Friday, July 31, 2009

Saturday August 1, 2009

Saturday August 1, 2009 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
The Feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor
Readings: Romans 6: 1-4 Leviticus 25: 1, 8-17
Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 7-8 Matthew 14: 1-12
Psalm Response: “Lord, let all the nations praise You.”

When God gave His law to the people through Moses, He stipulated the number of days, weeks and years were to expire to put some of His ordinances into effect.
Seven was a symbolic number to the Jews, meaning completeness. Not having a grammatical method to display superlatives, by the use of a series of numbers, words or phrases, the Jews demonstrated superlatives. For instance, they couldn’t express God as the holiest, so they repeated “Holy” three times. Thus when we recite, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty” to begin the consecration of the sacred species, we imitate the Jewish practice to emphasize God’s supreme Holiness.
In today’s reading from Leviticus, God instructs Moses in the tradition of the Jubilee Year. For seven years after the sale of a piece of property, based on the term fifty years as the paradigm for a Jubilee, the purchaser could dispose of the property at six-sevenths of the fair price. However, after seven x seven of these years the property was to be sold back to the original owner as no property became another’s, as long as there were any ancestors living.
Sounds weird to us but the Law set before the Jewish people stipulated the practice as described.

Paul describes the privilege of those who were baptized into Christ. They were no longer free to act on their own and remain in Him. Therefore, Paul enjoined them to remain faithful to their Baptismal promises and distain the ‘sinful flesh’, a term reserved for the lack of God’s love in our dealing with fellow Christians. Some have relegated the term to sexual perversion or decadence but any digression from the Love of God and neighbor can be a ‘sin of the flesh”.

The psalmist expresses what should be our attitude toward God. He is our creator and has dominion over us and all our actions. However, He has given us free will to do what we wish. However, we must be aware of the consequences and submit to His recipe for obtaining forgiveness to be offered His forgiveness once again.

As was his wont, Herod Antipas, one of Herod the Great sons, is infamous for having no guts, when Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, told Salome her daughter, to ask for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Herod was rapt in admiration of John’s wisdom but drunk and embarrassed, by his promise before his court, to give Salome anything she wanted; he gave into having John beheaded, much to his chagrin.
Now when he hears of the deeds Jesus is doing, he thinks Jesus is reincarnation of John.
As a superstitious person Herod saw Jesus as the “worker of miracles” rather than the Divine God-man He was!
We, at times, forget Who Jesus is. He is the omnipotent God, the Word by Whom everything was created and sustained. We should bow low at our entrance into His realm and adore His majesty in His Eucharistic presence!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Friday July 31,2009

Friday July 31, 2009 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
The Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Readings: Leviticus: 23: 1, 4-13, 15-17, 34-37 Psalm 81: 2-6, 10-11ab
! Corinthians 10: 31- 11: 1 Matthew 14: 54-58
Psalm Response: “Sing with joy to God our help”

The book of Leviticus is an orderly prescription, mandated by God, for the celebration of the many feasts established thousands of years prior, and known to us in the present age.
The actual writing down of the prescriptions didn’t occur until the Jews were in exile in Babylon from 587BC to 538BC, a period of 49 years, seven weeks of years.
Although Christians celebrate Easter near the date of the Jewish Passover, nowadays, the feasts Yom Kippur and the Day of Atonement mentioned, in today’s reading, usually are dated in September/October.
The purpose of the readings is to establish the Tradition of the Leaders of the Church to be the originators of the feast days and the rituals as from the time immemorial. We are the heirs of these Traditions and we honor the right of the Church to set feast days and ritual because God, in the person of Christ, mandated it to His disciples

Paul, in writing to the Corinthian community, suggests they do everything for the honor and glory of God. How do they go about complying? Imitate Paul! The former of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, would spin in his grave at the antics of some of the order’s leaders of today, who defy the Church as though it didn’t exist or have the mandate of Christ to lead the flock according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus came to His home town, they were astonished at His wisdom and healing powers. After all they knew Him as a boy who might have thrown a stone through their window or committed some boyish antic when He was among them.
It is almost a dogma! People remember what the want and not what they’ve learned.
Jesus knew this misconception and as a result of their lack of Faith, He didn’t show His power except to heal a few faithful ones.
This passage is often used by Protestants to deny the perpetual Virginity of Mary. Didn’t He have brothers and sisters?
To isolate a passage without acknowledging the rest of Scripture is eisegesis, making the words fit the premise.
Reading further in the Passion narrative would have shown Mary, the wife of Clopas,
(John 19: 25) the mother of James and Joses, and Salome ( Mark 15: 40b) supposed sisters and brothers of Jesus and.naturally, the children of Mary.
The Bible literalist John Calvin in his commentary John Calvin's Verse Commentary
Mt 13:55
Is not this the carpenter’s son? It was, we are aware, by the wonderful purpose of God, that Christ remained in private life till he was thirty years of age. Most improperly and unjustly, therefore, were the inhabitants of Nazareth offended on this account; for they ought rather to have received him with reverence, as one who had suddenly come down from heaven. They see God working in Christ, and intentionally turn away their eyes from this sight, to behold Joseph, and Mary, and all his relatives; thus interposing a veil to shut out the clearest light. The word brothers, we have formerly mentioned, is employed, agreeably to the Hebrew idiom, to denote any relatives whatever; and, accordingly, Helvidius displayed excessive ignorance in concluding that Mary must have had many sons, because Christ’s brothers are sometimes mentioned. 1

Even the first protestant Martin Luther proclaimed and believed in the perpetual virginity 0f Mary. Therefore, the fallacy of the present day literalist is to be protested and prayers should be offered for their enlightenment>

Even so, we tend to remember the long-ago past better than recent manifestation of conversion. Remember, Christ also was the bane of His closest neighbors, perhaps for some boyish prank.

Friday July 31, 2009

Friday July 31, 2009 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
The Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Readings: Leviticus: 23: 1, 4-13, 15-17, 34-37 Psalm 81: 2-6, 10-11ab
! Corinthians 10: 31- 11: 1 Matthew 14: 54-58
Psalm Response: “Sing with joy to God our help”

The book of Leviticus is an orderly prescription, mandated by God, for the celebration of the many feasts established thousands of years prior, and known to us in the present age.
The actual writing down of the prescriptions didn’t occur until the Jews were in exile in Babylon from 587BC to 538BC, a period of 49 years, seven weeks of years.
Although Christians celebrate Easter near the date of the Jewish Passover, nowadays, the feasts Yom Kippur and the Day of Atonement mentioned, in today’s reading, usually are dated in September/October.
The purpose of the readings is to establish the Tradition of the Leaders of the Church to be the originators of the feast days and the rituals as from the time immemorial. We are the heirs of these Traditions and we honor the right of the Church to set feast days and ritual because God, in the person of Christ, mandated it to His disciples

Paul, in writing to the Corinthian community, suggests they do everything for the honor and glory of God. How do they go about complying? Imitate Paul! The former of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, would spin in his grave at the antics of some of the order’s leaders of today, who defy the Church as though it didn’t exist or have the mandate of Christ to lead the flock according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus came to His home town, they were astonished at His wisdom and healing powers. After all they knew Him as a boy who might have thrown a stone through their window or committed some boyish antic when He was among them.
It is almost a dogma! People remember what the want and not what they’ve learned.
Jesus knew this misconception and as a result of their lack of Faith, He didn’t show His power except to heal a few faithful ones.
This passage is often used by Protestants to deny the perpetual Virginity of Mary. Didn’t He have brothers and sisters?
To isolate a passage without acknowledging the rest of Scripture is eisegesis, making the words fit the premise.
Reading further in the Passion narrative would have shown Mary, the wife of Clopas,
(John 19: 25) the mother of James and Joses, and Salome ( Mark 15: 40b) supposed sisters and brothers of Jesus and.naturally, the children of Mary.

The Bible literalist, John Calvin, in his commentary;John Calvin's Verse Commentary
Mt 13:55
Is not this the carpenter’s son? It was, we are aware, by the wonderful purpose of God, that Christ remained in private life till he was thirty years of age. Most improperly and unjustly, therefore, were the inhabitants of Nazareth offended on this account; for they ought rather to have received him with reverence, as one who had suddenly come down from heaven. They see God working in Christ, and intentionally turn away their eyes from this sight, to behold Joseph, and Mary, and all his relatives; thus interposing a veil to shut out the clearest light. The word brothers, we have formerly mentioned, is employed, agreeably to the Hebrew idiom, to denote any relatives whatever; and, accordingly, Helvidius displayed excessive ignorance in concluding that Mary must have had many sons, because Christ’s brothers are sometimes mentioned.

Even the first protestant Martin Luther proclaimed and believed in the perpetual virginity of Mary. Therefore, the fallacy of the present day literalist is to be protested and prayers should be offered for their enlightenment.

Even so, we tend to remember the long-ago past better than recent manifestation of conversion. Remember, Christ also was the bane of His closest neighbors, perhaps for some boyish prank.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

July 30, 2009

Thursday July 30, 2009 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
The Feast of St. Peter Chrysologus (Golden Worded)
Readings: Exodus40: 16-21, 34-36 Psalm 64: 3-6, 8a, 11 Matthew 13: 47-53
Psalm Response: “ How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!”

Today of the feast of the Golden Voiced (St. John Chryologus) who could cause his audience to stand rapt by his voice and logic as he proclaimed the Gospel and explained it to his hearers.
Oh, that he were here to explain this passage of the Old Testament as the meaning is remote to our culture although it may have been clear to the first readers.
It appears Moses was enjoined by God to build a more permanent place for the Ark of the Covenant so it wouldn’t be subject to the elements and possible desecration by those misunderstanding its special place in the hearts of the Jews.
As the passage relates, each step in the construction was sanctioned by God Himself.
The ‘cloud’, to them, manifested the presence of God by day. During the darkened hours a fire appeared within the cloud to symbolize His presence to them and us 24/7!

The psalm praises God’s sanctuary as a place where we could converse with God. Although we may not here an audible reply, we can be sure He responds as He promised He would and God does not break promises. However, we must listen intently or miss the response.

The metaphor of the fishing net thrown into the sea and bringing forth an abundance of all kinds of fish implies, when the ‘Day” of Our Lord comes about, we, like the fish, will be separated between the good and the wicked. Let us pray we will be among the favored ones and not among the chaff.
The last verses imply both the Old and the New Testaments will be honored and referred to when His Kingdom, the Church comes into being.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Wednasday July 29, 2009 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Exodus 34: 29-35 Psalm 99: 5-9 Matthew 13: 44-46
Psalm Response: " Holy is the Lord our God"

We don't witness the aura surrounding the saints of our time as the Israelites saw Moses' face radiant with the joy of having been in the presence of God. Perhaps the visions, of a halo depicting a saintly face by the artists, were an inspiration they received from the Holy Spirit to show the holiness of God's chosen ones. Even those artists who were agnostic could have been urged by God to show their spirituality, even though they didn't recognize it in themselves.
We are the artists of today. God grants us the ability to see holiness in others who can't see it in themselves. By their example, we are able to honor God in ways we would have disdained in the past.

We are enjoined by the words of the psalmist to be cogniscent of His presence even when we are off in daydreamland. We are, by our Baptism, both priest and prophet. Not in the sense of being able to consecrate the sacred species but able to impart to others, by our example the proper attitude of reverence and honor.

Comparing the Kingdom of Heaven with a buried treasure or a rare pearl is Christ's way of urging us to place no barrier to our final goal. Nothing should stant in the way. Niether wealth, power or prestige should be our goal. Christ tells us to seek "first" the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto us!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Monday 7-27

Monday July 27, 2009 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 32: 15-24, 30-34 Psalm 106: 19-23 Matthew 13: 31-35
Psalm Response: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!”

After Moses had received the stone tablets from God which He had formed and etched with His Commandments, he started down the mountain with Joshua at his side. From the camp came a din alerting both Moses and Joshua of something ominous. Joshua though it was from a battle; but Moses discounted war, as it sounded more like revelry to him.

Upon entering the camp, Moses spotted the calf and was so incensed, he threw the tablets to the ground and they smashed to smithereens. Moses confronted his brother Aaron as to the reason why he would do such a dastardly thing. Aaron tries to justify his action by blaming the insistence of the people.
After 400 years in Egyptian land where cows, calves and other bovine animals were adored and bowed to, Aaron thought if he fashioned a calf from the melted gold they had supplied, it would placate them as they though Moses wasn’t coming back, he was gone so long.

Moses re-climbed the mountain and implored God not to destroy the people and cross them from His book of the just. God relented but reserved the judgment until they have been settled in the land He had promised them.

We don’t make idols of gold or silver but gold and silver become our idols when things are more important to us than God. In the final analysis, when God calls us to Himself, He isn’t going to be interested in how much wealth we have accumulated; but, how many souls were influenced to believe in Him due to our charity and love of neighbor.

The psalmist reminds us of the folly of the Jews in the desert. It is easy when things are right by us to set aside our consciences and be self-serving. God wants us to be aware of the problems of others and when we are aware DO something!

The parable of the mustard seed is often taken as representing a faith infused by us into someone whom we love enough to share it with them. The Mustard seed was much like the Mesquite seed. The seed was sown by birds flying over a tilled land. Upon germination it grew into a huge shrub which housed the birds who had planted it before. The corn or wheat sown in the field became their food and they were scorned by the farmers.
Mesquite seed was sown by cows trailing from Mexico to the slaughter houses to the north. As they went there way, defecating, the Mesquite seed became Mesquite trees the scourge of the West.
Jesus was pointing out there are two sides to the story,. One was of the good and one of the bad results of the mustard seed. We have to be the good seed results by our love.

July 27,2009

Tuesday July 18, 2009 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings; “ Exodus33:7-11; 34: 5b-9, 28 Psalm 103: 6-13 Matthew 13: 36-43
Psalm Response: “The Lord is kind and merciful”

The establishment of a meeting place for adoration and petition was foretold in the “meeting tent”. It was a place where the religious leaders of the people could enter and confer with their God.
Moses, the High Priest, was the first to meet with God. Others, who followed in the High Priest role later were the only ones permitted to enter into the “Holy of Holies” beyond the veil to petition God and to prophesize, speak for God, whatever it was God revealed to him.
God reissued the Commandments and Moses did Him homage while Joshua, his successor, awaited his emergence from the meeting tent.
Moses’ forty days and forty night vigil prefigured the same period of days Christ, as the “Prophet like me”, Moses referred to as the one who would speak in God’s name, fasted before entering into His mission as the true spokesman for God.

The psalmist reminds us of God’s tenderness and mercy. He knows of our inheritance from our first parents the tendency to disregard His commands. However, in our imperfect selves, we can be confident, when we implore His mercy, it will be graciously given. The metaphor “East from West” is to describe in infinite terms the mercy God has for the repentant sinner.

Unfortunately, we don’t recognize Satan’s hand in the world as the instigator of all sin. We think, by our own volition, our human nature lures us into sinful acts. However, if the “tempter” were not busy securing our permission to engage in sinful acts, we wouldn’t, of our own volition, even think of the deeds he promulgates. It is up to us to build the barrier against him with constant prayer and supplication. God will not allow us to be tempted against our conscience, if we are always calling to Him for His help!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Sunday July 26, 2007

Date: Sunday July 26, 2009, 17th Sunday Ordinary Time
Readings: 2Kings 4:42-44 Psalm 145:10-11,15-18
Ephesians 4:1-6 John 6:1-15

The Gospel of John is traditionally known as the Book of "Signs".
In Chapter 2, Jesus worked His first sign (miracle) at the wedding feast in Cana. There He transformed water into the best wine. The people marveled at this miracle. However, it was only the first of many signs prefacing the remarkable change from Bread and wine into His own Body and Blood.
Our first reading from II Kings 4, outlines the first biblical multiplication of loaves. Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as the prophet of Israel, the Northern Kingdom, expressed God's word as it came to him. "Distribute the barley loaves to the people. They will eat their fill and some will be left over." There were over 100 men and twenty loaves. Doesn't seem like much of a miracle, does it? Twenty loaves and only 100 men, that's about 4 slices each.
Christ's multiplication of 5 barley loaves to be shared among 5000 men was an extraordinary event. Some of the people were scared; Others harkened back to the time (Deut.18: 15f) the Lord said to Moses," I will raise up a prophet, like you." The people having been fed to the full said, "Surely, this is THE prophet Who is to come into the world". Christ, in a later portion of John 6, declares He is the bread of Life.
"Whosoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood, Has life eternal."
Our unity with Christ must be manifested through our community with each other and our Church. The writer of Paul to the Ephesians, begs, from prison, for unity among these Greek converts. They are to be one in Faith, united in Love, with the One Church, One Baptism; uniting us to Christ.

July 25, 2009

Saturday July 25, 2009
Readings: 2Cor. 4: 7-15 Psalm 126: 1-6 Matthew 20: 20-28
Psalm Response: “Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing”

Paul had a lot of success in Corinth. However, many false prophets kept insisting on their version of the truth. When one or more of Paul’s associates reported the fact of derision among the Corinthians, he was moved to write several letters to them. Two of which are included in the authorized Canon of the Bible.
Paul in his usual fashion is conciliatory to those who might have been swayed by these imposters.
Having experienced all the problems they could dream up, he urges them to be like him and deem them fruits of the Holy Spirit to buttress them when problems occur. He reminds them, by partaking in the Eucharist, they essentially become part of Christ, physically. Therefore, they may be maligned, beaten, persecuted and jailed but they have the promise of God their reward will be greater than any suffering they may incur for His sake.
It should be a great joy when we receive Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, to know God’s promise of eternal life doesn’t go away by persecution, malignment, and jail. These are just stumbling blocks projecting us closer to Christ and into His realm of eternal joy.

St. James, whose feast we celebrate today, was one of the Zebedee boys who’s mom thought she could gain a spot for them when Christ came into His kingdom. Since they were with Him from the beginning and were witnesses to His many miracles and His transfiguration, she thought they had earned a spot. She asked they be given the places on His right and left hand. This wasn’t a physical location but a synonym for the two closest to Him and His possible successors. They weren’t yet aware of His Divinity although they suspected He had Divine attributes. Only the Father has the foresight to know who will fill those spots and Christ, as His essence, has first call.
We can learn the humility necessary to be called to a position close to Christ. By ridding ourselves of self and concentrating on the others in our life, we become the example of the servant who will be first in line when the DAY comes for our fulfillment

Thursday, July 23, 2009

July 24,2009

Friday July 24, 2009 of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 20: 1-17 Psalm 19: 8-11 Matthew 12: 16-23
Psalm Response: “Lord, You have the words of everlasting life.”

The reading from Exodus enumerates the Commandments of God for the first time. The theme of the Commandments is love and obedience. Common sense makes most of them redundant, and Christ reduces them to two in His discourse( John 13: 34-35), “Love God and Love one another.
Common sense dictates if we would all abide these two commands of Jesus Christ there would be an end to war and strife. Nations and peoples would honor each other and disdain making war for other than defensive purposes.

Psalm 19 is a mini Psalm 119, in which euphemisms for God’s word and commandments are part of each verse. Notice the words “Law, Decrees, Precepts, Ordinances” all pertaining to the Commandments of God.

The sowing of seed done in ancient time was more of a scattering than a sowing. Farmers had a bag of seed strung around their waist and they would enter a tilled field and strew the seed by the handful. Not a very scientific or efficient but it served the purpose because the farmer knew some of the seed would be developed into plants and produce food in abundance.
The purpose of the parable was to equate agricultural practices to explain the proselytizing His disciples would attempt on His behalf. The seed being the word of God would only penetrate a few souls. Therefore they were not to be discouraged as not everyone would accept Christ but some would and they, in their turn would also sow in the same way.
You may be the seed responsible for the conversion of someone even though you may not be aware of it. Some kindness, mercy or grace imparted may be the impetus needed to convince someone of the validity of your hope in Catholic teaching!

Thursday July 23, 2009 The Feast of St. Bridget of Sweden

July 23, 2009 Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Exodus 19: 1-2,9-11, 16-20b Daniel 3: 52-56 Matthew 13: 10-17
Psalm Response: "Glory and Praise forever!"

Mt. Sanai was considered by the Hebrew people God's special mountain. Although He had created the universe, there are places He holds to be sacred; the rightful place of God and worthy of homage.
While the people trembled at the manifestation of God, the thunder and lightening, coupled by the fire and the smoke attendant they were unconvinced of His presence and Moses' ability to meet God face to face and live.
The tradition of the people made confrontation with God a sign of death. So, even when He invited them to converse and commune with Him, they denied themselves in a sort-of quasi-humbleness. Had they been sincere, they would have had many other signs to confirm their Faith.
In our culture, "seeing is believing". So, we're not too far removed from the attitude of the people who were saved by Him but weren't convinced. Science seems to have presented us with evidence of the unnaturalness of Faith without seeing, touching or feeling. So we allow ourselves to be convinced, "They may be right", while we hold on to ritual Faith; going to Church; praying for healings etc. However, Our Lord told us rather bluntly, "If you have Faith, nothing is impossible". When healings we've implored don't happen, don't blame God for not listening; blame yourself for insincerity.

Daniel wrote in the centuries just before the birth of Christ. Most of his writings were in the nature of Apocalyptic, seemingly prophesy but in reality restating history for the instruction of the people of the time. Thereby, they could get the message of impending persecution while making a comparison with their present status.

Christ often spoke to His disciples in parables. His intent wasn't to hide His message, but, rather to veil it. In this way He was able to impart heavenly wisdom and not invite retribution from those bent on killing Him.
When He quoted Isaiah, they knew the quote as well as He but they missed the point. Although they were able to discern what He said they didn't understand the message. Therefore, when he enlightened His disciples and open their hearts to understand, they were able to impart it faithfully through our Church.
The message is clear, belief is more important than scientific speculation!

St. Bridget was married to the prince of Sweden Ulfo. While he was alive they parentesd eight children one of whom also is a canonized Saint. After they had grown she became interested in the religious life and fostered the Order of the Most Holy Savior.
Ever think when your children have grown, you'd apply to become a religious? In establishing her order it was dedicated to Jesus and lived a contempletive life.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

July 22, 2009 The Feast of Mary Magdalene

Wednesday July 22, 2009 The Feast of Mary Magdalene
Readings: Song of Songs 3: 1-4 2 Cor. 5: 14-17 Psalm 63: 2-9 John 20: 2, 11-18
Psalm Response: “My soul is thirsting for You, O Lord my God”

We seldom realize the poetic value of the first reading as a pre-revelation of the message of the Gospel of John read today. However, on reflection we should be able to visualize the message as clearly a precursor of the early morning visit to the burial grounds where Mary of Magdalene didn’t find the Lord and later found her love, Jesus.

St. Paul also poetically refers to our mortal selves as “the flesh”, corruptible and doomed to extinction one day. Therefore, he tells us we are to take on the immortality of Jesus Who dies for our salvation and brings new life to our mortal bodies,if we believe. If we are one with Christ, we not only have an incorruptible body but we are a new creation capable of death no longer.

The psalmist confirms our dependence on Christ for our existence. We are not able to breathe in and out without His say-so. If we depend on Him He will provide our needs.

Mary Magdalene was an early bird. She came to Jesus tomb, unaware the stone had been rolled away and wondered as she walked, “Who would remove the stone", for it was more than she could manage. Surprised by the fact someone had moved the stone she peered into the tomb and when Jesus wasn’t there she scurried back to the upper room and told the Apostles Peter and John. They scoffed at the idea and it wasn’t until they ran to the tomb and saw for themselves He was gone, they began to believe women could be depended upon to tell the facts without embellishment.
For being the first to see Christ in His risen excellence, talking to Him and grasping at His countenance, she was the first witness to the Resurrection and the Apostle(one who is sent) to bring the good news to her friends.
We may not be privy to this kind of revelation, however, each time we partake of the Eucharist we become witnesses to the truth Christ imparted to His people on the night before He died.

July 23, 2009 Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Exodus 19: 1-2,9-11, 16-20b Daniel 3: 52-56 Matthew 13: 10-17
Psalm Response: "Glory and Praise forever!"

Mt. Sanai was considered by the Hewbrew people God's special mountai. Although He had created all the universe, there are places He holds to be sacred; the rightful place of God and worthy of homage.
While the people trambled at the manifestation of God, the thunder and lightening, coupled by the fire and the smoke attendent they were unconvinced of His presence and Moses' ability to meet God face to face and live.
The tradition of the people made confrontation with God a sign of death. So, even when He invited them to converse and commune with Him, they denied themselves in a sort-of quasi-humbleness. Had they been sincere, they would have had many other signs to confirm their Faith.
In our culture, "seeing is believing". So, we're not too far removed from the attitude of the people who were saved by Him but weren't convinced. Science seems to have presented us with evidence of the unnaturalness of Faith without seeing, touching or feeling. So we allow ourselves to be convinced, "They may be right", while we hold on to ritual Faith; going to Church; praying for healings etc. However, Our Lord told us rather bluntly, "If you have Faith, nothing is impossible". When healings we've implored don't happen, don't blame God for not listening; blame yourself for insincerity.

Daniel wrote in the centuries just before the birth of Christ. Most of his writings were in the nature of Apocalyptic, seemingly prophesy but in reality restating history for the instruction of the people of the time. Thereby, they could get the message of impending persecution while making a comparison with their present status.

Christ often spoke to His disciples in parables. His intent wasn't to hide His message, but, rather to veil it. In this way He was able to impart heavenly wisdom and not invite retribution from those bent on killing Him.
When He quoted Isaiah,they knew the quote as well as He but they missed the point. Although they were able to discern what He said they didn't understand the message. Therefore,when he enlightened His disciples and open their hearts to understand, they were able to impart it faithfully through our Church.
The message is clear, belief is more important than scientific speculation!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Tuesday July 21, 2009

Tuesday July 21, 2009 of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 14: 21- 15: 1 Psalm 15: 8-12, 17 Matthew 12: 46-50
Psalm Response: “Let us sing to the Lord; He had covered Himself in majesty”

I don’t think I’d have to have a manifestation such as the Hebrews saw when the waters stopped and the Reed Sea became a dry path for them to escape. However, it’s easy to see how the centuries could elapse and the Jews would remember God’s hand in the salvation of their ancestors.
We tend to equate Passover with the splitting of the Sea. Whereas, it is the celebration of the Lord’s ‘passing over their abodes when He sent the angel of death to slay the first born of the Egyptians.
In our experience, we haven’t had such a magnanimous event to reflect on. However, an even more glorious occurrence takes place, every Sunday and weekday at the celebration of the Eucharist. Christ, our God, re-presents His immolation in an unbloody manner making Himself present Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity for our adoration and consumption making us all who receive one with Him.

The psalmist continues the theme of the salvation of the Israelites by their God with an outstretched hand and a powerful display of His Divinity.

Some folks claim Jesus denied His mother when He asked, “Who is My Mother?’
Denial was punishable by stoning. However, those who heard Him recognized the synonym anyone who does the will of His Father is brother, sister and mother to Him.
We can claim Brotherhood through our submission to the Will of God.
Not easy but possible for even sinners like us!

Monday, July 20, 2009

July 20, 2009

Monday July 20, 2009 of the 16th Week in ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 14: 5-18 Psalm 15: 2-6 Matthew 12: 38-42

In the Gospels, Jesus states, “If you have the Faith of a mustard seed, you could say to a mountain be uprooted and deposit yourself in the sea and it would be done,”
Why are we so little of Fith?
We are like the Pharisees in today’s Gospel; we want a sign! Some manifestation God can do the things He says He can.
Today’s first reading demonstrates a Faith unlike ours. The people of Jacod, all 600,000 of them and their wives and children embark across the desert unaware of the perils they would be facing.
Pharaoh regretted his decision to let them go and marshaled his troops and chariots to pursue them and bring them back. He didn’t have the Faith to believe their God would protect them.
The Children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were also a bit reticent when they saw the hordes following after them. Here they are in the desert with no edible and little water. They wondered aloud, “Did you bring us out here to be slaughtered by the Pharaoh?”
Even the charioteers were optimistic! How could 6000 of them face 600,000 and more people?
However, Moses’ Faith made up for their lack. “ Fear not”, h said. Fully expecting God would intervene in their dilemma.
Then in a display of Divine prerogative, God directed Moses to use the staff with which he had caused the plagues and order the Sea to part and allow the Hebrews to pass through the sea on dry land.
Even though the odds were against them the Chariots and the Charioteers blithely sauntered ahead as though this phenomena was perfectly normal but they would overcome.
Oh that we could have a sliver of the Faith of the participants in this Godly battle.

Briefly, the psalmist understands the power of the Divine. He had no doubts about the outcome of tussle. If we could truly expect God’s intervention when we are faced with temptation and disaster even impossible situations would pale before His heavenly presence.
Always looking for proof, the opponents of Jesus wanted tangible evidence of His authority.
Jesus then tells them of the story of Jonah and His relation to the three days in the belly of the whale. He would also be in the throes of corruption for three days
but would overcome!
The people of Nineveh repented and were therefore not destroyed. Although Jonah wasn’t happy about the decision of God,( h wanted them dead!) Jesus pointed out
They were also God’s people and He is always ready to forgive the repentant.
Solomon’s wisdom was legendary. So much so the Queen of the South had to see for herself. Jesus’ actions were of such moment, how could they not emulate the action of the Ninevehites and Sheba?

Friday, July 17, 2009

Sarurday July 18,2009 of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday July 16, 2009 of the 15th Week of Ordinary Time

Readings: Exodus 12: 37-42 Psalm 136 Matthew 12; 14-21
Psalm Response: “ His mercy endures forever”

In accordance with Yahweh’s instruction, when Pharaoh relented in his promise, when God displayed His wrath, 600,000 men and their wives and children departed from Egypt. The symbol of God, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night preceded them during their trek in the desert.
In their hurry to escape before Pharaoh changed his mind, they only had time to mix the flour without the leaven so their food was unleavened bread.
During their captivity, they were treated unmercifully by their captors and so they cried out to God for relief. God called on Moses to lead them from Egypt with Aaron, his brother, as his prime minister/spokesman. We may try to reconcile how they could have remained faithful to God for 430 years. However, they recalled their selection through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as His special People set apart from the world.
We are the New Jerusalem! God’ chosen ones. We have two thousand years 0f Tradition and seventeen hundred years of Revelation to remind us daily of His choice and our consequent salvation.

“His mercy endures forever”. As long as we remain faithful to Him and no other gods, we are destined to join Him in His Kingdom.
Although, the pagan gods and idols do not tempt us to offer homage, we are bombarded with the idols of celebrity and power. It’s up to us to refuse their luster and be attracted, instead to God in the incomparable majesty of the Holy Eucharistic reality.

Upon the knowledge of the Pharisetic plot to arrest and kill Him, Jesus retired from the threat to the surrounding villages. There He made His presence known through healings and exorcisms. When the Pharisee’s efforts succeeded, those healed of their afflictions, recalled their Benefactor and were Baptized by His disciples.
Reaching into the Scriptural archives, Jesus recalled and proclaimed the prophecy of Isaiah as relating to Him notifying the chosen people of their choice and subsequent missions to the Gentiles.
Our heritage is not the Jewish faith. However, the basis of our Catholic Christian belief is from the Jews. Nevertheless, Christ gave His Divine authority to His Apostles, all Jews, to take His message to the Gentile world.

Sunday 19,2009 The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: Sunday July 21, 2009
Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23:1-6
Ephesians 2:13-18 Mark 6: 30-34
In the words of Jeremiah, a shepherd becomes the synonym for a leader, a king, a priest.
In early times, shepherds were looked upon as the lowest of low. Even the cowboy movies we saw as kids, depicted the cattlemen as righteous and sheepherders as vile, ready to spoil grazing land and pollute watering holes.
However, Jeremiah is recounting the Hebrews before their enslavement in Egypt. Abraham was a shepherd; Jacob, was a shepherd; Moses was a shepherd; David, and many other leaders of the monarchy and of God's people were shepherds.
Perhaps, the caricature of a Shepherd, brought to mind these patriarchs of the Covenant with God. Jeremiah depicts leaders of the day as NOT shepherds, who care for the flock, but hired hands who run away when the flock is threatened by danger of any kind. Sheep are trusting. They walk, almost smiling to their shearing or even death with no inkling of their impending doom. The leaders, the Kings and the Priests, knowingly are directing them on the path to their destruction.
So, God directs Jeremiah to write of the great day, when a "shoot of David", and therefore, of his house and line, would come to be King and leader of God's people, as God intended.
The Psalmist poetically relates who the good shepherd is; it is the Lord! Not only does He lead them to where they might graze, He keeps them from rushing waters, which might weigh down their wool, causing them to sink into the mud and be trapped.
Paul's encouragement to the Ephesian gentiles was the fact of their inclusion in the flock. Before their Baptism, they were afar off. Now, they are made one with the Body of Christ. It was He who sanctified all people by His sacrificial offering of Himself on the Cross.
The Apostles were elated with their successful missionary journey. They also were tired. Christ tried to give them some time off, however, their message of hope spread and others wanted to hear it, too. So, they were unable even to take time to eat.
Christ is telling us, we can not rest, ever, until His message of hope and salvation, reaches the ears of every

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Friday July 27, 2009 of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Friday July 18, 2009 0f the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 11: 10 to 12: 14 Psalm 116: 12-18 Matthew 12: 1-8
Psalm Response: “I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the Name of the Lord.”

By God’s command, Moses was to instruct the Hebrews in the rite of Passover. The time of the present generations, for the celebration of the Passover, is March/April depending on the phases of the Moon.
The Jews celebrate the Passover Seder meal each Year at about the same time as the Christian Easter.
The beginning of most feast days of the Jewish faith is the Blessing “Baruh a tah adonai, eloheinu meleh haolam, borei p’ri hagafen.” The Hebrew letter “H” is pronounce with a “C” preceding the “H”. The sound is similar to the noise made when one wishes to expectorate a lunger.
The purpose of the celebration is two fold. One, as an anniversary of the deliverance from Egypt and, second,. to re-present the actual institution as though the participants were there with Moses.
A similar presentation occurs each time we are at the consecration of the species of Bread and Wine. We are not simply recalling the institution by Christ at the Last Seder He presided over but we retro-ject ourselves into the past as a participant in the first celebration of Christ’s Body and Blood.
We do not celebrate the institution annually but are privileged to be there every day if we wish.

The psalmist had only an inclination of the unbloody sacrifice of the future. He projected the “cup of salvation” just as the Seder celebration retro-jects the action of the Jews when they were in captivity. We are the recipients of this awesome splendor.

The Pharisees were sticklers for, ‘strict letter of the law’, interpretation . When the law said do no work on the Sabbath, they felt it meant not even the effort to feed oneself by pulling ears from the stalk or pulling up a bucket to slake ones thirst.
So, Jesus had to point out to Scripture to explain the exceptions to the Law; man’s need.
So as to emphasize His authority, Jesus equates His presence, to the Temple, as greater than the Temple, and His wisdom greater than the ‘wise’ Solomon.
For us, we must recall the authority Jesus gave to Peter and His Church was the same as His Father gave Him. So when the Church rules on some faith and moral situation, She has the right and the sanction of Christ Himself.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Thursday July 16, 2009 of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Exodus 3: 13-20 Psalm 105: 1, 5, 8-9, 24-27 Matthew 11: 28-30
Psalm Response: " The Lord rememers His covenant forever!"

All the Hebrews have inherited the gene of slyness. Moses heard God's own voice. Did he have to know God's name in order to obey His words? Trying to duck responsibility, Moses offers up several excuses to God before he finally cratered to God's demands.
God already knew and told Moses the Pharaoh wouldn't let them go. Did Moses need proof positive? Instead God gave Him His name Yahweh; in Hebrew, its meaning is "I Am Who Am, meaning He always was; it also means, "I'll do what I want".
God didn't tell Moses what the perils were He would visit on the Egyptians but having heard the stories of their origin and the fate of some of the towns and countries which disobeyed Him, Moses acquiesced and didn't offer too many other excuses.

The psalm reminds us Who God is! He makes agreements with His people and they remain forever, even if the other side of the agrement reneges!
We need to remember He's promised us forgiveness if we would repent. Even Sodom and Gomorrha would have escaped destruction had they offered hospitality, in line with the mores of the time.

The next three verses of Matthew tell us of a covenant we hardly remember. When we're tired and don't know where to turn, Jesus tells us to lay our burdens on Him and He will give us rest. Take Him up on it!

/74+

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Wednesday July 15,2009

Readings:Genesis 3: 1-6, 9-12 Psalm 103 Matthew: 11: 25-27

Psalm Response: "The Lord is kind and merciful"

Horeb and Sinai are synonimous. Here, on this mountain of God, Moses became a confident of Him. While he was shepherding his father-in-law's sheep, Moses noticed a strange phenomenon; a bush apparently was on fire but remained uncharred.
Moses decide he wanted to get a closer look and he began to approach the area in question.
When the being appeared to be in the bush was described as, "an angel of the Lord" this biblical identificaton often is used as a confirmation of the presence of the Lord. Further into the narrative, the writer seems to affirm the premise of many scholars who hold this to be a fact
Thus when the Lord warned Moses to not enter into the area as it was hallowed ground, Moses stopped his approach. It was then the Lord's charge to Moses he was the Lord's choice to rescue His people from slavery.
Moses was skeptical the Pharoaoh, who had a price on his head, would be receptive to hearing his petition to allow thw Hebrews to leae.
after all, these slaves were the labor force he was using to build cities and he would be reluctent to lose his labor crews.
With assurance God would be with him Moses took on the awesome task almost willingly.
How many of us would know how to respond to a Heavenly request? Would we have asked for more confirmation; signs the request was valid; try to escape?
When God calls us, there will be no burning bush or a visible emanation. So, how will we know the callis from God? Ask any priest! He was called; selected from many candidates and they knew with certainty. Through prayer, God will respond to your request for affirmation if you'll listen.

In the three verses from Matthew, Christ tells His disciples only He knows the Father. In declaring His knowledge of the Father, He establishes His Oneness by exchanging knowledge of each other,Their unique character of the Divine essence.
JESUS praises the Father for revealing the unknowable to His disciples. Otherwise they would not have had the ability to proclaim the Gospel as He desired!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Tuesday July 14,2009

Tuesday July 14, 2009 of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 2: 1-15a Psalm 69 Matthew 11: 20-24
Psalm Response: “Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live”

The origin of Moses as the future leader of the Hebrews has many exciting elements.
As one of the Hebrew boys the Pharaoh ordered killed, the hand of God shows in the narrative as the boy is put into the river, and miraculously is saved by the kin of the Pharaoh who had decided to end the growth of the Hebrews.
As the story unwinds we also see Moses serve as judge and jury in the case of the Egyptian abusing Hebrews and the calloused response of the abused when Moses came to their rescue forcing him to flee the wrath of Pharaoh!
The segue, from Prince of the royal household to a fugitive takes up only a few verses.
It appears, Moses was selected by God long before he was actually called to lead the Hebrews out of slavery
When we’re born, we have no idea what God’s plan is for us. However, we need not wallow in ignorance. We have been given many latent talents. It is up to us to discern what is best for us and our families and pursue it as assiduously as did Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Don’t allow the lure of success and wealth to be the onlygoal of you life but whatever God makes known to you.

When we read the words of Matthew as he describes Christ’s reaction to the indifference of the pagan towns where He had shown concrete evidence of His Divine nature, perhaps we should cower in expectation of God’s wrath as we seem indifferent to th moral decay surrounding us.
DO WE HAVE TO BE PRUDES? You betcha!

Monday July 13, 2009

Monday July 13, 2009 of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Exodus 1: 8-14, 22 Psalm 124 Matthew 10: 34- 11: 1
Psalm Response: “ Our help is in the name of the Lord”

When we read the opening words of Exodus, what are our first impressions? The Israelites were expanding to perceived danger to the Pharaoh; their loyalty was questioned; they might rebel in the case of an uprising. The leaders must have been convinced of the threat or they were so imbued with fear, they did whatever the Pharaoh decided. There was no prior experience of revolt by the people of Israel. Why would he even suspect a problem?
Even his solution was dopey! Leaving the girls alive and drowning all the boys solved nothing. None of the boys could conceive; all of the girls had potential.
If there was any validity to his premise, Pharaoh would have been disappointed at the prospect of a reduced population of the Israelites.

Do we ever contribute to the mass killing of the unborn?
You decide!
If we all stopped going to the movies; discontinued our support of the TV stations; supporting the United Way; we would do better than the Pharaoh even dreamed.

The psalmist reminds us of the providence of God. He doesn’t sit around waiting for us to get ourselves into trouble, but should we, He’s right there invisibly urging us to use His gifts to remove us from danger. Who is our help? The response tells us.

Jesus laid some awesome responsibility on His disciples as He sent them to preach in His name. They were to be leery of even their families who would turn on them in a second when their life was on the line. Not even parents and sibling would remain in their corner. Instead, He told them to expect nothing except from Him. They were to imitate Him; follow in His footsteps; carry His cross; give to those in need.
In other words, “Be other Christs!”
“It’s too hard”, we say. Nothing worthwhile is easy!

Sunday July 12, 2009

Date: Sunday July 12, 2009, Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Amos 7:12-15 Psalm 85:9-14
Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:7-13

Two weeks ago, the gospel story from Mark centered its message on Faith.

Jesus admonishes the synagogue official to have faith. To the woman who hemorrhaged for 12 years He said," Your Faith has saved you". The results of faith were miraculous! A child was brought back from death; the woman from the virtual death of being perpetually unclean. To test the Faith of His disciples, Jesus gave them authority to expel demons and heal the sick.

Jesus was called a rabbi, a teacher. The object of every teacher is to have his students learn from him and become alter egos of him. In Math, Science and other concrete disciplines, it is possible to become as good as the teacher. But, here! If a culinary artist were to cook a meal for you, you wouldn't be expected to prepare the same meal without practice and a lot of trial and error. A hitting coach on a baseball team is able to spot flaws in a team member's swing, his timing, etc. However, just telling the player has little effect except with repetitive swings until the player has perfectly executed the coach's suggestions.

In the gospel reading, Jesus might have shown the disciples His actions and told them His words of healing. But, what monumental faith they must have had to go off to heal and expel demons on Jesus say so. Jesus simply told them to go do it! We have that same calling! Jesus calls every one of us to heal, to console, to advise in matters of Faith! Perhaps we need to heal a rift in our relationships with spouses and family members.

Maybe we can offer the consolation of a hug when someone seems unloved. Advise to others, lovingly offered, and not critical, may be just what the Great Doctor ordered to heal a misstep, a temporary veering from the right path.

Turn to Christ for help. He's always there, ready for any situation. Christ sent His disciples to tell the Good News. God told Amos to preach to His people, Israel in the Northern Kingdom. Amos was a happy shepherd in the Southern Kingdom. He also was a Sycamore wacker. Wacking the trees when their blossoms were turning to fig like fruit, increased their volume and flavor. The priest of Bethel didn't like Amos' words. He told Amos to get lost; go back to Judah, if you must preach. In his own defense, Amos let Amaziah know, he didn't choose to be a prophet, a spokesperson for God. However, in spite of the castigation and derision shown him, God gave him a job for which he wasn't prepared.

The next two verses lets Amaziah know, in no uncertain terms, what may happen, if the King and his priest refuse to listen to him even though he wasn't a prophet or from a school of prophets.

The Psalmist follows up on the proclamations of Amos. The Lord wants Justice. The Israelites animal sacrifices and holocausts weren't satisfying God's Will. Justice, Peace and Kindness to His people will satisfy and bring salvation.

That is why the message to the Ephesians is so graphic. God, through Christ, provided everything needed for our salvation. He created us, gave us free will and allows us the choice to be like His Son in Holiness and grace. We complete the image of God in us, when we strive to be like Him and we succeed.


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Friday, July 10, 2009

Saturday July 11, 2009

Saturday July 11, 2009 of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 49: 29-32; 50: 15-26a Psalm 105: 1-7 Matthew 10: 24-33
Psalm Response: “Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!”

Not wanting to be lain in the tomb in a land not his own, Jacob obtains from the twelve a vow to not allow his bones to rest in Egypt but rather to have them eventually interred with Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Sarah and Leah in the land Abraham purchased from the Hittites ages before.
Joseph’s brothers, thinking he had allowed vengeance to well up in his mind, implored Joseph to forgive them their sins against him. Joseph was hurt by the implication. He reminded them it was the will of God to see to their saving from famine he was allowed to be taken into captivity.
We have heard of or experienced similar situations in our lifetime. Brothers and Sisters, going to civil authority to settle grievances and other situations, which should have been handled internally.
God often interjects His will on different occasions. However, if we’re attentive, His will is made known in ways we don’t normally expect. Listen to HIM!

The psalm response urges us to always glorify God! We can do this by accepting variety in our lives as part of God’s providence and not just a happening.

Several of our Pontiffs have used the words of Christ, from today’s Gospel passage, in their Homilies and Encyclicals, ”Do Not Be Afraid!”
We try to anticipate the future without knowing if we’ll be there for it. Jesus tells us not to worry! Not a hair on our head can be added or removed without His say-so. Imagine, if you will, all the sparrows which fall from the sky daily, yet He knows of it.
If we can put on the mindset of Christ, accept but not anticipate His will, we will be worry free and tranquil in our dealings with our brothers and sister.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Friday July 10, 2009

Friday July 10, 2009 of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 46: 1-7, 28-30 Psalm 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Matthew 10: 16-23
Response: “ The salvation of the just comes from the Lord”

We don’t listen very well! We almost never hear of someone being told, by God, what their future will be. We sometimes dream we’ve been privileged to receive a message but most of the time we believe it’s our dreamy experience, not fact.
The patriarchs weren’t so skeptical. When they were granted a dream or a vision or a personal visit they didn’t think it unusual for God to stoop to talk to them. Is it because our Faith isn’t strong?
Israel had more than one encounter with God. It made him no difference whether God showed up in person, a dream or a vision. His relationship was personal and he behaved that way.
So, when God instructed him to go to Egypt, he didn’t haggle. He upped his family, possessions and jaunted to Egypt. When he came to his assigned spot, Goshen, his son Joseph came and they had a tearful reunion. Israel was so taken he declared, “Now I’m ready to join my fathers”
Their joy was so complete, each sobbed with tears of happiness!
We have the same opportunity when we have been reconciled with our God in the Sacrament of Penance and been cleansed of our sins!

Although Israel didn’t always produce a righteous persona, in his old age, he finally came to the conclusion his God knew what was to come and he reconciled himself to whatever God decided. He watched over His flock as a Good Shepherd always.

Jesus knew what the Apostles would face in a hostile world. So he warned them to be cautious in their dealings with those they were trying to convert. Some folks have no conscience and even if God were to appear to them, they would look for ways to profit from the experience.
The lesson is we are to be frank and honest with those with whom we come in contact.
If they know we are always reliable and do not waffle in adversity, they will somehow listen even if they don’t believe. This may be the seed God wants planted. He’ll nurture it and

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

July 9, 2009

Thursday July 9, 2009 of the 14th Week of Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis: 44: 18-21, 23b-29; 45: 1-5 Psalm 105: 16-21
Matthew 10: 7-15
Response: “Remember the marvels the Lord has done!”

If we had been treated so shamefully as Joseph’s brothers had treated him by selling him to Egyptian caretakers, would we be able to take the stand Joseph took in declaring the incident in God will?
His heart was breaking not being able to embrace his brothers in spite of their rebellion against him. When, his heart could stand no more, he declared himself to be Joseph, their brother. When in this gesture he forgave their sin, it is a reminder to us. Do not hold grudges when our family disappoints us by some irrational behavior. God is the arbiter of justice, not us. By exhibiting love when society calls for vengeance, in Paul’s words, “we heap coals on their heavy consciences”.

Reckoning with the psalmist, we can believe God knew the immanence of the famine and He sent Joseph to correct the situation for Israel years in advance of the moment. God loves us with an unquenchable love and will not reduce us to nothing, even when we do not acknowledge His power.

When Christ commissioned the twelve and authorized them to heal in His Name, He also demanded they rely on Him for their sustenance. They were to take no provisions or extra garments but depend on the hospitality of the listeners. He told them their wish of peace, if it fell on receptive ears they would know it; conversely, when their peace was rejected they were to remove themselves from their presence, shake the dust from their clothes and go elsewhere.
Jesus didn’t propose if others would not accept our message of Love and Grace we are to give up but we are to await another time when perhaps they’ll be receptive. Many a convert has been brought into His Church by the perseverance of a true believer. However, we are not to badger anyone with our thoughts and teaching. Depend on the Holy Spirit to enrich their hearts!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Wednesday July, 8, 2009

July 8, 2009 of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis:41; 55-57; 42: 1-7, 17-22A Psalm 33: 1-3, 10-11, 18-19 Matthew 10: 1-7
Response: “Lord, let Your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in You!”

The story of Joseph and 10 of his brothers is familiar to us. Joseph had been haughty and flaunted his father’s favoritism to him. So they conspired to kill him. However, Reuben, Leah’s oldest son by Jacob warned of the consequences if they murdered their father’s favorite. So, they sold him as a slave to a caravan passing by on their way to Egypt. Joseph was about 16 at the time.
Later, Rachael bore Benjamin and died in childbirth. Therefore, Israel tended to favor him thinking Joseph had been killed by animals.
As the story unwinds, because of his prowess as an interpreter of dreams and his prediction of 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine, the Pharaoh made him his Vizier;
In other words his Prime Minister and placed him in charge of the abundant storage of grain. Egypt became the world’s larder and even Israel and his sons suffered from famine.
Israel sent his sons, save Benjamin, to Egypt to get grain so his family could eat.
When they arrived to beg for grain, Joseph, unbeknownst to them, recognized them and had them imprisoned for three days. When he released them, as though through an interpreter, he listened to their imprecations for aid. However, in private, he understood them and wept when he saw them, his brothers. He provided them with a modicum of grain and sent them away with the proviso they must return with their youngest brother, otherwise they would receive no more provisions.
Joseph seemed vindicated but they weren’t too happy about the prospect of taking their y father’s youngest to get more grain.
The lesson we get from this incident in the history of Israel is we never know who. Who when or what will be the answer to our prayers. God moves in His own way and time to right the wrongs we perceive. If we trust in His providence, He will make available the necessary provisions to feed, clothe and house us and our families.

The response reminds us Who’s in charge. We are guided by the Spirit even when we don’t acknowledge it. Since He knows what has transpired and what’s up ahead, His view is paramount and not skewed by the blinders of Society.

Since Jesus was sent by His Father to instruct the Jews in their place in salvation, He selected 12 men to go to the 12 tribes. He granted them the Grace to heal the sick and infirm and to drive out demons in His name, He told them to stay away from the pagans and take His message to the tribes of Israel. He named twelve to correspond to the number of tribes and instructed them in their demeanor as they went from town to town.
They were to perform the same signs as He in His name so as to lend credence to His message.
His Church is the deposit of His teachings. When we recognize It is the dispenser of Grace and forgiveness, we become His messengers in turn!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Tuesday July 7, 2009

Tuesday July 7, 2009 of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 32: 23-33 Psalm 17: 1-3, 6-7, 15 Matthew 9: 32-38
Psalm Response: “In justice, I shall behold Your face, O Lord”

This is a strange tale of Jacob’s encounter with a ‘man’ and wrestling with ‘him. Evidently, Jacob was very strong and adept at wrestling maneuvers. For the ‘man’ was unable to subdue him or vice-versa.
Jacob must have had a revelation during the battle for he wondered aloud, “What is your name?” The response was vague but the ‘man’ evidently twisted Jacob in such a manner, his sciatic nerve was strained.
Jacob assumed he was in combat with a divine being as he named the place where the combat took place, “Penuel” with the thought, “I have seen God face to face and yet my life has been spared.” This was contrary to the traditions of the people and religious leaders, who thought meeting God face to face, was a death sentence!
We are engaged in an encounter with God every time we come in contact with someone in need and we supply the answer. It may be our guess, just as Jacob guessed! However, it is not for us to make a positive determination but rather to assume Christ is in the person in need just as He is with us always if we recognize Him in Faith.

A demoniac was someone suspected of being possessed by a demon of some sort. Often in the Society of Jesus’ time, people thought afflictions were the result of someone’s sin and possession was thought to be the punishment for breaking the Law.
When Jesus exorcized the demon, the nay-sayers said He dispelled the demon by demonic action rather than the prayers of a Holy Man. It was one of the first hints, the religious leaders wouldn’t accept the simple fact of His divinity.
Undaunted by their skepticism, Jesus proceeded to proclaim the Good News of His presence and mission and proving His divinity by various cures of illnesses and afflictions.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

July 6th, 2009

Monday July 6, 2009 of the 14th week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Genesis 28: 10-22a Psalm 91: 1-4, 15ab Matthew 9: 18-26
Response: “ In You, my God, I place my trust”

Knowing Jacob’s penchant for hedging, we may wonder about his bargaining with God.
Not like his ancestor, Abraham, Jake put lots of conditions on which he will obey God’s will and do what he was supposed to do.
God doesn’t need to qualify His promises. Once made, they are inviolate.
But just to make sure, Jacob vows, “If God remains with me, protects me, feeds me, clothes me, keeps me from harm etc, He will be my God.
Do we lay conditions on our Faith in Him? If someone we love falls ill, do we bargain with God or do we allow Him to use His immortality and omnipotence to guide us? We all fall into the political mindset as though God were running for a place in Government! God rules the world and doesn’t need any assistants or assistance!
God asks us to obey His Church! He says, “I’ve protected it, guided it, instructed it through 2000 years! What more can you want?

Our life on earth is like a drop of rain in a deluge. The psalmist knows this as he knows his own mind. Therefore, whom does he place his trust? The Lord!.

The synagogue official and the lady stricken with a blood disease, both possess the ingredient necessary to effect healing.
If your doctor told you go home your daughter is OK, would you question him?
If you’ve been to the doctors many times and they weren’t able to fix you, would you depend on a passerby and touch His cloak?
Not unless you had the Faith of a mustard seed. Then you wouldn’t be surprised at any of God’s providences. We prayed for rain, He delivered! We thank Him and He doesn’t hesitate to give us more!

Friday, July 3, 2009

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Date: Sunday July 5, 2009, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5 Psalm 123: 1-4
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Mark 6:1-6

Ezekiel's visions frightened him so much, he hid himself, thinking he didn't want to be a prophet.
He was a priest of God and the word of God came to him in the Spirit. He was told to speak in God's name, of the Israelite's faithlessness and their abominable behavior of adoration of strange gods.
The words of Ezekiel were an attempt to turn God's people from their irresponsible ways, back to the one God, who sustains them. God knew they were rebellious, however, he urged them to repentance. The gods of power, prestige and materiality pull us in their directional all the time. They are relentless in their pursuit.
However, we must imitate Paul. Even though there is no concrete evidence of the "thorn the side" Paul sustained, he recognized the power of Christ would triumph in the end, for those who remain steadfast in spirit and fact. In another place, Paul states confidently," In Christ I can do all things. Neither life or death, demons or principalities, hunger or thirst will ever remove me from the Love of God my savior.
We need to put things in perspective; set priorities.
Union with God is our ultimate goal. He must be first in our thoughts, words and deeds. We come after our neighbors and enemies. What a strange concept for Americans, who are consumed with the "number one" philosophy!
When we were younger, all of us have experienced an embarrassing moment we wish could be blotted out of our past. However, no matter what we may have accomplished, our hometown folks will point to the embarrassment, rather than our successes.
Jesus came to His hometown, Nazareth and, while He was preaching, as they had never heard before, the hometown folks, with tongue in cheek, said," Who is this, where did He get His obvious education. Aren't His father, the carpenter, and His mother, our neighbors? Don't we know His whole family?" The Scripture states He was unable to perform the same deeds He did in other places. Why? Did He suddenly lose His Divine prerogatives? Not at all!
The ingredient missing from His hometown was Faith in Him. Because they knew Him only as a kid, playing in the street and doing as
boys do, they scoffed at His Abilities!
The words," He was unable to perform mighty deeds" should be induce us to pray for an ever increasing Faith.

Saturday July 4, 2009

Saturday July 4, 2009 Independence Day
Readings: Genesis 27: 1-5, 15-29 Psalm 135: 1-6 Matthew 9: 14-17
Psalm Response: “Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!”

Some of our Christian brothers of disparate sects don’t put much trust in Tradition!
After skipping a few chapters dealing with some parallels of Abraham and Isaac’s experiences, we come to this section dealing with the successor for Isaac as the patriarch of the Hebrew nation.
A little chicanery takes place as Rebecca slips Jacob, into Esau’s, the rightful heir, heritage by using Isaac’s blindness to beguile him into thinking Jacob was Esau!
Where is there Tradition in that”, you say.
Harken back to the opening chapters of Genesis to see the preference for Abel over Cain; the younger over the elder. Continuing throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, Joseph was Jacob’s younger son, Moses was Aaron’s junior, David Jesse’s youngest son etc.
Each was chosen to be the leader of the Hebrew nation contrary to tradition of the eldest being honored.
If that isn’t tradition, what is?
We will learn later Jacob’s ability to use deception to outwit the master teacher, Laban.
The eventual growth of Israel can be traced to Jacob’s progeny, the twelve patriarchs of Hebrew History.
Suffice to say, the blessing from Isaac had a profound influence on Jacob as he was able to withstand his tendency to lash out against Laban when he was duped into wedding Leah rather than Rachel who Jacob preferred.
Could be there are times when we think we have made it perfectly clear our intentions by our study, education and experience. However, God has planned our days far in advance of our desires and knows the future when we only can conjecture.

John the Baptist’s disciples were scrupulous in the observance of the fasting regulations of the Religious parties in charge. They thought Christ, as a good Jew would also be just as observant as they were.
When they questioned Jesus about His disciples lack of obedience, He used a marital custom to allay their concerns. While the bridegroom (Himself) was still with them, the disciples would be errant were they to disregard the custom of revelry while He was still with them. They would have oodles of time when He was gone, and. a reason to fast!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

July 3, 2009

Friday July 3, 2009 of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
The Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle
Scripture readings: Ephesians 2: 19-22 Psalm 117: 1-2 John 20: 24-29
Response: “Go out to all the world and tell the good news!”

In our first reading today, Paul is a formulator of the doctrine of the people of God as the Church. He couldn’t have envisioned the buildings constructed over the next thousands of years to honor and praise the Lord but his vision extended beyond the pale to the building up of the Body of Christ with Christ as the foundation and we as the bricks and mortar.

To affirm the concept of one Church, the psalmist iterates the enduring quality of our being one with God through our endurance.

When Christ made His first appearance to the Apostles while they cowered in the upper room, Thomas was not there. So, when they told him they had seen the Lord, he not only doubted but put some conditions in place to show his obduracy.
The writer of John uses a literary license to have Jesus appear the same way as He had appeared to the ten the week before. Although the doors were locked, He stood in their midst and again offered peace. This week Thomas was there.
As soon as Christ materialized, He offered Thomas His hands and His side. Seeing it was truly Jesus, Thomas fell to His knees to adore Him and exclaimed, “My Lord and My God!”
Jesus extolled Thomas for believing because he had seen with his own eyes. However, He mounted additional praise on those who wouldn’t see Him personally but still believed; that’s us!
How privileged we are to see Him, though veiled, in the consecrated Bread and Wine and at the elevation repeat Thomas’ acclamation, “My Lord And My God!”

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

July 2, 2009

Thursday July 2, 2009

Readings: Genesis 22: 1b-19 Psalm 115: 1-6, 8-9 Matthew 9: 1-8
Response “I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living”

To prove Abraham’s faith wasn’t a sham, God tests him. He tells Abe to sacrifice his only son, his beloved,to prove his fidelity to God.
Imagine the boy, not being privy to his father’s words with God, carrying the wood on his back, on which he would be placed and immolated!
Were the promises made to Abraham and Sarah empty?
If Abraham follows through with the will of God, will the covenant be broken?
These questions are legitimate! Why would God put Abe through such torment?
Nevertheless, Abe went thru with the directions given him by God and were it not for the intervention by an angel, Isaac would have been wasted.
On the way to the site, Isaac asked his dad where was the offering, Abraham’s answer should be ours when difficult situations occur. “God will provide”. However, if our Faith wavers, don’t expect miracles.

The psalmist, making a mockery of the pagan multitude of gods, asserts his Faith in the only God as did Abraham. The gods made of wood, stone and plaster didn’t speak, or move! How could they be anything like our God?

Christ was followed wherever He traveled by a corps of skeptics ready to pounce on His least difference from their tradition. When He offered healing through the words, “ Your sins are forgiven”, they were ready. They called Him a blasphemer!
In the culture of the time, among the Pharisees and many other Jewish sects, They
believed any misfortune, crippling or illness was deserved as punishment for some omission or commission of the Law. Since ‘only God’ could forgive sin, they answered two questions. Jesus was God from His healing words; disasters weren’t punishment for sin.
When we or someone we love is in dire straits, we should summon our deepest Faith and ask God to intervene. The measure of His answer will be paralleled by the depth of our Faith.
Belief in a Supreme Being may be difficult to fathom without sincere faith but Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, all sinners in their own way, are proof positive God hears and answers prayer. Try it!