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.”

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (July 27, 2014)

First reading: 1 Kgs. 3: 5, 7-12

“The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.  God said, ‘Ask something of me and I will give it to you.’  Solomon answered: ‘O Lord, my God, you have made me, you servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.  I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.  Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge you people and to distinguish right from wrong.  For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?’

“The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request.  So God said to him: ‘Because you have asked for this – not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, not for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested.  I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.’”
 

Second reading: Rom. 8: 28-30

“Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.  For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.”
 

Gospel reading: Mt. 13: 44-52

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.  When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.  When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets.  What is bad they throw away.  Thus it will be at the end of the age.  The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

“’Do you understand all these things?’  They answered, ‘Yes.’  And he replied, ‘Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.’”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The common theme from today’s readings is the distinction given to those who respond to God’s call of serving his kingdom, rather than seeking the purpose of satisfying their own personal fulfillment in life.
 

Reflection:

In the first reading we have the highest example of disregarding what one might want for one’s self in preference of serving God’s purpose in King Solomon, and the exalted manner in which God rewarded such selfless service of others.  We who sacrifice self-interest for the greater good of others can embrace for ourselves the same fondness in God’s heart that Solomon enjoyed, because this is the likeness of God who is WHOLEY OTHER.

In the second reading we are given to understand that we who do respond to this call of self-sacrifice for the purpose of serving God’s kingdom were actually foreknown, and as such will enjoy a special distinction of association to the Lord himself.

Finally, in the gospel we have an alarming warning concerning the end of the age.  At some point in time there will occur an event that will separate the bad from the good, and that measure of division is in fact the willingness and ability to sacrifice self for others in service of God’s will for a greater good.  It is a very simple distinction that wastes no time identifying each individual’s true self.

Should this event occur sometime soon …where would you stand?  Are your self-interests too important for you to sacrifice; or do you love your neighbor enough to sacrifice your self-serving interests for the benefit of others?

Come!  Listen… and hear his call. 

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A (July 20, 2014)

First reading: Wis. 12:13, 16-19

“There is no god besides you who have the care of all, that you need show you have not unjustly condemned.  For you might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all.  For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity.  But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you.  And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.”

 

Second reading: Rom. 8:26-27

“Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.  And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.”

 

Gospel reading: Mt. 13: 24-30 (Short form)  [Long version: continues until verse 43]

“Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field.  While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.  When the crop grew and bore fruit, the seeds appeared as well.  The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field?  Where have the weeds come from?’  He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’  His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’  He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.  Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, ‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.’’”

 

Introductory theme summary:

In the first reading we have a clear expression of how necessary it is to conform our lives morally to God’s ways.  God’s power is so complete that it makes him merciful and kind by providing the space of time for repentance.  But for those who neglect to repent and conform, it will be clear that God was just in condemning them.  In the gospel reading we have the parable of the wheat and the weeds, which is an end of the age parable that relates to the judgment of those who persisted in their sins.  The second reading gives assurance of God’s Spirit for assistance to those who strive for holiness in life.

Reflection:

In the long version of this gospel reading the apostles ask the Lord to explain the parable of the wheat and the weeds, in which the Lord proceeds to indicate that the weeds represent those who cause or lead others to sin.  It does very little good to soften the meaning of a parable as it relates to us in our day and age, especially when it relates to the details of our judgment.  Therefore, this reflection will be specific in its implications of those who cause or lead others to sin. 

When one examines our society, it doesn’t take long to identify who, or rather what, is responsible for influencing others to disregard the standard of God’s morality in favor sinning as if to rewrite the rules of conduct.  Our culture of entertainment, or more specifically those individuals who use their fame to advance values that contradict God’s will for us.  These contrary values have all but overshadowed traditional principals of morality in our day and age. 

These people are those weeds.  Don’t be deceived by the popular trends of our culture.  This time will come to an end and when it does those who resisted those sinful values will shine like the stars of heaven, so be strong!  Hold out!  Fight the good fight so that you can be counted among the holy ones.

Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Cycle A (July 13, 2014)

First reading: Is. 55: 10-11

“Thus says the Lord: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.”

 

Second reading: Rom. 8: 18-23

“Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.  For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.  We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”
 

Gospel reading: Mt. 13: 1-9 (Short form)

“On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.  Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore.  And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: ‘A sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fall on the path, and birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil.  It sprang up at once because the soli was not deep, and went the sun rose it was scorched, and withered for lack of roots.  Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.  But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred of sixty of thirtyfold.  Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

 

Introductory theme summary:

The common theme from today’s readings is the fruitfulness of God’s word, and our responsibility for being so as a measure of an authentic possession of faith. 

Reflection:

Contrary to the Protestant belief, today’s readings substantiate the necessity of a faithful reception of God’s word being accompanied by works or the claim of faith is empty, or in this metaphor – fruitless. 

More interesting, however, are two specific passages from the second reading: “Creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God;” and, “We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”

Everyone expects that the resurrection will involve the glorification of our bodies, which will certainly be the redemption of our bodies.  But, when these two passages are put together, as is appropriate considering they are both within the context of the same message, it would appear that the two point to the same thing.  Therefore, the revelation of the children of God will involve our adoption, which will also include the redemption of our bodies.

Just imagine what that will entail – actually realizing our likeness to God.  Could those who do not believe in the possibility of living their lives as Christ lived his by our reception of him through his real presence in the Eucharist, realize what they do not believe?  This brings our attention to a very specific passage in the gospels: the "taken and left" passages.[1]  The imagery from the "taken and left" passage is meant to depict how even though two people can appear to have the same standing with God on the outside, on the inside the exact opposite may actually be the case. 

Contrary to those who believe in the rapture; for the children of God to be revealed, and for their revelation to bring nature’s deliverance from corruption, those children must remain here and therefore “taken” must have another meaning than a literal one of departing from this world. 

This is the end for which God has sent his word – accomplishing man’s redemption.

 

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[1] Mt. 24:40-41 “Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.  Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.”

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There will not be a post this week due to preparations for my father's memorial service.
My apologies and thank you for understanding.
Please join me next week as I intend to resume blogging.