REFLECTIONS ON THE SUNDAY SCRIPTURES
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TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Matthew 20:1-16a
This Sunday’s Gospel reading continues the emphasis on forgiveness but with a twist. The section of the Gospel we ponder this Sunday stumps our human imagination, our ideas about fairness and justice. What is even more to the point, it describes the ways of God as beyond anything our human imaginations can naturally accept. As little children, we asked the question “how much do you love me?” and we learned to spread our hands wide as a way of accepting this generous love. On the other hand, “It’s not fair” has been repeated by each one of us since the time we were little and wanted a greater share of a parent’s love or of a teacher’s praise. “It’s not fair” when a loved one is able to be more generous with his or her praise, time, mercy or understanding than are we.
At Passover, during the Seder service as the story of God’s fidelity is told once again, the refrain “It would have been enough” is repeated: It would have been enough if God had only created the universe, it would have been enough if God had called Abraham and Sarah to parent a nation, it would have been enough if God had brought the people of Israel into the Promised Land. It would have been enough!
What is my RSVP today to God’s invitation today to accept and to share God’s limitless love in my own life and in the lives of the people of our world? Will there be less love in the world if I share it? When Pope Francis reminds us that we are “fratelli tutti”, he states the obvious. We are called to share the love of God without limit---with the boat people who survived and came to Lampedusa, with the men, women and children who have walked treacherous miles to come to the US border, with the persons who make our lives “miserable” because of their sense of justice or humor or self-pre-occupation or generosity of time and talent, or…
Hannah Arendt, a German-born philosopher of the 20th century, wrote that a human person is most God-like when he or she forgives. Is there any more difficult human activity than for me/us to attempt to temper our sense of fairness with over-powering love? And yet this is precisely what the Scriptures proclaim to us: God loves and in loving us, God forgives. Will I, will we try to love by forgiving and loving in unimaginable ways?
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, ssmn
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, ssmn
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TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
The first sentence of today’s reading from the Book of Sirach leaves no doubt about the theme of the day: “Wrath and anger are hateful things . . .”
During my junior year in college, I spent one afternoon a week visiting an institution for children who were taken from their homes by the court or by social services. Most of my time was spent in the Day Room of the infirmary, helping to care for children recovering from childhood illnesses. One day, while I was holding an infant with a bad cold, a boy about six years old became belligerent toward the other children. When he ignored my requests to behave, I found someone to hold the infant for me and I took the boy by the shoulders and asked him why he was behaving so badly. His unexpected response was to dive into my arms and sob. He was not really angry, he was simply in need of love and attention. Since that day, whenever I encounter “angry” people, I wonder what has prompted their anger; or, are they really “angry” at all, and is anger only an outward expression of a deeper problem.
The Book of Sirach reminds us that only a sinner “hugs” wrath and anger tightly. Those who walk in God’s way and are faithful to God’s covenant of love will show others the same mercy and forgiveness that God has shown to them. St. Paul reminds the Romans of that same reality: Christians live not for themselves, but for the Lord. And the Lord, in the words of Psalm 103, “is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.”
The parable that Jesus recounts to his disciples in today’s gospel vividly describes what will happen to the person who does not treat others with the same love and compassion that God shows to each of us. If we claim to be Christian, we must live the gospel life, and we must forgive one another from our heart. In response to Peter’s question about how many times we need to forgive others, the response of seventy times seven was Jesus’ way of saying that forgiveness must be limitless.
Anger is, unfortunately, a common human emotion that can have terrible consequences. Understanding the origins of our own anger is the first step in finding personal reconciliation and internal peace. Anger in others will only be mitigated with compassion and forgiveness. Love is stronger that hate, compassion more powerful than anger. Let us pray that God will remake our own hearts in the likeness of Christ, so that we may love and forgive others as we ourselves have been loved and forgiven.
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
During my junior year in college, I spent one afternoon a week visiting an institution for children who were taken from their homes by the court or by social services. Most of my time was spent in the Day Room of the infirmary, helping to care for children recovering from childhood illnesses. One day, while I was holding an infant with a bad cold, a boy about six years old became belligerent toward the other children. When he ignored my requests to behave, I found someone to hold the infant for me and I took the boy by the shoulders and asked him why he was behaving so badly. His unexpected response was to dive into my arms and sob. He was not really angry, he was simply in need of love and attention. Since that day, whenever I encounter “angry” people, I wonder what has prompted their anger; or, are they really “angry” at all, and is anger only an outward expression of a deeper problem.
The Book of Sirach reminds us that only a sinner “hugs” wrath and anger tightly. Those who walk in God’s way and are faithful to God’s covenant of love will show others the same mercy and forgiveness that God has shown to them. St. Paul reminds the Romans of that same reality: Christians live not for themselves, but for the Lord. And the Lord, in the words of Psalm 103, “is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.”
The parable that Jesus recounts to his disciples in today’s gospel vividly describes what will happen to the person who does not treat others with the same love and compassion that God shows to each of us. If we claim to be Christian, we must live the gospel life, and we must forgive one another from our heart. In response to Peter’s question about how many times we need to forgive others, the response of seventy times seven was Jesus’ way of saying that forgiveness must be limitless.
Anger is, unfortunately, a common human emotion that can have terrible consequences. Understanding the origins of our own anger is the first step in finding personal reconciliation and internal peace. Anger in others will only be mitigated with compassion and forgiveness. Love is stronger that hate, compassion more powerful than anger. Let us pray that God will remake our own hearts in the likeness of Christ, so that we may love and forgive others as we ourselves have been loved and forgiven.
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
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TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 10, 2023
Ez 33: 7-9 Rom 13: 8-10 Mt 18: 15-20
Our gospel for today probably makes most of us uncomfortable. We don’t like to confront people about their behavior or attitudes. We would prefer to just shun them, and leave them in their wrongdoings. But today Jesus confronts us in our wrong attitude. He asks us to act out of love for the other person. As Ezekiel says, we are responsible for them, and if we don’t warn them, we bear the responsibility for their spiritual death. How do we handle a situation like this? First we must face our own negative reactions. If we are not full of love for the person, take the whole situation to prayer, and pray to be able to love the person as Jesus does, even with their faults; to care about what they are doing to themselves by their actions. That is what should sadden us.
Then when we are coming from a loving place, we can ask for the wisdom to know how to confront this person with the truth. If we do it in a loving way, even though it is probably embarrassing for the person, hopefully our genuine concern for them will win out, and they will be able to admit their wrongdoing, and we can pray together about the situation and how they can make positive changes. You will have deepened your friendship and saved your friend.
But if he/she refuses to accept your understanding of the situation, Jesus doesn’t let up. He says to get 2 or 3 other witnesses who can verify what you have said, and you must try again. All of this is to be done in a loving way, solely out of concern for the good of the person and any others being hurt. It requires a lot of prayer to reach such a level of love – a miracle of grace, in your own heart and in the heart of the other person. But Jesus promises just such a miracle. The reading from Romans reinforces this command of Jesus to act only in love.
What a wonderful world it would be (the Kingdom would have arrived!) if we could all treat one another with such love. Mistakes and more serious sins will inevitably happen, but how we respond to one another requires a miracle of grace – over and over and over again. It shall always be given – we have God’s promise – if we only ask wholeheartedly. Today’s gospel contains one of those “hard” sayings of Jesus, and he knows what it will cost us to follow his advice, but he will be with us, accompanying us as we try to do the right thing, in a spirit of love.
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
Our gospel for today probably makes most of us uncomfortable. We don’t like to confront people about their behavior or attitudes. We would prefer to just shun them, and leave them in their wrongdoings. But today Jesus confronts us in our wrong attitude. He asks us to act out of love for the other person. As Ezekiel says, we are responsible for them, and if we don’t warn them, we bear the responsibility for their spiritual death. How do we handle a situation like this? First we must face our own negative reactions. If we are not full of love for the person, take the whole situation to prayer, and pray to be able to love the person as Jesus does, even with their faults; to care about what they are doing to themselves by their actions. That is what should sadden us.
Then when we are coming from a loving place, we can ask for the wisdom to know how to confront this person with the truth. If we do it in a loving way, even though it is probably embarrassing for the person, hopefully our genuine concern for them will win out, and they will be able to admit their wrongdoing, and we can pray together about the situation and how they can make positive changes. You will have deepened your friendship and saved your friend.
But if he/she refuses to accept your understanding of the situation, Jesus doesn’t let up. He says to get 2 or 3 other witnesses who can verify what you have said, and you must try again. All of this is to be done in a loving way, solely out of concern for the good of the person and any others being hurt. It requires a lot of prayer to reach such a level of love – a miracle of grace, in your own heart and in the heart of the other person. But Jesus promises just such a miracle. The reading from Romans reinforces this command of Jesus to act only in love.
What a wonderful world it would be (the Kingdom would have arrived!) if we could all treat one another with such love. Mistakes and more serious sins will inevitably happen, but how we respond to one another requires a miracle of grace – over and over and over again. It shall always be given – we have God’s promise – if we only ask wholeheartedly. Today’s gospel contains one of those “hard” sayings of Jesus, and he knows what it will cost us to follow his advice, but he will be with us, accompanying us as we try to do the right thing, in a spirit of love.
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
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TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST 27, 2023
Isaiah 22:19-23 Romans 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20
The question that Jesus asked Peter: “But who do you say that I am?”Peter answers: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”Then Jesus puts him at the head of the Church, thus the Church begins.Let us reflect on how we would answer the question of Jesus. Who is Jesus for me? Perhaps at different times of our life, Jesus is different for each of us.
Jesus is my Shepherd who takes care of me, protects me.Jesus is my brother whom I can talk to when I need help or consolation.Jesus is my map who leads me along the right path.Jesus is my friend to whom I can express my thoughts too.Jesus is the door which is always open.Jesus is my light when I walk in darkness.Jesus is my truth when I confused and need direction.Jesus is my way when I am lost.Jesus is my nourishment to follow him in the Eucharist.Jesus is my hope when things in my life hit rock bottom.Jesus is my first love.Jesus is my Savior who died and rose for me.Jesus is my Rock when I'm too weak to stand.Who do you say Jesus is for you?May we live this week thinking about how much we need Jesus in our life.
-Sr. Rose Ann
-Sr. Rose Ann
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST 6, 2023
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,9 2nd Letter of St. Peter 1:16-19 Matthew 17:1-9
“We behold the splendor of God, shining on the face of Jesus…”In preparing this reflection, I came upon a commentary by Tom Wright in his book MATTHEW for Everyone*, where he writes:“If you want to see Jesus’ divinity, the early Christians would tell us, you must look, however surprisingly, at Jesus’ suffering and shameful death. …it’s a puzzle the first Christians insisted we should live with.In fact, the scene at the transfiguration…offers a strange parallel and contrast to the crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-54) … Here (Mt.17) on a mountain is Jesus, revealed in glory; there (Mt. 27:33-54), on a hill outside Jerusalem, is Jesus, revealed in shame. Here his clothes are shining white; there, they have been stripped off, and soldiers have gambled for them. Here he is flanked by Moses and Elijah, two of Israel’s greatest heroes, representing the LAW and the prophets; there, he is flanked by two brigands, representing the level to which Israel had sunk in rebellion against God. Here, a bright cloud overshadows the scene; there, darkness comes upon the land. Here, Peter blurts out how wonderful it all is; there, he is hiding in shame after denying he even knows Jesus. Here a voice from God declares that this is God’s wonderful son; there, a pagan soldier declares, in surprise, that this really was God’s son.…Learn to see the glory in the cross; learn to see the cross in the glory; and you will have begun to bring together the laughter and the tears of the God who hides in the cloud, the God who is to be known in the strange person of Jesus himself.…Jesus isn’t just a prophet; he is God’s own son, the Messiah, and God is delighted with what he is doing. The word to the disciples then is just as much a word to us today. If you want to find the way—the way to God, the way to the promised land—you must listen to him (cf. Mt. 16:21-23).”Some other points for reflection and prayer:Where do I see a daily need for more attentive listening to God, to others, to the earth, to myself?How do I respond in word and in action to the transforming love of God?“Transparent hearts give reflection of Tabor’s light within…”
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, SSMN *Tom Wright, MATTHEW for Everyone, Part 2, Copyright © Nicholas Thomas Wright 2002, Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, spckpublishing.co.uk.
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, SSMN *Tom Wright, MATTHEW for Everyone, Part 2, Copyright © Nicholas Thomas Wright 2002, Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, spckpublishing.co.uk.
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SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JULY 30, 2023
1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 Matt 13:44-52
In the first reading from the First Book of Kings there is a wonderful scene: In a dream God tells Solomon to ask for something (anything). And Solomon asks for an understanding heart. Given a choice, this is what he really desires.
It pleased God that Solomon did not make a selfish request and so God promised him wisdom, with a heart “so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you” (now or to come). What is given is a superabundance of wisdom, rich and overflowing… It is always this way with God’s gifts. Our God can never be out-done in generosity.
However, we later see that even though God had given Solomon wisdom, he was not faithful to God as his father David was. He began to worship the gods that his wives worshiped. He even built shrines where his wives could worship their false gods. This displeased God and eventually the Kingdom split.
Solomon had free will, and at this point chose not to use his gift of wisdom. This is an important part of God’s relationship with each of us. Our free will is always there. God entrusts us with gifts, but gives us the freedom to use them or not.
In Matthew’s gospel we find several short stories: about a person finding a treasure buried in a field, a merchant searching for fine pearls, and a net cast into the sea with fishermen hauling in a superabundance of fish. These stories have a common theme.
What is truly significant, and the point Jesus is making, is that the man goes and sells all he has to buy the field. The next one does the same to buy the pearl – and all are working hard to haul in the load of fish. They realize that what they have is of great value and do not want to lose it. No cost is too high to be able to keep and hold on to their treasures. Each of us has also been gifted with unique treasures. In using our free will we make the choices needed to find and nurture the treasures we have been given.
In the light of today’s readings, perhaps we could ponder these ideas:
How often are we aware, deep in our hearts, that we have a treasure within our grasp? What is our treasure at this moment?
Sometimes a treasure is “buried,” is not in plain sight, and we must search for it.What have we missed [or failed to see] that is really important, that is valuable – perhaps not realizing its value until it is too late and is lost?
What do we treasure, hold dear? What price are we willing to pay?Conversely, we might refuse to let go of something that is not good for us. What has that cost us?
Let us pray together that we allow God to work in our hearts, to give us the gift of wisdom. We pray also for the courage to use our gifts, whatever they are, for the good of others.
-Sr. Corinne Yarborough
In the first reading from the First Book of Kings there is a wonderful scene: In a dream God tells Solomon to ask for something (anything). And Solomon asks for an understanding heart. Given a choice, this is what he really desires.
It pleased God that Solomon did not make a selfish request and so God promised him wisdom, with a heart “so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you” (now or to come). What is given is a superabundance of wisdom, rich and overflowing… It is always this way with God’s gifts. Our God can never be out-done in generosity.
However, we later see that even though God had given Solomon wisdom, he was not faithful to God as his father David was. He began to worship the gods that his wives worshiped. He even built shrines where his wives could worship their false gods. This displeased God and eventually the Kingdom split.
Solomon had free will, and at this point chose not to use his gift of wisdom. This is an important part of God’s relationship with each of us. Our free will is always there. God entrusts us with gifts, but gives us the freedom to use them or not.
In Matthew’s gospel we find several short stories: about a person finding a treasure buried in a field, a merchant searching for fine pearls, and a net cast into the sea with fishermen hauling in a superabundance of fish. These stories have a common theme.
What is truly significant, and the point Jesus is making, is that the man goes and sells all he has to buy the field. The next one does the same to buy the pearl – and all are working hard to haul in the load of fish. They realize that what they have is of great value and do not want to lose it. No cost is too high to be able to keep and hold on to their treasures. Each of us has also been gifted with unique treasures. In using our free will we make the choices needed to find and nurture the treasures we have been given.
In the light of today’s readings, perhaps we could ponder these ideas:
How often are we aware, deep in our hearts, that we have a treasure within our grasp? What is our treasure at this moment?
Sometimes a treasure is “buried,” is not in plain sight, and we must search for it.What have we missed [or failed to see] that is really important, that is valuable – perhaps not realizing its value until it is too late and is lost?
What do we treasure, hold dear? What price are we willing to pay?Conversely, we might refuse to let go of something that is not good for us. What has that cost us?
Let us pray together that we allow God to work in our hearts, to give us the gift of wisdom. We pray also for the courage to use our gifts, whatever they are, for the good of others.
-Sr. Corinne Yarborough
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SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JULY 23, 2023
There is a line in today’s First Reading from the Book of Wisdom that seems to put all the rest of today’s readings into focus. The line reads “in those who know you, you rebuke temerity.” There seems to be two parts to this quote. First, the qualifier – “those who know you”. Secondly, an action – “you rebuke temerity”. Knowing God is both a simple thing and an unachievable reality. God is everywhere. God’s life giving Spirit animates us from within and awes us in our surroundings. Gifted with eyes to see and ears to hear in Baptism, we must actively disavow God to be unaware of God’s presence. A definition of temerity offers a variety of synonyms: audacity, boldness, nerve, effrontery. Hearing that God rebukes temerity ought to give us pause. Many of us fall into the mistake of thinking we are always correct or that we are somehow in charge of things. In doing so, without a thought of God, we border on temerity! Notice how this line then challenges us throughout the readings of the day.God’s mastery allows God to be lenient. You, O Lord, are slow to anger, abounding in kindness. The Spirit comes to our aid. If you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat as well. The smallest of seeds produces the largest of plant. A little yeast can leaven the entire batch. Let us work to be mindful of letting God be God and knowing ourselves as part of God’s creation.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
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FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JULY 16, 2023
Matthew 13:1-9
Jesus loved to tell a good story and this Sunday’s gospel of the sower couldn’t be a better choice. Jesus knew how to pick them! The image of a sower sowing would have spoken volumes to Jesus’ listeners. They saw this kind of image all the time. When I read this gospel, Van Gogh’s painting of the sower appears before my eyes. The sower’s seed flies through the air and falls in many different places. Some of the places described in the gospel don’t lend themselves to a fruitful harvest: rocky ground, among thorns, places easily spied by birds where the seed is gobbled up. And then, we hear about the seed falling on rich soil and bringing up an abundant crop. This is the scenario before us. The listeners of Jesus’ words could picture it all.
Since a parable is a story with a message, it also asks you: What do you see in this story? What kind of ground are we? Does a message from the Scripture fall on a rocky or barren heart? Or does it fall upon a fertile heart, open to receive the message? We are invited to ask ourselves these questions. Sometimes we may think we know the answer to what the Scripture is telling us but then discover that it can come from unexpected places. I will share with you an example from my own experience.
When I was a missionary in Brazil, one of the pastoral experiences that I was responsible for was a group sharing on the Gospel of the coming Sunday. I was in a rural area and people would come in from the countryside for this sharing. It so happened that the Scripture reading for the coming Sunday was the Sower. I prepared all I could so that I would be able to explain to the people the meaning of the parable. Most of the people didn’t read, so after I read the Gospel to them I said: “Now we can see what the parable is telling us.” As I opened my mouth to give forth my carefully prepared explanation, one of the farmers stood and said: “Now I will tell you what this gospel means.” I closed my mouth and listened. I couldn’t have given a better explanation, even after all my book preparation. This farmer spoke from the heart of told the people what Jesus could be saying to them. It was perfect. I could not have done as well. I never forgot this experience.
The farmer explained how it was all a question of the heart. It isn’t what is in books that will change the heart but what a person sees with the eyes of the heart and tries to live. May our hearts be fertile ground, open and ready to welcome the seed of God’s message, ready to have it take root in our hearts and bring forth fruit in our lives.
-Sr. Patricia Brady
Since a parable is a story with a message, it also asks you: What do you see in this story? What kind of ground are we? Does a message from the Scripture fall on a rocky or barren heart? Or does it fall upon a fertile heart, open to receive the message? We are invited to ask ourselves these questions. Sometimes we may think we know the answer to what the Scripture is telling us but then discover that it can come from unexpected places. I will share with you an example from my own experience.
When I was a missionary in Brazil, one of the pastoral experiences that I was responsible for was a group sharing on the Gospel of the coming Sunday. I was in a rural area and people would come in from the countryside for this sharing. It so happened that the Scripture reading for the coming Sunday was the Sower. I prepared all I could so that I would be able to explain to the people the meaning of the parable. Most of the people didn’t read, so after I read the Gospel to them I said: “Now we can see what the parable is telling us.” As I opened my mouth to give forth my carefully prepared explanation, one of the farmers stood and said: “Now I will tell you what this gospel means.” I closed my mouth and listened. I couldn’t have given a better explanation, even after all my book preparation. This farmer spoke from the heart of told the people what Jesus could be saying to them. It was perfect. I could not have done as well. I never forgot this experience.
The farmer explained how it was all a question of the heart. It isn’t what is in books that will change the heart but what a person sees with the eyes of the heart and tries to live. May our hearts be fertile ground, open and ready to welcome the seed of God’s message, ready to have it take root in our hearts and bring forth fruit in our lives.
-Sr. Patricia Brady
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FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JULY 9, 2023
Zech 9:9-10 Rom 8:9, 11-13 Mt 11:25-30
“I give praise to you Father… for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to little ones.” It’s so often true that the “wise and the learned” aren’t always wise, while the “little ones” who have less education and status can be far wiser… In this passage Jesus infers that his Father is pouring out the gifts of the Spirit on everyone. But that the unwise refuse to accept them.
Would that each of us had the wisdom to accept the gifts of the Spirit so lavishly doled out by our loving Father… Would that our hearts had the simple openness of God’s cherished little ones, to treasure those gifts. Sometimes we fritter them away and then blame God for not giving us the gifts which we want but God knows that we don’t really need. If only we had the wisdom to follow God’s lead and appreciate the gifts that he does give us. Then our ministries and relationships would bear the fruit that God wishes, and we would have joy instead of frustration. If only we each had the heart and trust of a “little one”.
We especially appreciate the final paragraph in today’s gospel during times of stress: “Come to me all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest…” It’s a tender promise from the One who knows our hearts and our needs. It’s not a promise of bliss, but a challenge to take up the Lord’s yoke, to find his Way in the midst of our struggles; to see our situation through his eyes… Then peace can enter our hearts, even if nothing in our circumstances changes.
How can we find God’s Way, which is often so different from our own? How can our vision change so that we can see with God’s eyes and understand our situation as God understands it? We need a miracle of grace. Only in prayer can our eyes be opened, as we rest in him and allow God to move in us, to shed light on our darkened understanding, to expose especially any emotions which might be distorting our perceptions. So often we can misperceive a situation, and when God enlightens our minds with the truth, it becomes more manageable. Discernment is the key.
Today’s gospel encourages us to have open hearts like the wise little ones who are so beloved of God. Let us pray for humble hearts, able to receive the gifts God tries to lavish on us.
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
“I give praise to you Father… for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to little ones.” It’s so often true that the “wise and the learned” aren’t always wise, while the “little ones” who have less education and status can be far wiser… In this passage Jesus infers that his Father is pouring out the gifts of the Spirit on everyone. But that the unwise refuse to accept them.
Would that each of us had the wisdom to accept the gifts of the Spirit so lavishly doled out by our loving Father… Would that our hearts had the simple openness of God’s cherished little ones, to treasure those gifts. Sometimes we fritter them away and then blame God for not giving us the gifts which we want but God knows that we don’t really need. If only we had the wisdom to follow God’s lead and appreciate the gifts that he does give us. Then our ministries and relationships would bear the fruit that God wishes, and we would have joy instead of frustration. If only we each had the heart and trust of a “little one”.
We especially appreciate the final paragraph in today’s gospel during times of stress: “Come to me all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest…” It’s a tender promise from the One who knows our hearts and our needs. It’s not a promise of bliss, but a challenge to take up the Lord’s yoke, to find his Way in the midst of our struggles; to see our situation through his eyes… Then peace can enter our hearts, even if nothing in our circumstances changes.
How can we find God’s Way, which is often so different from our own? How can our vision change so that we can see with God’s eyes and understand our situation as God understands it? We need a miracle of grace. Only in prayer can our eyes be opened, as we rest in him and allow God to move in us, to shed light on our darkened understanding, to expose especially any emotions which might be distorting our perceptions. So often we can misperceive a situation, and when God enlightens our minds with the truth, it becomes more manageable. Discernment is the key.
Today’s gospel encourages us to have open hearts like the wise little ones who are so beloved of God. Let us pray for humble hearts, able to receive the gifts God tries to lavish on us.
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
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THIRTEETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JULY 2, 2023
This weekend our readings involve the intertwined themes of prophecy, hospitality, thankfulness, and discipleship.
One of the miracle stories involving the prophet Elisha is the subject of the first reading. Elisha lived about 850 years BCE, and he was revered as a man of God. A woman who greatly respected him regularly offered him hospitality. Wanting to repay her in some way, Elisha asked his servant what could be done for her – an interesting act of humility for a great prophet – and the servant suggested that since the woman was without children perhaps she could have a son. Elisha then told the woman that in a year’s time she would have a son. The first reading ends there, but that is really only half of the story. Several years later the boy becomes very ill and dies, the mother finds Elisha and begs his help, and Elisha brings the boy back to life. The words of the responsorial psalm (Psalm 89) could have been her expression of thanksgiving to God – both at her son’s birth and when his life was restored: “The promises of the Lord I will sing forever, through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.”
The gospel is Matthew’s account of Jesus teaching the apostles what it means to be a disciple, a man of God, worthy of walking in the way of Jesus: take up the cross and follow, lose your life in order to find it. The righteous ones will be those who receive others as they would receive Christ, and those who show kindness to the disciples of Christ. Discipleship will not be easy, but it will ultimately be rewarded.
St Paul, in his letter to the Romans, sums up the meaning of discipleship: thanks to the death of Christ, we, too, are dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.
It is our responsibility as Christians to be prophets in a new age, to be men and women living for God in Christ, speaking to others messages of admonition and compassion. We lose our lives in many separate moments each day, and live in Christ as those moments are transformed in our pursuit to “live in newness of life.” To paraphrase Psalm 89: Blessed are the people, O Lord, who walk in the light of your countenance. At your name we will rejoice all the day, and through your justice we will be exalted. -Regina Murphy, SSMN
One of the miracle stories involving the prophet Elisha is the subject of the first reading. Elisha lived about 850 years BCE, and he was revered as a man of God. A woman who greatly respected him regularly offered him hospitality. Wanting to repay her in some way, Elisha asked his servant what could be done for her – an interesting act of humility for a great prophet – and the servant suggested that since the woman was without children perhaps she could have a son. Elisha then told the woman that in a year’s time she would have a son. The first reading ends there, but that is really only half of the story. Several years later the boy becomes very ill and dies, the mother finds Elisha and begs his help, and Elisha brings the boy back to life. The words of the responsorial psalm (Psalm 89) could have been her expression of thanksgiving to God – both at her son’s birth and when his life was restored: “The promises of the Lord I will sing forever, through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.”
The gospel is Matthew’s account of Jesus teaching the apostles what it means to be a disciple, a man of God, worthy of walking in the way of Jesus: take up the cross and follow, lose your life in order to find it. The righteous ones will be those who receive others as they would receive Christ, and those who show kindness to the disciples of Christ. Discipleship will not be easy, but it will ultimately be rewarded.
St Paul, in his letter to the Romans, sums up the meaning of discipleship: thanks to the death of Christ, we, too, are dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.
It is our responsibility as Christians to be prophets in a new age, to be men and women living for God in Christ, speaking to others messages of admonition and compassion. We lose our lives in many separate moments each day, and live in Christ as those moments are transformed in our pursuit to “live in newness of life.” To paraphrase Psalm 89: Blessed are the people, O Lord, who walk in the light of your countenance. At your name we will rejoice all the day, and through your justice we will be exalted. -Regina Murphy, SSMN
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TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JUNE 25, 2023
Matthew 10: 26-33
In today’s gospel there are several themes, but I will focus on only two words: ‘fear not’. In my opinion being afraid can prevent us from having the courage to share our faith, another theme of today’s scriptures. How many times have we read these words spoken by Jesus to reassure his disciples of his presence. Like a mother who tenderly and repeatedly tells her child: ‘I won’t let anything happen to you!’ ‘I’m right here!’ ‘Don’t you know how precious you are to me?’
And yet how many times do we forget these comforting words and fall into that death dealing trap called ‘fear’. Fear is an emotion that has the ability to paralyze us in so many ways. Giving into it can keep us from using all our God-given gifts, or perhaps from expanding our hearts and minds to embrace different ways of being, living, or even people.
Not so long ago, I was going ‘door to door’ in a housing project, distributing materials on behalf of a parish. Being September, neither children nor adults were out and about. As I walked in an alley, three youth were suddenly some yards behind me. And for a moment I allowed ‘fear’ to begin its’ nasty work of rash judgement. Unexpectedly, one of the youth called out: ‘Ma’am, what are you passing out’? I turned to face my fear and replied: ‘Church information’. The reply humbled me: ‘Oh! could I have some’? Needless to say I was delighted to share all that I had but also ashamed for letting fear in, brief as it was.
In this gospel text, Jesus provides us with even more reasoning for not fearing by declaring how valuable we truly are that even the hairs on our heads have been counted!! So precise is his knowledge, so careful his love as he turns his eyes on us. A lover knows every detail about the beloved, and notices every change. And so does God with us. So why should we be afraid? The power of anyone is limited and can only attack our earthly life. No one can destroy our true worth, our hope of heavenly life. Perhaps when fear seems to be creeping into our lives, we can remember one of our favorite psalms or songs. Mine would be: ‘Be not afraid, I go before you always’.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
In today’s gospel there are several themes, but I will focus on only two words: ‘fear not’. In my opinion being afraid can prevent us from having the courage to share our faith, another theme of today’s scriptures. How many times have we read these words spoken by Jesus to reassure his disciples of his presence. Like a mother who tenderly and repeatedly tells her child: ‘I won’t let anything happen to you!’ ‘I’m right here!’ ‘Don’t you know how precious you are to me?’
And yet how many times do we forget these comforting words and fall into that death dealing trap called ‘fear’. Fear is an emotion that has the ability to paralyze us in so many ways. Giving into it can keep us from using all our God-given gifts, or perhaps from expanding our hearts and minds to embrace different ways of being, living, or even people.
Not so long ago, I was going ‘door to door’ in a housing project, distributing materials on behalf of a parish. Being September, neither children nor adults were out and about. As I walked in an alley, three youth were suddenly some yards behind me. And for a moment I allowed ‘fear’ to begin its’ nasty work of rash judgement. Unexpectedly, one of the youth called out: ‘Ma’am, what are you passing out’? I turned to face my fear and replied: ‘Church information’. The reply humbled me: ‘Oh! could I have some’? Needless to say I was delighted to share all that I had but also ashamed for letting fear in, brief as it was.
In this gospel text, Jesus provides us with even more reasoning for not fearing by declaring how valuable we truly are that even the hairs on our heads have been counted!! So precise is his knowledge, so careful his love as he turns his eyes on us. A lover knows every detail about the beloved, and notices every change. And so does God with us. So why should we be afraid? The power of anyone is limited and can only attack our earthly life. No one can destroy our true worth, our hope of heavenly life. Perhaps when fear seems to be creeping into our lives, we can remember one of our favorite psalms or songs. Mine would be: ‘Be not afraid, I go before you always’.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
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ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JUNE 18, 2023
Exodus 19:2-6a Romans 5:6-11 Matt. 9:36-10:8
Today is Father’s Day, which is an occasion to thank all fathers who support and love their families. In the old school of thought, hopefully in the new school, we see the Father as a person who is one of the bread winners of the family. A person who is a leader and follower of Jesus and projects good values and wisdom to his wife and family.
The first reading from Exodus speaks about us. Through our baptism, we are make a holy nation, a king, prophet and priest. We are asked to follow the Lord and keep his commandments. God forms us, corrects us and brings us close to Him. These are characteristics that we can attribute to a Father in a family.
Palm response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock – a nice image for a family.
The second reading from Romans: Jesus loved his Father and was willing to suffer, die and rise from the dead for our salvation. A father of a family gives himself for the love of his wife and children. I remember when my father died and my brother gave the eulogy. He said my Dad gave us an example what it means to honor, respect and love until death does us part.
Jesus calls each of us to follow him. He sends us out to share the good news. Jesus was concerned for his people. A father is called to guide, protect, care and be a good example for them to bring them into the Kingdom of God.As we honor our Fathers today living or deceased, let us pray for them to know the Father’s love for them.
There is a song called On Eagle’s Wings (see first reading) let us make it our prayer this Father’s Day.And he will raise you up on Eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to share like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand. -Sr. Rose Ann
Today is Father’s Day, which is an occasion to thank all fathers who support and love their families. In the old school of thought, hopefully in the new school, we see the Father as a person who is one of the bread winners of the family. A person who is a leader and follower of Jesus and projects good values and wisdom to his wife and family.
The first reading from Exodus speaks about us. Through our baptism, we are make a holy nation, a king, prophet and priest. We are asked to follow the Lord and keep his commandments. God forms us, corrects us and brings us close to Him. These are characteristics that we can attribute to a Father in a family.
Palm response: We are his people, the sheep of his flock – a nice image for a family.
The second reading from Romans: Jesus loved his Father and was willing to suffer, die and rise from the dead for our salvation. A father of a family gives himself for the love of his wife and children. I remember when my father died and my brother gave the eulogy. He said my Dad gave us an example what it means to honor, respect and love until death does us part.
Jesus calls each of us to follow him. He sends us out to share the good news. Jesus was concerned for his people. A father is called to guide, protect, care and be a good example for them to bring them into the Kingdom of God.As we honor our Fathers today living or deceased, let us pray for them to know the Father’s love for them.
There is a song called On Eagle’s Wings (see first reading) let us make it our prayer this Father’s Day.And he will raise you up on Eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to share like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand. -Sr. Rose Ann
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SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
JUNE 11, 2023
Deut. 8: 2-3, 14b-16a Ps. 147: 12-13, 14-15, 19-20 I Cor. 10: 16-17 John 6:51-58
This Feast has a special significance for us as Sisters of St. Mary because it was begun by St. Julianne of Liege, Belgium. 50 years ago on this feast, we would process through the streets of the cities of Belgium, led by the Blessed Sacrament, and pray for all the peoples of the world and their needs. Now people are more apt to gather in adoration chapels to express their devotion to the eucharist.
When I had the privilege of preparing children for First Communion, I was confronted with the fact that they did not like the taste or texture of the host. What to do to get them past that so they could accept Jesus’ desire to share his life with us in this way? I did find a prayer celebration that seemed to enrich their experience of eating “different” bread. After setting the table with a special cloth, candles, flowers, plates and napkins, the children were invited to sit at the table and to look at the different kinds of bread. There was pita, matzo, tortilla, rice cake, bagel, rye bread, hosts, etc. As each bread was held up by one of the children, we prayed for the people who ate that bread and then, in silence, we ate the bread. After praying with all the different kinds of bread, the children were invited to taste the host. The children could actually accept and appreciate this “special bread” which would become the body of Christ during the eucharistic prayer and in their living the way of Jesus. Context makes a difference. Experience makes a difference. St. Thomas in the hymn “Lauda Sion, tries to enhance our understanding and appreciation of the mystery of the Eucharist. Unfortunately, the translation is less than helpful. St. Paul simply says to the Corinthians and to us, that we become what we eat. In the Gospel passage, Jesus invites the Jews to “look beyond the bread you eat”. We who eat the bread of Christ and drink the cup become Christ and so we are invited to let ourselves be given to others, consumed by others in life-giving love and service.
Isn’t that the key to life in today’s culture and in today’s world? We choose to want and to work for being bread for the world, a world of hunger.
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, ssmn
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, ssmn
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TRINITY SUNDAY
JUNE 3, 2023
Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 1 Cor. 13:11-13 John 3:16-18
Trinity Sunday is the feast that I think we are genuinely glad to welcome but at the same time, the depth of its meaning is hard to grasp. What does clearly surface, however, is the reality of relationships that is modeled for us in the Trinity of our godhead. In glimpses and in prayer we meet our God who is beyond our understanding yet wedded to the fiber of our being. In the first reading, God reinstates the covenant with Israel, after they worshipped a golden calf in the desert. God demonstrates to Israel that mercy, kindness, patience and faithfulness is the very nature of God. In the second reading from Corinthians, Paul suggests that God our Father extends grace to us, Jesus offers us love and the Holy Spirit binds human kind together in fellowship. The Gospel affirms that God gave the greatest gift to humankind in the person of His Son. The Son is described as doing the work of His Father.
I think that this comment from Saint Augustine on 1 John 4:7 gives an important emphasis on the meaning of God’s love: “This passage shows clearly and sufficiently how this brotherly/sisterly love that we love each other with is proclaimed on the highest authority not only to be from God but also simply to be God. When therefore we love our brother/sister out of love, we love our brother/sister out of God.” That is why the gift of true love is so very precious to us. We recognize that it is holy and it is a gift beyond our own capacity to give to another. The grace and power of God enables this love to exist among us. When we experience this love, our hearts are pierced with something so deep that it is difficult to put it into words. Love’s effect is the realization that it will last forever beyond this world. It is the mystery of God.
So for me, this feast is a call to be aware of the quality of our hearts, knowing that God designed our hearts according to his wisdom. Our hearts are made for God, for all humanity and all creation. It takes a lifetime to grow into the realization and the grace of what it means to receive and be a loving presence in our world. May our hearts be filled with immense joy in the presence of the mystery of our Triune God.
- S. Catherine Taberski
I think that this comment from Saint Augustine on 1 John 4:7 gives an important emphasis on the meaning of God’s love: “This passage shows clearly and sufficiently how this brotherly/sisterly love that we love each other with is proclaimed on the highest authority not only to be from God but also simply to be God. When therefore we love our brother/sister out of love, we love our brother/sister out of God.” That is why the gift of true love is so very precious to us. We recognize that it is holy and it is a gift beyond our own capacity to give to another. The grace and power of God enables this love to exist among us. When we experience this love, our hearts are pierced with something so deep that it is difficult to put it into words. Love’s effect is the realization that it will last forever beyond this world. It is the mystery of God.
So for me, this feast is a call to be aware of the quality of our hearts, knowing that God designed our hearts according to his wisdom. Our hearts are made for God, for all humanity and all creation. It takes a lifetime to grow into the realization and the grace of what it means to receive and be a loving presence in our world. May our hearts be filled with immense joy in the presence of the mystery of our Triune God.
- S. Catherine Taberski
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SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 21, 2023
On this Seventh Sunday of Easter, we find ourselves, liturgically, in the time between the Ascension of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Imagine yourself as one of Jesus’ disciples: dismayed and discouraged after the crucifixion, having your faith restored at the resurrection, and totally unsure of your future after the ascension. You know Jesus will not return, there will be no earthy kingdom, and you have been left with the mandate to go to Jerusalem to “wait for the promise of the Father,” and to be Christ’s witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” What does it all mean? The disciples returned to Jerusalem, probably not only because Christ had asked them to, but because it was where they had been staying, and where their friends were. There they and some others, including several women, “devoted themselves to prayer.” How human: to go to a safe “upper room”, be with those you know well and with whom you share your faith, and to pray together to discern God’s will. Psalm 27 – which is both the entrance psalm and the responsorial psalm – expresses what must have been the prayer of those in the room: “O Lord, hear my voice . . . hide not your face from me . . . You are my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” Their prayer was sustained by a singular focus: “One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” How often in our own lives are we like the disciples in that upper room, seeking both comfort and guidance, and praying words similar to today’s Collect, that “we . . .may experience, as he promised, until the end of the world, his abiding presence among us”? The following prayer by a 19th century Anglican theologian, William Bright, echoes the same sentiment and might be our prayer when we seek refuge in our own ”upper room”: O God, grant us in all our doubts and uncertainties the grace to ask what you would have us do; that the spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble.
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
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SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 14, 2023
Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17 Resp Psalm: Ps. 66: 1-3, 4-5, 6-7,16, 20 1 Peter 3: 15-18 John 14: 15-21
The readings of this Sunday can lead to some questions to ponder.What is Jesus saying in today’s Gospel? What does it mean to be an orphan? Who will love and guide me? Where do I go? What do I do now?
The Gospel begins with “If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” Jesus has set before us leaving and coming. Presence and absence. We are being called to hold these in tension. Jesus is in our midst. Yet, Jesus will not leave us orphaned. We are called to live a life of love. Be assured that I will not leave you orphans. Like Philip in the first reading from Acts, we go out with the boldness of the Holy Spirit to our places of ministry and proclaim Christ. The Lord is calling us to generously respond to what it means to be disciples. Be ready to give an explanation of why you are hopeful.
In the midst of our worn torn cities, people being displaced from their homes, the devastation of the earth, violence and hate, there are miracles happening. Unclean spirits are coming out of those with racial hatred. Drug addicts are telling their stories of being lifted from their paralysis. Those who are involved with human trafficking are finding shelters for life. Many paralyzed with racial and cultural diversity hate embrace in acts of love and forgiveness. The challenge before us remains. Yet, we believe that loving like Jesus did is a great cause for our joy. We have that blessed assurance that Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit. Yes, there are moments of life when changes, tragedies and abandonment can leave us feeling like orphans. The promise is coming and leaving. Presence and absence. We hold this grace that Jesus will not abandon us. This is cause for great rejoicing.
-Sister Roberta Fulton, SSMN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqU_32v0R_I
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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 7, 2023
The short passage from Acts in today’s liturgy reveals several important realities about our faith and our Church. Tensions rise, ministry becomes overwhelming, choices are made and unity is sought. The challenge presented in this passage is quite simple and human: how to distribute food fairly to the needy. Far from the high theological questions of Jesus’ humanity or Divinity, the early Church faced a problem of bias and equity.
It is a marvel to then proceed with the Second Reading where the image of believers as living stones is offered. Called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people of praise, we are to offer spiritual sacrifices. In the practical example of Acts, the Apostles realized they could not remain the only ones in leadership of this ever-growing community. Their spiritual sacrifice was to share authority for the benefit of others.
In an image of absolute inclusion, Jesus proclaims in today’s Gospel that there are many dwelling places in the house of God. Jesus goes to prepare a place of welcome for everyone in the house of God. Confusion and misunderstanding persist among the Apostles and throughout the history of the Church but the promise of Jesus as the way, the truth and the life is steadfast.
With faith in Jesus, we have the courage to address inequities as we encounter them. With faith in Jesus, we can trust the inspiration of the Spirit to guide our decision-making. With faith in Jesus, we can hope for times of reconciliation, peace and unifying love among all peoples.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
APRIL 30, 2023
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 23 1Peter 2:20b-25 John 10:1-10
Today’s theme in all the readings is the Good Shepherd. He knows us my name and guides us always in our life. We are on a journey of 90 days. 40 days of Lent and 50 days until Pentecost. As we journey let us be aware of the presences of the Good Shepherd.
We belong to the Lord as Peter explains in the Acts of the Apostles. Once we are baptized, we are one with Him. We must lead a new life, follow the way of Jesus. We have received the Spirit of Christ and have become a new person in Christ.
Psalm 23 the Good Shepherd is familiar with all of us. As we walk this journey, he guides me in the right paths. Even though we might walk in a dark valley, I fear no evil for you are at my side.He spreads the Table before me in the sight of my foes. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life. It truly is a refreshing and powerful psalm.
The gospel tells the story of the Good Shepherd who is the gate. He leads us and directs us in and out of the gate. There are times when we need to return to the fold to be nourished, take rest, be quiet and listen to the Lord. We must be replenished by the Lord in our journey to Pentecost so that we will be able to proclaim the Lord to all the world.
There is a story about a shepherd boy in Scotland who lived with his grandfather because his parents had died. The grandfather taught the boy many things in the bible as the boy could not read. The grandfather taught him in a simple way to remember five lovely words about the Good Shepherd from Psalm 23:1”the Lord is My shepherd.” He took the boy’s left hand’ and as he said each word he would point to a finger. The boy seemed to take special pleasure in the fourth word ‘My’, and held his fourth finger tightly. There was a snow storm and the grandfather went looking for the boy. He pushed away the snow and there he saw the little shepherd lad frozen to death. He noticed that his hand was firmly gripping the fourth finger of the left hand. There was no doubt that the finger the lad was holding stood for the word “My”.
Maybe we can say Psalm 22 this week and confirm that the Lord is truly My Shepherd.
-Sr. Rose Ann
Today’s theme in all the readings is the Good Shepherd. He knows us my name and guides us always in our life. We are on a journey of 90 days. 40 days of Lent and 50 days until Pentecost. As we journey let us be aware of the presences of the Good Shepherd.
We belong to the Lord as Peter explains in the Acts of the Apostles. Once we are baptized, we are one with Him. We must lead a new life, follow the way of Jesus. We have received the Spirit of Christ and have become a new person in Christ.
Psalm 23 the Good Shepherd is familiar with all of us. As we walk this journey, he guides me in the right paths. Even though we might walk in a dark valley, I fear no evil for you are at my side.He spreads the Table before me in the sight of my foes. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life. It truly is a refreshing and powerful psalm.
The gospel tells the story of the Good Shepherd who is the gate. He leads us and directs us in and out of the gate. There are times when we need to return to the fold to be nourished, take rest, be quiet and listen to the Lord. We must be replenished by the Lord in our journey to Pentecost so that we will be able to proclaim the Lord to all the world.
There is a story about a shepherd boy in Scotland who lived with his grandfather because his parents had died. The grandfather taught the boy many things in the bible as the boy could not read. The grandfather taught him in a simple way to remember five lovely words about the Good Shepherd from Psalm 23:1”the Lord is My shepherd.” He took the boy’s left hand’ and as he said each word he would point to a finger. The boy seemed to take special pleasure in the fourth word ‘My’, and held his fourth finger tightly. There was a snow storm and the grandfather went looking for the boy. He pushed away the snow and there he saw the little shepherd lad frozen to death. He noticed that his hand was firmly gripping the fourth finger of the left hand. There was no doubt that the finger the lad was holding stood for the word “My”.
Maybe we can say Psalm 22 this week and confirm that the Lord is truly My Shepherd.
-Sr. Rose Ann
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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
APRIL 23, 2023
Today’s Gospel reading tells the familiar story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We hear that, even with a knowledgeable companion explaining the scriptures to them as they journeyed, it is not until the breaking of the bread that these two disciples are able to recognize Jesus. We know that as the story begins the two are conversing about the events of Good Friday and appear downcast. They admit to the stranger that they had been hoping in Jesus as the redeemer of Israel. They are debating about the news the women brought early in the morning that Jesus was alive. How could this be and what would this mean? If we were to use this story to assess our faith lives, we might gain some insight into our strengths and weaknesses. Traveling with a companion and welcoming others to join us along the way seem to be wise choices. Searching for the meaning of events is a process requiring effort and patience. God may reveal to us sometimes that we are foolish and slow of heart to believe. At other times, we find the courage to plead with God to stay with us. Our willingness to gather at the table with others is a key component of our faith life. The food that is Eucharist will open our eyes to Jesus, it will nurture the fire of faith within us and will bring us joy. Then, just as in the story, the moment of recognition may pass but the insights gained impel us outward to share the Good News with everyone!
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
APRIL 16, 2023
Divine Mercy Sunday
Gospel: St. John 20: 19-31
In today’s gospel account we find the disciples cowered behind locked doors, fearful that Jesus’ fate would be theirs. I can certainly sympathize with them, for I too have been behind a locked door, locked mind, locked heart on more than one occasion, fearing to step into the unkown.
How fitting that we name this Sunday: ‘Divine Mercy’. And where would any of us be without this gift of Jesus. He appears to these frightened men not uttering demeaning accusations, but speaking life-giving words: ‘Peace be with you’. He loves them! And stands before them to fill each one with hope and joy, bestowing his spirit. And even Thomas who is unsure to believe his companions, gets a special visit….for Jesus will not leave anyone behind.
While it seems astounding that Jesus, Son of God, would return a second time to help just one unbelieving disciple, yet what else would we expect? Do we not proclaim that our God is a God of unconditional love? He knew Thomas’ heart. He knows our hearts. He knew Thomas’ weaknesses. He knows our weaknesses. He is always ready to forgive, to heal, and to bestow his peace. We only need to humbly acknowledge like Thomas: ‘My Lord and My God’.
So let us take courage from this gospel and know that Jesus will return, and return, and return to us as often as we need, guiding us through those locked doors, locked minds, locked hearts. And ‘blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed’.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
In today’s gospel account we find the disciples cowered behind locked doors, fearful that Jesus’ fate would be theirs. I can certainly sympathize with them, for I too have been behind a locked door, locked mind, locked heart on more than one occasion, fearing to step into the unkown.
How fitting that we name this Sunday: ‘Divine Mercy’. And where would any of us be without this gift of Jesus. He appears to these frightened men not uttering demeaning accusations, but speaking life-giving words: ‘Peace be with you’. He loves them! And stands before them to fill each one with hope and joy, bestowing his spirit. And even Thomas who is unsure to believe his companions, gets a special visit….for Jesus will not leave anyone behind.
While it seems astounding that Jesus, Son of God, would return a second time to help just one unbelieving disciple, yet what else would we expect? Do we not proclaim that our God is a God of unconditional love? He knew Thomas’ heart. He knows our hearts. He knew Thomas’ weaknesses. He knows our weaknesses. He is always ready to forgive, to heal, and to bestow his peace. We only need to humbly acknowledge like Thomas: ‘My Lord and My God’.
So let us take courage from this gospel and know that Jesus will return, and return, and return to us as often as we need, guiding us through those locked doors, locked minds, locked hearts. And ‘blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed’.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
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EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 9, 2023
Mt 28:1-10
I chose to use the Gospel of the Easter Vigil for my reflection. We can notice that it’s all about the women… Jesus came to them, because they had been with him to the bitter end. And on this holy morning, He comes, but first there is an earthquake – as if to announce that something earth-shattering has taken place. Then an angel appears, rolls back the stone, and announces that Jesus isn’t there – he’s risen just as he’d said. The angel tells the women to come and see the place where he lay, and then go quickly and tell his disciples. As they go, Jesus comes himself to them. It’s as if he says to them: “See me! It is I.” They don’t even have to touch the wounds to believe. They know in their hearts that it is he – that he lives (not the theology, but the reality). Jesus is alive! And yes, they will go and tell his heartbroken brothers (Jesus specifically calls them his “brothers”). They will tell everyone – their hearts are so overjoyed.
The women are the perfect witnesses. There is no doubt or confusion. There is only faith, only conviction: “Jesus is alive!”
Easter is all about this certainty that Jesus lives, that he has not been conquered by the power of evil. Perhaps in our own lives, when we encounter evil, we need to be as convinced as the women were that Jesus is victorious and that evil does not win (in spite of appearances). What will it take for our hearts to experience that same conviction that the women have? We must prayerfully enter the Gospel reading, and allow our hearts to be touched by the words of the angel, the sight of the empty tomb, and finally the sight of Jesus himself. We must allow our hearts to experience the wonder of the resurrection, and be as overwhelmed as the women were. Then we too will be forced to go out and proclaim by our lives that Jesus lives. Such good news cannot be contained.
Let our hearts be gripped by the truth of today’s feast. JESUS LIVES – and nothing is the same. There is a Power that’s unleashed to change everything – or nothing (because it’s all up to us… There were many who were not touched and changed by the resurrection – that’s a sad fact.) It’s up to us whether we choose to believe and allow the truth to change us.
Let our hearts be open to all that God wants to touch and change in us. Let today’s celebration mark a new beginning. Let today truly be a resurrection day for each of us. Because Jesus lives, all can be made new. Because Jesus lives, any areas of unbelief in us can be transformed. We CAN share in the deep joy and faith of the women in today’s gospel. We can know without a doubt that Jesus lives, and that nothing is the same. Power is unleashed when we believe. The devil trembles and the angels sing. Then we too can join their festive dance, and no one will be able to silence our song: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
I chose to use the Gospel of the Easter Vigil for my reflection. We can notice that it’s all about the women… Jesus came to them, because they had been with him to the bitter end. And on this holy morning, He comes, but first there is an earthquake – as if to announce that something earth-shattering has taken place. Then an angel appears, rolls back the stone, and announces that Jesus isn’t there – he’s risen just as he’d said. The angel tells the women to come and see the place where he lay, and then go quickly and tell his disciples. As they go, Jesus comes himself to them. It’s as if he says to them: “See me! It is I.” They don’t even have to touch the wounds to believe. They know in their hearts that it is he – that he lives (not the theology, but the reality). Jesus is alive! And yes, they will go and tell his heartbroken brothers (Jesus specifically calls them his “brothers”). They will tell everyone – their hearts are so overjoyed.
The women are the perfect witnesses. There is no doubt or confusion. There is only faith, only conviction: “Jesus is alive!”
Easter is all about this certainty that Jesus lives, that he has not been conquered by the power of evil. Perhaps in our own lives, when we encounter evil, we need to be as convinced as the women were that Jesus is victorious and that evil does not win (in spite of appearances). What will it take for our hearts to experience that same conviction that the women have? We must prayerfully enter the Gospel reading, and allow our hearts to be touched by the words of the angel, the sight of the empty tomb, and finally the sight of Jesus himself. We must allow our hearts to experience the wonder of the resurrection, and be as overwhelmed as the women were. Then we too will be forced to go out and proclaim by our lives that Jesus lives. Such good news cannot be contained.
Let our hearts be gripped by the truth of today’s feast. JESUS LIVES – and nothing is the same. There is a Power that’s unleashed to change everything – or nothing (because it’s all up to us… There were many who were not touched and changed by the resurrection – that’s a sad fact.) It’s up to us whether we choose to believe and allow the truth to change us.
Let our hearts be open to all that God wants to touch and change in us. Let today’s celebration mark a new beginning. Let today truly be a resurrection day for each of us. Because Jesus lives, all can be made new. Because Jesus lives, any areas of unbelief in us can be transformed. We CAN share in the deep joy and faith of the women in today’s gospel. We can know without a doubt that Jesus lives, and that nothing is the same. Power is unleashed when we believe. The devil trembles and the angels sing. Then we too can join their festive dance, and no one will be able to silence our song: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 26, 2023
Ezekiel 37:12-14 Psalm 129 Romans 8: 8-11 John 11: 1-45
What Wondrous Love Is This…
One night when I was Pastoral Administrator in SC, I received a call that a Catholic woman was dying at the hospital and wanted to be anointed. Our priest who lived an hour away was out of town. So, I went to the hospital myself with the Oil of the Sick. The woman, Margaret, had had severe heart pains while she was visiting her daughter. When I entered Margaret’s room, I found her very distraught. She knew she was dying and wanted to make peace with her children and near relatives. Her daughter called her siblings and, in a matter of hours, they came from Alaska, California, Texas, and Missouri! Margaret called her brother and made peace with him also after many years of estrangement. She was finally at peace. When I returned a few hours later in the morning, Margaret was being moved out of ICU to a room. Everyone was amazed. The doctors felt that she would recover in a short period of time! Her reaction: anger. She had “wasted all that energy” making peace and probably would have to do it all over again!Today’s Gospel passage begins “a certain man was sick”. Knowing Jesus’ compassion for the sick, we might expect that he would go immediately to cure the person. Not so in this case. The “certain man”, Lazarus (God is my help) was a dear friend of Jesus as were Lazarus’ sisters. Each of them had a special relationship with Jesus. We are astonished as were Jesus’ disciples that Jesus chooses not to go to be with his friends at this time of deep sorrow. Waiting three days according to Jewish custom assured that the person was really dead. Jesus’ action was not a denial of their request. He does things according to the timing and will of God. There is enough time for everything that needs to be done.Jesus’ separate conversations with the two sisters allows each of them to declare their faith in him and in life after death. They did not see that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life here and now. This is an invitation to them (and to us) to believe. When Jesus comes to the tomb of Lazarus, he weeps quietly but he was in truth deeply grieved, angry at the power of death. Jesus prays at Lazarus tomb with the voice of the Son: “Father, I thank you that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” Some of the people did believe in him when Lazarus was resuscitated but others went to the Pharisees to further take steps toward the destruction of Jesus. But “his hour had not come.”Like Margaret, we can be tempted to miss the experiences of death and resurrection in our daily lives as evidence of God’s presence, even now, recreating us in love. “What wondrous love is this…” that by the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are loved by God into eternal life, we live in God.
Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, ssmn
Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak, ssmn
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THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 19, 2023
The Gospel of John 9: 1-41
The 1st Book of Samuel tells us that “the Lord looks into the heart” and St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians tells us that we must “live as children of light”. Then, as we plunge into the gospel of John we encounter the man born blind. People of that time believed that if you were blind you had certainly sinned and that was your punishment. But the book of Samuel tells us that the Lord looks into the heart and and only God knows the heart. None of us can remotely pretend to know what is going on in someone’s heart and that person’s relationship with God, for the Old Testament tells us that “God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.” That is why we can never judge another person or another person’s life.
Jesus tells those listening that he is the light of the world. All throughout this gospel, the Pharisees try to trip up the once blind man and his parents and get them to say that Jesus is a sinner and that perhaps this once blind man was never really blind. How hard it is for so many of us to accept something miraculous that we cannot rationally explain. We try to grind it into the ground with doubts, endless questioning and disbelief. So often it is to the simple of heart that miraculous things happen, because it is they who more easily accept, give thanks and begin to praise God for the gift of whatever it is they have received. So much faith and acceptance exists among the simple of heart…those who are single-hearted, God-oriented, open to the God of surprises.
Where do we fit into this gospel? Are we blind? Are we judgmental and critical, disbelieving? Are we ready to welcome into our hearts the light of the world and be radiant with a light we can’t explain but that we can accept? Would we rather stumble around in this world because we choose not to see, or would we rather open our hearts, minds and lives and let in the Light?
-Sr Patricia Brady
The 1st Book of Samuel tells us that “the Lord looks into the heart” and St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians tells us that we must “live as children of light”. Then, as we plunge into the gospel of John we encounter the man born blind. People of that time believed that if you were blind you had certainly sinned and that was your punishment. But the book of Samuel tells us that the Lord looks into the heart and and only God knows the heart. None of us can remotely pretend to know what is going on in someone’s heart and that person’s relationship with God, for the Old Testament tells us that “God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.” That is why we can never judge another person or another person’s life.
Jesus tells those listening that he is the light of the world. All throughout this gospel, the Pharisees try to trip up the once blind man and his parents and get them to say that Jesus is a sinner and that perhaps this once blind man was never really blind. How hard it is for so many of us to accept something miraculous that we cannot rationally explain. We try to grind it into the ground with doubts, endless questioning and disbelief. So often it is to the simple of heart that miraculous things happen, because it is they who more easily accept, give thanks and begin to praise God for the gift of whatever it is they have received. So much faith and acceptance exists among the simple of heart…those who are single-hearted, God-oriented, open to the God of surprises.
Where do we fit into this gospel? Are we blind? Are we judgmental and critical, disbelieving? Are we ready to welcome into our hearts the light of the world and be radiant with a light we can’t explain but that we can accept? Would we rather stumble around in this world because we choose not to see, or would we rather open our hearts, minds and lives and let in the Light?
-Sr Patricia Brady
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SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 5, 2023
Today’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew tells of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This monumental event is noted each year on the Second Sunday of Lent and again on August 6th. Few things in our Liturgical year receive such a distinction. It is an indication that wise people of faith decided that the message here should not be missed and that it will benefit the faithful by repetition. Situated on this Second Sunday of Lent with readings from Genesis and Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, an overwhelming theme emerges that God has a plan; a Divine design that is unfolding as intended. While our human perception often sees only chaos and mystery, we are told “to go forth”; we are “called to a holy life”; and we are instructed to “Rise, and not be afraid.” Clearly, God intends to be involved in our lives despite our human foibles and limitations. The Transfiguration of Jesus is a clear source for our often-referenced concept of a “mountaintop experience.” The ones overwhelmed here are the disciples of Jesus, not Jesus himself. In Jesus, the Divine and the human are one, so this rift allowing Jesus to converse with Moses and Elijah is possible for Jesus. By leading his disciples to this mountain top, Jesus exposed them to the unheard of truth that the Word had become flesh. More than a distant Creator, Jesus - true God and true man - walked among us. For Peter, James and John this vision of Jesus transfigured must have cemented their faith, inspired their hope and fueled their courage to preach the Good News. While temporarily confused by their experience, they had been granted a moment of sure knowledge that would sustain their faith in God’s love and presence no matter what. During our Lenten reflections, perhaps we can recall our moments of sure knowledge in God’s love; the mountaintop experiences that cement our faith. These times may be rare, perhaps singular, but drawing them back into our consciousness brings us back to that time of heightened awareness of our loving God being involved in our lives.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
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FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
FEBRUARY 26, 2023
It is the first Sunday of Lent and today’s readings are all about the temptations of Satan, our need for the mercy of God, and the salvation that came through Jesus Christ. We are reminded in the first reading from Genesis of the original sin in the Garden of Eden, and the Gospel tells the story of Jesus praying and fasting for forty days in the desert when, at his weakest, he is tempted by Satan. We are plunged immediately into the somber season of penitence and sacrifice, and we find ourselves thinking of ways to be penitential, usually asking ourselves what we can “give up” for Lent.
Ironically, though, Lent has also been referred to as the “Spring-time of the Church.” Spring is a beautiful season, full of hope and promise. To think of Lent as the Spring-time of the Church is to remind ourselves that we need to look beyond the “giving up” to what we look to become. Human beings are constantly being tempted just as Jesus was. When Jesus was hungry, Satan offered bread, symbolic of all that satisfies our human needs. We can certainly reject indulging ourselves with food, drink, and human comforts, but do we at the same time find ways to share food, water, blankets, clothing, etc. with people who have less than we have? Jesus was tempted to prove himself God, just as the human ego is tempted to exercise superiority over others, or to focus on self-serving desires. Even if we reject false pride and great ambitions, do we put the needs of others above our own and do we enable and encourage the empowerment of others? Satan finally tempted Jesus with all the wealth and power in the world. We may know of many who might seek the same, and some who have actually acquired it. What is important is that economic and political power need to be used for what is good and true and just.
In the Spring, a farmer prepares his fields for planting, He clears them of rock and brush; he plows and fertilizes his land. But his end-in-view is not to leave the land barren, but to plant it with seeds that will grow to produce a harvest, a harvest to benefit more than himself. During this Spring-time of the Church, what seeds of virtue will we plant in the fallow field of our hearts? As fresh life springs up from the earthLike garden’s promise in Spring,So shall God make justice and peaceSpring up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11) -Regina Murphy, SSMN
Ironically, though, Lent has also been referred to as the “Spring-time of the Church.” Spring is a beautiful season, full of hope and promise. To think of Lent as the Spring-time of the Church is to remind ourselves that we need to look beyond the “giving up” to what we look to become. Human beings are constantly being tempted just as Jesus was. When Jesus was hungry, Satan offered bread, symbolic of all that satisfies our human needs. We can certainly reject indulging ourselves with food, drink, and human comforts, but do we at the same time find ways to share food, water, blankets, clothing, etc. with people who have less than we have? Jesus was tempted to prove himself God, just as the human ego is tempted to exercise superiority over others, or to focus on self-serving desires. Even if we reject false pride and great ambitions, do we put the needs of others above our own and do we enable and encourage the empowerment of others? Satan finally tempted Jesus with all the wealth and power in the world. We may know of many who might seek the same, and some who have actually acquired it. What is important is that economic and political power need to be used for what is good and true and just.
In the Spring, a farmer prepares his fields for planting, He clears them of rock and brush; he plows and fertilizes his land. But his end-in-view is not to leave the land barren, but to plant it with seeds that will grow to produce a harvest, a harvest to benefit more than himself. During this Spring-time of the Church, what seeds of virtue will we plant in the fallow field of our hearts? As fresh life springs up from the earthLike garden’s promise in Spring,So shall God make justice and peaceSpring up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11) -Regina Murphy, SSMN
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SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 19, 2023
Lev 19:1-2, 17-18 1 Cor 3: 16-23 MT 3:38-48
Yahweh proclaims: “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” And that holiness is defined mainly by how we treat one another. Both Leviticus and the gospel give negative examples of how not to treat one another, but what today’s scripture really asks us is to LOVE. “Then you will truly be children of your Father in heaven.”
What a calling! We are asked to see situations and people as God does, so that we can act as he would. Yes, if only we could see with God’s eyes… See the hurt and wounds in others and not just their actions; see the deepest desires of their hearts; see their longing for God, for love and for forgiveness. If only we had eyes to see as God sees, and hearts to truly love what we see. If only…
Yet that IS what God wants for us, for each of us. What a different world this would be, if only… God WANTS us to see as he sees, and to be changed by what we see. Any coldness in our hearts would have to melt. We would want what God wants for others.
And we WOULD be changed. Seeing as God sees would have such a deep effect on us, that we would love what we see, love the possibilities. And yes, also love the repentance, the desire to become what God calls each of us to be. We would love the struggles; love the baby steps; love the desire in them. If only we could have eyes to see as God sees, then all else would follow… If only…
Yet that IS what God longs to give us, if we only ask, if we only value it. Then we would truly be children of our Father in heaven. We would mirror everything about him. And this world would become what Jesus desired it to be, what he came for, suffered for, died for and rose for. And as he sits at the right hand of his Father, they would both be filled with joy. We would then join the multitudes in their great song of rejoicing. All this, if only we had eyes to see as God sees... -Sr. Patrice Yarborough
Yahweh proclaims: “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” And that holiness is defined mainly by how we treat one another. Both Leviticus and the gospel give negative examples of how not to treat one another, but what today’s scripture really asks us is to LOVE. “Then you will truly be children of your Father in heaven.”
What a calling! We are asked to see situations and people as God does, so that we can act as he would. Yes, if only we could see with God’s eyes… See the hurt and wounds in others and not just their actions; see the deepest desires of their hearts; see their longing for God, for love and for forgiveness. If only we had eyes to see as God sees, and hearts to truly love what we see. If only…
Yet that IS what God wants for us, for each of us. What a different world this would be, if only… God WANTS us to see as he sees, and to be changed by what we see. Any coldness in our hearts would have to melt. We would want what God wants for others.
And we WOULD be changed. Seeing as God sees would have such a deep effect on us, that we would love what we see, love the possibilities. And yes, also love the repentance, the desire to become what God calls each of us to be. We would love the struggles; love the baby steps; love the desire in them. If only we could have eyes to see as God sees, then all else would follow… If only…
Yet that IS what God longs to give us, if we only ask, if we only value it. Then we would truly be children of our Father in heaven. We would mirror everything about him. And this world would become what Jesus desired it to be, what he came for, suffered for, died for and rose for. And as he sits at the right hand of his Father, they would both be filled with joy. We would then join the multitudes in their great song of rejoicing. All this, if only we had eyes to see as God sees... -Sr. Patrice Yarborough
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SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 12, 2023
Sirach 15:15-20 1Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37
Choices are a part of life, as in the first reading in Sirach. “Choose life over death, good over evil, fire over water “Choose the commandments or not, God doesn’t force us because He gave us a free will. God calls for our love and respect.
Laws and rules are different. Laws are considered more rigid, whereas rules are more lenient. But both are to maintain peace and order in society. The psalm response: “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.” In the Gospel, Jesus comes to fulfill the law. We just had a few weeks ago the Beatitudes which show are to bring the law to perfection.
In 1994, I started a school for kids from the street who couldn’t go to school in the Dominican Republic. The kids were from 10-13 years of age. I had two rules as my Spanish wasn’t that great. 1. No fighting 2. Listen. Well, the first week into school (there were 30 boys and girls), one of the boys started to fight. I sent him home and said that he couldn’t come back for a week. Every day when I let the others in, he begged to let him come in. I said no. He cried outside the school until the kids went home. The other kids even tried to talk to me to let him in but I said no. When he was let in the following week, he was so good that I even couldn’t remember his name years later. He came back years later with four others to say thank you. He and the others were in College. The school lasted 20 years and there was never a discipline problem.Let us look upon laws and rules to bring about peace and order in our world. Reflection: what rules and laws do you keep and why?
- Sister Rose Ann
Choices are a part of life, as in the first reading in Sirach. “Choose life over death, good over evil, fire over water “Choose the commandments or not, God doesn’t force us because He gave us a free will. God calls for our love and respect.
Laws and rules are different. Laws are considered more rigid, whereas rules are more lenient. But both are to maintain peace and order in society. The psalm response: “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.” In the Gospel, Jesus comes to fulfill the law. We just had a few weeks ago the Beatitudes which show are to bring the law to perfection.
In 1994, I started a school for kids from the street who couldn’t go to school in the Dominican Republic. The kids were from 10-13 years of age. I had two rules as my Spanish wasn’t that great. 1. No fighting 2. Listen. Well, the first week into school (there were 30 boys and girls), one of the boys started to fight. I sent him home and said that he couldn’t come back for a week. Every day when I let the others in, he begged to let him come in. I said no. He cried outside the school until the kids went home. The other kids even tried to talk to me to let him in but I said no. When he was let in the following week, he was so good that I even couldn’t remember his name years later. He came back years later with four others to say thank you. He and the others were in College. The school lasted 20 years and there was never a discipline problem.Let us look upon laws and rules to bring about peace and order in our world. Reflection: what rules and laws do you keep and why?
- Sister Rose Ann
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FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 5, 2023
Matthew 5: 13-16
Some time ago I was told a story about a little boy who was afraid to be in the dark at bedtime. Each and every night his mother tried her best to reassure him that there was nothing to fear for God was watching over and protecting him. On one such night, perhaps to be better understood, the child responded to his mothers’ plea, exclaiming: ‘I know that God is with me mom! But I need to see some skin!’
Isn’t that part of what discipleship is all about….showing others that God is truly present…being that ‘skin’ for God so that his unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness is tangible, is seen and felt in this world? Jesus said: ‘to have seen me is to have seen the Father’. And what do others see in us who bear the name ‘Christian’?
We are called to be salt…we are to enhance others. We are called to be light…to shine for others. The message of these metaphors is that who we are as disciples always finds its deepest meaning in who we are in relationship to God and others. As salt and light are no good in themselves, so it is also true that what we do is measured by our relationship to others. Discipleship is for the sake of others.
Who else desperately needs to ‘see some skin’ this week? Will we commit ourselves to being salt and light for her or him?
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
Some time ago I was told a story about a little boy who was afraid to be in the dark at bedtime. Each and every night his mother tried her best to reassure him that there was nothing to fear for God was watching over and protecting him. On one such night, perhaps to be better understood, the child responded to his mothers’ plea, exclaiming: ‘I know that God is with me mom! But I need to see some skin!’
Isn’t that part of what discipleship is all about….showing others that God is truly present…being that ‘skin’ for God so that his unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness is tangible, is seen and felt in this world? Jesus said: ‘to have seen me is to have seen the Father’. And what do others see in us who bear the name ‘Christian’?
We are called to be salt…we are to enhance others. We are called to be light…to shine for others. The message of these metaphors is that who we are as disciples always finds its deepest meaning in who we are in relationship to God and others. As salt and light are no good in themselves, so it is also true that what we do is measured by our relationship to others. Discipleship is for the sake of others.
Who else desperately needs to ‘see some skin’ this week? Will we commit ourselves to being salt and light for her or him?
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
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FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JANUARY 29, 2023
Zeph 2:3; 3:12-13 1 Cor 1:26-31 Ps 46 Matt 5:1-12a
A common thread weaves through all the readings today. Zephaniah promises: “I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who will take refuge in the Lord…” He uses the key word "anawim," which means the “poor ones” who remained faithful to God in times of difficulty. These humble people became known as the “faithful remnant.”
St. Paul says to us, “consider your own calling… not many of you were wise by human standards, … not powerful, of noble birth” – from the moment of God’s call we were poor and lowly. We are to remember who we are and not pretend to be more than that. This should create a union with our humble brothers and sisters, for we are all called to be among the anawim.
When Jesus begins teaching the people, he gives us the Beatitudes. The blessedness of each group mentioned comes from their being humble and faithful in times of difficulty. So they are also examples of the anawim: those poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted…. We are all called to be the Blessed Ones.
Each of the readings today poses this challenge. As we journey together to become who we are called to be, I am reminded of St. Francis of Assisi, saying that
“One blind beggar shows another blind beggar where the bread is.”
We lead each other and help one another, finding a way to be true to ourselves and to our calling. Together we are fed, entering more fully into the spirit of the faithful remnant and the Blessed Ones of the gospel today.
God is always with us as we journey – may we always find new ways to be true to God’s call to be the poor ones, and may we freely share that insight with others.
-Sr. Corinne Yarborough
A common thread weaves through all the readings today. Zephaniah promises: “I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who will take refuge in the Lord…” He uses the key word "anawim," which means the “poor ones” who remained faithful to God in times of difficulty. These humble people became known as the “faithful remnant.”
St. Paul says to us, “consider your own calling… not many of you were wise by human standards, … not powerful, of noble birth” – from the moment of God’s call we were poor and lowly. We are to remember who we are and not pretend to be more than that. This should create a union with our humble brothers and sisters, for we are all called to be among the anawim.
When Jesus begins teaching the people, he gives us the Beatitudes. The blessedness of each group mentioned comes from their being humble and faithful in times of difficulty. So they are also examples of the anawim: those poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted…. We are all called to be the Blessed Ones.
Each of the readings today poses this challenge. As we journey together to become who we are called to be, I am reminded of St. Francis of Assisi, saying that
“One blind beggar shows another blind beggar where the bread is.”
We lead each other and help one another, finding a way to be true to ourselves and to our calling. Together we are fed, entering more fully into the spirit of the faithful remnant and the Blessed Ones of the gospel today.
God is always with us as we journey – may we always find new ways to be true to God’s call to be the poor ones, and may we freely share that insight with others.
-Sr. Corinne Yarborough
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THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JANUARY 22, 2023
Isaiah 8:23-9:3 Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14 I Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 Matthew 4:12-23
A Mission Call in Three Acts
ACT 1: The Context
John the Baptist has been arrested. The forces of darkness are at work.Jesus withdraws to Galilee, just as Mary and Joseph had to flee with him from Herod. He goes to the two provinces at the extreme ends of the kingdom of David: Zebulun and Naphtali, the boondocks. Provinces far from the so-called religious purity of Jerusalem, considered “unclean” and corrupt by their contacts with Gentiles, intermarriages and worship of other gods.Why here of all places? The prophecy of Isaiah is now fulfilled. For the people who sit in darkness, the light has now come. What is the condition for living in light? Jesus calls the people to a complete turnaround of their lives. Nothing less, nothing more.
ACT 2: The Personal Call
Jesus has a mission. Part of his mission is to call disciples. The immediate responses of Peter and Andrew, and James, son of Zebedee, and his brother, John, to follow Jesus and to adapt their skills as fishermen to fishing for people of faith is startling. Was it the simple poverty of their lives that prepared Peter and Andrew, and the two brothers, James and John, to be open to the call of God in Jesus? How amazed the father of James and John must have been to witness the prompt response of his sons to the call of Jesus! Surely, they had learned from childhood on how to be attentive to God…. How will they transfer the skills they have as fishermen to be those who witness to God’s call to life in Jesus? Would I leave my parents and family, would I leave my primary livelihood, would I leave my way of life to respond to Jesus’ call to follow? Can you hear Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act singing “I will follow him, follow him where he may go. There ain’t no mountain high enough, there ain’t no river deep enough, to keep me away, to keep me away.” This call is serious.
Act 3: The Signs of the Mission of Jesus
Teaching, preaching, healing are parts of the daily rhythm of life of Jesus and, presumably, of his disciples. The reign of God is a new creation. The reign of God is present now.
For Reflection:Where is the darkness in my life and in the lives of those around me?What is Jesus calling me to become today?Where do I see the signs of God’s transforming love?
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak
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NATIVITY OF THE LORD
DECEMBER 25, 2022 CHRISTMAS
God Come To Us 1st Reading: Isaiah 62: 11-12, 2nd Reading: 2 Titus 3: 4-4, Gospel: Luke 2:15-20
The readings for this Sunday speak about God’s generous love. Today, all the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. God’s people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The shepherds, angels and the three kings give glory to God. A savior who is Christ the Lord has been born. All were amazed at the “Star in the East” pointing the way to the newborn king.Mary’s yes was a faith that still tells the glory of God. Mary kept all these things reflecting on them in her heart. The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Let us go tell it everywhere that Jesus Christ is born.In conclusion, I share with you this reflection from “Give Us This Day”. Blessed Christmas!
-Sister Roberta Fulton
… “the king of glory comes, the nation rejoices; open the gates before Him, lift up your voices.” This hymn echoes today’s Responsorial Psalm, which is a hinge for the readings from Isaiah and Luke. The prophet Isaiah ask Ahaz the king to open his heart by asking God for a sign; but, even though his response sounds respectful –“I will not tempt the Lord” – Ahaz is disdainful of God. Isaiah chides Ahaz for wearying both the people and God, prophesying that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, who will be named Emmanuel. Mary has every reason to doubt the message of Gabriel. Angelic visitations and non-conjugal conceptions by unmarried teenage women are not standard fare-won’t win you points with the sanity monitors past or present. It just isn’t the way the world works. And yet, Mary opens the portals of her heart to let in the king of glory – spiritually and physically. She goes deep, beyond her doubts and fears, to trust the message and purpose of God. “May it be done to me according to your word.” God comes to us, also – more often than we are aware – asks us to trust, to listen, to ponder, to act, to birth the Word and bear Him into the world. We are forever challenged by that question of Meister Eckhart: “What good is it if Mary is full of grace, if we are not also full of grace? And what good is it if Mary is the Mother of God, if we are not also the mothers of God?” Open your heart to the Lord today. He is the king of glory!" Fr. John Meoska John Meoska, OSB, is a monk of Saint John’s Abbey and an avid woodworker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ruGHkSWX84
-Sister Roberta Fulton
… “the king of glory comes, the nation rejoices; open the gates before Him, lift up your voices.” This hymn echoes today’s Responsorial Psalm, which is a hinge for the readings from Isaiah and Luke. The prophet Isaiah ask Ahaz the king to open his heart by asking God for a sign; but, even though his response sounds respectful –“I will not tempt the Lord” – Ahaz is disdainful of God. Isaiah chides Ahaz for wearying both the people and God, prophesying that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, who will be named Emmanuel. Mary has every reason to doubt the message of Gabriel. Angelic visitations and non-conjugal conceptions by unmarried teenage women are not standard fare-won’t win you points with the sanity monitors past or present. It just isn’t the way the world works. And yet, Mary opens the portals of her heart to let in the king of glory – spiritually and physically. She goes deep, beyond her doubts and fears, to trust the message and purpose of God. “May it be done to me according to your word.” God comes to us, also – more often than we are aware – asks us to trust, to listen, to ponder, to act, to birth the Word and bear Him into the world. We are forever challenged by that question of Meister Eckhart: “What good is it if Mary is full of grace, if we are not also full of grace? And what good is it if Mary is the Mother of God, if we are not also the mothers of God?” Open your heart to the Lord today. He is the king of glory!" Fr. John Meoska John Meoska, OSB, is a monk of Saint John’s Abbey and an avid woodworker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ruGHkSWX84
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 18, 2022
Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24
The 4th Sunday of Advent always speaks about Mary. There are also two things that the readings talk about, namely, signs and dreams. Many of us are very familiar with theses two things. I know myself, I’m always looking for signs to make the right decision or do this action or that one. I guess sometimes we read the sign right but other times we are way off the track.
Isaiah was a little nervous, I think, because he didn’t want the to ask God for a sign. He seems to back off a bit. However God desires to give him a sign: "the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." Emmanuel which means “the presence of God in the world at our side.”
The letter to the Romans gives us a lay out of the two aspects Paul wishes us to know, namely the humanity and divinity of Jesus. The Incarnation is the basis of all the theology of Salvation.
All of us dream but many of us don’t remember them for some reason. I have taken a few courses on dreams but am no expert nor do I tell people that I had theses courses. I have found for myself that most of the time, my dreams are a rehash of the day. I don’t take the time to do anything about them.But at certain times when water or swimming or even drowning come up, I have taken to recall certain situations or events that have taken me deeper into myself. Theses times are precious because it takes me to a deeper insight in my life.I can relate to Joseph who didn’t wish to expose her to shame. He listened to the angel and took Mary into his house.
So as we begin the last week of Advent let us pay attention to the signs and dreams that the Lord desires to speak to us this week. Happy Blessed week of Advent.
-Sr. Rose Ann Cappola
The 4th Sunday of Advent always speaks about Mary. There are also two things that the readings talk about, namely, signs and dreams. Many of us are very familiar with theses two things. I know myself, I’m always looking for signs to make the right decision or do this action or that one. I guess sometimes we read the sign right but other times we are way off the track.
Isaiah was a little nervous, I think, because he didn’t want the to ask God for a sign. He seems to back off a bit. However God desires to give him a sign: "the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." Emmanuel which means “the presence of God in the world at our side.”
The letter to the Romans gives us a lay out of the two aspects Paul wishes us to know, namely the humanity and divinity of Jesus. The Incarnation is the basis of all the theology of Salvation.
All of us dream but many of us don’t remember them for some reason. I have taken a few courses on dreams but am no expert nor do I tell people that I had theses courses. I have found for myself that most of the time, my dreams are a rehash of the day. I don’t take the time to do anything about them.But at certain times when water or swimming or even drowning come up, I have taken to recall certain situations or events that have taken me deeper into myself. Theses times are precious because it takes me to a deeper insight in my life.I can relate to Joseph who didn’t wish to expose her to shame. He listened to the angel and took Mary into his house.
So as we begin the last week of Advent let us pay attention to the signs and dreams that the Lord desires to speak to us this week. Happy Blessed week of Advent.
-Sr. Rose Ann Cappola
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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 11, 2022
One of the financial supporters for public television (Viking Cruises) makes the point in its advertisement that “The one thing we don’t have enough of is time.” It goes on to suggest how we should use our time: travelling the world to learn about other people and other cultures. We are currently amid a sacred time, the time of Advent. How should we use this time?
For us, Advent is a time of waiting. Actually, we spend much of our lifetime waiting. We wait in doctors’ offices, check-out lines, TSA lines. We wait for a diagnosis, cessation of pain, the birth of a child, the visit of loved-ones. Some wait to find employment, to qualify for disability, to be granted asylum, or simply to live in peace.
With limited time, and with so much waiting, how can we make the best of this time, especially the time of Advent? Today’s readings point the way. The first reading from the prophet Isaiah is a beautiful look into the future, when God will come again to save his people. Even “the parched land will exult . . . will bloom with abundant flowers . . . and all will see the glory of the Lord. Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared . . .the tongue of the mute will sing.” In light of what is to come, Isaiah encourages the people of God to “be strong and fear not.” The waiting should be a joyful time.
In the second reading from the letter of Saint James, he gives the advice that we so often give to those who wait: “Be patient.” He also makes some suggestions to help bolster patience: “Make your hearts firm . . . do not complain.” While James suggests that the Christians of his day should emulate the prophets who endured hardships patiently, the Gospel holds up John the Baptist as the example of one with patient faith, preparing the way of the Lord. He is the messenger sent by God to prepare the way before him. In many ways, John’s calling is ours, too. How are we preparing the way for the Lord’s second coming?
In every Eucharistic liturgy we pray that the Lord will deliver us from evil, and grant us peace and safety from all distress, “as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Our waiting is a time of joyful anticipation, a time to unite ourselves with Christ in doing our part to strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, and to encourage those whose hearts are frightened.
The theologian Paul Tillich wrote that “All time, both history and in personal life, is expectation. Time itself is waiting, waiting not for another time, but for that which is eternal.”
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
For us, Advent is a time of waiting. Actually, we spend much of our lifetime waiting. We wait in doctors’ offices, check-out lines, TSA lines. We wait for a diagnosis, cessation of pain, the birth of a child, the visit of loved-ones. Some wait to find employment, to qualify for disability, to be granted asylum, or simply to live in peace.
With limited time, and with so much waiting, how can we make the best of this time, especially the time of Advent? Today’s readings point the way. The first reading from the prophet Isaiah is a beautiful look into the future, when God will come again to save his people. Even “the parched land will exult . . . will bloom with abundant flowers . . . and all will see the glory of the Lord. Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared . . .the tongue of the mute will sing.” In light of what is to come, Isaiah encourages the people of God to “be strong and fear not.” The waiting should be a joyful time.
In the second reading from the letter of Saint James, he gives the advice that we so often give to those who wait: “Be patient.” He also makes some suggestions to help bolster patience: “Make your hearts firm . . . do not complain.” While James suggests that the Christians of his day should emulate the prophets who endured hardships patiently, the Gospel holds up John the Baptist as the example of one with patient faith, preparing the way of the Lord. He is the messenger sent by God to prepare the way before him. In many ways, John’s calling is ours, too. How are we preparing the way for the Lord’s second coming?
In every Eucharistic liturgy we pray that the Lord will deliver us from evil, and grant us peace and safety from all distress, “as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Our waiting is a time of joyful anticipation, a time to unite ourselves with Christ in doing our part to strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, and to encourage those whose hearts are frightened.
The theologian Paul Tillich wrote that “All time, both history and in personal life, is expectation. Time itself is waiting, waiting not for another time, but for that which is eternal.”
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 4, 2022
Matthew 3: 1-12
This gospel is filled with imagery that brings to it both color and concreteness. Here we have John described as a kind of wild man who wears clothing made of camel’s hair and eats locusts and wild honey. Truly he was a man of the desert.
Have you ever seen a desert? On my very first trip to Chile, South America, the route taken to Santiago from Bolivia was by flying from the north down, hence, over the Atacama Desert. I was struck by its barrenness and bleakness. The desert is truly a place of testing and purification where one must learn daily to live by wisdom or perish by folly.
John was a man whose life was stripped down to the essentials and his vision unclouded by non-essentials. His message is clear: God is close, nearer than we think and we must seize the opportunity of his presence. We must repent.
The repentance John speaks of is not a weak feeling sorry for sins or regrets about what has happened. It’s a real radical change of heart and an interior rending of what is deepest within us. Furthermore, it must be concrete and visible: ‘Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance’. The way of the Lord is: justice, truth, peace, charity. We repent when we prepare that way in our hearts.
John’s message is an appeal to his contemporaries, especially the Pharisees and Sadducees, to open their eyes to the present moment. In one sense, every day is already the beginning of the end time. And we do not know when our individual end time is. We only have the present to live our lives faithfully, and to change our own hearts and minds.
In practical terms, I hear John saying to me: Now is the time to make things right with someone I am at odds with; now is the time to tell someone I love them; now is the time to shower others with dignity and respect; now is the time to visit that person who has been on my list for weeks or to make a phone call I have been avoiding. What do you hear John saying to you?
May the Lord help us and guide us in responding to the ‘now’.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
This gospel is filled with imagery that brings to it both color and concreteness. Here we have John described as a kind of wild man who wears clothing made of camel’s hair and eats locusts and wild honey. Truly he was a man of the desert.
Have you ever seen a desert? On my very first trip to Chile, South America, the route taken to Santiago from Bolivia was by flying from the north down, hence, over the Atacama Desert. I was struck by its barrenness and bleakness. The desert is truly a place of testing and purification where one must learn daily to live by wisdom or perish by folly.
John was a man whose life was stripped down to the essentials and his vision unclouded by non-essentials. His message is clear: God is close, nearer than we think and we must seize the opportunity of his presence. We must repent.
The repentance John speaks of is not a weak feeling sorry for sins or regrets about what has happened. It’s a real radical change of heart and an interior rending of what is deepest within us. Furthermore, it must be concrete and visible: ‘Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance’. The way of the Lord is: justice, truth, peace, charity. We repent when we prepare that way in our hearts.
John’s message is an appeal to his contemporaries, especially the Pharisees and Sadducees, to open their eyes to the present moment. In one sense, every day is already the beginning of the end time. And we do not know when our individual end time is. We only have the present to live our lives faithfully, and to change our own hearts and minds.
In practical terms, I hear John saying to me: Now is the time to make things right with someone I am at odds with; now is the time to tell someone I love them; now is the time to shower others with dignity and respect; now is the time to visit that person who has been on my list for weeks or to make a phone call I have been avoiding. What do you hear John saying to you?
May the Lord help us and guide us in responding to the ‘now’.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
NOVEMBER 27, 2022
Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Romans 13: 11-14 Matthew 24: 37-44
“From this day on, nothing will be the same…”
I have just returned from Belgium after six months there so my body is still trying to adjust to the time change. It calls for some real adaptation. On this Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, the Church begins a new year in the eternal time of God. The readings are a kind of alarm clock that will not stop ringing until they get our attention.
The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah invites one and all to climb up the steps to the Lord’s dwelling, to the Lord’s everlasting Temple to make a new beginning there. God will instruct us in the ways of God. Think about that. God will instruct us. Who is this “us”? Yes, the “Chosen People”, but not only descendants of Abraham and Sarah, but all of us from every race and nation and people. What a shock it must have been for observant Jews to hear that all people were invited to the house of the Lord. Everyone… The condition for responding to this invitation is that we lay down our defenses, our weapons of steel and word, our weapons of prejudice and self-absorption. Live the way of the Lord.
The Psalm is one of the joyful Gradual Psalms sung on the steps of the Temple by pilgrims coming for one of the great Jewish feasts. What will help us to catch our breath as we climb the steps of the Temple? What will be our song of joy in the Lord on this day?
In Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he insists on the importance of this time. This is no ordinary time. It is the time when God is calling us to “listen up” and to “stay on the path”. What “works of darkness” is the Lord calling me to bring into the Light of the Word? What works of darkness is the Lord calling us to bring into the Light of the Word? And not just to bring them into the Light, but to let them be purified, cauterized by the power of the Word of Transforming Love. Christ it is who will give us the strength. Christ will be our strength in detaching ourselves personally, communally, nationally and internationally from our “human made-in-our-likeness” idols.
The excerpt from the Gospel according to Matthew gives us an “end of the world” image going back to the story of Noah and the flood. The writer of the Gospel tells us that Noah and the people “did not know until the flood carried them all away.” In these days when we are called to synodality by Pope Francis, called to listen to others especially those people who are suffering on the margins, we can “know” in real time what it means to be saved by the poor and suffering Christ. This can only happen if we open our eyes and our hearts to God’s coming in unexpected ways…
“Stay awake, be ready, you do not know the hour when the Lord is coming. Stay awake, be ready the Lord is coming soon!” “From this day on, nothing will be the same…”
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak
THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
NOVEMBER 20, 2022 CHRIST THE KING
2 Sam 5: 1-3 Col 1:12-20 Lk 23:35-43
Today’s Feast names Jesus our “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (as Handel’s “Alleluia Chorus” acclaims). In the Gospels of all 3 cycles for this Feast, there is a focus not only on Jesus, but also on those who choose to follow him: those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, who have been purified, and who now bear his mark on their foreheads. They are now invited to follow him in the grand procession into the eternal Banquet.
In today’s Gospel (for Year C), Luke 23 tells the story of the 2 thieves crucified with Jesus. Both are guilty of grave offenses, and both deserve the punishment they are receiving. Yet the story reminds us that hearts can change… One is closed to the truth about Jesus, and joins his voice to the chorus of derision and their own self-destruction. The other thief miraculously recognizes in Jesus the embodiment of love and mercy, and he longs to be a part of that reality, in spite of his unworthiness. Jesus does not hesitate to promise him that his heart’s deepest desire will be granted. He and others like him will be welcome there – will be welcome in his kingdom.
The Feast of Christ the King is celebrated at the end of the Church year as the culmination of our understanding of who Jesus is. Yes, he was always the gentle shepherd who nursed the wounded in search of true peace. But at the end of time, Jesus will assume his role as Lord: the One who gave his life for his sheep, and now calls those who have been faithful to receive their eternal reward. God always intended that no one ever be excluded from his banquet – the choice was always left to us, and no one was ever forced to follow the Lamb. This scene with the 2 thieves embodies that decision: how will each of them react to this third man condemned to die with them? It is their time to ratify their stance before the Lamb who gave his life for each of them.
In this Feast, we celebrate the Lamb, although slain, who still lives, and who finally reigns. He alone is worthy to be worshipped. God’s victory over evil is final and is visible for all to see. And the Church rejoices ecstatically. If we have eyes to see the great procession now forming behind Jesus, will our own hearts be as free as the heart of the good thief to let go of everything that hinders us, and race to join him? Will we allow Jesus to take our hand and accompany us, to lift us up when we fall, and to carry us whenever necessary? Will we allow him to be the One who sustains us and strengthens us, who feeds us and heals us, who loves us into existence every step of the way?
This man whom we call the good thief made that choice against all odds. He decided to acknowledge this man Jesus, condemned along with him, as his King! He wanted Jesus to remember him when he arrived in his kingdom. He may have not fully understood what he’d asked for, but Jesus knowingly promised him much more – that on that very day he would be with him in his kingdom… After probably a lifetime of sin, this man had made a decision for Jesus that changed everything. The only thing that matters at the moment of our personal End Time is that we’ve decided that we want to be on the side of this broken and bleeding King, this Lamb slain to bring salvation to ALL of us. The only thing that matters is whom we have decided to follow, and whom we want to give our allegiance to. Is it the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – or someone else? Something else? The choice is ours…
-S Patrice Yarborough
Today’s Feast names Jesus our “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (as Handel’s “Alleluia Chorus” acclaims). In the Gospels of all 3 cycles for this Feast, there is a focus not only on Jesus, but also on those who choose to follow him: those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, who have been purified, and who now bear his mark on their foreheads. They are now invited to follow him in the grand procession into the eternal Banquet.
In today’s Gospel (for Year C), Luke 23 tells the story of the 2 thieves crucified with Jesus. Both are guilty of grave offenses, and both deserve the punishment they are receiving. Yet the story reminds us that hearts can change… One is closed to the truth about Jesus, and joins his voice to the chorus of derision and their own self-destruction. The other thief miraculously recognizes in Jesus the embodiment of love and mercy, and he longs to be a part of that reality, in spite of his unworthiness. Jesus does not hesitate to promise him that his heart’s deepest desire will be granted. He and others like him will be welcome there – will be welcome in his kingdom.
The Feast of Christ the King is celebrated at the end of the Church year as the culmination of our understanding of who Jesus is. Yes, he was always the gentle shepherd who nursed the wounded in search of true peace. But at the end of time, Jesus will assume his role as Lord: the One who gave his life for his sheep, and now calls those who have been faithful to receive their eternal reward. God always intended that no one ever be excluded from his banquet – the choice was always left to us, and no one was ever forced to follow the Lamb. This scene with the 2 thieves embodies that decision: how will each of them react to this third man condemned to die with them? It is their time to ratify their stance before the Lamb who gave his life for each of them.
In this Feast, we celebrate the Lamb, although slain, who still lives, and who finally reigns. He alone is worthy to be worshipped. God’s victory over evil is final and is visible for all to see. And the Church rejoices ecstatically. If we have eyes to see the great procession now forming behind Jesus, will our own hearts be as free as the heart of the good thief to let go of everything that hinders us, and race to join him? Will we allow Jesus to take our hand and accompany us, to lift us up when we fall, and to carry us whenever necessary? Will we allow him to be the One who sustains us and strengthens us, who feeds us and heals us, who loves us into existence every step of the way?
This man whom we call the good thief made that choice against all odds. He decided to acknowledge this man Jesus, condemned along with him, as his King! He wanted Jesus to remember him when he arrived in his kingdom. He may have not fully understood what he’d asked for, but Jesus knowingly promised him much more – that on that very day he would be with him in his kingdom… After probably a lifetime of sin, this man had made a decision for Jesus that changed everything. The only thing that matters at the moment of our personal End Time is that we’ve decided that we want to be on the side of this broken and bleeding King, this Lamb slain to bring salvation to ALL of us. The only thing that matters is whom we have decided to follow, and whom we want to give our allegiance to. Is it the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – or someone else? Something else? The choice is ours…
-S Patrice Yarborough
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THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
NOVEMBER 13, 2022
Luke 21: 5-19
Today’s Gospel could cause the strongest among us to shake with fear. At first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything encouraging or really hopeful in the message before us. It resembles what we have been seeing and still see in our world today: the war in Ukraine which seems unending, the terrible destruction from hurricanes coming one after the other, forest fires destroying God’s creation of life of all kinds, people starving in Africa and other parts of the world, our country’s political divisions and anger which pit people and families against one another. We can wonder if it will ever end and if it does, how?
Yet, we can’t forget the part of the gospel where Jesus reminds us he will be there in the middle of everything, protecting us as long as we persevere. If we have faith we will not be destroyed. I understand this to mean that even if there is suffering and death, destruction and evil in our world, we will not be “destroyed”, meaning that is not the end for us if we believe. Because there is the gift of eternal life on the other side of all of this; Eternal life and love which wait for those who persevere and believe and hope in what is good and beautiful. They will not be destroyed because they taste death. All of the evil and the destruction will only be the gateway to real and unending life. So, “death be not proud”, Jesus promises eternal life. You, death are not the end. Jesus came that we may “have life and have it in abundance”. What more could we hope for?
-Sr. Patricia Brady
Today’s Gospel could cause the strongest among us to shake with fear. At first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything encouraging or really hopeful in the message before us. It resembles what we have been seeing and still see in our world today: the war in Ukraine which seems unending, the terrible destruction from hurricanes coming one after the other, forest fires destroying God’s creation of life of all kinds, people starving in Africa and other parts of the world, our country’s political divisions and anger which pit people and families against one another. We can wonder if it will ever end and if it does, how?
Yet, we can’t forget the part of the gospel where Jesus reminds us he will be there in the middle of everything, protecting us as long as we persevere. If we have faith we will not be destroyed. I understand this to mean that even if there is suffering and death, destruction and evil in our world, we will not be “destroyed”, meaning that is not the end for us if we believe. Because there is the gift of eternal life on the other side of all of this; Eternal life and love which wait for those who persevere and believe and hope in what is good and beautiful. They will not be destroyed because they taste death. All of the evil and the destruction will only be the gateway to real and unending life. So, “death be not proud”, Jesus promises eternal life. You, death are not the end. Jesus came that we may “have life and have it in abundance”. What more could we hope for?
-Sr. Patricia Brady
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THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
NOVEMBER 6, 2022
In today’s readings we are called to embrace our faith. In fact, to hold it so closely that we would be willing to die for it. The faith that we are to embrace so whole-heartedly is in the promise of a life beyond this earthly realm. The existence of a spiritual realm where we dwell with God who is All in All.
There is no physical, scientific proof that such a Divine reality exists but centuries of time and countless generations of people have assented to its reality. From minds and hearts pondering life and death, blessings and curses, joys and sadness the belief grows that there must be something more. How this becomes named or expressed has varied across cultures and times.
We Christians trust that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of Divine reality. The Son of God, sojourning for a brief time as a human on this earth, exposed the unlimited love of God through his life, death and resurrection. What humans have called the chains of death are broken by Christ’s resurrection. Our true home is with God once we have crossed the threshold of death opened wide by Jesus.
Relying on his Hebrew tradition, Jesus spoke to the naysayers of his time by invoking the great patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to instruct his hearers that God is a God of the living, not of the dead. We believe that in God all are alive. God is the source of all life, the sustainer of all life and our eternal resting place. Our faith depends on this hope for what is not yet seen. May we lovingly nurture our own faith and, whenever possible, creatively inspire deeper faith in others.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
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THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER 30, 2022
Our scriptures today are consistently positive in theme. The Book of Wisdom offers a “big picture” call to trust in the goodness of God’s design. Our Psalm sings the praise of God’s glory. The Thessalonians are receiving a message of great encouragement from St. Paul in the second reading. Our Gospel story tells of Jesus encountering Zacchaeus, a story in which the love and providence of God for us takes center stage.
These scriptures can be a source of hope for all of us in times when difficulties seem overwhelming. Challenging our narrow focus on an immediate problem, the “big picture” perspective of the Wisdom reading can calm our inner turbulence. The promise that God will lift up the falling and raise up the bowed down is the assurance sung by the Psalmist. St. Paul reminds his audience not to be shaken up or alarmed by reports contrary to the Gospel message; Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth!
Our Gospel reveals that the desire of Zacchaeus to see Jesus led him to move outside his comfort zone for a moment. The result of this courageous choice was a life changing encounter with the Lord. Jesus’ declaration that he “has come to seek and to save what was lost” seals the message of salvation for Zacchaeus. This message is for us as well.
Sister Lori High [email protected]
These scriptures can be a source of hope for all of us in times when difficulties seem overwhelming. Challenging our narrow focus on an immediate problem, the “big picture” perspective of the Wisdom reading can calm our inner turbulence. The promise that God will lift up the falling and raise up the bowed down is the assurance sung by the Psalmist. St. Paul reminds his audience not to be shaken up or alarmed by reports contrary to the Gospel message; Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth!
Our Gospel reveals that the desire of Zacchaeus to see Jesus led him to move outside his comfort zone for a moment. The result of this courageous choice was a life changing encounter with the Lord. Jesus’ declaration that he “has come to seek and to save what was lost” seals the message of salvation for Zacchaeus. This message is for us as well.
Sister Lori High [email protected]
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THIRTIETH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER 23, 2022
Oct. 23, 2022 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
I enjoy St. Luke’s Gospel! The opening line in this week’s Gospel passage states that Jesus is addressing those who are convinced of their own righteousness and despise everyone else. Humanly, we are hardwired to compare ourselves with others. However, this is not what Jesus is concerned about here. Rather, Jesus is calling out the judgmental attitude which brings the Pharisee to pray, “O God, I thank you that I amnot like the rest of humanity.” (Luke 18:11). The Book of Sirach begins our Liturgy of the Word today with the proclamation that “The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.” (Sirach 35:12) God, as Creator, knows the inherent dignity and value of all things. Made in the image and likeness of God, humans are especially endowed with an equality of worth in God’s eyes. This is why Jesus so clearly points out that the humble sinner is in better relationship with God than the self-righteous religious leader. It is a cautionary tale by which we would be wise to assess ourselves with some regularity. The second reading today allows us to hear a bit of St. Paul’s self-assessment. He is careful to remain focused on himself. He avoids the temptation to exalt himself over others. He trusts in God’s love and mercy.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
I enjoy St. Luke’s Gospel! The opening line in this week’s Gospel passage states that Jesus is addressing those who are convinced of their own righteousness and despise everyone else. Humanly, we are hardwired to compare ourselves with others. However, this is not what Jesus is concerned about here. Rather, Jesus is calling out the judgmental attitude which brings the Pharisee to pray, “O God, I thank you that I amnot like the rest of humanity.” (Luke 18:11). The Book of Sirach begins our Liturgy of the Word today with the proclamation that “The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.” (Sirach 35:12) God, as Creator, knows the inherent dignity and value of all things. Made in the image and likeness of God, humans are especially endowed with an equality of worth in God’s eyes. This is why Jesus so clearly points out that the humble sinner is in better relationship with God than the self-righteous religious leader. It is a cautionary tale by which we would be wise to assess ourselves with some regularity. The second reading today allows us to hear a bit of St. Paul’s self-assessment. He is careful to remain focused on himself. He avoids the temptation to exalt himself over others. He trusts in God’s love and mercy.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
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TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER 16, 2022
Reflection on the Parable of the Persistent Widow
1st Reading: Exodus 17: 8-13, 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 3: 14- 4:2, Gospel: Luke 18: 1-8
The readings for this Sunday speak about faith, perseverance, persistence and the necessity to pray always. The first reading from Exodus gives a vivid picture of how perseverance and solidarity won the battle for Moses and the Israelites. “Moses’ hands grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on.” “Aaron and Hur supported Moses hands.” In the second reading we hear, “Be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand and encourage through all patience and teaching.”The courage and boldness of the widow in the Gospel is a testimony of faith. She moved beyond the fear of being called a pest. After asking again and again for the unjust judge to render a just decision on her behalf, she took the matter into her hands. She was steadfast and unrelenting in asking. We’re told that through her persistence, she got the judge’s attention. The Judge acknowledged that he didn’t have the fear of God nor any respect of any human being. However, because the widow kept bothering him, he decided to “deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.” Perhaps the judge saw her as a troublemaker. Was this decision to silence her? Perhaps it was to keep her from being recognized like the other widows before her such as Tamar, Ruth and Naomi. Whatever his intention, the Lord intervenes and ask that we pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. “Will God secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night…” I tell you he will see to it that justice is done for them.” “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth.?”Alice Walker, the African American poet has a wonderful line: “Everything that the world really needs is too big for individuals to give.” In these days, we minister in varied ways. Each ministry is needed. We need one another’s persistence, courage, perseverance and faith. We need one another so that like Moses, Hur and the widow we can answer amen. Like Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman and St. Therese of Lisieux again and again we pray and ask for the grace to be of service. The widow didn’t become weary. We must be committed to the work of justice. In times like these there will be days that we feel weary. Yet, we go forward in raising our voices, hands and hearts against the injustices all around us and throughout the world. The Lord will find faith on the earth. We can act justly and walk humbly with God in the midst of the complexity. The message of this parable is Jesus’ invitation to pray without becoming weary. We are to be as bold and courageous as the widow when we encounter injustice.
-Sister Roberta Fulton https://youtu.be/a9Pq_ssR4sI
-Sister Roberta Fulton https://youtu.be/a9Pq_ssR4sI
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TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER 9, 2022
2 Kings 5: 14-17 Luke 17:11-19
Today, both the reading from 2 Kings and the gospel reading from Luke speak about journeys, and how people set out in faith. Naaman comes to Elisha; the 10 lepers come to Jesus, and then go to the priests. They come asking for help, for empathy – for someone to care enough to do something.
To better understand the story of Naaman, it helps to read the entire chapter 5 of 2 Kings. There we see that he is an army commander, someone with authority. Yet he listens to his wife’s slave girl (an Israelite and a woman) when she suggests going to Elisha. The fact that she is not afraid to speak up indicates that he has a good relationship with the people who serve him and his family. So he sets out on his journey.
What follows is a wonderful story of human reaction. Elisha sent a messenger and does not come himself to meet Naaman. Naaman is indignant. He expected Elisha to come out to meet him, wave his hand over the spot – and even asks later, “Is not our water better than any water in Israel?”
Again, it is the servants who speak up – and he listens and changes his mind. What humility this shows on Naaman’s part. He then went and bathed 7 times in the river Jordan and was cured.
In the gospel story Jesus says, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” On the way they were cleansed. They had already left on their journey to see the priests and had left in blind faith. They were not yet cured when they departed. Thus it was clearly an act of faith for them to leave the presence of Jesus.
We know that our life is a journey, and that we are always looking for signs. The faith of these 10 men is great precisely because there were no signs of healing when they embarked. That is what real faith is. That is what marks a person of faith: someone who is able to embark, to begin the journey, even when there is absolutely no sign of the fulfillment of their hope and prayer.
We are often so afraid that we want at least a small sign. Fear can stop us from even beginning the journey when that sign is lacking. It is extraordinary to see the lepers begin, leave Jesus, with as yet no visible change (no sign of a cure).
So what will it take – to overcome fear – to begin taking steps on our journey. To what “insignificant” person do we need to listen? And what will it cost us personally?
-Sister Corinne Yarborough
Today, both the reading from 2 Kings and the gospel reading from Luke speak about journeys, and how people set out in faith. Naaman comes to Elisha; the 10 lepers come to Jesus, and then go to the priests. They come asking for help, for empathy – for someone to care enough to do something.
To better understand the story of Naaman, it helps to read the entire chapter 5 of 2 Kings. There we see that he is an army commander, someone with authority. Yet he listens to his wife’s slave girl (an Israelite and a woman) when she suggests going to Elisha. The fact that she is not afraid to speak up indicates that he has a good relationship with the people who serve him and his family. So he sets out on his journey.
What follows is a wonderful story of human reaction. Elisha sent a messenger and does not come himself to meet Naaman. Naaman is indignant. He expected Elisha to come out to meet him, wave his hand over the spot – and even asks later, “Is not our water better than any water in Israel?”
Again, it is the servants who speak up – and he listens and changes his mind. What humility this shows on Naaman’s part. He then went and bathed 7 times in the river Jordan and was cured.
In the gospel story Jesus says, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” On the way they were cleansed. They had already left on their journey to see the priests and had left in blind faith. They were not yet cured when they departed. Thus it was clearly an act of faith for them to leave the presence of Jesus.
We know that our life is a journey, and that we are always looking for signs. The faith of these 10 men is great precisely because there were no signs of healing when they embarked. That is what real faith is. That is what marks a person of faith: someone who is able to embark, to begin the journey, even when there is absolutely no sign of the fulfillment of their hope and prayer.
We are often so afraid that we want at least a small sign. Fear can stop us from even beginning the journey when that sign is lacking. It is extraordinary to see the lepers begin, leave Jesus, with as yet no visible change (no sign of a cure).
So what will it take – to overcome fear – to begin taking steps on our journey. To what “insignificant” person do we need to listen? And what will it cost us personally?
-Sister Corinne Yarborough
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TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 25, 2022
Amos 6: 1a. 4-7 Psalm 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10 I Timothy 6:11-16 Luke 16:19-31
PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES…
A priest missionary in Kenya shared an experience he had. One day the young man who served in a variety of ways in the priests’ house came to the priest and said “Father, please, I am in need of a pair of shoes.” The priest told him that he would help him. The next day as the young man was serving dinner in the dining room, the priest noticed that the young man was wearing a pair of shoes. They looked very similar to an extra pair the priest had in his room. The priest asked the young man where he had gotten the shoes. The young man replied “Father, I was cleaning your room when I saw that you had an extra pair of shoes. Since you already were wearing one pair, you did not need the other pair. And so I let you share them with me.” What would be my reaction in a similar situation?
Often we hear Pope Francis speaking of listening to the voices of people especially those on the margins, of synodality, of vulnerability. In like manner, today’s readings from Amos and Luke require us to pay attention and to listen to the life before us. Amos’ diatribe against the religiously complacent and spiritually lukewarm people of his time, threatens us with “woe”, the definite consequences of our selfish choices. In last Sunday’s Gospel, the “administrator” servant was commended for his cleverness in providing for his future. He discovered in time that friends last longer than wealth. This Sunday’s Gospel passage deals with the enormous gap between rich and poor that is worldwide. In the Hebrew Scriptures, Abraham is the quintessential expression of hospitality who welcomes God’s Word and God’s promise, who welcomes strangers and friends alike into his life, into his tent. He is the faithful servant, who like God, is even willing to sacrifice his son for the life of the world. Abraham saw people. He even bargained with God for the lives of people.
In the last few years especially, we have been called to hear and see the suffering of our world: by Covid, by the “Black Lives Matter” movement, by those who are homeless because of global warming, floods and drought, forest fires and famine, by the increase of repressive political dictatorships with their empty promises, etc. These realities are a result of the choices for which we are each responsible. God willingly offered his son, Jesus, in sacrifice for us. If I believe what Paul wrote to Timothy, that “God gives life to all things”, will I imitate the sacrificial love of Jesus in daily acts of serving the “other” by dying to myself? What choices am I making that enable even one person to eat, to be clothed, to be healed of loneliness? What acts of love and justice am I living so that others may have life?
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, many newscasts in Europe and the United States highlighted her steady way of understanding her role and her place in history, a role nourished deeply and daily by her love of the Word of God. The Queen expressed through her actions and words a respect for people of different cultures and of different economic standings. Her life decisions were not all perfect. Yet, she was a person who acted on her values and made a difference in our world.In response to the Word we hear and see in our lives, will we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes? The time to act is now. Tomorrow may be too late…
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak Liverpool, England
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak Liverpool, England
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TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022
Amos 8: 4-7 1 Tim 2: 1-8 Lk 16: 1-13
Today’s Gospel parable takes us by surprise. Why would Jesus praise the dishonest steward who merely increased his dishonesty when he was caught? Certainly not because Jesus valued such cunning deceitfulness… What Jesus valued was his “prudence”, his ability to foresee the future consequences for himself and make decisions that would enable him to go forward. That’s what Jesus recognized as lacking in the Children of Light. How much do we embrace difficult decisions in order to ensure a good outcome on our faith journey?
Jesus warns us that “No servant can serve two masters.” Each of us can examine our own heart in this matter, examine any self-deception here. What are the ways that I have a divided heart? Who or what is the master of my heart? What do I want to do about that? I want to choose to serve only the Lord of Life…
Self-deception: Are there ways that I deceive myself? What in my own behavior do I refuse to recognize? Why? What are the attitudes which I allow and which I prefer to deny even exist? Perhaps I even condemn them in others, but I give myself permission to indulge in them… What do I really desire?
Self-deception is a slippery slope. Deception is always a sign that we are moving away from the truth, from the God of Truth. God wants to open our eyes, and reveal where we are heading if we cling to any falsehoods. If we can accept the truth about ourselves, we can allow God to open us to a world where what we value and what we seek are one. We don’t have to play games and dodge the truth. Life can become much simpler for us.
Where is God leading me on my journey of life? Am I refusing in any way to embrace the choices God sets before me? How can I choose the Life I am invited to? The choices before me are real and are not to be ignored. One day at a time, one choice at a time, my life will progress. It’s up to me to embrace a life of Truth and reject self-deception, even in small ways. The choice is always mine. I can always CHOOSE LIFE.
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
Today’s Gospel parable takes us by surprise. Why would Jesus praise the dishonest steward who merely increased his dishonesty when he was caught? Certainly not because Jesus valued such cunning deceitfulness… What Jesus valued was his “prudence”, his ability to foresee the future consequences for himself and make decisions that would enable him to go forward. That’s what Jesus recognized as lacking in the Children of Light. How much do we embrace difficult decisions in order to ensure a good outcome on our faith journey?
Jesus warns us that “No servant can serve two masters.” Each of us can examine our own heart in this matter, examine any self-deception here. What are the ways that I have a divided heart? Who or what is the master of my heart? What do I want to do about that? I want to choose to serve only the Lord of Life…
Self-deception: Are there ways that I deceive myself? What in my own behavior do I refuse to recognize? Why? What are the attitudes which I allow and which I prefer to deny even exist? Perhaps I even condemn them in others, but I give myself permission to indulge in them… What do I really desire?
Self-deception is a slippery slope. Deception is always a sign that we are moving away from the truth, from the God of Truth. God wants to open our eyes, and reveal where we are heading if we cling to any falsehoods. If we can accept the truth about ourselves, we can allow God to open us to a world where what we value and what we seek are one. We don’t have to play games and dodge the truth. Life can become much simpler for us.
Where is God leading me on my journey of life? Am I refusing in any way to embrace the choices God sets before me? How can I choose the Life I am invited to? The choices before me are real and are not to be ignored. One day at a time, one choice at a time, my life will progress. It’s up to me to embrace a life of Truth and reject self-deception, even in small ways. The choice is always mine. I can always CHOOSE LIFE.
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
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TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
Luke 15: 1-32
Have you ever lost anything valuable? I have. Once while in an airport between countries I was busily filling out papers when I inadvertently left my passport behind as I rushed off for the next step. My discovery of ‘no passport’ was just about to throw me into ‘panic mode’, but God would have none of this! Feeling prompted to retrace my steps, I eventually came to that original writing table. And there it was!! I could hardly believe my eyes. So I know well, and perhaps you do too, of the joy that wells up inside, just like the woman, the shepherd, and the father, over finding that or who was lost.
Losing a passport, a coin, or even a dear little sheep would be nothing in comparison to losing a person. What great joy there must be in God’s Kingdom when just ‘one’ valuable, priceless, irreplaceable person is found! And in our lifetime has not that ‘person’ been us? How many times have we lost our compass, our way, but through God’s bountiful mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, have found that Light once again.
The saddest reality of today’s Gospel is the eldest son’s action. In the end, he becomes the one lost. His anger, jealousy, and resentment keep him from rejoicing in the father’s goodness. He chooses death. For me, the call and challenge of this particular parable is to keep our hearts ever open to let go of being lost and choosing to be found; to let go of death and choose life; to rejoice with our brothers and sisters who have re-discovered how much God loves them; and to keep growing by never allowing anger, resentment or jealousy to fester within us.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
Have you ever lost anything valuable? I have. Once while in an airport between countries I was busily filling out papers when I inadvertently left my passport behind as I rushed off for the next step. My discovery of ‘no passport’ was just about to throw me into ‘panic mode’, but God would have none of this! Feeling prompted to retrace my steps, I eventually came to that original writing table. And there it was!! I could hardly believe my eyes. So I know well, and perhaps you do too, of the joy that wells up inside, just like the woman, the shepherd, and the father, over finding that or who was lost.
Losing a passport, a coin, or even a dear little sheep would be nothing in comparison to losing a person. What great joy there must be in God’s Kingdom when just ‘one’ valuable, priceless, irreplaceable person is found! And in our lifetime has not that ‘person’ been us? How many times have we lost our compass, our way, but through God’s bountiful mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, have found that Light once again.
The saddest reality of today’s Gospel is the eldest son’s action. In the end, he becomes the one lost. His anger, jealousy, and resentment keep him from rejoicing in the father’s goodness. He chooses death. For me, the call and challenge of this particular parable is to keep our hearts ever open to let go of being lost and choosing to be found; to let go of death and choose life; to rejoice with our brothers and sisters who have re-discovered how much God loves them; and to keep growing by never allowing anger, resentment or jealousy to fester within us.
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
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TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
SEPTEMBER 4, 2022
Recently I had a conversation with a colleague about the suitability of a candidate for a particular position. The candidate would be new to the job but he was well educated, smart, and enthusiastic about his particular area of expertise. My colleague was hesitant and found it difficult to explain his hesitation. Then he finally said, “. . . but we don’t know what kind of decisions he will make.” I remembered this conversation when I read the scripture selections for this 23rd Sunday. The first reading talks about the deliberations of mortals being timid, and the need to be given wisdom through the Holy Spirit. The gospel gives a couple examples of this: needing to calculate costs before beginning construction, and foreseeing the devastations of war to decide if it would be better to make peace. The responsorial psalm names the virtue needed in the verse, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” Please note, not just wisdom but “wisdom of heart.” The candidate that my colleague and I were considering was applying for a position dealing with Church law. To know the law requires intelligence, to understand the law requires wisdom, but to know how to apply the law to others requires a heart willing to be touched by complex and nuanced human situations. It requires wisdom of heart. Today’s second reading from the Letter to Philemon shows Paul acting with wisdom of heart, and asking his disciples to do likewise. He sends a slave back to his owner because it is the lawful thing to do. But Paul reminds Philemon that the slave, too, is a disciple and someone beloved. It is Paul’s hope, therefore, that Philemon, too, might treat him more like a brother than a slave. Wisdom of heart draws on human compassion, mercy and forgiveness to temper what is purely just or perfectly logical. In the polarized political world that we live in we need to be disciples with wisdom of heart, able to infuse understanding and compassion into a myriad of contemporary moral and political situations. This is today’s call to discipleship which will be costly, and require us to “carry our own cross” as St. Luke reminds us in the gospel. St Paul uses an interesting phrase in his letter to Philemon: “Perhaps this is why ….” He refers to the possible reason – in God’s providence – that the slave ran away: both to minster to Paul, and to be recognized as a brother in the faith and not just as a slave. And if we wonder why ‘”the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns,” as we read in the book of Wisdom, perhaps this is why: the call of discipleship, to help “make straight the paths of those on earth” with wisdom, understanding, and compassion. Perhaps this is why . . . .
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
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TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST 28, 2022
Gospel of Luke 14:1, 7-14
In today’s gospel Luke brings out an interesting fact: people do like to observe! Mostly, we humans like to observe other people and the people of Jesus’ time were no exception. They were observing Jesus closely in the home of one of the leading Pharisees. Jesus was often observed and criticized by the pharisees and they were probably watching him carefully at this dinner he attended.
Interestingly enough, Jesus himself does some keen observing of the invited guests. So, being the masterful storyteller that he is, he begins to tell a parable. The essence of the story is to point out that we need to be careful not to make ourselves the center of attention...the key seems to be “make ourselves”. The guests didn’t invite themselves to the wedding. They were invited. We don’t invite ourselves into the Kingdom of Heaven, into the heart of God. We are invited.
We can easily recall the moment when the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked if her sons could have the places at Jesus’ left and right in the Kingdom of Heaven. Bad question! Even worse desire! Looking at the scene of the wedding guests filing into the dining area and choosing places we can imagine them thinking of themselves and their prestige, and we could conclude that it isn’t really a question of place; it’s a question of presence. High, low or middle doesn’t matter. Being simply present for a wonderful event, being invited does.
The conclusion of Jesus’ parable is that you should invite people to your party or event who can’t pay you back! Surprise! But that’s all right because we will be repaid in the right way one day by the only one who’s repayment we need. And it will be worth the effort. Jesus encourages us to be open, hospitable, welcoming and loving toward those who don’t often receive a welcome or consideration. If we put others first, if we honestly try to reverence those in need and those who are put aside by society, we will be honoring what Jesus tells us in today’s gospel. And in welcoming the other, and putting ourselves aside, we are welcoming Jesus.
-Sr Patricia Brady
In today’s gospel Luke brings out an interesting fact: people do like to observe! Mostly, we humans like to observe other people and the people of Jesus’ time were no exception. They were observing Jesus closely in the home of one of the leading Pharisees. Jesus was often observed and criticized by the pharisees and they were probably watching him carefully at this dinner he attended.
Interestingly enough, Jesus himself does some keen observing of the invited guests. So, being the masterful storyteller that he is, he begins to tell a parable. The essence of the story is to point out that we need to be careful not to make ourselves the center of attention...the key seems to be “make ourselves”. The guests didn’t invite themselves to the wedding. They were invited. We don’t invite ourselves into the Kingdom of Heaven, into the heart of God. We are invited.
We can easily recall the moment when the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked if her sons could have the places at Jesus’ left and right in the Kingdom of Heaven. Bad question! Even worse desire! Looking at the scene of the wedding guests filing into the dining area and choosing places we can imagine them thinking of themselves and their prestige, and we could conclude that it isn’t really a question of place; it’s a question of presence. High, low or middle doesn’t matter. Being simply present for a wonderful event, being invited does.
The conclusion of Jesus’ parable is that you should invite people to your party or event who can’t pay you back! Surprise! But that’s all right because we will be repaid in the right way one day by the only one who’s repayment we need. And it will be worth the effort. Jesus encourages us to be open, hospitable, welcoming and loving toward those who don’t often receive a welcome or consideration. If we put others first, if we honestly try to reverence those in need and those who are put aside by society, we will be honoring what Jesus tells us in today’s gospel. And in welcoming the other, and putting ourselves aside, we are welcoming Jesus.
-Sr Patricia Brady
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TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST 21, 2022
St. Luke’s Gospel passage for today seems to weave together several themes rather awkwardly. In other accounts the narrow gate is juxtaposed with the wide road to perdition rather than the need for strength to enter.The master of the house who locked the door gets up for a persistent friend on other occasions. In today’s account, despite familiarity, the Master sends those who knock away and calls them evil doers. We can wonder what is going on here. Sunday scripture readings are chosen with a conscious link made between the first reading from the Old Testament and the Gospel passage.With this understanding, it becomes clearer why this awkward passage from St. Luke is important. The passage from Isaiah tells us that God desires ALLpeople be brought to the holy mountain. From far and wide, by whatever means is convenient. The passage concludes with the outrageous claim that even from among these outsiders, God will choose priests and leaders of worship. Discomfort with the seemingly boundless welcome offered by Godis as familiar to us as it was for the Hebrew people. Those most wedded to the law, most wedded to absolute lines of inclusion and exclusion, are the least likely to appreciate God’s unlimited mercy. St. Luke is writing to the Gentiles who are receiving the message of Jesus: that ALL are saved through the power of the cross. It is a time of tumult in the Church’s growth with those of Jewish background feeling that their right as the Chosen People is being infringed by newcomers. In this context, the second reading, the passage from the Letter to the Hebrews, becomes more intelligible. Feeling disciplined or reprimanded is not pleasant but occasionally necessary in order to learn and mature. St. Paul is admonishing the Hebrew people with “drooping hands and weak knees” to know the way of God more clearly. The final line of the second reading is a lovely cautionary, yet hopeful, remark. “so that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.” God’s desire for us is to be healed, to understand that the One, True God is God of ALL people. Our liturgy today is a challenge for us to consider where we limit God’s desire for welcome. How are we like the early Jewish converts to Christianity who found it difficult to relax their human designed barriers to membership in God’s plan? Are we open to correction that leads to unity or do we resist and become disjointed from the whole? -Sister Lori High [email protected]
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TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST 14, 2022
Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10 Psalm 40: 2, 3, 4, 18 Hebrews 12: 1-4 Luke 12:49-53
Today’s Scripture excerpts are not for the faint of heart. Many of the African American spirituals come to mind, e.g. “Sometimes I feel like a motherless child”, “I have decided to follow Jesus…no turning back, no turning back…”, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord…” Many images from the daily news come to mind as well: the devastation in Ukraine, the drought in Saharan Africa and Western Europe, the decisions in Brazil and Congo to disregard the importance of their river basins and forests…
The courage of Ebed-melech to approach King Zedekiah on behalf of the prophet Jeremiah, buried alive in a cistern, is a call to action to each one of us. We, each in our own way, are called to be faithful to our God and to our consciences. I/we have not been called to take action as was President Zelenskiyy against an aggressive power or President Biden in seeking legislation for the climate. Or maybe I/we have by virtue of our baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ? Pope Francis’ recent pilgrimage to Canada to seek forgiveness and pardon is a long overdue response to the injustices suffered by the indigenous peoples of Canada (and the United States) at the hands of seemingly well-intentioned religious communities and governments. Given the Pope’s age and condition of health, his decision to go to Canada was “not easy” as Fr. Tuan would say.
Our daily call is simply to listen to the Word of God and to act on the Word. Division is a natural result of that listening and action as we come to grips with our inner hesitations and doubts, with the reactions and responses of those around us and with the mores of our culture. With faith and trust, we pray to make the difficult decisions for ourselves and for the future. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer would say, there is no “cheap grace”. The source of our courage is the Eucharist, ever-present testament of our God’s desire to forgive, heal and transform our puny responses into steps into everlasting life.
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak
Today’s Scripture excerpts are not for the faint of heart. Many of the African American spirituals come to mind, e.g. “Sometimes I feel like a motherless child”, “I have decided to follow Jesus…no turning back, no turning back…”, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord…” Many images from the daily news come to mind as well: the devastation in Ukraine, the drought in Saharan Africa and Western Europe, the decisions in Brazil and Congo to disregard the importance of their river basins and forests…
The courage of Ebed-melech to approach King Zedekiah on behalf of the prophet Jeremiah, buried alive in a cistern, is a call to action to each one of us. We, each in our own way, are called to be faithful to our God and to our consciences. I/we have not been called to take action as was President Zelenskiyy against an aggressive power or President Biden in seeking legislation for the climate. Or maybe I/we have by virtue of our baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ? Pope Francis’ recent pilgrimage to Canada to seek forgiveness and pardon is a long overdue response to the injustices suffered by the indigenous peoples of Canada (and the United States) at the hands of seemingly well-intentioned religious communities and governments. Given the Pope’s age and condition of health, his decision to go to Canada was “not easy” as Fr. Tuan would say.
Our daily call is simply to listen to the Word of God and to act on the Word. Division is a natural result of that listening and action as we come to grips with our inner hesitations and doubts, with the reactions and responses of those around us and with the mores of our culture. With faith and trust, we pray to make the difficult decisions for ourselves and for the future. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer would say, there is no “cheap grace”. The source of our courage is the Eucharist, ever-present testament of our God’s desire to forgive, heal and transform our puny responses into steps into everlasting life.
-Sr. Mary Laura Lesniak
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NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST 7, 2022
Wis 18:6-9 Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 Lk 12:32-48
“Blessed the people God has chosen to be his own.” (Responsorial Psalm refrain) God has chosen each of us – but what have WE chosen? Today’s reading from Hebrews shows us the ideal way to respond to God’s choice of us: Faith. By faith Abraham responded to an unknown God who was revealing himself to him and making a covenant with him. Abraham walked with baby steps, faltering yet responding each time with a faith that grew in the process. He trusted that God would be faithful to his promises, and sensed that God was with him, that he was not alone on this journey – that each step, each act of obedience brought him closer to the God who was reaching out to him, inviting him to deeper intimacy.
Faith is a journey, and it’s not achieved in an instant. Every baby step deepens the bonds with the One who calls us. Eventually, Abraham had matured so much in his faith that he was ready to sacrifice even his beloved son Isaac, if that’s what God asked of him – because he knew that God who works in mysterious ways could bring good out of such a sacrifice. Few of us are perhaps as ready to offer all to God as Abraham was, but little by little we can mature in our faith and be ready to offer God what is most precious to us.
“All these died in faith” the author of Hebrews says. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who each struggled to express their heartfelt readiness to offer all to God. They were ready, as Jesus asked in today’s gospel, to sell everything in view of the treasure they believed that they would possess. That is faith – not knowing but believing: trusting that God will come through with the strength and the courage that we need to face the circumstances before us. Baby steps – that’s how one walks in faith; that’s how one grows in the ability to respond in a faith-filled way when the big tests come. When our human sight and knowledge begin to fail us, we aren’t that different from Abraham and all the other great people of faith. How do we continue to walk by faith and not by our human gifts? Grace – sheer grace. It’s humanly impossible to truly walk by faith. Only with God’s gift of the Spirit can we ever walk in the footsteps of the giants of our faith.
And so we pray: Veni, Sancte Spiritus… Come, Spirit of fire and wind, who purifies and recreates all that is less than worthy of God. Come, comforter and consoler of hearts too broken to hope… Come, strength of the weak and powerless, those who have no one but you… Come to those who long for a fire to consume the deadness within them and around them. Come – for without you, we have nothing, and all of our efforts come to nothing… Come Holy Spirit, come… -Sr. Patrice Yarborough
“Blessed the people God has chosen to be his own.” (Responsorial Psalm refrain) God has chosen each of us – but what have WE chosen? Today’s reading from Hebrews shows us the ideal way to respond to God’s choice of us: Faith. By faith Abraham responded to an unknown God who was revealing himself to him and making a covenant with him. Abraham walked with baby steps, faltering yet responding each time with a faith that grew in the process. He trusted that God would be faithful to his promises, and sensed that God was with him, that he was not alone on this journey – that each step, each act of obedience brought him closer to the God who was reaching out to him, inviting him to deeper intimacy.
Faith is a journey, and it’s not achieved in an instant. Every baby step deepens the bonds with the One who calls us. Eventually, Abraham had matured so much in his faith that he was ready to sacrifice even his beloved son Isaac, if that’s what God asked of him – because he knew that God who works in mysterious ways could bring good out of such a sacrifice. Few of us are perhaps as ready to offer all to God as Abraham was, but little by little we can mature in our faith and be ready to offer God what is most precious to us.
“All these died in faith” the author of Hebrews says. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who each struggled to express their heartfelt readiness to offer all to God. They were ready, as Jesus asked in today’s gospel, to sell everything in view of the treasure they believed that they would possess. That is faith – not knowing but believing: trusting that God will come through with the strength and the courage that we need to face the circumstances before us. Baby steps – that’s how one walks in faith; that’s how one grows in the ability to respond in a faith-filled way when the big tests come. When our human sight and knowledge begin to fail us, we aren’t that different from Abraham and all the other great people of faith. How do we continue to walk by faith and not by our human gifts? Grace – sheer grace. It’s humanly impossible to truly walk by faith. Only with God’s gift of the Spirit can we ever walk in the footsteps of the giants of our faith.
And so we pray: Veni, Sancte Spiritus… Come, Spirit of fire and wind, who purifies and recreates all that is less than worthy of God. Come, comforter and consoler of hearts too broken to hope… Come, strength of the weak and powerless, those who have no one but you… Come to those who long for a fire to consume the deadness within them and around them. Come – for without you, we have nothing, and all of our efforts come to nothing… Come Holy Spirit, come… -Sr. Patrice Yarborough
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EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JULY 31, 2022
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21
Today we read throughout the 3 readings phases as:Vanity of vanity - if today you hear his voice, harden not your heart,Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.Tear down old barns and make new ones.Theses phases speak to me of an example of consciousness.I must think about where is my heart, my priorities, my treasures.Do I really need a new phone, the latest model of things, furniture, car, etc.? Maybe it’s time to clean out, look at what I have, size down.
Maybe I need to help others, spent a little more time with the Lord.I remember when I was in Rwanda and asked to set up a nursery school and had no materials whatsoever. I went to the area where the people, mostly handicapped, were weaving sweaters and others making uniforms. I took scraps of material and yarn. I made balls, dolls and other things. The kids loved the things as they had nothing. I learned how I didn’t need much to help another be happy.
Maybe today as we ponder the readings, we may think how we can clean out, sort out and give to others. Each day we need to listen to God’s word to us and give service, love, and patience to others. We may have things, but maybe don’t be so attached to them but use them to help us with our relationships with God and others.
We hold a treasure in earthen vessels that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. Blessings on cleaning out and giving to those in need.
-Sr. Rose Ann
Today we read throughout the 3 readings phases as:Vanity of vanity - if today you hear his voice, harden not your heart,Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.Tear down old barns and make new ones.Theses phases speak to me of an example of consciousness.I must think about where is my heart, my priorities, my treasures.Do I really need a new phone, the latest model of things, furniture, car, etc.? Maybe it’s time to clean out, look at what I have, size down.
Maybe I need to help others, spent a little more time with the Lord.I remember when I was in Rwanda and asked to set up a nursery school and had no materials whatsoever. I went to the area where the people, mostly handicapped, were weaving sweaters and others making uniforms. I took scraps of material and yarn. I made balls, dolls and other things. The kids loved the things as they had nothing. I learned how I didn’t need much to help another be happy.
Maybe today as we ponder the readings, we may think how we can clean out, sort out and give to others. Each day we need to listen to God’s word to us and give service, love, and patience to others. We may have things, but maybe don’t be so attached to them but use them to help us with our relationships with God and others.
We hold a treasure in earthen vessels that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. Blessings on cleaning out and giving to those in need.
-Sr. Rose Ann
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SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JULY 24, 2022
One school of thought offers the theory that the true sin of the people in the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah was their lack of hospitality. Recalling last Sunday’s scriptures highlighting the essential role of hospitality in the Middle East, we can see that refusing kindness to strangers could be viewed as a capital offence. When Abraham’s visitors enter the towns, they are met with rude, selfish and demanding behaviors rather than hospitality and congeniality. In the end, the visitors do not find even the ten innocent people who would trigger God’s forbearance of destruction. God’s willingness to forbear his predicted punishment, however, is the core of today’s scriptures. Not impatient or aggravated by the persistence of Abraham’s repetitive plea for leniency, God displays generous mercy. This abundant love and mercy of God is revealed in its fullness through Jesus. As St. Paul notes, Christ obliterates the bond against us, nailing it to the cross. We have a role, a duty as believers, to be persistent in our relationship with God. Humanly, we tire and become disheartened at times. God does not. Ever attentive to us, God desires our companionship, our interaction as creation unfolds. In our search to respond to God’s fidelity, we learn to pray. The disciples themselves ask Jesus to teach them to pray in today’s Gospel. Prayer occurs in many ways. Whatever helps us to dwell more consciously in God’s presence can be regarded as prayer. God is always with us, it is we who sometimes forget to be with God. As today’s parable of Jesus tries to point out, even we with our limitations know what is good to pass on to our children, how much more is God willing to gift us with what we need. Ask, seek and knock to discover God’s presence this day and every day.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
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SIXTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JULY 17, 2022
Hospitality is a basic Christian response to others, even at an inconvenience or risk to ourselves. To be welcoming and to be attentive to others is at the core of today’s scripture readings. We may manifest this in different ways but our inspiration is always the example of Jesus. As St. Paul shares with us: Christ in us is our hope of glory!
In the inhospitable desert of the Holy Land, Abraham followed the unwritten rule of welcoming strangers who came upon his encampment. This familiar and seemingly somewhat over the top response to providing for his guests is the source for the phrase, “You never know, you may be entertaining angels.” This scene from Genesis sets the stage for the elderly, childless couple to be blessed with the birth of Isaac, from whom descendants as countless as the stars will be given.
In today’s Gospel, our brief vision into the domestic life of Martha and Mary can bring a smile of recognition to those with siblings. Who among us hasn’t sniped a bit about what one’s brother or sister is or isn’t doing? It is not recorded, but Mary may well have come back with a chide to Martha saying, “It is not my turn to cook!”
The words of Jesus here have, at times, been used to elevate a contemplative life over an active life. On that day, in that place, Mary’s calm may have been the better choice as opposed to Martha’s anxiety over the duties of hospitality. Real life, however presents us with days of calm and days of chaos. Our ability to embrace whatever comes our way with a surety of God’s love and presence is one way we can offer welcome to the Divine plan in our lives.
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
-Sister Lori High [email protected]
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FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JULY 10, 2022
Luke 10:25-37
Mr. Rogers was an expert at hospitality. “Won’t you be my neighbor?” was his mantra. I even saw this on a billboard recently! Wouldn’t it be miraculous if this became the mantra of nations around the world, instead of wars, hatred and division? The scholar of the law who spoke to Jesus in today’s gospel asks what he must do to inherit eternal life? Jesus’ answer is clear: Love of God and neighbor...with every ounce of our being. A clear but challenging answer.
But our scholar of the law has a hidden agenda. Who is my neighbor, he asks. As Jesus tells him the story of the good Samaritan it is clear that the neighbor is not always the one who is your friend, your next door neighbor, the friendly one with whom you get along, the one who appeals to you.
Your neighbor may be the one you are not attracted to. The one you might be inclined to ignore. It can be difficult to be a “neighbor” to the one who has a critical or edgy temperament, one who doesn’t seem to like you. Finally, in the gospel Jesus reveals what it truly means to be a neighbor. It is when you show mercy….compassion….caring.
Eternal life seems to be a life of love without measure, without end. The fruit of loving, mercy and kindness. We’ve received the challenge in today’s gospel. As Jesus says, if we live it we will live! Won’t you be my neighbor?
-Sr. Patricia Brady
Mr. Rogers was an expert at hospitality. “Won’t you be my neighbor?” was his mantra. I even saw this on a billboard recently! Wouldn’t it be miraculous if this became the mantra of nations around the world, instead of wars, hatred and division? The scholar of the law who spoke to Jesus in today’s gospel asks what he must do to inherit eternal life? Jesus’ answer is clear: Love of God and neighbor...with every ounce of our being. A clear but challenging answer.
But our scholar of the law has a hidden agenda. Who is my neighbor, he asks. As Jesus tells him the story of the good Samaritan it is clear that the neighbor is not always the one who is your friend, your next door neighbor, the friendly one with whom you get along, the one who appeals to you.
Your neighbor may be the one you are not attracted to. The one you might be inclined to ignore. It can be difficult to be a “neighbor” to the one who has a critical or edgy temperament, one who doesn’t seem to like you. Finally, in the gospel Jesus reveals what it truly means to be a neighbor. It is when you show mercy….compassion….caring.
Eternal life seems to be a life of love without measure, without end. The fruit of loving, mercy and kindness. We’ve received the challenge in today’s gospel. As Jesus says, if we live it we will live! Won’t you be my neighbor?
-Sr. Patricia Brady
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FOURTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JULY 3, 2022
Luke 10: 1-12; 17-20
I have never been a gardener, but in conversations with those who are, I’ve come to understand that when planting a seed, the harvest is ‘iffy’. It takes a lot of outside help for the seed to grow: food, water, the sun, weeding, and protection from high wind or harsh weather. But when that seed does flourish the one who planted it is delighted at the life and beauty that comes forth.
In today’s gospel, we hear of Jesus sending out his disciples to plant a seed…the seed of the Good News in the hearts of those they will encounter. They are given specific instructions so that they will remain simple, trusting in the goodness of others for their livelihood, and totally dependent on God for the success of the mission. The task at hand won’t be completed in one day but a lifetime of faithful labor. And in this particular account, these disciples receive a special gift, that of experiencing some success. So they return practically jumping for joy!!
This gospel describes the life and challenges of our lives too. All of us do our best to sow seeds of peace, forgiveness, goodness, love, in His name. At times we are given that special gift of seeing results, while on most other occasions we must trust in the One who sends us to sow.
In whatever way we try to plant ‘Good News’ seeds I believe Jesus has only one expectation of us: that we put our whole heart and soul into the efforts. Accomplishments are not for us to measure. And who knows? We may be pleasantly surprised at the final harvest to see how many seeds we planted that not only took root but flourished! So let’s keep sowing!!!
- Sister Ann Marie Grasso
I have never been a gardener, but in conversations with those who are, I’ve come to understand that when planting a seed, the harvest is ‘iffy’. It takes a lot of outside help for the seed to grow: food, water, the sun, weeding, and protection from high wind or harsh weather. But when that seed does flourish the one who planted it is delighted at the life and beauty that comes forth.
In today’s gospel, we hear of Jesus sending out his disciples to plant a seed…the seed of the Good News in the hearts of those they will encounter. They are given specific instructions so that they will remain simple, trusting in the goodness of others for their livelihood, and totally dependent on God for the success of the mission. The task at hand won’t be completed in one day but a lifetime of faithful labor. And in this particular account, these disciples receive a special gift, that of experiencing some success. So they return practically jumping for joy!!
This gospel describes the life and challenges of our lives too. All of us do our best to sow seeds of peace, forgiveness, goodness, love, in His name. At times we are given that special gift of seeing results, while on most other occasions we must trust in the One who sends us to sow.
In whatever way we try to plant ‘Good News’ seeds I believe Jesus has only one expectation of us: that we put our whole heart and soul into the efforts. Accomplishments are not for us to measure. And who knows? We may be pleasantly surprised at the final harvest to see how many seeds we planted that not only took root but flourished! So let’s keep sowing!!!
- Sister Ann Marie Grasso
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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JUNE 26, 2022
YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE, O LORD!
The first reading from the Book of Kings narrates how the prophet Elijah threw his cloak, the symbol of his power, over the shoulders of Elisha, chosen to follow and replace him as prophet. Elisha asks for a delay; ‘Go back! Elijah tells him. Elisha returns to his flock immediately, slaughters all the oxen; boils them and serves the food for his family; then he returns to Elijah. Second reading: St. Paul enters in the letter to his Galatians. He wastes no time beginning to preach. “We are called to act in freedom, in Christ. We live and walk by the Spirit. “If the Spirit is the source of our life, let the Spirit also direct our course. ”The Messiah has come, the Old Law Law passes away. The new Covenant proclaimed by Jeremiah, the prophets and heralded by John the Baptist is ushered in at the theophany of Jesus at His Baptism. Pause: recall to mind another occasion where Paul stood in the middle of the Acropolis and called attention ‘to the unknown god.’ The people responded that they have never heard of the Holy Spirit. It was not so shocking. It was a newness and awaking of the inner life. We are humans made in God’s image. In Jesus’ presence he will be teacher and witness of His Father’s plan for salvation. “The Spirit searches the depths of God” and will teach us everything. St. John especially captures in his Gospel the meaning and glory of a new dimension of Life. How do we come to know the third person of the Trinity? This ‘Person,’ whose Name does not reveal him; He has never uttered a spoken word? Some writers describe this as ‘the humility of God’. The Spirit of God has been forever; He is both intimately close and yet hidden. He is with us always. He is the promise of the Father, the breath upon us through Christ in our baptism, nourishing us in the Gift of the Eucharist, anointing us with holiness in light and in darkness of our days. In the dailyness of life, in our struggles in pandemics, in our work or lack thereof, and comforts us with tender mercy, fortitude and peace. The Father and the Spirit exalt and glorify the Son. In the divine communion we will take our place as children, with the saints forever. The unity of the Trinity draws us forward. Will we ever finish hearing “Follow Me?”
-Sister Nancy Charlesworth
The first reading from the Book of Kings narrates how the prophet Elijah threw his cloak, the symbol of his power, over the shoulders of Elisha, chosen to follow and replace him as prophet. Elisha asks for a delay; ‘Go back! Elijah tells him. Elisha returns to his flock immediately, slaughters all the oxen; boils them and serves the food for his family; then he returns to Elijah. Second reading: St. Paul enters in the letter to his Galatians. He wastes no time beginning to preach. “We are called to act in freedom, in Christ. We live and walk by the Spirit. “If the Spirit is the source of our life, let the Spirit also direct our course. ”The Messiah has come, the Old Law Law passes away. The new Covenant proclaimed by Jeremiah, the prophets and heralded by John the Baptist is ushered in at the theophany of Jesus at His Baptism. Pause: recall to mind another occasion where Paul stood in the middle of the Acropolis and called attention ‘to the unknown god.’ The people responded that they have never heard of the Holy Spirit. It was not so shocking. It was a newness and awaking of the inner life. We are humans made in God’s image. In Jesus’ presence he will be teacher and witness of His Father’s plan for salvation. “The Spirit searches the depths of God” and will teach us everything. St. John especially captures in his Gospel the meaning and glory of a new dimension of Life. How do we come to know the third person of the Trinity? This ‘Person,’ whose Name does not reveal him; He has never uttered a spoken word? Some writers describe this as ‘the humility of God’. The Spirit of God has been forever; He is both intimately close and yet hidden. He is with us always. He is the promise of the Father, the breath upon us through Christ in our baptism, nourishing us in the Gift of the Eucharist, anointing us with holiness in light and in darkness of our days. In the dailyness of life, in our struggles in pandemics, in our work or lack thereof, and comforts us with tender mercy, fortitude and peace. The Father and the Spirit exalt and glorify the Son. In the divine communion we will take our place as children, with the saints forever. The unity of the Trinity draws us forward. Will we ever finish hearing “Follow Me?”
-Sister Nancy Charlesworth
TWELFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JUNE 19, 2022 CORPUS CHRISTI
Gen 14:18-20 1 Cor 11:23-26 Lk 9:11-17
Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi. Beyond the recognition of what this feast symbolizes and recalls about Jesus and his gift of the Eucharist to his Church, it is also the Feast of “US”: the people Jesus loved and served and gave everything for – not because he pitied us in our brokenness, but because he desired to draw us into God’s own divine being – to become ONE with us… Because of Jesus, each of us has become Corpus Christi…
Not only that – God intended to leave no one behind… God looks in Love upon each one, and declares each one “sacred”, precious, gathered into his heart and held there. Regardless of how far each one may fall, God sees only Corpus Christi. What a mystery!! What kind of a God so unites himself to those he formed in love as to enable such a union?? What kind of a God acts with such foolish abandon to preserve it??
God desires for us to cherish each other just as he does. Even while we are still so imperfect, so unworthy and often so unaware of our great calling, God never stops seeing in us Corpus Christi. All that God loves in Jesus – he sees that in us when he gazes on us… Incredible!!
And God longs for us to learn to see each other that way, too – to recognize the Truth that God sees when he gazes at each of us. Yes, we do need to learn to see those whom the inequalities of this world have rendered “less” in our eyes, to learn to see them in this way. But we also need to learn to see in this way even those whose own choices have caused them to diminish themselves (even when they haven’t come to realize their own responsibility for the state they find themselves in). We need to see each of them this way, too. God calls us to learn to see each one with his eyes, to recognize each one as Corpus Christi… Then when they finally “come to their senses” and struggle to find their way home (Luke 15:11-32), God hopes that we will not react like the elder son in Jesus’ parable – that our own hearts will have been converted, too…
How hard it often is to allow God to change our hearts, and enable us to see as he sees, to love as he loves, and to raise up as he raises up. First we have to desire this, to allow God to create a People with hearts like his, with eyes that see only as God sees, and that desire for one another only what God desires.
We are, after all, each one, God’s beloved “Corpus Christi”. What a mystery… Happy Feast!
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi. Beyond the recognition of what this feast symbolizes and recalls about Jesus and his gift of the Eucharist to his Church, it is also the Feast of “US”: the people Jesus loved and served and gave everything for – not because he pitied us in our brokenness, but because he desired to draw us into God’s own divine being – to become ONE with us… Because of Jesus, each of us has become Corpus Christi…
Not only that – God intended to leave no one behind… God looks in Love upon each one, and declares each one “sacred”, precious, gathered into his heart and held there. Regardless of how far each one may fall, God sees only Corpus Christi. What a mystery!! What kind of a God so unites himself to those he formed in love as to enable such a union?? What kind of a God acts with such foolish abandon to preserve it??
God desires for us to cherish each other just as he does. Even while we are still so imperfect, so unworthy and often so unaware of our great calling, God never stops seeing in us Corpus Christi. All that God loves in Jesus – he sees that in us when he gazes on us… Incredible!!
And God longs for us to learn to see each other that way, too – to recognize the Truth that God sees when he gazes at each of us. Yes, we do need to learn to see those whom the inequalities of this world have rendered “less” in our eyes, to learn to see them in this way. But we also need to learn to see in this way even those whose own choices have caused them to diminish themselves (even when they haven’t come to realize their own responsibility for the state they find themselves in). We need to see each of them this way, too. God calls us to learn to see each one with his eyes, to recognize each one as Corpus Christi… Then when they finally “come to their senses” and struggle to find their way home (Luke 15:11-32), God hopes that we will not react like the elder son in Jesus’ parable – that our own hearts will have been converted, too…
How hard it often is to allow God to change our hearts, and enable us to see as he sees, to love as he loves, and to raise up as he raises up. First we have to desire this, to allow God to create a People with hearts like his, with eyes that see only as God sees, and that desire for one another only what God desires.
We are, after all, each one, God’s beloved “Corpus Christi”. What a mystery… Happy Feast!
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
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ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
JUNE 12, 2022 THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
Proverbs 8: 22-31 Romans 5: 1-5 John 16: 12-15
Jessie, my mom, was a praying woman who talked to God every day. She took her joys and challenges directly to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. However, she didn’t name the three persons Trinity. Her soul was anchored in the Lord. She taught us how to get on bended knees and pray. I would sing over and over that old hymn from Father Clarence Rivers. “God the Father hear our prayer. Hear us God the Son. Holy Spirit hear our prayer, mercy on your people Lord. The mystery of the Holy Trinity teaches us that there are three distinct Persons in one God.
The first reading and the Gospel emphasize the power, wisdom and love of God. This image of God is heard in the Responsorial Psalm. “O Lord our God how wonderful your name in all the earth”. According to a writing from Rahner, the doctrine of the Trinity was a formal profession of faith.” Traditionally, God was seen as a distant God. However, this is not the image of Jesus. Jesus is known as the one who goes in search of women, men, all who need healing and forgiveness. God is love and deeply moved by the sufferings and pain of His people. Jesus is the suffering servant. Today’s feast presents us with a mystery. We ponder who is our God. The Trinity is a communion of Persons. We affirm our faith in the triune God. Our God is a God of peace. The God we believe in is present in us, with us and for us. This Feast is not just about God’s eternal being. It is about how God relates with us and how we relate with one another.Recently, I read that there is an area in West Texas that astronomers love. It is so dark that night is called “boca del lobo” or the wolf’s mouth. Star gazers ponder the dark night. A feeling of awe and wonder flood their hearts. Some of them ask, “Is this God?” Every dark night has its “Star of Wonder.” God dwells in inaccessible light and glory comes to us in the face of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We are invited to follow the way of Jesus and be guided by the Holy Spirit. Everything belongs to God. God splashes God’s love on all of us with such abundance and exuberance.
In a world that point out differences as a way to create disunity, this Feast of the Most Blessed Trinity points us toward the unity of our Trinitarian God. One God with three Persons is a oneness with diversity. “The Holy Spirit transform everything and brings it to fullness.” We are called to participate in the Trinitarian communion of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are called to be witnesses of our compassionate and loving God. Let’s celebrate this glorious Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Let’s shout out Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty. Let’s listen and sing in jubilation to our God.
-Sister Roberta Fulton https://search.aol.com/aol/video;_ylt=AwrEzexrF6BivFgAZA1pCWVH;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Nj?q=youtube+holy+holy+holy+donnie+mcclurkin&v_t=webmail-searchbox#id=5&vid=c7a36469c2b3291ab9c63eabba292506&action=view
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-Sister Roberta Fulton https://search.aol.com/aol/video;_ylt=AwrEzexrF6BivFgAZA1pCWVH;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Nj?q=youtube+holy+holy+holy+donnie+mcclurkin&v_t=webmail-searchbox#id=5&vid=c7a36469c2b3291ab9c63eabba292506&action=view
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SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 22, 2022
The celebrations of this Easter season are now drawing our attention toward Jesus’ return to heaven at the Ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we receive a glimpse into some early team management skills required by the Church leaders. The Second Reading from the Book of Revelation uses the image of a crystalline Jerusalem to convey the clarity and purity of God. God’s fidelity to a covenant relationship with those who accept his love and peace is beautifully described as dwelling together in the Gospel passage. The quote, “there arose no little dissension and debate” (Acts 15:2), always brings a smile to my face. What a gentle way of saying they were angry, shouting and stomping their feet in disagreement! After some investigation and reflection about the source of the problem, the Holy Spirit helps them to see God does not want to impose burdens on believers. The glorious Jerusalem of Revelation has no need of a Temple, the sun or a moon due to the glory of God present for all eternity! This is an image of the ultimate triumph of Jesus the Christ. In establishing the Church, built upon the foundation of the Israelites and entrusted to the Apostles to secure, God blesses all of creation: north, south, east and west! There is no grey area in John’s Gospel today; his statements promise God’s fidelity. Jesus invites us to dwell with God, to receive instruction from the Holy Spirit, to accept true peace, to rejoice in God’s will. It is difficult to image anyone hearing this message refusing to embrace it. As we prepare to celebrate the culmination of the Easter Season in Pentecost, may our gift of faith shine as brightly as the new and eternal Jerusalem!
Sister Lori High [email protected]
Sister Lori High [email protected]
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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 15, 2022
Several years ago, an album of gospel music was produced with the title, “Love Makes All the Difference.” That could be the theme for today’s readings.
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles is an account of the missionary travels of Paul and Barnabas. Filled with enthusiasm and love, they proclaimed the Word of God to the Gentiles. They were successful, and you can sense the enthusiasm of the early church welcoming them home. The responsorial psalm that follows is such a perfect response to the first reading that it could have been the very prayer of praise and thanksgiving offered to God upon their return.
The second reading is from the Book of Revelation and is St. John’s image of the early church: God’s dwelling is now with the human race. There is a new heaven and a new earth. The old world has passed away and all things have been made new in Christ. Love has made all the difference.
The Gospel is again St. John, and it is a piece of John’s account of the last supper where Jesus leaves the apostles with the one final and all-important commandment: love one another. God so loved the world that he sent his only son. The Son, too, loved us to the end, and then left us with that one commandment which became the heart of the Christian message, and one of the reasons why Christianity was embraced by so many in the early centuries of the church. The early Christian writer, Tertullian, even commented on “how these Christians love one another.” It was certainly true that in the early church love made all the difference.
Many years have passed since the days of Paul and Barnabas and John, The world has changed in so many ways, but the message has not. The gospel message remains, and God still dwells among us. Our challenge is to focus anew on the gospel message, and to allow it to transform us. Love really does make all the difference.
Perhaps a few stanzas from a poem by Brian Wren may be helpful:
When love has flowered in trust and care,build both each day that love may dareto reach beyond home’s warmth and light,to serve and strive for truth and right.
When love is torn and trust betrayed,pray strength to love till torments fade,till lovers keep no score of wrongbut hear through pain love’s Easter song.
Praise God for love, praise God for life, in age or youth, in husband, wife.Lift up your hearts. Let love be fedthrough death and life in broken bread.
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles is an account of the missionary travels of Paul and Barnabas. Filled with enthusiasm and love, they proclaimed the Word of God to the Gentiles. They were successful, and you can sense the enthusiasm of the early church welcoming them home. The responsorial psalm that follows is such a perfect response to the first reading that it could have been the very prayer of praise and thanksgiving offered to God upon their return.
The second reading is from the Book of Revelation and is St. John’s image of the early church: God’s dwelling is now with the human race. There is a new heaven and a new earth. The old world has passed away and all things have been made new in Christ. Love has made all the difference.
The Gospel is again St. John, and it is a piece of John’s account of the last supper where Jesus leaves the apostles with the one final and all-important commandment: love one another. God so loved the world that he sent his only son. The Son, too, loved us to the end, and then left us with that one commandment which became the heart of the Christian message, and one of the reasons why Christianity was embraced by so many in the early centuries of the church. The early Christian writer, Tertullian, even commented on “how these Christians love one another.” It was certainly true that in the early church love made all the difference.
Many years have passed since the days of Paul and Barnabas and John, The world has changed in so many ways, but the message has not. The gospel message remains, and God still dwells among us. Our challenge is to focus anew on the gospel message, and to allow it to transform us. Love really does make all the difference.
Perhaps a few stanzas from a poem by Brian Wren may be helpful:
When love has flowered in trust and care,build both each day that love may dareto reach beyond home’s warmth and light,to serve and strive for truth and right.
When love is torn and trust betrayed,pray strength to love till torments fade,till lovers keep no score of wrongbut hear through pain love’s Easter song.
Praise God for love, praise God for life, in age or youth, in husband, wife.Lift up your hearts. Let love be fedthrough death and life in broken bread.
-Regina Murphy, SSMN
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 8, 2022
Acts 13, 14, 43-52 Revelation 7.9, 14b-7 John 10.27-30
Today the theme is the shepherd as it is Good Shepherd Sunday.In the first reading Paul is preaching in Antioch and goes to the synagogue. There are many Gentiles so the Jews get jealous as we do sometimes. Paul proceeds and states that since the Jews reject the Good News, he speaks to the Gentiles. The Good Shepherd does leave anyone out, all are accepted.
In the second reading from the book of Revelation speaks of the last days. Those who have witnessed to Christ during their days on earth will enter into the kingdom. The lamb, Jesus, will be seated on the throne and the witnesses will give him honor and glory.
We come to the Gospel, where Jesus is telling the people that he is the good shepherd and He will take care of us, his sheep. He is always with us and will never leave us.
There is a story of some missionaries who went to a mission in the mountains and they spoke about Jesus. They encountered a boy who was a shepherd guarding his sheep. He was not very learned so he didn’t understand much of what the missionaries were saying. The missionaries decided to help him understand that Jesus loved him very much. They took his hand and put down two of his middle fingers and said that this gesture was saying that Jesus loves me. The following year the missionaries went back to the same place. They asked about the boy, they said that he froze to death but that it was strange because one of hands had the 2 middle fingers bent down.
Jesus loves us so much that every day we should give thanks and allow him to be with us throughout the day. Today take some time to pray Psalm 22 (23).
Let us ask the Lord to be with the people of Ukraine and Russia.
-Sr. RoseAnn Happy Mother’s Day to all. May the Lord bless you in a special way today.
Today the theme is the shepherd as it is Good Shepherd Sunday.In the first reading Paul is preaching in Antioch and goes to the synagogue. There are many Gentiles so the Jews get jealous as we do sometimes. Paul proceeds and states that since the Jews reject the Good News, he speaks to the Gentiles. The Good Shepherd does leave anyone out, all are accepted.
In the second reading from the book of Revelation speaks of the last days. Those who have witnessed to Christ during their days on earth will enter into the kingdom. The lamb, Jesus, will be seated on the throne and the witnesses will give him honor and glory.
We come to the Gospel, where Jesus is telling the people that he is the good shepherd and He will take care of us, his sheep. He is always with us and will never leave us.
There is a story of some missionaries who went to a mission in the mountains and they spoke about Jesus. They encountered a boy who was a shepherd guarding his sheep. He was not very learned so he didn’t understand much of what the missionaries were saying. The missionaries decided to help him understand that Jesus loved him very much. They took his hand and put down two of his middle fingers and said that this gesture was saying that Jesus loves me. The following year the missionaries went back to the same place. They asked about the boy, they said that he froze to death but that it was strange because one of hands had the 2 middle fingers bent down.
Jesus loves us so much that every day we should give thanks and allow him to be with us throughout the day. Today take some time to pray Psalm 22 (23).
Let us ask the Lord to be with the people of Ukraine and Russia.
-Sr. RoseAnn Happy Mother’s Day to all. May the Lord bless you in a special way today.
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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 1, 2022
John 21: 1-19
Although I have never searched for “fish,” I have gone fishing many times for “people.” On one such occasion last summer I was waiting for my team members who were late. When they arrived I greeted each one in the customary Hispanic way and then quickly distributed the necessary material. Anxious to make up for lost time, I took a few steps forward to begin. “Sister!!” someone exclaimed, “we haven’t prayed yet!!” Humbled, I retraced my steps and joined hands as we asked Jesus to walk with us in the neighborhood. How foolish of me to forget, even for a moment, that without Him we can do nothing. Perhaps the fishermen in today’s scripture passage forgot too.
The gospel actually hints at two failures: the fishermen coming back with no fish and Peter’s denial of Jesus before his death. Yet, these very failures became an occasion for Jesus’ gift of abundance: a large catch of fish, and a fuller love for Peter. Jesus shows Peter that despite his limitations of fear and failure he will catch an abundant harvest for God’s Kingdom.
And so it is for us. We too are rescued from our limited courage, our tenuous fidelity by the One who understands our weaknesses, forgives our failures, but also knows our hearts and hidden strengths. Discipleship cannot be measured by never failing. It’s all about being attentive to Jesus’ real presence, listening to his encouraging voice and accepting the gifts he offers. His on-going call to “Follow Me” sometimes means: “start over; you’ll make it this time!”
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
Although I have never searched for “fish,” I have gone fishing many times for “people.” On one such occasion last summer I was waiting for my team members who were late. When they arrived I greeted each one in the customary Hispanic way and then quickly distributed the necessary material. Anxious to make up for lost time, I took a few steps forward to begin. “Sister!!” someone exclaimed, “we haven’t prayed yet!!” Humbled, I retraced my steps and joined hands as we asked Jesus to walk with us in the neighborhood. How foolish of me to forget, even for a moment, that without Him we can do nothing. Perhaps the fishermen in today’s scripture passage forgot too.
The gospel actually hints at two failures: the fishermen coming back with no fish and Peter’s denial of Jesus before his death. Yet, these very failures became an occasion for Jesus’ gift of abundance: a large catch of fish, and a fuller love for Peter. Jesus shows Peter that despite his limitations of fear and failure he will catch an abundant harvest for God’s Kingdom.
And so it is for us. We too are rescued from our limited courage, our tenuous fidelity by the One who understands our weaknesses, forgives our failures, but also knows our hearts and hidden strengths. Discipleship cannot be measured by never failing. It’s all about being attentive to Jesus’ real presence, listening to his encouraging voice and accepting the gifts he offers. His on-going call to “Follow Me” sometimes means: “start over; you’ll make it this time!”
-Sister Ann Marie Grasso
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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
APRIL 24, 2022 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
John 20: 19 – 30
In today’s Gospel it is curious to see the insert of the ‘Doubting Thomas’ episode. We have met this Thomas before with Jesus at the death of Lazarus (Jn 11:16) where we perceive him a forward and loyal apostle. So where was Thomas on the night of Jesus’ resurrection? His absence is noted. How far away was he? How deep into despair was he -in need for mercy; how dark was his darkness?
The apparitions of the risen Jesus are multiple: to family, friends and the various apostles. He comes and comes in many places and times, always bringing peace. To the apostles he speaks of his mission, he breathes out the Holy Spirit upon them received from the Father in glory. He is preparing his apostles to accept and continue His task and, the power to choose eternal life for human kind.
How did Thomas hear and see the cost and glory of Christ’s death, invited as he was to see and touch the wounds in His flesh? His heart was touched and opened to the risen Christ. Surely the Spirit had dwelt within him.
In his sacerdotal prayer (17: 1-2, 20.) Christ has prayed for Thomas and all called to faith in the Son, the enduring love of the Father by the Holy Spirit. “You believe because you have seen Blessed are those who have not seen but believed.”(It is believed that St. Thomas as missionary went east to India where he is said to have brought the faith to the diocese of present-day Kerala.)
-S. Nancy
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EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 17, 2022
Acts 10: 34, 37-43 Col 3:1-4 Jn 20:1 -9
According to John’s Easter narrative, Mary of Magdala is the first to go to the tomb. She goes alone, and she runs to tell Peter and John that the body of Jesus is missing.
When they heard the astounding news, Peter and John immediately raced off to see for themselves. With no real clarity, they took off – running towards the Truth. The death of Jesus and their own frailty in the face of it had crushed them. Before they had been so sure of everything, but on that Friday, their whole world had come crashing down… Nothing made sense to them anymore. If Jesus was who they’d thought he was – how could this have happened? They were confused and traumatized…
For them, Mary’s revelation meant more than just that Jesus’ body was missing. It must have sparked a hope that they hadn’t been wrong… While they still had no answers, they raced to the empty tomb to see what God would reveal. They raced because they needed to know… They raced because their hearts for the first time felt hope…
As they arrived, John waited to allow Peter to enter first. Peter may not have forgiven himself yet for his shameful, cowardly behavior, but John knew that Jesus would… Both of them were then filled with wonder and awe at what they saw. The scene was just as Mary had described. Peter and John immediately returned to the others. They could not know yet where this story of Jesus was headed – but they must have known (more than ever) that they wanted to be a part of it… This was only the beginning…
Can we let our own hearts experience the wonder and hope that these 2 apostles so close to Jesus experienced? The Easter reality must never become old and familiar for us. Jesus lives! Death has not overcome him. We must let this truth sink in…
Unlike Peter and John, Mary stayed at the tomb. She searched and finally encountered her risen Lord. As time passed, each of those close to Jesus would encounter him, and each would have their heart-wounds healed by his presence. Whatever each one needed in order to believe would be given – even an opportunity to touch Jesus’ wounds… Nothing would be denied. Jesus understood their heartache and confusion, and he brought healing and comfort.
Thus began the season of the Resurrection: it became a season of formation for those Jesus loved. It was a time of intimacy and healing, a time of growth and maturation. It was also an explosive time. Nothing would ever be the same again. Jesus had risen – never to die again. From this point on, there is only LIFE. Death has no more power. Sin has no more hold. God has acted definitively to draw all creation back to himself. From now on, there is only union with God. Jesus, risen from the dead, now ascends to his rightful place beside his Father, bringing each of us with him. Let our Easter song resound: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough
When they heard the astounding news, Peter and John immediately raced off to see for themselves. With no real clarity, they took off – running towards the Truth. The death of Jesus and their own frailty in the face of it had crushed them. Before they had been so sure of everything, but on that Friday, their whole world had come crashing down… Nothing made sense to them anymore. If Jesus was who they’d thought he was – how could this have happened? They were confused and traumatized…
For them, Mary’s revelation meant more than just that Jesus’ body was missing. It must have sparked a hope that they hadn’t been wrong… While they still had no answers, they raced to the empty tomb to see what God would reveal. They raced because they needed to know… They raced because their hearts for the first time felt hope…
As they arrived, John waited to allow Peter to enter first. Peter may not have forgiven himself yet for his shameful, cowardly behavior, but John knew that Jesus would… Both of them were then filled with wonder and awe at what they saw. The scene was just as Mary had described. Peter and John immediately returned to the others. They could not know yet where this story of Jesus was headed – but they must have known (more than ever) that they wanted to be a part of it… This was only the beginning…
Can we let our own hearts experience the wonder and hope that these 2 apostles so close to Jesus experienced? The Easter reality must never become old and familiar for us. Jesus lives! Death has not overcome him. We must let this truth sink in…
Unlike Peter and John, Mary stayed at the tomb. She searched and finally encountered her risen Lord. As time passed, each of those close to Jesus would encounter him, and each would have their heart-wounds healed by his presence. Whatever each one needed in order to believe would be given – even an opportunity to touch Jesus’ wounds… Nothing would be denied. Jesus understood their heartache and confusion, and he brought healing and comfort.
Thus began the season of the Resurrection: it became a season of formation for those Jesus loved. It was a time of intimacy and healing, a time of growth and maturation. It was also an explosive time. Nothing would ever be the same again. Jesus had risen – never to die again. From this point on, there is only LIFE. Death has no more power. Sin has no more hold. God has acted definitively to draw all creation back to himself. From now on, there is only union with God. Jesus, risen from the dead, now ascends to his rightful place beside his Father, bringing each of us with him. Let our Easter song resound: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
-Sr. Patrice Yarborough