Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of
hearing all the bickering.
Finally fed up, God said, "THAT'S IT! I have had enough. I am going to set
up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge
who does the better job."
So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.
They moused.
They faxed.
They e-mailed.
They e-mailed with attachments.
They downloaded.
They did spreadsheets!
They wrote reports.
They created labels and cards.
They created charts and graphs.
They did some genealogy reports
They did every job known to man.
Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell.
Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed
across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, of course, the power went
off..
Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the
underworld.
Jesus just sighed.
Finally the electricity came back on, and each of them restarted their
computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming:
"It's gone! It's all GONE! "I lost everything when the power went out!"
Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past
two hours of work.
Satan observed this and became irate.
"Wait!" he screamed. "That's not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his
work and I don't have any?"
God just shrugged and said, JESUS SAVES †
Lord, thank you for being so real to me and for revealing your wonderful love to us. There are people in our lives who don’t know you, some who even resist your call. Yet we know how much you love them and how much you want them to know your love. Lord, please put in our minds the names of people you would like us to reach with your love. And, Lord, with those names, we ask you to give us wisdom about how to “fertilize” their hearts so they may bear abundant fruit. Amen
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Readings for Sunday June 27th, 2010 How goes your Journey?
Readings for Sunday June 27th, 2010 13th Sunday in Ordinary time
How goes your Journey?
The first verse of Sunday’s Gospel reading is an important transition in Luke’s Gospel. It is the first hint from Jesus that he intends to go to Jerusalem. His journey will take the next 9 ½ chapters, ending with his final destination “JERUSALEM”
So I ask you, how goes your Journey? Are you letting Jesus take wheel or are you trying to do the steering yourself? As for myself I have been trying to follow Christ my whole life, most of the times I feel like I am on steady ground, but then there are times when I feel like my feet are slipping and I am losing my balance and the only thing there is for me to grab on to is Jesus. So many other times throughout my life I have prayed, “I have no idea where I am going, I cannot see the road ahead of me, I am not sure where it will lead me”. But there have also been many times when I have patted myself on the back saying “Hey, Tommyk you’re doing good, you have nothing to worry about, but the fact is just because I think I am following Jesus, doesn’t actually mean I am.
It’s like this, I’m walking in a crowd behind Jesus and I’m hoping that he will choose me as one of his disciples. Without warning, he turns around, looks straight into my eyes, and says, “Follow me!” My heart races, and I begin to run toward Him when he interrupts with, “oh, not you; the guy behind you, Sorry.” Or maybe I may stop and say (that’s if I were chosen) Oh Jesus, can you give me a minute while I run home and get my “Cell phone”.
When we were young and were first starting out on our journey we remained aware of God in every part of our life. I once read about a three year old named Jack who asked his mother where God is. She answered “Why, God is everywhere.” So Jack started a search through every room of the house. He searched out all the likely places, calling out: “Hi, God. Are you there?” Jack was not to upset when not even a trace of God was to be found.
Do we find ourselves calling out, trying to locate God’s whereabouts; do we wait around long enough for His response?
In closing I would like to remind you that we are all called by our Baptismal promise to minister to one another and yet today’s teenagers have less adult contact than any generation in human history.” So I challenge all you adults(who may read this) to step up, be a guiding light to our youth, or like the three men in the Gospel we can choose stay home and take care of business. IHN, tommyk
Reading 1 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21
16b The LORD said to Elijah: “You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah, as prophet to succeed you.” 19 Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20 Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?”21 Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.
Reading II Galatians 5:1, 13-18
1 Brothers and sisters:
For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.
13 For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom
as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
15 But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.
16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;
these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Question : Why does Paul speak of the law favorably and unfavorably in practically the same breath?
Gospel
Luke 9:51-62
51 When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, 52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, 53 but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they journeyed to another village.
57 As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”59 And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 60 But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” 62 To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus rebuked St. James and St. John?
2. Describe the ‘resolute determination’ of Jesus. How can your love for God be more resolute and steadfast?
3. How well do your daily actions show that you follow Christ? What could you do to better lead by example? Describe.
How goes your Journey?
The first verse of Sunday’s Gospel reading is an important transition in Luke’s Gospel. It is the first hint from Jesus that he intends to go to Jerusalem. His journey will take the next 9 ½ chapters, ending with his final destination “JERUSALEM”
So I ask you, how goes your Journey? Are you letting Jesus take wheel or are you trying to do the steering yourself? As for myself I have been trying to follow Christ my whole life, most of the times I feel like I am on steady ground, but then there are times when I feel like my feet are slipping and I am losing my balance and the only thing there is for me to grab on to is Jesus. So many other times throughout my life I have prayed, “I have no idea where I am going, I cannot see the road ahead of me, I am not sure where it will lead me”. But there have also been many times when I have patted myself on the back saying “Hey, Tommyk you’re doing good, you have nothing to worry about, but the fact is just because I think I am following Jesus, doesn’t actually mean I am.
It’s like this, I’m walking in a crowd behind Jesus and I’m hoping that he will choose me as one of his disciples. Without warning, he turns around, looks straight into my eyes, and says, “Follow me!” My heart races, and I begin to run toward Him when he interrupts with, “oh, not you; the guy behind you, Sorry.” Or maybe I may stop and say (that’s if I were chosen) Oh Jesus, can you give me a minute while I run home and get my “Cell phone”.
When we were young and were first starting out on our journey we remained aware of God in every part of our life. I once read about a three year old named Jack who asked his mother where God is. She answered “Why, God is everywhere.” So Jack started a search through every room of the house. He searched out all the likely places, calling out: “Hi, God. Are you there?” Jack was not to upset when not even a trace of God was to be found.
Do we find ourselves calling out, trying to locate God’s whereabouts; do we wait around long enough for His response?
In closing I would like to remind you that we are all called by our Baptismal promise to minister to one another and yet today’s teenagers have less adult contact than any generation in human history.” So I challenge all you adults(who may read this) to step up, be a guiding light to our youth, or like the three men in the Gospel we can choose stay home and take care of business. IHN, tommyk
Reading 1 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21
16b The LORD said to Elijah: “You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah, as prophet to succeed you.” 19 Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20 Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?”21 Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.
Reading II Galatians 5:1, 13-18
1 Brothers and sisters:
For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.
13 For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom
as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
15 But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.
16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;
these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Question : Why does Paul speak of the law favorably and unfavorably in practically the same breath?
Gospel
Luke 9:51-62
51 When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, 52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, 53 but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they journeyed to another village.
57 As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”59 And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 60 But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” 62 To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus rebuked St. James and St. John?
2. Describe the ‘resolute determination’ of Jesus. How can your love for God be more resolute and steadfast?
3. How well do your daily actions show that you follow Christ? What could you do to better lead by example? Describe.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Readings for Sunday June 20th 2010
Readings for Sunday June 20th 2010 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Compassion is your pain in my heart
Today’s Gospel reading has some very powerful statements from Jesus. Here Jesus uses words that are very difficult to misunderstand, conferring upon the Apostles and Simon personally, a responsibility to pass on His message until the end of time. But along with that responsibility would come much pain and sacrifice for the Apostles and for many who would follow.
It is true that we can honestly say that there would be no Christianity without a cross. And if we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps then we would have to take up the cross. That’s the hard truth. Taking up the cross doesn’t mean coping well with sickness or bad luck. We take up the cross when we choose sacrifice we could avoid in order to help others.
Living as a Christian means choosing little sacrifices on a daily basis. Taking up the cross means giving up your life each day in little ways. You take up your cross when you help your mom without her asking you. You take up your cross when you reach out to the unpopular kid, the one sitting alone or being bullied.
Like Peter each day we must decide who we think Jesus is. We show that he is our Messiah when we choose to sacrifice for others. Oddly enough it is through these little sacrifices that we really save our own lives, and add to the lives of others.
IHN, tommy
Reading 1 Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1
10 Thus says the LORD: I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition; and they shall look on him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they shall grieve over him as one grieves over a firstborn. 11 On that day the mourning in Jerusalem shall be as great as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
13-1 On that day there shall be open to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.
Reading 2 Galatians 3:26-29
26 Brothers and sisters: Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.
Gospel Luke 9:18-24
18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 23 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Questions for Discussion:
1. Why does Jesus act so strongly to Peter?
2. What title does Jesus take on, and why?( see Dn. 7:13-14) 13 As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him,14 He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away; his kingship shall not be destroyed.
3. How would you paraphrase what Jesus says in verse 23?
4. Where does Jesus’ way conflict with your way?
5. What do you stand to lose by following Jesus? What do you stand to gain?
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15
Compassion is your pain in my heart
Today’s Gospel reading has some very powerful statements from Jesus. Here Jesus uses words that are very difficult to misunderstand, conferring upon the Apostles and Simon personally, a responsibility to pass on His message until the end of time. But along with that responsibility would come much pain and sacrifice for the Apostles and for many who would follow.
It is true that we can honestly say that there would be no Christianity without a cross. And if we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps then we would have to take up the cross. That’s the hard truth. Taking up the cross doesn’t mean coping well with sickness or bad luck. We take up the cross when we choose sacrifice we could avoid in order to help others.
Living as a Christian means choosing little sacrifices on a daily basis. Taking up the cross means giving up your life each day in little ways. You take up your cross when you help your mom without her asking you. You take up your cross when you reach out to the unpopular kid, the one sitting alone or being bullied.
Like Peter each day we must decide who we think Jesus is. We show that he is our Messiah when we choose to sacrifice for others. Oddly enough it is through these little sacrifices that we really save our own lives, and add to the lives of others.
IHN, tommy
Reading 1 Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1
10 Thus says the LORD: I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition; and they shall look on him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they shall grieve over him as one grieves over a firstborn. 11 On that day the mourning in Jerusalem shall be as great as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
13-1 On that day there shall be open to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.
Reading 2 Galatians 3:26-29
26 Brothers and sisters: Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.
Gospel Luke 9:18-24
18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 23 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Questions for Discussion:
1. Why does Jesus act so strongly to Peter?
2. What title does Jesus take on, and why?( see Dn. 7:13-14) 13 As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him,14 He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away; his kingship shall not be destroyed.
3. How would you paraphrase what Jesus says in verse 23?
4. Where does Jesus’ way conflict with your way?
5. What do you stand to lose by following Jesus? What do you stand to gain?
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Readings for Sunday June 13, 2010
Readings for Sunday June 13, 2010 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In last Sunday’s Gospel reading we found a compassionate Jesus who shared his meal with thousands and in this Sunday’s gospel we find a Jesus that is ignored and mistreated, and yet He is still able to show compassion and love for someone in need.
In Sunday’s Gospel (Luke: 7:36-50), Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of a Pharisee (Simon). While Jesus was reclining at the table a sinful woman living in the town heard that Jesus was at the Pharisee’s home, and so she crashed the party and also brought a bottle of perfume and stood at the feet of Jesus weeping. She used her tears to wet the feet of Jesus and dried his feet with her hair and then poured the perfume on the feet of Jesus. When the Pharisee saw who Jesus was allowing to wash his feet he said to his company: “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.” In understanding this story it’s helpful to understand the etiquette and culture of that day, just as it is important for us to know the etiquette of today.
When the Pharisee invited Jesus to his house he knew that Jesus a rabbi should be recognized as a guest of honor. The Pharisee did not greet Jesus with a kiss and by not giving this greeting he was ignoring Jesus. It would be like being invited to someone’s home for dinner. The door is open, so you assume they intend for you to come in, but the family members are busy watching television and never rise from the La-Z-boy, to acknowledge you or say “hello.”
The washing of feet was mandatory before a meal. If the guest was of high status, the host would perform this duty himself. If not, he might have his servant do it. To not carry out his task would be like requiring a guest to wash dishes following the meal. A thoughtful host would give his guests some olive oil for anointing, though this was somewhat optional. With a very warm climate, and a scarcity of deodorant, such as a gesture was particularly refreshing. Jesus arrived at the Pharisees’ home and receives nothing. Simon does not give him a greeting, no water for his feet and no anointing for his head. Everyone present knows that Jesus is being treated rudely as if a deliberate slap in the face.
Imagine going to a party and extending your hand to someone, only to have them subtly refuse to extend their hand in return…They may even smile as they refuse, but you know – and they know – it’s intended as an insult. It’s meant to offend. A sinful woman, heard about Jesus being in the home. She must have had a deep longing for a change in her life. She gathers all her courage and slips into the house. She sees how Jesus is treated and is overwhelmed by the idea of God’s love. She took on the role of the host and washes Jesus’ feet and anoints them with her oil of perfume.
To the complaint of Simon the Pharisee Jesus tells a story of a Loan Shark and two Bookies (I think I knew these two guys in Brooklyn!!). Two men owed money to a moneylender. Neither could pay it back. They both faced the same fate – to lose all they had and go to prison. The only difference, one owed fifty thousands dollars and the other 5 thousand dollars. The loan shark calls them in and forgives their debts.
Jesus looked straight at Simon the Pharisee and asked: “Which one will be filled with relief and gratitude and joy and love for the one who has set him free from his debt and jail sentence? The Man with the Little-debt or the Big-debt? Simon answers: “I suppose it would be the Big-debt.”
Jesus speaks directly to Simon, “Do you see this woman?” Simon doesn’t see her as Jesus does. Jesus sees her heart turned toward heaven and her repentance and her humility. “You gave me no water for my feet. You did not give me a kiss. You did not put oil on my head.” She washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. She kissed my feet and poured perfume on them. “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Yours sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you go in peace.” Too often we are like the Pharisee filled with self-righteousness, we are ungrateful for all that God has provided.
If there is one sin that most prevalent today, it is the sin of ingratitude. God has done so much for us. Our indebtedness to him is enormous and yet we rarely or at least infrequently offer thanks for what he has done. In fact, most professing Christians don’t even offer thanks over their meals, many times in the past I have asked the teens this question “When you are at school and sit down for lunch, do you stop for even a moment, Bless yourself and say thank for the meal you are about to eat?” many times the answer is No!! I forget to, or I am uncomfortable doing that in public. So, if we can’t give thanks for something as small as a meal, then how would we ever be able to thank God for all that He does in our lives?
We are much like the little boy who was given an orange by a man. The boy’s mother asked, “What do you say to the nice man?”The little boy thought and handed the orange back and said, “Peel it.”
Expressing gratitude to others can make a positive impact on their lives.
I once read a story where a youth minister told of an experience she had when she took her two daughters out to eat at a restaurant. Her girls pointed out a schoolteacher they both had in school also eating at the same place. The teacher had come in and sat down with her husband. As the mother and her daughters were getting ready to leave she felt an urge to go over and thank the teacher for the contribution she had made to her children’s lives. All the way to the exit the urge continued. As she reached the door, the mom turned around and went back to the teacher’s table, introduced herself, and delivered her sentence or two of gratitude. The teacher almost burst into tears: “I was just telling my husband that I don’t know if I can teach any longer. I’ve had the worst day I’ve had in twenty years of teaching.” The mother’s words of gratitude came at just the right time in the life of this teacher.
So as we reflect on these readings and the courage that it took for Jesus to stand his ground against the Pharisees, and the way He praised a sinful woman for her kindness towards Him, let us look for ways you can give praise to others you meet in your daily lives, always striving to live full of gratitude for the good things God has given us.
IHN tommyk
Reading 1 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13
7 Nathan said to David: “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king of Israel. I rescued you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your lord’s house and your lord’s wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more. 9 Why have you spurned the Lord and done evil in his sight? You have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’ 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan answered David:
“The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.”
Questions for Discussion:
1. Why did Nathan start with a story?
a) To get David’s attention b) to dramatize his point c) to disarm David’s defenses d) so that David would incriminate himself.
2. Do you think David’s confession was sincere? If so, why didn’t he do it sooner? What do you think about David’s punishment?
3. How do you respond when someone corrects or criticizes you?
a) I want to cry b) I accept it without comment c) I accept it as God’s word to me d) I get frustrated with my imperfections and mistakes. e) I get defensive f) I avoid that person g) I assume I deserve it.
4. Which of the following is easiest for you? Which is hardest?
a) Seeing sin in myself b) seeing sin in others c) going to confession d) receiving an apology
5. If others see something wrong in my life, they:
a) Should let me know b) better be right c) should keep it to themselves. d) Should lead by example e) Should also praise me when I do something right.
Reading II Galatians 2:16, 19-21
Brothers and sisters:
16 We who know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 19 For through the law I died to the law that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Questions for Discussion:
1. According to verse 21, if you can be in good standing with God through your own efforts, what did Christ die for?
2. Applying the spiritual concept of verse 20, who is “alive” in your life right now--- “ I ”, or “ Christ in me”?
Gospel Luke 7:36—8:3
36A Pharisee (Simon) invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,38 she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. 42 Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. 47 So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” 48 He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
8:1 Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Questions for Discussion:
1. What section would the local newspaper put this story in?
a) the society page- highlighting that sinful woman crashed the dinner party this Pharisee had for Jesus
b) the gossip column- because of the scandalous way the woman acted toward Jesus.
c) The religion page- headlining Jesus’ claim that the woman’s sins were forgiven.
d) The business section- announcing the woman’s departure from her sinful life.
2. How would you have felt watching this woman anoint Jesus like she did in verse 38?
3. What needs to happen for you to feel the kind of forgiveness this woman felt?
“What’s going on between you and God? How goes your Spiritual life?"
In last Sunday’s Gospel reading we found a compassionate Jesus who shared his meal with thousands and in this Sunday’s gospel we find a Jesus that is ignored and mistreated, and yet He is still able to show compassion and love for someone in need.
In Sunday’s Gospel (Luke: 7:36-50), Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of a Pharisee (Simon). While Jesus was reclining at the table a sinful woman living in the town heard that Jesus was at the Pharisee’s home, and so she crashed the party and also brought a bottle of perfume and stood at the feet of Jesus weeping. She used her tears to wet the feet of Jesus and dried his feet with her hair and then poured the perfume on the feet of Jesus. When the Pharisee saw who Jesus was allowing to wash his feet he said to his company: “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.” In understanding this story it’s helpful to understand the etiquette and culture of that day, just as it is important for us to know the etiquette of today.
When the Pharisee invited Jesus to his house he knew that Jesus a rabbi should be recognized as a guest of honor. The Pharisee did not greet Jesus with a kiss and by not giving this greeting he was ignoring Jesus. It would be like being invited to someone’s home for dinner. The door is open, so you assume they intend for you to come in, but the family members are busy watching television and never rise from the La-Z-boy, to acknowledge you or say “hello.”
The washing of feet was mandatory before a meal. If the guest was of high status, the host would perform this duty himself. If not, he might have his servant do it. To not carry out his task would be like requiring a guest to wash dishes following the meal. A thoughtful host would give his guests some olive oil for anointing, though this was somewhat optional. With a very warm climate, and a scarcity of deodorant, such as a gesture was particularly refreshing. Jesus arrived at the Pharisees’ home and receives nothing. Simon does not give him a greeting, no water for his feet and no anointing for his head. Everyone present knows that Jesus is being treated rudely as if a deliberate slap in the face.
Imagine going to a party and extending your hand to someone, only to have them subtly refuse to extend their hand in return…They may even smile as they refuse, but you know – and they know – it’s intended as an insult. It’s meant to offend. A sinful woman, heard about Jesus being in the home. She must have had a deep longing for a change in her life. She gathers all her courage and slips into the house. She sees how Jesus is treated and is overwhelmed by the idea of God’s love. She took on the role of the host and washes Jesus’ feet and anoints them with her oil of perfume.
To the complaint of Simon the Pharisee Jesus tells a story of a Loan Shark and two Bookies (I think I knew these two guys in Brooklyn!!). Two men owed money to a moneylender. Neither could pay it back. They both faced the same fate – to lose all they had and go to prison. The only difference, one owed fifty thousands dollars and the other 5 thousand dollars. The loan shark calls them in and forgives their debts.
Jesus looked straight at Simon the Pharisee and asked: “Which one will be filled with relief and gratitude and joy and love for the one who has set him free from his debt and jail sentence? The Man with the Little-debt or the Big-debt? Simon answers: “I suppose it would be the Big-debt.”
Jesus speaks directly to Simon, “Do you see this woman?” Simon doesn’t see her as Jesus does. Jesus sees her heart turned toward heaven and her repentance and her humility. “You gave me no water for my feet. You did not give me a kiss. You did not put oil on my head.” She washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. She kissed my feet and poured perfume on them. “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Yours sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you go in peace.” Too often we are like the Pharisee filled with self-righteousness, we are ungrateful for all that God has provided.
If there is one sin that most prevalent today, it is the sin of ingratitude. God has done so much for us. Our indebtedness to him is enormous and yet we rarely or at least infrequently offer thanks for what he has done. In fact, most professing Christians don’t even offer thanks over their meals, many times in the past I have asked the teens this question “When you are at school and sit down for lunch, do you stop for even a moment, Bless yourself and say thank for the meal you are about to eat?” many times the answer is No!! I forget to, or I am uncomfortable doing that in public. So, if we can’t give thanks for something as small as a meal, then how would we ever be able to thank God for all that He does in our lives?
We are much like the little boy who was given an orange by a man. The boy’s mother asked, “What do you say to the nice man?”The little boy thought and handed the orange back and said, “Peel it.”
Expressing gratitude to others can make a positive impact on their lives.
I once read a story where a youth minister told of an experience she had when she took her two daughters out to eat at a restaurant. Her girls pointed out a schoolteacher they both had in school also eating at the same place. The teacher had come in and sat down with her husband. As the mother and her daughters were getting ready to leave she felt an urge to go over and thank the teacher for the contribution she had made to her children’s lives. All the way to the exit the urge continued. As she reached the door, the mom turned around and went back to the teacher’s table, introduced herself, and delivered her sentence or two of gratitude. The teacher almost burst into tears: “I was just telling my husband that I don’t know if I can teach any longer. I’ve had the worst day I’ve had in twenty years of teaching.” The mother’s words of gratitude came at just the right time in the life of this teacher.
So as we reflect on these readings and the courage that it took for Jesus to stand his ground against the Pharisees, and the way He praised a sinful woman for her kindness towards Him, let us look for ways you can give praise to others you meet in your daily lives, always striving to live full of gratitude for the good things God has given us.
IHN tommyk
Reading 1 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13
7 Nathan said to David: “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king of Israel. I rescued you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your lord’s house and your lord’s wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more. 9 Why have you spurned the Lord and done evil in his sight? You have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’ 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan answered David:
“The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.”
Questions for Discussion:
1. Why did Nathan start with a story?
a) To get David’s attention b) to dramatize his point c) to disarm David’s defenses d) so that David would incriminate himself.
2. Do you think David’s confession was sincere? If so, why didn’t he do it sooner? What do you think about David’s punishment?
3. How do you respond when someone corrects or criticizes you?
a) I want to cry b) I accept it without comment c) I accept it as God’s word to me d) I get frustrated with my imperfections and mistakes. e) I get defensive f) I avoid that person g) I assume I deserve it.
4. Which of the following is easiest for you? Which is hardest?
a) Seeing sin in myself b) seeing sin in others c) going to confession d) receiving an apology
5. If others see something wrong in my life, they:
a) Should let me know b) better be right c) should keep it to themselves. d) Should lead by example e) Should also praise me when I do something right.
Reading II Galatians 2:16, 19-21
Brothers and sisters:
16 We who know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 19 For through the law I died to the law that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Questions for Discussion:
1. According to verse 21, if you can be in good standing with God through your own efforts, what did Christ die for?
2. Applying the spiritual concept of verse 20, who is “alive” in your life right now--- “ I ”, or “ Christ in me”?
Gospel Luke 7:36—8:3
36A Pharisee (Simon) invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,38 she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. 42 Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. 47 So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” 48 He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
8:1 Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Questions for Discussion:
1. What section would the local newspaper put this story in?
a) the society page- highlighting that sinful woman crashed the dinner party this Pharisee had for Jesus
b) the gossip column- because of the scandalous way the woman acted toward Jesus.
c) The religion page- headlining Jesus’ claim that the woman’s sins were forgiven.
d) The business section- announcing the woman’s departure from her sinful life.
2. How would you have felt watching this woman anoint Jesus like she did in verse 38?
3. What needs to happen for you to feel the kind of forgiveness this woman felt?
“What’s going on between you and God? How goes your Spiritual life?"
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Readings for Corpus Christi Sunday June 6th, 2010
Readings for Corpus Christi Sunday June 6th, 2010
Corpus Christi (Body and Blood of Christ) is a Eucharistic solemnity, or better, the solemn commemoration of the institution of that sacrament. It is, moreover, the Church's official act of homage and gratitude to Christ, who by instituting the Holy Eucharist gave to the Church her greatest treasure. Holy Thursday, assuredly, marks the anniversary of the institution, but the commemoration of the Lord's passion that very night suppresses the rejoicing proper to the occasion. Today's observance, therefore, accents the joyous aspect of Holy Thursday.
The Mass and the Office for the feast was edited or composed by St. Thomas Aquinas upon the request of Pope Urban IV in the year 1264. It is unquestionably a classic piece of liturgical work, wholly in accord with the best liturgical traditions. . . It is a perfect work of art.
— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.
In the words of St. Thomas:
"How inestimable a dignity, beloved brethren, divine bounty has bestowed upon us Christians from the treasury of its infinite goodness! For there neither is nor ever has been a people to whom the gods were so nigh as our Lord and God is nigh unto us.
"Desirous that we be made partakers of His divinity, the only-begotten Son of God has taken to Himself our nature so that having become man, He would be enabled to make men gods. Whatever He assumed of our nature He wrought unto our salvation. For on the altar of the Cross He immolated to the Father His own Body as victim for our reconciliation and shed His blood both for our ransom and for our regeneration. Moreover, in order that a remembrance of so great benefits may always be with us, He has left us His Body as food and His Blood as drink under appearances of bread and wine.
"O banquet most precious! O banquet most admirable! O banquet overflowing with every spiritual delicacy! Can anything be more excellent than this repast, in which not the flesh of goats and heifers, as of old, but Christ the true God is given us for nourishment? What more wondrous than this holy sacrament! In it bread and wine are changed substantially, and under the appearance of a little bread and wine is had Christ Jesus, God and perfect Man. In this sacrament sins are purged away, virtues are increased, the soul is satiated with an abundance of every spiritual gift. No other sacrament is so beneficial. Since it was instituted unto the salvation of all, it is offered by Holy Church for the living and for the dead, that all may share in its treasures.
"My dearly beloved, is it not beyond human power to express the ineffable delicacy of this sacrament in which spiritual sweetness is tasted in its very source, in which is brought to mind the remembrance of that all-excelling charity which Christ showed in His sacred passion? Surely it was to impress more profoundly upon the hearts of the faithful the immensity of this charity that our loving Savior instituted this sacrament at the last supper when, having celebrated the Pasch with His disciples. He was about to leave the world and return to the Father. It was to serve as an unending remembrance of His passion, as the fulfillment of ancient types — this the greatest of His miracles. To those who sorrow over His departure He has given a unique solace."
Symbols: The usual symbol for the Holy Eucharist is a chalice, with a host rising out of it. The chalice is shown with a hexagonal base, as a rule, symbolizing the Six Attributes of the Deity (power, wisdom, majesty, mercy, justice and love), and with a richly wrought stem of gold, studded with precious stones. The host is shown as the typical circular wafer, upon which may be imprinted the letters I. N. R. I., from which proceed rays of light, symbolical of the Real Presence, the substantial presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine.
An altar, upon which is set a cross, two or more candles in their tall candlesticks, a chalice and a ciborium, is another symbol often seen.
Reading 1
Genesis 14:18-20
In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Reading II
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
Gospel
Luke 9:11b-17
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said,
"Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.
Questions for Discussion:
1. How do you treat those who make unexpected demands on you?
2. Do you trust that God will provide for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who lack?
3. Did they resent this intrusion on their hard-earned need for privacy and refreshment?
4. What is the significance of this miracle?
Corpus Christi (Body and Blood of Christ) is a Eucharistic solemnity, or better, the solemn commemoration of the institution of that sacrament. It is, moreover, the Church's official act of homage and gratitude to Christ, who by instituting the Holy Eucharist gave to the Church her greatest treasure. Holy Thursday, assuredly, marks the anniversary of the institution, but the commemoration of the Lord's passion that very night suppresses the rejoicing proper to the occasion. Today's observance, therefore, accents the joyous aspect of Holy Thursday.
The Mass and the Office for the feast was edited or composed by St. Thomas Aquinas upon the request of Pope Urban IV in the year 1264. It is unquestionably a classic piece of liturgical work, wholly in accord with the best liturgical traditions. . . It is a perfect work of art.
— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.
In the words of St. Thomas:
"How inestimable a dignity, beloved brethren, divine bounty has bestowed upon us Christians from the treasury of its infinite goodness! For there neither is nor ever has been a people to whom the gods were so nigh as our Lord and God is nigh unto us.
"Desirous that we be made partakers of His divinity, the only-begotten Son of God has taken to Himself our nature so that having become man, He would be enabled to make men gods. Whatever He assumed of our nature He wrought unto our salvation. For on the altar of the Cross He immolated to the Father His own Body as victim for our reconciliation and shed His blood both for our ransom and for our regeneration. Moreover, in order that a remembrance of so great benefits may always be with us, He has left us His Body as food and His Blood as drink under appearances of bread and wine.
"O banquet most precious! O banquet most admirable! O banquet overflowing with every spiritual delicacy! Can anything be more excellent than this repast, in which not the flesh of goats and heifers, as of old, but Christ the true God is given us for nourishment? What more wondrous than this holy sacrament! In it bread and wine are changed substantially, and under the appearance of a little bread and wine is had Christ Jesus, God and perfect Man. In this sacrament sins are purged away, virtues are increased, the soul is satiated with an abundance of every spiritual gift. No other sacrament is so beneficial. Since it was instituted unto the salvation of all, it is offered by Holy Church for the living and for the dead, that all may share in its treasures.
"My dearly beloved, is it not beyond human power to express the ineffable delicacy of this sacrament in which spiritual sweetness is tasted in its very source, in which is brought to mind the remembrance of that all-excelling charity which Christ showed in His sacred passion? Surely it was to impress more profoundly upon the hearts of the faithful the immensity of this charity that our loving Savior instituted this sacrament at the last supper when, having celebrated the Pasch with His disciples. He was about to leave the world and return to the Father. It was to serve as an unending remembrance of His passion, as the fulfillment of ancient types — this the greatest of His miracles. To those who sorrow over His departure He has given a unique solace."
Symbols: The usual symbol for the Holy Eucharist is a chalice, with a host rising out of it. The chalice is shown with a hexagonal base, as a rule, symbolizing the Six Attributes of the Deity (power, wisdom, majesty, mercy, justice and love), and with a richly wrought stem of gold, studded with precious stones. The host is shown as the typical circular wafer, upon which may be imprinted the letters I. N. R. I., from which proceed rays of light, symbolical of the Real Presence, the substantial presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine.
An altar, upon which is set a cross, two or more candles in their tall candlesticks, a chalice and a ciborium, is another symbol often seen.
Reading 1
Genesis 14:18-20
In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Reading II
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
Gospel
Luke 9:11b-17
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said,
"Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.
Questions for Discussion:
1. How do you treat those who make unexpected demands on you?
2. Do you trust that God will provide for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who lack?
3. Did they resent this intrusion on their hard-earned need for privacy and refreshment?
4. What is the significance of this miracle?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday May 30th 2010
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday May 30th 2010
I think that this Sunday (Trinity Sunday) we should all think about what it means to be guided in the truth. Do we believe that because we are being led by this awesome truth, that we can just take things for granted? Or should each one of us take a look at our lives and realize that we cannot go on without trusting God.
I recently read an excerpt from an album by Aaron Shust, in it he talks about how when we have a good day. We say. "God, Thank you. You are really blessing me." Blessing is a word that I only hear Christians use. I have heard it means to "speak well about a thing", but I think it's used more often in the sense of I need a raise, or a gift, or something specific. "God, bless me.” in this context means: I want straight AAA's in school, or I want to buy lots of new clothes, please get me a new car.
When I'm having a bad day, I say, "God, don't forget me, please hear my prayers", as if He may have forgotten about me. Aaron tells the story of a man who, through a series of events, misses his flight and, when the plane crashes and everyone dies, an article is written in a Christian publication saying, "God was watching out for him." Not long after that article appeared, another article is written by the wife of a man who, by a series of seemingly miraculous events, made it onto that flight, and the last communication that they had was waving goodbye to each other with joy in their hearts at how God had orchestrated events that allowed him to make his flight… that would take him to his death. So who was God really looking out for? Was God working in one man's life and not the others?
Some people or healed of cancer after much prayer. Many people die of cancer, even after much prayer. Some people are born physically beautiful, and with robust health; other people are born with physical deformities and terrible diseases. Who is God looking out for in these situations? The answer is that it is not in our capacity to understand.
Too often our perception of how God should operate is focused on how He should make our lives better- according to us. But one of the reasons His name is "God" is because He is smart, wiser, and infinitely better (perfect actually) than we are in all areas. We can't figure out the reasoning behind all that God does ( just as we cannot figure out the mystery of the Trinity) But we know that we are really loved by Him, because we FEEL it! We know in our hearts that the promises written in the Bible are true. Is this an act of faith? Absolutely. But it is like feeling the warmth of the sun on our skin; there can be no question that there is really a ball of fire in the sky.
So we have to realize that, whether we are looking at one stitch on the back of a tapestry and God is looking at the entire picture on the front, or "We may have a point of view, but God has view," the bottom line is, we are not skilled to grasp all that God has planned and we are okay with that. Because His ways are infinitely higher than ours. And we trust Him.
This Sunday is Trinity Sunday; here our belief in the one God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the central truth of all Christian faith.
Early in the history of the Church various controversies arose over the nature of the Trinity. The most prominent of these concerned the heresy of Arianism in the fourth century. Arias and his followers insisted that the Son of God was created and not eternal. This heresy found many followers, especially in the Eastern Church.
The Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 settled the controversy by defining the nature of the Trinity. Belief in the Trinity had been central to the Church since the time of the Apostles. As a response to Arianism, however, that belief was given a formal definition. The Church’s understanding was crystallized in what we now know as the Nicene Creed, which states:
The Council of Nicea explained that there were three persons in the Trinity, but only one being. The three persons are equal and of the same substance. All three persons are eternal and are to be worshiped.
The Council provided definition and clarity in the midst of controversy. However, the Trinity still remains a mystery beyond the ability of the human mind to fathom.
Sunday's Mass invites us to enter into the mystery and partake of the grace God offers. One of the prayers for Trinity Sunday speaks in these words to God: "You reveal yourself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in your life and love."
Enjoy the readings, pass them on- tommyk
Readings for Sunday May 30th 2010 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Reading 1 Proverbs 8:22-31
22 Thus says the wisdom of God:"The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world. 27 "When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command;
30 then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while,
31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the human race."
Reading II Romans 5:1-5
1 Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Gospel John 16:12-15
12 Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you."
1. A famous Catholic author, Peter Kreeft, said that the Trinity is three because love requires ‘threeness’: A love that is only between two does not get outside of itself. What does our understanding of God as Trinity teach us about the nature of love?
2. How can you better love like the Trinity, that is, love with the desire to give than with the desire to receive?
The love between Father and Son is so strong that it is itself a person, the Holy Spirit. The love shared between the Three Persons of the Trinity is so strong that God created life to share with us, His children. God has created us out of love, and His goal for us is to teach us what it means to love perfectly, to love as He loves. God wants our love for Him to be so devoted to Him that it calls us to put nothing ahead of Him. It is a love that is so valuable that we would be willing to love God completely, totally – even if we can’t see Him. It is a love that is so important to us that we would rather suffer and die than to lose that love.
In short, God’s love is the greatest possession we will ever have. (Think of this idea in light of the Second Reading from this Sunday, Romans 5:1-5. Look it up now.) God’s love is our true treasure. The Trinity is not only the source of our lives, but it is the goal of who we are. When we die, our hope and prayer is that we will enter into the life of the Trinity for all eternity. Our hope is that we will become members of the family of God, free from the effects of sin, free from all suffering and death. While we may be tempted to just accept God as Trinity on blind faith, allow yourself to meditate on this Reality. Reflect upon God’s great love, and let God Himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to transform all your actions into an offering of love.
I think that this Sunday (Trinity Sunday) we should all think about what it means to be guided in the truth. Do we believe that because we are being led by this awesome truth, that we can just take things for granted? Or should each one of us take a look at our lives and realize that we cannot go on without trusting God.
I recently read an excerpt from an album by Aaron Shust, in it he talks about how when we have a good day. We say. "God, Thank you. You are really blessing me." Blessing is a word that I only hear Christians use. I have heard it means to "speak well about a thing", but I think it's used more often in the sense of I need a raise, or a gift, or something specific. "God, bless me.” in this context means: I want straight AAA's in school, or I want to buy lots of new clothes, please get me a new car.
When I'm having a bad day, I say, "God, don't forget me, please hear my prayers", as if He may have forgotten about me. Aaron tells the story of a man who, through a series of events, misses his flight and, when the plane crashes and everyone dies, an article is written in a Christian publication saying, "God was watching out for him." Not long after that article appeared, another article is written by the wife of a man who, by a series of seemingly miraculous events, made it onto that flight, and the last communication that they had was waving goodbye to each other with joy in their hearts at how God had orchestrated events that allowed him to make his flight… that would take him to his death. So who was God really looking out for? Was God working in one man's life and not the others?
Some people or healed of cancer after much prayer. Many people die of cancer, even after much prayer. Some people are born physically beautiful, and with robust health; other people are born with physical deformities and terrible diseases. Who is God looking out for in these situations? The answer is that it is not in our capacity to understand.
Too often our perception of how God should operate is focused on how He should make our lives better- according to us. But one of the reasons His name is "God" is because He is smart, wiser, and infinitely better (perfect actually) than we are in all areas. We can't figure out the reasoning behind all that God does ( just as we cannot figure out the mystery of the Trinity) But we know that we are really loved by Him, because we FEEL it! We know in our hearts that the promises written in the Bible are true. Is this an act of faith? Absolutely. But it is like feeling the warmth of the sun on our skin; there can be no question that there is really a ball of fire in the sky.
So we have to realize that, whether we are looking at one stitch on the back of a tapestry and God is looking at the entire picture on the front, or "We may have a point of view, but God has view," the bottom line is, we are not skilled to grasp all that God has planned and we are okay with that. Because His ways are infinitely higher than ours. And we trust Him.
This Sunday is Trinity Sunday; here our belief in the one God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the central truth of all Christian faith.
Early in the history of the Church various controversies arose over the nature of the Trinity. The most prominent of these concerned the heresy of Arianism in the fourth century. Arias and his followers insisted that the Son of God was created and not eternal. This heresy found many followers, especially in the Eastern Church.
The Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 settled the controversy by defining the nature of the Trinity. Belief in the Trinity had been central to the Church since the time of the Apostles. As a response to Arianism, however, that belief was given a formal definition. The Church’s understanding was crystallized in what we now know as the Nicene Creed, which states:
The Council of Nicea explained that there were three persons in the Trinity, but only one being. The three persons are equal and of the same substance. All three persons are eternal and are to be worshiped.
The Council provided definition and clarity in the midst of controversy. However, the Trinity still remains a mystery beyond the ability of the human mind to fathom.
Sunday's Mass invites us to enter into the mystery and partake of the grace God offers. One of the prayers for Trinity Sunday speaks in these words to God: "You reveal yourself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in your life and love."
Enjoy the readings, pass them on- tommyk
Readings for Sunday May 30th 2010 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Reading 1 Proverbs 8:22-31
22 Thus says the wisdom of God:"The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world. 27 "When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command;
30 then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while,
31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the human race."
Reading II Romans 5:1-5
1 Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Gospel John 16:12-15
12 Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you."
1. A famous Catholic author, Peter Kreeft, said that the Trinity is three because love requires ‘threeness’: A love that is only between two does not get outside of itself. What does our understanding of God as Trinity teach us about the nature of love?
2. How can you better love like the Trinity, that is, love with the desire to give than with the desire to receive?
The love between Father and Son is so strong that it is itself a person, the Holy Spirit. The love shared between the Three Persons of the Trinity is so strong that God created life to share with us, His children. God has created us out of love, and His goal for us is to teach us what it means to love perfectly, to love as He loves. God wants our love for Him to be so devoted to Him that it calls us to put nothing ahead of Him. It is a love that is so valuable that we would be willing to love God completely, totally – even if we can’t see Him. It is a love that is so important to us that we would rather suffer and die than to lose that love.
In short, God’s love is the greatest possession we will ever have. (Think of this idea in light of the Second Reading from this Sunday, Romans 5:1-5. Look it up now.) God’s love is our true treasure. The Trinity is not only the source of our lives, but it is the goal of who we are. When we die, our hope and prayer is that we will enter into the life of the Trinity for all eternity. Our hope is that we will become members of the family of God, free from the effects of sin, free from all suffering and death. While we may be tempted to just accept God as Trinity on blind faith, allow yourself to meditate on this Reality. Reflect upon God’s great love, and let God Himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to transform all your actions into an offering of love.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)