The 27^th Week in Ordinary Time---Year C

 

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4

 

The just man shall live by faith.  The prophet Habakkuk writes shortly before the Babylonian exile.  In the beginning of this reading the prophet is presenting a complaint before God.  There is no justice in the land.  Hence the prophet questions “How long, O Lord.”  Often, time itself is one tests of the faith for God’s people.  The nation of Israel spent 430 years in the land of Egypt living in a land other than the Promised Land.  Much of this time they spent in slavery.  After years of waiting God sent them a savior (in the person of Moses) to deliver them from their bondage.  Here Habakkuk cries to God for deliverance.  However, just as God judged the nation of Egypt, he will also judge his own people for their injustices.  This judgment will come in the form of the exile, which will strike the land of Israel.  The exile occurred in the year 587 BC when the Babylonians invaded Judah (the southern part of Israel) destroying their temple and cities.  With a harsh judgment impending we are told that the just will live by faith.  In other words the prophet is telling the people that a great trial is coming and the one’s that will endure this “trail by fire” are going to be those who have true faith.  Such faith cannot be a “said faith” it must be a faith of word and deed.  Hence, those who have true faith will persevere through the coming trial.

 

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 95

 

If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.  This psalm is a call to worship that brings to mind the many failure which occurred during Israel’s exodus from Egypt.  It first call’s the people to worship  “Come let us worship…Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving…Come let us bow down and worship..”  The psalm begins with very joyous tone, then with the call to have faith and listen to the voice of God by following His commandments.  Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert.  The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was the reason that 10 plagues hit the land of Egypt.  In the same way the first generation that left the land of Egypt died in the desert due to their hardness of heart and rebellion against God’s servant Moses.  The heart that is not hard will worship God rightly and rejoice in God’s work of salvation.  In this way can we best understand the call to worship.  Hence when we come to our Sunday Eucharistic celebration we must come with humble hearts ready listen and worship our God who will to share His salvation with His people.

 

Second Reading—1 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

 

In the scriptures there are two letters that Saint Paul wrote to a young bishop by the name of Timothy.  In each of these letters Paul wants to inspire this young bishop to truly fulfill his call as a bishop in the Church.  I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of hands.  I want to especially emphasize the words stir into flame Paul is saying that the Holy Spirit should burn in Timothy in such a way that he exercises in the fullest way possible the ministry that has been entrusted unto him.  There was no place for cowards among the bishops of the early Church.  When the Church was persecuted, the bishops were usually the first to suffer martyrdom.  For this reason Paul says do not be ashamed of you testimony to our Lord, not of me a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of the hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

 

Gospel—Luke 17:5-10

 

Increase our Faith.  The desire to have more faith on behalf of the apostles bring and interesting response by Jesus.  If you had faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea.’ And it would obey you.  What does Jesus mean by these words?  If we have true faith then God will enable us to make changes in our lives that we could never had made without His grace.  It does not matter how great the difficulties are that we face.  When true faith is present our lives will begin to move in the right direction.  In addition our faith will bring about a transformation in the world…it will bring about changes that are noticeable. 

 

In the second part of the gospel Jesus begins to speak of service and the attitude that we should have toward service.  Christ has promised us a reward of eternal life and heavenly treasure.  Yet, He also tells us that we should not serve God as one’s who demand a reward.  Our service should be done with dignity knowing that God has created us to Know Him, Love Him and Serve Him.  Hence, with true humility and gratitude we should approach our Lord in humble service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 26^th Week of Ordinary Time---Year C

 

Amos 6:1a, 4-7

 

The Prophet Amos lived in the north of Israel about 8 centuries before the coming of Christ.  In this reading he speaks to those who break God’s commands but live a live of complacency.  They lay on “beds of Ivory” and “improvise to the music of the harp.”  They drink much wine and anoint themselves with oils.  Such people have no concern for the problems or injustices of their age because they are too concerned with pampering themselves.  This is a comfortable life with out concern for those who suffer.  In an indirect way the prophet is saying that we have a responsibility to address problems of inequality in every age.  The prophet is warning the people that because of their sinfulness these rich will be the “first one’s to go into exile.”

 

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 146

 

This psalm relates to us the love that God has for those who are poor or oppressed. In a like way the one who loves God should seek to share this love with those who are poor and oppressed. Blessed is he who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry.  How does the Lord treat the poor?

-The Lord gives food to the hungry

-The Lord sets captives free

-The Lord gives sight to the blind

-The Lord raises up those who are bowed down

-The Lord loves the Just

-The Lord protects the strangers

-The fatherless and the widow he sustains.

 

Such mercy for the poor is manifested through the cross of Christ.  Through His cross Christ has poured out his love desiring to make us rich.  Spiritually speaking we are the one’s who are poor and Christ is the one who makes us rich.  Hence, in gratitude for the gift that God has shared with us we should seek to be merciful with others.

 

Second Reading—1 Timothy 6:11-16

 

Timothy was a young bishop in the early church.  In this reading Paul tells Timothy to pursue nine things:

1-righteousness

2-devotion

3-faith

4-love

5-patience

6-gentileness

7-compete for the faith

8-lay hold of eternal life

9-keep the commandments

 

In essence Paul is encouraging the young bishop to live the faith in all fullness.  Timothy as a bishop is called to be an example and model to others Christians.  All this is to be done with great hope in the day that our Lord will return in Glory.

 

 

Gospel- Luke 16:19-31

 

In the parable about the rich man and Lazarus we see the contrast between two lifestyles.  The rich man is concerned about things of this world and therefore he has no time for the things of God.  In a sense this rich man suffers from a form of spiritual blindness.  Lazarus is near the door of his house and anxiously waiting from even a scrap of food to fall from his table.  The rich man however, does nothing; it is as if Lazarus is not even there.  At there deaths Lazarus is carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham, the great patriarch where he will wait for the Messiah.  The rich also died and suffered in a place of torment in what Christ referred to as the “Netherword.”  From this place of torment the rich man called out to Lazarus, but Lazarus is unable to help his because between the two of them there is a gulf.  The parable ends with the rich man pleading that his brothers be warned of this torment that they possibly might face.  However, the answer of Abraham is most interesting, his bothers have the Law and the prophets as witnesses, if they reject the Law and the Prophets then they will also reject one who rises from the dead.  The one who would rise from the dead is Christ.  In essence Christ is saying that to those who are concerned with the things of this world the gospel will make no difference.  Just as our forefathers, who rejected the Law and the Prophets, those concerned with the things of this world or the riches of this world will reject the Christ.  In sum we must seriously consider the life style that we life.  What changes do we need to make so that we can overcome spiritual blindness in our own lives?  In this parable Christ is serious, He wants to save us from such torments.   If we are truly grateful from the mercy that Christ has shared with us then we will seek to share a similar mercy with our neighbors. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 25^th Week of Ordinary Time--- Year C

 

Amos 8:4-7

 

In this reading God expresses his outrage towards those who “trample upon the needy and destroy the land of the poor.”  The prophet rebukes those that have no respect for the poor of the land as they proclaim “we will buy the lowly for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals; even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!”  At such injustices God is outraged!  Both His mercy and justice are revealed in the great love that God has for the poor. 

 

There is a saying, “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.”  It expresses well the fact that often the poor suffer at the hands of the rich.  In our capitalistic society we as Catholics have a special responsibility to seek opportunities to help those who are in need.  We often call this type of action “social justice.”  Rather than trampling upon the needy or using them for one’s gain, we seek to help those who are less privileged than ourselves.  In such works we contribute to forming a just society.  All such work should be a response to God’s mercy.  For the Father has given his Son and the Son has given His life to save us from a burden that we could not pay.  We must respond with a grateful heart.

 

Responsorial psalm—Psalm 113

 

The psalmist poses the question, “Who is like the Lord?”  What is it that makes the Lord different?  The Lord is different in the way that He cares for and treats the poor.  He raises up the Lowly from the dust, from the dunghill he lifts up the poor to seat them with princes, with the princes of His own people.  God is different from humans in that God has great compassion towards the poor. 

 

Second Reading—1 Timothy 2:1-8

 

Paul encourages the community to offer supplications for all.  We need to remember to pray for others and especially to bring every situation to prayer.  We call this type of prayer intercession.  To intercede for another person is to approach God on there behalf.  Within the Body of Christ there is a constant activity of intercession.  This is especially true among the victorious Saints that reign with Christ in heaven.   Such intercession is only possible for those who live in Christ.  This is because it is Christ who brings unity and harmony to the Church.  Paul tells us that Christ is the one true mediator between God and Man.  Only Christ who gave his life in ransom for all.  Only in Him, the One true mediator, can there exist a great unity among the Church which allows us to intercede for one another.  Hence, we pray for one another and ask the other members of the Church on earth and in heaven to pray for us.

 

Gospel—Luke 16:1-3

 

The parable in today’s gospel is one of the most difficult to interpret in all of the scriptures.  In some sense it appears contradictory to Christian morals.  The servant is commended by the master after apparently he gave away much of the master’s money.  The master liked his shrewd manner of handling a difficult situation.

 

The parable makes the point that unbelievers or “children of this age” are shrewder than those of the kingdom.  In a sense Christ is telling us to look at how those of this world seek their own self-preservation at any cost.  The steward did all that was possible to provide for himself.  Look at the incredible effort and the genius that he used for worldly pursuits!   What is the effort that we should make for heavenly ones?  If we are disciples of Christ who seek eternal life then our effort should be just as determined.  What sacrifices have we made for the Kingdom?    This gospel challenges us to examine our lives and to consider what “more” can we do for the kingdom of God.  The promise of Christ is eternal life…. how does this promise impact our lives?  What is the importance of our faith in our daily lives.  If we cannot say that our faith is first in importance than this is a great indication that we need to make some changes in our spiritual lives. 

 

 

 

 

 

The 24^th Week in Ordinary Time ---Year C

 

The first Reading—Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14

 

This chapter of Exodus is one of the low points of the entire Old Testament.  It recounts Israel’s sin in the wilderness at the foot of Mount Sinai when they worshipped the golden calf.  Moses had ascended the holy mountain and spent 40 days and 40 nights in the presence of YHWH before he received the Holy Law.  During the time that Moses and the elders were on the mountain the people down below lost faith in YHWH and with the help of Aaron (Moses’ brother) they made for themselves a golden calf which they began to worship.  Not only did they begin to worship the golden calf but also they even gave the golden calf credit for taking them out of Egypt saying, “ This is your God O Israel who brought you out of the land of Egypt.”  Not only do they make a false god, but they give the false god credit for YHWH’s work of salvation!!!  Israel lost complete hope in the presence of God, who at that very moment wanted to share his law with his people.  How could they fall so badly when right when God wanted to really show them that they were His children?

 

The sin of Israel is so great that YHWH is ready to wipe the entire nation out of existence with the blazing fire of His wrath.  However, at this point Moses begins to intercede on behalf of Israel, “Why O Lord should your wrath blaze against your own people who you brought out of the land of Egypt with such great power and so strong a hand.?”  God has already manifested his salvation to his people and Moses is pleading to YHWH saying please finish this great work that you have already inaugurated.  Moreover Moses reminds YHWH of the great promises that He made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  YHWH promised to make their descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky, a perpetual heritage.  After such intercession we are told that YHWH relented on the punishment which He had threatened to inflict. 

 

We should never undervalue the power of intercessory prayer.  We live in a world which is filled with sin.  There are many that openly mock the Church of Christ and those who seek to follow our Lord.  Yet, in mercy we turn to God and pray for their conversion asking God to help us and to help them to eliminate the many idols that are present in our world. 

 

Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 51

 

This psalm continues the theme that God’s people are sinner and they need God’s mercy and forgiveness.  King David composed this psalm after he committed the two-fold sin of adultery and murder.  According to Mosaic Law he deserved death!  Yet, realizing the greatness of his own sin David turns to YHWH asking for forgiveness.  The prayer is one of the most profound psalms, the words “O Lord open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise” are the words that priest and religious use each morning as they begin to pray the Divine Office.  David’s pray is not just for mercy but for the ability to grow in holiness so they he can know how to please God.  Hence he prays: A clean heart create for me, O God, a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out of your presence, and your holy spirit take not from me.  This is the prayer of every heart that seeks to walk humbly in the presence of God.

 

The Second Reading- 1 Timothy 1:12-17

 

This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance; Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated so that in me as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example to those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life. 

 

Paul begins by reminding us that we must be grateful to God for all of the gifts that we have receive especially for the gift of God’s forgiveness.  We can never pay God back for this gift; the gift of forgiveness is a gift of total grace, given to Gods people without cost.  Paul says that despite all of his sinfulness that God has treated him with mercy.  I we are honest we will arrive at the same conclusion as Saint Paul who considered himself the greatest of all sinners.  Modern psychologist my say that Saint Paul was suffering from a low self-esteem.  The truth is that Paul was being very honest, simply noting that fact that each individually is most aware of their own failures.  Yet, Paul is not depressed and he actually has a extremely high self esteem because he understands that the God of this universe has become incarnate, and taking on our own humanity so as to redeem us from our own sinful way.  Christ has come!  He has come to save sinners; he has come to save us.  He has come to give us something that we do not by nature have and the gift that he wills to give each of us is the gift of salvation!  Hence the response to such a priceless gift, one that is many times greater than gold or silver is to have a grateful heart.  A grateful heart, one that always gives thanks to God in all things.

 

Gospel- Luke 15: 1-32----The Prodigal Son.

 

Jesus shares two parables with the people before he shares with them the parable of the Prodigal Son.  These parables are intended to help us to understand better the Father’s mercy.  Why did Jesus associate with sinner???  Because he wanted to share with them the mercy of our Heavenly Father.  In each parable there is something that is lost and it represents our salvation.  Our salvation is more precious than a coin or even a lamb and there is great Joy in the Kingdom when a lost soul returns to our Heavenly Father’s family.

The parable of the Prodigal son only appears in the 15^th chapter of Luke’s Gospel, however it is probably the best known of all Jesus’ parables.  Each person in the parable tells us something about God’s mercy. Let us consider the characters in this parable.

 

The Younger Son demands his inheritance from his father and then goes out and squanders it until there is none left.  After he has lost everything, he is reduced to working with pigs and animal, which was considered unclean in the Old Testament.   It is here in the midst of the mud that he realizes how good life was in his father’s house.  When we give in to sin we are like the Son who wasted his inheritance and instead sought after the things of this world. 

 

The younger son finally comes to his senses.  First, he realized that he has sinned against His Father.  Then his makes up his mind to come back to his father’s house as a servant, not a Son.  He has lost all hope that his relationship as a Son can ever be restored, hence he desires to come back only as a mere servant.  

 

The Father in this parable obviously represents our heavenly Father.  We know that God is merciful and always willing to forgive us.  But what does this forgiveness appear like from a human perspective.  We are told that when the Father caught sight of the Son that he was filled with compassion and that he ran to his son and embraced and kissed him.  Quick, bring the finest robe, kill the fatted calf, my son was dead and now has been brought back to life!  The thought of making the Son a servant has never entered into the Father’s mind. 

 

The Older Son is angered by this treatment that his brother has received.  The older son has always been faithful and never has the Father ever shown him such treatment.  The explanation that the father gives is so telling.  The older son has not lost his position in the family; instead the father wants him also to celebrate the return of his brother to the family.  We should not be angered when others repent of their sins and receive the gift of God’s mercy, rather we should rejoice.

 

The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us to see the world with spiritual eyes, from the perspective of our Heavenly Father.  Christ has come to redeem us from our sins; he has come to show the world the Father’s mercy.  His life and ministry is a living expression of the parable of the father’s mercy.  For the Father has sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but to save it.  Christ came to give his life so that we could have life in abundance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 22^nd Week of Ordinary Time

 

First Reading—Wisdom 9:13-18b

 

The reading begins with the question: Who can know God’s counsel?  The answer is obvious: no one can know God’s counsel unless God reveals it to them.  Thus the writer continues “Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom and sent your Holy Spirit from on high?” 

            In the Church we say that there are generally two way that God has revealed himself to mankind.  The first is often called natural revelation.  Through things and situations that are observable in nature we can understand some things about God.  For instance all human being seem to know that it is wrong to kill steal or commit adultery.  By examining the world we can understand something about the creator.  The 19^th psalm tells us that the heaven “declare” the glory of God and day after day he pours out his knowledge.  Hence there is certain knowledge of God that is present to all.

            However, there are some things about God that we could never know unless God chose to reveal these to humans.  No one could naturally know that Jesus was the Messiah, the Jesus was the Son of God and that he had to die on the cross to save us from our sins.  This type of revelation is divine revelation.  This revelation has been entrusted to the Church through Scripture and Sacred Tradition.  The writer of the Book of Wisdom refers to this type of revelation when he says, “ but when things are in heaven, who can search them out?”  It is god who has given his Church wisdom and the Holy Spirit so that she can grow in understanding.

 

Responsorial Psalm  ---Psalm 90

 

This psalm reminds us that God is timeless and so is his wisdom.  There are many people who live as is the opposite were true.  They think that God’s ways are out of fashion, and that God needs to change.  They don’t want to change so they proudly claim that we need to change God’s laws!   Yet, in humility the psalmist responds, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”  One who seeks true understanding must first approach God with humility…. God is not the one who must change, instead we must seek to conform our lives to His will.

 

The second reading- Philemon 9-10, 12-17

 

The letter to Philemon is the shortest Pauline letters in the New Testament.  In the letter Paul writes to Philemon on behalf of a former run away slave by the name of Onesimus.  The penalties for run away slaves in ancient cultures were without a doubt “very severe.”  Yet, Onesimus some time after running away converted to Christianity and had been of great service to Saint Paul in his missionary journeys.  Paul writes to Philemon, calling Onesimus a model Christian and reminding him that all in Christ are brother.   Paul implies that Philemon should treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul.  In other words Paul does not want Onesimus to face any form of discipline.  The letter is a great testimony to the fact that the gospel breaks down or transforms many of even the common institutions of society.  The challenge for each of us is to treat and see all Christians equally.  All are created in the image of God; Christ has died for all, He wills to share his life with all.  Hence, there is a radical equality present to all.

 

 

Gospel ---Luke 14:25-33

 

The gospel starts by telling us that there were great crowds that were traveling with Jesus.  Immediately we must ask ourselves, “Why were they traveling with Jesus and where were they going?”  Christ was traveling to Jerusalem, to the “city of peace” where he would make peace between God and man by giving His life for our salvation.  Christ was on a journey that would lead to the cross before it would lead to the empty tomb.

 

In the gospel Jesus often sets down the conditions of discipleship…they are not easy.  Here in Luke’s gospel he lays down the unmistakable conditions of discipleship so they there be no mistaking the great sacrifices that are involved with this calling.  “If anyone comes to me without hating first his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”  Jesus uses the most forceful language…he does not want us to hate our family and friends, however the gospel demands such a great priority in our lives that there must be no mistake…Christ must be first, He must have the place of privilege in our lives and there must be no doubt. 

 

Jesus then gives two examples.  The first of a man who seeks to build and is unable to finish the project that he started.  If we are to walk with Christ we must consider the sacrifices that are involved.  We must consider the work and the possible price that is involved.  If we do not then our faith may look more like and uncompleted tower.

            The second example is that of a man in command of an army of 10,000 troops who knows that an army of 20,000 troops is approaching.  The commander with 10,000 troops knows that he has little chance against the army with 20,000.  Hence, while still far off he sends a delegation to make peace.  In the same way that the commander of 10,000 had reflected upon his possible fate in a duel with the army of 20,000 we must also reflect on the call to be a disciple of Christ.  This is not an easy calling, yet God can give us the strength that we need so that we can truly answer the call. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

First reading- Genesis 18:1-10a

 

You saw what?

 

This reading which comes from the 18^th chapter of the book of Genesis is filled with mystery.  We are told that YHWH appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre at the entrance of his tent.  Instead of describing the vision further we are told that Abraham looked up and saw three visitors.  Who exactly were these three visitors?  We don’t know, nor does the text tell us.  Yet, Abraham apparently knows who they are, he immediately bows his head to the ground in worship.  There is much iconography that portrays this visit as a visit with the Holy Trinity, a prefigure of the Mass where we celebrate the work of God’s redemption in the context of a sacred meal.

 

A Little Hospitality

 

The Middle Eastern culture that Abraham lived in was known for its hospitality, in fact hospitality carried with it an important cultural value, travelers often depended in such hospitality.  In the encounter at Mamre, Abraham goes out of his way to invite the three visitors to dine with him.  Apparently they did not need his hospitality, but they never the less accepted his invitation. 

 

“I will surely return to you this time next year and Sara will have a Son.”  At the end of the meal one of the mysterious visitors emphasizes that Sara will give birth to the child of promise.  This promised son would be fulfilled in the birth of Isaac.

 

Responsorial psalm 15:2-4, 5

 

He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. One cannot underestimate the important theme of “justice” or “the just one” in the Old Testament.  The one who does justice lives in peace with man and God.  According to our psalm this person thinks truth in the heart, they avoid slander, nor do they harm others and they honor those who fear the Lord.  The one who lives with such justice is a “living” reminder to all his contemporaries that God is present.

 

Second Reading

Colossians 1:24-28

 

Bother and sisters: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from all generations past.  In the above statement Paul says two things that most of us will find shocking.  First, he rejoices in his afflictions and secondly through these afflictions he claims to fill up what is lacking in the affliction of Christ for the body, which is the Church!  Paul can rejoice in his affliction because he knows that he is suffering on behalf of Christ and for the Church.  Jesus tells us in the sermon of the Mount that “blessed” are those who are persecuted for the sake of Christ.  In his suffering Paul understands more intimately the sufferings of Christ, who endured the Cross for us.  Paul understands more queenly the love that Christ has for us.  Christ has given everything for the Church.  He gave his life, to save his bride.  Yet, the grace of the Cross must be applied to the life of each person who professes faith.  Put in other words, we must take up our own crosses and follow Christ who is our Lord.  We must live the life of the cross so as to put to death all that is part of this world, so the God can be all things in our lives.

 

Gospel- Luke 10:38-42

 

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.  There is need of only one thing.  Mary has chosen the better part and it w ill not be taken from her.  All of us can understand the situation that Martha who is desiring to be the best host possible for Christ.  Possibly she wanted to make a good impression, Jesus, of all people was visiting, any good host would want this!  Yet, in her desiring to be the best host possible she has overlooked the importance of Jesus’ visit.  Christ has come, the Savior of the world was in their midst!  The dishes can wait!  This story is a reminder to us that out of all the duties and obligations that are in many ways necessary in this life, there is one invitation that precedes them all, this is the invitation to continually live in the presence of Christ.  Mary, who would not move away from the feet of Christ, has found in the presence of Christ what Patriarchs, prophets and psalmist all longed for but never fully realized. 

            Often people will say that they are unable to go to Mass because of other obligation that they have in life.  Some cite work, other family duties, others lack of time or lack of interest.  Yet, this is the response that they give to Jesus’ invitation to come and learn from Him.  What is our response?  To be sure we must have priorities.  Yet, Christ must be first among them all, if he is our priority in this life then we will always have the proper spiritual perspective.  One day a famous college basketball was speaking to the media about some of the new talented high school players who were entering college and professional basketball.  The media wanted him to say threat there was no comparison between the talented players of today and the players of the past.  Instead he began to lament, noting that the new players were bigger, stronger and could jump higher, yet many of them did not know even some of the most basic skills.  What did it matter if a player could perform miraculous slam-dunks, if they did not know basic skills then their ability to slam-dunk was useless.  Hence, we must consider the basics of the spiritual life if we are to truly walk with Christ in truth.  Daily prayers, works of mercy, study of scripture and attendance of the Mass should be among the most important parts of our lives.  These practices must become priorities in our lives, if not then we could fall into some very bad practices and habits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Deuteronomy 30:10-14

 

“If only you would head the voice of the Lord your God and keep his commandments and Statutes that are written in the book of the law, when you return to the Lord your God, with all your heart and all your soul.”   The setting for the book of Deuteronomy is very important.  The entire nation of Israel is gathered at the border of the Promised Land.  They are preparing to enter after spending 40 years in the desert.  During those forty years Israel as a nation rebelled against God and for that reason they wandered on the deadly journey of the desert.  With the children of the first generation all gathered at the boarder, God wants to remind them of the call they have received, a call of obedience to His Law.   God calls on Israel to head (shama) and keep (Shamar) his commandments.  Literally the roots verbs indicate that Israel must listen (shama) and guard (shamar) the commandments of God. 

In the second part of the reading the people are told that the word (davar) is close to them, already in their mouths and in their hearts.  They only have to do one thing…carry out or follow the word.   This scripture is a reminder that we do ourselves a disfavor when we overcomplicate the commands of God.  If we know god’s commandments then let us follow them!  Saint Paul interprets this reading in christological sense (cf. Rom 10:7-8) noting that the word which is always close to us is the word of faith. 

 

Responsorial Psalm 69

 

Turn to the Lord in your need and you will live.  The psalmist first notes the great kindness and mercy of YHWH.  The he notes the dire need of his personal situation I am afflicted and in pain, let your saving help, O God protect me.  He mixes these words with the words I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify his with thanksgiving.  In essence the psalmist is praising YHWH before he even answers his pray.  By doing so the psalmist is attempting to imitate the faithfulness of YHWH who is not conditionally faithful.  In the same way the psalmist is attempting to extend towards YHWH an unconditional faithfulness.  In the last part of the psalm the psalmist notes that YHWH has a tendency to be especially close and attentive to the lowly, the afflicted and the poor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

First Reading-Isaiah  66:10-14

 

The last chapter of the book of Isaiah sums up well the emotional ups and down of Judah (the southern part of Israel) and especially the capital city Jerusalem.  In 587 the Babylonians destroyed the temple and took the entire southern section of Israel (known as Judah) into exile.  Jerusalem was desecrated and destroyed, it laid in ashes and ruins.  The desecration of the city was and outward sign of the spiritual void among the people.  Yet, Isaiah tells his readers that an even greater joy of redemption will take place.  Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her; exult, exult with her.  The city of Jerusalem is compared to a mother who comforts and takes care of her children, especially her most vulnerable.  The same image of a mother who takes care of her vulnerable children is often applied to the Church.  The Blessed Mother, the mother of the Messiah, the first to hear the gospel, believe the gospel and share the gospel is a living icon of this mother role that the church as a whole lives.

 

When you see this, your heart will rejoice and your body will flourish like the grass; the Lord’s power will be known to his servants.

The restoration of the city is something that the people themselves will witness, it will be a veritable sign of God’s presence in their midst. 

 

 

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 66

 

This psalm praises the majesty of God who is truly God of all the earth!  The psalm recounts the wonders of the Exodus, when YHWH through signs and wonders demonstrated his superiority over all other false gods, namely the deities of the Egyptians.  The psalm then recounts the wonders of the exodus, noting the YHWH could change the sea into dry land so that his people could pass through the midst of the waters.  He is the God of all the earth, and He manifested his power when he saved his people in the exodus.

 

Second Reading—Galatian 6:14-18

 

In the letter to the Gelatins Paul is trying to answer the objections of a problematic group in the community known as the judaisers.  This Group believed that the ritual of circumcision was necessary for all members of the new covenant; even those who were gentile converts.  The first Church Council (Acts 15) decided that circumcision was not a requirement for members of the Christian community.  From Paul’s perspective the Judiasers were boasting about their own circumcision.  Thus, Paul responded: may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.  At the cross all boasting, all self-glory and all personal praise stops.  This is because through the cross God has personally revealed his greatest work, which is at the same time an apparent contradiction and a revelation of God’s wisdom.  To Paul the most important thing was a new creation!  What does Paul mean when he uses this word new creation?  From the moment of our baptism God has begun an entirely new work in our lives, he has begun to share his own life with us, to make us entirely new.  Christ has inaugurated this great work in our lives and the final fruits of this work will only fully be revealed when Christ returns again in glory.   Paul was not going to compromise the true of the Gospel; at this point he had suffered greatly from secular authorities and even from his own brothers.  The Judiasers were the last one’s that were going to make him swerve off the path of fidelity.  Hence he adds:

From now on let no one make troubles me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my own body.

 

Gospel—Luke  10:1-12, 17-20

 

In this reading from Luke’s gospel the Lord sends out 72 two disciples on a mission to bring the gospel to others.  At this point the resurrection has not taken place, so the “Good News” being proclaimed is about the Kingdom of God.  The disciples are told to proclaim this message: The kingdom of God is at hand for you.  One must note, Jesus has not even risen from the dead, yet His very presence in the world is “Good News” a sign that the Kingdom of God is in our midst.  I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.  This very first mission would be a model for all missionaries of Christ.  They must understand the difficult opposition that waited.  To counter this opposition they had to be completely dependent upon the God’s ability to guide. Hence they would even leave with the bear minimal amount of possession.  Those that accepted the news of the Kingdom would also know the peace of God, while those who rejected the news of the Kingdom would encounter a judgment more ferocious then the one that fell upon Sodom and Gomorra.

 

The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”  Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky…Nevertheless, do not rejoice because spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because you names are written in heaven.”  The real cause for rejoicing is not manifested power over spiritual forces but instead a knowledge that one is personally living out the gospel and sharing it with others.  The real cause of joy is not that the devil is defeated, but instead that the message of salvation is being proclaimed to the world!  Salvation has entered the world and Satan can do nothing to stop its destined victory!  Hence, our Lord remarked: I have observed Satan falling like lightning from the sky.  This is a reminder to us that when Christ is proclaimed and lived that falls!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

First reading I Kings 19:16b, 19-21

 

In this first reading Elijah has been sent by God to anoint Elisha to the prophetic life as a successor of Elisha.  Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.  The action of throwing his cloak over Elisha signified a call to become a successor to the prophet Elijah.  Elisha, possibly knowing the danger and persecutions that Elijah has faced is not all to eager to assume the responsibility as Elijah's successor.  Elisha has one very short objection, or maybe one could say hesitation, he wants to spend time saying his good-byes to his family.   This would not seem like an unreasonable request.  However, Elisha will have none of this, the prophetic call is superior to all worldly relationships.  The one who receives this call must be prepared to abandon all things for the sake of the higher call.  Thus, Elijah responds to this request by saying: Go back, have I done anything to you?  In essence Elijah is saying, “You are not ready for this call if you are not ready to assume it now.”  In response Elisha slaughters the twelve yoke of oxen and burned his plowing equipment as fuel to boil the meat.  These actions of Elisha represent his desire to leave all things so that he can assume the prophetic call.  Yes, not only has he left all things, he has given his flock away and made himself poor for the sake of this higher call that he has received.  His response echoes the response of Abraham who left his homeland and was led to a land that he did not know.  It also anticipates the call that the disciples would receive from Christ, for he call us to leave all things and to put him first. 

 

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 16

 

I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. 

The psalmist expresses his utter confidence in the presence of God in his life.  This desire for God to be present in his life is two-fold.  First, the psalmist expresses his confidence in Yahweh’s unfailing love saying, “Keep me O God, for in you I take refuge.”  After calling on Yahweh, he then expresses his determination to live in the context of the covenant relationship; I set the Lord ever before me…  Putting the Lord ever before him is an expression of the determination of the psalmist to maintain the terms of the covenant, to walk with God and fulfill the precepts of the Law.  Because this relationship is so strong, not even death itself can break it!

Because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful to undergo corruption.  A relationship so strong that not even death can destroy it!  The above line is quoted by Saint Peter in Acts 2:31-2.  According to Saint Peter the soul that does not face corruption, nor is abandoned to the netherworld, is best understood as being the resurrected Christ.  This psalm also expresses well the hope of the faithful in a resurrection from the dead.  Christ will not abandon us to death, he will raise us to new life.

 

 

Second Reading—Galatian 5:1, 13-18------True Freedom!

 

What is true freedom?  True freedom, the freedom that comes from God has been revealed in the person of Christ!  The one who has true freedom lives in relationship with the Father and walks with God always.  The one who lives in true freedom does everything possible to avoid sin.  For this reason Saint Paul warns the Galatians saying: Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.  The freedom of the life of faith is not easy; as a matter of fact it may often appear much more difficult then worldly ways of living.   This is because it requires the believer to live a supernatural existence, to see the eternal and the supernatural in all things.  Such a way of life is only possible with the help the Holy Spirit.  Thus, Paul says that the Spirit and the desires of the flesh are in opposition.  The one who is not guided by the Spirit will in a certain sense be subject to the desires of the flesh, but the one who is guided by the Spirit will learn how to resist the desires of the flesh.  This person will know true freedom.

 

Gospel- Luke- 9:51-62—Follow me!

 

In the latter half of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is on a journey to Jerusalem, knowing well that he is going to give his life for our salvation.  The first verse of this reading captures very well the determination of Christ to fulfill the mission that the Father has entrusted to him: When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.  Why is Christ determined?  He is determined because he wants to do the Father’s will and save the world from sin and death.  He is determined because he loves Father and the Father loves us.

 

When Jesus entered a Samaritan town he was rejected by the people, they gave him no reception.  The scriptures tell us that this happened because his destination was the city of Jerusalem.  The scriptures give us the impression that this happened according to the providence of God.  However, some of the other apostles (James and John) were very angry, they wanted God to reign down his judgment upon them immediately.

When the disciples James and John saw this they said to him, “Lord do you want to call down fire from heaven to consume them.”  I’m sure that almost all of us had been in situation when we have wished that God could just simply reign down fire from heaven to wipe out a bad situation, but God is much more merciful then human beings.  The mercy of God is greater than human mercy!

 

As they proceeded on their journey Christ speaks to others about his utter poverty.  The foxes have dens and the birds of the sky have nest, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.  The one, who created all of creation, the rightful owner of all things, while present with us possessed nothing.  Christ had left all behind so that he could take as his last possession the cross, the one possession that no human being would ever want.

 

To another he said: “Follow me.”  But he replied, “Lord let me go first and bury my father.”  But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”  Jesus’ words in the above dialogue might seem somewhat harsh to one who does not understand the point that Christ is making.  Jesus while on his way to the cross is trying to demonstrate that He must be the first priority of life, He must be pursued and followed above every concern and desire that one may have in this world.  The man who wanted to bury his father was seeking to put an obstacle in front of Christ.  Nothing can be placed in front of Christ, not even a good work, for this reason Christ responds harshly.  Hence is we truly wish to follow him we must have the proper perspective, Christ must be first in all things.  “No one who sets his hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”  This verse is a reference to the call of the prophet Elisha who received the call when he was plowing a field.  In essence he was called to leave one field for another, The Kingdom of God.  Christ calls us to an entirely new life!  He calls us to leave one life and to choose another.  If we have accepted this call then we cannot look back on the old live that we have forsaken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

 

The First Reading—Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1

 

I shall pour out in the House of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and petition; and they shall look upon him who they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only son, and they shall grieve over him as one grieves over a firstborn.

 

The first part o this reading brings us right to the foot of the cross.  What did Zechariah mean when he said, “they shall look upon him whom they have pierced?”  Possibly a devastated Jerusalem was the original contextual understanding of this passage.  However, one cannot avoid thinking of the scene in John’s Gospel involving the centurion at the foot of the cross.  According to john the centurion wanted to make sure that Jesus was dead so he thrust his sword in the side of Christ and from the side of Christ blood and water flowed.  According to the early church fathers the blood and water that flowed from the side of Christ represented the very life of the Christ.

 

The image of all nations mourning brings to mind the fact that as Catholic Christians we must realize that Christ died on the cross for our sins.  We are collectively responsible and personally responsible.  Moreover, the mourning here is for a first born son who is an only Son.  Christ is the Only Son of the Father.  Hence, the Father has a made the greatest possible sacrifice that He could make when he gave up His Only Son.   The image of mourning is a possible manifestation of repentance.   Our sins have caused harm to others and to our relationship with God.  If we really understood the harm that we have done through our own sins we would mourn!   Yet, if one mourns without desiring to change then they do not have true repentance.  Some will mourn only because they have been caught, only because they were unable to get away with a particular crime or action.

 

Responsorial Psalm  ---Psalm 632, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

 

O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirst like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.   Here the Psalmist touches on the greatest desire of every human being, that is the desire to know and love God.  Out of all the desires that we have the greatest is to know God.  The problem is that many people seek to fulfill all their other desires over and above this great desire.  However, it id only God who can give us meaning and a sense of lasting purpose in our lives.  The world may tell us that we have a fulfilled life if we have material things like money, popularity or good looks.  The truth is that all these things re temporary and destined to pass away with this world.  However our relationship with him is meant to last forever. Hence the psalmist can respond: As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.

 

 

Second Reading   Galatians 3:26-29

 

This reading emphasizes the unity that is meant to be present in the church.  All of us through faith and baptism are part of the Body of Christ.  For all of you who are Baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  Being “clothed with Christ” has many theological implications.  Christ wills to cover us with his righteousness and to wash away our sins.  Christ will to clothe us with the glory of his resurrection.  If we are really clothed with Christ, then what is most important in our lives is not who we are and not what we want; instead it is who the person of Christ is and how Christ can manifest himself in our lives.  For this reason all divisions that pertain to this world are dissolved in the person of Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

   

 

Who do you say that I am?

When Christ is asking a question in the gospels we should always take special note.  His questions often are for more than just those who happened to be present.  In today’s gospel we have one of the more important and essential questions that could be asked.  It has to do with the identity of Christ.  Christ wants to know if we know his identity. First Christ asked his apostles what others were saying about him, who do the crowds say that I am?  Within the crowds of people there was much speculation.  However these were people that were not close to Jesus.  Many of them had come purely for the purpose of entertainment, to see a miracle of just to be part of what everyone else was looking at.  The crowd has an idea, that there is something special about Christ but they are a confused.  Finally, Jesus asked his disciples to clarify things, but who do you say that I am.  To this question it is our first Pope, Peter who answers responding The Christ of God.  Peter recognizes that Jesus has come from the Father.  The people had been waiting for the deliverer, a savior known as the Messiah or Christ.  In essence Peter says, "You are the one for whom we have waited for all this time."  The words Christ or Messiah mean anointing or anointed one.  In the Old Testament three people were anointed Priest, prophets and kings.  Christ, is our true High Priest, the greatest of all prophets of whom all the prophets spoke and the king of all kings.  Peter, first among all the apostles is the one who confesses that Christ is the Messiah of God.

 

 The Mission of the Messiah

 

Immediately after Peter has identified Jesus as the Messiah Jesus begins to explain to his disciples the mission of the Messiah.  Christ has come to lay down his life for us.  In doing so He will reveal to the whole human race the love of the Father.  For this reason Christ speaks about his crucifixion which would be followed by his rising from the dead.

 

The conditions of discipleship

 

After speaking about his own cross, Christ begins to speak about the true meaning of discipleship.  If one wishes to be a true disciple of Christ them they must accept the crosses of this life.  This starts with self-denial for the sake of the kingdom.  This type of denial seeks to put first the kingdom of God in all things.  There is a natural desire among all people to seek first there own needs; this is simple self-preservation.  When Christ says that the one who would wish to come after him must deny his very self he in essence is saying that there must be a change of perspective in our lives so that there is a reordering of all our wants and needs.  The disciple recognizes that the greatest need that they have is a need to know and serve God, there is no need greater because God is our Life. 

 

The greatest Find!

 

Finally, Jesus explains how to find the greatest treasure in the entire world.  Interestingly the greatest find can only take place if there is at first a great loss.  The one who loses his life finds life in Christ, the is the greatest treasure

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pentecost Sunday --Year –C

 

First Reading—Acts 2:1-11

 

When that day of Pentecost arrived all of the disciples and apostles were gathered together in one place in the city of Jerusalem.  Our Lord before his ascension into heaven told the Church to wait in the city of Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit, which would come upon them as “power from on high.”  Both the Hebrew and Greek words for Spirit (Heb. Ruahch, Gr. Pneuma) can be rendered as “wind” or “Spirit” depending on the context.  We believe that with the coming of the Spirit that the Church was born.  It may be likened to Adam who was first formed and afterward God imparted unto him the breath of life and Adam became a living being (cf. Gen 2:7).  Christ has formed his Church and returned to the Father and the Holy Spirit has been sent so as to impart unto the Church the life of God.  The Holy Spirit came upon the Church in the form of “tongues of fire.”  Often in the Old Testament, fire was used to represent the presence of God (cf. Ex. 19, 40).  Here the Spirit in the form of fire comes upon the early Church and the Church is able to speak in different languages and in doing so communicate the gospel to the dispersed Jews that were visiting Jerusalem.  This ability to speak in different languages is an indication of the mission of the Church—it has a calling to bring the gospel to all nations.  It is also symbolic that the division of humanity, which occurred, with the construction of the tower of Babel is to heal through Christ.  In other words all humanity will be united in him, through him and with, in the unity of the Holy Spirit…Just as the presider says before the Great Amen at every mass.  The Church which Christ founded was hidden in the city of Jerusalem fearing persecutions, now through the gift of the Spirit the Church has been given the courage to go out and proclaim the gospel. 

 

Responsorial psalm—Psalm 104

 

Lord send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.

 

This psalm petitions God to renew the whole earth just as God renewed the face of the earth in the creation.  We should not overlook the powerful theological value here.  Through the work of the Holy Spirit the Church become a “new creation.”  The Spirit does not just give the Church energy or courage; rather, it gives the Church new life!  Hence, Paul can speak about us as being a “new creation” in Christ our Lord and this new work is a work of the Holy Spirit!  It is the work of the Holy Spirit which has freed us from All sin at the moment of our baptism and brought us into God’s family.  This same Holy Spirit renews in faith and helps us to grow ever closer to Christ our Lord.

 

Second Reading—Romans 8:8-17

 

What is the difference between a person that lives in/according to the flesh and a person that lives according to the Spirit?  For Saint Paul the person who lives according to the flesh is a person who follows simply his or her own carnal desires.  Sadly this type of person lives an existence which is closer to the existence of an animal then that of a human being because animals follow their carnal desires as well.  The person who lives according to the Spirit is one who knows the true freedom of God and true freedom in the eyes of God is freedom from sin.  Hence, the one who lives in the Spirit will seek always to please God rather then their own self.  This is a supernatural existence, one that seeks not the Human will but instead the divine will in all things.  I our own world there are many who live according to the flesh, they follow their own desires rather than seek the freedom of God.  In fact this type of lifestyle is glamorized through television, radio and most of the general media.  Thus, it is essential that we know for certain the difference and especially how to chose the will of the Spirit over the will of the world.  Living in he Spirit is not easy, in fact it is something that naturally we are incapable of doing.  However, what is impossible for humans is never impossible for God especially if it is according to God’s will.  Thus we should recognize that the call to live in the Spirit is a supernatural calling, something that is only possible through Christ.  For this reason Saint Paul can say that if we suffer with Christ we will also be glorified with him.

 

The Spirit also unites us more closely to the Father hence we can call out to God saying “Abba, Father.”  In the Old covenant there were many names for the one God of Israel and each name had a profound significance.  For example the names Yahweh and Emanuel implied the closeness of God to His people.  The name El Shaddiah can be rendered “God Almighty” (cf. Gen. 17:1).  There were also many other names.  However, in the new covenant of grace all of these names are summed up in one name and that name is “Father.”  To call God "Father" is a true indication that we really are the sons and the daughters of God and members of God’s family.  It is that Spirit that takes away all fear so that we can recognize that our heavenly Father is God.

 

Gospel- John 14:15-16, 23b-26

 

The one who loves Christ will keep his commands and in return Christ will go to the Father and will petition the Father to send “another Advocate.”  The Holy Spirit is sometimes called the Advocate, Counselor or Paraclete.  Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our dwelling with him.  This is one of the most beautiful expressions of Trinitarian love and unity.  The one who keeps the words of Christ will live in union with the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  It is not that the members of the trinity are separated or divided.  The truth is that there is no greater union then the union that exist within the Holy Trinity and the Trinity wishes to dwell in each believer through faith.  The faith that Jesus speaks of is a real living faith which follows the commandments of God.  This type of faith cannot separate itself from good works because each work is a true manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.  We must never forget that it is the Holy Spirit which guides, leads and unites the Church.  For this reason it is essential that we be in communion with the Church that Christ founded.  This unity is manifested through the bishops united together (often referred to as the Magisterium) teaching the one same faith throughout the world.  If each bishop taught something different about the faith and if each part of the world held a different doctrine of faith, then we could hardly say that the Church was united.  Yet, the one Church which Christ founded teaches the same faith all over the world as an expression of this unity and this is a work of the Holy Spirit.  It is no wonder that there have been many challenges to this unity over the years.  Since the beginning of the Church there have been constant attempts to destroy the unity of faith by introducing new doctrines.  Yet, marvelously the Holy Spirit has done wonder after wonder to preserve the unity of faith.  Let us ask the father to send forth His spirit and renew the Church so that it can continue its mission and bring the gospel to the whole world!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Seventh week of Easter—the Ascension of the Lord—Year –C

 

First Reading

Acts 1:1-11

 

In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day that he was taken up, after giving instruction through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

 

The book of Acts is actually written as a second part to the gospel that Luke has already written.  Hence, he refers to a first book which is his gospel.  The name Theophilus literally means, “friend of God” or “lover of God.”  Theophilus is possibly a reference to the reader who is reading the work, for if you take the time to carefully study the life of Christ then you are truly a “friend of God.”  It is interesting that there is a reference to the fact that Jesus instructed the apostles personally after the resurrection through the Holy Spirit.  This speaks strongly to the Christ today because the bishops who are the successors of the apostles are still lead by the same Holy Spirit.  Jesus instructed the apostles for a period of forty days.  It is interesting that Christ commanded them during this time not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. 

 

“Lord are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times and the seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.

 

The question about the full restoration of the kingdom of Israel is a messianic question, one pact with the expectation that the messiah would rule all nations of the world and glorify the Kingdom of Israel (cf. Psalm 72 and 47).  The disciples did not just ask for the nation of Israel to be restored, their expectation was that they would witness the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel.  Paul also touches on this topic in his discussion in Romans chapters 9-11. 

 

When he said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.  They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?  This Jesus who has been taken up into heaven will return in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”

 

The image of the early Church gathered together and gazing at the Lord as he ascended into heaven is a powerful image.  Especially ironic are the words of the two witnesses who rhetorically imply that the Church should stop gazing at the sky.  The Church has a mission: bring the gospel to the world.  When the Church neglects this mission then they are like the apostles and other disciples who stood there looking at the sky watching Jesus ascend into heaven.  Hence we must avoid become to over preoccupied with only the things that surround us and we must really strive to participate in the mission of the Church.

 

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy.

 

This psalm especially highlights the expectation that YHWH will reign over all the earth and that all people will come to adore him.  This expectation is fulfilled in the coming of the messiah.

 

Second Reading—Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23

 

But now once and for all he has appeared at the end of ages to take away sin by his sacrifice.

 

Here in the 8^th chapter of the letter written to the Hebrews it is emphasized that Christ has come to offer a sacrifice for all peoples and all ages.  His one sacrifice has been made for the entire human race, those who lived before his coming, those who lived while he was here on earth and those like us who have the opportunity to live after the coming of the Messiah.  This sacrifice is a perfect sacrifice, which lacks nothing and is ever pleasing to the Father.  The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is perfect because Christ himself, who is God with us, has offered this gift, the gift of his life for our salvation.

 

Therefore brothers and sisters, since through the blood of Jesus we have the confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh…

 

This verse could require pages of explanation.  Through the incarnation Christ has allowed us to become partakers of his divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).  The fact that God has made us partakers of Christ divine nature is perfectly expressed to us when we receive Christ in the Eucharist.  In essence through the Eucharist God is giving his total gift to us and literally we are entering into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil that is his flesh… Hence, we are told to be both confident yet sincere as we come to receive our Lord in the Eucharist.

 

“Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem…”

 

The gospel that we have today is from the gospel of Luke and recounts one of the appearances of Christ to his apostles.  Here, Christ repeats that the scriptures (the Old Testament) predicted the coming of the Messiah, his suffering and resurrection from the dead.  The apostles are told to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

 

Then he led them to Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them.  As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up into heaven.

 

The image of Christ bestowing a final blessing over his disciples is a powerful image.  This reminds of the patriarchal blessings that are described I the book of genesis and the Aaronic blessing described in numbers 6:24-26.  In the act of giving this blessing Christ is taken up into heaven.  Finally, he can return to his Father!  We an only image how wonderful the return of Christ into heaven must have been.  The rejoicing in heaven must have been at fever pitch when Christ took his seat the right hand of the Father.  The journey had been completed, the victory won, now the father and the Son would sent the Spirit and clothe the apostles with power from on high so that they could proclaim the message to the whole world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sixth Week of Easter-Year C

 

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29—The Council of Jerusalem

 

In this first reading we read of the very first Church Council which was held in the city of Jerusalem.  Here the apostles would gather together to decide one of the most controversial issues in the early Church.  The question centered around what to do with gentile converts to the faith, which were not circumcised as commanded in Mosaic Law.  The gentiles, we must remember were converts to Christianity, those who did not previously belong to the Jewish faith (or the nation of Israel).  A group in the early Church wanted to force circumcision on these new converts making it a requirement for salvation.  This might seem odd to us, why such a fuss over circumcision?  In the Old Testament circumcision was a sign that one was part of the nation of Israel.  All male children were required to receive this sign on the eighth day after their birth and if they did not then they were “cut off” from the people of Israel. 

 

It is the decision of the Holy Spirit..

 

The decision of the Counsel is seen from the view of Paul and the others apostles as being a work of the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit, which has led the Church to all truth and will continue to lead them to all truth until Christ returns.  Hence, the ritual requirements of the Mosaic Law were not necessary for salvation, which was a gift of God’s grace.  All members of the body of Christ were then co-heirs to the promise of salvation in Christ.

 

Responsorial Psalm---Psalm 67

 

O God let all the nations praise you!

 

The 67^th psalm actually has a refrain written into the psalm, which repeats itself throughout the psalm.  Often we forget that the psalms are not just some of the oldest scriptural prayers, but that they were all put to song.  The 67^th psalm expresses very well the plan of God through Christ…that all nation praise God together in the One who is the Messiah (or the Christ).  It is amazing to think that God called one people to be His own people, that is the nation of Israel, they were the chosen people.  As the chosen people the Messiah (or Christ) has come through them.  However the Messiah has not come to save just the nation of Israel, He has come to save the whole world.  What was spoken of, and longed for in prayer is fulfilled through Christ.  Yes, in Christ all nations will together give praise to the Father.  This psalm also reminds us that we must actively attempt to share the gospel with others. 

 

So may your way be known upon the earth

Among all the nations your salvation.

 

Revelation  21:10-14, 22-23

 

It gleamed with the Splendor of God

 

The Holy City is so marvelous that that it gleamed with the splendor of God.  The holy city comes down out of heaven itself.  It is an image of heaven but also an image of the Church which is God’s kingdom on this earth until Christ comes again.  The Church in a certain sense is the City of God, which is traveling through a process of growth and even purification until it arrive at it destination, which is the Father.   Often there are three categories used to refer to the Church, they are (1) the Church Militant, (2) the Church suffering and (3) the Church triumphant.  The Church militant is the Church here on earth, in this world which contends for the faith and seeks bring the gospel to the ends of the earth.  This Church is in the midst of a constant spiritual battle.  The Church Suffering consist of those members who are in Purgatory which is primarily a place of purification.   These members have been saved through the redemption of Christ, their salvation in other words is not a question and they are being purified or perfected in charity so they can enter heaven where nothing sinful can enter.  Finally, the Church Triumphant is the Church, which is victorious in heaven.   This would include the martyrs, the patriarchs of the Old Testament and all others saints that are in the presents of God.  This reading from Revelation focuses on the Church Triumphant.  We are all members of the same one Church and destined to reign triumphantly with Christ and his saints for all of eternity.  When this day comes then these words will be fulfilled The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it its light, and its lamp was the Lamb.

 

The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on it were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

 

The stones that are part of the foundation of the City of God are the twelve apostles.  This image cast light on the importance of the role of the apostles in the plan of God.  Jacob who later was named Israel by YHWH had 12 sons who became the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel.  These 12 sons were in a sense the foundation of the people under the Old Covenant.  However, according to grace the children of the new covenant are not born of flesh and blood but of God.  Hence the spiritual patriarchs of this covenant are the twelve apostles.  In fact the number twelve or multiples of this number are used with frequency in the book of Revelation.  For instance there are 24 elders around the throne of God in Revelation chapters 5-7.  This could be a reference to the 12 patriarchs and the twelve apostles, once again the old and the new.  We also see in others parts 144,000 celibate, virgin, priestly Jews.  Once again when 12 is multiplied the sum is 144 and the number 1,000 is often a figure of infinity or overwhelming vastness.  The number could have as one of its symbols the fullness of the Old and New who are before the throne of God.  This in fact appears to be the reference in Revelation 7.

 

Gospel—John 14:23-29

 

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my father will love him and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

 

The one who loves Christ will keep his word and will also know the Father.  It would be a lie to say that we knew Christ and that we knew the Father if we did not seek to follow his commandments.  In fact the one who follows the teachings of Jesus is loved by the Father.   It is interesting that Jesus says “we will come to him and make our dwelling within him.”  This is a great expression of the love of the Trinity.  The one who walks with Christ will know intimately the presence and the love of the Holy Trinity.  Christ and the father can only dwell where they are welcomed, they will not force us to love them.  Hence, we must prepare a place by seeking to live a Christ-like life in all that we do.

 

The Advocate, the Holy Sprit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.

 

This image of the presence of the Holy Trinity is further complemented by the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will guide the Church to all truth (John 16:13).  We especially see the presence of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of Jesus’ disciples who are will to forsake all things for the gospel.  The Holy Spirit is ever present in the Church gifting each believer in special ways.  However, the Holy Spirit in a very special ways works in the Church through those who are the successors of the bishops who are the successors of the apostles.  This is so they can properly teach the truth of the gospel to the whole Church.  We see this in our first readings in Acts 15, which speaks of the first Church counsel.

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let you hearts be troubled or afraid.

 

Christ speaks of his departure by bequeaths to his followers a great gift and that gift is his own peace.  Often we mistakenly thing that the peace of Christ is the same as the world’s view of peace i.e. a world without boundaries, war, prejudices, rivalries and other problems.  While the aforementioned list might be included, the peace of Christ entirely surpasses the worldly view of peace in every way and can even be realized in the midst of life’s greatest tragedies.  Jesus knows that his disciples will suffer greatly.  He knows that their faith will be tested and for this reason he speaks of his own peace.  This peace one can only have if they are truly walking with him in faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fifth Sunday of Easter-Year C

 

The First Reading—Act of the Apostles 14:21-27

 

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

The early Church faced many forms of persecutions, first from Judaism and later from the Roman Empire.  Paul and Barnabas were some of the first to be persecuted for the faith.  In fact, Paul, knew very well the ferocity of the persecutions that the Church faced, for he himself persecuted the church with great force before his own conversion.  Knowing the trials that were before the Church, Paul and Barnabas wanted to strengthen the faith of their fellow Christians so that they would remain strong even in the midst of grave persecution.  Thus, in these particular visits the concern of Paul and Barnabas is truly that of a shepherd: they want the flock to be prepared!

 

They appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting they commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith.

 

It is interesting to note that Paul and Barnabas appoint the elders for each of the church communities, they were not simple chosen by popular vote.  The word for elder is presbyteros/presbyteroii and it signifies a specific role within the community, it does not simple means someone who is older, otherwise there would be no need to appoint such persons since naturally the more veteran members of the Church would be the obvious choices.  These elders were the appointed leaders of their particular local churches.  In the Church we refer to the priest collectively as the presbyteroi.

 

They called the church together and reported what God had done for them and how he had opened the door of faith to the gentiles.

 

The communities that that Paul and Barnabas are visiting must be composed of many Jewish converts to Christianity.  Hence, Paul and Barnabas relate to them the good news that Christ has come to save all and that even the gentiles themselves are co-heirs and called to be members of the church.  Before the coming of Christ Jews had very little contact with gentiles and considered them ritually unclean.  Thus, the issue of gentiles being full pledged members of the church was a big issue in the early Church.  This would be the subject of the first Church Council held in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 15).

 

Responsorial Psalm 145:1,8-9, 10-11, 12-13

 

The Lord is gracious and merciful

Slow to anger and of great kindness.

 

This psalm praises the works of the Lords…let all you works give you thanks, O Lord.  However the greatest of all the works of the Lord is the work of salvation which is revealed at the cross and at the empty tomb.  At the cross Christ pours out his mercy showing all of creation that God truly is slow to anger and rich in mercy.  He has come not to condemn but to save!  This revelation of God’s mercy, the work of salvation revealed and manifested at the cross and the empty tomb is God’s greatest work.  According to Thomas Aquinas the work of redemption exceeds and surpasses the creation of the heavens and the earth!  As a Church are collective response is Alleluja which means “Praise God or Praise Yahweh.”

 

The Second Reading--- Revelations 21:1-5a

 

Behold I make all things new!

 

In the past few weeks we have had the opportunity to listen to several readings from the book of Revelation.  In the third week of Easter we heard about the heaven liturgy which takes place in the presence of the Father, were heaven and earth praise God together.  In the fourth week of Easter we were given a triumphal image of the Saints in heaven.  Their number was so great that it could not be fully counted.  Here, in this fifth week of Easter, we see the manifestation of God’s salvation in all it fullness.  Such a manifestation is nothing less then a new heavens and a new earth!  He really does make all things new, and that is not a mere figure or an exaggeration!  In the old covenant the city of God was seen as the dwelling place of God due to the fact that in the Holy City was the temple.  In the temple was the Arc of the Covenant over which God multiple times manifested his glorious presence.  Hence, some of the psalms would even praise the fact that God dwelled in Jerusalem with His people (see for example Psalms 121, 122 and 125).  Yet the true Jerusalem is a heavenly one and God’s temple is with the whole human race.  This being true, all pain, sorrow, anger and hurt will in God’s presence, that is in heaven, be healed and even forgotten.  As John says, He will wipe ever tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.

 

Gospel---John: 13:31-33a, 34-35

 

Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him.

 

In the Gospel of John one of the most important theological terms is that of the Hour of Glory.  For instance Jesus speaks of His “Hour” at the wedding feast of Cana, My hour has not yet come.  The hour of course is the hour when Jesus will lay down his life for the Church, the hour when he would reveal the Father’s love for His church.  This revelation of Love is in a certain sense a revelations of the Holy Trinity.  Between all the persons of the Holy Trinity there is an ongoing exchange of Love, each person, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit seek to glorify or to give honor to the other.  The Father has sent his Son.  The Son has come to do the will of the Father and the Son must return to the Father so the Spirit can be sent to guide the Church to all truth.  Christ has come into the world to do his Father’s will and in doing so to give glory to the Father.  The father in turn will glorify the Son in his resurrection, for Christ will rise in glory.

It is no accident that Jesus begins to speak of this glory after Judas has left the Passover celebration with the mission of handing Jesus over to the authorities.  Christ allows him toleave knowing well what he is about to do.  Christ freely lays down his life to do the Father’s will.  He does so out of love for his Father….such love is a revelation of the Father’s glory!  This love is a giving love, a love that does not ask for more, but instead gives more and more.  A love that is not concerned about the self, but is concerned about the other.  This is the love of the Holy Trinity.

 

I give you a new commandment: Love one another

 

After speaking of Love from the perspective of the Holy Trinity, Jesus tells his disciples to love one another.  The Church must love as Christ loved if it is to be a true witness in the world.  Human nature always seeks to please the self.  However, the love of God is different, it always seeks to help or build up the other.  Hence, to love this way one must first empty the self just as Christ did for us on the cross.  Christ in essence has left for us a model or even a definition.  Our culture may sometimes trivialize love.  What is love?  In Christ we have the answer and He invites us “come and see.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Acts 13:14, 43-42