Designated Drivers And Designated Drunks

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature" (Mk 16:15). -----------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, December 31, 2011, Pope St. Sylvester I

1 John 2:18-21, Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13, John 1:1-18 Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123111.cfm

"My reason for having written you is not that you do not know the truth but that you do, and that no lie has anything in common with the truth." -1 John 2:21

On this last day of the year, many people try to escape from reality by drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or staring at TV. Some feel so miserable they don't even think of not drinking. They resign themselves to despair and only hope they won't drive when they drink. They even promote "designated drivers." But for every "designated driver" there are at least a few "designated drunks." In contrast to the world, the Lord warns us: "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith" (1 Pt 5:8-9). "Children, it is the final hour; just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many such antichrists have appeared" (1 Jn 2:18). "Let us not be asleep like the rest, but awake and sober! Sleepers sleep by night and drunkards drink by night" (1 Thes 5:6-7). "Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34). "Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Eph 5:14). "Avoid getting drunk on wine; that leads to debauchery. Be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18).

Prayer: Father, may I not live under the influence of anything but You.

Promise: "The light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it." -Jn 1:5

Praise: Pope St. Sylvester trusted in God's guidance of the Church during difficult times by writing in humility and courage.

3rd Sunday of Advent

This week, oh! Christ, Your church celebrates another great feast of Your mother and ours.

The feast of "Our Lady of Guadalupe", is important because it shows Mary's care for the down trodden people.

She appeared to Juan Diego and gave him a message of love.

And so we thank You, Jesus, for Your mother and her loving care.

Jesus, continue to prepare us to give You the Christmas present You want us to give You.

And help us to know what that is.

Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.

PREPARING TO PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19, Matthew 17:9-13 Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121011.cfm

"Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him." -Matthew 17:12

The prophetic ministry of Elijah prepared the way for John the Baptizer's prophetic ministry. John prophesied "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Lk 1:17). Jesus even stated that John "is Elijah" (Mt 11:14). Elijah prepared the way for John, who came to "prepare the way of the Lord" (Mt 3:3). God prepared the way for His Son's coming for centuries. He sent prophet after prophet. He gave visions, warnings, and encouragements. In fact, the entire Old Testament points to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. If God, Who is all-knowing and always ready, spent centuries preparing for Christmas, then we, who know so little and are often unprepared for the future, surely need at least four weeks of Advent to prepare for Christ's Christmas coming. We need Elijah's ministry of fire (Sir 48:1, 3) to burn away the "holiday" distractions and fill us with the fire of the Holy Spirit to be prepared to welcome Jesus. We need to be immersed in John's "baptism of repentance" this Advent (Mk 1:4). Our sincere Advent Confession removes "speed bumps" of sin (see Lk 3:5), which prevent us from being quick to welcome Jesus. Instead of preparing for the "holidays" by attending Christmas parties, we need to prepare for "Christ-Mass" by attending Christmas banquets, that is, Advent Masses, the eucharistic banquets of the Lamb. "Prepare the way of the Lord" this Advent, and have the Christmas of a lifetime.

Prayer: Father, this Advent, may I "learn to value the things that really matter" in life (Phil 1:10). I devote my life to seeking Jesus.

Promise: "Give us new life, and we will call upon Your name." -Ps 80:19

Praise: Maria spends her Advent in prayer and in preparing her heart for the coming of her Lord.

WOMAN-LIBERATION

"The woman answered, 'The serpent tricked me into it.' " –Genesis 3:13

In the wake of the first sin, on the worst day in history, the Lord said to the serpent: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel" (Gn 3:15). God's curse of the serpent is a promise of mercy for us. The woman and the snake will hate each other and be at war. The offspring of the woman will have a decided advantage and win the war.
 
The woman is Eve, the chosen people, the Church, and Mary. On Calvary, moments before His death, Jesus called Mary "woman" (Jn 19:26). He told her to adopt all His disciples. Therefore, the offspring of the woman is not only the human race and Jesus but also Jesus' disciples. Thus, God has promised us victory over "the ancient serpent known as the devil or Satan" (Rv 12:9).
 
Jesus destroyed "the devil's works" (1 Jn 3:8) and even swallowed up death in victory (1 Cor 15:54). From the moment of her conception, Mary shared perfectly in her Son's time-transcending victory over Satan. We, as disciples of Jesus and adopted children of Mary, also share greatly in Jesus' victory.

Today's great, solemn feast is a celebration of victory, hope, Mary, and discipleship. Today is a celebration of Jesus – God, Man, Savior, and Lord. Alleluia! Praise the Lord Jesus!

PRAYER:	Father, may I be free from sin by repenting and constantly depending on Your grace. "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you."
PROMISE:	"Nothing is impossible with God." –Lk 1:37
PRAISE:	Praise Jesus, Whose Presence was the reason for Mary's Immaculate Conception.

Y'ALL COME

"To whom can you liken Me as an equal? says the Holy One." –Isaiah 40:25

No one equals God in anything. Consider God's strength; He is unequaled in strength. Almighty God is so strong that He made and sustains the millions of stars which span light-years in space (Is 40:26).
 
Almighty God is willing to share His unlimited strength with us. "He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak He makes vigor abound" (Is 40:29). When God strengthens old or weak people, they can outrun, outwork, and outlast young folks. Those who let God renew their strength "will soar as with eagles' wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint" (Is 40:31).
 
It gets better. God will make you so supernaturally strong that you will be able to say with Paul: "In Him Who is the Source of my strength I have strength for everything" (Phil 4:13). God's love in you will be stronger than death (see Sg 8:6). Death, sickness, pain, and Satan will wear out before you will. You will have the strength to enter into eternal life and rest (see Mt 11:29).

To receive this supernatural strength, come to Jesus. "All you who are weary and find life burdensome" (Mt 11:28), come to Jesus.

PRAYER:	Father, beginning this Advent may I have Your strength for everything.
PROMISE:	"My yoke is easy and My burden light." –Mt 11:30
PRAISE:	St. Ambrose put all his giftedness – his intelligence, education, and passion – in God's employment. He was so holy as a catechumen he was selected for bishop at thirty-four

FREE-GIFTS

Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13, Matthew 18:12-14 Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120611.cfm

"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her slavery is at an end." -Isaiah 40:2, our transl.

St. Nicholas is famous not just for giving gifts, but for gift-giving that set people free. His gifts freed three young women from beginning lives of prostitution. What about the gifts you will give this Christmas? Will these gifts set people free, merely distract them from their slavery, or even be one more enslaving factor in their lives? Jesus came and will come this Christmas to "proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and release to prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord" (Lk 4:18-19). Christ's Christmas coming this year is yet another proclamation of a year of total liberation.

Our Christmas gifts will free people if they lead others to Christ, Who is the Truth that sets us free (Jn 14:6; Jn 8:32, 36). For instance, giving people a Bible, a cross, or prayer can free them. Giving something that you made yourself (e.g. cookies, crafts, poems, or even songs) usually has more power to lead others to freedom in Christ than store-bought items. Giving your time and service to others can be acts of Christian love which free people from depression, fear, confusion, and self-hatred.

This type of gift-giving is not popular in our materialistic world. We may even be ridiculed for such "old-fashioned," "religious" gift-giving. If so, we will then be able to give even greater gifts such as forgiveness, mercy, and unconditional love. These gifts have the greatest power to free people and lead them to Christ.

Prayer: Father, in Jesus, free me from sin and for evangelization.

Promise: "It is no part of your heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." -Mt 18:14

Praise: St. Nicholas was a saintly monk before God raised him to abbot, archbishop, and saint. He set a standard for giving gifts of generosity and freedom.

2nd Sunday of Advent

This week, oh! Christ, we celebrate the beginning of our salvation history, with Mary our mother, being conceived without sin in her mothers womb.

Let us celebrate our mother Mary who loves us with a love that can't be fully explained or understood.

Let us give You thanks and praise for how You set up our salvation, so that You did it all, and we get the benefit of eternal life.

Thank You Jesus, for loving us and giving us so great a witness of Your never ending love, Mary, our intercessor with You to the Father.

Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.

Hard Rock

Isaiah 26:1-6, Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27, Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120111.cfm

"Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock." -Matthew 7:24

On this fifth day of Advent, the Church reads to us about "a strong city" (Is 26:1), "a nation of firm purpose" (Is 26:3), and a house "solidly set on rock" (Mt 7:25). God's Word is calling us to be strong, firm, and solid by building our lives on obedience to the Lord, the "eternal Rock" (Is 26:4). If we are totally committed to Jesus and obey His Word, our lives will stand no matter how terrible the circumstances.
At this time of the year, some parts of the world are hit by major winter storms. This is also true spiritually. We may find ourselves in a "great period of trial" (Rv 7:14), "a great contest of suffering" (Heb 10:32), or "the distress of many trials" (1 Pt 1:6). We may understand all too well what Job went through. We may even fill up in our bodies "what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ" (Col 1:24). When the spiritual weather gets this bad, when it gets this stormy and cold, only those confirmed by the Holy Spirit and trusting in Jesus, the "eternal Rock," will stand.

Prayer: Father, as the weather worsens this Advent, lead me to trust You in ways where I have not trusted You before.

Promise: "Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock." -Is 26:4

Praise: Jesus used Tony's attraction to Christian music to draw him first to Scripture, and then to daily Mass.

Via PM Obob

Actions and Results

Read: Romans 5:12-19

If by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. —Romans 5:15

On November 24, 1971, a man known today as D. B. Cooper hijacked a commercial flight between Portland and Seattle by threatening to blow up the plane unless he received $200,000. After landing to receive a ransom, he ordered the plane back into the air. Then the rear stairs of the 727 aircraft were lowered, and he parachuted into the night. He was never captured, and the case is still unsolved. This act hastened the age of airport security in which trust and confidence have been replaced by suspicion and fear. What he did affected us all.

The Bible describes two actions that changed the world in a far more significant way. Through Adam’s choice, sin and death entered the world, “and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12). But through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, God provided a remedy for the results of sin. “Through one man’s [Adam’s] offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s [Christ’s] righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life” (v.18).

Christ did what no one else could do when He broke the power of sin and death by His resurrection. He offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who will accept His gift. And for that, we thank Him with all our hearts.

When Adam sinned, death spread to all—
One act condemned the human race—
But Jesus’ death upon the cross
Provides mankind God’s saving grace. —Sper

The cross of Christ can cure the condemnation of Adam’s choice.

by David C. McCasland

Honoring Your Parents

Read: Exodus 20:1-17

Honor your father and mother. —Ephesians 6:2

My dad recently turned 90 years old and his physical capabilities are fading. He can still move around with his walker, but he needs someone to cook his meals and help him with other tasks.

My older brother Steve and his wife Judy lived close to him, so they decided to move in with Dad to care for him. Wanting to help in some way, my wife and I flew across the country to help out a bit by watching Dad while my brother and his wife had some time away together. We enjoyed our time with my father and were glad to ease Steve and Judy’s load—even if it was only for a few days.

The Bible says to “honor your father and mother” (Eph. 6:2). One New Testament commentary says that to honor someone is to “treat him with the deference, respect, reverence, kindness, courtesy, and obedience which his station in life . . . demands.”

For young children, this means obeying parents. For teenagers, it indicates showing respect for Mom and Dad even if you think you know more than they do. For young adults, this means including your parents in your life. And for those in middle-age and beyond, it means making sure that parents are cared for as they move into old age or their health declines.

How can you honor your parents this week?

Don’t miss the opportunity
To honor and obey
The parents God has given you—
For they’ll be gone someday. —Sper

Honoring our parents has no age limit.

by Dennis Fisher

Just Do What's Right

Read: Philippians 2:12-18
That you may become . . . children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. —Philippians 2:15

On a trip out of the country, I happened to meet an attorney who was from my hometown in New Jersey. We were surprised at how much we had in common. In the course of the conversation, he asked, “Did you say your name was Stillwell?” I said, “No, it’s Stowell.” He then mentioned that he had a client named Stillwell. “Is it Art Stillwell?” I asked, and, to my surprise, he said yes. Art Stillwell attended my church and was an influential businessman in the community.

The attorney admitted that he had no client quite like Art. He explained that most of his clients want him to do whatever it takes to get them out of their problems, but Art was different. Whenever he asked Art what to do in any given situation, Art always replied, “Just do what’s right!” Obviously it had made an impression on the attorney.

Yielding to Christ in all of our desires and decisions regardless of the outcome is what sets us apart in a world full of people consumed by their own interests. When we live blameless lives “without fault”—courageously reflecting the integrity, love, and grace of Jesus—we clearly “shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15).

So, if you want to light up your world in a compelling way, just do what’s right!

Dim not, little candle,
Show Jesus through me!
Glow brightly till others
The Light clearly see! —Adams

Light up your world by reflecting the light of Jesus.

First Sunday Of Advent

Jesus, our new Church year has started, help us to make this year the best year of our lives.

Let us live it as if this was our first year, our only year, our last year.

Let us focus more and more on You, and less and less on the problems around us.

Let us realize that all things work to good for those who love You.

Let us receive Your gift of peace, and help us keep it firmly in our hearts.

Let us do good to those we live with and let us truly love everyone.

Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.

Feeling Poor?

Read: Psalm 86
I am poor and needy. —Psalm 86:1

In one way or another, we can all relate to Psalm 86:1 where David says, “I am poor and needy.” Even the richest among us should understand that poverty and need relate more to the spirit than to the wallet. When billionaire Rich DeVos speaks to groups he often says, “I’m just a sinner saved by grace.”

Psalm 86 tells us that the help God provides is not measured by a monetary ledger sheet. When we acknowledge that we are poor and needy, it’s not so God will lavish material riches on us. No, we do so to open the door to other, more valuable treasures.

Here’s what God does for the poor and needy. He will “preserve” our lives and “save” all those who trust in Him (v.2). He will be “merciful” and “ready to forgive” (vv.3,5). He will listen to and answer prayer (vv.6-7).

But we’re not to take God’s blessings without giving back. We have a responsibility to learn God’s ways, walk in His truth, “fear [God’s] name,” praise the Lord, and “glorify [His] name” (vv.11-12).

Do you consider yourself among the “poor and needy”? If so, welcome to the club. Let’s not forget all the spiritual blessings God has for us and the godly response we should have toward His generosity.

We’re thankful for the blessings, Lord,
You give us day by day;
Now help us show our gratitude
By walking in Your way. —Sper

The poorest man is he whose only wealth is money.

Happy Old Year!

Daniel 7:15-27, Daniel 3:82-87, Luke 21:34-36 Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112611.cfm

"I, Daniel, found my spirit anguished within its sheath of flesh, and I was terrified by the visions of my mind." -Daniel 7:15

Today is the last day of the Church year. As we look back over the year or years, we may be confused and even disappointed. The writer of the book of Daniel assures us that the Lord knows beforehand all that has happened or will happen (Dn 7:16). The Lord is in control. Out of respect for our freedom and in His infinite wisdom, He allows things to happen which are not His perfect will. Nevertheless, the Lord is the Lord of all. He will make "all things work together for the good of those who love" Him (Rm 8:28). We need not figure out the past, but we do need to learn from the past, including this past year. We need to thank the Lord for last year and then leave it behind. As we end this year, we should "give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead" (Phil 3:13). Our "entire attention" should be "on the finish line" - "life on high in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14). When we leave the past behind, however, we should not be running away from unfinished business. We should have repented of every sin committed, forgiven every offense, been healed of every hurt, obeyed every one of the Lord's commands, and answered every one of His calls. On this last day of the Church year, let's close the year. Go to Confession. Do today what you've been putting off all year. Make that visit or phone call. End finished. Start beginning. Happy new year!

Prayer: Father, thank You for life, years, love, and You.

Promise: "Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares. The great day will suddenly close in on you like a trap." -Lk 21:34

Praise: Attending a friend's funeral brought Peter back to Church and back to Life.

Singing Bowl

Read: Deuteronomy 4:32-40
We therefore ought to . . . become fellow workers for the truth. —3 John 1:8

Artist and scientist Michael Flynn designed a singing bowl for display in ArtPrize, an international art competition held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The bowl requires no electricity but it does require something that is in short supply: cooperation.

As I observed people trying to make the bowl sing, I was surprised that none of them bothered to read the directions about rocking it gently. Instead, impatient to make music, they kept trying their own ideas. After a few minutes they walked away frustrated and disappointed, as if the bowl was defective.

How many times, I wonder, do we become frustrated that life isn’t working the way we think it should? We keep trying ways that seem right, but things keep turning out wrong. Instead of following God’s Word, we continue trying to find our own way.

The singing bowl reminds us that we can’t expect life to go well if we ignore the instructions of the Designer (Deut. 4:40). Failing to obey divides us from one another and separates us from God. To fulfill His plan for the world and make the way of salvation known (Ps. 67:2), we need to follow His instructions about living and working peacefully together. When life doesn’t go well, it may be that we’ve stopped following God’s plan.

Sure it takes a lot of courage to put things in God’s hands,
To give ourselves completely, our lives, our hopes, our plans;
To follow where He leads us and make His will our own;
But all it takes is foolishness to go the way alone! —Kline

Life is a beautiful song that God is teaching us to play.

Finding Hope

Read: Psalm 42:1-11
Why are you cast down, O my soul? . . . Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him. —Psalm 42:5


A study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota found that almost 15 percent of American teenagers felt it was “highly likely” that they would die before their 35th birthday. Those with this pessimistic outlook were more likely to engage in reckless behavior. Dr. Iris Borowsky, author of the study published in Pediatrics magazine, said: “These youth may take risks because they feel hopeless and figure that not much is at stake.”

No one is immune to feelings of despair. The Psalms express repeated pleas for help when life seems dark. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence” (Ps. 42:5 NASB). In a defiant step of faith, the psalmist tells himself not to forget about God, who will never forsake him.

Curtis Almquist has written: “Hope is fueled by the presence of God. . . . [It] is also fueled by the future of God in our lives.” We can say with the psalmist, “I shall yet praise Him” (v.5).
No follower of Christ should feel reluctant to seek counsel for depression. Nor should we feel that faith and prayer are too simplistic to help. There is always hope in God!

My sheep I know, they are My own,
I leave them not in trials alone;
I will be with them to the end,
Their Hope, their Joy, their dearest Friend. —Anon.

Hope for the Christian is a certainty— because its basis is Christ.

Saved From The Lions

Daniel 6:12-28, Daniel 3:68-74, Luke 21:20-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112411.cfm

The first reading is a well-known story for most of us. Daniel is thrown into the den of the lions out of disobedience to the decrees of the king.

The king has great admiration for Daniel for his exceptional administrative qualities. In fact, the king plans to have him rule over the kingdom. Out of jealousy, his fellow administrators seek to make charges against him. Daniel is the faithful Jew. He prays three times a day as is the custom of the Jews. He prays facing Jerusalem in his land of exile. While at prayer, his conspirators rush to the king to demand his life. He has disobeyed the absolute and irrevocable decree of the king that no one is to address a plea except to the king. The king is disturbed. He considers Daniel as one of his chief of staff. Because of his decree and its irrevocable status, it must be obeyed. Daniel, the disobedient, must be punished for his crime against the king. In a remarkable act of God, Daniel is saved from the lions. God in His goodness kept the lions at distance from Daniel the whole evening. It was another act of the sovereign God. With this miracle, the king issues a new decree — the God of Daniel is to be revered and feared. In a beautiful testimony, the king converts the whole nation to the Deliverer and Savior, the God of Daniel, the Lord God of Israel.

The story reveals the just rewards of the ones who place their faith in God. “Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God,” proclaims St. Paul. He who remains faithful to the end, enduring all trials and difficulties, will always see the victory of God. This is the story of Jesus. Right to the very end of His life, He placed His faith in the Lord, the only one who could save him. The story of Daniel is a fine example for us all. In the face of trying circumstances, are we willing to trust in the Lord? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
What are the pressing issues surrounding your life? Will you stand up for the truth?

Lord, You are my Deliverer and Savior. Save me from those who persecute me. Amen.

St. Colman of Cloyne, pray for us.

Bible Time - Colossians 3:6-11

Colossians 3:6-11
For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

Your new life — your Christian life — is all about Christ!

It is the life of Christ in you that is renewing your life and restoring the image of God in you. The more you put Christ on the throne of your life, the more you will experience God’s renewal in your heart. This is what breaks down the barriers between different kinds of people; it is the common experience of the life and love of Christ that binds my heart to people completely different to me. But if I reject Christ as Lord of my life and choose to live in my own strength, then God’s inner renewal in my life stops and my life becomes self-centered.

Thanksgiving Pardon

Read: 1 John 1:1-10

The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanses us from all sin. —1 John 1:7

 

Each year at the end of November, the President of the United States issues an official pardon for the National Thanksgiving Turkey. During this lighthearted ceremony, one president remarked: “Our guest of honor looks a little nervous. Nobody’s told him yet that I’m going to give him a pardon.” The poor turkey had a good reason to be uneasy—without an acquittal, he was doomed to be Thanksgiving dinner.

We are in a similar situation when it comes to our sin. Without God’s pardon, we’re on our way to certain demise. This condition is a direct result of our own wrongdoing. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). However, we can be set free from this death sentence because God’s Son bore our sin in His body on the cross, “that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). First John 1:7 tells us that Jesus’ blood “cleanses us from all sin.”

We can accept God’s pardon for our sin and receive eternal life when we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead (Rom. 10:9). Today, consider how you will respond to God’s offer of forgiveness.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! —Chisholm

Through faith in Christ, we receive God’s pardon and escape sin’s penalty.

Bible Time - Ephesians 2:1-7

Ephesians 2:1-7

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world…Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

God is looking forward to pouring out his kindness on you in the ages to come!

God’s grace is so much greater than you realize. We were “children of wrath.”  We deserved God’s judgment. But God’s love and mercy moved Him to act in grace, not giving us what we deserve, but giving us unbelievable restoration of our inner being to a wonderful relationship with Him. Still, God wants you to see today that this was just the beginning of His grace in your life.

God intends to keep on pouring His grace out on your life, showering you with His kindness for ages into the future.

The World Of More

Read: Romans 5:1-11

 

Eye has not seen . . . the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. —1 Corinthians 2:9

My cable company sent a postcard inviting me to check out its latest improvements in TV channels. The card indicated that I needed to contact the company to get the necessary new digital equipment and explained how to hook it up and activate it. After that, the ad said I was just to “sit back and enjoy the World of More.”

The card made me think of the “World of More” that Christians are privileged to live in. When God transports people from the darkness of sin “into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9), a whole new life opens up.

Romans 5 tells us some of the more that we have in Christ: We have been “reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (v.10) and therefore have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.1). We have access to God and His grace (v.2). Rejoicing in trouble is now possible because we understand that it’s an opportunity to grow in our character through trusting Him (vv.3-4). Additionally, the Holy Spirit, who has been given to live in us, pours the love of God into our hearts (v.5). And sin no longer has the same hold on us (6:18).

As Christians, we have unlimited access to a real “World of More.” Wouldn’t it be selfish not to invite others to join us in that special world?

The world seeks fulfillment in
The pleasures they adore;
But those who follow Jesus Christ
Are given so much more. —Sper

Belonging to God brings boundless blessings.

 

Holiness Of God

One of the main themes that we see throughout the Book of Daniel isthat of God’s sovereignty. This is the theme of the story of the first reading today.
The king is having an elaborate party with his friends. The party has many guests, officials of the kingdom. It was a party for the richest and finest of the kingdom. While under the influence of alcohol, they revel in sacrilegious ritual. The temple’s finery of vessels are handed over to the people. As they begin to drink from the costly vessels stolen from the temple in Jerusalem, they notice a strange sight. The fingers of a hand appear, writing on the wall for everyone to see. This sight shakes the king. He does not understand the writing, but he has some kind of feeling that it is not good. He calls upon his sages to interpret the writing. None of them could interpret it.
Daniel, the wise interpreter of the king, comes into his presence and begins to decipher the writing on the wall. It reveals measures of weight and monies. The king is weighed against the standards of God and is seen as abominable in the sight of God. God appears in the form of a hand to bring down the judgment to the king. God is the righteous King and would have no one underestimate His authority and power. Jesus states in the Gospel that by the finger of God, Satan is cast out. Evil has no place in the Kingdom of God. God will not tolerate absurd and idolatrous worship.
We must be very careful with the way we act. God will not tolerate behavior that is opposed to His commandments. All of us are to give an account of what we have done in service to the Lord and in keeping His commandments. We must respect things that are of God. We need to develop a reverence for the holy. Jesus is present in every tabernacle and awaits our adoration. At Mass, we must prepare well for what we are to receive in communion. In our daily lives, we must treat one another with utmost respect and dignity for the Sacred Presence is within him. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Let us examine our conscience again this day and seek to reverence the Lord who is among us.

God, all powerful Father, we adore You and reverence Your presence in our lives. Amen.

St. Columban, pray for us.

Unexpressed Gratitude

The whole reason for saying thanks is to let the giver of a gift know how much you appreciate something. Author G. B. Stern once said, “Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”

When our son was young, he sometimes needed to be reminded that avoiding eye contact, looking down at his feet, and mumbling some unintelligible words was not an acceptable “thank you.” And after many years of marriage, my husband and I are still learning that it’s important for us to continually express our gratitude to each other. When one of us feels appreciative, we try to verbalize it—even if we’ve said it many times before about the same thing. William Arthur Ward said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Showing our gratitude is obviously important in human relationships, but it’s even more essential in our relationship with God. As we think about the many blessings we have received, do we express our thanks to Him throughout the day? And when we think of the amazing gift of His death and resurrection for forgiveness of our sins, do our hearts bubble over with awe and thanksgiving? (Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 9:15).

Take the reminder in Psalm 107:1 to heart each day: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!”

How great should be our gratitude To God our unseen Friend! The volume of His gifts to us We cannot comprehend. —Hess

God’s highest Gift should awaken our deepest gratitude.

The END

A city can be quite dazzling to a newcomer. Lights, towering buildings and huge malls catch the eyes of a new person hitting a city for the first time. One can imagine how awestruck the disciples were as they wandered around the Temple of Herod. Herod’s Temple was known for its extravagance in beauty, architecture and adornments. It was one of Herod’s main projects. Jesus turns their attention to the fact that the beauty they see will one day be no more. As a prophet, He is speaking of the destruction of the temple and the city itself, Jerusalem. Forty years after His death this was fulfilled. The destruction of the temple and city was a great blow to the people of Israel. Jesus connects the prophecy of the destruction of the temple with the end of the world. The things that will happen to Jerusalem will be the prelude to the end of the world. The world as we know it will be destroyed. Some people think the end of the world is near, judging by the catastrophes that are happening nowadays, one after the other. Luke gives his version of the eschatological discourse. It will be a dramatic sight for all. All will know the end is nigh, but Jesus reminds His followers to not be afraid, to trust in Him. I once heard of a nervous lector who, at the end of the first reading, stated triumphantly, “Brothers and sisters, this is the end of the world!” Everyone was aghast as they realized she meant, “Brothers and sisters, this is the Word of the Lord!” The language that we hear of the end times is weird indeed. It is hard to put our heads around it because it seems so other-worldly. Earthquakes and famine will occur, terror and signs in the sky will be appearing, but there is no cause for alarm. Many will say, “I am he,” referring to the anti-Christ. Many will say the time is at hand, but even Jesus mentioned He did not know the hour or day. The important thing is to be watchful and ready for the coming of the end of the world. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question: How will you spend your last day on earth?

Lord, prepare my heart for the coming of Your Son. Amen.

Sts. Mark & Stephen, pray for us.

The Craftsman’s Touch

Read: Exodus 31:1-5

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. —Ephesians 2:10

I recently saw a documentary about the making of a Steinway piano. It traced the meticulous care that goes into crafting this fine instrument. From the cutting of trees until the piano appears on a showroom floor, it goes through countless delicate adjustments by skilled craftsmen. When the year-long process is complete, accomplished musicians play the piano and often comment on how the same rich sounds could never be produced by a computerized assembly line. The secret to the final product is the craftsman’s touch.

When the tabernacle was built, we see that God also valued the craftsman’s touch. He chose the craftsman Bezalel and said of him: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood” (Ex. 31:3-5).

Today God dwells in the hearts of believers. Yet the call to craftsmanship has not ended. Now each individual believer is God’s “workmanship” (Eph. 2:10). The Master Craftsman is the Holy Spirit, who chips away at flaws in our character to make each of us like Jesus (Rom. 8:28-29). And as we yield to His workmanship, we will find that the secret to the final product is the Craftsman’s touch.

The Spirit is the Craftsman
Who makes us like the Son;
He’ll mold and shape our being
Until His work is done. —Sper

The Father gave us the Spirit to make us like His Son.

The Riches Of GOD

The Gospel of Luke has a number of titles associated with it. One of the many titles is the Gospel of the Poor. Luke has a preferential option for the poor. Today, Jesus observes the widow, who represents the poor of Israel.
The setting is that of the women’s court in the temple. Within the temple, there are trumpet-like receptacles for people to drop their donations. Jesus watches as the people enter the temple and the sight of a widow catches His attention. The widow pays her respects to the Presence of God in the Temple. Jesus notices that many of the rich make their offerings. However, this widow gives her all — every penny she had to live on!
The coins that the widow puts in are perhaps equivalent to five centavos in the Philippines — the smallest currency used nowadays. The copper coins of the widow were the smallest in circulation at the time of Jesus. Most striking, according to Jesus, is the fact that the widow puts in two coins. She could have kept one coin for herself. Instead, the whole of her livelihood is spent for the Lord. The others contributed out of their surplus. They had other resources that they could rely upon — but not the poor widow. Her act surely touched the heart of Jesus.
Often we act like the rich. We are willing to give our all to God, but keep the little that we have — just in case. Do we really trust in the Lord? He will surely provide. This was the faith of the widow. She trusted in her God that He would provide. Who knows how she lived that day? Perhaps some good and kind person had pity upon her.
Today, the Church celebrates the Presentation of Mary in the temple. Tradition tells us that Mary, at a young age, presented herself to the Lord. This prophetic act would find its fulfillment in her submission to God — on becoming the mother of Jesus.
Let us imitate Mary’s faith and that of the widow in the Gospel. Both women placed their lives in the hands of God’s providential care. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
What return will I make for the Lord?

Lord, You have given all to me. Now I return it to You. Amen.

St. Digain, pray for us.

FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

Jesus, You are truly the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

We are so blessed that You care for us, that You intercede for us, that You truly love us.

What a miracle, what a gift, You truly love each and every one of us, always.

We are precious in Your eyes, we are very important to You.

Yet, we constantly get so involved in life that we forget You.

Help us this day to truly let You be the Lord and King of our lives.

Let us bow to You in love.

Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.

A Family Trait

Read: Matthew 5:9,38-48

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. —Matthew 5:9

There’s an old Sunday school song that periodically comes back to my mind. Its words testify to the blessing of the peace that Jesus so generously gives: “I have the peace that passes understanding down in my heart—down in my heart to stay!”

There is something missing in that well-intentioned song, however. The peace of God is truly a gift we enjoy in our hearts as we fellowship in His presence (John 14:27; 16:33). But He never intended for us to keep all of that peace to ourselves. Peace is a gift to be shared with those around us. As Christians, it should mark our relationships and characterize the environment of our churches.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9), which indicates that we are to be intentional about bringing peace to our relationships. Since we are prone to be troublemakers instead of peacemakers, this is important advice. So, what does peacemaking look like? Peacemakers are those who turn the other cheek (v.39), go the extra mile (v.41), and love their enemies while praying for those who persecute them (v.44).

Why should we do this? Because God is a peacemaker, and when we make peace we are “called sons of God” (v.9). Peacemaking is a family trait.

Lord, thank You for the peace we have down in our
hearts. And that we can be peacemakers with others
through our attitude, words, and deeds.
Help me to show Your mercy and peace. Amen.

Because of the peace of God and peace with God,
we can be peacemakers for God.

DELIGHTFUL ANNIVERSARY!

"Judas & his brothers & the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the wholeheartedness of the altar ought to be actually observed by having joy & gladness on the anniversary." - 1 Maccabees 4:59

They usually keep in their mind anniversaries of both good & bad events. The Maccabees commemorated "the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had actually defiled" the Temple. "On that incredibly day it was reconsecrated by having tunes, harps, flutes, & cymbals. All the people prostrated themselves & adored & applauded Heaven". Need you ever assumed of celebrating the anniversary of when one defiled the temple of your body with sin? Perhaps years back, one tumbled in to adultery or fornication. Potentially one were injured by somebody years back. You responded to this by having unforgiveness & bitterness. Perhaps one quit going to church twenty-five years back.

It is time to commemorate the anniversary of your sin, of defiling the temple. You do this by showing penitence, going to Confession, & reconsecrating your life & bodily temple to God. Give your life to God, prostrate yourself prior to Him, adore & praise Him. Although one is actually celebrating the anniversary of a bad event, it is a wonderful commemoration made joyful by your repentance from sins & overall message to Jesus. One may rejoice with all the saints & angels in wonderland over sinner that has shown penitence. Have a delightful anniversary.

PRAYER: Father, by attrition, may I let You turn even my sins to the delightful (Rm 8:28).

PLEDGE: "The whole populace was listening to Him & hanging on His words." (Lk 19:48).

PRAISE: The American Indians called St. Rose "woman-who-prays-always" (see Lk 18:1).

Bible Time - Ephesians 1:13-14

Ephesians 1:13-14

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

The Holy Spirit was given to you at the time of your salvation as proof from God that you were in Christ and would receive the full experience of glory at the end!

Look at what happens in this verse. First, you heard the gospel of your salvation. At that time you believed; you trusted in Christ’s death on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins. When you believed, you were united with Christ and the thing that sealed you in that relationship was the Holy Spirit, who God gave you at that time as a pledge of your eternal inheritance. The word translated “pledge” means “down payment” or “deposit.” It is the first part of a much larger payment that is to come.

Today God is promising you that the work of redemption He is doing in your life right now, making you more and more like Jesus, will one day be complete. You are God’s precious possession. God will not abandon you. You have been sealed in Christ and God the Father will never abandon Jesus Christ His Son.

Becoming Bilingual

Read: Acts 17:19-31

In Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, “For we are also His offspring.” —Acts 17:28

Is it possible—in a society that seems increasingly indifferent to the gospel—to communicate the Good News to people who don’t share our faith?

One way to connect with people who are unfamiliar with the things of Christ is to become culturally “bilingual.” We do this by communicating in ways people can easily relate to. Knowing about and discussing music, film, sports, and television, for example, can offer just such an opportunity. If people hear us “speak their language,” without endorsing or condoning the media or events we refer to, it could open the door to sharing the timeless message of Christ.

Paul gave us an example of this in Acts 17. While visiting the Areopagus in Athens, he spoke to a thoroughly secular culture by quoting pagan Greek poets as a point of reference for the spiritual values he sought to communicate. He said, “In Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring’” (Acts 17:28). Just as Paul addressed that culture by knowing what they were reading, we may have greater impact for the gospel by relating it to people in terms they can readily embrace.

Are you trying to reach a neighbor or a co-worker with the gospel? Try becoming bilingual.

To earn your neighbor’s ear
And prove you really care,
Use terms he understands
To show you are aware. —Branon

The content of the Bible must be
brought into contact with the world.

Didache - COME!

A little more than a week ago, we celebrated the dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica. Today we celebrate the memorial of two basilicas in Rome — Sts. Peter and Paul. Both basilicas share the same date though one is slightly older than the other. The Basilica of St. Peter is on top of the tomb of St. Peter. He was crucified upside down during the great persecution in Rome under Emperor Nero, 64 A.D. The Basilica of St. Paul is on Via Ostia, outside the ancient city walls of Rome. Paul was beheaded with a sword, as the legend goes; his head bounced three times, hence the Tre Fontan (Three Fountains).
The story narrated by Matthew is a delightful story of placing our trust in the Lord. The Apostles, caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, are struggling. Interestingly, the waters are the places whereby evil reign. It is no wonder that in their fright, the Apostles scream that the one walking on the water is a ghost. Immediately, Jesus calms their fears by calling out to them.
As Peter begins to walk on the water, I guess the greatest mistake he made was to look down. The moment he perceived the wind, he became frightened and began to sink. From this account, we notice that the Lord is always willing to save. We just need to call upon His name and we shall be saved. Jesus always encourages us: Do not be afraid!
Perhaps we are to take the risk, similar to Peter, to step out of the boat. The boat represents that comfort zone where we would rather stay because it is a shelter from the storm. In fact, Peter is the bravest of all the Apostles — perhaps the most stupid also! Yes, he takes the step of faith. He believes in Jesus. He is ready to follow the call of the Lord.
Certainly, in our lives, the winds may become fierce and the storm so destructive, but the Lord is always ready to hasten to our aid. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Is Jesus calling you to step out of the boat?

Faithful and kind God, I place my faith in You. Do not abandon me when I call upon Your name. Amen.

St. Odo, pray for us.

Ang Halaga Ng Katapatan

"Ngunit malakas na sumagot si Matatias, hindi kami susunod sa gayong ipinagagawa ng hari at lalo namang hindi kami magtataksil sa aming relihiyon kailanman!" -1 Maccabees 2:19, 22

Si Mattathias ay hindi kayang manipulahin para makompromiso ang kanyang pananampalataya. Siya'y tumanggi na maging isang ipokrita at isang pagkahuwad. Siya'y tumanggi na maging matamlay at nakakaduwal sa harap ng Diyos (Rv 3:16). Para kay Mattathias na matatag at tapat, siya ay nagpakalayo "sa mga bundok kasama ang kanyang mga anak, lisan ang kanilang mga mga ari-arian sa lungsod." (1 Mc 02:28).

Tayo ay tulad ni Mattathias. Nakatira tayo sa isang "kultura ng kamatayan." Nakatira tayo sa isang panahon na puno ng pagsalungat sa Kristiyanismo. Sa kultura na ito, ang katapatan ay hindi walang halaga. Upang maging tapat, hindi pagkahuwad, tayo ay dapat gumawa ng mga dakilang sakripisyo. Tulad ni Mattathias, kinakailangan nating iwan ang ating mga ari-arian at magkaroon ng tapang upang mabuhay sa isang likas na kaka-ibang pamumuhay (Ang Ebanghelyo ng Buhay, 98, Pope John Paul II). Upang maging tapat sa Panginoon sa ating "kultura ng kamatayan," ay dapat nating tanggihan ang mga sistema ng pagkamakasarili at pagsasarili, at piliin ang komunidad ng Kristiyano at pagsumite sa Panginoon at sa Kanyang Iglesia. Upang maging mapusok para sa Jesus at hindi malamig, kailangan nating tanggihan ang ating mga sarili at pagiging makasarili para maitaas krus sa bawat araw (Lk 09:23).
Magiging tapat ka ba o pagkahuwad? Tatanggapin mo ba ang biyaya ng Diyos para bayaran ang halaga ng katapatan?

Panalangin: Ama, ituro sa amin "ang landas ng kapayapaan sa araw na ito" upang mapahalagahan namin ang oras ng aming pagdalaw (Lk 19:42, 44).

Pangako: Ang marami, na naniniwalang dapat sundin ang utos ng Diyos at mga tuntunin ng kanilang relihiyon, ay lumabas din at sa ilang na nanirahan, kasama ang kani-kanilang sambahayan.  -1 Mc 2:29

Purihin: Santa Elizabeth na higit na naglingkod sa kanyang mga tao sa pamamagitan ng pagdamit na maayos at pagpapakain ng mga daan-daan taong nagugutom.

Didache - GOD AMONG US

In the Gospel, there are only two instances when we see Jesus weeping. First, when he approaches Jerusalem, and secondly, upon hearing the news of the death of Lazarus. The evangelists often state the human emotions of Jesus. He thought with a human mind, worked with human hands and truly loved with a human heart. Jesus weeps here at the closed heart of the people. God is right there in the midst to visit His people and He goes unnoticed. As prophet, He foretells the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem, which saw its fulfilment in 70 A.D.
For Luke, the whole Gospel has been the journey towards Jerusalem. Now, as Jesus catches the sight of the city, which He loves and has travelled many times before, His heart breaks. His face has been set like flint. He is very aware of His plight. Many prophets have gone before Him to the city and have died for the cause of right. He seems like one of the many — and yet He is determined to set foot once again. Jesus weeps at their non-acceptance of the Savior and the future destruction of the city.
What a shame to miss the opportunity. Jesus’ heart is shattered at the loss they will experience. He has done all He could. He taught and worked among His own. St. John states in his prologue, “His own did not accept Him.” His heart wrenched as He experienced the despair and faithless people whom He loved. Only a few days from now, Jesus would die from a broken heart on the Cross.
The contrast of this visitation is amazing as we reflect on the visitation of Mary to her relative, Elizabeth. One is characterized by joy; another by sadness. One is gladly accepted; the other is utterly rejected. The Spirit-filled Elizabeth proclaimed the mighty deeds of God. The influence of evil, like a dark cloud hanging over the city, overshadows the visit to Jerusalem. Jesus sets His heart on the will of the Father; we can imagine His anguish in the garden that night at Gethsemane. Let us accept the Lord as He visits His people. Let us be willing to take up every opportunity as He comes to save, heal and deliver. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Jesus desires to visit you. Will you welcome His visitation?

Emmanuel, God with us, come and set Your people free. Amen.

St. Hilda, pray for us.

THE COST OF FAITHFULNESS

Thursday, November 17, 2011, St. Elizabeth of Hungary

1 Maccabees 2:15-29, Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15, Luke 19:41-44
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111711.cfm

"Mattathias answered in a loud voice...'We will not obey the words of the king nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.' " -1 Maccabees 2:19, 22

Mattathias would not be manipulated or intimidated into compromising his faith. He refused to be a hypocrite and a phony. He refused to be lukewarm and sickening to God (Rv 3:16). For Mattathias to be uncompromised and faithful, he had to flee "to the mountains with his sons, leaving behind in the city all their possessions" (1 Mc 2:28).
We are much like Mattathias. We live in a "culture of death." We live in a post-Christian, anti-Christian era. In this culture, faithfulness is not cheap. To be faithful, not phony, we will have to make great sacrifices. Like Mattathias, we may need to leave behind our possessions and have the courage to live a radically different lifestyle (The Gospel of Life, 98, Pope John Paul II). To be faithful to the Lord in our "culture of death," we will have to reject the cults of individualism and independence, and choose Christian community and submission to the Lord and His Church. To be hot for Jesus and not lukewarm, we will need to deny our very selves and our selfishness to take up the cross each day (Lk 9:23).
Are you going to be faithful or phony? Will you accept God's grace to pay the price of faithfulness?


Prayer: Father, teach us "the path to peace this day" so we will recognize the time of our visitation (Lk 19:42, 44).

Promise: "Many who sought to live according to righteousness and religious custom went out into the desert to settle there." -1 Mc 2:29

Praise: St. Elizabeth served rather than dominated her people by dressing simply and feeding hundreds who were hungry.

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At The Time Of Death

The pagan empires that sought to bring devastation to the way of lifes of the individuals regularly tried out the Jewish faith. The Seleucids took over the Roman Government as well as pursued to build their power with pagan gods as well as rituals. The book of Maccabees can be an inspiring account of the early Jewish martyrs that looked for favor from the Lord in the midst of horrific trials.
In the initial learning, we review an impressive account of a mother's exhortation to her sons throughout the testing of the King. The woman converses to her sons reminding them of their ancestors and the faith they placed in the Lord. The King summons her to influence her son to obey his will. The woman accomplishes not grant means to the King's will definitely however instead phones her son to obey the will of the Creator, the One that in His mercy provides life as well as breath. In the face of death, the adolescent son accomplishes not shrink from his faith in the Lord. With firm resolve prior to the King and his mother, he obeys the know-hows of the law granted through Moses.
The character of the mother is extremely impressive. She is noble in her conversation towards her son, supplying words of reassurance. She edifies them in their faith by communicating the truth in like. She prefigures the most noble mother, Mary, who stands by us supplying words of hope. We are actually to can be encouraged by the existence of the mother at the hour of the fatality of her sons. She exhorts them to live as they need perished â in faithful obedience to the law of God, by which we are actually all to be sized up at the last daytime. Mary additionally sustains us in our faith even with the tossing accusations of the evil one. Beautifully made plain in the report can be the purpose of a mother. Let us get recourse to our Mother Mary who will certainly be actually with us to the very side. She assists us in our life; she will definitely not desert us at the hour of death. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Moderate on the words of exhortation of the mother in the initial reading through.

I call upon You, Lord, for You will definitely respond me. Amen.

TRUE FAITH

2 Mc 7:1, 20-31, Ps 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15, Lk 19:11-28
Link to readings =>http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111611.cfm

"Seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king." –2 Maccabees 7:1

The members of this family members were actually maimed, scalped, amputated, fried, as well as murdered one by one while the continuing to be household associates were actually obliged to watch. This household's resolution was actually supernatural. The basis of their guts was actually faith in God, our Inventor and our Resurrection. At his fatality, the second brother stated: "One are depriving us of this there way of life, but the King of the globe are going to rear us up to live once more constantly" (2 Mc 7:9). The third pal proclaimed that God, That produced his hands as well as tongue, would re-create them after they had actually been actually amputated. The fourth brother stated: "It is my option to expire at the hands of males with the God-given optimism of being replaced to life by Him" (2 Mc 7:14).

Throughout these tortures as well as murders, the mother exhorted her sons: "Since it is the Designer of the market That shapes each man's outset, as He results in regarding the origin of every little thing, He, in His mercy, will definitely deliver one back both breath and way of life" (2 Mc 7:23). The mother conversed these words to the last son to perish: "I beg one, teenager, to gaze at the havens and the earth as well as watch all that is actually in them; then you will understand that God did not make them out of existing things; as well as in the same manner the mortal race pertained within existence. Do not be actually worried of this executioner, but be worthy of the pals as well as accept fatality, so that in the time of mercy I might obtain one once more with them" (2 Mc 7:28 -29). The mother believed in the resurrection because of her faith in God the Builder. Is our faith in God, the Builder and the Resurrection, abstract or is it so legitimate and personalized we might perish for it?

PRAYER: Almighty Father, by faith might I conquer kingdoms (Heb 11:33).

GUARANTEE: "I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.-- Lk 19:26

PRAISE: St. Margaret, although royal, practiced austerity as well as was faithful to prayers and service.

One Bread, One Body - TREED?

2 Maccabees 6:18-31, Psalm 3:2-7, Luke 19:1-10
Link to readings => http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111511.cfm

"He first ran on in front, then climbed a sycamore tree which was along Jesus' route, in order to see Him." –Luke 19:4

The world is full of Zacchaeuses: people not so much small of stature (Lk 19:3) as small of heart. We are surrounded by petty, mean-spirited, little people. We are sometimes that way ourselves. We need to see Jesus to become big-hearted, great-souled men and women of God.
 
Like Zacchaeus, we need a tree to climb so we can see Jesus. We are too petty to see over the crowd of faithlessness and selfishness obstructing our view of Jesus. We need a tree by which we rise above our sinful littleness.
 
The poet, Joyce Kilmer, wrote: "Only God can make a tree." By God's grace, many small Zacchaeuses have seen Jesus and become tall trees. These former Zacchaeuses help the present ones become new trees for future Zacchaeuses to climb.
 
A tree was part of the first sin. Jesus was crucified and died on a tree (Acts 13:29) to take away our sin. Jesus was lifted up on the tree of the cross so that we might be lifted up (see Jn 3:14; 12:32), see Him Whom we have pierced (Jn 19:37), and become life-giving trees (see Ps 1:3) in a "culture of death."
Climb a tree. See Jesus. Be a tree.

PRAYER:	Father, make me a mighty oak tree, planted by You to show forth Your glory (see Is 61:3).
PROMISE:	"This is how he died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation." –2 Mc 6:31
PRAISE:	St. Albert found God in all aspects of life and found truth in all branches of study. For all his study of nature, he never took his focus off of Jesus.

via MyCatholic

Welcome Home!

I can really sympathize with Zacchaeus. I am a short man myself and often find it difficult looking over the crowd. He has a good idea. In order to catch a glimpse of this Jesus, Zacchaeus decides to climb a sycamore tree. Can you imagine a short, fat man climbing a sycamore tree? The sycamore was a sturdy tree found on the roadside for its shady branches, 30 to 40 feet high. It must have been quite a sight that day in Jericho. In a humorous way, Luke tells us that he was trying to see what Jesus looked like.
Jesus was passing by and Zacchaeus did not want the opportunity to pass. He had heard of Jesus’ fame for it had spread through the countryside. Now the chance had come for Zacchaeus to meet the Lord. Luke informs us that Zacchaeus was a wealthy man. He was the chief tax collector, despised by his fellow Jews for his corruption since he sided with the Romans. Today was going to be fortunate for short Zacchaeus. Jesus asked to stay at his house. The response of the chief tax collector was amazing. He hurriedly descended and at once welcomed his guest to the house.
Zacchaeus reconsidered, and Luke narrates a conversion going on in his heart. At the murmuring offences of the crowd, Zacchaeus made a stand. He gave half of his belongings to the poor and a fourfold payback to whomever he had extorted anything as a chief tax collector. Something happened! Zacchaeus came to his senses. He welcomes Jesus into his home, welcoming the gift of salvation. He repents of his injustice and is found by the Lord. Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Do you want to see Jesus? Zacchaeus did not realize he was the one being sought after by the Lord. Jesus is always searching for the lost. He is our Savior and desires that we have eternal life. We may not have to climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus. In fact, Jesus is right here in our midst. As we meet the Lord, something happens. We realize that we are loved and accepted. We are forgiven and given the chance to repent and live again. Jesus has saved us. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
What stops you from receiving Jesus into your life?

Lord, I repent of my sins and welcome You into my home. Amen.

St. Leopold, pray for us.

The Blind Will See

One can imagine the joy the blind beggar experienced at having his sight restored. Many people would have passed this beggar, as we often do so in our own city streets. Blind beggars are a common sight to us as they were in the days of Jesus. Sometimes we might feel obliged, or out of pity, to give a few coins or some food.
For the blind man of Jericho, today was a fresh beginning for the rest of his life.

In a beautiful way, Luke tells us that Jesus stopped and asked that the man be brought to Him. The first thing that Jesus does is ask him a question, “What do you want me to do for you?” The reply is obvious, “Lord, I want to see.” The blind beggar had enough of this lifestyle. Imagine the shame and embarrassment of having to beg at the side of the road. His life must have been one of constant rejection. He was an outcast thrown on the edges of society. He must have heard of Jesus, the miracle worker, the teacher, the Rabbi. He makes his own mind. For him, Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of David. Like the widow in the Gospel, we see the persistence of the beggar. He would not allow the voices to drown his calling out to the Lord. His cry for mercy reached the ears of Jesus. The faith of the man touches the heart of Jesus. By his faith, the man receives his sight. His immediate response when receiving his sight is to follow Jesus. He becomes a disciple of the Son of David.

We, too, must cry out to the Lord for His mercy. We are beggars on the outside, seeking a place within the heart of Jesus. As we cry out, many will silence us. This must not be a cause for disappointment but, with renewed vigor and faith, we should continue to cry out to the Lord.

We, too, are blind through our sins. We need the Lord to restore our sight so that we see Him again. Perhaps we have lost sight of the Lord. We have become blind to His presence in our lives. The blind beggar was never the same. He met Jesus on the road and Jesus met the deepest need within his heart. The blind man could see again and, with renewed sight, he followed the Lord. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Is there anything that blinds you from the presence of the Lord in your life?

Lord, I want to see. Amen.

St. Modanic, pray for us.

Time, Talent and Treasure

As we draw near the end of the year, the Church’s liturgy is focused upon the end times. Today, we hear about the steward’s talents, given and shared. Right from the start of the parable, Jesus tells us that the landowner gives each servant the funds according to their ability. The owner knows his men and in giving them the talents according to their ability, he expects that they will put their talents to good use. The first two are productive; the third is lazy with his talents.

The term talent was equivalent to a weight measure of 75 pounds. Notice that the owner distributes the talents accordingly. Nowadays, the term talent is used to describe some kind of gift or ability. Talents or abilities are given to us, and it is up to us to use them well. The first two are reliable, productive, industrious and dependable. Lazy and wickeddescribe the third. God expects us to use our talents well, not to be lazy and wicked with what we have.

The three Ts are very good for our meditation, namely, time, talent and treasure. How well do we use them?

The servants were well rewarded in using their time, talent and treasure accordingly. The amount given them doubles as they prove to be trustworthy. The other had his talents taken from him and given to one who would use them more
productively.

God will deal with us accordingly. We must take every opportunity to use our time well. We have 24 hours in a day — how do we use it for God? What is our treasure? How well do we share our wealth? Do we hide it? What are our talents? How well do we use them for God, church and society? The measure with which we give is the measure by which we will be judged. Would it not be wonderful to hear the Lord say to us at the end of our life, “Well done, you shall share your Master’s joy”? So let us begin today by reflecting on our time, talents and treasure with firm resolve to use them accordingly. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
What are my time, talents and treasure? Do I use them well?

Lord, You have truly blessed mewith time, talents and treasure. Help me to use them according to Your will. Amen.

St. Didacus, pray for us.

One Bread, One Body - USE OR LOSE

Sunday, November 13, 2011, 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, Psalm 128:1-5, Matthew 25:14-30 Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111311.cfm

"His master said to him, 'Well done! You are an industrious and reliable servant. Since you were dependable in a small matter I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share your master's joy!' " -Matthew 25:21

The Lord expects us to be good stewards not only of the money He has given us, but also of our time, talents, spiritual gifts, and graces. Our greatest responsibility as stewards is to be "servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor 4:1). We Christians have been given new life, a new nature, sonship and daughterhood in God's family, the forgiveness of our sins, the indwelling of the Trinity, Jesus' Body and Blood in Holy Communion, the meaning of life, etc. The Lord in His mercy has given us the best and the most. Therefore, we have the greatest responsibilities of any stewards. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48). If we aren't good stewards and don't administer the mysteries the Lord has entrusted to us, if we don't evangelize, telling the Good News of what God has done for us, Jesus promised to take away His graces from us and give them to others (see Mt 25:29). We see this happening as Christians in Europe and the USA lose their faith while new Christians in the third-world are showered with faith, joy, enthusiasm, power, boldness, healings, miracles, and religious vocations. When most first-world Christians failed in good stewardship by not evangelizing, they lost their faith and God poured out His graces on others. However, if we repent and evangelize, we will see God's graces return.

Prayer: Father, I have been given the ultimate. May I evangelize as if my faith depends on it.

Promise: "Let us not be asleep like the rest, but awake and sober!" -1 Thes 5:6

Praise: Praise You, Jesus! You are risen in glory and will come again to raise us from the dead. Alleluia!

http://www.mycatholic.com/reflections/2011-317.html

Persevere In Prayer

One of the many titles of Luke’s Gospel is the “Gospel of prayer.” Within this Gospel, we see many accounts of prayer. The reading today is one of many.

Today, we meditate on the prayer of petition. Luke makes his comment at the beginning of the parable: pray constantly and do not lose heart.

Luke describes two characters. One is the judge who has no regard for people. He is incapable of shame. On the other hand, there is the widow, an example of the poor and marginalized in the society. Luke does not tell us of the widow’s circumstances. We do know that she is persistent; she would come repeatedly. The judge, as we understand, has no care for God or man. However, because of the persistence of the widow, he gives in to her petitions. He wants to be spared from any violence; he does not want a black eye. The moral of the story is that if this corrupt judge can give in, how much more God, the righteous judge, will give in to the cry of those who call upon him?

The story is very simple, touched with Luke’s humor. We are to “storm heaven” with our prayers. Jesus tells us to call out day and night. No matter how often we pray, we are not to lose hope and heart over what may seem so impossible. St. Paul tells us that good things come to those who wait upon the Lord. The widow could have easily become discouraged. Moreover, she could have given up a long time ago. Seemingly, the judge would not budge. He would not give in. It was only to spare himself from being bothered that he gave in. One may wonder why it took the judge so long to favor the widow. It tells us just how corrupt and non-fearing he was to God and man. Taking care of the widow was one of the highest statutes of the law. This poor widow had every right to be heard and fairly dealt with. The widow gives us a fine example of persistence in prayer. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Are you persistent in prayer?

Lord, I always call upon You in my need. Help me not lose heart. Amen.

St. Machar, pray for us.

Are You Ready Or Not?

Every Mass, we acclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. The first two events have come and gone, the third has yet to be fulfilled. Some say that Jesus has already come by the coming down of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Others say He has come again at the Resurrection, or at the moment of the believer’s conversion. Jesus tells us that it will be noticeable to all.

At least we have an idea when Jesus will come again when we do not expect it. We are to be watchful, ready and waiting. The Second Coming reminds me of the children’s game, hide and seek. One cries out, “Ready or not, here I come!” I suppose it will be like that when Jesus comes again. Are you ready… or not?

In the Gospel, Jesus warns us of the suddenness of His coming. He cites two characters, Noah and Lot, as examples. Noah was a righteous man. God asked Noah to build an ark in preparation for the upcoming flood that would wipe out all of humanity. God was grieved at the wickedness of man. Some would be spared, such as Noah and his family. People were doing normal activities when the flood came unexpectedly.

Lot was the nephew of Abraham. After the visitors came to his place, they warned Lot to escape the imminent destruction of the city of Sodom. At once, the whole city was destroyed. It was as sudden as a tropical storm that one experiences in the rainy season of the Philippines.

The suddenness and unexpected arrival of the coming of the Son of man need not be a cause for alarm. We are to stand in firm confidence that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Therefore, we should take care of how we act. That’s why the daily examen is a good spiritual practice. It enables us to keep a check upon our life. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question: Are you ready?

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

St. Aba Mina, pray for us.

One Bread, One Body - FOR NATURE LOVERS

Wisdom 13:1-9, Psalm 19:2-5, Luke 17:26-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111111.cfm

"For if they so far succeeded in knowledge that they could speculate about the world, how did they not more quickly find its Lord?" —Wisdom 13:9

Many people are nature-lovers. They are impressed by the "might and energy" (Wis 13:4), "the greatness and the beauty of created things" (Wis 13:5), such as "fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water, or the luminaries of heaven" (Wis 13:2). Nature-lovers will either become idol worshippers or true worshippers. From studying the works of creation we should discern the Creator (Wis 13:1). "For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original Author, by analogy, is seen" (Wis 13:5). However, if we don't worship the God of creation, we will worship creation as god. "Since the creation of the world, invisible realities, God's eternal power and divinity, have become visible, recognized through the things He has made. Therefore these men are inexcusable. They certainly had knowledge of God, yet they did not glorify Him as God or give Him thanks; they stultified themselves through speculating to no purpose, and their senseless hearts were darkened" (Rm 1:20-21). "These men...exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator" (Rm 1:25). When nature-lovers become nature-worshippers, they become spiritually blind, foolish, and perverted (Rm 1:22, 24). May all nature-lovers also be God-lovers and true worshippers.

Prayer: Father, may all those in "New Age" spirituality repent and be freed.

Promise: "Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it; whoever loses it will keep it." —Lk 17:33

Praise: St. Martin strove to do the right thing his entire life and was used by God because of his great zeal. He spent the last eleven years of his life in humble toil, preparing for glory.

The Nature Of Wisdom

In his quest for wisdom, Solomon gives us a very poetic account of the nature of wisdom. She is similar to that of the pagan goddess of wisdom, Isis. He seeks to intertwine the Greek wisdom with that of the Hebrew understanding of the Logos, the Word, being the personification of wisdom. Some have understood wisdom as the Spirit. Notice that wisdom is absolute perfection in the real sense since there are seven qualities of the nature of our wisdom, in groups of three. Seven was the perfect number and three being the divine number in Hebrew thought.

Wisdom is personified as spirit; in other ways, justice or Word. Certain characteristics are mentioned: intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, unstained, certain, clear, not baneful, loving, good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, secure, firm, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing and all-pervading. It seems we could be almost describing a person with such qualities.

Wisdom is described in feminine form as the one who reflects the purity of God, the aura of God, the spotless mirror of the power of God. Her work involved making friends of God and prophets. God loves the one whom she has possessed. She is light eternal, renews all things and passes into souls in every generation. In this meditation on wisdom, one can almost see parallels with the sequence given to us at Pentecost.

In the sequence of Pentecost, the Church puts upon our lips the invocation of the Holy Spirit. “Shed your ray of light divine…the soul’s welcome guest… our inmost being fill… heal our wounds, our strength renew… guide the steps that go astray.”

The sages of old gave practical advice on living. They were men and women of wisdom, aged with experience and powerful in their insight. Let us invoke these women and men of old so that we, too, would be filled with wisdom. Let us act wisely in our life for in this we shall find God’s favor. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Pray for the gift of wisdom.

Lord, grant me wisdom of heart that I may please You all my life. Amen.

St. Monitor, pray for us.

One Bread, One Body - ALWAYS PREPARED

Dedication to Pope St. Leo the Great

Wisdom 7:22—8:1, Psalm 119:89-91, 130, 135, 175 , Luke 17:20-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111011.cfm

"Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the reign of God would come, [Jesus] replied..." —Luke 17:20

At the end of the world, there will be terrible suffering. Jesus said: "A time will come when you will long to see one day of the Son of Man but will not see it" (Lk 17:22). "Those times will be more distressful than any between God's work of creation and now" (Mk 13:19). At the end of the world, many will be confused. "They will tell you He is to be found in this place or that. Do not go running about excitedly" (Lk 17:23). There will be a mass apostasy from faith in the Lord (2 Thes 2:3). The end of the end will come very quickly. "The Son of Man in His day will be like the lightning that flashes from one end of the sky to the other" (Lk 17:24; see also Lk 17:31). Whether or not we are alive for the end of the world, it's likely that our future holds great sufferings, times of confusion, and unexpected changes. Therefore, we all need to develop a deep, totally committed, personal relationship with the Lord that is strong enough to withstand anything, even terrible sufferings. We also need to be confirmed in our understanding of the Bible and the teachings of the Church. In times of confusion, we desperately need to be clear about the Truth. Finally, we must not delay doing what the Lord calls us to do. At the end, events will be happening so quickly, we won't have time to do anything. Therefore, we must do it now. Believe, repent, forgive, give, witness, obey, serve, etc. Do it now, for we know not the day or the hour when Jesus will come (Mt 24:36).

Prayer: Jesus, come back today or as soon as possible.

Promise: "She produces friends of God and prophets. For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom." —Wis 7:27-28

Praise: Pope St. Leo's life-changing sermons are still calling many to holiness through the Liturgy of the Hours.

http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=11/10/2011