"Take God for your bridegroom and friend, and walk with him continually; and you will not sin and will learn to love, and all you must do will work out prosperously for you.” (Jacques Philippe)

The closer we remain with God as a friend and lover, we will choose not to sin in a way that will separate us from him. Why? Our love for God will be stronger than our need to satisfy ourselves first. We will find our fulfillment in God. Then, no matter what happens in our life--good or bad--,we will bear the fruit of our relationship with God in all circumstances. What will that fruit be? A true inner peace amidst the turmoil around us. That is why Jesus reminds us: "Remain in me and I in you in love, and the Father and I will make our dwelling in you." Make God your hiding place and  your refuge.

Advent Week 1

The following are the Advent wreath prayers that change every week. They are prayed at the lighting of each candle every day during Advent.

The first candle is lit, and the prayer for the first week is said.

Let us pray.
Stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, O Lord,
and come, so that we may escape through Thy protection
and be saved by Thy help from the dangers
that threaten us because of our sins.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

During the first week one candle is left burning during the evening meal and at prayers.

“My Jesus, it is truly easy to become holy; it just takes a little good will! And if He finds this minimum of good will in a soul, He quickly gives Himself to her. And nothing can stop Him, neither our faults nor our falls, absolutely nothing. Jesus hurries to help that soul; and if the soul is faithful to this grace from God, she can in a short time reach the highest level of holiness that a created being can attain here below. God is very generous and does not refuse His grace to anyone. He gives even more than we ask for. The shortest road is faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit.” St Faustina

 

The Holy Spirit has been poured out upon us to sanctify us, to bring us into a fuller intimacy of relationship with God. He gives us nuggets of inspirations, moments of grace, which will help us in our journey to holiness. These inspirations are the still voice of God guiding us to ways that will deepen our oneness with God. It may be the grace to express love in service for someone. It may be the grace of deeper repentance for our sins. It may be the grace to come aside and be still so that the Lord can speak a word to us in the Scriptures. While these inspirations are given for our spiritual benefit, there are many other inspirations and distractions that are not of God. These seek to jam our antennas so that we do not pay attention the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. The more we can distinguish between the two and choose to be faithful to those of the Holy Spirit, the more fruitful our life will be in relationship to God. 

Thanksgiving Day Blessing Service
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Leader: Let us glorify the Lord who fills us with his bounty. Blessed be God for ever.

All: Blessed be God for ever.

Leader: We gather today to give thanks to God for his gifts to this land and its people, for God has been generous to us. As we ask God’s blessing upon the food we will share with our families, may we be mindful of those in need.

Reader: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus [Christ]. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. The Word of the Lord.
Leader: We thank you, Lord.

All: We thank you, Lord.

Leader: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, For you have heard the words of my mouth;
In the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name.

All: We thank you, Lord.

Leader: Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.

All: We thank you, Lord.

Leader: All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
when they hear the words of your mouth;
and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord: "Great is the glory of the Lord."

All: We thank you, Lord.

 

Leader: Let us take a few minutes to voice our personal gratitude to God for specific blessings.  (Pause)

Leader: In gratitude let us pray to our loving Father as Jesus taught us:

All: Our Father…

Leader: God most provident, we join all creation in raising to you a hymn of thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, your Son. For generation upon generation peoples of this land have sung of your bounty we too offer you praise for the rich harvest we have received at your hands. Bless us and this food which we share with grateful hearts. Continue to make our land fruitful and let our love for you be seen in our pursuit of peace and justice and in our generous response to those in need. Praise and glory to you, Lord God, now and forever!

All: Amen

  

First Sunday of Advent Gospel Reflections  C

Jesus said to his disciples:

· Jesus is prophesizing about his Second Coming. At the end and beginning of the Liturgical season the Church helps us to keep this perspective as we go through the whole season.

· Jesus doesn’t say things to frighten us but to prepare us.

 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

· The people who die of fright will be those who are not prepared to receive the Lord in his Second Coming.

· At another time, Jesus asked a haunting question: “When the Son of Man comes in glory, will he find faith on the earth?” A person of faith is not frighten, for his eyes are  upon the Lord.

· Are we prepared, even if he comes to us at our own personal end of life? This is the purpose of Jesus' words, our readiness.

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

· Our response is to be different. We know that he is coming and we have been longing for it to some extent. For us this will be the completion of a long journey begun at the moment of our baptism.

· We are called to be a people of expectation, of waiting, of longing. Our true home is not here but with God.  Are we preparing for that?

 Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. 

· Jesus identifies a couple of attitudes to be vigilant against during the waiting time. It is easy for us to become distracted and inattentive on the journey of our life. We should not allow the worries of daily life to consume us so that we forget that the most important thing is to remember our destiny is heaven.

· If we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, we will not be caught off guard.

For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

· Prayer helps us to keep our relationship with God at the forefront of our life. This time of intimacy with the Lord allows us to yield our concerns and worries to the Lord and seek his guidance and strength.

· How conscious are we that we are preparing for something greater than this present life?

· How vigilant are we of our decisions to insure that they are in right order with our relationship with God?

· How central is prayer in our daily life?

· If we spend so much time and energy in things that are here today and gone tomorrow, do we do the same with that which will last forever?

· Advent is the time to renew our decision to be vigilant for and with the Lord, as we wait his future coming with certainty. 

 

"In every trial it is essential to ask oneself questions along these lines: What act of faith am I being invited to make in this situation? What attitude of hope am I being called to live by? And what conversion in relation to love, leading to a love that is purer and truer, am I being summoned to undertake?" (Fr. Jacques Philippe)

The trials of life are part of our journey. But sometimes, we struggle unnecessarily because we go against the current rather than with the current. What do I mean by this? The focus of the trial becomes why me? What did I do to deserve this? What we should rather ask is how does this fit into God's plan for my life? What does God want me to experience through this trial? How can I please God through this situation? The trial can be a stumbling block in our journey or a stepping stone to something greater. As a stepping stone, "we know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

"We are fools on Christ’s account, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in disrepute" (1Cor 4:10).

What does it mean to be a fool for Christ? The example that Jesus used of the widow, who put in the temple treasury all she had, is one who was a fool for God. She totally trusted in God's divine providence. In the eyes of the world her action was foolish. In God's eyes she was following his inspiration and invitation to trust in him. The woman, who chooses to give birth to her child, even if means the risk of her own life, is a fool for Christ. The politician, who votes according to his conscious rather than what is politically correct for reelection, is a fool for Christ. In other words, when we choose God's way even at the expense of rejection and misunderstanding by others is to be a fool for Christ. Someone has said: "I rather be a fool for Christ, than a fool without Christ." Daily in life we are called to take a position with Christ or without Christ. It's our choice.

 

“Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:29-32)

 

How often we speak evil in our conversation with others, rather than words that would bless and benefit them. A word, a joke, a negative criticism, a hurtful remark, all unnecessary and easily avoided, if we learn to take captive our thoughts. We fail to remember that we and they are Temples of the Holy Spirit. It is just as easy to speak words of love and encouragement, words that build the other up, as to speak words of destruction that belittle the other. Instead of being “one of the boys”, it is more productive to be a witness of Jesus in word and deed. Try it today.

 

Litany to Christ the King

Lord, have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us, Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

God, our Heavenly Father, Who has made firm for all ages your Son's Throne, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Jesus, our Victim-High Priest, True Prophet, and Sovereign King, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, poured out upon us with abundant newness, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, Three Persons yet One God in the Beauty of Your Eternal Unity, Have mercy on us.

O Jesus, our Eternal King, Reign in our hearts.
O Jesus, Most Merciful King, Reign in our hearts.
O Jesus, extending to us the Golden Scepter of Your Mercy,

O Jesus, in Whose Great Mercy we have been given the Sacrament of Confession,
O Jesus, Loving King Who offers us Your Healing Grace,
O Jesus, our Eucharistic King,
O Jesus, the King foretold by the prophets,
O Jesus, King of Heaven and earth,
O Jesus, King and Ruler of All Nations,
O Jesus, Delight of the Heavenly Court,
O Jesus, King Most Compassionate toward Your subjects,
O Jesus, King from Whom proceeds all authority,
O Jesus, in whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, we are One,
O Jesus, King Whose Kingdom is not of this world,
O Jesus, King Whose Sacred Heart burns with Love for all mankind,
O Jesus, King Who is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega,
O Jesus, King Who has given us Mary, the Queen, to be our dear Mother,
O Jesus, King Who will come upon the clouds of Heaven with Power and Great Glory,
O Jesus, King Whose Throne we are to approach with confidence,

O Jesus, King truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament,
O Jesus, King Who made Mary the Mediatrix of All Graces,
O Jesus, King Who made Mary Co-Redemptrix, Your partner in the Plan of Salvation,
O Jesus, King Who desires to heal us of all division and disunity,
O Jesus, King wounded by mankind's indifference,
O Jesus, King Who gives the balm of Your Love with which to console Your Wounded Heart,
O Jesus, King Who is the Great I AM within us, our Wellspring of Pure Delight,

R. May we serve You.
Jesus, King of All Nations, True Sovereign of all earthly powers,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, subjecting under Your feet forever the powers of hell ,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, the Light beyond all light, enlightening us in the darkness that surrounds us,   
Jesus, King of All Nations, Whose Mercy is so Great as to mitigate the punishments our sins deserve,   
Jesus, King of All Nations, recognized by the Magi as the True King,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, the Only Remedy for a world so ill,  

Jesus, King of All Nations, Who blesses with Peace those souls and nations that acknowledge You as True King,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Who Mercifully sends us your Holy Angels to protect us,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Whose Chief Prince is Saint Michael the Archangel,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Who teaches us that to reign is to serve,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Just Judge Who will separate the wicked from the good,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, before Whom every knee shall bend,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Lamb who will Shepherd us,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Who after having destroyed every sovereignty,   authority and power, will hand over the Kingdom to Your God and Father,
Jesus, King of All Nations, Whose Reign is without end,  
Jesus, King of All Nations, Whose kindness toward us is steadfast, and whose fidelity endures forever,  

Eternal Father, Who has given us Your Only Begotten Son, to be our Redeemer, One True Mediator, and Sovereign King, We praise and thank You.
Loving Jesus, Sovereign King, Who humbled Yourself for Love of us and took the form of a servant, , We praise and thank You.

Holy Spirit, Third Person of the Trinity, Love of the Father and the Son, Who sanctifies us and gives us Life, We praise and thank You.

Mary, our Queen and Mother, who mediates to Jesus on our behalf, Pray for us.

Mary, our Queen and Mother, through whom all Grace come to us,  Pray for us.

Mary, our Queen and Mother, Singular Jewel of the Holy Trinity,  We love You.

Holy Angels and Saints of our Divine King,  Pray for us and Protect us.

Amen.

 

"Gratitude is the awareness that life in all its manifestations is a gift for which we want to give thanks. The closer we come to God in prayer, the more we become aware of the abundance of God’s gifts to us. We may even discover the presence of these gifts in the midst of our pains and sorrows. The mystery of the spiritual life is that many of the events, people, and situations that for a long time seemed to inhibit our way to God become ways of being united more deeply with him. What seemed a hindrance proves to be a gift. Thus gratitude becomes a quality of our hearts that allows us to live joyfully and peacefully even though our struggles continue" (Henri Nouwen).

The attitude and spirit of gratitude enables us to see things from a wider perspective.  It doesn't change the situations around us, but it changes our way of dealing with them.  We can't change or control the elements of nature or the vulnerability of our lives. What we can change is whether we allow these to control and devastate us or see how we can use these to grow closer to God. My favorite illustration is I can look at the world after a violent storm by looking at the destruction or by looking at my blessings. It is the same world. What I choose to focus on makes the difference whether I will be devastated or grateful. One brings me into deeper depression. The other brings hope into my life.

 

Homily Solemnity of Christ the King Year B

 

Reading 1: Daniel in a vision sees what is to take place centuries after him. In effect, Daniel sees One like the Son of Man ascending to the Ancient One, where he receives in his glorified humanity glory, dominion and kingship.  Jesus is the Son of Man and the Ancient One is the Father. This prophetic vision was fulfilled in the person of Jesus at the time of his Ascension to the Father.

 

Paul attested to this fact of revelation in his Letter to the Philippians where he says: “God raised the Son up and exalted him at his right hand and gave a name above all other names—at this name every knee shall bend on earth, in the heavens and under the earth acclaiming Jesus as Lord to the glory of the Father.”

 

Daniel prophesied that the Son of Man received dominion, glory and kingship and all peoples served him. What does this indicate? It says that Jesus’s kingship is 1) supreme, extending to all peoples. It is a 2) universal kingship, covering all nations and places. Finally, 3) it is an eternal kingship, lasting forever.

 

At the time, Daniel does not know the full ramifications of his vision. But when Jesus was questioned by the Sanhedrin during his trial, he predicted that the Son of Man will be seen coming upon the clouds.

 

Reading 2: The reading from the Book of Revelation picks this theme up. “Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and ever eye will see him, even those who pierced him.” This connects us to last Sunday’s reading, namely that Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Jesus, the God/Man is king because of his death on the cross by which he freed us from our sins by his blood. He is the “faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

 

To him belongs the glory and power because of who he is and what he has done. He not only created us but, when we chose to alienate ourselves through sin, he chose to give his life for our redemption from the kingdom of death.

 

Gospel: The Jewish leaders tried to juxtaposition Jesus in opposition to the Roman Emperor. Their desire to have Jesus put to death was so intense that they were willing to align themselves with Caesar, which was contrary to their deepest beliefs. This prompted Pilate to ask Jesus

about his kingdom. “Are you a king?” Jesus emphasized that his kingdom was a spiritual kingdom, not limited to time and space.

 

Pilate missed the point. The fact is Jesus is Lord and King, not because we made him so, but because he is by virtue of his role as God and Savior.

 

The question for us to answer is this. Is Jesus our Lord and King? Do we not only say this but live it as fully as possible. Even though the Jewish leaders said that Caesar was their king, they were giving lip service. Is ours lip service or do we consciously submit ourselves and everything we have to the Lord. He is the Lord of my life, all I am and all I have.

 

Jesus is the Lord of my life because he created me in his own image and likeness and sustains me every second of my life. I belong to him by virtue of my creation. Jesus is the Lord of my life because I came into life alienated from God because of Original sin and to which I added my personal sins as well. Jesus redeemed me by his death on the cross. I belong to him. He is Lord of my life because he has adopted me as his son or daughter, sharing his own divine life with me.

 

Even though all this is factually true, I may still not acknowledge and accept him as such; I still may not surrender my life into his hands as my Lord and King. I may still be seeking to have full control, not trusting him. To this extent we can give him lip service on this day but withhold our heart, mind and will from him. Or I can embrace the mystery of his love and plan for me, giving him glory and honor, praise and love now in preparation for what awaits me in glory with him.

 The great commandment that Jesus reminds us of is the importance and the necessity of loving God with our whole mind, whole heart, and whole strength--to love God totally for his sake. Why? It is not that God needs love. He is love personified. Only when we love God as fully as we possibly can, do we become fully alive and perfected. Mystery! In giving of ourselves in love to God for his sake, opens us up to that love which fulfills us. It is then that we can truly love another with the love God pours into our hearts. However, something blocks this process. Ourselves. Instead of loving God fully, we feel that we have to love ourselves or more correctly, satisfy our desires first. As a result, our capacity to love and to be loved dries up. No matter how hard we try to love self, we feel empty and unsatisfied. But paradoxically, when we truly love God and love others, our need for love will be fulfilled. Our fallen nature because of sin doesn't agree. But our redeemed nature in Christ seeks to act in this manner.

 Feast of Christ the King

So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 

The religious leaders deliberately and strategically used this title as a charge against Jesus. Jesus never said that he was a king. The religious leaders will later make Pilate decide Jesus’ fate as they pose his kingship in opposition to Cesar’s authority.

Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”

Jesus knew that Pilate did not know him and that this was the accusation of the religious leaders, seeking to stir Pilate against Jesus. 

 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

Pilate rightly identifies the source of his question. Pilate and the religious leaders had a tense relationship. He was appointed governor of Judea with the authority of Rome to keep this Roman providence in check and to see that the taxes levied by Rome were collected. On the other hand, the religious leaders didn’t like Rome’s domination, but tolerated it for survival.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants [would] be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” 

Jesus acknowledges the truth. He is a King, the King of the universe, the King of the heavenly kingdom of God. He is the King of kings. 

So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Pilate missed the reality of Jesus’ answer. He is still looking at it in terms of earthly kingdoms. Jesus responds by saying that Pilate missed the truth of what was proclaimed. The reason the revelation of Jesus’ true authority as King was not received or understood by Pilate was that the governor was not open to the truth.  His world view was limited to rule of Rome, not the rule of God.

Is Jesus the King and Lord of our lives to whom we submit our lives? Do we embrace the truth that comes from Jesus?

 We are called by Jesus to read the signs of the times. What are some of these signs? World wide pandemic virus, political instability, frequent and violent natural catastrophes, decline in morality, rise in secularism, loss of a sense of dignity for individual life, fear of greater control by the government, threat of nuclear disaster. What is God telling us? We are reminded how fragile and limited our life is. We are called to put first things first, to make choices in reference to our eternal salvation. As Jesus has said, "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life" (Mk 8:35-36)? We are not to fear the times, but rather look to the Lord to whom we belong by virtue of creation, redemption, adoptions and mission. Our attitude should be that of St. Paul: "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

"Here on earth they are changed by the first resurrection, in which they are enlightened and converted, thus passing from death to life, sinfulness to holiness, unbelief to faith, and evil actions to holy life. For this reason the second death has no power over them. It is of such men that the Book of Revelation says: Happy the man who shares in the first resurrection; over such as he the second death has no power. Elsewhere the same book says: He who overcomes shall not be harmed by the second death. As the first resurrection consists of the conversion of the heart, the second death consists of unending torment" (Bishop Fulgentius). 

We have all  participated in the first resurrection, when we were baptized. At that moment we died to sin and rose to new life in Christ. After Baptism when we separated ourselves from God through sin, we again experience the effects of the first resurrection. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we once more died to sin and rose to new life in Christ. When physical death (the first death) comes and we are sharing in the resurrection of Christ, we, in spirit, will share in his glorified life eternally. The second death, separation from God eternally will have no power over us. We then await the second resurrection, the rising of our bodies to be reunited with our souls, so that with a glorified body and soul we will share life with God eternally in praise of his glory. None of this by our merit but by the grace of God and our response to his grace. So with St. Paul we will joyfully be able to proclaim: Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?

Today the Church, the Lord, with His goodness, tells each one of us, ‘Stop, stop, not every day will be so.   Do not get used to this as if it were eternity.   There will be one day that you will be taken, while the other one will remain, you will be taken, you will be removed.’    It means going with the Lord, thinking that our life will end.”…Pope Francis 

Some people are obsessed with fear of the end. Some are living life in relationship with God in trust. Others are totally unconcerned, living as if there will always be a tomorrow for them. Where are you in fact? Jesus said the Day of the Lord will come, catching many unprepared. How do we prepare for this Day while not living in fear? Being attentive and and responsive to the reality of the Lord in our lives each moment. If I am one with God in each now, sharing his Divine life, when that Day comes, I am ready to go with God.  

“The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful” (Brother David Steindl-Rast)

Have you ever heard of practicing gratitude? St Ignatius of Loyola says that every night before going to bed, we should reflect on our day, identifying things that happened to us for which we are grateful to God. When we practice gratitude on a regular basis, a spirit of joy begins to become evident in our lives. Someone has said “we can complain that roses bushes have thorns or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses”. The former keeps us in a state of negativity, while the latter lifts us up. What do you prefer? Start practicing gratitude and see what happens.  

 

Homily: Thirty-third Sunday Year B

 

Reading 1: There has always been an interest in the end times. The Old Testament reading from the Book of Daniel written over 2000 years ago reflects on that very question. The prophet Daniel is in exile. He was pondering on how long the exile from Jerusalem would continue. In a vision he is given insight into God’s plan. It is important that one’s name is found written in the Book of life.  

 

Both the just and the wicked will die; both will rise from the dead. There are two destinations for all human beings. 1. Those who will live forever in the glory of God. 2. Those who will suffer forever in everlasting horror and disgrace. One is heaven; the other is hell. Who are those who will live forever in glory with God? The wise—those who heard the word of God and acted on it; those who led many to justice or the truth or to the truth of God’s Word.

 

What is the question for us? Is heaven or hell a reality for us, even though it is a reality in fact? What wise decisions are we making to be judged worthy by God’s grace and mercy to share in his glory forever? Are we leading others to the truth of God’s word?

 

Reading 2: The author of Hebrews shows the difference between the priests of the Old Testament and Jesus, the High Priest of the New Testament. The former offered sacrifice to God but their sacrifice did not take away sins. Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice of himself once and sins have been forgiven. Today, we participate in Jesus’ one sacrifice in thanksgiving and praise to God.

 

What is the connection with the first reading? We can’t earn heaven, but we can earn hell. It was the offering of Jesus, who gave his life as a sacrifice once for all, that has forgiven all sins and reconciled us to God and to one another.

 

For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who have been consecrated. It is only because of his sacrifice that we can respond to his gift of eternal life or reject the gift of eternal life. The choice between heaven and hell.

 

Gospel: Jesus speaks of an end time, but says only God knows when and how it will happen. Our focus is not to be the end time of all things as we know them, but a specific end time: the time when death will come to me. It is then that I must face the final consequences of my relation or non-relationship with God.

 

We are called to be wise as we read the signs of the times, namely, human beings die every day, some suddenly; some after lengthy illness. But death is inevitable. Knowing this we need always to be prepared, not out of fear or anxiety but out of knowing that I have been given the grace of salvation in Baptism, the forgiveness of my sins, the food of eternal life. I have heard the truth of justice, the Word of God. What have I done in response to the countless blessings of God, beginning with Jesus’ death on the cross, his promises and gifts?

 

Even though I know that death is certain, the time is not. Even though I know that death is final and life after death follows, am I living in a way that I will be with God in glory or living in a way that I will experience, because of my choices, the everlasting horror and disgrace?

 

Let the hearing of this sacred revelation today become a reality check for us. If I died tonight, what will my eternity be: life with God or life alienated from God?

“It pleased God to make it easy for us to be saved. He didn’t attach salvation to knowledge or intelligence or wealth, nor to long experience or rare gifts that are not given to all. He attached it to something within the reach of everyone, absolutely everyone. Jesus attaches salvation to humility, to the act of making yourself little. That is all it takes to win heaven” (Blessed Charles de Foucard).

 

Humility recognizes my need for something beyond my capabilities, but not too proud to ask for it from the One who is the Giver of all gifts. When I am alienated from God, the gift I most need is the gift of saving mercy. When I admit my sins, asking forgiveness from Mercy himself, the grace of salvation is freely given. The beautiful example of the thief on the cross next to Jesus witnesses this miracle of salvation.  His fellow crucified thief reviled Jesus, asking to be save from the sufferings he was enduring. The humble thief acknowledged Jesus as innocent and asked for eternal salvation. Whose request was granted? 

Thirty-Third Sunday Ordinary Gospel Reflections B

· As we come to the end of the Liturgical Year, the Church begins to reflect on the end-times statements of Jesus in the Gospel, of which this is one.

Jesus said: "But in those days after that tribulation

· Before this Jesus mentioned things pertaining to earthly events such as wars, earthquakes, famines. Now he mentions cosmic events.

the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 

· Much of what Jesus is referring to is found referenced in the Old Testament in the writings of the prophets: Is 13:10;34:4; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15.

And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather (his) elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

· What is your feeling when you read this? Humanly, it may be of fear. But what do you think Jesus’ intention is for us when we hear this and other similar statements?

· The real key is whether we will be among the elect or not?

"Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. 

· What is the message Jesus wants us to hear and act on? Live in the present moment as if it was your last. Always be ready, not in fear, but in true relationship with God. Is this your attitude?

Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 

· This last statement is very key. No matter how often people try to read the “signs” of the time and predict the future, especially the end of the world, only the Father, Son, and Spirit know as God. Jesus is saying that in his humanity he does not have this knowledge. At the moment he is speaking from his humanity, not out of his divinity.

· How should this whole passage impact your life today?

 

Do not be afraid. This is a common theme in the Scriptures. It is God's constant word to us. Instead of being afraid we are called to trust in the Lord's divine providence for us, his plan for our life. We are not talking about natural, human fear. Like I am afraid of snakes. What God is talking about is not to fear the power of evil or the things that come from evil. Or we are called not to be afraid to act on the word of God to us in a given situation. Instead of fear, we are invited to stand firm in our relationship with God. The greater our trust in God, the less will fear have control over us. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible, walk on the water. But as soon as took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the menace of the sea, he began to sink. What am I afraid of? What is the source of my fear? What does Jesus want me to do to overcome my fear? 

Reflect on this passage from St. Paul. "No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37-39)

 When Jesus is the Lord of our lives, we depend on him for everything, while doing our part to be attentive to his will. When Jesus is not the Lord of our lives, we depend on something else, while trying to do everything ourselves. In the first instance there is order in our lives, even though our life is not perfect and free of struggles. But we know and live in the reality that Jesus is in charge and we are his servants, trying to be obedient and submissive. In the second instance there is always something missing within us that we keep searching for in the wrong places. St. Augustine identified this reality thus: "Our hearts are restless, until they rest in God." 

Why are we afraid of trusting our lives totally to the Lord? And yet repeatedly we do trust our lives to someone or something other than Jesus, with the result of it not being enough. Jesus keeps calling us to himself. "Come to me all you who are heavily burden and need rest". But we ignore the invitation to our continual emptiness and frustration. To surrender into the hands of Jesus is to be free. To surrender into something or someone other than Jesus is be enslaved. We have tried the latter, now why not try Jesus?

"Let us therefore run forward, singing: It is good! And for him who runs to meet God nothing is past and lost forever. God has already bestirred himself and is quite near in the impatience of that love that makes all things new. He is near! Our past fickleness is the starting point of the eternal God. Glad tiding! We are running towards God--and he is already near" (Karl Rahner).

Death is inevitable, but few of us reflect on it, as if we can avoid it by not thinking about it. Yet, to think about it does not hasten it, but allows us to be prepared when it occurs. Knowing that we are running towards God helps us to live in a way that, when death occurs, we will see him face to face. Knowing the account that God will ask of me will be based on how I have acted in love will further motivate me to truly do all in love. My perspective of death is not fear or denial, but one of preparation and hope. At death I want to be fully alive in God so that I can be with God fully perfected in him. 

 "Now it happened that, while Apollo was at Corinth, Paul, after he had journeyed through the upper regions, arrived at Ephesus. And he met with certain disciples. And he said to them, 'After believing, have you received the Holy Spirit?' But they said to him, 'We have not even  heard that there is a Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 19:1-2)

We have heard of the Holy Spirit. We profess him in the Creed, in the sign of the cross, and in the doxology. We know of the Holy Spirit. But do we know the Holy Spirit in a relational way. We can know a person as an object but to know a person in a relationship is radically different. In the same way that we have a relationship with the Father and with Jesus, we are to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Listen to Pope Benedict. "It is important that each one of us know the Holy Spirit, establish a relationship with him, and allow ourselves to be guided by him. However, at this point a question naturally arises: who is the Holy Spirit for me? It is a fact that for many Christians he is still the 'great unknown.' This is why, I want to invite you to come to know the Holy Spirit more deeply as a personal level." It is not enough for us to know the Holy Spirit but to grow in a deeper relationship with him. He is the One who reveals Jesus to us, sanctifies us, empowers us and guides us on our journey to the Father through Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Homily: Thirty-second Sunday Year B

 

Reading 1: Elijah has prophesied that God would cause a drought over Israel for three years. He is led by the Spirit to Zarephath to provide for him during the drought. There he has a diving encounter. By God’s providence he encounters a widow with a son. She is in a desperate situation and he is in need. He is thirsty and hungry. She and her son are also hungry, about to eat their last meal before the oil and flour run out.

 

Elijah asks her first for a cup of water and also for something to eat. The widow responds in truth. She has enough to feed herself and her son one last meal. Then Elijah speaks a word of prophesy. “If you make me a cake first, then the oil and flour will not diminish until the drought is over.” As a desperate women, concerned about her son, she could easily have ignored these words. She didn’t know this person.  However, the grace of God moved her to do what Elijah had said to her. She trusted the word of the Lord to her. As a result, for over a year the prophetic word was fulfilled.

 

It is easy to trust in God in good times; it is harder to do so in difficult times. To believe on the word of God and to act upon it is an act of faith. God said to Elijah that he would provide for him and he did. God said he would provide for the widow and her son and he did. The miracle was not the providence of God, as much as that was a miracle. The miracle was the trust that Elijah and the widow put in the word of God and acted on it. To what extent do we truly trust in God for everything. We are called to hear his word, to act on it and to totally depend upon God.

 

Gospel: The widow in the Gospel connects us to the widow in the first reading. The focus of the parable in action is the contrast between the widow and the others making their offerings in the Temple. Like the widow in the first reading, she gave everything, trusting in the providential care of God. On the other hand, the crowd gave from their surplus out of obligation to the law of tithe. But what they gave did not make them any more dependent on God.

 

The trust of the widow is the trust God is looking for from each of us, not that we give everything as much as we in our giving, show a trust and dependency upon God, who has provided for us to have what we have.  Though in actual value, what she gave in comparison to the others was nothing. But in the eyes of God she gave more out of a generous and dependent heart. She gave her tithe to God first, trusting in God’s providential care for her

 

How dependent are we on the Lord? Do we give to him first or afterwards? Is God the recognized and acknowledged source of all that we have?

 

Reading 2: This reading gives us the ultimate reason we have in trusting God. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, not only have our sins been forgiven, but we also share in God’s divine life and in eternal salvation. Jesus’ one offering of himself on the cross for my sake out of love and in total surrender to the will of the Father, has given our life it’s true meaning. Jesus gave his all for us, holding nothing back

 

The completion of that grace of salvation will only be experienced by those, who eagerly await him. We are saved but our salvation doesn’t come to perfection until we respond to Jesus and are sharing in 

"The one word faith can have two meanings. One kind of  faith concerns doctrines. It involves the soul's ascent to an acceptance of some particular matter...The other kind of faith is given by Christ by means of a special grace...May you have the faith which depends on you and is directed to God, that you may receive from him that faith too which transcends man' capacity." (St. Cyril of Jerusalem)

Both forms of faith are the result of God's grace. To make an act of faith in the mystery of the Trinity can only happen through the grace of God. This act of faith draws me closer to God. The other act of faith enables me to be an instrument of God's mighty deeds in the life of others. It is the grace to follow and act on the lead of the Holy Spirit in regards to others. For instance, we are talking to someone and the Lord puts on our heart that we should say something to this person. We step out in faith and expressed what the Lord put on our hearts and it ministers to the other. This is not an act of faith in a doctrine but  in the move of the Spirit in my life for the sake of another. Be attentive to the grace of the Holy Spirit in both and do not be afraid to act on the second form of faith as a witness.  

Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Gospel Reflections B

In the course of his teaching Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation." 

· The scribes were the lawyers of their day and time. They knew the Jewish law that was rooted in the scriptures. Because of this, at times they would act as theologians, interpreting the law.

· For the most part in Mark’s Gospel the scribes are linked with others who are opponents of Jesus, such as the Pharisees and Chief Priests. They will be part of the group that will eventually seek Jesus’ death.

· What is the point of Jesus’ saying about the scribes? Their hypocrisy!

· Lawyers, seen as pious, might more easily be approached by widows to look out for their interests. But in turn, Jesus says these scribes take advantage of their position.

· What does Jesus see in us that resembles what he is condemning? What is the area of pride and hypocrisy in our own lives? It may be small in our eyes, but in Jesus, it is not.

· If there is something out of order what will we do about it?

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood." 

· In those days, the widow was left to her own initiatives either to be cared for by her children or to depend on charity to survive.

· What is the point Jesus is making in this contrast?

· Reflect on the attitude of the scribes above and the widow here.

· What is our attitude of giving back to God in response to what he has given to us? Even when we seem not to have enough for ourselves, like the widow, do we still put God first and depend on him?

· Have we ever been able to outdo the generosity of God to us by what we gave in return?

· What is God asking of you in response to this passage?

 

Today, we remember those who have died in Christ, but are not yet fully in eternal union with God, the souls in Purgatory. How good is our God! He provides for those, who die sharing in his life, the means to be totally purified from anything that is not love. God is love and all who are with God are in perfect love with God.  But not all will die perfectly in love and thus a process of purification. As we pray for those in Purgatory, we are supporting them with our love, which is the only thing that matters in Purgatory. They are saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus. They died in love but with some baggage of their past life of non-love. Now, in Purgatory they are being stripped of this baggage. Their eyes are fixed on the Lord who loves them, yearning to be with him. Their cleansing is a means to being fully with God. Lord, in your mercy bring them to you.

 

"Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of patriarchs, the ranks of the prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of confessors and the choir of virgins. In short, we long to be united in happiness with all the saints. But our dispositions change. The Church of all the first followers of Christ awaits us, but we do nothing about it. The saints want us to be with them, and we are indifferent. The souls of the just await us, and we ignore them. (St. Bernard)

 On this Feast Day of All the Saints, we are reminded of our true purpose in this life. Our time on earth is limited. Our time after death is eternal. We have been given a share in God's own divine life, so that we may be with him in eternal glory. What are we doing to cooperate with and respond to this great gift? Life with God is the pearl of great price. Are we willing to do everything to retain this gift? What good does it profit a person to gain the whole world but lose the only gift that is priceless and lasting? Seek first the kingdom of God and you will have everything that is really important. The saints learned this lesson and acted on it. So too must we.