Readings for Tuesday August 31, 2010
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145
Gospel: Luke 4:31-37
Brothers and sisters: The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God. Among men, who knows what pertains to the man except his spirit that is within? Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God. And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms. Now the natural man does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God, for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it, because it is judged spiritually. The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything but is not subject to judgment by anyone. For “who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to counsel him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:10-16)
Today's readings discuss two themes; the spirit of the world and the Spirit of God. St. Paul discusses the spirit of the world as something that does not help us to know God or to grasp spiritual realities any better. We also read about a "spirit of the world" in today's gospel. This evil spirit is one that possesses a man, and it is only by the power of Christ that the man is set free from the evil spirit. We can see that in both of these cases following the spirit of the world is not what will lead us towards our destination of holiness and heaven, but rather will lead us away from our true calling.
What we need, and what each of us should be seeking is the Spirit of God. St. Paul tells us that it is only by the spirit that we can know God: "no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God." But by receiving His Spirit, it is not only the way to know God better, but also to understand our life and our purpose. St. Paul tells the Corinthians: "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God." God calls us each to be good stewards of this life, but how can we be good stewards of our gifts if we do not call upon the Creator to ask what we are to do? The reality is that as humans we do not have all the answers, but God does; and that is why He offers us His Spirit so that we can have the help that we so desperately need in this life.
Let us each pray that God sends His Spirit down on each of us every day to reveal how we can know Him and follow Him better in this life.
Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful and make the fire of your love burn within them. Send forth your Spirit and there shall be another creation. And you shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, you have instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit. Grant that through the same Holy Spirit we may always be truly wise and rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.31.2010
8.30.2010
Worldview
Readings for Monday August 30, 2010
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Luke 4:16-30
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. (Lk. 4:16-30)
"Just when you think you know somebody" ... These were probably the words that went through the mind of the people of Jesus' hometown of Nazareth. They were shocked at the words He had spoken in the synagogue. They thought that they knew who this man was, they were not prepared to hear that He was the one that the prophets had spoken of. You see, they knew Him as the son of Joseph, they had been around Him for so many years never realizing who He really was. When He read in the synagogue that day, they realized that this man that they thought they had figured out, was not who they thought he was at all. That day their worldview was shattered things that they thought they knew no longer held up.
Jesus has a way of shattering our worldview, just as He did with the people of His hometown. The thing that we learn from today's gospel is that this shattering of the worldview is not always taken lightly. How often do we like it when someone corrects our opinions or views on things? How often do we like being told that our way of thinking is not correct? How many times do we get defensive and make excuses during the times when we are wrong and someone else is right? The reality is that when our worldview is challenged, it is an unsettling time. It is a difficult time where we really begin to question things that we thought that we knew. As I said before, Jesus has a way of shattering our worldview, but we must remember that this is not a bad thing, but rather a time for growth. The problem that we have when our worldview is challenged is that we may have to admit that we are wrong, and that is never easy. This is why the virtue of humility is so important, because those who are humble recognize that they do not have all the answers, or that they know everything; but those who are humble recognize that God does have all the answers, and that He truly does know everything.
Today, let us let Jesus shatter our worldview. Let us recognize that He is God, and we are not.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for your many gifts and blessings in our life. Lord, help us to have the courage and the wisdom to admit that we are not in control and that it is you who are Lord, not us. God, help us to be good stewards of all that you bless us with, help us to not take this life for granted, but rather to live how you want us to. Lord, you are our God, and we are your people, may our lives always be a reflection of you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Luke 4:16-30
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. (Lk. 4:16-30)
"Just when you think you know somebody" ... These were probably the words that went through the mind of the people of Jesus' hometown of Nazareth. They were shocked at the words He had spoken in the synagogue. They thought that they knew who this man was, they were not prepared to hear that He was the one that the prophets had spoken of. You see, they knew Him as the son of Joseph, they had been around Him for so many years never realizing who He really was. When He read in the synagogue that day, they realized that this man that they thought they had figured out, was not who they thought he was at all. That day their worldview was shattered things that they thought they knew no longer held up.
Jesus has a way of shattering our worldview, just as He did with the people of His hometown. The thing that we learn from today's gospel is that this shattering of the worldview is not always taken lightly. How often do we like it when someone corrects our opinions or views on things? How often do we like being told that our way of thinking is not correct? How many times do we get defensive and make excuses during the times when we are wrong and someone else is right? The reality is that when our worldview is challenged, it is an unsettling time. It is a difficult time where we really begin to question things that we thought that we knew. As I said before, Jesus has a way of shattering our worldview, but we must remember that this is not a bad thing, but rather a time for growth. The problem that we have when our worldview is challenged is that we may have to admit that we are wrong, and that is never easy. This is why the virtue of humility is so important, because those who are humble recognize that they do not have all the answers, or that they know everything; but those who are humble recognize that God does have all the answers, and that He truly does know everything.
Today, let us let Jesus shatter our worldview. Let us recognize that He is God, and we are not.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for your many gifts and blessings in our life. Lord, help us to have the courage and the wisdom to admit that we are not in control and that it is you who are Lord, not us. God, help us to be good stewards of all that you bless us with, help us to not take this life for granted, but rather to live how you want us to. Lord, you are our God, and we are your people, may our lives always be a reflection of you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.27.2010
Wisdom of God
Readings for Friday August 27, 2010
Memorial of Saint Monica
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
Brothers and sisters: Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside.
Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Cor. 1:17-25)
One of my favorite events is the "Strongman Competition." This is truly an awesome event as powerlifters from around the world get together and do crazy events like pull semi-trucks, lift boulders, throw barrels in the air. It is really amazing how strong some of these men are. But, as much as I like the stongman competition, there is one thing that I know, no matter how strong all of these men are, their combined strength is no match for the power of God. For as Saint Paul says, even the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. And so it is with all human wisdom and strength, as great as it is on earth, it is nothing compared to the wisdom and strength of God. For as it says in the first reading today; the foolishness of God is greater than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is greater than human strength.
So the challenge for all of us as Christians is to not rely on our own strength or wisdom, but to rely on God for strength and wisdom. One of the ways in which we can rely on God's strength and wisdom is to not buy into the world view. The world view says live life without cares, and only worry about yourself. God says, love everyone and put yourself last. God calls us to something higher, He wants us to reach out goal of heaven, and that can only be accomplished by seeking holiness in our lives and by following His will for us. Now to the world, this seems foolish, and many times others will let us know how foolish it seems, but we must always remind ourselves that God's wisdom is greater.
When we follow the wisdom of the world and rely on our own strength, we will fall flat every time. When we follow the wisdom of God, rely on God's strength and go out with the "message of the cross"; then we reach new heights and take steps towards becoming the men and women that God created us to be.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the many blessings and gifts in our lives. Help us to always be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, you are our God, we are your people, help us to never stray away from your path. Lord, help us to go out with the love and mercy that you pour out on us. Help us to not trust in ourselves, but to trust in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Monica
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
Brothers and sisters: Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside.
Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith. For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Cor. 1:17-25)
One of my favorite events is the "Strongman Competition." This is truly an awesome event as powerlifters from around the world get together and do crazy events like pull semi-trucks, lift boulders, throw barrels in the air. It is really amazing how strong some of these men are. But, as much as I like the stongman competition, there is one thing that I know, no matter how strong all of these men are, their combined strength is no match for the power of God. For as Saint Paul says, even the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. And so it is with all human wisdom and strength, as great as it is on earth, it is nothing compared to the wisdom and strength of God. For as it says in the first reading today; the foolishness of God is greater than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is greater than human strength.
So the challenge for all of us as Christians is to not rely on our own strength or wisdom, but to rely on God for strength and wisdom. One of the ways in which we can rely on God's strength and wisdom is to not buy into the world view. The world view says live life without cares, and only worry about yourself. God says, love everyone and put yourself last. God calls us to something higher, He wants us to reach out goal of heaven, and that can only be accomplished by seeking holiness in our lives and by following His will for us. Now to the world, this seems foolish, and many times others will let us know how foolish it seems, but we must always remind ourselves that God's wisdom is greater.
When we follow the wisdom of the world and rely on our own strength, we will fall flat every time. When we follow the wisdom of God, rely on God's strength and go out with the "message of the cross"; then we reach new heights and take steps towards becoming the men and women that God created us to be.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the many blessings and gifts in our lives. Help us to always be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, you are our God, we are your people, help us to never stray away from your path. Lord, help us to go out with the love and mercy that you pour out on us. Help us to not trust in ourselves, but to trust in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.26.2010
Idle Hands
Readings for Thursday August 26, 2010
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145
Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51
Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” (Mt 24:42-51)
There is an old saying that goes, "Idle hands are the devil's tools." What this means is that when people do not stay busy or feel bored, then that is when the devil swoops hands and puts those hands to work for destructive or evil purposes. Kids are a great example of when they do not stay busy, then they get in trouble. I know that in my experience of working with kids, they have to be kept busy, otherwise they will find some trouble to get into.
In today's gospel, Jesus warns us about staying busy and vigilant in our lives. He describes two different types of servants, one who kept busy and did what they were supposed to; and because of his vigilance and faithfulness he was rewarded greatly. The other type of servants that we are told about is a wicked servant who upon realizing that his master was delayed, began to give in to his idle hands. He decided to abuse his power and responsibility, he began getting drunk every night and keeping bad company. When the master returned to find the wicked servant abusing his responsibility and position, he was severely punished for this.
So the fate of the servants from today's gospel can be the same fate for us. What will God find us doing when our hour is called? Will He find us busy and vigilant in doing His good work? Or will He find us with idle hands, only seeking out our selfish purposes?
Idle hands are the devil's tools ... let us make sure that we are always keeping our hands busy with the work of God.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with and for all that you do. Lord, help us to never abuse the gifts of this life and to always be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, help us to never stray away from you path and to always stay busy with your good work. Lord, we pray for all of our priests and religious; and we pray for an increase in vocations. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145
Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51
Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” (Mt 24:42-51)
There is an old saying that goes, "Idle hands are the devil's tools." What this means is that when people do not stay busy or feel bored, then that is when the devil swoops hands and puts those hands to work for destructive or evil purposes. Kids are a great example of when they do not stay busy, then they get in trouble. I know that in my experience of working with kids, they have to be kept busy, otherwise they will find some trouble to get into.
In today's gospel, Jesus warns us about staying busy and vigilant in our lives. He describes two different types of servants, one who kept busy and did what they were supposed to; and because of his vigilance and faithfulness he was rewarded greatly. The other type of servants that we are told about is a wicked servant who upon realizing that his master was delayed, began to give in to his idle hands. He decided to abuse his power and responsibility, he began getting drunk every night and keeping bad company. When the master returned to find the wicked servant abusing his responsibility and position, he was severely punished for this.
So the fate of the servants from today's gospel can be the same fate for us. What will God find us doing when our hour is called? Will He find us busy and vigilant in doing His good work? Or will He find us with idle hands, only seeking out our selfish purposes?
Idle hands are the devil's tools ... let us make sure that we are always keeping our hands busy with the work of God.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with and for all that you do. Lord, help us to never abuse the gifts of this life and to always be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, help us to never stray away from you path and to always stay busy with your good work. Lord, we pray for all of our priests and religious; and we pray for an increase in vocations. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.25.2010
Spiritual Role Modeling
Readings for Wednesday August 25, 2010
First Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128
Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32
We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. (2 Thes. 3:6-10, 16-18)
Anyone who works with kids or has kids knows the importance of role modeling. Because those little eyes are always watching, whether you know it or not. There is a great country song by Rodney Atkins called "I've been watching you." It is a great song about a parents responsibility to role model good behavior to their child. The video is below.
In today's first reading, we see Paul discuss with the church at Thessalonia how important it was that when he and his companions were there that they modeled good, correct behavior for the church in order that they might receive the right instruction. He left them with the model of his example, one that speaks volumes over words. St. Paul shows us the importance of role modeling correct behavior to all those around us. This behavior is not to just be modeled so that people can see how great we are, but it is to be modeled so that people can see how great God is and so that He can be glorified.
We also have another example of those who did not model good behavior to the people, and that is the scribes and pharisees which Jesus addresses in today's gospel. We know that the scribes and pharisees did most things for their own purposes. Their thoughts were not on God, but rather on themselves. They tried to appear righteous to those around them, but they were not fooling God. That is why Jesus was constantly rebuking them, they were not being the spiritual role models that God called them to be.
As Christians, we are called to love and serve God, and to spread the good news of the gospel. That starts with our own behavior, and our own responsibility to be good spiritual role models to all those around us, especially the youth in our lives. In our own lives, we have a choice, we can be good spiritual role models like St. Paul and lead others to Christ, or we can be like the scribes and pharisees and lead people away. The choice is ours.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the gift of our lives, help us to be good stewards of all the many gifts that you give to us. Lord, help us to lead all those that we come into contact with towards you, either through our words or our actions. Help us to be the role models that you created us to be and to never lead others astray. Lord, you are our God, we are your people, may our lives be a reflection of you at all times. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128
Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32
We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. (2 Thes. 3:6-10, 16-18)
Anyone who works with kids or has kids knows the importance of role modeling. Because those little eyes are always watching, whether you know it or not. There is a great country song by Rodney Atkins called "I've been watching you." It is a great song about a parents responsibility to role model good behavior to their child. The video is below.
In today's first reading, we see Paul discuss with the church at Thessalonia how important it was that when he and his companions were there that they modeled good, correct behavior for the church in order that they might receive the right instruction. He left them with the model of his example, one that speaks volumes over words. St. Paul shows us the importance of role modeling correct behavior to all those around us. This behavior is not to just be modeled so that people can see how great we are, but it is to be modeled so that people can see how great God is and so that He can be glorified.
We also have another example of those who did not model good behavior to the people, and that is the scribes and pharisees which Jesus addresses in today's gospel. We know that the scribes and pharisees did most things for their own purposes. Their thoughts were not on God, but rather on themselves. They tried to appear righteous to those around them, but they were not fooling God. That is why Jesus was constantly rebuking them, they were not being the spiritual role models that God called them to be.
As Christians, we are called to love and serve God, and to spread the good news of the gospel. That starts with our own behavior, and our own responsibility to be good spiritual role models to all those around us, especially the youth in our lives. In our own lives, we have a choice, we can be good spiritual role models like St. Paul and lead others to Christ, or we can be like the scribes and pharisees and lead people away. The choice is ours.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the gift of our lives, help us to be good stewards of all the many gifts that you give to us. Lord, help us to lead all those that we come into contact with towards you, either through our words or our actions. Help us to be the role models that you created us to be and to never lead others astray. Lord, you are our God, we are your people, may our lives be a reflection of you at all times. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.23.2010
Problem or Solution?
Readings for Monday August 23, 2010
First Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure.
This is evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you are suffering. We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thes. 1:1-5, 11-12)
As people, we have a big choice to make in this life. We can either be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. What I mean by this is we can either be living a life for ourselves, or we can live a life for God and others. Those who live for themselves do not think of others, they are only concerned with getting what they want; and it doesn't matter how they go about it or how many people that they use while getting what they want. Those who live a life for God and others are not concerned with themselves; but only about doing God's will, loving as they are called to, and seeking to build up the Church.
In today's gospel reading, we see that Jesus is addressing those who are a part of the problem, the scribes and pharisees. They are not helping to build up God's kingdom, but rather block people from God. It is these "blind guides" that did not help the people become holier, but rather led them astray and hindered more than helped. We see a stark contrast between the scribes and pharisees that Jesus was addressing to the early church in Thessalonia. In today's second reading, we see that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are boasting to the other churches about the faith of the Thessalonians. They are boasting because the Thessalonians are a part of the solution; they are helping to build up the kingdom of God by letting their "faith flourish" and letting God's love grow inside them. They were enduring persecutions and many sufferings for the sake of Christ, and it was a great example to the other Christians.
As I said before, we each have a choice to make, we can be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Let us make sure that we are making the right choice and seeking to build up God's Kingdom and to give Him glory in all things.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you for the gift of our lives, help us to be good stewards of your great gifts. Lord, help us to be a people who seek to love as you call us to, and to help those in need. Help us to be a people and nation that values life at all stages, and give us to strength to fight for life. We pray for an end to abortion and for all women considering having an abortion, may they realize the special life that is in their womb. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure.
This is evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you are suffering. We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thes. 1:1-5, 11-12)
As people, we have a big choice to make in this life. We can either be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. What I mean by this is we can either be living a life for ourselves, or we can live a life for God and others. Those who live for themselves do not think of others, they are only concerned with getting what they want; and it doesn't matter how they go about it or how many people that they use while getting what they want. Those who live a life for God and others are not concerned with themselves; but only about doing God's will, loving as they are called to, and seeking to build up the Church.
In today's gospel reading, we see that Jesus is addressing those who are a part of the problem, the scribes and pharisees. They are not helping to build up God's kingdom, but rather block people from God. It is these "blind guides" that did not help the people become holier, but rather led them astray and hindered more than helped. We see a stark contrast between the scribes and pharisees that Jesus was addressing to the early church in Thessalonia. In today's second reading, we see that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are boasting to the other churches about the faith of the Thessalonians. They are boasting because the Thessalonians are a part of the solution; they are helping to build up the kingdom of God by letting their "faith flourish" and letting God's love grow inside them. They were enduring persecutions and many sufferings for the sake of Christ, and it was a great example to the other Christians.
As I said before, we each have a choice to make, we can be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Let us make sure that we are making the right choice and seeking to build up God's Kingdom and to give Him glory in all things.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you for the gift of our lives, help us to be good stewards of your great gifts. Lord, help us to be a people who seek to love as you call us to, and to help those in need. Help us to be a people and nation that values life at all stages, and give us to strength to fight for life. We pray for an end to abortion and for all women considering having an abortion, may they realize the special life that is in their womb. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.20.2010
Readings for Friday August 20, 2010
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 107
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 107
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
8.19.2010
Few are Chosen
Readings for Thursday August 19, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 36:23-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Mt. 22:1-14)
"Many are invited, but few are chosen." These are the words of today's gospel reading. These are the words of our Lord which we should all take to heart. For these words help us to realize how serious we should take this life. Now I am not saying that we cannot experience joy and have fun, but we must only do so in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian. We must take these words and this life seriously, because it is our only shot to get to Heaven. When it is all said and done, each of us will be in one of two places, Heaven or hell. It is important to always remember that many are invited to Heaven, but only a few are chosen. We are all invited, but we must make sure that we are asking for God's grace and trying to live our life in a manner that is acceptable to God. By doing this, then we can look forward to the eternal reward.
I know that these words are something that I need to remind myself of everyday. I need to ask myself if I am making choices and decisions that are helping me be a better person and helping me reach my goal of Heaven. Sometimes I do good, other times I don't. The important thing to remember is that God is the God of mercy and forgiveness. When (not if, but when) we mess up, we must remember to seek out forgiveness and try harder the next time. We must always remember that many are invited, but few are chosen. Those people who give up or don't try are never chosen.
Our goal in life should be to make it to Heaven. Let us make sure that we are doing everything in this life to be chosen.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the gift of our lives and for all that you bless us with. Lord, we are sorry for the times that we mess up, help us to always take steps forward, steps towards you. Lord, thank you for your love and mercy, may we be loving and merciful to all those that you put in our path. We pray for all of our priests and religious, may they be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Ezekiel 36:23-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Mt. 22:1-14)
"Many are invited, but few are chosen." These are the words of today's gospel reading. These are the words of our Lord which we should all take to heart. For these words help us to realize how serious we should take this life. Now I am not saying that we cannot experience joy and have fun, but we must only do so in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian. We must take these words and this life seriously, because it is our only shot to get to Heaven. When it is all said and done, each of us will be in one of two places, Heaven or hell. It is important to always remember that many are invited to Heaven, but only a few are chosen. We are all invited, but we must make sure that we are asking for God's grace and trying to live our life in a manner that is acceptable to God. By doing this, then we can look forward to the eternal reward.
I know that these words are something that I need to remind myself of everyday. I need to ask myself if I am making choices and decisions that are helping me be a better person and helping me reach my goal of Heaven. Sometimes I do good, other times I don't. The important thing to remember is that God is the God of mercy and forgiveness. When (not if, but when) we mess up, we must remember to seek out forgiveness and try harder the next time. We must always remember that many are invited, but few are chosen. Those people who give up or don't try are never chosen.
Our goal in life should be to make it to Heaven. Let us make sure that we are doing everything in this life to be chosen.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the gift of our lives and for all that you bless us with. Lord, we are sorry for the times that we mess up, help us to always take steps forward, steps towards you. Lord, thank you for your love and mercy, may we be loving and merciful to all those that you put in our path. We pray for all of our priests and religious, may they be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.18.2010
Readings for Wednesday August 18, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt 20:1-17)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt 20:1-17)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
8.17.2010
Be Rich in God
Readings for Tuesday August 17, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:26-37
Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Mt. 19:23-30)
Did you know that God wants you to be rich? It's true, God wants each of us to live in wealth and abundance. Now, if you are thinking that I am talking about money and possessions, then I am sorry to disappoint you. Now the riches that I am talking about are the good things of God. God wants us to be rich in Him.
We read in today's gospel that it is nearly impossible for someone who has a lot of money and material possessions to enter into heaven. In fact we are told that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle! So obviously, Heaven is not a place that we can "buy" our way into with earthly things; which means that we all need to store up treasure in Heaven. So the question is, "How can we be rich in God?" This means that we need to have the abundant and endless love of Christ in our hearts. It means that we need to have a prayer life that is valuable and bears fruit. We must look after and tend to the poor and needy, which are the great treasure of the church. We must invest in our youth, for they are the future and those who make up the kingdom of Heaven. We must live abundantly in the Spirit, and seek to receive as much grace as we can.
When we abandon our will and agenda, and choose to follow Christ; then we are assured that there is the great reward of eternal life waiting for us. It is important for us to recognize the things that are valuable and important in this life. We must always make sure that we are seeking out the good things of God, rather than earthly treasures that we cannot take with us in the end. May each of us seek to be rich in God!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all the many blessings in our life. Lord, there are many distractions and temptations in this life, help us to only focus on you and to never veer from the path you have set for us. Lord, thank you for the great love and mercy, help us to love as you call us to and to be merciful to others. Lord, we pray for all of our brothers and sisters who have fallen away from the Church, may they be brought back to your bride. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:26-37
Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Mt. 19:23-30)
Did you know that God wants you to be rich? It's true, God wants each of us to live in wealth and abundance. Now, if you are thinking that I am talking about money and possessions, then I am sorry to disappoint you. Now the riches that I am talking about are the good things of God. God wants us to be rich in Him.
We read in today's gospel that it is nearly impossible for someone who has a lot of money and material possessions to enter into heaven. In fact we are told that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle! So obviously, Heaven is not a place that we can "buy" our way into with earthly things; which means that we all need to store up treasure in Heaven. So the question is, "How can we be rich in God?" This means that we need to have the abundant and endless love of Christ in our hearts. It means that we need to have a prayer life that is valuable and bears fruit. We must look after and tend to the poor and needy, which are the great treasure of the church. We must invest in our youth, for they are the future and those who make up the kingdom of Heaven. We must live abundantly in the Spirit, and seek to receive as much grace as we can.
When we abandon our will and agenda, and choose to follow Christ; then we are assured that there is the great reward of eternal life waiting for us. It is important for us to recognize the things that are valuable and important in this life. We must always make sure that we are seeking out the good things of God, rather than earthly treasures that we cannot take with us in the end. May each of us seek to be rich in God!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all the many blessings in our life. Lord, there are many distractions and temptations in this life, help us to only focus on you and to never veer from the path you have set for us. Lord, thank you for the great love and mercy, help us to love as you call us to and to be merciful to others. Lord, we pray for all of our brothers and sisters who have fallen away from the Church, may they be brought back to your bride. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.16.2010
Delight in the Lord
Readings for Monday August 16, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 24:15-23
Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:18-19
Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22
A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. (Mt. 19:16-22)
What do you take delight in? It seems to be different for everyone. Some people take delight in collecting things, or in having a lot of possessions. Others take delight in creating art and making stuff. If you are like me, food is something that one can always take delight in. Many people take delight in accomplishments or social status. Others take delight in other people and in relationships. Now, I am not saying that it is not good to have hobbies and interests, we are each given certain passions and abilities which we should use for God's glory; but we must always be careful with the things that we delight in. These things should never take priority over the Lord; because what we should take the most delight in is the Lord.
In today's gospel, we read of the rich young man who took delight in all of his possessions. Unfortunately, because he took delight in these things and not in the Lord, he was sad when he learned that in order to be perfect and have treasure in heaven, then he must sell all those things that he takes delight in. In the first reading we see that Ezekiel is warning the people of Israel about the destruction of the temple, "the stronghold of your pride, the delight of your eyes, the desire of your soul." In both of these readings, you have people whose main delight was not the Lord, they took delight in other things. In order for them to get back on track and get their priorities straight, then these things needed to be taken out of their lives. They needed to get rid of these things that were taking their focus off of the Lord, only then could they begin to "store up treasure in heaven."
If we do not take delight in the Lord, then anything else that we take delight in will be empty. The Lord is the giver of life and the giver of all things. He must be the number one priority for each of us, and getting to heaven must be our number one goal. Let us each remember that what we should take the most delight in is the Lord.
Today reflect on the words of the Psalmist: "Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire." (Ps. 37:4)
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, may we always trust in your loving care. Lord, help us to always take delight in you and to never stray away from your path. Lord, we pray for the conversion of all those who do not know you, for a deeper conversion of the faithful, and for life everywhere. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Ezekiel 24:15-23
Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:18-19
Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22
A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. (Mt. 19:16-22)
What do you take delight in? It seems to be different for everyone. Some people take delight in collecting things, or in having a lot of possessions. Others take delight in creating art and making stuff. If you are like me, food is something that one can always take delight in. Many people take delight in accomplishments or social status. Others take delight in other people and in relationships. Now, I am not saying that it is not good to have hobbies and interests, we are each given certain passions and abilities which we should use for God's glory; but we must always be careful with the things that we delight in. These things should never take priority over the Lord; because what we should take the most delight in is the Lord.
In today's gospel, we read of the rich young man who took delight in all of his possessions. Unfortunately, because he took delight in these things and not in the Lord, he was sad when he learned that in order to be perfect and have treasure in heaven, then he must sell all those things that he takes delight in. In the first reading we see that Ezekiel is warning the people of Israel about the destruction of the temple, "the stronghold of your pride, the delight of your eyes, the desire of your soul." In both of these readings, you have people whose main delight was not the Lord, they took delight in other things. In order for them to get back on track and get their priorities straight, then these things needed to be taken out of their lives. They needed to get rid of these things that were taking their focus off of the Lord, only then could they begin to "store up treasure in heaven."
If we do not take delight in the Lord, then anything else that we take delight in will be empty. The Lord is the giver of life and the giver of all things. He must be the number one priority for each of us, and getting to heaven must be our number one goal. Let us each remember that what we should take the most delight in is the Lord.
Today reflect on the words of the Psalmist: "Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire." (Ps. 37:4)
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, may we always trust in your loving care. Lord, help us to always take delight in you and to never stray away from your path. Lord, we pray for the conversion of all those who do not know you, for a deeper conversion of the faithful, and for life everywhere. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.13.2010
Marriage
Readings for Friday August 13, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63 or 16:59-63
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3
Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12
Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.” They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?” He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” (Mt. 19:3-12)
In today's gospel, Jesus is trying to share with the Pharisees the beauty of marriage. He is telling them how it is the one flesh union between husband and wife that was planned out by God from the beginning. Unfortunately, His words were falling on deaf ears; because the Pharisees were not thinking about how they can preserve marriage, but rather how can they get out of it if it no longer becomes what they want. This mindset of being able to "jump ship" whenever you want is still very prevalent today. So many people fail to recognize the beauty of marriage. They fail to see it as the Sacrament that it is, and as something that should be protected and fought for.
The Catholic Church is one of many who are fighting for marriage, and to preserve it as it was meant to be from the beginning. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has come out with some wonderful resources for those who wish to learn more about marriage, as well as strengthen their marriage. Below is a video clip of an ad done by the USCCB, it is called "What have you done for your marriage today?"
I would like to encourage each of you to check out http://foryourmarriage.org/ and http://www.usccb.org/marriageuniqueforareason/ as two great marriage initiatives brought to us by the USCCB.
Marriage is a sacred institution, one that is under attack everyday in our country and around the world. It is something which must be preserved as God meant it to, and something that we must each fight for however we are called.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the many blessings in our life, help us to be good stewards of all that you have given to us. Lord, we pray for marriages around the world, that couples can see your perfect design which you planned from the beginning. We pray for all those marriages that are struggling, that they can forgive and keep you at the center. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63 or 16:59-63
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3
Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12
Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.” They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?” He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” (Mt. 19:3-12)
In today's gospel, Jesus is trying to share with the Pharisees the beauty of marriage. He is telling them how it is the one flesh union between husband and wife that was planned out by God from the beginning. Unfortunately, His words were falling on deaf ears; because the Pharisees were not thinking about how they can preserve marriage, but rather how can they get out of it if it no longer becomes what they want. This mindset of being able to "jump ship" whenever you want is still very prevalent today. So many people fail to recognize the beauty of marriage. They fail to see it as the Sacrament that it is, and as something that should be protected and fought for.
The Catholic Church is one of many who are fighting for marriage, and to preserve it as it was meant to be from the beginning. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has come out with some wonderful resources for those who wish to learn more about marriage, as well as strengthen their marriage. Below is a video clip of an ad done by the USCCB, it is called "What have you done for your marriage today?"
I would like to encourage each of you to check out http://foryourmarriage.org/ and http://www.usccb.org/marriageuniqueforareason/ as two great marriage initiatives brought to us by the USCCB.
Marriage is a sacred institution, one that is under attack everyday in our country and around the world. It is something which must be preserved as God meant it to, and something that we must each fight for however we are called.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the many blessings in our life, help us to be good stewards of all that you have given to us. Lord, we pray for marriages around the world, that couples can see your perfect design which you planned from the beginning. We pray for all those marriages that are struggling, that they can forgive and keep you at the center. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.12.2010
Readings for Thursday August 12, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-19:1
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”
When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan. (Mt 18:21-19:1)
Every day God pours out His great love and mercy onto us. Do we do the same for others? Do we try to be as loving and merciful to others as our heavenly Father is to us? May God give each of us the strength and courage to love and forgive others are we are called to, and that our lives might be a reflection of God's mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
First Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-19:1
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”
When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan. (Mt 18:21-19:1)
Every day God pours out His great love and mercy onto us. Do we do the same for others? Do we try to be as loving and merciful to others as our heavenly Father is to us? May God give each of us the strength and courage to love and forgive others are we are called to, and that our lives might be a reflection of God's mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
8.11.2010
Readings for Wednesday August 11, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 9:1-7, 10:18-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:15-20)
First Reading: Ezekiel 9:1-7, 10:18-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:15-20)
8.10.2010
Love through Sacrifice
Readings for Tuesday August 10, 2010
Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
Gospel: John 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” (Jn 12:24-26)
What is the greatest commandment? In the bible we are told that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength; and our neighbor as our self. So if the greatest commandment, our great purpose in this life is to love, then how do we do it? How do we truly love in this life as we are called to? I believe that the answer lies through the concept of sacrifice.
Jesus tells us today that if our life is to bear fruit, then there must be sacrifice; "unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." In order to fulfill our commandment to love, there must be sacrifice. Perhaps no one understood this better than Saint Lawrence, who's feast day we celebrate today. Saint Lawrence lived in Rome during the third century, a time at which the Church was greatly persecuted. Saint Lawrence was one of several deacons who's specific ministry was helping the poor in Rome. After Pope St. Sixtus II was condemned to death, the prefect of Rome ordered Lawrence to bring him the treasure that he thought the Church was hiding. Lawrence obliged and went out throughout the city and gathered together all the poor of Rome and brought them to the prefect and said, "This is the Church's treasure." This infuriated the prefect and he ordered Lawrence to a slow and painful death. It is said that they threw Lawrence on top of a burning grill where he was roasted. During this God gave him great strength to endure this suffering; so much so that while being roasted over the fire, Lawrence joked with his executioners, "you can turn me over now." Before his death, Lawrence prayed for the Church and that the faith would spread throughout the entire world.
Lawrence teaches us what it means to sacrifice for the Lord, and through that sacrifice, our life can bear much fruit. If we are truly to love God with everything that we have, then we cannot hold back, we must be willing to sacrifice for Him. It is through our sacrifice that we can truly love as we are meant to. It is through our sacrifice that we lose our life and truly find our meaning and purpose.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Thank you for all that you have blessed us with, help us to be good stewards of your great gifts. Lord, we thank you for this life, help us to not be afraid to lose it in order to serve you. Lord, increase our faith, so that we might have the courage to go through any trial that you set before us. Lord, we trust in your perfect plan, and help us never stray from your path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
Gospel: John 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” (Jn 12:24-26)
What is the greatest commandment? In the bible we are told that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength; and our neighbor as our self. So if the greatest commandment, our great purpose in this life is to love, then how do we do it? How do we truly love in this life as we are called to? I believe that the answer lies through the concept of sacrifice.
Jesus tells us today that if our life is to bear fruit, then there must be sacrifice; "unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." In order to fulfill our commandment to love, there must be sacrifice. Perhaps no one understood this better than Saint Lawrence, who's feast day we celebrate today. Saint Lawrence lived in Rome during the third century, a time at which the Church was greatly persecuted. Saint Lawrence was one of several deacons who's specific ministry was helping the poor in Rome. After Pope St. Sixtus II was condemned to death, the prefect of Rome ordered Lawrence to bring him the treasure that he thought the Church was hiding. Lawrence obliged and went out throughout the city and gathered together all the poor of Rome and brought them to the prefect and said, "This is the Church's treasure." This infuriated the prefect and he ordered Lawrence to a slow and painful death. It is said that they threw Lawrence on top of a burning grill where he was roasted. During this God gave him great strength to endure this suffering; so much so that while being roasted over the fire, Lawrence joked with his executioners, "you can turn me over now." Before his death, Lawrence prayed for the Church and that the faith would spread throughout the entire world.
Lawrence teaches us what it means to sacrifice for the Lord, and through that sacrifice, our life can bear much fruit. If we are truly to love God with everything that we have, then we cannot hold back, we must be willing to sacrifice for Him. It is through our sacrifice that we can truly love as we are meant to. It is through our sacrifice that we lose our life and truly find our meaning and purpose.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Thank you for all that you have blessed us with, help us to be good stewards of your great gifts. Lord, we thank you for this life, help us to not be afraid to lose it in order to serve you. Lord, increase our faith, so that we might have the courage to go through any trial that you set before us. Lord, we trust in your perfect plan, and help us never stray from your path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.09.2010
The Main Thang
Readings for Monday August 9, 2010
First Reading: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 148
Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.” (Mt 17:24-27)
As Christians, we are called to put God first in our life, to make Him the main focus. This is a task that is certainly easier said, than done. Let's face, it is very easy to get caught up with the daily challenges and stresses in this world. Things like work, paying bills, family/friend issues, etc; there is a lot that can overwhelm us in this life and take our focus off of God. Even something like paying taxes can become something that distracts us. That was certainly the case in today's gospel. The tax collectors were bugging Peter about whether or not Jesus pays the temple tax. Upon questioning, Peter finds out from Jesus that they are really exempt from paying the tax, but in order to keep peace and not offend the tax collectors and other leaders, they will pay the tax.
Trying to simply live in the world and not of it is a difficult balancing act. On one hand, we always need to make sure that Jesus is Lord over our lives; and then on the other hand we must follow His example of respecting authority and keeping peace. While a difficult balancing act, we must not let ourselves get too distracted from our faith and of the things that God is calling us to in our lives. Let us always remember to keep God first, and then from there everything else will fall into place.
I am reminded of the words of a speaker that I once heard. He was talking about faith and God, and he said, "the most important "thang," is to keep the main "thang" the main "thang." God is the most important "thang" and the main "thang."
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all the many gifts and blessings in our lives, help us to be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, help us to be rich in you and not of the world. We are yours, help our lives to reflect you in all that we do. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 148
Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.” (Mt 17:24-27)
As Christians, we are called to put God first in our life, to make Him the main focus. This is a task that is certainly easier said, than done. Let's face, it is very easy to get caught up with the daily challenges and stresses in this world. Things like work, paying bills, family/friend issues, etc; there is a lot that can overwhelm us in this life and take our focus off of God. Even something like paying taxes can become something that distracts us. That was certainly the case in today's gospel. The tax collectors were bugging Peter about whether or not Jesus pays the temple tax. Upon questioning, Peter finds out from Jesus that they are really exempt from paying the tax, but in order to keep peace and not offend the tax collectors and other leaders, they will pay the tax.
Trying to simply live in the world and not of it is a difficult balancing act. On one hand, we always need to make sure that Jesus is Lord over our lives; and then on the other hand we must follow His example of respecting authority and keeping peace. While a difficult balancing act, we must not let ourselves get too distracted from our faith and of the things that God is calling us to in our lives. Let us always remember to keep God first, and then from there everything else will fall into place.
I am reminded of the words of a speaker that I once heard. He was talking about faith and God, and he said, "the most important "thang," is to keep the main "thang" the main "thang." God is the most important "thang" and the main "thang."
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all the many gifts and blessings in our lives, help us to be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, help us to be rich in you and not of the world. We are yours, help our lives to reflect you in all that we do. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.06.2010
Readings for Friday August 6, 2010
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-19
Gospel: Luke 9:28-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. (Lk 9:28-36)
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-19
Gospel: Luke 9:28-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. (Lk 9:28-36)
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
8.04.2010
Readings for Wednesday August 4, 2010
Memorial of Saint John Vianney, priest
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10
Gospel: Matthew 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 he did not say a word in answer to her. His 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 him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, 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 her daughter was healed from that hour. (Mt 15:21-28)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Memorial of Saint John Vianney, priest
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10
Gospel: Matthew 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 he did not say a word in answer to her. His 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 him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, 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 her daughter was healed from that hour. (Mt 15:21-28)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
8.03.2010
Keep Focused
Readings for Tuesday August 3, 2010
First Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36
Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, 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 him, 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.” (Mt 14:22-33)
In sports, every athlete knows the importance of being focused. In a football game, a player must stay focused on their assignment and what is happening around them, lose focus for a second and the play passes you by. In a basketball game, a player must stay focused or otherwise they may make bad passes and shots. In a race, a runner must stay focused on their form and their pace, otherwise they will not finish the race as well. This ability to focus is one that is not just important in athletics, but in life as well.
Saint Peter learned a valuable lesson on focusing in today's gospel reading. Here we have Jesus walking on the water, a truly miraculous event in itself; when Peter, who is always eager to speak up, sees Jesus and says "Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Jesus tells him to come, and then Peter gets out of the boat and begins to walk on the water towards Jesus. Now as Peter was walking on the water, he looked over at the storm and lost his focus, this is when he began to sink. You see, before, Peter was focused on Jesus, the source of all his abilities and strength; when he looked away and lost focus, he began to concentrate on his fear. This is the lesson that we each can learn from Peter and today's gospel: when we lose our focus on God, that is when we begin to fall and sink.
Keeping our focus on God is so important in life, because when we only look to Him, we can become everything we were created to be; but when we focus on the world, then we give in to our limitations and fears. Focus on Christ, who is there letting us know that He is always there and that there is no need to fear when He is around.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all of your great blessings and gifts in this life. Lord, help us to be good stewards of our lives, gifts and abilities. Help us to take nothing for granted, but to always be thankful for what we have. Lord, help us to focus solely on you and on your love and mercy. Let us not look to worldly things for our purpose, but only to seek our purpose in you. You are our God, and we are your people, may our lives be a reflection of you at all times. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36
Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, 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 him, 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.” (Mt 14:22-33)
In sports, every athlete knows the importance of being focused. In a football game, a player must stay focused on their assignment and what is happening around them, lose focus for a second and the play passes you by. In a basketball game, a player must stay focused or otherwise they may make bad passes and shots. In a race, a runner must stay focused on their form and their pace, otherwise they will not finish the race as well. This ability to focus is one that is not just important in athletics, but in life as well.
Saint Peter learned a valuable lesson on focusing in today's gospel reading. Here we have Jesus walking on the water, a truly miraculous event in itself; when Peter, who is always eager to speak up, sees Jesus and says "Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Jesus tells him to come, and then Peter gets out of the boat and begins to walk on the water towards Jesus. Now as Peter was walking on the water, he looked over at the storm and lost his focus, this is when he began to sink. You see, before, Peter was focused on Jesus, the source of all his abilities and strength; when he looked away and lost focus, he began to concentrate on his fear. This is the lesson that we each can learn from Peter and today's gospel: when we lose our focus on God, that is when we begin to fall and sink.
Keeping our focus on God is so important in life, because when we only look to Him, we can become everything we were created to be; but when we focus on the world, then we give in to our limitations and fears. Focus on Christ, who is there letting us know that He is always there and that there is no need to fear when He is around.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all of your great blessings and gifts in this life. Lord, help us to be good stewards of our lives, gifts and abilities. Help us to take nothing for granted, but to always be thankful for what we have. Lord, help us to focus solely on you and on your love and mercy. Let us not look to worldly things for our purpose, but only to seek our purpose in you. You are our God, and we are your people, may our lives be a reflection of you at all times. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.02.2010
He Always Provides
Readings for Monday August 2, 2010
First Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Matthew 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.” He 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. (Mt 14:13-21)
Remember when we were kids and we thought that our parents were so mean for not giving us all the things that we wanted? This would especially play out when we took trips to the grocery store, I would venture off to the toy aisle and begin looking around. Of course by the time my mom found me, I had picked out several toys of different price ranges. I would begin to ask for the more expensive one, then if that didn't work one of lower value. Most of the time I left with nothing, or so I thought. I had not realized that even though I did not get the toy that I wanted, I did get the things that I needed. Because while I was off looking for useless things that I did not need, my mother was off buying things that our family needed, like food and other household items.
This is the same lesson that we as children of God forget sometime. While we may not have everything that we desire on this earth, the Lord is always providing for us. This is a lesson that He tried to teach the many people in today's gospel. God always sees our needs, and we should take comfort in the fact that the Lord will always provide. Sadly, too many times we get caught up in what we do not have, that we forget that we have everything that we need. Sometimes, we take the most precious things in our life for granted, all because it may not be the "in thing" or the latest trend or fad. Sometimes we take things for granted out of sheer jealousy or envy from someone else. We often times miss God's blessings in our life, all because we have our attention and focus on worldly things, rather than the miracles of God.
The feeding of the five thousand is truly a miracle and a witness to the power of God. But the biggest miracle that it shows is that God is always there looking out for us; and our Father in heaven always sees our needs and provides.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are the way, the truth and the light; help us to never stray away from your perfect path. Lord, thank you for all the blessings in our life, help us to never take your gifts for granted, and help us to be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, in you we find perfect peace and comfort. Lord, help us to run this race well and to persevere until the end. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Matthew 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.” He 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. (Mt 14:13-21)
Remember when we were kids and we thought that our parents were so mean for not giving us all the things that we wanted? This would especially play out when we took trips to the grocery store, I would venture off to the toy aisle and begin looking around. Of course by the time my mom found me, I had picked out several toys of different price ranges. I would begin to ask for the more expensive one, then if that didn't work one of lower value. Most of the time I left with nothing, or so I thought. I had not realized that even though I did not get the toy that I wanted, I did get the things that I needed. Because while I was off looking for useless things that I did not need, my mother was off buying things that our family needed, like food and other household items.
This is the same lesson that we as children of God forget sometime. While we may not have everything that we desire on this earth, the Lord is always providing for us. This is a lesson that He tried to teach the many people in today's gospel. God always sees our needs, and we should take comfort in the fact that the Lord will always provide. Sadly, too many times we get caught up in what we do not have, that we forget that we have everything that we need. Sometimes, we take the most precious things in our life for granted, all because it may not be the "in thing" or the latest trend or fad. Sometimes we take things for granted out of sheer jealousy or envy from someone else. We often times miss God's blessings in our life, all because we have our attention and focus on worldly things, rather than the miracles of God.
The feeding of the five thousand is truly a miracle and a witness to the power of God. But the biggest miracle that it shows is that God is always there looking out for us; and our Father in heaven always sees our needs and provides.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are the way, the truth and the light; help us to never stray away from your perfect path. Lord, thank you for all the blessings in our life, help us to never take your gifts for granted, and help us to be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, in you we find perfect peace and comfort. Lord, help us to run this race well and to persevere until the end. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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