REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

We live in a world that flees from suffering. We are taught to believe that the less we suffer, the happier we will be.   We run away from it every way we can, drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping binges, eating binges and so forth.

The world says, “Pleasure yourself and all will be well.”  However, there is still a problem.  We are not in control and suffering comes our way whether we like it or not.  It might be us that are suffering or someone we love. Suffering need not be something we hate and try our best to avoid.  Jesus showed us another way, “not my will but thy will be done” This blog today is about turning our suffering into blessings for ourselves and others.

It was not the original plan of God that suffering and death be a part of human existence. The gift of immunity from suffering and death are not essential to human nature, however, and could be lost.  God endowed man with free-will so they may freely choose Him above all things before entering into the beatitude of heaven.

Our first parents, Adam and Eve, rebelled and as a result they lost for themselves and their descendants those gifts that made them immune from suffering and death, the consequences of sin.

Adam and Eve was cast out of the Garden of Paradise to till the ground from which they had come.  They were separated from God along with their descendants.  God could have left man in this helpless state but in His mercy He chose to send His only begotten Son, Jesus, to become a member of the human race. Because Jesus is God and Man, the reparation Jesus offered was infinite. Divine Justice would be fulfilled.

REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

 “In bringing about the Redemption through suffering, Christ raised human suffering to the level of Redemption.  Thus each man, in his sufferings, can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ” Saint Pope John Paul II

Redemptive suffering is offering oneself united with Christ’s passion for ourselves and others to obtain heaven. It takes on our sins and the sins of others.  St. Paul writes that we are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:17

By suffering in His human nature during His Passion, Christ gave to all suffering members of His Mystical Body a redeeming power, when accepted and offered up in union with His Passion.  There was no dark place of suffering that Jesus did not redeem and sanctify, make holy and redemptive.

St. Paul was so filled with the idea of the redemptive power of suffering that he exclaimed: “I find joy in the sufferings I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His Body, the Church.” Colossians 1:24

Just to be clear….There is nothing lacking in Christ’s redemption. When Christ exclaimed: “It is consummated!” Jesus says in effect: All is accomplished that I came to do. There is no grace that comes to any human being that was not merited by Jesus. Jesus’ sacrifice lacked nothing.  Jesus had no need of any other in redeeming the human race.

St. Paul, in Colossians, is speaking of the Mystical Body of Christ, made up of Christ, the Head, and all souls who are the members of His Body. It is in the members of His Body that something is lacking.

Jesus willed that the mystery of His Passion continue on in us, so that we may be associated with Him in the work of redemption. In God’s justice He demands the debt of atonement be paid.  In His mercy, God allows us to “fill up what is lacking” in another member of the Mystical Body, the Church.

Catechism of the Catholic Church #618

The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the “one mediator between God and men”. But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man… He calls his disciples to “take up their cross and follow him, for “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example so that we should follow in his steps.”…and share in the mystery of his redemptive suffering.

REFLECTIONS

Everyone suffers.  No need to go in search of a “cross” to bear with Jesus.  Most likely you already carry one, especially designed for you.  Will you drag it behind in bitterness and stubbornness only making it more unbearable or will you pick it up, stumble forward in hope, of a glorious future one day!

 The “cross” can include anything we find hard to bear. It may be physical pain, chronic illness for decades, mental anguish, disappointments, set-backs in business, loneliness, or sadness at death of family member or friend.  Or they may be little irritants like a cold, being cut off in traffic, losing a parking place to another, computer problems, or cable television outage.

Though these crosses are beyond our power of control, they are part of God’s providence. God foresees them all and allows them, so He can bring good out of them.  There are so many stories in the Old Testament that looked really bad and turned out very good. But here, I will just cite the story of Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, who then in the divine providence of God became a powerful ally in Egypt that saved his family from famine in the land of Canaan. Genesis 37-42

By accepting willingly and without complaint our crosses which God in His Providence allows to come our way, we can pay in part the debt that we, or others, have incurred by our sins.  Redemptive suffering does not have to take on extreme forms to be effective but rather, any suffering, if offered with love, can be given redemptive value, even something as mundane as a toothache.

It is not easy to accept suffering.  Even Jesus in His human nature asked the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, “if this cup could pass, but not my will thy will be done.” Like Jesus, we too can pray in painful situations, “let this chalice pass from me” as long as we are willing to add “nevertheless, not my will but yours be done”

Christ has raised suffering to level of redemption. We share in that redemptive suffering with Christ. We may never understand suffering just as Job (Book of Job) said to God “I don’t get it “and God replied “I know you don’t understand.”

We don’t understand suffering either. But we know God is all good, only permits suffering if He can draw some greater good out of it.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 11

JESUS TO SAINT FAUSTINA

“You will save more souls through prayer and suffering than will a missionary through his teachings and sermons alone!

 

 

 

 

 

SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY A LENTEN REFLECTION

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

Earlier this week I published the Corporal Works of Mercy Lenten Reflection.  This is a companion piece that also fits in well with our Lenten reflections.  We diminish so Jesus can increase in us. It is good to reflect on service, how we can put others before ourselves. Jesus was all about service.  “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45 Remember his washing the feet of his apostles at the Last Supper.

“When he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them,…You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, as I have done for you, you should also do”.  John 14:12-15

The Spiritual Works of Mercy may not be as well-known as the Corporal Works of Mercy but have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of spiritual writers throughout history.  Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to; these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to help our neighbor in their spiritual needs.

In today’s blog, I list the spiritual works of mercy and make a few suggestions for carrying out these acts of mercy, especially in this time of pandemic. In adopting these works of mercy we demonstrate in a visible way our love for God who commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Jesus attended to many spiritual needs through prayer. He prayed that His disciples would not succumb to the power of Satan at the time of the Last Supper. “And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are….When I was with them I protected them in your name…But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely….I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.” John 17:11-13

Jesus cast out demons and called people to conversion like St. Matthew Matthew 9:9.,Zacchaus, Luke 19:2

And the Samaritan woman at the well. The woman gives Jesus a drink of water, Corporal work of Mercy..  Jesus offers her “living water” of conversion, Spiritual work of Mercy.

WHOEVER DRINKS THE WATER I GIVE

WILL NEVER THIRST

JOHN 4:14

COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL

Everyone has moments of doubt in their faith journey.  To “counsel” in the spiritual realm refers to helping someone with a difficult spiritual decision they are about to make. Doubt is a spiritual burden, and it is an act of mercy to offer counsel and help lighten the load. We should always remember that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and turn to him along our way.  Has someone asked you for advice? Be sure you offer advice filtered through Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Reassure and support those who may be especially anxious during this time of Covid pandemic.

INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT

A person may be uninformed for a variety of reasons, some of which are innocent, others are not. It may be youth or inexperience, or a person may be uninformed because of laziness, narrow-mindedness, arrogance or erroneous information. No matter the root cause, it is a work of mercy to inform the uninformed.

Jesus is the master when it comes to instructing the ignorant. His heart was moved with compassion for the people because they were “like sheep without a shepherd” Matthew 9:36 Learn about our faith and be open to talking with others about our beliefs.  There is always something more to discover about our faith.  Utilize the Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church as resources. Take this time to recommit to your own study and formation during this Lenten season.

 ADMONISHING THE SINNER

Do not judge, but be supportive in helping others find their way and correct their mistakes.  “Remove first the beam in your eye before removing the splinter in your neighbor’s eye.” Together we can learn to walk more closely with Christ.

Remember it is not all about us.  No one gets to heaven by themselves.  We must not keep our faith to ourselves. Our faith is as result of thousands and thousands who went before us.  As they modeled the faith so too we must model the faith for others. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” Hebrew 12:1. Those clouds of witnesses are those that have gone before us and rest in bosom of Christ.

When you correct someone, don’t be arrogant. We are all in need of God’s loving correction.  Being confined in close quarters for long periods of time with families can test us in more ways than one.  Be supportive in helping others find their way forward in the Spirit of Christ.

 COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL

Comforting the sorrowful is one of our spiritual works of mercy. As Ecclesiastes informs us, for every beginning there is an end, where there is life there is inevitable death. Be open to listening and comforting those who are dealing with grief.  Even if we aren’t sure of the right words to say, our presence can make a big difference. Lend a listening ear to those going through a tough time.  A few moments of your day may make a lifetime of difference to someone who is going through a difficult time.

I will share a story making the internet rounds: a small boy saw an old man sitting on a bench in a park. The man was crying. The boy left his mother and walked over to the man. The mother watched as the boy climbed up on the bench and looked gently into the man’s face. The man, touched by the boy’s gesture, began to weep more visibly. The boy also started to cry. After a few minutes, the man hugged the boy and sent him back to his mother’s side. When the boy returned, the mother asked him why he felt a need to go over to the man. The boy responded, “He looked like he needed help crying. I wanted to help him do that. ”

FORGIVING INJURIES

Many people interpret forgiveness to mean that they must stop having negative feelings about something that happened to them, or toward someone who hurt them. Those are just feelings. Many also think of forgiveness as a work they must do out of their own power, rather than as a gift to be received from God.

No! Forgiveness is a work of God within us whereby He acts to free us from the poisonous effects of bitterness and grief that often accompany the harm that was inflicted upon us. The past no longer has control over us.

Our Lord Jesus taught us to pray “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  So what we are saying, in effect, is “if I don’t forgive others, Lord, then don’t forgive me.”

In calling us to forgive, God is offering us the gift to be free of a great deal of poison and of a costly emotional state that robs us of joy and strength. What a relief it is to just be free of that weight!  Forgiveness does not necessarily mean that we are able or even should resume relationships with people who have done us great harm.

At times, we are able to do so, but it is not always advisable. Sometimes relationships are poisonous for both parties involved. Sometimes, because the other person has not or cannot repent (perhaps because of addictions or deep-seated drives), it is too dangerous to be close to him or her.

THIS SON OF MINE WAS DEAD 

AND HAS COME TO LIFE AGAIN 

LUKE 15:24

BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY

“But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” – Luke 6:27-28

We have all been wronged by another person in some way. And sometimes it is perceived wrongs. Often, our response is anger and a desire for vengeance, to give what we received no matter how unkind or unfair.  But, Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and most importantly, to forgive them.

The virtue of patience is required to bear the wrong.  We are called to be perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect. “The Lord is patient and merciful, slow to anger…Psalm 103 We need patience to endure the sorrow that besets us so that we do not betray the good we have.

Do not be bitter about wrongs done against you.  Place your hope in God so that you can endure the troubles of this world and face them with a compassionate spirit.  Frustrated with someone? Step away from the situation, take a few deep breaths, pray the Our Father, asking God for patience

PRAYING FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support others.  Joining together in prayer for the living and the dead entrusts us all into God’s care. Let living people know you are praying for them and don’t be shy about asking them for prayers.  We are all in this Mystical Body of Christ together!

Jesus taught us to pray always and never to lose heart Luke 18:11 St. Paul echoed this with the simple exhortation, “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 St. James also warned, “You have not because you ask not” .James 4:2 Prayer can avert war, bring healing, cause conversion, bestow peace and serenity, and call down mercy—sweet, beautiful mercy. Prayer is inestimable; its value can never be told.

Perhaps one of the greatest joys of Heaven will be seeing how much of a difference our prayers made, even the distracted and perfunctory ones. Imagine that in Heaven a sinner comes up to you and says, “Though we never met, your prayer reached me and God applied His power to me.”

Too many Catholics today miss the boat for praying for the dead.  Many are quick to point to heaven and say their loved one is looking down on us now in God’s heavenly arms.  But hold on a minute! Scripture doesn’t say that we go right to Heaven when we die. No, indeed, there is a brief stopover at the judgment seat of Christ

“It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment”  Hebrews 9:27 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad”  2 Corinthians 5:10

Our deceased loved ones go to the judgment seat of Christ, and that is worth praying about! We have the promise of Heaven but Jesus says, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” Matthew 5:49  I would guess not many of us are in that state, right now.

When we send our faithful loved ones to judgment, although we send them with hope, we are aware that finishing work”pruning” may be necessary. Purgation and purification are necessary before entering Heaven, of which scripture says, Nothing impure will ever enter it” Revelation 21:27

Praying for the dead, then, is the last and greatest spiritual work of mercy. By the grace of it, and through its help, souls attain the glory God has prepared for them from the foundation of the world.

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE

 

 

 

CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY A LENTEN REFLECTION

1 Comment / LENTEN REFLECTIONS

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:31

In the Good Samaritan parable, Luke 10:25-37, Jesus teaches his disciples that to love our neighbor is to show mercy to everyone we meet. No division, no enmities, no adversaries.  Corporal works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor.

Everyone is obliged to perform the works of mercy, according to his own ability and the need of his neighbor. It is important to remember that ordinary deeds done every day to relieve the corporal or spiritual needs of others are true works of mercy, if done in the name of Christ.

Corporal works of mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we see and treat others as if they were Jesus in disguise. What better time to practice these works of mercy than during this Lenten season.

WHATEVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN 

YOU DO TO ME!

MATTHEW 25:37-46

 CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY

The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms (money) to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity (brotherly love); it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH #2447

FEED THE HUNGRY

There are many people in this world who go without food.  Support Food Banks especially in this time of pandemic. Caretakers who provide for the sick or dying, may not have the energy to shop or cook. Providing meals to a friend during a difficult time, is an effective act of charity. During this lent let your fast remind you of those who go to bed every night hungry all year round.

Pray for those that do not have what they need.  Why are those of us who have more than we need when there are those who have less than they need?

GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY

How can you and I, as followers of Jesus Christ, practice this corporal work of mercy in our world today?  The obvious thing is, when we see someone who is thirsty, to give them a glass or bottle of water.  These days we do not meet many thirsty people by the roadside, as the early Christians did.

But as citizens and voters we can make a big difference in the availability of clean water. Supporting “clean water” policies to insure that there will be clean water for future generations is one way to give drink to the thirsty.

Nearly 1-billion people lack access to a supply of safe water. More than 3.4 million people a year die from water-related diseases. Every 21 seconds a child in the world dies of such diseases. Nearly one-fifth of all childhood deaths are caused by diarrhea, which kills more young children than AIDS, TB, and malaria combined. (Source: water.org.)

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH REFUGEES IN EGYPT

 SHELTER THE HOMELESS

The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Mt 8:20).  Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, was born in a borrowed manger, had no fixed address in his public ministry, and was buried in another man’s grave.  It is quite an irony: He who made the universe became a homeless person. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were themselves refugees fleeing into Egypt to avoid the infanticide of Herod.

 There are people today, here in America, who seem to be against all immigration.  But the truth is:  almost all of us are the descendants of immigrants!  And we, as believers, need to treat the immigrants with respect and according to their human dignity, as we would want to be treated ourselves.

 ‘When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33-34

There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home.  Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face. Many homeless shelters need warm blankets and other goods.

THE WIDOW’S MITE

 GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.  Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41

Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and services for those in need. . Remember in this time of pandemic that the lack of Masses and activities may result in parishes struggling financially; be sure to continue your support and if possible, increase offerings for those who cannot donate due to recent financial hardship or inability to work.

VISIT THE SICK

Some are sick, not from physical illness but from social isolation. One thinks especially of the elderly in our communities who, whether at home or in long-term care facilities, live in geographical isolation from their loved ones. The call to visit the sick can mean reaching out to the friendless in our local nursing homes: those who are ‘sick at heart’ from being lonely and forgotten and who are regularly deprived of the basic human need called ‘friendship.

Our mere presence, as someone willing to be a friend and a listening ear, can mean much more to them than we can imagine. In spite of their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them. Along the way the infirm will be giving us the precious gift of growing in compassion.

Invest time in reaching out via phone call or by sending a letter or card to those who may feel particularly isolated during this time.  Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members by grocery shopping or cooking for them so they do not have to risk exposure in this time of pandemic.

VISIT THE PRISONERS

Jesus was a prisoner; so were Peter and Paul and many of the saints, bishops, and teachers of the first few centuries of Christian life were.  So free Christians took it upon themselves to visit their friends, bringing food, solace, and encouragement.

People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God.  No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.

You may donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison. If you know a family member of one who is incarcerated, support them with a phone call or card.

Visiting prisoners may seem like one of the more difficult of the works of mercy simply because of the difficulty in gaining permission to enter the jail or prison and the need for training in how to minister to the imprisoned. Check out prison ministry in your local diocese. There are often ways to correspond with prisoners safely by mail.

Above all, pray for those in prison.  Prisoners abound in our society, and most of them are not behind bars. Many of our neighbors and family members are imprisoned by their addictions, others are isolated by their anxiety. Someone you know may need your presence more than you can imagine.

BURY THE DEAD

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times.  Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our respect for life, a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.

Grief is a rolling, painful journey with stops and starts and no discernable end. No two people grieve in the same way, and remembering that and resisting comparisons will help us support those we love. It is in the weeks and months after the funeral when our support can mean the most.  A phone call or email just to let the grieving person know we care can be a boost in a painful day.

We can include a grieving person in lunch, dinner or other plans.  At the end of the meal, I can make plans to meet my friend for coffee, giving him/her something to look forward to.  A note of condolence can touch the heart in the days and weeks after a death, and much later, it can be re-read and offer comfort again.

CONCLUSION

FRANCIS EMBRACES JESUS IN THE DISGUISE OF A LEPER

 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?   Can that faith save him?

If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day   And one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,”But you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?  Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

JAMES 2:14-17

GOD OF JUSTICE AND MERCY

1 Comment / CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

MOST HOLY TRINITY, FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

 INTRODUCTION

Are there two Gods, one of the Old and one of the New Testament?  No, there is one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Justice God punishes sin.  Sin is a rejection of God, therefore separation from God and His blessings.  My free will can choose curses or blessings.  It is up to me!

In the very beginning of Genesis when man disobeyed God, chose his will over God’s will, man committed Original sin that we all inherit in our human nature.

GENESIS 3:8-16

“…the man and his wife hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. The LORD God then called to the man and asked him: Where are you? He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid.” Then God asked: Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat? 

 The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me—she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it. “The LORD God then asked the woman: What is this you have done? The woman answered, “The snake tricked me, so I ate it…. Then the LORD God said to the snake…I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; they will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.* 

God of the Old Testament, in His Mercy, promises a Savior that will reunite us with God’s Divine Life.

Today we have received that promise. We have been reconciled by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At our Baptism, Original Sin is removed and (if adult) any other personal sins we have committed. We are infused with Divine life of God, become heirs of heaven, brothers and sisters of Christ.

COMMENTARY

 THE PROMISE OF A SAVIOR IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Old Testament is full of Christ, the Anointed One, though oftentimes in a veiled form.  Throughout biblical history God continues to reveal His plan for salvation through the prophets, covenants, and the psalms of David.

The Old Testament is filled with blessings and curses, curses, when man disregards God, and blessings, when man remains faithful.   When Man separates himself from God. God lifts man back up in His mercy. Man falls again and again, yet God remains faithful, calling man to repentance and reunion with Him.

Throughout biblical history is recorded how God works to bring people into a personal relationship with him.  It all begins in the Garden when God addresses Satan, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers. They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel” Genesis 3:15

THE LAW OF MOSES

The Law of Moses beyond the Ten Commandments given by God has 613 commandments all told. These laws

fall into three categories: moral, ritual, and judicial. Moral law has do with universal principles of right and wrong. Ritual or ceremonial law has to do with symbolic, religious cleanness and uncleanness in Old Testament religion.  Judicial or civil law involves the structures for the administration of the law in the Old Testament.

The Law of Moses foresees not just a religion, but a state religion, a theocracy.  Part of it we as Catholics embrace, but part of it we don’t. For example, we still forbid murder Exodus 20:13, but we don’t forbid wearing a garment of mixed materials Deuteronomy 22:11.

God reveals Himself gradually to the human race, knowing our shortcomings. A lot of these laws were intended to discipline and bend the Jewish people away from pagan practices to proper worship of the one true God.

These laws of Moses were not meant to be God’s final revelation.  God sent His only begotten Son who gave us the new Law of Moses in the Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-10 and Last Judgment discourse. Matthew 25:31-46

WHAT ABOUT A GOD THAT KILLS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Death is the result of Original Sin.  It wasn’t Plan A that Adam and Eve and their descendants die. Death was a result of man separating himself from God.  We inherit death in our human nature from our first parents..  Death is not the worst thing to happen if you are a believer in the Resurrection.

When the LORD saw how great the wickedness of human beings was on earth, and how every desire that their heart conceived was always nothing but evil the LORD regretted making human beings on the earth, and his heart was grieved. So the LORD said: I will wipe out from the earth the human beings I have created, and not only the human beings, but also the animals and the crawling things and the birds of the air, for I regret that I made them. But Noah found favor with the LORD. Genesis 6:5-7

Even in the midst of such a terrifying judgment, God’s rescue mission moves forward in the hands of his faithful shipmate, Noah. God demonstrates his justice toward humanity through punishment, and he demonstrates his saving love and mercy for humanity through Noah.

A number of times, God uses death as a punishment. Several big examples stand out, where God wipes out or “smites” large groups of people: Noah’s flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, the Egyptian plagues. In each one of these cases people reject God and thus incurs his punishment.

Perhaps this may soften some of you turned off by a God that kills.  Death is inevitable.  In the ancient world death was everywhere, life expectancy very low.  If God sometimes punishes people in the Bible with death, he is only hastening the inevitable. We die.

God, in his righteousness, uses death as a punishment to restore the order of justice. When people reject him, they violate his number one command: “You shall have no other gods before me.” When we reject the Author of Life, death results. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” Matthew 10:28

CONCLUSION

We cry out for justice here and now on earth. We see who we perceive as bad people get ahead and rewarded for their bad behavior.  Crimes are committed but often justice is denied or in some cases what was lost can never be restored by earthly justice. A judge cannot bring a murder victim back to life or take away the horrible experiences of an abuse victim.

Unlike earthly justice, God does not suffer from incomplete justice, God will bring all things together in his perfect justice, but in the meantime many injustices persist. There may be a good outcome to this awaiting final judgment. God is good. God provides time for the wicked to repent and obtain salvation.  When I think about that, I place myself among the “wicked” and give thanks every day for God’s unlimited patience and mercy.

God is a Just God.  We will be held accountable.  God is also our Savior.  Saving comes at a cost and that cost includes judgment and punishment. The time between now and the final judgment gives us an opportunity to turn to God and become a recipient of his Mercy through repentance rather than a target for his judgment by refusing to repent and be saved.

We can’t ignore the Old Testament for that is when the story of our salvation begins.  It is where we first learn who God is and what man’s relationship to God is and should be.  We see that God is not only transcendent, but a God who intervenes in our history.  We see Divine Providence work in creating a nation, Israel, to be a call and light to all nations to worship the one true God.

Divine Providence is active today.  Listen carefully.  Observe carefully.  Discover God’s activity in our lives.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good, His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107

JUSTICE AND MERCY IN ATONEMENT FOR OUR SINS

AMAZING GRACE

1 Comment / CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

FALLING INTO SIN

 IN THE GARDEN

Adam and Eve before they sinned had special gifts not necessary to human nature. These were called Preternatural gifts and include infused knowledge, integrity, and immortality of the body.

Before original sin, man was in a state of “original justice.” Had Adam and Eve not sinned they would have passed this state of “original justice” down to their descendants.  After Adam and Eve committed “original sin,” they lost “original justice” and the preternatural gifts for the entire human race, their descendants.

God gave Adam and Eve the ability to live a life that was more than human, that was divine, with the Spirit of God dwelling in their souls. (Sanctifying Grace)  But Adam lost that gift of divine life for himself and all his descendants. We are born physically alive but spiritually dead.

Adam’s fall from grace left all his descendants with a darkened intellect, a weakened will, and disordered affections and appetites. Man’s passions are no longer ruled by right reason We are now inclined towards anything our imagination paints as pleasurable, without regards for what is good for us by God’s design.  (Concupiscence) We also inherited from Adam and Eve pain, suffering and death.

Saint Paul states very well the conditions of Concupiscence,” I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate….now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me….The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not….For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want….ROMANS 7:15-20

FALLING INTO GRACE

Just as we fell into sin, we fall into Grace. When things are so bad and we are so miserable, frustrated, and desperate and there is no one else to turn to, we fall on the mercy of God and plead with Him to be our Savior and restore us in relationship. Grace is a supernatural gift of God, first infused in us at our Baptism for our eternal salvation.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

CCC 1997 Grace is a participation in the life of God. It introduces us into the intimacy of Trinitarian life By Baptism the Christian participates in the grace of Christ, the Head of his Body. As an “adopted son,” he can call God “Father,” in union with the only Son.

CCC 2000 Sanctifying Grace is a habitual gift and the supernatural state of being infused by God, which permanently inheres in the soul; but may be lost in commission of mortal sin.  It is a vital principle of the supernatural life. It is called sanctifying grace because it makes holy those who possess the gift by giving them a participation in the divine life.

There is also a Grace called Actual Grace, a temporary supernatural intervention,  that can strengthen our minds and wills to choose the good that will help maintain Sanctifying Grace and lead us to our destiny in Heaven. Actual grace is a transient divine assistance that we can pray for that enables us to obtain, retain, or grow in supernatural grace and the life of God.

The call to salvation depends entirely on God’s gratuitous initiative, for he alone can reveal and give himself. It surpasses the power of human intellect and will. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons and daughters, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life.

Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last,  the centurion said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”  Mark 15:37-39

 REFLECTIONS

The mistake many of us make at the beginning of the spiritual life is to try “go it alone”. After falling into sin, sin that has separated us from our God, a darkness we can no longer endure, we reach a point when we can no longer rely on our own resources. So, humbly, we fall back on God’s mercy. We discover again what it means to trust in God, to fall back on the power and love of Christ. My Jesus Mercy!

Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden, out of Paradise, away from the Tree of Life.  But before they were sent forth, God gave them the First Gospel, the first Good News. He promises he will save them. The Second Eve [Mary] will be obedient, undoing Eve’s disobedience; Genesis 3:15  Her seed, Jesus Christ .will crush the head of the serpent. Man will receive a greater Tree of Life from the wood of the Cross with greater gifts flowing from it.

Salvation flows from the New Tree of Life, the Cross! From the new Tree of Life will come the Eucharist, the Eternal Bread from Heaven.  Jesus promises, ‘If you eat this Bread and drink my Blood you have Eternal life.’ This is the new spiritual food flowing from Christ’s pierced side, blood and water, great symbols of the Eucharist and Baptism.  Eternal life is once again available from the pierced side of Christ.

Baptism restores God’s life to our souls, but it doesn’t take away the tendency to sin. It doesn’t restore to us the clarity of mind, the strength of will, and the rightness of desire that Adam and Eve had in the beginning. The Sacrament of Reconciliation forgives sins committed since Baptism and restores or increases Sanctifying Grace. God has dealt to every man his measure of faith.” Romans 12:3 The grace of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:23

“We are not, the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us, and our real capacity to become the image of his Son.” Saint John Paul II

Our real capacity! What a challenge lies in those few words!  St John Paul is clearly implying that, under ordinary grace, each one of us has the capacity to become a saint. That will demand radical change!

The poet W.H. Auden once brilliantly observed: “We would rather be ruined than changed. We would die in our dread than climb the cross of the moment and let our illusions die.”

What truly frightens us is the capacity we have – the remarkable capacity – to become transformed from being poor sinners into radiant, brave and faithful disciples for Christ. The capacity we possess, each one of us, in spite of all our weakness, to become the image of the divine Son.

It is precisely in the discovery and acceptance of the Father’s love for us, in trusting in that love, in falling back on that grace, that our lives begin to be transformed by the power of God.  Those of us who felt helplessly weak, now begin to find themselves capable of acts of courage and generosity. Let us all work to fill that capacity up, to live in the image of Jesus, Our Savior, and our destiny.

CONCLUSION

 FIRST VERSE OF AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace, How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I am found, Was blind, but now I see.

 PRAYER OF FIRST CENTURY MONK

Lord, whether I want it or not, save me because dust and ashes that I am I love sin. But you are God almighty, so stop me yourself. If you have pity on the just, that’s not much, because they are worthy of your mercy. Show the full splendor of your mercy in me. Reveal in me your love for men and women, because this poor man has no other refuge but you.

SIN BLOCKS GRACE

REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 1

GOSPEL OF LUKE

GOSPEL OF LUKE

INTRODUCTION

Having finished my reflections on the Gospel of Matthew and Gospel of Mark I begin today with the Gospel of Luke to be completed in 2021. Since the Gospel of Luke is the only Gospel to cover the birth of Jesus Ithought it appropriate to begin this third week of Advent.

St. Luke’s Gospel provides the longest and most complete account of the advent and earthly life of the Messiah from  the Annunciation, birth and early childhood of Jesus, to His ministry to the lost sheep of Israel, and finally with the climax of His Gospel in Jesus’ victorious death, glorious Resurrection and heavenly Ascension.

In Christian art each of the evangelists has a particular symbol and St Luke’s is an ox (or a calf).  This symbolism has its origins in two biblical texts.  In Ezekiel 1:4-11 the prophet has a vision of four living creatures which are in human form, but with wings. Their faces have four aspects, a man on the front, a lion on the right, an ox on the left, and an eagle on the back.

This symbolism appears also the Book of Revelation where four winged creatures surround Christ on his throne Revelation 4:6-8.  St Jerome (c.347 -420 AD) assigned the ox to St Luke and the man to St Matthew, the lion to St Mark and the eagle to St John.

The choice of the ox for Luke is thought to relate to the sacrifices offered in the Temple.  St Luke’s Gospel begins and ends in the Temple.  It may be that the symbolism of the ox draws on the link between the Temple sacrifices and Jesus’ once and for all sacrifice on the cross.

 EXAMPLES OF TEMPLE PASSAGES IN GOSPEL OF LUKE

Zechariah is told in temple by angel Gabriel that Elizabeth who is barren will bear a child

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Jesus lost in the Temple

The cleansing of the Temple Ch.19

Jesus observes the poor widow’s contribution to Temple treasury Ch. 21

The destruction of the temple foretold Ch. 21

Jesus teaching in the temple area Ch. 21

At Jesus’ death the temple veil was torn in two Ch. 23

JESUS TEACHES

AS HE WALKS ALONG SOLOMAN’S PORTICO

SCRIPTURE

 LUKE 1:26-38

Announcement of the Birth of Jesus.

In the sixth month, 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.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”r Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

HAIL MARY FULL OF GRACE

 REFLECTION

Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary, full of grace, reminds us of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, preserved from Original Sin through the anticipated merits of her Son, Jesus Christ, Son of God.  Oh how Mary must have pondered those words…what does it mean….how am I special in God’s favor…a mystery like so many others….God is God….and we mere human beings,,,.many mysteries to ponder.

The Angel goes on and tells her more things that make no sense to Mary or us in a human sense.  She a virgin, a perpetual virgin, will bear a son, name this son Jesus, Savior, who will take the throne of David and his kingdom will have no end. Mary may have been betrothed to Joseph but he as well as Mary agreed on a life of virginity.   We can only imagine the depth Mary took these mysteries.  But her trust in God allowed her to say yes even if she didn’t understand every detail.  What about us?

It is no wonder Mary asked, “How can this be.” Do we wonder how something can be?  Do we ever look in hindsight at something we perceived as negative and now see God’s hand and Divine Providence in those moments nudging us, into corrective paths.?   God loves me even in my suffering and in my mistakes. Lead on, Heavenly Father!

There’s a nice human touch of Angel Gabriel in conclusion of this passage.  Just to emphasize that anything is possible with God, Angel Gabriel tells Mary her elderly cousin who was barren is now with child.  God knows how hard it is for a human being to get something but He never gives up.  Do we?

Listen for that small whisper that Elijah heard outside the cave. “After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle whisper”. I KINGS 19:12

 SCRIPTURE

 LUKE 1:39-47

 Mary Visits Elizabeth.

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said,

“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord* should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

MARY VISITS COUSIN ELIZABETH

 REFLECTION

Mary though pregnant with Jesus didn’t hang out with her girlfriends to gossip about the wonderful thing that has happened to her but immediately heads out to help out her elder cousin who is also with child. There was to be no competition between pregnant Mary and her pregnant cousin. Elizabeth herself recognized the very special visitation of her Lord, her infant leapt in her womb in joyful anticipation, a Savior will soon be born.

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cries out, how blessed she is by the presence of her Lord in the womb of Mary.  I am always delighted and impressed how often in Scripture someone recognizes God by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  Soon we will read about Simeon in the presentation in the temple, filled with the Holy Spirit who takes Jesus up in his arms and declares Jesus the consolation of Israel, the promised Messiah.

Do we call on the Holy Spirit often enough to see and hear God in our lives?  Elizabeth says to Mary, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”  Elizabeth affirms Mary is the Mother of the Messiah and confirms for us that if we believe we too will be blessed. Let’s do it when God speaks to us let’s believe him and obey His holy will!

 SCRIPTURE

 LUKE 1:46-55

 The canticle of Mary

 And Mary said to Elizabeth: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.

 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers,  to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

MY SOUL PROCLAIMS THE GLORY OF GOD

REFLECTION

“For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness” God loves all of us and speaks to all of us.  It doesn’t matter our position in society or our education or our wealth.  God chooses His instruments in this world to bring others to Him and be saved.

“Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Here Mary recognizes she is called blessed not for anything she has done but for what God has done in her.  Do we count our daily blessings and thank God?

“His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.” In Mary’s words she reminds us of God’s mercy.  In Exodus 34:6 God passes before Moses, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”  God is merciful and just!

God’s justice and mercy can be seen throughout Scripture.  Our first glimpse is in Genesis.  Adam and Eve disobeyed God…an infinite offense.  They were punished in justice.  In mercy, God promised a Savior.  What was lost in Garden of Eden was redeemed in Garden of Gethsemane.

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 2

1 Comment / GOSPEL OF LUKE

LUKE 2:22-38

The Presentation in the Temple.

 When the days were completed for their purification* according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel,* and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation,  which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

NOW LORD YOU MAY LET YOUR SERVANT GO I HAVE SEEN YOUR SALVATION

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

REFLECTION

The first thing I am reminded of is that Mary and Joseph are faithful Jews who follow God’s law given to Moses.  They are righteous in right order with God.  How about us?  Are we conformed to the image of God that we were created.  Do we follow the teachings of Jesus and His Church?

Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, Holy Spirit was upon him and Holy Spirit revealed the consolation of Israel, According to the Jewish people the consolation and the Messiah are one and the same.

“Comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for” Isaiah 40:1-2

Now that Simeon has seen the consolation, the Messiah, he tells God that He can let him go now in peace.  Salvation has come not only to Israel but to all nations.  Are we ready to accept our Savior and let other stuff go?   Can we be satisfied living in His embrace?  We are saved!  Let’s accept it!  Let’s act like it!  Is there anything we need more than Jesus in this life?  If He is not sufficient, why not?

Maybe it is because we are not as strong in our faith like Mary and Joseph. Maybe we can’t take the suffering in self-denial that may come with the commitment.

Simeon told Mary that her son will be destined for the rise and fall of many.  Will we rise with Jesus or fall into sin.  Mary’s heart will be pierced by the passion and death of her Son that we may be redeemed.  Can we accept the cross as well as the resurrection?

Can we place ourselves in the temple as a witness to this prophecy?  What would my reaction be? There was one you know, Anna, a widow, who spent day and night in the temple praying.

How is our praying coming along?  Anna’s prayer life readied her to recognize the Messiah, the one who redeems us. She then bore witness to everyone what she experienced.  Are we witnesses to the Good News?  A Savior has been born, ‘go tell it on the mountain

LUKE 2:41-52

The Boy Jesus in the Temple.

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.

THE BOY JESUS TEACHES IN THE TEMPLE

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”* But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

SON WHY HAVE YOU DONE THIS TO US I MUST BE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE

REFLECTION

How could Mary and Joseph lose Jesus the Son of God?  Well, I guess I could ask that question of so many today too. Fortunately, for Mary and Joseph, they found Jesus but let us pray for those who have either given up searching or have never searched for Jesus? Jesus is there for the asking.  Ask and it will be given, seek and you shall find.

Where was this wayward child anyway? At the candy store, playing on a swing somewhere, hugging some stray animal?  No, he was in his Father’s house.  That is a pretty safe place to be.  How about us how much time do we spend in our Father’s house in prayer?

Back to the boy Jesus teaching in the temple.  The religious teachers were astounded at his knowledge and wisdom regarding scripture.  How about us?  Do we read the Bible regularly? Do we ever attend a Bible study program or watch one on the internet?

I am reminded of the story after the Resurrection on the Road to Emmaus as Jesus walked along with two disciples.”  “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!…And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. “Luke 25:25

How I wish I had been there to hear the whole story from Jesus’ lips. The next best thing is reading the inspired writers of the bible.  God is the author after all.

After three days, Mary and Joseph find Jesus, they express their anxiety as any set of parents would.  They were not looking to punish but just understanding how this could happen, after all Jesus was a very good child. Jesus answers them, why were you looking for me (they were looking three days) didn’t you know I must be in my Father’s house?

The anxiety is gone but now Mary and Joseph are perplexed.  They are now reminded this child is not just any ordinary child but the Son of God, the Father.  They put that on hold for a while and all travel back home to Nazareth where Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man in the home of Mary and Joseph.

A child lives what he experiences….Be very careful, children are listening and watching!   Do we as a family pray together, worship together, and teach the little ones stories of Jesus?  Let us pray for our family and families of this world that they too may imitate Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in love and generosity.  Amen

 

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 3

GOSPEL OF LUKE

SCRIPTURE

LUKE 3:2-18

The Preaching of John the Baptist.

                                                                                                                              During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,* the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. He went throughout [the] whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:

A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, all shall see the salvation of God.”

John said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”

He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”  He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.  ”Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.  John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan* is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

REFLECTION

John’s baptism did not remove sin like our sacramental Baptism but it was a way for people to express their sorrow for their sins and fall on God’s mercy.  John’s call to “Prepare the way of the Lord” is a clarion call to all of us.

In order to receive Jesus into our hearts we must repent of our sins, detach ourselves from those things that prevent Jesus’ full entry into our hearts.

I am struck how John the Baptist called out those hypocrites that were coming for a get out of jail card but were not interested in changing their lifestyle. John told them first produce some good fruit.  Do we produce good fruit in our family?…in our parish?….in our work place?

John the Baptist warns the crowd, “Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire”

he Crowd then asks John what they must do.  John foreshadows The Judgment of Nations discourse Matthew 25 by giving examples of loving your neighbor and treating them with mercy and generosity.  Can we love that neighbor we can’t we really stand?  Praying for someone we consider our enemy can help.

The crowd begin to wonder if John is the Messiah.  No, John is not the Messiah but the Messiah  is coming soon.  The Messiah will come and separate the wheat from the chaff. At the Last Judgment He will, “gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. Are we ready for Jesus coming in this life and the next?

SCRIPTURE

LUKE 3: 21-22

The Baptism of Jesus.

 After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,* heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

REFLECTIONS

John the Baptist proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins….John’s baptism does not forgive sins but prepares the hearts of people to acknowledge their need for repentance  and readies them for God’s mercy that the Savior promises. .Jesus is that Savior that John the Baptist points to Behold the Lamb of God!

Jesus is that sacrificial lamb who will sacrifice himself for us that our sins may be forgiven. In the water of the Jordan, Jesus takes on the sins of the world… sin has no more dominion over mankind…Jesus became sin that we might become righteous. 2 Corinthians 5:21

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

Our sacramental Baptism is a cleansing of our sins, and infusion of sanctifying grace making us adopted sons and daughters of Our Father and heirs to heaven. All Christians are commissioned through their baptism to be other “Christs” in this world.  God calls us to conform to Christ and reject Satan and all his works and empty promises.

Not only are we washed in the waters of Baptism, we are anointed with the sacred chrism oil to be a holy priesthood. 1Peter 2:5. At the anointing of sacred chrism oil, the priest or deacon says these words, “ “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”

As the common priesthood of the laity we offer sacrifices, at Mass and in our personal life for others.  As prophet we bear witness in words and actions to Jesus being the Way the Truth and the Life. And as king we serve others especially those most in need.  We live “in this world but not of it.” We spread light in the dark spots by breathing in those nooks and crannies the spirit of love and mercy of Jesus Christ!

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 4

GOSPEL OF LUKE

SCRIPTURE

 LUKE 4:1-9

 the temptation of Jesus

JESUS IS TEMPTED BY SATAN IN THE DESERT

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread. Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.

Then the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.

*Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you and: with their hands they will support you lest you dash your foot against a stone. Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’”When the devil had finished every temptation,  he departed from him for a time.

 REFLECTIONS

Jesus prepares for his public ministry in prayer and fasting.  What preparations do we make to be faithful followers of Jesus and spread the Gospel?

While in the desert preparing, the accuser, that is what the name Satan means, comes to tempt Jesus.  So we should not be surprised even in our good works and prayer time if temptations come. Temptations are not sins.  Jesus does not sin.

Jesus wards off the tempter by quoting Scripture.  Do we have mantras from Scripture that can ward off temptation? “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” “Not my will but thy will be done!

 I find it interesting that this Scripture passage begins with Jesus being led into the desert by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil. What is that about?  Well besides being Divine, Jesus had human nature as well and it was in that human nature he would suffer his passion and death.  So he needed some toughening up so to speak.  God never tempts us to sin. He allows us to be tempted but never beyond our ability to resist.

The temptations Jesus faced are no different than our own, temptations of the flesh, Jesus was hungry after 40 days of fasting, famished, Temptations for worldly power.  Some do sell their souls to the devil for power.  Be careful dealing with the devil, you may join him for all eternity.

Finally the devil appeals to fame and fortune, the spectacular. Jesus should throw himself off the roof of the temple and everyone would see this Messiah flying down to greet them. It would have been an amazing spectacle. People would have immediately worshiped Him as their King. Jesus came to earth to serve not be served!

When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time. This last line of today’s passage at least suggests there may have been other temptations not recorded here.  The devil does not give up easily as witnessed in latest Church scandals.

If Satan can discredit Jesus’ Church, people will discredit/dismiss Jesus our Savior. All the way back in the early 70s Pope Paul VI said that the “smoke of Satan has entered through a crack into the Church.” Pray for Priests! Pray for each other! Satan may be a stumbling rock in the road, but let Jesus take your hand and lead you on your way!

I will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. Zechariah 13:8–9

SCRIPTURE

LUKE 4:17-30

JESUS READS FROM THE SCROLL OF ISAIAH

The Rejection at Nazareth

 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?”

He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’ And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.

Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.

Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

REFLECTIONS

Jesus is in his hometown of Nazareth.  He has been away for quite some time.  Perhaps you have gone back to your hometown after several years.  Do the people who recognize want to know about you now or only talk about is their memories when you were much different?

Jesus is asked to read from Scripture in the Synagogue. Jesus did not select the reading but was handed it by whoever was presiding. Do you think it was an accident that the selection was from Isaiah describing the Messiah?  Of course you don’t.  The Father has given Jesus another opportunity to reveal His true identity, and in His own home town.

As strong as the words of the Father, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Matthew 3:17 are Jesus words here. “Today this Scripture is fulfilled.”

At first the listeners were amazed at his gracious words then doubt set in, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” Jesus may be from a humble town, not revered by many, but has now confirmed He is long awaited Messiah, King of Israel.

As God, Jesus could see into their hearts, their doubts, their need for proof so He addresses them, you want me to do what I have done in Capernaum. No miracles will be worked here.  Faith is lacking.  To support this position Jesus quotes Scripture stories again of how Elijah attended to a widow outside Israel I Kings 17:8 and Elisha only cured a leper outside of Israel. Luke 4:27

Those in the synagogue got very angry.  I guess they got the message they were as unfaithful as their ancestors.. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them… Jesus passed through their midst. It wasn’t His hour.

The Truth hurts sometimes but if we don’t tell the truth or seek the Truth, what then? Where will our lies, twisted consciences lead? Seek Jesus, the Life, the Truth, and the Way!

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 5

GOSPEL OF LUKE

SCRIPTURE

LUKE 5:1-15

The Call of Simon the Fisherman.

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”

Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking.

 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything* and followed him.

 REFLECTIONS

the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God

 Jesus is teaching the Word of God.  Jesus is the Word of God made flesh.  Are we as hungry and eager to hear the Word of God as those who press near Jesus?  Or are we content with just the readings we hear at Mass?  Dust off that Bible and to see and listen to the Word of God speaking to me and you.

Jesus teaches from a boat, the Ark of Salvation. As God told Noah and his household to go into the Ark of old for safety, Now Christ is welcoming us into the Bark of Peter. The Boat itself is a Symbol for the Church,,

The Boat holds the Apostles, and symbolically all of Christ’s Disciples. “The World is a Sea in which the Church, like a Ship, is beaten by the waves, but not submerged.  We, too, are doing God’s Work, fishing for People, in Peter’s Boat, the Church.

 After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”

“Duc in altum! (Put into the deep).  Pope St. John Paul II spoke on this subject of “putting out into the deep” often. John Paul II insisted that God is calling each of us to a deeper life – one full of meaning, purpose and joy. one needs to open one’s heart to the abundance of grace to allow the word of the Redeemer to act with all its power: ‘Duc in altum!’

What would it look like if we submitted our entire will to God? What kind of an impact would we have on the world? How fulfilling and peaceful would life become?

“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

Peter. an experienced fisherman, was reluctant at first but then in the presence of Jesus he said, but at your command I will lower the nets. When Peter saw the great number of fish, he was in awe and fell on his knees in adoration.  Peter knew only God controlled nature, fishes and the sea.  Peter was in the presence of someone very special.  How do we feel and react when we are in the presence of Jesus?  You know He is active in our lives and present in Word and Sacrament.  Are we reluctant at first to say, thy will be done?

Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.

I WILL MAKE YOU A FISHER OF MEN

We, too, at our Baptism are commissioned to be fishers of men.  As the age old saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. We must be that rising tide. No one gets to heaven by themselves. It takes a faith community. We cannot abandon the Church to the wolves within or without. We must sacrificially love her all the more as she undergoes this purification of love from the hands of her Founder, Jesus Christ.

This, after all, is Christ’s Church! There is no “plan B” through which He will save this world. He established one Church through which to continue His work until His return. His Church has undergone similar purifications and reform many times over the last two thousand years. Her hull may be battered but she is still the Ark of Salvation. “The gates of hell will not prevail against her”.

God’s plans are infinitely better than anything we can come up with ourselves. When we listen to God and act on His word, He will produce an abundant catch of souls.  This “catch” will come in an unexpected way at an unexpected time and will clearly be the work of God.

SCRIPTURE

 LUKE 5:27-32

CARRAVAGIO PAINTING OF CALL OF LEVI (MATTHEW)

 The Call of Levi.

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind,* he got up and followed him.  Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.

 The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

 REFLECTIONS

 The painting of Carravagio above shows in great detail the context of Matthew’s call in the custom house where taxes were collected for Rome on merchants who came to buy or sell in Israel. Religious leaders especially despised the tax collectors. They were considered unclean because of their contact with Romans When Jesus made friends with the tax collectors his ministry was immediately under suspect.

In the painting, Matthew and his companions were dressed in rich attire from their profiting but Jesus was in simple peasant clothing. Greed had filled the hearts of tax collectors to exploiting their own kin.  Let greed not turn our hearts.

Another interesting factoid is the hand of Jesus pointing to Matthew is a copy of Michaelangelo’ God the Father hand stretching to Adam in the creation of man.

As Adam is called into being so is Matthew.  When we are called by God, how do we respond?  I, also, found it interesting in the painting, Matthew pointing to himself.  It’s like are you sure you are asking me, a sinner, a publican, to join you.  Who me? Are you sure?

Jesus can reshape any pot of clay that is already formed.  Just let him in. It doesn’t matter how long we have been away from Him or maybe never gave a thought to Him.  Can we answer the call like Matthew, And leaving everything behind,* he got up and followed him!

 We don’t know exactly what happened in the intervening time when Matthew left with Jesus and Matthew holding a banquet in Jesus’ honor.  But we suspect the conversion was similar to St. Paul’s when he met Jesus and heard him.

God does not mince words and speaks with authority.  You have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to ignore Jesus once you really experience Jesus.  Do you just know about Jesus or have you embraced Him like Mary Magdalene? My yoke is easy and burden light!  Yoke yourself to Jesus, give it a try.  You won’t be disappointed!

Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners

To face down the religious leaders criticism, whose hearts are hardened,  Jesus explains how he can’t do anything for the self-righteous, that he came for sinners.  Well, put me in that sheepfold.  I want Jesus to come for me. It may be difficult to examine our consciences and face the Truth but it is better to enter that narrow gate then broadly go it on my own for all eternity. I did it My Way is the anthem of Hell!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, I am so sorry.  I am asking for your mercy right now.  Please forgive me for what I’ve done. I have a pain in my soul that needs to be mended.   Father, forgive me for not forgiving others.  Help me to practice love and respect.  With all my heart, I love and adore you and I am sorry for my selfish behavior.  Without your mercies and grace, I am nothing.  But with your forgiveness, I am whole again. Give me the strength to live a holy life.  I pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.