Signing off!

Due to a change of course in my writing I will no longer be blogging my reflections of the mass readings.  Thank you for reading, and my apologies for any disappointment. 

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Sept. 28, 2014)

First reading: Ez. 18: 25-28

“Thus says the Lord: You say, ‘The Lord’s way is not fair!’  Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?  When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.  But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.”

Second reading: Phil. 2: 1-5

“Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, and solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.  Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.”
 

Gospel reading: Mt. 21: 28-32

“Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: ‘What is your opinion?  A man has two sons.  He came to the first and said, Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.  He said in reply, I will not, but afterwards changed his mind and went.  The man came to the other son and gave the same order.  He said in reply, Yes sir, but did not go.  Which of the two did his father’s will?’  They answered, ‘The first.’  Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.  When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did.  Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.’”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The common theme from today’s readings is the importance of our actions, works or deeds.  Whatever someone might say about themselves, it is only deemed true if what they say is supported by what they do. 

Reflection:

This theme is very much in line with why James tells us that faith without works is dead.[1]  So many people claim to believe in Christ, yet do none or very few of the things associated with believing in Him.  Who do they think they are fooling?  Regardless of how successful they may be at fooling the people in their day to day lives, they cannot fool God.  He will not be fooled.

So, why is it so importance to have works?

The simple fact is: our works, or deeds if you prefer, point to the authenticity of our true being.  We all know the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.”  Though no deed or work can supersede the necessity of faith, if the claim of faith lacks works or deeds to support the claim, than the individual has yet to actually integrate what they believe for it to take root within themselves.  The desired effect is for those beliefs to cause a specific change within their being.  In short: It is not enough to believe, we must become what we believe and then we have salvation.

Has our Lord’s words taken root within you?

Are you living your life as a true Christian?

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[1] Jam. 2: 26 “For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Sept. 21, 2014)

First reading: Is. 55: 6-9

“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near.  Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.  As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.”

 

Second reading: Phil. 1: 20c-24, 27a

“Brothers and sisters: Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.  If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.  And I do not know which I shall choose.  I am caught between the two.  I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better.  Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.

“Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

 

Gospel reading: Mt. 20: 1-16a

“Jesus told his disciples this parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.  After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.  Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’  So they went off.  And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.  Going out about five o’clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’  They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’  He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’  When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’  When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.  So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.  And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’  He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you.  Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?  Take what is yours and go.  What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?  Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?  Are you envious because I am generous?’  Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The common theme from today’s readings points to the need for us to conform ourselves to God’s ways.  In the first reading we have an admonishing for everyone to leave their sinful ways.  While the second reading gives us a glimpse of Paul’s conflict with his realization of the great difference between how things are hear and how things will be in heaven, he also admonishes us all to live our lives in a manner that is worthy of that reward.  Finally, the gospel gives us a very important lesson in respecting the absolute supreme righteousness of God’s judgment that may actually be very different from what we expect. 
 

Reflection:

The answer is for us to always be humble in our relationship with God.  As described in the first reading, God’s thoughts and ways are as far above our thoughts and ways as the heavens are above earth.  We are simply incapable of traversing that void.  Whatever someone might believe his/her standing with God is, he/she can still be wrong.  That is why we Catholics “trust in our hope” of salvation, rather than presuming to “know” we are saved.

This principal doesn’t just apply to our dealings with God.  This principle demands our humility at all times and in all circumstances of life.  No matter how certain of our rightness we might believe ourselves to be concerning any specific issue, we can still be wrong because our capacity for knowing will always be limited.   While God’s capacity is infinite.

This is especially important when dealing with the so called, “Things of the world.”  As the Creator of all things, nothing is outside the jurisdiction of God’s judgment.  Whether dealing with the issues of industry or any other aspect of the business world (just two examples of many), we must always remain humble in our decisions so as to avoid a just consequence for defying God’s authority by ignoring His condition for justice. 

Finally, the most precarious of all situations is representing God’s will as He desires it to be communicated to His people.  It is truly by committee that these “Truths” can be ascertained, which is why we have the apostolic succession.  Acting outside the community by contradicting orthodoxy earns one the distrust appropriate for excommunication.  This does not condemn the person, for those who do not understand.  It just designates that person’s theology as “outside the community” and those who follow their teachings, also follow them outside the community.  

Unfortunately, today’s society revels in arrogance.  Their saying is, “It’s not bragging whey you can do it.”  Uh . . . yes it is!!!  But what makes it arrogant is the exaggeration a person makes by attributing to their personal being a merit their capabilities deserve.  A person may have an extremely rare capability, such as star athletes and various entertainers, but those capabilities do not make them good people.  Consider the assortment of controversies among professional football players as a perfect example.

Humility, the lost virtue.  Oh how beautiful you are to those of us who labor, tirelessly, to actually BE good; for there is no greater example of humility than God’s – by being hidden.  

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Sept. 14, 2014)

First reading: Sir. 27:30 – 28:7

“Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight.  The vengeful will suffer the Lord’s vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail.  Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.  Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord?  Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?  If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?  Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin!  Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; remember the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults.”

 

Second reading: Rom. 14: 7-9

“Brothers and sisters: None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.  For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.  For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.”

 

Gospel reading: Mt. 18: 21-35

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, of my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?  As many as seven times?’  Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.  That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.  When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.  Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt.  At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.  Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.  When that servant had let, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount.  He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, pay back what you owe.  Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, be patient with me, and I will pay you back.  But he refused.  Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt.  Now his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair.  His master summoned him and said to him, you wicked servant!  I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.  Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?  Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.  So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives you brother from your heart.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The obvious common theme from today’s readings is the Lord’s judgment concerning our sins.  The surprising twist involves the need for us to forgive others if we want forgiveness for ourselves.

Reflection:

I don’t think there is a more important message in our Christian beliefs than the Lord’s instruction to forgive others.  He, who alone is the judge, tells us that we will not be forgiven if we do not forgive, and this forgiveness needs to come from our hearts.  It must be heart felt.  This forgiveness must resonate from our interior being. 

When I consider how so many, so called – Christians, in our society make it their mission to exact “justice” against those who are guilty, I cannot help but wonder where they actually stand with the Lord even though they are called “ministers.”  Not only are we to forgive, we are also expected to forbear injustices.  You know the saying, “Turn the other cheek”.[1]  I understand a non-Christian seeking justice, because they do not receive the Lord’s instruction, but not a Christian.  We who profess the Christian faith are held to a higher standard of beliefs.  It is up to us to show the world how true children of God behave.  Children of God do not seek revenge under the name “justice.”  That’s what the children of the world do. 

What are you; a child of God or a child of the world?

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[1][1] Mt. 5: 38-48; Lk. 6: 27-37.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Sept. 7, 2014)

First reading: Ez. 33: 7-9

“Thus says the Lord: You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.  If I tell the wicked, ‘O wicked one, you shall surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.  But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn fro his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.”

 

Second reading: Rom. 13: 8-10

“Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.  The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
 

Gospel reading: Mt. 18: 15-20

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.  If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’  If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.  If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.  Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The theme common to all three readings is the need to conform our lives morally, to God’s ways.  In the first reading we have an example of both the need to not live sinful lives as well as the responsibility those who fulfill that need have to everyone else that doesn’t.  In the second reading we have the perfect antidote for conforming our sinful behavior to the laws or moral conduct – love; and finally, in the gospel we have Jesus instructing us on how to handle the unfortunate event of sins committed against others within the Church community.
 

Reflection:

This is a very difficult issue to practice in today’s society.  Due to the permissive attitude these days concerning sin, traditional moral standards are presumed no longer relevant.  Yet those of us who practice our faith by accepting our obligation to conform our behavior morally to God’s ways, as they have been taught to us through the ages – Traditional moral standards, we are accused of being judgmental should anyone express any concern over another person’s sinful choices.  An authentic faith in Christ cannot help but produce such an assessment.  Though we know we have forgiveness for our sins, we also know that repenting our sins is a matter of complying with the Lord’s call to salvation.[1]  No one has the liberty to continue sinning.[2]  And yet, so many so called “Christians” do that very thing.

This is not an easy answer!

No one has the right to judge another person, much less their faith, but everyone is expected to love their neighbor as themselves.  Those of us who do love our neighbors as well as conform ourselves morally, do not want anyone to suffer for their sins.  This very perspective is precisely where the answer to our obligation lies. 

It isn’t enough to tell someone that they are wrong, because that approach presumes they simply didn’t know and in most cases they already know what traditional morally believes to be wrong.  Instead, this is heard as an insult to their intelligence.  Try telling someone who smokes to quit smoking simply because it is bad for their health and they will tell you, “It isn’t that simple,” and walk away so irritated by the obvious ignorance as to their real condition that it will actually cause the exact opposite effect.  As a former smoker I can testify to this very thing.  This is the last effect someone who truly cares desires to cause.  When it comes to helping our fallen brothers and sisters we need to be better than that, by taking into consideration what their circumstance might actually be that leads them to persist in their sins. 

Conversely, we cannot allow any appearance of justifiable cause to lead us to substantiate that rational.  Sin is, and will always be, sin.  No one has permission to sin.[3]  Rationalization is probably the most common error employed for justification by those who persist in their sins.  Do not be deceived by it. 

So the answer lies in simply having a genuine loving concern for them and expressing that concern in a loving way, while at the same time respecting the liberty of their free will and the possibility of their simply needing more time to be able to arrive at conformity concerning that specific sin.  Everyone grows at their own rate and arrives at maturity in their own time. 

·         I would begin by humbly inquiring if that person is aware of the severity of their sin.

·         If so, humbly ask if you can help in any way; and if not, offer to explain in the form of a question such as: “Would you like (or allow) me to explain it for you?”, and then afterwards ask if you can help.

·         If no help (or even explanation) is desired than express your loving concern and then walk away without saying, “I’ll pray for you,” unless they specifically ask for that.  This profession can be heard as contemptuous, and therefore extremely unproductive in the way of affecting a conversion within them.  Whether they ask or not, however, do PRAY FOR THEM. 

This is how we can apply the practice of our common priesthood and prophecy in Christ, which is obligatory for all those who are baptized.  Especially for those Catholics who have been fully sanctified;[4] for by becoming so they become fully capable of fulfilling this function within the Body of Christ.[5]

Come, let us all express our loving concern for our neighbors in the single most difficult, but also most important, way; by helping them come to the purity of faith that is able to live by Christ’s loving Spirit that never sins.

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[1] Mk 1:15 “The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the gospel.” 

[2] Rom. 6: 15-16 “What then?  Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?  Of course not!  Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

[3] Sir. 15:20 “No man does he command to sin, to none does he give strength for lies.”

[4] By receiving Baptism and Confirmation, along with regular participation in the Sacraments of Reconciliation as needed and The Eucharist as able, from the Catholic Church

[5] Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, no. 11: “With the sacrament of confirmation they are bound more completely to the church; they are enriched by a special strength of the Holy Spirit, and in this way are under more pressing obligation to spread the faith by word and deed as true witnesses of Christ.”

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Aug. 30, 2014)

First reading: Jer. 20: 7-9

“You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed.  All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me.

“Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day.

“I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more.  But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.”

Second reading: Rom. 12: 1-2

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.  Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Gospel reading: Mt. 16: 21-27

“Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.  The Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, ‘God forbid, Lord!  No such thing shall ever happen to you.’  He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan!  You are an obstacle to me.  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.’

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to some after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?  Or what can one give in exchange for his life?  For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The theme common to all three readings this week addresses the demands of serving God’s will.  In the first reading we have Jeremiah giving his account of the difficulties he faced in his prophecy as well as the impossibility of him resisting God’s call to serve him.  In the second reading Paul gives us the instruction that we are to become living sacrifices for the Lord, and in the gospel reading we receive the conditions for discipleship by which we actually accomplish becoming so.

 

Reflection:

Considering so many people choose to apply their faith as the means for accomplishing a personally fulfilling life in time rather than strive to follow the conditions set forth for becoming a disciple of the Lord, many people are clearly either not hearing or responding to this call.  With the gospel message clearly indicating the necessity of accepting suffering and hardship, self-sacrifice and even loss, as an essential part of practicing Christianity faithfully; how acceptable is it, really, to use one’s faith in this world to obtain personal fulfillment in this life?  I suspect it isn’t acceptable at all.

Our Lord said; “whoever wishes to save his life will lose it.”  I can’t help but think of all those people whom our society celebrates for their remarkable achievements in the world: such as star athletes and famous actors for examples.  Even if they have faith in Jesus Christ, when applying these words of the Lord's, they will have to lose the lives they sought for themselves in this world in order to enter eternal life.  What then will they be?  Because the little ones are the greatest in the kingdom, they will be the greatest in eternity, not the great ones.  Will the egos of those great ones accept such a humble eternity in relationship to the greatness of the little ones?  Or, will they choose their pride over God and damn themselves?  As Paul said, “Their glory is in their shame.” (Php. 3:19)[1]

Don’t be seduced by the glories of the world.  They will only result in an eternity of regret!

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[1] Php. 3:18-19 “For many … conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their end is destruction.  Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.”  Their minds are occupied with earthly things.”

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Aug. 24, 2014)

First reading: Is. 22: 19-23

“Thus says the Lord to Shebna, master of the palace: ‘I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station.  On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with our robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority.  He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.  I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut; when he shuts, no one shall open.  I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family.”

 

Second reading: Rom. 11: 33-36

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!  For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?  Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid?  For from him and through him and for him are all things.  To him be glory forever.  Amen.”


Gospel reading: Mt. 16: 13-20

“Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ they replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’  He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’  Simon Peter said in reply, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’  Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.  And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’  Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The obvious common theme from the Old Testament and Gospel readings today is the papacy.  Less obvious, however, is how the second reading ties into the papal theme.  I would remind the readers that the Lord himself established the prominent role of Peter, which did in fact evolve into what has become the papacy.  The second reading should therefore be applied to the real importance of the papacy, whether the reader accepts what it has become or not.
 

Reflection:

The issue of the papacy begins with understanding what its purpose actually is.  The first clue to that point is revealed to us in why Peter was distinguished apart from the rest of the apostles – because he was the first to understand Jesus’ then hidden significance to God’s plan of salvation.  That reveals to us the primary purpose for the papacy, which is to safeguard the authentic understanding of Jesus as the Christ and his message of salvation – i.e. the Catholic (universal) truth. 

Then there is the issue of the power Jesus gave Peter at the declaration of his prominence among the rest of the apostles.  That power is to bind and to loose.  Though this binding and loosening can be applied to their power to forgive sins in which they empower priests to share with them, this passage is addressing a different need specifically.  That need is to distinguish those who are consistent with that authentic truth – orthodoxy.  Though this power can be exercised over anyone who teaches the faith, it is primarily intended to be applied specifically to those who share in the official responsibility of representing the faith to the world along with Peter – i.e. the apostles.  For the Church today that now applies to the individual who occupies the office of pope and all those who participate in the apostolic succession – all the bishops, along with those who share in each bishop’s teaching authority – priests and deacons.

The “binding” function is exercised through the process of ordination.  By determining a candidate suited for ordination they are not being judged as better than other Christians.  They are being determined as authentically called by God and sufficiently prepared to represent the true faith accurately (i.e. orthodoxy) for the benefit of the entire faith community.  This process always begins with the office of deacon, with most becoming priests shortly thereafter.  Some, who are recognized as possessing the capacity for the office, receive the full measure of representing the faith.  These are those who become bishops.  Cardinals are bishops who become designated as such for a specific service to the pope.  Their primary function is to safeguard the succession of the seat of Peter – the papacy.

The “loosening” function is exercised by declaring someone excommunicated.  This is necessary in the cases where someone who had previously received official approval (became ordained in any capacity and therefore presumed trustworthy by all the faithful) deviates harmfully from the orthodox representation of the faith to which they committed themselves under the condition of obedience.  This obedience is an absolutely necessity because the influence associated to their office as deacon, priest, or bishop, comes from the Catholic Church, in service of which this power was given.  Contradict the will of the organization to which one becomes empowered to represent and the right to retain that power becomes forfeited due to their own infidelity.  This is not a condemnation of that individual, but a suspension of the teaching authority previously given to that individual.  In other words, their teaching is no longer to be trusted by any of the faithful.  This determination is made for the protection of the faithful.

As it is the salvation needs of the entire human race that the Catholic Church sees herself as commissioned to serve, it is in regard to faithfully accomplishing that purpose commanded her by the Lord that she strives to provide the faith as it was given to her from the apostles.  That is what it means to be an apostolic church.  Those who call their faith apostolic without remaining faithful to the original message of the apostles are falsely representing their faith.  Only that which is Catholic is truly apostolic, and therefore truly trustworthy, as our Lord desired the faith to be presented to us, even to the ends of the earth.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Aug. 17, 2014)

First reading: Is. 56: 1, 6-7

“Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed.

“The foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, ministering to him, loving the name of the Lord, and becoming his servants – all who keep the Sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
 

Second reading: Rom. 11: 13-15, 29-32

“Brothers and sisters: I am speaking to you Gentiles.  Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them.  For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

“For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.  Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy.  For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.”

Gospel reading: Mt. 15: 21-28

“At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, ‘Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!  My daughter is tormented by a demon.’  But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.  Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.’  He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’  But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, ‘Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.’  Then Jesus said to her in reply, ‘O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish.’  And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The common theme from today’s readings is the universality of God’s loving gift of salvation.  In the first reading we have the prophesy foretelling that God’s salvation will extend to all people.  In the second reading we have Paul reminding us that our inclusion is a privilege that eventually the Jews themselves will also enjoy.  Finally, in the gospel we have a wonderful example of the greatness of faith Jesus found among those who were not Jews, thus facilitating the gentiles’ inclusion in God’s plan of salvation.

Reflection:

The most relevant application for today’s theme – the universality of God’s loving gift of salvation – is with the common assumption by some Catholics that still feel salvation cannot be attained by anyone who is not Catholic.  This sentiment seems to stem from our belief in the Eucharist, which is founded on Jesus’ saying, “Unless you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink His blood you have no life within you.”  (Jn. 6: 53)  Those who hold this position need to consider another passage.  After the resurrection, and before the ascension Jesus commissioned the disciples by saying, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.”  (Mk. 16:16)

Now …on the surface these passages would appear to be contradicting each other.  Unless, of course, they are addressing different things.  To the surprise of many they actually are discussing two different things, or rather two different participations in the same thing.  Those two participations are best understood in relationship to time.  In the second case all those who believe in the nature and works of Jesus Christ so as to become baptized for the forgiveness of their sins are assured they will eventually arrive at the paradise of eternal life.  In the first case Jesus is teaching us that the spirit of eternal life is attainable NOW, in time!  However, only those who eat his flesh and drink his blood can receive it because the Eucharist is the only means through which it is given. 

Alas, now we have reached the issue of our differences in belief concerning the Eucharist that unfortunately keep some Christians from receiving His spirit, by which we can actually know, even while remaining in this state, the life that IS ETERNAL!  Some characteristics that will accompany that life are: Living for the things of heaven, and not for the things of earth; fully forgiving in all circumstances; absolute resolve against all lust and anger.  In short, living one’s life in the state of grace, thus not sinning, for John says, “No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God.” (1 Jn. 3:9) 

These are glimpses of the life that will be eternal and it is attainable, but only by receiving His body and blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist.  Are you living the newness of life that is able to perpetuate the state of grace John describes?  If not, it is likely you are not Catholic; and if you are, then you have yet responded to his call of holiness.[1]

Now is the time!

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[1] Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, no. 39: “Everyone in the Church is called to holiness, whether he belongs to the hierarchy or is cared for by the hierarchy.”

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Aug. 10, 2014)

First reading: 1 Kgs. 19: 9a, 11-13a

“At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter.  Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.’  A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord – but the Lord was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake – but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake there was fire – but the Lord was not in the fire.  After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.  When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.”

 

Second reading: Rom. 9: 1-5

“Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.  They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever.  Amen.”
 

Gospel reading: Mt. 14: 22-33

“After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.  When it was evening he was there alone.  Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.  During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea.  When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.  ‘It is a ghost,’ they said, and they cried out in fear.  At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’  Peter said to him in reply.  ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’  He said, ‘Come.’  Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  After they got into the boat, the wind died down.  Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’”

 

Introductory theme summary:

Today’s readings all share in common our struggle with doubt.  In the first reading, when Elijah was faced with full realization of where we find God’s presence he hid his face.  In the second reading we have Paul’s anguish over the Israelites inability to believe in how God chose to reveal himself as our Messiah.  Finally in the gospel reading we have an example of Peter’s failed attempt of faith.

 

Reflection:

Doubt is a very tricky but unnecessary thing!  It seems to me the only time doubt becomes even a possibility is when we depart from placing our faith strictly in God’s truth, which includes those things specifically given for us to believe in by the Church, by allowing ourselves to believe in a personalized view without consideration for orthodoxy. 

There are countless examples of this in how when entering into dialogue with any of the vastly differing views of faith an argument inevitably ensues.  The Argument ensues not due to the simple right or wrong of an issue.  The argument ensues due to the doubts suffered by both sides.  The doubt suffered by one who actually holds the “right” position manifests itself in the need to convince the other party of their position – as if a needed assurance will be acquired by successfully convincing the other person.  The doubt suffered by the one who is deficient in the truth manifests itself in a reactionary defensiveness.  This reaction is instinctive because the opposition is perceived as an attack against beliefs, therefore poses a grave “threat” to that person’s well-being.

Unfortunately, in many cases agreeing on the truth – i.e. orthodoxy – is precisely the problem. 

In the interest of peace I offer this perspective for a solution: God can have as many different relationships with his creation – human beings – as he wants.  God alone knows which ones are authentic, by reason of having truly inspired its origin, and which ones are not.  Every legitimate relationship – religion – will be different, and by reason of that difference will be for a different purpose as well as to a different ultimate end.  Each religion will obviously believe it is in full possession of the truth, which may actually be correct when considering the different purpose and ultimate end of each different religion.  In other words: the truth each religion is in possession of, is to its own purpose and end for which God established it, which may actually be known only to God.

Thus: no one can judge the legitimacy of any other religion, but everyone has the right to judge which religion appeals to his/her desire for a relationship with God.  If the individual soul is willing to stay with their choice of religion even if it proves false in some way or another – then that person’s choice must be respected by everyone else, come what may! 

The only real obstacle to faith is its absence!!  And, the only real condition for faith is humble submission to God!!!

“Let the wicked still act wickedly, and the filthy still be filthy.  The righteous must still do right, and the holy still be holy.”  (Rev. 22:11)

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (Aug. 3, 2014)

First reading: Is. 55: 1-3

“Thus says the Lord: All you who are thirsty, come to the water!  You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk!  Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy?  Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare.  I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.”

 

Second reading: Rom. 8: 35, 37-39

“Brothers and sisters: What will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?  No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
 

Gospel reading: Mt. 14: 13-21

“When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.  The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.  When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.  When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, ‘This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.’  Jesus said to them, ‘There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.’  But they said to him, ‘five loaves and two fish are all we have here.’  Then he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’  And he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.  Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.  They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over – twelve wicker baskets full.  Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

Though there is no discourse on the “Bread of Life” these readings all relate to the Eucharist.  In the first reading we have testimony as to the completeness of our satisfaction in the Eucharist, foreshadowed in the gospel reading by them all being satisfied.  The second reading gives us testimony as to the inseparable bond achieved through our reception of the Eucharist.  And finally, the gospel gives us testimony as to the limitless abundance that comes to us through the Eucharist.
 

Reflection:

The first issue that should be addressed is the fact of differences in belief concerning the Eucharist.  There will be no attempt to address those differences.  It should be stipulated in the onset that I am Catholic and the views in this blog will reflect Catholic beliefs, which means these views may not apply to those people who are not Catholic. 

As the first reading expresses, “all” are invited to this the banquet.  Though it may not seem to be the case, Catholicism invites everyone to our table.  That invitation does require giving one’s assent to the commonness of “unity in belief,” which is why some people feel excluded.  That, however, is their own choice and not Catholicism’s fault.  We believe the apostles were entrusted with the primary responsibility of preserving the authenticity of Jesus’ message, which has been passed down to their successors forming what we call the apostolic succession.  All bishops, and only the bishops, participate in the apostolic succession, and do so with full authority.  They are all assured of authenticity by “unity,” which is accomplished by submitting to the supreme authority of the pope whose purpose is to unify.  This is the order by which the unity of the faith is preserved for the benefit of all by the direction of the Holy Spirit himself at our Lord’s command. 

We Catholics believe the Eucharist is the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This is a real presence that necessitates it as worthy, in itself, of being worshipped.  For us it is Jesus Christ himself.  It becomes so by the perpetuation of our Lord’s sacrifice that is accomplished by and through the priest’s recitation of the Eucharistic prayer.  Our unity within his body, forming the Church as the body of Christ, depends on entering into that perpetuation of His perfect sacrifice.  We accomplish that by forbearing the sufferings we incur from other peoples sins and injustices committed against us, and then offering our sufferings to be joined with his perpetual sacrifice for the salvation of the whole world. 

Catholics alone believe that our Lord’s sacrifice is a perpetual one!

To non-Catholics: It is only through the perpetuation of His sacrifice that His body becomes our Eucharist; and it is also only through that same perpetuation of His sacrifice that the opportunity for us to share in the salvation of the world exists, by which we become full members of his body. 

To Catholics: We must contribute to the Catholic mission of saving the world, through full participation in his Perfect and perpetual sacrifice, to form the Church as the body of Christ. 

To all: This means turning the other cheek instead of fighting for your own rights, and doing so for your oppressor’s sake: By offering your sufferings to be joined with the Lord’s perfect sacrifice by the hope that your oppressor might obtain eternal life, not for the sake of your own holiness; and do this with the commonality of “oneness in belief” as we Catholics profess in the Eucharist.  “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”  (Mt. 22:14) 

Considering the condition for eternal life is to repent one’s sins[1] believing the divine nature and works of Jesus Christ,[2] and become baptized,[3] most people will be saved for eternal life.  Becoming “chosen” is not simply to eternal life, but to the privilege of reigning with him in eternity. 

Are you among the many who hope to be among the few, or are you among the most?  Is that where you want to be?

 

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[1] Mk. 1:15 “The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the gospel.”

[2] Jn. 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whom so ever that believes in him might have eternal life.”

[3] Jn. 3:6 “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.”