FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION AUGUST 6

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tent here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,* then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid.

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision* to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Then the disciples asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”He said in reply “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. Matthew 17:1-13

BACKGROUND

On August 6th, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor. In this extraordinary event, found in the Synoptic Gospels and the 2nd Letter of St. Peter, Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John. The evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke record that our Lord’s face shone like the sun and that his clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appears to them and conversed with Christ.

To fully comprehend the importance of this event, it is helpful to understand the context. In Caesarea Philippi, (six days before Transfiguration on Mount Tabor) Jesus asks them: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds that Jesus is “The Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). Jesus acknowledges that Peter’s response could only be prompted by the Father and designates Peter as the leader of the Church. “you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,”

Next, Jesus astounds those present, saying he will soon go to Jerusalem where he will be killed and then rise on the third day. His followers couldn’t grasp that such events could possibly happen if he was truly the Messiah. In fact, Peter argues, “No such thing could ever happen to you.” Jesus offers a stern response: “Get behind me, Satan!(def. adversary) You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Mathew 16:22-23).

Some six days after the discussions at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus furnishes clarification of his words to three of the apostles, Peter, James, and John during the miracle of the Transfiguration. The apostles are awestruck by this scene, and Peter wants to build three tents (tabernacles), one each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah (cf. Mt 17:4).

Peter is ready to stay in this beautiful place, but he and the others must go back down the mountain. Glory awaits Him and us if he stays the path, deny himself, picks up his cross and follows Jesus.(Mt. 16:24)

This is not unlike the soldier who goes on R&R from a combat zone. He enjoys, even relishes his time away from combat, but he has to go back. The victory still has to be won; sacrifices still have to be made.

A GLIMPSE OF GLORY

THIS IS MY BELOVED SON WITH WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED
MATTHEW 17:5

REFLECTION
On a mountain, for a brief time, the splendor of Christ’s eternal divinity is revealed. The apostles witness how Jesus will appear in heaven and we too, as followers of Christ, will share in his glory. His passion was not the end, so too our suffering, our death. is not the end.

Both before and after the Transfiguration, Jesus told the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and die at the hands of the elders, saying, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 17:22-23.

The three disciples who saw the glorified Lord were given a vision meant to strengthen them for the difficult days ahead when Jesus would be arrested and crucified. It is a foretaste of the glory that will be theirs in the Kingdom of God. This moment, forever embedded in their minds, will help them to endure the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Let us reflect back on the times in which we have caught a subtle glimpse of the glory of our Lord. Perhaps while reading Scripture where we have encountered the majesty of God. Or perhaps moments that occurred at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass or in our adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during Holy Hour.

Let the Glory of God wash over us and fill us with fortitude to endure present difficulties in order to share in that Glory one day. Simply enjoy His presence and peace. Be thankful day and night, for the Lord is good, his mercy endures forever.

RISE AND DO NOT BE AFRAID

The way of suffering and glory intertwined is part of what we gain from celebrating this feast. It invites us to ascend the mountain with those disciples, to tremble with them at the awesome reality of God’s glory in Jesus, The disciples fall prostrate and are very much afraid. and to hear the words of comfort from Jesus, to rise and not to be afraid.

We celebrate the Transfiguration not only for the picture it paints of our glorified Lord, but for what it shows us about how we can be changed. We don’t have to be stuck in the muck. Trust in Jesus!

The voice of God the Father from the cloud hearkens back to the cloud that guided the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law. Jesus is the New Moses. Elijah paved the way for Christ, announcing His coming, the true God among the pagans of his time. Christ fulfills what the prophets foretold of the Messiah.

POST-SCRIPT

JESUS WELCOMES US INTO HIS GLORY

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…. a holy city, a New Jerusalem, coming down from God…,
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.
He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God..
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain…
REVELATION 21:1-4

PRAYER (PSALM 27)

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?….

Though an army encamp against me,
my heart does not fear;
Though war be waged against me,
even then do I trust.

One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:To dwell in the LORD’s house
all the days of my life,To gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple

Hear my voice, LORD, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
“Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”

LORD, Do not hide your face from me;
do not repel your servant in anger.
You are my salvation; do not cast me off;
do not forsake me, God my savior!….

Wait for the LORD, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!

ROMANS CHAPTER 8

SCRIPTURE

JESUS IS TEMPTED IN THE WILDERNESS

 the flesh and the spirit.

Hence, now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death. For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do, this God has done: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us, who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.

For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace. For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God; it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit…. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies…. Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

children of god through adoption.

The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

 destiny of glory.

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God… that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now…. For in hope we were saved….

god’s indomitable love in christ.

 We know that all things work for good for those who love God,… If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for…It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword

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.

REFLECTION

In Romans Chapter 8, St. Paul gives us a choice to live according to the flesh or to live according to the spirit. We are afterall body and soul (spirit), made in likeness of God by virtue of our intellect and will.

 Those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh. According to Scripture, there are three disordered human desires, pleasure, possession, and pride.(Temptations)

The New Testament refers to them as the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. 1 John 2:16. The word “lust” in English normally refers to a disordered desire for sexual pleasure;  in Greek, it can refer to any disordered “craving.”

In the book of Genesis, the woman Eve saw the apple was good for food, a delight to the eyes, desired to possess it and the serpent said it would make her wise as God. (pride of life).  The collateral damage of Eve was sharing it with Adam. In the New Testament, Jesus faced the same temptations in the wilderness, fortunately with different results.

The devil tempts Jesus with pleasure of eating, the desire to possess glory and power over all the kingdoms of this world, and the pride of exalting himself over everyone with the miracle of jumping off the pinnacle of the temple.

Whereas Adam and Eve gave in to the temptations to pleasure, possessions, and pride, and brought sin and death into the world, Jesus triumphs over all three. As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19

Sin is never just personal. Sin causes collateral damage and weakens the Mystical Body of Christ.  There are consequences to our disordered desires.  Irreparable suffering and brokenness results from the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.  Just think of damaged caused to families and society on the whole of drunkenness, adultery, theft, uncontrolled ambition, exploitation of the vulnerable, wars and threats of wars.

We need only look into our own hearts. There, we will quickly discover our own disordered cravings for pleasure, possessions, and selfish pride.

Jesus gives his disciples three spiritual exercises that are remedies for the triple lust that dwells in every human heart. Consider the following: fasting from pleasure, almsgiving to share with others, and humble prayer, especially during this Lenten season.

For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God; it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God…  if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8

Fortunately for us, we are not just heirs of the flesh but thanks to Jesus our Savior, we are reborn in the spirit, as adopted children. if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8

 Paul speaks of the glory that awaits us who persevere.  There is no suffering now that can compare to the glory that awaits the faithful. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now…. For in hope we were saved…

If God is for us, who can be against us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword. We need to pray, and reflect into the deep (duc in altum) Luke 5:4 what in our life may separate us from the love of Christ.

LUST OF THE FLESH

the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Luke 4:3-4

LUST OF THE EYES (POSSESSION)

 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world…And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them…If thou therefore wilt worship me…And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  Luke 4:5-8

PRIDE OF LIFE

 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee…And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Luke 4:9-12

 

 

 

GOD’S ABUNDANT GENEROSITY TO LABORERS IN HIS FIELD

SCRIPTURE

FOR OF HIS FULLNESS WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED, AND GRACE UPON GRACE.

John 1:16

 SCRIPTURE

 MATTHEW 20:1-16

 The Workers in the Vineyard

“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.”

ARE YOU ENVIOUS BECAUSE I AM GENEROUS

REFLECTION

 How is kingdom of heaven on earth like a landowner sending laborers into his vineyard?

There are many souls yet to bring into the kingdom. All hands on deck! Jesus has told us, do we listen? “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few”, Luke 10:2

The land owner (God) has promised what is just. All that we are, all that we have is gift from God. Why grumble!  Jesus reminds us of our unworthiness to make demands… So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’ ”Luke 17:10

 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies … People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights Psalm 36:5-8.

 No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it Corinthians 10:13. We may encounter road blocks, thorns, pestilence, and darkness along the way but trust in Jesus!

The land owner goes out again and again seeking workers.  He asks, “Why do you stand here idle all day? Do we ask ourselves why we stay idle or surf the internet or social media, or play games when the harvest is so great?  Surely, there is something we can do.

Do we ever grumble about how God is not paying us what we think we deserve like those who worked a full day?  Wow! Think about getting paid by God what we deserve!  But we have a merciful God, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Exodus 34:5-7 Mercy is love we don’t deserve.

What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Are you envious because I am generous?’

Are we envious of others good fortune?  Envy is one of the seven capital sins that leads to so many other sins, thefts of goods or reputations, resentment, anger, hate and even sometimes murder.

God gives generously even to those who oppose Him. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45

Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last,” seems very confusing at first glance. Perhaps, one meaning is a caution about judging other people as less than ourselves….a counsel that pride goes before the fall…or the parable Jesus addressed  to those convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else….the Pharisee and the publican in the temple.

The publican knelt in the back and beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:13 Then, Jesus tells us, the publican went home justified and those who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

It’s said that there are two kinds of people, those who see the glass half full and those who see it half empty. But there is a third perspective enjoyed by those who know and trust the Living God. Our lives are neither half full nor half empty, but always overflowing with abundance through the loving generosity of God.

BOOK OF JONAH

1 Comment / SCRIPTURE

INTRODUCTION

The “sign” of Jonah is interpreted in two ways in the New Testament: His experience of three days and nights in the fish is a “type” of the experience of the Son of Man Matthew 12:39-40, and the Ninevites’ reaction to the preaching of Jonah is contrasted with the failure of Jesus’ generation to obey the preaching of one who is “greater than Jonah” Luke 11:29-32

 CHAPTER ONE

Jonah 1:1-16

 Jonah’s Disobedience and Flight.

The word of the LORD came to Jonah:, Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it; for their wickedness has come before me. But Jonah made ready to flee to Tarshish, away from the LORD. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and went down in it to go with them to Tarshish, away from the LORD. The LORD, however, hurled a great wind upon the sea, and the storm was so great that the ship was about to break up.

 Then the sailors were afraid and each one cried to his god. To lighten the ship for themselves, they threw its cargo into the sea. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down into the hold of the ship, and lay there fast asleep. The captain approached him and said, “What are you doing asleep? Get up, call on your god! Perhaps this god will be mindful of us so that we will not perish.”

They said to him, “Tell us why this evil has come to us! What is your business? Where do you come from? What is your country, and to what people do you belong?” “I am a Hebrew,” he replied; “I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”

 Now the men were seized with great fear and said to him, “How could you do such a thing!”—They knew that he was fleeing from the LORD, because he had told them. They asked, “What shall we do with you that the sea may calm down for us?”…Jonah responded, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea and then the sea will calm down for you. For I know that this great storm has come upon you because of me.”

Then they cried to the LORD: “Please, O LORD, do not let us perish for taking this man’s life; do not charge us with shedding innocent blood, for you, LORD, have accomplished what you desired.” Then they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea stopped raging. Seized with great fear of the LORD, the men offered sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.

JONAH IS TOSSED OVERBOARD

 REFLECTION

 God spoke directly to Jonah and commissioned him to go and preach the Gospel. Jonah went directly against God’s will and did the exact opposite. What was the consequences for fleeing the Lord?  Do I ever turn away and flee the Lord? What are the consequnces for me?

We notice the irony in how the pagan sailors pray to their gods.  Is there a message there for us Christians who fail to pray to our God in times of need but try to go it alone? Also I am reminded of Jesus rebuking his apostles for complaining about others who weren’t followers praying Mark 9:8 Do we ever look down on other denominations who pray but are not like us?

 It is also ironic how the sailors threw cargo over the side to lighten their load at first but not the real cargo/culprit. Are we sometimes imitators and not rid ourselves of the cargo/baggage of sinful habits?

Finally at Jonah’s request the sailors hurled Jonah into the Sea.  The sea stopped raging.  Perhaps that same calm will come upon us when we rid ourselves of what deprives us of peace that only Jesus can give.

CHAPTER TWO

Jonah 2:1-11

Jonah’s Prayer

But the LORD sent a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he remained in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.  Jonah prayed to the LORD, his God,  from the belly of the fish: Out of my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me; From the womb of Sheol I cried for help, and you heard my voice….

 When I became faint, I remembered the LORD; My prayer came to you in your holy temple. Those who worship worthless idols abandon their hope for mercy. But I, with thankful voice, will sacrifice to you; What I have vowed I will pay: deliverance is from the LORD. Then the LORD commanded the fish to vomit Jonah upon dry land.

JONAH IS SAVED

REFLECTION

In distress, acknowledging his guilt, Jonah prayed to the Lord to save him.  It is never too late for conversion.

Peter denied Jesus three times but Jesus built his church on the contrite Peter.  Trust in Jesus!

Though unworthy, Jonah prayed for God’s mercy and God delivers him.  Mercy is love we don’t deserve.

CHAPTER THREE

Jonah 3:1-10

 Jonah’s Obedience and the Ninevites’ Repentance.

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you. So Jonah set out for Nineveh, in accord with the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an awesomely great city; it took three days to walk through it.

Jonah began his journey through the city, and when he had gone only a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be overthrown,” the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small,* put on sackcloth.

 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh:  “By decree of the king and his nobles, no man or beast, no cattle or sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water….Who knows? God may again repent and turn from his blazing wrath, so that we will not perish.”

 When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

JONAH PREACHES REPENTANCE TO THE NINEVITES

REFLECTION

This time Jonah follows God’s instructions, reluctantly like the son who said he would not go into the vineyard but went anyway.  Matthew 21:28.  This may be us at times not fully engaged, but do God’s will anyway.  It probably would be better to embrace God’s will for love of God.

One day, in large city, Ninevites began to repent.  It is a miracle.  Do we look for miracles in our life?  How about that family member who has drifted away from their faith?  Do we give up?  Trust in God!

The king of the Ninevites, a pagan, said, Who knows? God may again repent and turn from his blazing wrath, so that we will not perish.  What do we have to lose by embracing God?  Who else would you rather trust?

The Lord passes by Moses, So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity. Exodus 34:6

 CHAPTER FOUR

Jonah 4:1-11

 Jonah’s Anger and God’s Reproof.

But this greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first toward Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment. So now, LORD, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.”

 But the LORD asked, “Are you right to be angry?”*Jonah then left the city for a place to the east of it, where he built himself a hut and waited* under it in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. Then the LORD God provided a gourd plant.* And when it grew up over Jonah’s head, giving shade that relieved him of any discomfort, Jonah was greatly delighted with the plant.

 But the next morning at dawn God provided a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. And when the sun arose, God provided a scorching east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah’s head till he became faint. Then he wished for death, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.” But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry over the gourd plant?” Jonah answered, “I have a right to be angry—angry enough to die.”

 Then the LORD said, “You are concerned* over the gourd plant which cost you no effort and which you did not grow; it came up in one night and in one night it perished. And should I not be concerned over the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot know their right hand from their left, not to mention all the animals?”*

JONAH IS ANGRY WITH GOD

REFLECTION

 Jonah is angry because he hated the Ninevites, and feared God would convert them, But the LORD asked, “Are you right to be angry? Are we right to be angry at God sparing someone on their deathbed we consider unworthy?  Are we angry, resentful, envious when the wicked seem to prosper in this world?

God provided a gourd plant to provide comfort to Jonah.  Jonah was delighted but angry when the gourd died.  All material goods perish sometime.  Are we just grateful to God in good times?  Do we embrace also the vicissitudes of this world, the disappointments, the economic set-backs, health issues as part of the redemptive suffering of the Mystical Body of Christ that Jesus invites us to participate?

What do you think of the lesson God tried to teach Jonah?  Jonah cared about a plant, a plant, more than he did all the population of Nineveh that may have been destroyed had they not repented.  God has a plan for each of us. Someone’s salvation may depend on us. Let us follow God’s will and then see what happens!.

 

 

 

 

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

BEHOLD A GREAT LIGHT SHATTERS THE DARKNESS!

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.” Isaiah 9:1-2

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. John 1:1

In time the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you… Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son…  He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High

THE GREATEST EXCHANGE OF GIFTS

At Bethlehem, humanity sees not only God-Made flesh but also receives an invitation to become God-like.  God offers to make men and women by grace what Jesus Christ is by nature, namely, a beloved child of our heavenly Father.  In Jesus, God took on human attributes, in Jesus humans can now take on the divine qualities of mercy, love, insight, and immortality.

In exchange for the humanity He takes, the Incarnate Word gives us a share in his divinity.   God is born in time so we can be reborn in eternity.  The Son of God becomes the Son of Man so men and women can become children of the one same Father in heaven.

 CHRIST THE KING IS BORN; COME LET US ADORE HIM

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.

The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them…The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  

For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

  “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE TO THOSE  ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS.”

REFLECTION

God became man.  What caused this transcendent almighty God to humble himself to take on humanity?  Because He had something more He wanted to share.  He had already created us out of nothing.  Who does that, we don’t.  Everything we make is from something else. God humbles himself that He might share His divine life with us, the life of grace here on earth and face to face in heaven.

Why do we gift others at Christmas; for the most part it isn’t their birthday.  We gift others not because of shopping malls or internet deals but because we imitate God who has gifted us with the greatest gift of all, His only begotten Son and our Redeemer, out gateway into heaven.

One of my favorite images of the Birth of Christ is the star that lights and exclaims a new born king of heaven and earth is born today.  ‘I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life. John 8:12

This light has shattered darkness of sin and death. Jesus declares He is exclusive source of all spiritual truth. We can either walk in the light or in darkness.  We choose!  There is more.  It is not just about us. We must be light (witnesses) for other people. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Matthew 5:15

The night the Christ Child was born, shepherds came and saw, then worshiped and spread the Good News. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. Luke 2:20…do I spread the Good News…Mary pondered all these mysteries in her heart…do I ponder the birth of Jesus in my heart… And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Luke 2:19

FROM TOM AND JEANETTE BLOCK

STILL ROMAN CATHOLIC AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. COM

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 3

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

INTRODUCTION

 Over the next few years I will be taking my readers on a journey through the New Testament Gospels of the four Evangelists. A lot of people do not have the time to read Scripture on a regular basis nor read long blogs.  I will try to keep these short.  I begin with the Gospel of Matthew.  Look to future blogs this year that will begin with Gospel of Matthew…..

MATTHEW 3:13-17

 Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

REFLECTION:

John the Baptist baptism is a baptism of repentance. John is hesitant to baptize Jesus because he recognizes Jesus is the Lamb of God in no need of forgiveness. But John obeys Jesus’ will even if he doesn’t fully understand the request.  Are we ready to do the same when Jesus asks something of us?

Jesus knows how important it is to human beings to set examples.  No one but John had any true insight into who Jesus is.  Jesus insists John baptizes Him so others may imitate Him in the baptism of repentance…

Repent and believe in the Gospel…

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus takes on the sins of the world… sin has no more dominion over mankind…we now can repent too and have our sins washed clean, thanks to Jesus…He has shown us the way!

The Spirit of God descended like a dove in blessing and affirmation…a Savior is here….The Father affirms the Son’s mission…”This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased…

Thank you, Jesus, for being my Savior…help me turn to you and away from sin…help me to know my mission in this life and accept it so that I may come home to you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit for all eternity…Amen

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 4 JESUS IS TEMPTED

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

BACKGROUND

Temptations are not sins but can be strong invitation to sin where our will and God’s will clash.  Temptations can also be a tool of the devil to wear us down to the point we throw up our hands and make some excuse for saying yes to the devil.  We must pray daily for the graces we need to say no to the devil and yes to God.  Part of the prayer Jesus taught us, the Our Father, is a plea to not let us fall to temptation but deliver us from evil. Jesus is tempted three times and then the devil leaves Him.  “Resist the devil and he will flee.” James 4:7  Just like physical exercise builds up our physical strength, choosing the will of God over Satan builds up our spiritual strength.

The first temptation appealed to Jesus’ hunger.  Hunger is not evil per se, for without it, we would perish.  But here is the deal, Jesus was led specifically into the desert to fast and pray to prepare for his mission from God the Father.  The devil tries to draw Jesus into the sin of yielding to His hunger and using His power inappropriately. Jesus is tempted to set aside His call, to serve Himself, rather than to glorify His Father.

Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”

“Look,” the devil seems to say, the whole city will see it, you swooped up by angels before you hit ground, you will win all the hearts, this is a better way than God’s way. The devil was appealing to human concupiscence of pride and vain glory. Man’s ways are not always God’s ways. Let’s remember Jesus the Word Incarnate was born in a stable with little fanfare except in a Shepherds field.

It is important to trust God, as inferred by the devil in this temptation, but this is not an invitation to presumption that God will act according to our wishes and to act recklessly. Jesus must act to preserve and protect His life so that he can accomplish His full mission.

Many, today, think, “I can use drugs without becoming addicted. I can have evil friends and still stay good and live morally. I can skip school and still get good grades. I can be promiscuous and won’t get a disease or become pregnant. etc.   Many presume that no matter what they do, Heaven is still assured.  Do not be deceived; God clearly warns us that sin hardens our hearts and makes our final conversion increasingly unlikely.  God is not mocked.  For whatever a man sows so shall he reap!

Finally, the devil took Jesus up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”

Everything is offered to Jesus in exchange for a little worship of the devil. It may seem strange to us that having an abundance of things would be linked to worshiping the devil and forsaking God; but Scripture attests to this connection elsewhere:  “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money Matt 6:24. For where a man’s treasure is, there is his heart Matt 6:21.

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 4:1-11 JESUS IS TEMPTED IN THE DESERT

 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'”

 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you and ‘with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'” Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'”

 Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

“Get away, Satan!

the Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'”

 REFLECTION

 Jesus, Human and Divine….Like us in every way but sin, Jesus is tempted in the desert…. We too are tempted in the desert of our souls…Jesus’ temptations are similar to what we face every day…tempted to pleasure, the flesh, …tempted to pride that  we are in control…and tempted to power to rule the world

 Do I fortify myself like Jesus with prayer and fasting…fasting means much more than not eating food…do I fast from making judgments…do I fast from anger, from unkind thoughts and words…. do I deny myself and choose God’s holy will over mine… do I seek power and glory for myself…or give all glory to God who is all Good and provider of all……All we are and all we have is a gift from God….how do we show our gratitude…

 PRAYER

Lord God, Almighty have mercy on me, a sinner.  Without your help I am helpless in facing temptation…You have promised us the graces we need to resist if we would only turn to you in humility, acknowledge our weaknesses and beg for your mercy.  Teach me to be humble, receive your gifts with gratitude and share with others.  I know your gifts are not meant for me alone and no one gets to heaven by themselves. Let me be an instrument of yours by proclaiming the Gospel when it is easy and when it is hard, in Jesus’ name, I pray!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 7

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, LENTEN REFLECTIONS

BACKGROUND

The Sermon on the Mount may be found in three chapters of Matthew’s Gospel, Chapters 5, 6, and 7.   The Sermon expresses the essence of Jesus’ teaching in regard our relationship to God and neighbor.  As we continue our Lenten practices, we take time to really listen to Jesus once more and ponder in our hearts His message of discipleship. Let us pray that we may follow His lead.

 

SERMON ON THE MOUNT 

Judging Others.

Stop judging, that you may not be judged.  For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?

 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?  You hypocrite,* remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye. MATTHEW 1-8

 

STOP JUDGING; REMOVE FIRST THE WOODEN BEAM IN YOUR EYE

 REFLECTION

By focusing on and judging others, this allows me to excuse myself of much worse.  It is important I examine my conscience each day and ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness. In removing my own faults and sins I will see more clearly and mercifully how to deal with my brother.

“For as you judge, so you will be judged.” Hold on a minute!  Let me check this out!  I don’t want to be treated fairly. I want God to treat me better than I deserve. The warning of whatever I measure out will be measured to me is enough to scare the devil out of me.

 The Answer to Prayers

 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish?  If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.   MATTHEW 7-11

KNOCK AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED

REFLECTION

Everyone who asks will receive, does not mean we receive exactly what we asked for and when we asked for it.  It is a promise of God that our prayers are heard and will be answered in the best manner for me.  God knows best.

We sometimes practice tough love.  God is the Master of tough love and knows  just what we need. This does not mean we stop praying or asking.  God loves to hear from us and reminds us who is in charge.

 The Narrow Gate.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few. MATTHEW 7:13

FOLLOW THE NARROW ROAD AND GATE TO LIFE

 REFLECTION

When I think narrow road and gate vs broad road and gate it makes sense to me. The world is broad and filled with its distractions and attractions.  Sometimes it is hard to resist the siren call of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

We need all the help we can get to stay at that narrow path to Jesus.  We have the Scriptures but do we read them? We have the Magisterium of the Church but do we listen to the teachings of the Catechism.  We have the Holy Spirit breathing inspiration into our souls but do we pay attention?

I am reminded of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the beggar. After death, Lazarus was in the bosom of  Abraham  and the rich man, in torment of nether world.  LUKE 16:26:31

The rich man pleaded with Abraham, ‘I beg you, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father’s house, I have five brothers that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.  

 Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.  He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’

False Prophets.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.  By their fruits you will know them…Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.  So by their fruits you will know them. MATTHEW 15-20

BY THEIR FRUITS YOU WILL KNOW THEM

REFLECTION

Let us be bearers of good fruit.  They will know we are Christians because of our love for one another.  We have been disappointed and ashamed of some of our shepherds during the clergy abuse scandal.   Let us pray for them and their victims.  Some very bad fruit has entered into the harvest. Let us bear good fruit in response. .Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 

It is imperative that we bear true witness to Christ and His teachings. Let us examine ourselves carefully this Lent.  Are our hearts filled with love and mercy or anger, frustration, and complaint.?

The True Disciple.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,* but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy; did we not drive out demons; did we not do mighty deeds in your name?  Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers. MATTHEW 21-23

ONLY THE ONE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER

WILL ENTER KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

 REFLECTION

This is a cautionary tale from Jesus that calling him by name or saying you believe in Jesus is not enough.  More is required.  What exactly? Well, we are required to love our neighbors. “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” I John 4:20

We must not just hear God’s word but really listen and act accordingly.  It is easy to talk a good talk about Jesus but more difficult to be Jesus in this world to others.  We show our love for Jesus by our love for our neighbors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 6

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

SERMON ON THE MOUNT CHAPTER 6

BACKGROUND

Lent is a season devoted to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  In Chapter 5 of Matthew, we dealt with fasting.  Now in Chapter 6 we will focus on prayer and almsgiving. This Third week of Lent we concentrate on the life giving waters God gives us to restore and heal us.  We must detach ourselves from things of this world and attach ourselves to things of eternity.  After all, that is where we will spend the rest of our lives. There is not a better time to prepare! “Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” 2 Corinthians 6:2

TEACHING ABOUT ALMSGIVING.

Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them… When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. MATTHEW 6:1-9

THE WIDOWS MITE

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on”

 REFLECTION

 When we make sacrifices like almsgiving, it should be between us and God. It is in the heart and mind that determines whether an act is out of love for God or self serving.  Alms giving need not be only money;  it can be other acts of charity such as donations of food, clothing, and other supplies.

When  I think of almsgiving I think of how Jesus pointed out to his disciples the generosity of the widow pictured above, not giving of her surplus, but giving from her poverty.  Be generous, give until it hurts at least a little.  Detach yourself from your “goods” that you may be free to attach yourself to the greater good! GOD!

TEACHING ABOUT PRAYER.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

 “This is how you are to pray Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.  MATTHEW 6:9-15

THE LORD’S PRAYER

REFLECTION

Like He did with almsgiving, Jesus reminds folks don’t go around and make a spectacle of yourself so others can see you are praying and think well of you.  Remember the Pharisee and publican in the temple. The publican knelt in the rear beating his breast and asking for mercy on him for his sins.  The publican, not the Pharisee, went home satisfied.

When we pray don’t babble on.  God knows what we need and how best to deliver it to us.  If you don’t know what you need, tell God that, and ask Him for what you need most.

In the prayer Jesus taught us, first, we honor and worship God the Father, then we ask for material and spiritual nourishment, daily bread. In concusion we ask that our sins be forgiven and for the grace to forgive those who offend us, that we withstand temptation, and be delivered from final damnation.(the evil one)

 TREASURE IN HEAVEN.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.  But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.  MATTHEW 6:19-21

WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, SO WILL YOUR HEART BE

 REFLECTION

 In this teaching Jesus warns us that all material goods will fade away, be lost, be destroyed, rust out, run out, not be available to us due to circumstances beyond our control.  Only God remains reliable and steady. Jesus promises, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

What do I treaure?  Will it get me to one of those dwelling places Jesus promised.? Where is my heart?  What role does God play in my life?  Try attaching yourself to God’s will. Thy will be done!  While it may hurt a little to surpress my wants, it makes it a lot easier to make decisions, not my will, but thy will be done! It can bring peace to an otherwise turbulent soul.

 DEPENDENCE ON GOD.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them…

 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.  Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.  MATTHEW 6:25-34

 SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 REFLECTION

I focus on a couple messages in this teaching of Jesus.  First,“Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?”  NO!  We probably all know “worriers” or maybe we are one.  The Serenity Prayer may help: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

There lots of short prayers one might say like the Divine Mercy mantra, Jesus I Trust in You.  But I know prayer does not always provide immediate results.  If we orient our lives to placing God first in everything we do, it is easier to accept setbacks, failures, sufferings by asking God to take what you are going through and make it a redemptive act for the salvation of the world.

The second phrase that grabbed me is “Do not worry about tomorrow….Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”  How true that is.  Let me get through these 24 hours, one hour at a time, take it day by day, Jesus be my partner today.  Jesus, I place my trust in you, carry me when I can’t do it by myself.  Jesus take the wheel!

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.  In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?” The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

 

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 8 JESUS HEALER

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

INTRODUCTION

Jesus heals us physically and spiritually.  We pray for healing of our body and soul.  We trust that God hears those prayers and answers every prayer in the way that is best for us and others.  All prayers are heard and answered. Trust in Jesus!

 SCRIPTURE

 MATTHEW 8:1-3 Cleansing of a Leper.

 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper* approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately.

REFLECTION

I am reminded of St. Francis of Assisi and his encounter with a leper. In Francis’ day a leper had to ring a bell and shout, “Unclean.” As Francis saw the leper approach his first reaction was horror, then he remembered the resolve he made to attain perfection. Francis dismounted his horse, kissed the leper, and gave him alms.

When he had remounted, he saw no one.  Filled with joy, Francis fell on his knees to thank God and made a firm resolution to gain even further perfection. In this decisive moment of illumination Francis suddenly perceived in this leper the embodiment of God’s beauty, a human being to be loved and cared for tenderly.

I would like to call attention to the Leper’s request of Jesus. Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”  The Leper recognized Jesus’ power and authority but assumed nothing.  “If you wish” Let us follow the Leper’s example, Not my will but thy will be done!

 SCRIPTURE

 MATTHEW 8:6-13 Curing of Centurion’s servant

When he entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” 

The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.  For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes…

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith….And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour (his) servant was healed.

 REFLECTION

 The first thing I am struck by is this Centurion, a Roman and pagan, asking Jesus to cure his servant. What kind of actual grace was going on here that the Centurion recognized Jesus’ authority?  Also, take note that the centurion was asking aid for another.  We all can pray for others beyond ourselves.

Jesus responds, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. The faith the centurion expressed here is brought forward into our Mass prior to receiving Holy Communion.  I am reminded that our salvation is totally dependent on God’s mercy.  I am not worthy but God in His mercy saves me and you too!

Jesus reminds us that FAITH can move mountains. Jesus says to the Centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”  If only we had that faith and trust in God! “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” LUKE 18:7

SCRIPTURE

 MATTHEW 8:26-34 Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs.

When he came to the other side, to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us,* Son of God?  Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.*  

The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned.  The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs.  Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

REFLECTION

This Scripture demonstrates both physical and spiritual healing. The two demoniacs cry out to Jesus, “What have you to do with us,* Son of God?  Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time? Even those possessed had some insight into Jesus.  They seemed to have some sense of Jesus’ hour when he would crush the head of Satan and set His people free.  Can those possessed in sin see Jesus better than those of faith?

 The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” The swine then ran over the cliff to their death.  Be careful what you ask of Jesus!  What irony that those possessed by the devil cooperate in their own destruction.  I guess that’s how sin works with us if we don’t repent and return to God. Sin will eventually lead to spiritual death!

The swine herders went into town to tell all the townspeople what just happened.  They all came out and begged Jesus to go!  Those townspeople blinded by their possessions and attachments miss the will of God to set them free. Unfortunately, Jesus could do no more there.  Let it not be so for us!  Cling to Jesus!