Blog - Still Roman Catholic After All These Years

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 16-17

SCRIPTURE LUKE 16:19-31

the parable of the rich man and lazarus

There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.

When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’

Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.

He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But 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.

REFLECTION

Dives, the rich man, has all the material goods, rich food, elegant clothes, luxury home, all the material goods wealth can provide. Meanwhile, Lazarus, a poor beggar, has nothing but sores on his body and dogs who come and lick his sores for company. Lazarus is right there every day at his begging post. He can’t be missed by the rich man. Don’t you think he would reach out to Lazarus? How are we when we encounter one in need?

rich man and poor man died one into bosom of Abraham one into torment….There is life here on earth and life hereafter in the world to come. Part of our Creed is I believe in Life Everlasting. I know there are those that deny the resurrection. Their message is still as old as Eat, Drink, and be Merry for tomorrow you shall die. Epicurean is a Greek philosophy founded around 300 BC. Seek pleasure and avoid pain at all costs.

Jesus Crucified could not mean very much to them. Jesus is our Savior and if we persevere in imitating Jesus we will join Him in His glorious resurrection. The bosom of Abraham or torment awaits us. Which will it be?

There is a great chasm between heaven and hell so the rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his family so they won’t end up in this place of torment. That is a nice sentiment but it is too late. All the warnings are already there in Moses and the prophets. But the rich man begs but if someone goes from the dead they will repent. Repentance is a good thing but we have a lifetime to repent that door closes at earthly death.

A nice irony to conclude the parable is when Abraham tells the rich man neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead. Of course he speaks of Jesus our risen Lord. How true is that even to this day! Even with the salvation story clearly laid out from Old to New Testament people choose to ignore at their own peril.

SCRIPTURE LUKE 17:1-4

temptations, sinning, forgiving

He said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur.t would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard!^*

If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.

“Temptation” by St. Louis Artist Larry Kozuszek 2017

Jigger tempts Billy Bigelow into robbery (Musical Carousel)

REFLECTION

In the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught us, there is a petition, lead us not into temptation. I always paused and grappled with it because something just didn’t seem right. God never tempts us. God allows temptation as a way to grow in grace and self-discovery…to teach us to know ourselves…to discover our evil inclinations and to give thanks for the graces that helped us avoid the sin that temptation has revealed to us.

Temptations are not sins but temptations can and often do lead to sin. I am asking God to keep me from temptations that I am particularly vulnerable and may likely result in my actually sinning. .

Jesus tells his disciples there are things in this world that can lead to sin but woe to one that causes another to sin. better a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin, Parents be particularly cautious to give good examples and most especially never, never, cause one of your little ones to sin.

Jesus also teaches that we have a duty to correct our brethren who is leading others into sin or teaching false doctrine rather than nod our head indicating whatever. Also, when someone sins against you, you must forgive. The Lord’s Prayer again, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

SCRIPTURE LUKE 17:7-10

attitude of a servant.of the lord

Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’?

Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.

REFLECTION

This Scripture at first read, for modern folks like us is kind of tough. We have been through slavery in our past and still remnants of racial/class discrimination. So we must go back to Jesus’ time and understand there were set societal rules of a household. Those who owned property and those who worked for them.

A servant or laborer was not necessarily mistreated but had a subordinate place. The servant’s role was well defined. So as the master of the house would say fix my dinner and when I am finished you sit down and eat even if he had been laboring in the field. The servant is provided lodging and wages and security for his family.

While most of us do not have servants today, Jesus’ final message rings true for us as well, So When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.

We too are unprofitable servants. All that we have, all that we possess has been given by God as gift.

What thanks, praise, do we return to such a great God! God needs us for nothing. We need God for everything!

SCRIPTURE LUKE 17:11-19

the cleansing of ten lepers.^*

As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met [him]. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us! And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”^*

As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God? Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.

REFLECTION

The lepers cried out, Jesus, Master! Have pity on us! And when Jesus saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests. Leprosy was not only an awful and painful disease, it separated lepers from their families and their worship in the temple,

Jesus could have done and said anything as we have seen with other miraculous cures. In this case instead of saying your faith has saved you, he chose to test their faith by asking them to go and show themselves to the priest and be received back into communion with God in worship.

One of them, on his way, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. Why just one? Well, isn’t it true today as well that we go about our agenda with hardly reflecting on God’s providence-God’s intervention in our lives? Let’s give thanks daily to the God who is all good and loves us even to death on the cross. God cares for us. Do we care for God!

There is also irony in this Scripture reading. The one returning leper is a Samaritan, a foreigner, not one of the chosen people. Jesus tells the Samaritan, Stand up and go; your faith has saved you. Here Jesus makes clear to us we can’t presume salvation just because we are Catholic or Christians, for that matter. As James puts it in his epistle, Faith without works is dead! Actions express our faith as the returning Samaritan demonstrates. Let us not only be hearers of the word but doers as well!

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 18

GOSPEL OF LUKE

SCRIPTURE 18:1-8

the parable of the persistent widow.

Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said,

There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary. For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

REFLECTION

We may not always get what we ask for in prayer but God hears every prayer. God knows you are dependent on Him to provide for your needs. You trust in Him to give you what you need. If you pray for yourself, God will provide. If you pray for others, God will provide. The key message here in this parable is don’t give up. God loves to hear from you. God is relational you know three persons in one God. You are His child and He loves when we acknowledge Him as Father.

God our Father is kind and merciful nothing like the judge in this parable who neither feared God nor respected any human being. Jesus closes with a question when Son of Man comes will he find faith on earth? Will we be found faithful? PRAY ALWAYS! Pray, Pray, Pray!

SCRIPTURE 18:9-14

the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector.

He then addressed this parable to those who are convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.

The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

REFLECTION

Jesus addresses this parable to those who make judgments on others. How are we in the judgment department? Do we shun some people? Do we write people off? We know what God has to say about that, Judge not less you be judged, the measure you measure to others will be measured to you.

Are we like that Pharisee boasting of our goodness? No one is good but God alone. Luke 18:18 Any good we do is by the grace of God. There we go but for the grace of God. Let us remember like the publican to prostrate ourselves before the Divine Mercy and say with the publican, O God, be merciful to me a sinner. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we confess our sins, receive absolution and grace to sin no more. Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

SCRIPTURE 18:18-30

the rich official.

An official asked him this question, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother.’ And he replied, “All of these I have observed from my youth.

When Jesus heard this he said to him, “There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when he heard this he became quite sad, for he was very rich.

Jesus looked at him [now sad] and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?

And he said, “What is impossible for human beings is possible for God.” Then Peter said, “We have given up our possessions and followed you.” He said to them, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive [back] an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.”

REFLECTION

A rich man came sincerely to Jesus to ask Him what he must do to be saved. The rich man asserts that he has kept the Law since his youth. Expecting to be rewarded, he is surprised at Jesus’ response, “There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Saddened, the rich official walked away for he was very rich.

Jesus wants more from us than just following the Law. He wants us in relationship with Him. Jesus became human that we might share in his divinity. Not by nature, but by adoption at our Baptism we become sons and daughters of God. How do we live that to the fullest on earth? By discarding our stuff and making Jesus number one. Jesus is the prize! Where your treasure is your hearts will be.

We say we all want to get to heaven to share in God’s divine life, why not start now? You don’t want to be a stranger at those pearly gates and hear, I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’” Luke 13:23-27

SCRIPTURE 18:35-43

the healing of the blind beggar.

Now as he approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David,^* have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”

Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

REFLECTION

A blind beggar sitting along the road heard a big commotion, crowds and shouting like some celebrity was passing by and he inquired what is going on since he couldn’t see. Maybe, he thought he could make his day’s wages from such a crowd but then he heard, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

This is reminiscent of Old Testament scripture. Moses asked to see the glory of God. Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth. Exodus 34:6.

People accompanying Jesus tried to silence the beggar. They should have known better. They were beggars also. We should never try to push someone aside in our own self-interest even when what we are seeking is something good. Be generous. Spread the Good News. Don’t keep it to ourselves.

The blind beggar cried out the louder, “Jesus, Son of David,^* have pity on me!” This stopped Jesus in his tracks. Faith will always get Jesus’ attention. Jesus asks that the beggar be brought to him and asks the beggar what he can do for him. Jesus already knows but wants the beggar to assert it just like Jesus wants to hear from us what we need. Be specific or ask Jesus to give you what you need if you can’t make up your mind.

The beggar replies, “Lord that I might see.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

The beggar did not go home to brag about seeing. He followed Jesus on the way and bore witness to others the Glory of God. Are we that kind of witness?

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 19

GOSPEL OF LUKE

SCRIPTURE 19:1-10

zacchaeus the tax collector

He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.

When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house. And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.

But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.”

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation^c has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

REFLECTION

As Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem to complete His mission from the Father, he passes through Jericho but something gets his attention…one more chance at conversion. He spies a small man in a tree who has a heart of a believer. “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Jesus affirms He has come for the salvation of everyone. Do we see others with the eyes of Jesus that all are children of God whether they appear lost or not? Do we pray daily for the conversion of sinners?

SCRIPTURE 19:36-40

the the ride to jerusalem

…As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord Peace in heaven and glory in the highest”. Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”

REFLECTION

As Jesus approaches the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem people begin to gather in praise, welcoming him with palm branches and throwing down their cloaks before Him. “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” But the Pharisees and other religious leaders rebuke Jesus for fear of the Romans and also the loss of their authority. Jesus answers them, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” Do we cry out in praise of Jesus our Savior and Lord despite the consequences?

SCRIPTURE 19:41-44

the lament for jerusalem.^*

As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

REFLECTION

On the Mount of Olives Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, for He knows what is coming…Because Jerusalem did not recognize the time of their visitation, they will be crushed, smashed to pieces, separated from their One true God and their light to the nations extinguished “I will also make you a light to the nations—. so that all the world may be saved.”. Isaiah 49:6

We are so fickle when it comes to Jesus. One day it is yes to Jesus and another day is please leave me to my own devices. Let’s not miss our time of “visitation.” Our “visitation” is each and every day, We embrace Jesus or reject Jesus for something else. Which will it be? We know the consequences of rejection, disaster, separation from God, and failure to witness to the Gospel.

SCRIPTURE 20:9-26

the parable of the tenant farmers.^*

Then he proceeded to tell the people this parable. “[A] man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and then went on a journey for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenant farmers to receive some of the produce of the vineyard. But they beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. So he proceeded to send another servant, but him also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed.

Then he proceeded to send a third, but this one too they wounded and threw out. The owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I shall send my beloved son; maybe they will respect him. But when the tenant farmers saw him they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him that the inheritance may become ours. So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

He will come and put those tenant farmers to death and turn over the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this, they exclaimed, “Let it not be so! But he looked at them and asked, “What then does this scripture passage mean: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ Everyone who falls on that stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls. The scribes and chief priests sought to lay their hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people, for they knew that he had addressed this parable to them.

REFLECTION

After the cleansing or the Temple area of idol worship, His enemies continue to plot against Him. Jesus preaches this parable of the tenants. The tenants in this parable are really all of us who are stewards of the kingdom, not the King.

In this parable Jesus gives a little history lesson to the religious leaders of the time about the prophets God sent before Him to preach conversion and repentance. We know their earthly lives did not end well.

Now God has sent His only Son. Well, the tenants didn’t like the prophets before Jesus, certainly if they kill God’s son that would send God a message, don’t mess with us anymore.

Jesus warns them to pay close attention and quotes Scripture to back it up, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Everyone who falls on that stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls. Psalm 118:22

Jesus is our cornerstone to build our lives on. To reject Jesus is to have the building of our lives fall upon us, crushing us in despair and disaster. “A wise man builds his house on rock not sand.” Matthew 7:24

GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTER 21

GOSPEL OF LUKE

END TIMES FORETOLD

SCRIPTURE LUKE 21:5-11

the destruction of the temple foretold.

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, all that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down….

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled.” (LK 21:20)

…Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’^* Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

REFLECTION

Jesus may be speaking of end times for Jerusalem or end times at the end of the world or both. It doesn’t matter. As long as we are right with God.

We will be lifted up into the glory of the Resurrection on the last day as long as we persevere in what Micah the prophet in God’s name foretold, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

SCRIPTURE LUKE 21:12-19

the coming persecution.

“Before all this happens,^* however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony.

You are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

REFLECTION

Before all the natural disasters come, Jesus warns His disciples they will be persecuted for following His Way, Truth, and Life. Can we expect anything less in this secular world of ours today that deems us the enemy to their sinful ways and their moral relativism that justifies sin in light of God’s holy commandments?

God’s ways and the world ways are in supernatural conflict. The devil with his minions roam about this world to see whom they can devour. All that stand in their way is Christ Crucified! It is no wonder that Satan invaded and infected Shepherds of the Church, what better way to mislead, misinform, and scandalize the flock. Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves! Matthew 7:15

Jesus tells His disciples though, “not a hair on your head will be destroyed, by your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Once again, our salvation rests in our perseverance. Let us be imitators of St. Paul,, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

SCRIPTURE LUKE 21:25-28

the coming of the son of man.

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens^* will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

REFLECTION

All the powers of heaven will be shaken, with the coming of the New Creation, the New Jerusalem. Lift up our heads high and give glory to the majesty of God and the glorious redemption of His Son Jesus, Savior and Lord, who comes to judge the living and the dead. Have mercy on us Lord for we are sinners and undeserving of such Love and Mercy. Save us Savior of the World!

THIS COMPLETES MY GOSPEL OF LUKE BLOG. CHAPTERS 22, 23, AND 24 OF LUKE’S GOSPEL ARE COVERED UNDER THE CATEGORY HOLY WEEK IN THE ARCHIVES ON THIS BLOG SITE TCB

ARE YOU SAVED? WHAT IS SALVATION?

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

GOD THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love God destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. EPHESIANS 1:3-10

INTRODUCTION

No one saves himself. Only by the mercy of God are we saved. Grace is a gift from God to the sinner and the righteous, earned for us by our Savior, Jesus Christ. “What is impossible for human beings is possible for God.” Luke 18:27

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

1989 The first work of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conversion…Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high.

1996 Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life.

Jesus is our Savior, revealed by the Father and foretold by the Prophets. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” GENESIS 3:15

The Law and Old Testament covenants are specifically fulfilled in Christ, Christ fulfills the law by offering himself in love for us. At his Last Supper, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” John 13:34

While Jesus is Savior of all, does that mean that all will be saved? Of course not! What if I refuse and reject Jesus and His commandments? Many Christians believe that they are saved by making one single act of faith at one single point in time in their lives. Nowhere does Scripture say such a thing. As Catholic Christians, we believe that salvation is a process which begins with our Baptism and continues throughout our lifetimes,

Jesus warns us, “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

Jesus is asked directly what one must do to have eternal life. “…young man asked, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” MATTHEW 19:16-17

Did Jesus say, accept me into your heart once and that’s it? No! Jesus said, “If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

COMMENTARY

For by grace you have been saved through gift of faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast. —Ephesians 2:8-9. Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification.

Sin is a debt. Jesus’s death dissolves the “debt” humanity owed to God. Atonement refers to “delivering a person from death by means of a payment, that is, a ransom.” Hebrews 8:5. Jesus pays the price. Jesus not only frees us from the debt of sin but also its consequences: “slavery to sin” Romans 6:6-7.

Salvation is not simply about being forgiven of our sins or escaping the fires of eternal damnation. It is, also about being united to God. To be saved is to be united to God in Christ and to be “conformed to the image of his Son” Romans 8:29

Salvation involves even more than just communion with God, in Christ. It also means union with all others who are united to Christ. Christ is now acting in the Mystical Body, the Church. What Jesus did in his personal body, he now does in his mystical body. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” Matthew 25:40.

“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? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. For, just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” James 2:14-26

To be in Christ is to be more than “forgiven;” it is to be elevated and transformed. Being saved means not living in sin; it means living as Jesus told us, “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” Matthew 5:48.

According to the biblical authors, saving faith also entails participation in Christ’s own suffering. Faith involves submitting to God’s will. Christ himself is the model of this; he was “obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8).

St. Paul writes, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” Colossians 1:24. St. Thomas Aquinas explains, this writing of St. Paul should not be misinterpreted that Christ’s passion was not sufficient for our redemption.

Instead, the passage indicates that Christ’s body, the Church, must participate in the work of her head, Christ himself. What is “lacking” according to Colossians 1:24 is not Christ’s sufferings on the cross, but the Church’s full participation in his redemptive work.

CONCLUSION

Then we will say with St. Paul, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, Which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day And not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. and persevered to the very end” 2 Timothy 4:7-9

KEEP OUR EYES ON THE PRIZE!

JESUS CHRIST!

THOUGT FOR THE DAY

HOW DO WE SPEND ALL ETERNITY FOREVER AND EVER WITH GOD IF WE DON’T SPEND TIME WITH GOD ON EARTH!

ARCHANGELS FEAST DAY ST. MICHAEL ST. GABRIEL ST, RAPHAEL

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

HAPPY FEAST DAY!

INTRODUCTION

Three Archangels are identified by name in Scripture, Saints Michael (Who is like God), Gabriel (The Power of God), and Raphael (God Heals.) Today, September 29 is their feast day. Angels are pure spirits, but sometimes may appear in human form to talk to us who are in human in nature of body and spirit.

MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:7-9

GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And 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 the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”… Luke 1:26-33

RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Tobit the father of Tobias was blinded by the droppings of a bird. Tobit and his son were righteous men in God’s eyes. Tobit wanted his son to marry Sarah. Tobias was hesitant because Sarah had already married seven husbands and they all died.

But Tobit and his son both trusted in God. Tobit because he was blind instructed Tobias to hire a guide to accompany him on the journey; so Tobias enlisted the assistance of Azariah, who was really the archangel Raphael in disguise

When Tobias and Azariah reached the Tigris River, Tobias stopped to wash. As he knelt on the bank, a great fish leapt out of the water and frightened him. Raphael instructed Tobias to seize the fish by the fins, kill it, and remove its heart, liver and gallbladder.

He revealed to Tobias that burning the heart and liver would drive away evil spirits, that possessed Sarah and that the gallbladder could cure blindness. So Tobias salted the organs to preserve them, and wrapped them safely for their journey.

“When the wedding celebration came to an end, Tobit called his son Tobiah and said to him, “Son, see to it that you pay his wages to the man who made the journey with you and give him a bonus too.” Tobiah said: “Father, how much shall I pay him? …He led me back safe and sound, healed my wife, brought the money back with me, and healed you. How much should I pay him?”….Raphael called the two of them aside privately and said to them: “Bless God and give him thanks before all the living for the good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name. Proclaim before all with due honor the deeds of God, do not be slack in thanking him. Tobit 12:1-6

CONCLUSION

Raphael has been called the Patron of Healing. also the patron of the blind, of nurses, of physicians and of travelers. Read the Book of Tobit. I believe you will enjoy another deliverance story of God’s people.

PRAYER TO THE ARCHANGELS

Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector; I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger.

Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News; I ask him to help me clearly hear Your voice and to teach me the truth.

Saint Raphael is the healing angel; I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to Your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery.

Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully the reality of the archangel and their desire to serve us. Holy angels, pray for us. Amen.

HELL EXISTS, THIS I KNOW, BECAUSE THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

1 Comment / CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

YOUR CHOICE

I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.

John 12:47

INTRODUCTION

Every Saturday morning a few of my friends meet to pray and talk about God. It is our own small group of faith formation. No one gets to heaven alone. We are made for community, the mystical body of Christ.

One day the subject of hell came up and we all remarked how little we hear about hell in our homilies at Mass. We range in age of 30s, 50s, 70s, and 80s. At any rate, a friend who grew up in the 50s like I did proclaimed how the preaching and teaching about hell by the good sisters kept him on the straight and narrow regards chastity through his teens and dating years.and still today thankful for that guard rail that kept him pure and connected to Jesus. “Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.”

A mortal sin separates us from God and there is nothing worse that can happen to any of us. Just imagine separated from our maker and creator, the one who loved us into existence for all eternity. The pain of permanent estrangement, alone, is worse than any bodily punishment. The thirst of longing for God that is implanted in our hearts never to be satisfied.

At Fatima, the Blessed Virgin Mary reminded the three children that many souls go to hell because they have no one to pray or make sacrifices for them. Sister Lucy later described this vision of hell in her memoirs. “We saw a vast sea of fire. Plunged in this fire, we saw the demons and the souls of the damned. The demons were distinguished from the souls of the damned by their terrifying and repellent likeness to frightful and unknown animals…

Mary told the children of Fatima they must add this prayer to the saying of the rosary for so many souls are in danger of going to hell. These souls must repent and turn their lives around before it is too late.

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, Save us from the fire of hell. Take all souls to heaven, especially those Who are most in need of thy mercy.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

1033 We cannot be united with God unless we freely choose to love him. We cannot love God if we sin gravely against him, against our neighbor or against ourselves…This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called “hell.”

1035 Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.” The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

1037 God predestines no one to go to hell…this, is our choice, a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS HAVE MERCY ON ME

WHAT SCRIPTURE HAS TO SAY ABOUT HELL

OLD TESTAMENT

The doctrine of hell is suggested in the Old Testament, but it is much more clearly revealed in the New Testament. Hell is not specifically stated in Old Testament but Judgment certainly is.

They shall go out and see the corpses of the people who rebelled against me; For there worm shall not die, their fire shall not be extinguished; and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh. Isaiah 66:24

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

NEW TESTAMENT

Our Lord Jesus Christ made frequent references to the activity and influence of Satan throughout His ministry, Jesus, himself, underwent the temptations and wiles of the devil in the desert after His Baptism in the Jordon.

Jesus says it is a place of eternal torment Luke 16:23, of unquenchable fire Mark 9:43, where the worm does not die Mark 9:48, where people will gnash their teeth in anguish and regret Matthew 13:42 and from which there is no return, even to warn loved ones Luke 16:19–31.

Matthew 7:13

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

John 15:6

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

CONCLUSION

God gave us free will but that does not mean we are free to sin. While human freedom is a good, human freedom is not in itself an absolute. We are not free to do evil. “The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to “the slavery of sin.” (CCC 1733)

Deny the Devil and Hell at your own risk! The devil loves denial of his existence. A vast majority of Catholics in America reject the Church teaching on the devil and hell. This is just fine with the devil! If the devil is rejected then it is easy to reject Jesus, our Savior, as well and His Father! Who needs a Savior or the Father who sent Him? If no Satan, who needs God! Let’s call a spade a spade, stop calling darkness light. “The devil is a liar and father of all lies.” John 8:44

If you feel that things are spinning out of control in our world and in our Church today, you’re right. Be assured, we have not arrived at this place in history by accident. There is an intelligent evil being behind all of this work. He is sometimes called Satan, bent on our destruction and the destruction of Jesus’ Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.

This evil has gone unchecked by faithful Catholics as well as the Church’s hierarchy for too long. When was the last time you heard a homily on Satan or hell? Why have most parishes dropped the prayer to St. Michael at the end of Mass as we prayed in the 50s and 60s? Are we not in danger anymore? Satan is laughing his fool head off at our stupidity. What a great con job. Are we suckers too?

We need to get on our knees and beg God to deliver us from the sinful evil of this current generation, and protect the Church Jesus founded, from infiltration of the devil! As Catholic Christians who are blessed with faith, sacraments, and Church teaching, we must lead the way by bearing witness to the truth every day, every place. “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” Luke 12:47-48

“Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:8

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, And do thou, O heavenly hosts, By the power of God, Thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits Who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

FEAST OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

INTRODUCTION

Today, the Feast of St. Bartholomew is my 80^th birthday, so much to be thankful, so many blessings. I thought about writing about my story but that would be a book and not a blog so I decided to blog about the Feast Day I was born on, Saint Bartholomew, Martyr, and Apostle.

BACKGROUND

Saint Bartholomew lived in the first century AD. His name means “son of Tolomai” Bartholomew is mentioned in the synoptic gospels and Acts as one of the twelve apostles. He was sometimes called Nathanael which is a Hebrew name meaning “God has given” Philipp was the one who introduced Nathaniel to Jesus John 1:43-51.

Bartholomew was born in Cana in Galilee. In each of the listings of the disciples, the names of Philip and Bartholomew are linked, which could mean they were good friends or even related. St. Bartholomew preached in India and Greater Armenia. He was martyred in Armenia where he was flayed and beheaded.

In art Bartholomew is most commonly depicted with a beard and curly hair at the time of his martyrdom. According to legends he was skinned alive and beheaded so is often depicted holding his flayed skin or the curved flensing knife with which he was skinned.

JOHN 1:44-51

The next day Jesus went into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Scriptural References

After Jesus called Philip to follow Him, Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” John 1:45

The names of the twelve apostles^* are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;….Matthew 10:2

After the Resurrection-Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons,^* and two others of his disciples. John 21:2

After the Ascension When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. Acts 1:13

REFLECTION

Come and see! This was Phillip’s call to his friend Nathanael. We too should reach out to bring others to Jesus and Jesus will do the rest. Jesus points out to the others that Nathanael is without deceit. He is who he is. He worships the true and living God without the duplicity and hypocrisy of the religious leaders of his time.

Jesus saw Nathanael under a fig tree before he met him in person. What is that about? Jesus is God, omniscient. He knows Nathanael through and through. This is a righteous man, clearly a son of Abraham probably reading Scriptures under the fig tree.

“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael/Bartholomew saw the attributes of divine omniscience and calls out, ““Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” I am struck that Nathanael is the first of the Apostles to call out Jesus’ Divinity!

EPILOGUE

A group of us have been meeting every Saturday for several years to share our faith and explore more deeply what it means to be a disciple of Christ. We call ourselves Pilgrims on the Way.

Here is a prayer we say: Dear Jesus, we are pilgrims on the way, you are the way, the truth, and Life. Help us to persevere on our journey home and bear witness to others so that all will be saved. In Jesus’ name we pray.

We pretty well have every generation covered. We are in our 30s, 50s, 70s, and 80s. I will share just a few of the topics we have covered lately that includes Church teaching, Modern Prophecy, Vatican II, and Scripture.

CHURCH TEACHING

BURIAL VS CREMATION

During the many long centuries when Christians buried their dead, most saw the world through a sacramental lens. They recognized that everything in creation was made by God, loved by God, and had something to tell us about God. They knew that what God made was holy!

Today we live in a world that primarily sees the body as one of two things: a burden or a barrier. People, today, see the body as a burden because it grows sick, it grows old, it dies. What did the body really matter, once it had outlived its usefulness?

The Church considers the burial of the dead one of the “corporal works of mercy,” and that burial both encourages prayers for the dead and is a perpetual reminder of the communion of the saints. Cremation is permitted by the Church but burial is the preferred way for Christians to care for their bodies after death,

Cremation may falsely teach people lessons about the body that are directly contrary to what the Church actually believes. Cremation may teach that the body is disposable– not an integral part of the human person; that the body has no value once the soul is gone; that body has run its course, and there will be nothing more No resurrection. No transformation. No glorification.

A REMARKABLE PROPHECY THAT RINGS TRUE TODAY

FRANCISCAN FATHER MICHAEL SCANLAN’S 1976 PROPHECY

Son of man, do you see that city going bankrupt? Are you willing to see all your cities going bankrupt? Are you willing to see the bankruptcy of the whole economic system you rely on now…?

Son of man, do you see the crime and lawlessness in your city streets, and towns, and institutions? Are you willing to see no law, no order, no protection for you except that which I myself will give you?

The Lord God says, “Hear My Word: What I have not accomplished by blessings and gifts, I will accomplish by judgment and purification. My people, My Church is desperately in need of this judgment. They have continued in an adulterous relationship with the spirit of the world.

They are not only infected with sin, but they teach sin, embrace sin, dismiss sin….Satan goes where he will and infects whom he will. He has free access throughout my people—and I will not stand for this….

So this time is now come upon all of you: a time of judgment and of purification. What has not been accomplished in the baptism and the flooding of gifts of my Spirit will be accomplished in a baptism of fire. The fire will move among you and it will burn out what is chaff….

SOUND FAMILIAR….GOD HAS TRIED TO GET OUR ATTENTION IN POSITIVE WAYS NOW MAYBE MOTHER NATURE WILL GET OUR ATTENTION BUT MAYBE NOT……

VATICAN II

DID VATICAN II FORBID LATIN, GREGORIAN CHANT, PIPE ORGANS, AND AD ORIENTEM WORSHIP IN THE MASS?

No, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, did not forbid any of these things. .On the contrary, it preserved Latin as the official language of the Latin rite.

The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.

In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.

It said nothing about liturgical orientation—that is, whether the priest celebrates the Mass ad orientem (facing the altar) or versus populum (facing the people).

SACRAMENTAL ABUSES DURING THE PANDEMIC

A woman takes pre-packaged Holy Communion out of Pax Christi parish

and consumes it in her car

INSTRUCTIONS AT PAX CHRISTI PARISH To minimize points of contact the ushers will dismiss you to receive Holy Communion at the rear of the worship space starting from the back of the church. In each section you will be directed to leave through the closest exit. The consecrated Communion hosts will be in individual packets on tables at the exit points. Take only one packet per person “

As you leave the worship space please do not linger around. Proceed directly to your vehicle and maintain a safe social distance of 6 to 10 feet keeping your mask on until you are in your car. Once you’re in your vehicle you may consume the host,”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

St. Paul views the transfiguration of Moses’ face and the trans figuration of Christ’s face as a sign of the transformation God wants to bring about in all our lives.

“And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another…2 Corinthians 3:18

Through Christ’s transforming grace, we are called to live in a way that reflects the glory of God here on earth.

GOSPEL OF MARK CHAPTER 1-2

GOSPEL OF MARK

GOSPEL OF MARK

Mark is one of the three Synoptic Gospels. Matthew and Luke are the other two. They are called Synoptic because they mirror one another with similar narratives. The Gospel of Mark was probably the first Gospel to be written around AD 55-65. John Mark is the author of this Gospel. It is believed that he was the attendant and writer for the Apostle Peter.

An extremely important theme in Mark’s gospel is discipleship. Disciples in the ancient world would seek out a teacher or rabbi and “follow” or “come after” him. Discipleship involved not only learning from the teacher, but developing a personal relationship with him.

Mark records more miracles of Christ than any of the other Gospels. Jesus proves his divinity in Mark by the demonstration of miracles. An overriding theme of the Gospel of Mark is that Jesus came to serve. Jesus gave his life in service to mankind. And Jesus expects the same from His disciples.

SCRIPTURE

MARK 1:4-11

The Preaching of John the Baptist.

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey.

And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

REFLECTION

John was out in the desert, a voice crying in the wilderness, repent, be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. While John’s baptism could not literally forgive sins it called attention to the need for repentance and change of life style. John foretold the one who would come after him, Jesus. “This one is mightier and will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

It is amazing to me that people came from all over to repent of their sins even into the wilderness. Way back when they recognized the burden their sins carried. Today sin is almost ignored entirely, placed aside, excused and not called sin at all.

Do we carry a heavy burden of sin? Are we reconciled with God and our neighbor? We don’t have to go into the wilderness to repent of our sins and have them forgiven. Our parish priest sits mostly alone in the confessional waiting to absolve us of our sins in the name of Jesus. “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” WOW! Sins forgiven, burden lifted, free at last!

Jesus asked John to baptize Him, what is that about? Jesus has no sins to be forgiven. Jesus, human and Divine, was setting an example for us. We are in need of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Jesus came to serve humanity and show us the Way. How is he rewarded by His Father?

The heavens opened, the Holy Spirit that convicts us of our sins appears and a voice from the Father in heaven proclaims, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” It reminds me of a time in visiting Rome, I went to confession at St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica and when leaving the confessional I heard the most beautiful singing and I looked around and there was no choir or anyone else singing….

SCRIPTURE

MARK 1:40-45

The Cleansing of a Leper

A leper came to him [and kneeling down] begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

“I do will it. Be made clean”

REFLECTION

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”

This leper shows both reverence and faith. Do we approach Jesus humbly, acknowledging He is God and anything is possible with God? Do we accept that it is up to God to grant our request, not my will, but His?

It took a lot of courage for that leper to approach Jesus. Lepers were outcasts, unclean, separated from society as a whole, even from worshiping God in the temple.

Jesus does not stop with appearances but sees a man who believes in God, is dependent on God, and not afraid to make requests of God, a loving Father. Do we sometimes fear God and thus separate ourselves even further away. Stupid, isn’t it! God is both the reason for our being and the one who perfects us to be the man or woman He has created that we may be reunited with Him in heaven forever and ever. Fear is the devil’s tool to separate us from our heavenly Father who loves us more than we can know but the crucifix gives us an idea.

Jesus replied to the leper, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Jesus has cleansed the leper physically and spiritually but then warns the leper not to tell anyone. What is that all about? Most of us boast of our talents or remarkable deeds. Of course Jesus has no reason to boast. He is God after all. Jesus’ public ministry has not been fulfilled yet. He doesn’t want to stir up his religious opponents too soon. His hour had not yet come.

Of course the leper was a blabber mouth and told everyone the marvelous deed that Jesus had done for him. Jesus remained outside the cities in deserted places but people came to him there. Makes me wonder why we don’t flock to our parish churches. Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. We don’t have travel into a wilderness to find Jesus. Think about it!

SCRIPTURE

MARK 2:1-12The Healing of a Paralytic

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home.^* Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way?^* He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?

Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”—he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Child, your sins are forgiven

REFLECTION

When Jesus returned to his home in Capernaum, the crowd was so great that no more could fit inside or even get close to Jesus. Some enterprising friends of a paralytic were undaunted though, and cut a hole in the roof of the house.

As far as I know Jesus lived with Peter in Capernaum. I have always wondered about Peter’s expression and reaction to this intrusion. But I guess Peter’s faith in Jesus extended to any set of circumstances

I marvel too at the faith and persistence of these friends that knew if they could get this paralytic to Jesus all would be well. Do we have that kind of faith and persistence? “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” John 16:24.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven” I find it interesting that Mark says when Jesus saw their faith. The paralytic may have requested to be brought to Jesus, or maybe his friends did it on their own. We don’t know. But the use of “their” reminds me how interconnected the Mystical Body of Christ and what we can do for one another.

“Who but God can forgive sins?” The scribes got that part right but then accused the Son of God, the Messiah, right in front of them of blaspheming! Do we ever miss God as badly as these scribes in daily encounters and experiences? Are we too quick to judge others? or write others off…through what lens do we see others?

SCRIPTURE

MARK 2:13-17

The Call of Levi (Matthew)

Once again he went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by,^* he saw Levi, son of Alpheus, sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

While Jesus was at table in Levi’s (Matthew) house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?

Jesus heard this and said to them [that], “Those who are well do not need a physician,^* but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

“Follow me.”

REFLECTION

First let me settle some confusion that may arise. Is this tax collector Levi or Matthew? Matthew and Levi are the same person. Matthew is the Greek name and Levi was the Hebrew name. As a tax collector, Matthew worked for Greek-speaking Romans. He gathered taxes from Hebrew-speaking Jews.

I love this painting above by Caravaggio, so much in fact that I have it hanging in my office. Jesus has called me along with the rest of us to service and to spread the Good News. It reminds me each evening to check, have I been doing my discipleship this day.

It also reminds me of the Prophet Isaiah, Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Am I really ready to volunteer for anything God asks of me.???

“Many all called but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 Many people hear the call of God through His revelation in creation, through the conscience, and the preaching of the Word. But only the “few” will respond. Jesus said many times, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” Matthew 11:15 The point is that everyone has ears, but only a few are listening and responding. The “many” hear, but there is no interest or there is outright antagonism toward God.

“Follow me!” And he got up and followed him. Now I like the touch in Caravaggio’s painting, where it looks like Matthew is saying who me or are you pointing to me, Lord, don’t you know who I am, a tax collector, a cheat, betrayer of my people. Jesus can use anything and anybody for the good.

“Those who are well do not need a physician,^* but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” How lucky are we because we are all sinners. Jesus came for us that we may know the love and mercy of the Father. No one forces us to accept the love of the Father. But let us respond with a resounding YES!

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY FRIEND MICHAEL HORN BLOG

Atop Tabor: A Short Piece on The Transfiguration of the Lord – Echoes in Eternity

GOSPEL OF MARK CHAPTERS 3-4

1 Comment / GOSPEL OF MARK

SCRIPTURE

MARK 3:23-30

the unpardonable sin

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,”^* and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit^* will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin. ”For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

WHOEVER BLASPHEMES AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT

WILL NEVER RECEIVE FORGIVENESS

REFLECTION

This Scripture reading begins with Jesus being falsely accused then he summons them which means for me he told these misguided leaders to pay attention. Jesus teaches with authority, remember, and sometimes like with students it is hard for a Teacher to get across to students what they need to know. Jesus points out in parable it makes no sense if I was the devil casting out devils.

This makes me think of division in our Church and in our Country. A tool of the devil is division, generate fear of other, separate us from each other, and separate us from God. When we have “fear” and “doubt” be wary of the devil. God is a God of Peace. Be Not Afraid. God is a God of unity. That all may be one.

Because these scribes accused Jesus of having an unclean spirit they have committed the unpardonable sin. They have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. These scribes rejected the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to acknowledge Jesus as God.

Jesus stood right before them and they accused Him of being the devil instead of the Son of God. “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin” Mark 3:29

The only unpardonable sin for us too, today is that of continued unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in his rejection of Christ. The Holy Spirit is at work in the world, convicting the unsaved of sin, righteousness, and judgment John 16:8

SCRIPTURE

MARK 3:31-34

who are my brothers and sisters?

His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers^* and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

HERE ARE MY MOTHER AND BROTHERS

REFLECTION

We don’t know for sure why his mother and other relatives) came to see him. Jesus had no brothers or sisters, a common term for any relative. Maybe they missed him. Maybe they were worried about him. Maybe they just liked to hear him preach. At any rate the crowd wanted to call attention to his Mother and relatives that were seeking him, acceptable hospitality on the part of the crowd, but Jesus had a response no one anticipated.

Jesus said to those seated around Him that they were His mother and brothers! Why because they were doing the will of God in choosing Jesus, the Word of God. Nothing is more important than the will of God including family members. Yes we must choose God over family members, if necessary, and that may complicate things but is a family member worth separating from God.

Reminds me of the Martha and Mary story. Jesus was not criticizing Martha when she asked him to tell her sister to help with preparations for the meal. The Lord said in gentle manner, Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” So many things we obsess about but only one necessary thing, How are we and God doing?

SCRIPTURE

MARK 4:26-34

Jesus describes kingdom of heaven in a parable

He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed^j on the land

and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how

Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

THE SPIRIT BLOWS WHERE IT WILLS

REFLECTION

We don’t have to wait for the next life to share in the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom grows here on earth by the seeds that are sown by the Holy Spirit and the faith we share with others. It grows and grows into a great Mystical Body of Christ. Christ is the head and we are the body. Heaven is a sharing in the divine life of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Why wait! Begin now to share in the Divine Life through faith in Jesus.

The Sower that sows the seed knows not how it grows and comes to harvest. Just like we don’t know how our prayers and good deeds affect others. So let’s get busy and flinging those good seeds about and where they land nobody knows but God knows. The Spirit moves where it wills. “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

SCRIPTURE

MARK 4:35-41

be still and know I am God

On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”^* The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD

REFLECTION

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Did Jesus care, of course He did but he knew they weren’t going to perish. Isn’t it something how God knows more than we do. Jesus spent a good amount of time with his disciples, telling them not to be afraid. Why was that? Because the only thing to fear is separation from God. To demonstrate that, Jesus performed another miracle hoping they would get it this time. Jesus stood His ground, ““Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Just to check out whether his apostles got it yet, He asked, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith? I put emphasis on the word yet. How long is it going to take? How long is it going to take for us?

How is going on our own, depending just on yourself? We know we are going to suffer. Is it better to complain and shake our fists at the world or to welcome Jesus into our every experience? God never gives us more than we can handle if we are united to Him. Go it alone? Go with God?

They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”Do we know the answer? Are we still filled with awe like children when God intercedes in our experiences!

I deliberately chose a modern version of a picture of Jesus calming the sea to remind us that same Jesus, that same God today, will calm our turbulence if we only ask as we make our way to the safe harbor of heaven.