Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Acting with courage

Reading I: Isaiah 55:1-3 (invitation to grace)
Reading II: Romans 8:35, 37-39 (indomitable love of Christ )
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21 (Jesus feeds five thousand)

Key Passage: For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38–39)

Adult: To whom could you bring the assurance of Christ’s love this week?
Child: Jesus fed the crowds today. How does he offer you spiritual nourishment?

(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Catholic Social Teaching Part Three

In 1961, thirty years after Pope Pius XI’s encyclical The Reconstruction of the Social Order, Pope John the XXIII wrote Mater et Magistra or Christianity and Social Progress. He reviews Pope Pius XI’s and Pope Leo XIII’s encyclicals and then goes on to tell us that new political, social and economic advancements caused him to write this new encyclical on social justice. Pope John XXIII felt the need to write this to address the drastic imbalances between the rich and poor throughout the world and the importance of the laity in working to bring the Church’s social teaching to those in the world around us.

Pope John XXIII addressed several key areas that he felt needed attention. One in particular was that families need to have a just wage so they can live with dignity. He felt that there was too much imbalance between what was spent on arms and “national prestige,” and what wages were given to the everyday workers. Does this sound familiar? His thoughts could very well have been written yesterday. We are still struggling over the just distribution of goods and services.

John XXIII also felt that the more imbalance that exists between countries the more difficult it becomes to have peace. He believed to help with this it was the duty of all countries to take care of the poor and to “establish effective programs of emergency assistance” as a way of carrying that out. Another way he offered to aid the poor was for “industrial countries to respect the culture of developing countries,” and to offer aid when needed without putting restrictions on that aid. That imbalance is still in existence today, right? We wouldn’t be seeing the news of war breaking out in the Middle East and the upheaval in Iran today if everyone felt equal to one another. At least in my humble opinion that would go a long way in helping.

Pope John XXIII also wanted the Church and individual Christians to “foster a unity between peoples and advance human dignity.” This is so hard for all of us to take on when we look at the worldwide picture but if we look closer to home and do what we can in our own families, neighborhoods and communities it becomes more doable. Instead of berating a spouse or child for something they did wrong, help them to see what is they did in a loving way and how they can grow from it. As I have said before a smile can work wonders for someone who is feeling down whether from joblessness, depression, etc., so rather than ignore those around you, smile and say hello. It is the seeds we plant that will grow into the “flowers and vegetables” of tomorrow’s world.

(Catholic Social Teaching, Out Best Kept Secret, 1995)

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Commitment

Reading I: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 (wisdom of Solomon)
Reading II: Romans 8:28-30 (God’s love for all)
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46 (the treasure and the pearl)

Key Passage: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)

Adult: What would you be willing to “sell,” or do without, in order to achieve your dreams for yourself or your family?
Child: What good thing do you want so much that you would give up something else to get it?

Feast of St. James

O Glorious St. James, because of your fervor and generosity Jesus chose you to witness his glory on the Mount and his agony in the Garden. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending struggles of this life. Help us to follow Christ constantly and generously, to be victors over all our difficulties, and to receive the crown of glory in heaven. Amen. http://www.catholicdigest.com/quiet_moment/

St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene has been called the second-most important woman in the Gospels, after Jesus’ mother, Mary. The Gospels mention her 12 times, more than most of the apostles.


Her name comes from her origin in Magdala, a region in northern Galilee. The Gospels of Mark and Luke tell us that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene. After that, she traveled with Jesus and his followers, and took a prominent role in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.


She remained at the foot of the cross when most of Jesus’ followers left him, and she is remembered for her courage in faithfully standing with Jesus even as he faced death.


Mary Magdalene is the only person noted by all four Gospels as testifying to Jesus’ resurrection. John and Mark portray her as the first witness of the resurrection, and St. Augustine honored her with the title “the apostle to the apostles” because she was the first to share the news of the resurrection.


For generations, tradition confused Mary Magdalene with two other women of the Gospel. She is not the same person as Mary of Bethany, who is sister to Martha and Lazarus. She is also not the unnamed woman of Luke’s Gospel (7:36-50), who was uncritically assumed to be a prostitute. Both of these other women anoint Jesus’ feet with oil, which is why Mary Magadalene is mistakenly portrayed with a jar of ointment, as in this stained glass window from the Basilica.


We do know that Mary Magdalene was a pillar of the early Christian community, a faithful follower of Jesus who was healed by him, and one of the first people to witness and share the good news.


Various traditions compete to tell the story of what happened to Mary Magdalene in her later life. One legend has it that she retired to Ephesus with Jesus’ mother, Mary. Another has it that she was transported to France with others and evangelized that area. The relics of St. Mary Magdalene rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, and she is depicted in stained glass in the Basilica as well as in a wall mural there.


St. Mary Magdalene, who stood with Jesus at the cross, and was the first witness of the resurrection, pray for us!

(from: http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?sid=1210&gid=609&sitebuilder=1&pgid=10813)

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Overcoming weakness

Reading I: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 (on God’s mercy)
Reading II: Romans 8:26-27 (the intercession of the Spirit)
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30 (the parable of the weeds)

Key Passage: Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)

Adult: What weakness can the power of the Spirit help you overcome?
Child: When will you need the help of the Holy Spirit this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Catholic Social Teaching Part Two

The next encyclical I want to share with you is The Reconstruction of the Social Order. This was written by Pope Pius XI in 1931. Not quite 100 years old but close. Forty years separated Pope Leo XIII’s The Condition of Labor and Pope Pius XI’s publishing of his encyclical which in Latin is titled Quadragesimo Anno. Pope Pius XI covers 3 areas: he talks about how Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical impacted the Church and other areas; he also expands on the social and economic ideas from The Condition of Labor and finally he asks for a positive role for the Church in economic and social affairs. He goes on to speak in favor of a unity between labor and capital along with urging for a reform of the social order. Pope Pius XI in his writing asks to see a “moral revolution of society coupled with action for justice based on love (1).”

In The Reconstruction of the Social Order Pope Pius XI encourages the Church to be adaptable to changing situations in the world and he wants the clergy and lay people to be committed to the Church’s teaching on social justice. By doing this, we as the Church make an effort to help the lower classes, and works of charity will be multiplied. Remember, Jesus told his disciples (and in turn us since we too are his disciples) that whenever we do something for the least of our brothers we are doing it for him.

Pius XI discusses the ethical implications of the social and economic order. He describes the major dangers for human freedom and dignity arising from unrestrained capitalism and totalitarian communism. He also calls for the reconstruction of the social order based on the principle of solidarity…(2)

Are these implications still relevant today? I believe they are, given what we see and hear about in our world today. Outside our back door we might not see the economic distress of others or the abuse of workers when things don’t get completed quickly enough in the 3rd world work environments, but they do happen. When our “neighbor” cannot find work that will support his/her family, even though it is full time, it is relevant to not only us, but to the world. Do we turn away from those who are down on their luck? I hope not. I always tell myself “there but for the grace of God go I.”

So, you ask “what can but one small cog in the wheel of this world we live do?” Look for opportunities to make a difference. What does your parish offer in ways of working for social justice in your community? Maybe you could volunteer to help with one of those projects. “I am busy, I have young children” you say…then try the simplest thing of all. As a family take time each day to pray for those in need whether it be for monetary reasons or for situations over which they have no control. One prayer at a time times many families praying a similar prayer will help work toward change.

1 pg 37 of Catholic Social Teaching, 1995
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadragesimo_Anno

Saint of the Day: Servant of God Francis Garcés and Companions

from: http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1449&calendar=1

A contemporary of the American Revolution, Francisco Garcés was born in 1738 in Spain, where he
joined the Franciscans. After ordination in 1763, he was sent to Mexico. Five years later he was
assigned to San Xavier del Bac near Tucson, one of several missions the Jesuits had founded in
Arizona and New Mexico before being expelled in 1767 from all territories controlled by the
Catholic king of Spain. In Arizona, Francisco worked among the Papago, Yuma, Pima and Apache
Native Americans. His missionary travels took him to the Grand Canyon and to California.

Father Garcés was greatly loved by the indigenous peoples among whom he lived unharmed for a
long time. They regularly gave him food and referred to him as “Viva Jesus”, which was the greeting
he taught them to use. For the sake of these indigenous converts, the Spanish missionaries wanted
to organize settlements away from the Spanish soldiers and colonists. But the commandant in
Mexico insisted that two new missions on the Colorado River, Misión San Pedro y San Pablo and
Misión La Purísima Concepción, be mixed settlements.

A revolt among the Yumas against the Spanish resulted in the deaths of Friars Francisco Garcés,
Juan Barreneche, Juan Diaz, and Matias Moreno. Ultimately, it was government interference in the
missions and land-grabbing that sparked the Indian uprising which cost these friars their lives.

Comment:
In the 18th century the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest saw Catholicism and Spanish
rule as a package deal. When they wanted to throw off the latter, the new religion had to go also. Do
we appreciate sufficiently the acceptable adjustment our faith can make among various peoples? Are
we offended by the customs of Catholics in other cultures? Do we see our good example as a
contribution to missionary evangelization?

Saint Benedict of Nursia

On July 11 we will celebrate the Feast Day of St. Benedict. In the midst of chaos within the old Roman government over 1500 years ago St. Benedict organized a community for men, which has become known as the Benedictine Community. And his sister St. Scholastica organized one for women. During this time there was an army in upheaval with the soldiers breaking rank. The police stopped working to protect the people so the bandits were preying on the people who had no protection against them. Roads became impassable due to no repairs and food quickly ran out at the markets because the goods could not be brought in over those roads.

When St. Benedict and then St. Scholastica organized their respective communities they used a set of rules St. Benedict put together titled, “Rule for Life.” This is still today a very sensible set of guidelines that help people work together effectively and to get along with each other. “The Rule” says that to live in community there cannot be any grudges held against one another, pride must be put aside, greed cannot be a way of life and laziness is not acceptable. Rather, everyone in the community needs to work hard not just for themselves but for everyone. And the way to bring order out of chaos is to practice generosity, charity and forgiveness with each other. “The Rule” also says that all guests should be received as if they were Jesus and so anyone visiting is greeted with joy and treated with great hospitality.

Since the world in which these communities was in a chaotic state the communities thrived on the order and kindness that “The Rule for Life” asked of the members. And since they thrived more communities were begun. Today there are Benedictine communities all around the world.

The daily life of the communities then and now are organized according to the Latin motto, ora et labora, “prayer and work.” We as families can adopt this motto for our own as well as treat each other as if it is Jesus we are with.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time , Year A

Seeds of faith

Reading I: Isaiah 55:10-11 (triumph of God’s word)
Reading II: Romans 8:18-23 (destiny of glory)
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23 (parable of the seed)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:7–8)

Adult: How do you provide “good soil” for the faith of others to grow?
Child: What are you doing to help the seeds of your faith grow each day?

Catholic Social Teaching a Secret or Not?

Did you know that the Catholic Church has letters (encyclicals) written by various Popes, on Catholic Social Teaching? You didn’t? That is not surprising, this is one of the best kept secrets of our church according to the book “Catholic Social Teaching: Our Best Kept Secret” by authors Peter J. Henriot, Edward P. DeBerri and Michael J. Schultheis.

Why is this such a big secret? I think we all believe in the idea of Social Justice. That we are all created equal and we should all be treated the same. The Catholic Church’s teaching on this goes so much deeper than this basic belief. Over the next few weeks I am going to discuss some of the teachings and where the Church stands on them. As a disclaimer this is something dear to me, but I am by no means an expert and may stumble at times as I try to convey what the teachings are and why they are just as meaningful today as they were when they were written whether it be 2 or 3 decades ago or over a hundred years ago.

One of the earliest encyclicals was written by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, is titled, The Condition of Labor (in Latin: Rerum Novarum). I know this was written over a hundred years ago so how on earth could it pertain to life today? Well first a little tidbit of history. At the end of the 19th century in Europe and North America there was devastating exploitation and rampant poverty among the working peoples in both countries. Does this sound familiar? We certainly hear of the poverty and, yes, even exploitation of workers throughout the world still today.

Pope Leo XIII looked at the wealth of a few and the devastating situations of the poor when he wrote his encyclical. He wanted us to know that we have all been created equal and the goods of nature belong to everyone equally, not just those that have wealth. We all have talents, though they are not necessarily the same for everyone, but even with that God has given us all the gift of equal dignity, which means no matter how much different my situation is from my neighbor’s situation that does not make either one of us more or less of a person than the other.

We all have the right to benefit from the fruits of our labor, and in turn we should use those fruits as best we can to benefit our fellow man. That is not to say that labor is not necessary, we all need to earn our way to feel the dignity we have through God. Although, that does not mean that everything will be handed to us. There will be hardships throughout our lives and we must trust in God to help us through the trying times.

Pope Leo XIII went on to tell us that the Church has the right to speak out on matters of social justice, particularly the ones that affect religion and morality. And the Church, through use of the Gospel, can help to reconcile and unify all rich, middle class and poor. The Church also needs to take the lead on educating people to act justly or, in the words of Jesus, to treat one another as we would like to be treated.

This sounds overwhelming doesn’t it? And in many ways it is. We need to remember that with each of us doing our part to ensure that our fellow human beings are being treated fairly and equally in the work place the easier it is. It may be as simple for some of us as greeting a fellow worker or a person on the street with a smile and a hello rather than putting our head down and keeping on keeping on. By ignoring those around us whether the working poor, the unemployed, the homeless, or yes even those with the means to support themselves and help others, we are adding to the failure of how our world ignores the dignity of each of us.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Laying down your burdens

Reading I: Zechariah 9:9-10 (restoration under the Messiah)
Reading II: Romans 8:9, 11-13 (indwelling of the Spirit)
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 (Jesus and his Father)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

Adult: When has Jesus refreshed you when you felt burdened by problems?
Child: What burden do you need Jesus to help you carry?

July

This is the month that the citizens of the United State celebrate the birth of our country. Specifically we do this on July 4th. Is there something special that you do to celebrate the birth of our nation? Some of us will go on picnics, or maybe make homemade ice cream. Does anyone make a red, white and blue dessert? This is also a day that memories are created not only for our families and friends but for our country as well why else would we be celebrating if not to remember?

Fireworks are also part of this annual celebration. Does your family go and watch an area fireworks display or perhaps you have your own version of fireworks at your home? When the fireworks go off it like hearing thunder and creating a rainstorm of colorful and sparkling streaks in the sky. One of the reasons for fireworks is to chase away what is bad and welcome what is good into our lives. What bad needs to be chased away in our country? What good can be helped along? Are there ways we can make our land brighter?

As we celebrate on July 4th this year keep in mind that this wonderful country of ours was created by courageous men who were putting their lives and in most cases their fortunes on the line to defend what they stood for, that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” To these courageous men liberty was an outcome of human dignity and wanting to protect human dignity was the reason there was a war of independence. As we celebrate this day perhaps there is a way you can think of to promote human dignity and the right to pursue happiness and in doing that you would be making our land brighter.

Have a very safe and joyful 4th of July!

Prayer Intentions of Pope Francis for July

That sports may always be occasions of human fraternity and growth

That the Holy Spirit may support the work of the laity who proclaim the Gospel in the poorest countries.

July: Month of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord

The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood. The feast of the Precious Blood of our Lord was established in 1849 by Pius IX, but the devotion itself is as old as Christianity. The early Church Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ, and that the sacraments were brought forth through His Blood. Popes have confirmed that the feast of the Most Precious Blood of Christ would be celebrated on the 1st Sunday of July.

• Catholic doctrine teaches us that the blood of Jesus Christ is part of His Sacred Humanity and His Divinity united to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

• As such, it is worthy of adoration and veneration properly given which is rendered only to God. In other words, we adore the human nature of Christ because of its intimate and eternal union with the Person of the Divine Word.

• It is for this same reason that we honor the Most Sacred Heart or the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

This passage found in the oldest document, outside of sacred scripture, to be exact, from Pope St. Clement I, dated about 96 A.D. Says Pope Clement: "Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ and realize how truly precious It is, seeing that it was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of conversion to the whole world."
To understand the meaning of the Precious Blood we must have some understanding of the seriousness of sin, of the nastiness of hurting God, because it required the Blood of the Son of God to forgive that sin. We are living in an age in which to sin has become fashionable.

During this month of July you might include this prayer in your daily prayer time: “Lord Jesus, You became Man in order by your Passion and Death and the draining of your Blood on the Cross, might prove to us how much You, our God, love us. Protect us, dear Jesus, from ever running away from the sight of blood. Strengthen our weak human wills so that we will not only not run away from the cross, but welcome every opportunity to shed our blood in spirit in union with your Precious Blood, so that, dying to ourselves in time we might live with You in Eternity. Amen”