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FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH MARCH 19

INTRODUCTION

This Feast day of St. Joseph can give us hope in this trying time of uncertainty, divisions in our own country and in our Church.

St. Joseph had to deal with a pregnant wife who was carrying someone else’s baby. When it was time for his wife to give birth he could not find an inn but was forced into a shelter for animals.

When Herod threatened their infant son. Joseph and the Holy Family had to flee in total uncertainty to a foreign land. Joseph had to trust in God that he and his family would be cared for. After Herod’s death Joseph safely returned Mary and Jesus to Nazareth. Matthew 2:13-16

JOSEPH, FOSTER FATHER OF JESUS

St. Joseph was a faithful practicing Jewish man from the line of David. He lived in the small village of Nazareth and served as the town carpenter. The Bible pays Joseph the highest compliment by calling him a “just man.”

By saying Joseph was “just,” the Bible means that he was one who was completely open to all that God wanted him to do. Joseph, betrothed to Mary, faced with Mary pregnant during engagement period and not by him had to hurt him severely.

Joseph didn’t want to take it out on Mary by subjecting her to charge of adultery. Joseph planned to do this “quietly” because he was “a righteous man, unwilling to expose her to shame” Matthew 1:19. (Mercy vs Judgment)

PATRON SAINT OF A HAPPY DEATH

We do not know when Joseph died but there is no mention of him during Jesus public ministry

Is it any wonder that the Church had declared Joseph the patron saint of a happy death? Joseph died in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Jesus and His mother Mary were not only supporters and consolers who supported Joseph’s frail body, but also provided powerful, soothing graces that refreshed the heart and soul of the dying Saint. St. Joseph can help us at our time of death by reminding us not to fear death but to rest in the arms and support of the Holy Family!

PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH

O glorious St. Joseph, Saint of the workbench, skilled and trusted craftsman…Cheerfully toiling side by side with Jesus, Teach us to value lives of hidden splendor.

We implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining for us from your Divine son all spiritual blessings, particularly the grace of a happy death.

O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen.

SAINT JOSEPH PRAY FOR US

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND COME FOLLOW ME

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.”

He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised…

If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. LUKE 9:18-27

REFLECTION:

.Who do I say Jesus is?…This will make all the difference in my relationship and life choices….

Most do not and will not understand Jesus’ suffering. What is my understanding? …

whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it… the path to glory and to life is the way of the cross… How so?

following Jesus means dying…dying to myself…offering myself up for others… am I striving to be a disciple of Jesus…How so?

if I refuse to follow Jesus…then what… What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?…

SILENT PRAYER

SUMMARY

We have walked along the path with Jesus in towns such as Cana, Capernaum, Bethany, and Jerusalem, along the Sea of Tiberius, and Mount of Olives. He has preached in synagogues, on mountains, and in the plain He has fed the hungry, quenched the thirsty, healed the blind and those afflicted, forgiven sins and admonished sinners. He has touched and healed. Those who seek have found peace and wholeness.

He is meek and humble of heart. A bruised reed, he does not stir. Before his ignominious execution at the hands of this world, He is glorified on Mount Tabor. He shares this glimpse of glory of what is to come with a few of his disciples that they might believe the Son of God will vanquish sin and death and reside at the right hand of the Father for all eternity.

I WILL FOLLOW YOU!

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.

Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. JOHN 15:13-20

ASH WEDNESDAY “REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE DUST, AND TO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN”

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

On Ash Wednesday, March 5, when ashes are placed on our forehead, we might hear either “Remember yo u are dust and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Like Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, and His own Son, God calls us out into the desert of Lent to test us to see where our hearts are… (Deuteronomy 8:2) God speaks to us in the silence of our hearts. Our world is full of noise, distraction and spectacle. This Lent, find time each day for quiet….Give God a chance!

.In MATTHEW 5:48 Jesus teaches how to observe Lent by prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Fasting humbles us, reminds us who we are and our dependence on God. When we fast from our favorite foods and drinks, we create more space in our hearts for God….hear his voice, notice his goodness and beauty.

Prayer must always be a part of fasting. Pray for the grace to fast. Pray that your fast will be effective. Pray that your fast will move mountains in your life and the lives of others. Fast for yourself, for others, and the Poor Souls in Purgatory.

What will your Lenten resolutions be? There are things you might do (commission) acts of charity such as donations to food banks, clothing drives, visiting the sick, work on reconciling family disputes, praying for the Souls in Purgatory, adoration visits to Blessed Sacrament, attending a weekday Mass …

And then there are things you may refrain from doing (omission) such as: talking bad about someone, refrain from seeking attention or praise, don’t watch your favorite TV show or eat your favorite snack….

Join your sacrificial offering to Jesus in reparation for sin and the salvation of the world,

Lent is the perfect time to clean the slate, wash the soul through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This Sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, on the evening of his resurrection.

Peace be with you…Jesus breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven. For those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'” (John 20:19-35)

The sacramental sign are the words of absolution, “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Our sins are forgiven and sanctifying grace is conferred. We are made ready to go home to the Father

RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

WHOSE SINS YOU FORGIVE ARE FORGIVEN

May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” 2 Corinthians 6:2

Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in His word, in His sacraments and in our neighbor. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need. Then we will be able to experience and share in the full joy of Easter.

REPENT AND BE SAVED!

GOD OF JUSTICE AND MERCY

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

MOST HOLY TRINITY

FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

INTRODUCTION

Many get stuck in their Bible reading because of the Old Testament. Some may find the God they read about in Old Testament is not the kind of God they are looking for.

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. a God of Justice and Mercy

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

GENESIS 3:8-16

“…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 Justice separates man from His kingdom but in His Mercy, promises a Savior that will crush evil and reunite us into God’s Divine Life.

At our Baptism, Original Sin is removed and (if adult) any other personal sins. Infused with Divine life we become heirs of heaven, brothers and sisters of Christ.

COMMENTARY

The Old Testament is filled with blessings and curses. Man falls again and again, yet God in His Mercy remains faithful, calling man to repentance and reunion with Him.

THE GREAT FLOOD

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.

Death was a result of man separating himself from God (ORIGINAL SIN). We inherit death in our human nature from our first parents Adam and Eve. In the ancient world life expectancy was very low.

God, in his righteousness sometimes uses death as a punishment to restore the order of justice. 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

REFLECTION

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father…John 14:9

Jesus says to Phillip and to us Who sees me sees the Father!

We cry out for justice here and now on earth. But our expectations are seldom met in this life. Unlike earthly justice, God will bring all things together in his perfect justice in end times.

God provides time for the wicked to repent and obtain salvation. I give thanks every day for God’s unlimited patience and mercy. God is a Just God. The time God allows between now and the final judgment gives us an opportunity to become a recipient of his Mercy through rather than a target for his judgment

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 should be. We see that God is not only transcendent, but a God who intervenes in our history.

We see Divine Providence, creating a nation, Israel, to be a call, a light to all nations to worship the one true God. How is Divine Providence working in my life?

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good,

His mercy endures forever.”

Psalm 107

THE BEATITUDES A LENTEN MEDITATION

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Lent is the liturgical season that mirrors the forty days Jesus spent in the desert preparing for His public ministry. As we prepare for the Lenten season, beginning with Ash Wednesday March 5, we gather many materials together for our Spiritual Reading and reflection. One of the best and most reliable set of meditations are the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

SERMON ON THE MOUNT

MATTHEW 5:1-12

When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you, because of me, Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

COMMENTARY

We will now look at each Beatitude as they bring us closer to imitation of Christ.

“Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Was Jesus saying the economically poor were blessed? No! The poor can be just as greedy and envious and proud as any other sinner. Jesus is speaking of the poor in spirit who understand their human nature vs God’s divine nature and accept all they have comes from God in blessings.

“Blessed are the Meek for they shall possess the earth.” The word meek comes from the Greek word which refers to a strong but domesticated animal like a powerful horse or ox. A meek person is a strong disciplined person. A meek person proclaims not my will but thy will be done. Obedience to the will of God brings us peace in this world and the next.:

.“Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Mourning in this beatitude is not mourning financial loss, loneliness, divorce, or even the loss of a loved one. Faithful Christians mourn because they have sinned, dishonoring God and breaking communion with the Body of Christ. Mourning our sinfulness creates in us a desire to repent and follow the Gospel.

.“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.” Righteousness refers to what is upright, virtuous, noble, and morally right. To be righteous is to choose to act according to God’s will in every way.

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” The merciful are tenderhearted. They go out of their way, without judging, to help those in need. God shows us mercy when we are miserable and powerless in our sinfulness. Blessed be God and Father of all mercy who comforts us in our tribulations so that we may be able to comfort others in the manner we are comforted by God. “

“Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.” Everything impure comes from our hearts. For from within the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, greed, lust, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.” Mark 7:14–15; 21–23. We must attend to our hardness of heart to root out evil and convert.

“Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God.” Peacemakers are not only those with great love for God but for all mankind as well. They love, desire, and delight in God’s peace. They want to preserve peace and restore it when it is broken.

“Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’s sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Persecution in our time may not be bloody but may come verbally in the form of ridicule and mocking, Our kingdom is not of this world! “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate” 1 Corinthians 4:12–13

REFLECTION

are the Beatitudes active in my life?

Do I offer kind words of encouragement to those suffering from affliction of mind and spirit?

Am I merciful to others or does rash judgment get in my way?

Do I proclaim courageously and vigorously the Words of the Gospel or do I cower and compromise… into the culture and trends of this world…

Is my heart detached from false idols…

does my heart seek the kingdom of heaven first and foremost?

PRAYER

Merciful Father, Help us to be among the poor in spirit; to be among those who mourn for all that’s wrong and broken in this world; Help us to be among the meek, the merciful, to be a true friend to those who are hated, misunderstood, rejected, and disregarded … Help us to be peacemakers… to build bridges to restoration and reconciliation with family, friends, and the world at large. In Jesus name, we pray!

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

After Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan, He was led by the Spirit into the desert to prepare for his public ministry. There He fasted and prayed for 40 days. During this time, his faith was tested by the Evil One. Jesus was tempted by Satan with the usual temptations that we all face, to choose riches, power, self over God and others.

Lent begins March 5 Ash Wednesday and is the perfect time to clean the slate, wash the soul through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacramental sign of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are the words of absolution through which forgiveness of our sins and distinctive graces of sanctification are conferred.

RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

This Sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, on the evening of his resurrection. “In the evening of the same day…Jesus came and stood among them…Peace be with you…. As the Father sent me…so I am sending you…Jesus breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven. For those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'” (John 20:19-35)

God the Father of mercy awaits our return home as illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11) Today, the Church Jesus founded is the custodian of conversion, forgiveness of sins, absolution and reconciliation. This is God’s will that none be lost.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives his disciples three spiritual exercises—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—as antidotes to “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” 1 John 2:16

If Adam and Eve had fasted from the tree of good and evil they would have never lost paradise and intimacy with God. Indeed, if we find it easy to indulge ourselves in food, then it is much easier for us to indulge ourselves in other “appetites” of the flesh as well.

Fasting brings the appetites of our flesh under control. By denying ourselves food, we help strengthen our wills in conquering sinful addictions.. Fasting reminds us who we are and our dependence on God. Fasting is a spiritual remedy for “the lust of the flesh

Almsgiving is a spiritual remedy for the disordered desire for possessions (“the lust of the eyes”) Almsgiving is not optional for salvation. Jesus does not say in Matthew 6, “If you give alms…” but “When you give alms…” Jesus assumes that “almsgiving” or “acts of mercy” will be a regular part of the spiritual life of his followers.

Jesus clearly teaches that giving to the poor is necessary for salvation. Nowhere is this clearer than in his famous Parable of the Sheep and the Goats Matthew 25:31–46. This parable shows the absolute necessity of almsgiving for salvation. “Whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did to me.”

We need, after all, every reminder we can get that God is the one in charge. We are in need of his mercy. We must deny ourselves if we are to choose God on a regular basis! Fasting is an important element of the cleansing process. It humbles us. It causes us to acknowledge our needs, go way beyond the needs of the flesh, and reminds us who we are and our dependence on God. Fasting brings the appetites of our flesh under control.

What will our Lenten resolutions be? There are things we might do (commission) acts of charity such as donations to food banks, clothing drives, visiting the sick, work on reconciling family disputes, praying for the Souls in Purgatory, or attending Mass one day during the week. and things we may refrain from doing (omission)

There are things you may refrain from such as: talking bad about someone, watching your favorite TV shows, refrain from seeking attention or praise, refrain from dwelling on your real or perceived wounds.

Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbor. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.

RECEIVE THE MIGRANT: SHELTER THE HOMELESS

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

JESUS MARY AND JOSEPH FLIGHT INTO EYGPT

JESUS WAS A MIGRANT

Immigration is a hot button issue in our country today. Today,there are some people who seem to be against all immigration. But the truth is almost all of us except Native Americans are the descendants of immigrants!

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born homeless. (Mt.8:20) He who created the world became a homeless person depending on the kindness of strangers. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were themselves refugees fleeing into Egypt to avoid Herod’s massacre of newly born children.

“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 once he began his public ministry; and was buried in another man’s tomb.

Where are we on welcoming the refugee? And how about our treatment of the homeless despite the reasons for their homelessness. God loves the homeless! .

The Catholic Church in the United States is an immigrant Church with a long history of embracing newcomers regardless of origin, race or religion. Our Church has responded to Christ’s call for us to “welcome the stranger among us,” for in this encounter with the immigrant and the refugee in our midst, we encounter Christ.

CORPORAL WORK OF MERCY

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise.

CCC 2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor…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.

I asked my oldest daughter who has some experience of working with the homeless hwhat supplies shelters needed, she replied, “new socks, gently used blankets, comforters, coats, hats, gloves will always be in high repeat demand— once these items become wet and soiled— our homeless have no way to dry them.. clean, dry supplies always needed.”

REFLECTION

For many of us, the line between our homes and being homeless is a thin one that can disappear with the death of a spouse, the loss of a job or an illness. This corporal work of mercy forces us to open our eyes to the misery of those who, for a variety of reasons, have no place they can call home.

Welcome the immigrant in your neighborhood; speak kindly to that homeless man or woman who you pass and offering a sandwich or buying them a meal. “Whatever you do to the least of these brethren , you do to me!”

Homelessness is invasive and may be found at our doorstep. Let us not ignore it and walk over like the rich man, Dives, in the parable who ignored Lazarus the begger. We often show more empathy for stray dogs or cats than human beings. Pro-Life is more than anti-abortion! Let’s give the same fervor to those already born!

LUKE 16

Jesus comes to us in disguises. Remember his last judgment discourse in Matthew 23, “Whatever you do to one of these least of my brethren, you do to me.”

POSTSCRIPT

MOTHER TERESA

DO IT ANYWAY!

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

At the hour of death when we come face-to-face with God, we are going to be judged on love; not how much we have done, but how much love we put into the doing.

CARE FOR THE DYING PALLATIVE CARE VS EUTHANASIA

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

“God’s love requires that we give our best

to each and every one of our brothers and sisters,

even those who are in the final stage of their life. “

Pope Francis REGINA CAELI address May 6, 2018 Vatican City

EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia, called by the secular state euphemistically “Death with Dignity” is always immoral.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church 2277 states it this way, Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES

DEATH WITH DIGNITY (STATE OF OREGON)

I, __________ am an adult of sound mind. I am suffering from_________________ which my attending/prescribing physician has determined is a terminal disease and which has been medically confirmed by a consulting physician. I have been fully informed of: my diagnosis; prognosis…. I request that my attending/prescribing physician prescribe medication that will end my life in a humane and dignified manner

EXAMPLE OF CATHOLIC DIRECTIVE REGARDING MY HEALTH CARE

My Catholic faith teaches that all human life is a precious gift from God from the first moment of conception to the moment of natural death, therefore, I oppose any action or inaction that is intended to cause my death.

I always wish to receive basic care, which will allow me to be most comfortable including food, water, and pain control. I wish to receive medical care and treatment appropriate to my condition as long as it is useful and offers a reasonable hope of benefit and is not excessively burdensome to me,

If my death from a terminal illness is imminent, I wish to refuse treatment that would only secure a precarious and burdensome prolongation of my life. I wish to be attended by a Catholic priest, receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum.

PALLIATIVE CARE

Effective palliative care allows patients to devote their attention to the unfinished business of their lives, to arrive at a sense of peace with God, with loved ones, and with themselves.

“Suffering is part of human existence from birth until death, and every human person suffers in a variety of ways: physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Suffering in one form or another accompanies each of us every day. It is an inescapable feature of human existence”…The suffering of Christ leads to his glory; so, too, does the suffering of Christians”. SAINT JOHN PAUL

Physical pain can cause depression, anxiety, and may negatively affect relationships. Catholic moral teaching accepts that although pain management can relieve physical suffering, it can also result in the patient’s loss of consciousness. If unconsciousness or a shortened life is not the intention of the pain medication, administering high doses is morally permissible.

When death is imminent, food and water are unnecessary and may even add to the person’s suffering. “nutrition and hydration should be considered, in principle, ordinary and proportionate, and as such morally obligatory, insofar as and until it is seen to have attained its proper finality, providing nutrition and hydration is not always prudent.” SAINT JOHN PAUL

If a medical treatment is physically painful, unlikely to be successful, is experimental, has severe side effects, causes a financial burden, or is psychologically difficult, it is deemed extraordinary and there is no moral obligation to accept it. Patients and their families are not obligated to undergo extraordinary means… treatments where the burden outweighs the benefit.

Our hope and prayer is that when we grow old or sick that we be surrounded by people who care and respect each and every human life.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH

PRAY FOR ME AT THE HOUR OF MY DEATH!

CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE FEAST DAY JANUARY 25

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

SAUL, SAUL, WHY DO YOU PERSECUTE ME

SAUL’S CONVERSION

Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains.

On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Paul said, “Who are you, sir?”

The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing;^* so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. ACTS 9:1-8

COMMENTARY

Paul had acquired a zealot’s hatred of all Jesus stood for, as he began to harass the Church: “…entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment” Acts 8:3.

When Jesus said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” Acts 9:5 A great light illumined Paul. Jesus was mysteriously identifying Himself with the people that Saul was persecuting.

At that moment Paul experienced a mysterious transcendent relationship between the eternal and living Christ and His followers. Jesus lives and is present in them and they live in him.

Conversion by faith in Christ is a turning away from sin and turning to the obedience of Christ. St. Paul has captured the eternal struggle that we all go through. Paul laments in Romans 7:15 – “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing that I hate.” Paul then cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Like St. Paul we know the answer to that question.

CONCLUSION

Conversion is a life-long operation, turning from sin back to Jesus Christ. St. Paul continually reminds us of the moral imperative – Stop sinning! I Corinthians 15:34. Remember the day will come, at the hour of our death, when we will face judgment. Romans 2:5

Paul says, “I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” 1 Cor. 15:9-10

Paul acknowledges that he saved by the grace of God. God alone can save us! Good works are necessary but those are the result of saying yes to God’s grace. Life-long conversion requires repentance. Repentance conveys a sense of regret, sorrow, grief, or remorse for one’s sins, that leads someone to conversion.

St Paul responds“A great light from the sky suddenly shone around me.” Acts 22:6. This light of the risen Christ transformed Paul and impelled him to illumine the world by the light of the Gospel.

This Scripture quote reminds me of a trip my wife and I took to Rome in the Jubilee Year 2000. I was looking to avail myself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

On leaving the confessional, I heard the most beautiful singing and organ playing but sight showed me no one was singing or playing any music. I smiled to myself, gave thanks, and prayed my penance. I will remember that “illumination” at the Basilica of St. Paul forever. “Only by the Grace of God,” 1 Corinthians 15:10

BASILICA OF ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS ROME, ITALY

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and my Savior. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you to come into my life and heart. I want to serve you always with my whole mind, my whole heart, and my whole strength.

REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL

MARK 1:15

MARRIAGE FEAST AT CANA JESUS’ FIRST MIRACLE

MIRACLES OF JESUS, MIRACLES OF JESUS, SCRIPTURE

JOHN 2:1-11 THE WEDDING AT CANA

There was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew).

The headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

COMMENTARY

at Cana, at some period of the entertainment the wine suddenly ran out. This was very embarrassing because of the passionate devotion of the Eastern people to hospitality.

It is very likely that the host laid in an abundant supply. The explanation for the deficiency is probably the fact that Our Blessed Lord did not come alone. He brought with Him His disciples, and this apparently threw a heavy burden upon the store of wine. Wine was a symbol of mirth and health to the people, it was important that their need be filled in the spirit of hospitality and charity.

REFLECTION:

When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.”

Jesus told his Mother “His hour was not yet come…. If Jesus revealed His Divinity now, He would begin the royal road to the cross. Mary may not have understood the full extant of what she was asking but she did know enough to tell the servants, Do whatever He tells you.

Mary knows Jesus will attend to our needs when the time is right…Mary’s faith is remarkable as it was from her first fiat at the Annunciation, “Be it done to me according to your word!”…

Mary is the model of faith…pray to Mary to keep our Faith strong..…As Our Lord mediates between us and the Heavenly Father, so the Blessed Mother mediates between us and Our Divine Lord

Jesus performed this first of His signs… and the disciples began to believe in Him…what are the signs of Jesus’ intervention in my life…look closely…

What was my life like while drinking the “inferior wine” of this world before Jesus served up the “superior wine,” …. How has the “superior wine changed my life?

.POSTSCRIPT

THE GOODS OF MARRIAGE

“Have you not read that in the beginning God ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Matthew 19:3-12

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1643), there are three goods of marriage. They are: unity, fidelity, and openness to children

This unity is beyond mere unity of the flesh; it demands permanence (indissolubility) for the entire life of the married couple. The union is so profound and total that only death can dissolve it.

The very nature of conjugal love, total union for life of a married couple, demands fidelity and prohibits any disorder such as adultery.

The good of “openness to children” is the fruit of total self-giving love. Accepting children and nurturing them leads the married couple to a deeper union and exclusive commitment to one another.

The Church does not demand married couples have enough children to field a baseball team. The Church simply says that parents should exhibit generosity appropriate to responsible parenthood and not use any immoral means such as contraception or abortion as a means to demean their intimacy and frustrate God’s plan.

Using Natural Family Planning a couple can use fertility tracking technology so if a couple wants another baby, they can choose to be intimate on a woman’s identifiable fertile days. On the other hand, if they don’t feel ready for another baby, they would simply choose to be intimate on an infertile day instead.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her^t

Ephesians 5:25

Marriage is not merely a legal contract. A Catholic marriage is a covenant, or a sacred pledge of loyalty with God as our witness between persons, a man and woman. This covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.