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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 19:9a, 11–13a Elijah recognized God in the tiny whispering sound.
Psalm 85 “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Romans 9:1–5 Paul speaks the truth in Christ.
Matthew 14:22–33 Jesus walks on the sea.
Elijah and Peter each encounter the Lord in an unusual way in today’s
readings. Elijah expected the LORD to come in the wind, in an earthquake,
or with fire, but instead it was in a tiny whispering sound. The Lord
appeared like a ghost to the disciples during a storm and Peter dared
to walk across the raging sea. How do we encounter the Lord? Here in
this space we encounter the Lord in his Church, gathered together in
his name, and in the Eucharist
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 3:5, 7–12 – Solomon asks for an understanding heart. Psalm 119 “Lord, I love your commands.”
Romans 8:28–30 -God predestined us to be conformed to the image of the Son.
Matthew 13:44–52 “The kingdom of heaven or 13:44–46 is like a treasure buried in a field.”
Today we encounter a number of people whom fortune smiles upon. Solomon, heir to David’s throne, is visited by God, who promises him whatever he wishes. In the Gospel, a random person discovers buried treasure and a merchant searching for fine pearls finds a pearl of great price. How do these people respond? How would we respond? Let us listen to God’s word and contemplate our true fortune, our true treasure.
Again this week Jesus uses parables to describe the kingdom of heaven. The act of buying a field in which you’ve just reburied a treasure seems strange and a little deceptive, but in the uncertain political situation of Jesus’ time, and especially at the time the Gospels were written, hiding a treasure underground was not uncommon. The parable’s point is that the finder gives everything he has to gain that treasure. So must we be willing to do to gain the treasure of heaven.
What or whom have I overlooked in searching for the kingdom of heaven? How can I develop an understanding heart?
16th Week in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 12:13, 16–19 God gives repentance for our sins.
Psalm 86 “Lord, you are good and forgiving.”
Romans 8:26–27 The Spirit intercedes for us.
Matthew 13:24–43 Let the seeds grow together until harvest.
or 13:24–30
It is a great pleasure in the middle of these slow summer months to sit back and listen to stories. The crowds in the Gospel were able to do just that, for Jesus taught them by telling parables. Parables made his lessons about the kingdom of heaven memorable, in ways in which straightforward narration would fail. Now it is our turn to listen. Let us listen to them, reflecting on their rich images and considering their meaning in our lives.
It is not likely that a farmer or gardener would follow the householder’s example in the Gospel. Left unchecked, weeds will compete with plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients. At best, the good plants will not bear as much fruit. At worst, they will wither and die. Good farmers keep their land as free of weeds as possible. Yes, pulling up weeds that are mixed in with plants may damage the crop, but allowing them to grow together just gives them more opportunity to damage the crop. However, as Jesus reveals to his disciples, parables are not meant to be taken literally. God, the wise and merciful judge, is patient with the weeds, allowing them to grow to completion. Growth implies change. Change effected by the Spirit, who comes to the aid of human weakness, is transformative. Throughout the human growing season—our lifetimes—there remains hope for even the most wicked of weeds.
Look at me!!
How does God’s patience with the weeds change the way you act toward others? To whom do you need to show mercy this week?
15th Week in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 55:10–11 God’s word accomplishes its intended purpose.
Psalm 65 “The seed that falls on good ground
will yield a fruitful harvest.”
Romans 8:18–23 All creation eagerly awaits the glory of God.
Matthew 13:1–23 A sower went out to sow.
or 13:1–9
How appropriate that in the middle of summer we hear readings from scripture that speak of the fruitful earth. Looking around outside we likely see a cavalcade of green. Trees and grass, plants and flowers are nourished by the summer rain and sun. When we gather together here on Sunday our faith is nourished by the Lord through word and sacrament. Let us pray that we may be rich soil for the word of God to take root, bloom, and thrive across the earth. How appropriate that in the middle of summer we hear readings from scripture that speak of the fruitful earth. Looking around outside we likely see a cavalcade of green. Trees and grass, plants and flowers are nourished by the summer rain and sun. When we gather together here on Sunday our faith is nourished by the Lord through word and sacrament. Let us pray that we may be rich soil for the word of God to take root, bloom, and thrive across the earth.
At first glance, the sower seems to be doing a lousy job of sowing. Why throw seed onto a path or on rocky ground where it has little chance of germinating? Why not take the time to pull the thorns first so that they won’t choke the plants later? Wouldn’t it make the most sense to sow all the seed in rich soil? But God will not limit where the seed goes. Everyone gets a chance to receive God’s grace, no matter what obstacles may be in the way. God’s wild extravagance gives goodness a chance to bloom in unexpected and unlikely places, allowing it to bear fruit far beyond expectations.
How can I be more receptive to God’s word, like rich soil? What specific action can I accomplish this week to bear fruit?
June 14, 2020 Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
Before he gave his body and blood on the cross for the salvation of he whole world, Jesus gave his body and blood to his disciples in
the form of bread and wine, instructing them to continue this practice in memory of him. Like the LORD providing water and manna in the
desert, Jesus provides food and drink to sustain us, taking it one step further by transforming it to his own Body and Blood. As we receive
the Eucharist today, let us realize the sustenance we are given. May the Eucharist we share today strengthen and enliven us as we bring Jesus
with us to the world.
If we’re fortunate, we spend some time each day eating together with our loved ones. It may be with just one other person; it might be with a large family. We may often eat together with coworkers or friends or even neighbors. But the Eucharist is probably the one occasion at which we regularly eat with everyone: family and friends, neighbors and strangers. No matter how large or how diverse the gathering is, one thing is true: we never eat alone. We eat as one of many, as the body of Christ.
How does this weekly celebration of the Eucharist make a difference in my life?
Pentecost & Pentecost Vigil May 30/31 2020
Pentecost Vigil
Genesis 11:1–9 Pentecost turns upside down the events of Babel.
and/or Exodus 19:3–8a, Pentecost is the renewal of the covenant on Sinai.
16–20b
and/or Ezekiel 37:1–14 Pentecost is a foretaste of Resurrection Day.
and/or Joel 3:1–5 Pentecost is the long-awaited Lord’s Day.
Psalm 104 “Lord, send out your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.”
Romans 8:22–27 On this “festival of firstfruits” the Spirit is sent
as the firstfruits of the Resurrection.
John 7:37–39 Jesus refreshes those who believe in him with living water.
In the Pentecost Vigil we anticipate the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Promised by the Lord to his disciples at the Last Supper, anticipated
by the prophets for centuries, unknown to generations of humanity
going back to creation, the Holy Spirit is ready to come into our lives.
Looking at the world today it may seem that the Holy Spirit is absent
once again. Let us join together this evening to pray for the activity of
the Holy Spirit in our world, in our communities, and in our hearts.
In the city of Babel the plurality of languages produced misunderstanding
and drove people apart. In Jerusalem at Pentecost the plurality of languages
will produce understanding and draw people together. At Sinai the presence
of God was obscured by fire and smoke, by trumpet blasts and thunder. In the
upper room locked doors could not prevent Jesus from bringing the Holy Spirit
to the disciples. In Ezekiel’s vision dead, dry bones lie in graves. Paul speaks
of being reborn in the Spirit, suggesting Ezekiel’s vision of the spirit bringing
the bones to life. Joel prophesies that everyone will be rescued when the spirit
comes. Paul tells the Romans that having the firstfruits of the Spirit, we await the
redemption of our bodies. In every way, the Holy Spirit transforms the world
Pentecost Mass During the Day
Acts 2:1–11 As on Sinai, the Lord descends in fire and wind.
Psalm 104 “Lord, send out your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.”
1 Corinthians 12:3b–7, The Spirit calls the baptized to ministry
12–13 for the common good.
John 20:19–23 On the first day of the week the risen Christ
imparts the Holy Spirit.
Luke (in Acts) and John (in his Gospel) narrate different accounts of
the Holy Spirit coming to the disciples. Though the narratives differ,
in each the disciples were transformed by the experience. As we listen
to scripture today, let us open our hearts to be transformed by the
Spirit and pray that the Church and the world may be transformed by
the myriad gifts the Holy Spirit imparts, which sanctify our lives and
renew the face of the earth.
Here is the Question: Do I rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance? When I search my heart, what stubbornness do I find that could use honest examination?
May 17 2020 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:5–8, 14–17 Peter and John laid hands upon them.
Psalm 66 “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.”
1 Peter 3:15–18 Christ suffered for sins to lead us to God.
John 14:15–21 I will give you another Advocate, the Spirit of truth.
At this time of year, when daylight is lengthening and the flowers are blooming, and nature is full of life, it feels as though God’s creation has been reborn. During the Easter season we recall that we ourselves have been reborn in baptism. Todays gospel reminds us that Jesus dwells within us. Not only that, the Holy Spirit is with us too. Therefore we we look around, we can see the full flowering of the divine in ourselves, in each other and of the whole world.
Last week we heard that Phillip was one of the disciples chosen to assist the Twelve in their mission.preaching the word and feeding the poor. Today we hear what Phillip accomplished. He journeyed from Jerusalem, where Christians met with persecution, to Samaria where he met with much support that Luke remarks on the great joy he brought to the city. Samartians of Samaria and Jews of Judea and united in Christ. Now Peter and John join Phillip which demonstrates the solidarity of the original apostles and later disciples. All this comes together in the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spiritin all of us that are baptised.
In the second reading Peter tells his readers “that they should always be ready to give an explanation to anyonewho asks for a reason for your hope.” (1 Peter3:15) Can you give an explanation to others “gently and reverntly” why you hope?
May 10 2020 Fifth Sunday of Easter
Today we honor our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all who have been like mothers to us. Peter’s words in today’s second reading apply to many of them, for they have been cornerstones in our lives, chosen and precious. In the Gospel Jesus teaches his disciples that he shows the way to his Father. Many of us were shown the way to faith by our mothers. Let us pray for them today. “No one comes to the Father except through me,” Jesus said to his disciples (John 14:6). For some Christians, this line has become a weapon to be used against those who are not Christian, denying them the possibility of salvation. But notice, when Jesus said these words he was speaking to his disciples in response to Thomas’s fear that they would not know how to follow him to the Father. So Jesus tells them that he is the way, the truth, and the life. For his disciples, this was the best answer to their question. Salvation is open to all, whether you know Jesus well or even at all. For us as Christians, we are blessed to have this way to follow.
How can I serve the Church more fully? What can I do to contribute to Jesus’mission?
Thursday May 14th is the Feast of Saint Matthias-the one chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscarit following the his betrayal of Jesus and his subsequent death.
4TH Sunday of Easter
READINGS
Acts 2:14a, 36–41 The promise is made to all.
Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.”
1 Peter 2:20b–25 Jesus bore our sins upon the cross.
John 10:1–10 Jesus is the gate for the sheep.
The image of sheep dominates the readings today. The early church was just a fledgling flock when Peter’s testimony inspired thousands to
“repent and be baptized.” Later, Peter commends the sheep for returning to the care of the shepherd after they had gone astray. In the Gospel,
Jesus begins the story of the Good Shepherd. “The sheep hear his voice,” he says, and follow him. Let us listen for his voice in today’s readings. Since sheep from several flocks were gathered in the same sheepfold, sheep had to be able to pick out the voice of their own shepherd. We sometimes
struggle ourselves to distinguish the voice of the Good Shepherd from among all the voices we hear in our lives, from our friends and neighbors to those on
television or online. Let us become attuned to Jesus’ voice and pray for the grace to recognize what he is calling us to do and be.
How is the Good Shepherd calling me? For what do I need to seek forgiveness
so I can be reunited with the flock?
21st Sunday of Ordinary Time Aug 23 2020
ISAIAH 22:19-23
This is what we know about ol’ Shebna, so called “master of the palace”. He was the chief of staff for KinHezekiah, a weak ruler during the time when Isaiah was the main prophet of Jerusalem. Hezekiah need a lot of counsel to get through the average day. Isaiah and Shebna both had their work cut out for them.
However, Shebna was no great shakes a palace master. In the fuller passage for today, Isaiah reveals that Shebnas has ca himself and elaborate tomb, more fitting for a king rather a servant. Maybe Shabna was cooking the books and skimming the profits? Isaiah announces that Shebna is getting bounced and a fellow servant is taking his job. (Spoiler: the next guy is no better) Elsewhere, Shebna is identified as Hezekiah’s scribe. Maybe his fall weasn’t so far. Or perhaps literacy couldnt be wasted.
WE ALL MOVE THROUGH VARIOUS SEASONS IN LIFE, SOME HONORABLE, SOME DISGRACED. (Dras a time line of you lifes ups and downs)
ROMAS 11:33-36
The more youread the Bible, the more you realize its not just a book, but a library. And all these writer are quoting or referring to each others texts-without always providing the courteous citation. The original audience recognized the references. In our less oral culture, we don hear the reference and could use the footnote.
Here Paul quotes Isaiah, followed by Job, and presumes we are good with that. Curiously he is using Greek texts and not Hebrew ones, as a Rabbi would. It’s one more reasonPauls an outsider to the Jerusalem Christians: He is for Tarsus in Cilicia (Turkey), not born and bred in Glilee like the original disciples. Pal didnt walk with Jesus but often claims to know more about the mind of Christ than the Twelve! Those who think our current church has factions should read the New Testament again.
THE EARLY CHURCH WAS NO DREAM COMMUNITY OF PEACE AND JOY. What issues divide the Church today?
MATTHEW 16:13-20
Moat people reading this will identify themselves as Christian, maybe Catholic, most likely believrs or at least church goers.
But do all these categories mean , and which is the most important claim for us to make in expressing our identity?
Jesus asks his followers to identify who he is, In order to do that, we also have to reveal who we are in the religious scheme of things. We cant claim Jesus as Lord, for example, unless we’re willing to identify as his servants. We cant call him Son of God unless we are prepared to be worshipers. If he is Savior of the world, then we have to let ourselves be saved. If he’s our teacher, then we better be prepared to learn our lessons. When it comes to naming Jesus, we name ourselves in the same measure. Who is he? And who are we?
MAKE CLAIMS ABOUT THE IDENTITY OF JESUS THAT MATTER MOST OF YOU. CONSIDER WHAT EACH CLAIM DEMANDS OF YOU IN TURN.