expands the theme and assures us that for those who are faithful the very “glory of the Lord” – the Lord of Light and Power – will be a shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.

 

Our conscious act of faith in the forthcoming Messiah can bring the same results. And we will be able to “go rejoicing to God’s house!” – on that grand and glorious day!

 

The gospel passage is a very special one and stays with the theme: Jesus is so grateful that someone, even though he was not of the religion of Israel, had real true, genuine and authentic FAITH. And the request that was made was granted because of that faith. And, of course, this scene gives us the context of those beautiful words that we recite in our Mass right before the reception of holy communion when we say: observing the elevated Body of Christ: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant (my soul) will be healed.”

 

We are off again on another Advent adventure – watching, waiting, seeking, yearning, longing – to see the Lord Christ as He really is: may we see his face when it does indeed shine on us, this day! Amen.

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Nov 21 - Solemnity of Christ the King

Today is summation Sunday in the Catholic Church! It all comes down to Christ the Lord, Christ the King: Christ the Savior of the World! To think that the world is a random conglomeration of purposely non-interrelating parts and particles is to see things completely amiss! Everything came from One source, and it is all returning there for sure and for certain! All of creation knows this, the trees, the plants, the animals, the birds and the fish – it is the human species – with reason and free-will that seems to have the most problem getting some kind of grasp on the “larger picture” – the “major plan” – the Creator/Father’s “diary!”

 

God could have drawn us into the life of his unimagined beatitude and bliss simply, effortlessly and without a whimper from us – but he chose not to do it that way. He chose not to make us robot-like clones of his; rather, he wanted us to be graced, truly graced with his most cherished possession: personhood with freedom of will (freedom to love), and a rational mind, the ability to think and to plan the ways of our loving!

 

We were never meant to be “off on our own” in some fantasy existence apart from him! He is our Father, he is our Protector, he is our Defender and he is our Destiny! And this applies to every person on the earth. And to make this all very clear: he sent his own Son to become one of us, so that he can communicate very clearly of his love, his intentions and his plans. All we have to do is to freely love to cooperate, and cooperate freely in loving one another as he loves us!

 

The only thing that really matters for humans is “love” – we are born to love, to interact, to be instruments of peace and joy in one another’s lives – in as selfless a way as possible. [Scientific proof of this: “The Brain” on TV PBS – our brains are wired to interact with and be in relation to other brains and persons – plain and simple].

 

And so Jesus came as the fullness and richness of God to lead us home; he is therefore Lord (as Son of the Father), he is King as the central figure of all human and created history, and he is Savior of the World – as no one else could ever be qualified to do the job: God was offended by man; only a Man-God could repair the damage!

 

Today then, we hail Christ Jesus not only as our Lord and King and Savior (though he truly is these for sure); but we also hail him as our Brother and Shepherd and Friend! The family that we belong to because of him is enormous and amazing! May we rejoice in our membership in the Kingdom today, and tout the fact that we are members of a truly Royal Family: the Celestial Family of God!

 

The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty – let all nations fall down and worship him sooner rather than later – it is only in this way that there will be peace on earth and good will towards all people, everywhere!

 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­--------------------------------

 

And now as an adjunct to the regular Sunday homily, as Joyful Servants of the Cross (of the Nuptial Observance), we, from this moment forth, refer to us as our NAME, “Fledgling Private Association of the Faithful” – since, after due consultation with diocesan officials, in which we reside, and after learning from them that a PAF is what we have been all along since our inception on June 29, 2005 in Boston, MA. We now undertake in the ensuing months leading up to, next June, the 17th Anniversary of our Original Foundation – to construct new credential documents, such as, clearly formed and stated Constitutions and Bylaws that can more readily reflect our already extant structures and formulations that have served us well these 16 and a half years.

 

Imploring and asking, Jesus, King of All Creation to focus and energize our newest manifestation of devotion, following the canons that pertain to us, we open up membership, enthusiastically and immediately to all those who want to henceforth associate themselves with us as we, lay, and clergy attempt to live a religious vocation in the familiar settings in which we find ourselves every day – seeking all the while the moment that will be the last, and we continue eternally from that point on to say: with perfect freedom: here I am, here you are, here we are – all together in love, in the heart of God, forever!

 

 We are happy to announce that as of Sunday November 21, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Joyful Servants of the Cross will begin a six month process of becoming a recognized Private Association of the Faithful - see www.rjoy4u.org  for complete information. Father Bill Dinga who publishes this website - is also the "Abbot-Guardian" and Co-Founder with Br. Richard William Steinberg, RN as "Prior-Guardian" - Sadly, the physical presence of Br. Richard ceased on February 5, 2018 - but in his eternal person - Richard is still very much alive and with us and a continued part of the foundations of our organization. 

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Nov 7 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ Thursday of this week, though not being a religious holiday, is nevertheless held in great esteem by all Americans, and finds its way into its religious celebrations on this day: the day is November 11, 2021.  For us, as Americans, this is traditionally known as Veteran’s Day, being established as such by a Congressional Act at the request of President Calvin Coolidge in 1939, “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and hereafter known as Armistice Day.” This reflects the origins of the day with that of the German signing of the Armistice which was transpired at the 11th hour of the 11thday of the 11th month of 1918, which thus formally ended the major hostilities of World War I. It was President Dwight D Eisenhower who was responsible for changing the word “Armistice” with “Veterans,” in 1956, thus making this date, at least to this point the National “Veterans Day” recognition and celebration.


Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.

 

And so now we reflect for a few moments on what this national day of remembrance has to do with our readings today, and our Eucharistic celebration. It has everything to do with them.

 

Our readings can speak to us of our nation’s pride in those who served in the military in any capacity for time immemorial. Jesus himself was a member of an amazing, though transcendent native land; and he himself was placed in the charge of maintaining its sovereignty among all the nations of the earth, in a spiritual sense; thus he is also meant to be in charge of loving hearts of those who are willing to help the cause out!

 

Going ahead first, Jesus, himself bravely and personally cleared the way for all his followers by making the ultimate sacrifice of his own life for the spiritual liberation of all of us, and all in the world. And then he enlisted an army of disciples to help him lead home all who would take refuge in the teeming celestial shores of plenty and prosperity – provided by his Father, who is Lord and Master of all!

 

What is unprecedented and unrepeatable is that the One Sacrifice of Christ sufficed for everyone, everywhere and at all time; and it is the Truth that he lived and died for, the Life that he made known and desired to share, and the Way that he pointed out quite literally – that can motivate everyone, to live a life of self-sacrifice and helpfulness to all in need.

 

A soldier, a disciple and a widow with almost nothing to live on can have one thing in common: if they give themselves away completely to God and his will: for them there will be food for a year, a clear path of discipleship and a service record to be proud of!

 

And so, on this Veteran’s Day, we thank the widow, the disciple and the soldier for surrendering their own fears and input into plans and situations, and choosing what angels and good spirits tell them is the right thing to do!

 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Oct 31 - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ On this last Sunday before this year’s Election Day balloting the readings quite coincidentally have to do with the priority and perspective that must be part of an American Catholic’s thought-processing as she/he approaches the place of casting-ballots. We, as members of the Catholic Church, do not belong simply to a “society” or a “fraternity” of like-minded fellows, such as you would find on an Ivy League University Campus. We belong rather to a very real mystical, supernatural, Bodya living organism – comprising the very reality of Christ Jesus, our Crucified and Risen founder, redeemer and Lord! This ought to make an enormous difference in how we approach life both within the Church, and in the secular world in which we must also simultaneously live.

 

The “society” or “fraternity” vision is a completely natural and pragmatic one; and, it is dog-eat-dog – it is success at any cost – it is enthusiasm without direction and boundaries. The Church on the other hand is entirely supernaturally based, and operates on principles that take into consideration the natural, but supersede them and give them true meaning, value and credibility. Our Catholic view is so much more comprehensive.

 

The senses can only take us so far, but faith, the priceless and ingenious gift of God to those who would have it, allows for a depth of experience, vision and motivation that on the natural level is just not possible.

 

The earthbound say that POWER is everything; the heaven-bound say: LOVE is everything: LOVE (GOD) CREATED EVERYTHING, and it “indwells it,” keeps it all in existence, motivates it, guides it, directs it and keeps it safe on a track that will lead to a Beatific Experience of Itself that no natural science could ever imagine.

 

It is that love that is spoken of in the readings today: Moses tells the people in the first reading: FEAR THE LORD, YOUR GOD! KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS – and his commandments are easy – they are all about LOVE: LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOU’VE GOT!

 

In the gospel passage, Jesus – God’s love-made-flesh – with a mouth to speak – tells us: yes, LOVE GOD FIRST, AND ABOVE ALL – WITH ALL YOUR HEART, UNDERSTANDING AND STRENGTH – and then go one step further: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. This is perfection.

This is infinitely pleasing to God: and if you do these things: the perfect ordering of society will not be far behind. You will know how to make just laws that are derived from the supernatural original law of love, you will treat all others with dignity and respect, you will not wish to contradict the revelation of God about any institution that he has already set into place, and you will always choose what is right and good because your conscience will be rightly formed – with God’s own Spirit flowing into it!

 

Yes, at this balloting time of the year – a “Catholic Vote” is not just a cliché or a political agenda – it is the mind of Christ operating in the baptized who must certainly yes give to Caesar what is Caesar’s; but to God, always, what is God’s: and that begins with the willingness to be used by him to help fashion a society of truly free, happy and peaceful men, women and children – living now, the very beginnings of the family life that we will live with him forever in heaven – a family of his own design and making!

Amen!

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Oct 28 - Sts Simon and Jude

+ We celebrate the feast of two apostles today: Simon and Jude. Simon was called the Cananean, and the Zealot because of his zeal for the Jewish law, but was neither from Cana nor a member of the Zealot Party. Like all the apostles he was a convert, being trained by St. Peter, the Apostle. He evangelized at least in Egypt and Mesopotamia, if not other places. He was a martyr for the faith but there are differences of opinion as to where that actually took place.

 

Jude was son of Cleophas, a cousin of Mary who stood with her at the foot of the Cross of Christ, and who anointed Christ’s body after his death. He is the brother of St. James the Lesser. Being a cousin of Jesus, Jude was reported to have looked a lot like him. He may have been a fisherman before he was called to be an apostle. Jude wrote the canonical Epistle named for him. He preached in Syria, Mesopotamia and Persia with St Simon. He was a healer and an exorcist. He could exorcise pagan idols, which caused the demons to flee and the statues to crumble. His patronage of lost or impossible causes traditionally derives from confusion by many early Christians between Jude and the traitor Judas Iscariot; not understanding the difference between the names, they never prayed for Jude’s help, and devotion to him became something of a “lost cause.”

 

It is important for us to remember that the very existence of our faith and our religion today stands firmly on the faith and faithfulness of the twelve chosen by Jesus and their unfailing commitment to remain close friends of his, doing what he asked them to do, evangelically, especially in the face of certain death.

 

We too are called to live our lives and give our lives as intimate friends of Christ – for the spiritual and even physical welfare of others. Strengthened by this Eucharistic meal – as were Simon and Jude – may we be willing to bring the gospel message to everyone we meet today, one way or another!

 

We praise you, O God,

we acknowledge you to be the Lord.

The glorious company of the apostles praise you, O Lord.

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Oct 10 - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

Our gospel passage today needs clarification on two points. The first is that whether or not the “eye of the needle” was one of the gates of the city of Jerusalem through which, after hours, a camel could pass and gain entry into the city only after having its baggage removed and was made to get down on its knees in order to crawl through – or whether this is just a kind of hyper-analogy that Jesus used to make a point – the fact is that “getting into the city of God” – getting into the heavenly Jerusalem – is going to be a difficult thing for everyone who wants to go there no matter who – and the best way to get through the gate is baggage free and on your knees in prayer and supplication!

 

The other point is that all who are called to discipleship – and that is a fair number of people – are called as well not to do it the easy way: just following the commands that are learned from childhood, but sacrifice of self is also required: a giving up and away of the possessions of mind, body and even spirit that we value so highly, the things, the baggage that ties us down, so that we can be free to follow Jesus as he requests: enormous riches will be ours if we but make the initial plunge and detach ourselves completely from what is ours, even everything about our life!

 

Abandonment to God, full trust in him, and the wedding garment of faith and love are all that are really necessary in life: all the rest, anything that is really necessary for our lives will be given to us by a loving and doting Father-God – who loves each and every one of us beyond all telling!

 

The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that what is in our hearts will be exposed one day: God is able now to read our hearts, and then all will know: why not then purify what goes on there now to the best of our ability by inviting the fire of the Holy Spirit to come into us to cleanse us of what is dross, and to refine what is pure, and to refashion us into a fitting instrument for God’s glory!

 

This would be the prudent way talked about in the first reading from the Book of Wisdom. Wisdom to know as God knows, to love as God loves, to understand as God understands is worth more than anything, or any one, or any place! The countless riches that come from those who seek wisdom alone are beyond compare! Let us be among the wise-ones who not only seek her, but find her!

 

It is the poor in spirit who understand the words just spoken, it is the pure of heart who love God simply, and others freely; and it is the seeker of wisdom who will gain all the benefits of a search well rewarded: may we find ourselves in this company one fine day – it’s not as impossible as it might seem, for with God, with faith, all things are possible!

 

 

Monday, October 4, 2021

Oct 4 - St Francis of Assisi

 + Widespread heresy, scandals among the clergy, and a decline in attendance threatened the Church of St. Francis’ day. The son of a rich cloth merchant, Francis converted to a life of prayer in his early twenties.

 

In a dream, God told him, “Go and repair my church, which, as you can see, is in ruins.” Francis began rebuilding the crumbling structure of San Damiano. But his great work of renewal was the new form of life he embraced in 1208.

 

His radical poverty and passionate preaching drew five thousand men to the Friars Minor in the next twelve years. Francis died in 1226 in Assisi, and was canonized just two years later.

 

But wait, there is more to tell – the hidden story – the pre-story to Francis’ rebuilding project was the fact that God first rebuilt and transformed Francis into a poor and humble servant – from inside out – through afflictions of mind, body and spirit; in fact, he rebuilt Francis into the image of him that he always had in mind that was beyond the wildest imaginings of the rich young knight from Assisi.

 

After being rebuilt, Francis was ready to take his marching orders from Christ his True King and Lord – and the overflowing river of peace onto the Mystical Body of Christ flows into our very day!

 

And now we – we who have been transformed and remade according to God’s own image and design for not only us but also for our monastic pets -  are called to be instruments of peace, and joy and hope – to a world just awaiting its promised renewal, regeneration and rebirth.

 

Yes, Lord, we are here, we are ready, we are willing – use us as you will as poor, humble slaves! – and co-creators with you of a hope-filled, peaceful, joyful world.

 

Guide us, Lord, along the everlasting way!

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Sep 19 - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 IT  is important for members of the human society of persons of any age or generation, to understand as fully as wisdom will allow, the true nature of the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity: the taking flesh  of the Divine Word Himself. This task itself takes a special gift from God called Divine Wisdom; but once employed, Divine Wisdom can unlock the secrets of the universe. In the gospel passage today Jesus uses a little child placed in the midst of the Apostles to teach them that it is those who are trustingly and innocently open, curious and able to wonder, who not only will “get the message” of love and reconciliation that he is here to deliver, but they will also be the ones who will be considered “great” in the coming Kingdom of God his Father.

 

For in this Kingdom things are basically the opposite from the way we perceive things to be now: the poor will be rich, the last will be first, and the servant will be the master! And that it would be necessary to follow the Master in his act of suffering and death, so to attain the promise and life that are awaiting those who do so willingly and lovingly.

 

The Book of Wisdom tells us in the first reading that it was essential for the Son of Man to suffer – willingly, lovingly, silently – so that God truly could “take care of him,” – in his way and in his time – as he suffered the most dreadful and painful of all abandonments. And this he most certainly did – but in ways that are to this day still not fully embraced or understood by a great many people.

 

But for those who “listen and hear” the Good News through which God makes his voice ever fresh and ever new, ever inviting and ever true – the possession of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ is not far away at all – it is as far away as the next act of poverty, humility and obedience: this is how children live their lives; this is how Christ lived his, this is how we are encouraged to live ours!

 

Amen! Amen!

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Sep 16 - Sts Cornelius and Cyprian

These two third century bishops and martyrs were very important in the survival of the Church in the time of the persecutions. Cornelius became reluctant 21st pope during this very dangerous time in church history. He worked very hard to maintain unity of believers in a time of schism and apostasy. He had the support of St. Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage. He welcomed back those who had apostatized during the persecution of Decius. He was exiled in 252 by Roman authorities, and later martyred. [A document from Cornelius, incidentally, shows the size of the Church in Rome in his papacy:  46 priests, 7 deacons, 7 subdeacons and approximately 50,000 Christians].

 

Cyprian was born to wealthy pagan parents, and had a formal education in his youth, but converted to the faith in 246. He was ordained a priest in 247, and then named Bishop of Carthage in 249. During the persecution of Decius, beginning in 250, he lived in hiding, covertly ministering to his flock (but his enemies condemned his for being a coward and not standing up for his faith). He became a great writer, with influence, and agreed with Pope Cornelius that apostates should be received warmly back into the church when they saw the error of their ways. During the persecution of Valerian he was exiled in 257 and then brought back to Carthage and martyred in 258.

 

The gospel passage today shows us how Jesus foresaw all of the brave and heroic things his future apostles would endure – and he prays not that they be spared, but that they be given the strength to endure in his Name – to give credibility to the Power of that Name – and the very truths of the faith that we profess. The Mystical Body of Christ is real; it operates on spiritual principles; and it will see us through anything and everything we do for love, for God, and for his people! Amen!

 

 

[Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.]

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Sep 9 - St Peter Claver

 + St Peter Claver was born in 1581 at Verdu in Catalonia, Spain. He was a farmer’s son, but later studied at the University of Barcelona. He was attracted to the Jesuit Order and joined them at the age of 20. He became a priest, and influenced by fellow Jesuit St Alphonsus Rodrigues he wanted to become a missionary in America. In the meanwhile, he ministered physically and spiritually to slaves when they arrived in Cartegena, converting a reported 300,000 and working for humane treatment on the plantations for 40 years. He organized charitable societies among the Spanish in American similar to those organized in Europe by St. Vincent de Paul.

 

Peter’s apostolate extended beyond his care for slaves. He became a moral force, indeed, the apostle of Cartagena. He preached in the city square, gave missions to sailors and traders, as well as to parishes in the countryside. After four years of sickness which forced the saint to remain inactive and largely neglected, he died on September 8, 1654. The city magistrates, who had previously frowned at his solicitude for the black outcasts, ordered that he should be buried at public expense and with great pomp. He was canonized in 1888, and Pope Leo XIII declared him the worldwide patron of missionary work among black slaves.

 

In the gospel passage today we see Jesus doing good deeds for the poor, the sick and the needy when and where it needed to be done, on any day of the week – this is very much a Jesuit philosophy – and St. Peter Claver practiced it daily. Let us follow this philosophy and this theological principle of life: the more we give to others, the fuller our lives will be and we will both share in the joys of the Lord forever!

 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Sep 8 - The Nativity of Mary

 + Today we celebrate the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast originating somewhere between the fourth and the seventh centuries. We know next to nothing about the events surrounding this noteworthy event. It is only through the apocryphal Gospel of James that we know something about Sts. Joachim and Anne, her parents and about the fact that they had a girl-child whom they named Mary, whom they presented to the Lord in the Temple, thus dedicating her to God for life. And so even though the details are sketchy, this only adds to the mystique that we have about Mary as a pure, humble, out-of-the-limelight maiden of Nazareth. She is not the key figure in all of human history: her future son would be that: Jesus Christ, who would be Son of God and Son of Man through her own humanity.

 

The first reading today talks of those who are predestined to experience the fullness of God’s grace: Mary certainly was that, from the first moment of her existence she was full of grace: the grace that was to be reestablished by Christ her son; and so Mary, then, was the first to “resemble Jesus her son” to the point that God delighted in her as a true daughter, in Christ.

 

We rejoice with Mary on her birthday today and ask her to pray for us constantly so that we may resemble not only Jesus her son (to the delight of God the Father) in his gentle, patient, compassionate nature; but also her, in her humility, poverty and obedience.

 

Mary, you are the Dawn, and Christ your Son is the Perfect Day!

Monday, August 30, 2021

Aug 22 - 22nd Week in OT - Monday

 Our responsorial refrain today tells us that “the Lord comes to judge the earth.” This is not just some trite saying, it is true, and it will happen. The Lord will come to judge the earth – and it may be sooner rather than later. But the psalm itself tells us to rejoice and be glad – let all creation exalt - because the Lord comes to bring nations to nothing and to establish his Kingdom in fullness and completeness – where the King shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.”

 

The first reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians exhorts us to believe that Jesus has destroyed death – because it is true – and that this fact can make all the difference in our lives – it can bring consolation, hope and joy if we but count ourselves among the chosen ones – because we are among them.

 

In the gospel passage  Jesus encounters disbelief, unbelief, by the people of his own hometown – after he reads an amazing passage from Scripture and applies it to himself – thus demonstrating the fact that “faith / true belief empowers” – while lack of it suffocates and destroys the very life of life that cries out for help and hope.

 

It is our option always to believe – to use the gift of free will that God gave us in order to seek him, and choose him, and find him. May we believe in Jesus today – and reap the fruits of inner peace and joy – no matter what may be going on around us, or how dark it may appear to be.

Monday, August 23, 2021

Aug 23 - St Rose of Lima

Rose of Lima was born to Spanish immigrants in the New World, in 1586. She was a beautiful girl and a devoted daughter; she was so devoted to her vow of chastity that she used pepper and lye to ruin her complexion so she would not be attractive. Rose lived and meditated in a garden, raising vegetables and making embroidered items to sell to support her family and help the other poor. She became a Dominican tertiary in 1606. She was a mystic and a visionary, and received the invisible stigmata. She suffered from assorted physical and mental ailments. She was the first saint born in the Americas, and founder of social work in Peru. Rose had great devotion to St. Catherine of Siena. She died August 24, 1617 of natural causes.

 

The gospel passage today speaks of the treasure and the pearl – symbols of the great value of membership in the Kingdom of heaven – even in its current manifestation as the Church of Christ on earth. Membership in it deserves all our attention, our devotion, our love and our sacrifices! And God too will visit us with his graces and blessings – to encourage us along the way to his heavenly estate – where we, with the angels and saints, will live forever!

 

Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.

Friday, August 6, 2021

Aug 6 - The Transfiguration of the Lord

 + Since historically this event took place about a week before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, it was thought of mostly in terms of a Lenten placement. Jesus would soon be going to the Cross – which was his one chief goal and mission in life – he looked forward to it, for it would be for us and for our salvation!

 

But before he would do that he thought it necessary to do three things: 1) reinforce his teaching about who he really was: 2) his true identity; bolster the faith of those who would be leaders of his new Church that would be launched later on; and lastly 3) to give all members of his Church from then on the blessed and amazing assurance that His glory would also be ours, his resurrection would be ours, his radiant glorified body would be ours one day in the Kingdom.

 

This is also the second time that God the Father is actually heard using human words: from a cloud, during those moments when Jesus revealed his radiant glory in the presence of Peter, James and John, and also Moses and Elijah, the Father proclaimed: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased! Listen to him!” O yes, we must listen to everything Jesus says in his words and actions! For he is the One True Way, the Truth and Life for which we all yearn! Then our words and actions must resemble his more and more every day.

 

This feast was celebrated for almost the entire first thousand years in the Eastern Church; it was not until much later, almost the middle of the next millennia that the feast was made part of the General Roman Calendar, by Pope Callistus III in 1457. And now, though it is celebrated in August, it is always the right time to reflect on “the splendor of Mount Tabor” – for it reveals God our Lord, and our future!

 

The Lord is King, the Most High over all the earth!

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Aug 5 - Dedication of St. Mary Major

 Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Major / Our Lady of the Snow. The origin of the Basilica on the Esquiline Hill in Rome comes from this legend. In the fourth century, a patrician named John and his wife, who were without heirs vowed to donate their possessions to Our Lady. They prayed that she might make known to them how they were to dispose of their property in her honor. During the hot summer night of August 5th snow fell on the summit of the Esquiline Hill. In obedience to a vision which they had the same night, the couple built a basilica in honor of Our Lady on the spot which was covered with snow. Further legend has it that Mary then as a sign of her favor left her footprints in the snow!

 

Legend or fact, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, as it was later renamed, came to be  as a result of Mary’s intervention somehow, and is now one of the four major Basilicas of Rome – (along with St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls). It is the first Church dedicated to the honor of Mary in the West, and is said to house the relics of the manger!

 

The important fact to remember is that Mary is given her due honor and devotion in the City of Rome – the locus of the heart of the Catholic Church on earth. Both the Church and Mary have one common goal: the sanctification of the human race: Mary is truly co-redemptrix along with her Son Jesus. He is the cause of sanctification and salvation, but Mary leads and guides everyone to him to be sanctified and saved. They are a real formidable team who pursues the hearts of all, so that none will be lost in the final analysis.

 

Hail Mary! Mother of God! Mother of Mercy! Mother of Grace! We are your children too, and we rededicate ourselves to you this day! Pray for us always! Amen!

You are the highest honor of our race!

Happy New Year 202

  A Happy New Year to you all! I hope and pray I am able to keep this blog up to date now that we are entering into the New Year! I would li...